WO2023056499A1

WO2023056499A1 - Fluid delivery

Info

Publication number: WO2023056499A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/051179
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brendan EDWARDS; Marc LA PIRA
Original assignee: Allied Scientific Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-08
Filing date: 2021-10-08
Publication date: 2023-04-13

Abstract

The present invention provides an adapter for a fluid delivery system, the adapter comprising: a valve unit comprising a valve end and a reservoir end; and a piercing component; wherein the valve unit is adapted to receive a fluid delivery valve at the valve end, and releasably engage the piercing component at the reservoir end.

Description

FLUID DELIVERY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid delivery system for animal cages. More particularly, this invention relates to a fluid delivery system that employs disposable fluid containers and is adaptable to a variety of cage types.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Access to drinking water or other nutrient containing fluids is essential for the wellbeing of caged animals. For example, laboratory animals, such as mice and rats, are typically housed in small cages and must be provided with all necessary nutrients and fluids. Often, such fluids must have a defined composition and be available on demand.

[0003] Cage-mounted fluid delivery systems for delivering a fluid from a water source, such as a fluid bag or an automatic water system, to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly. Such fluid delivery valve assemblies may be adapted to be coupled to the water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages.

[0004] Traditionally, stainless steel valves and manifolds are used in automatic water systems and such parts require constant purging of slime and build-up of mineral deposits. In addition, these stainless- steel parts, such as the watering valves, require periodic repair. When repair is required, typically the institution must send the valves to the manufacturer to repair. This in turn requires that the institution maintain a second set of valves (and other parts that require periodic repair) to use while the first set of valves is being repaired. This adds significantly to the institution's costs.

[0005] In an effort to counter this problem, plastic valve systems were developed. These fluid delivery systems comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly that is adapted to be coupled to a fluid bag to facilitate the provision of the fluid to the caging system.

[0006] Despite the advances in fluid delivery systems, institutions have been slow to change their animal caging facilities to the new and improved systems, due to the cost involved. Accordingly, there is a need for improved or alternative fluid delivery systems that may be used with a variety of cage types. [0007] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Fluid delivery systems which use specialised fluid bags are available. These systems generally comprise a proprietary valve and bag piercing portion that may be fixed in a diet delivery system. Such a diet delivery system may be used as a lid for an animal cage. Accordingly, specialised lids and cages are typically required for these specialised fluid delivery systems.

[0009] The inventor has developed a system whereby commonly available cages can be used with specialised fluid bags. Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to fluid delivery systems that may be used with a variety of cage types.

[0010] The present invention provides an adapter for a fluid delivery system, the adapter comprising: i) a valve unit comprising a valve end and a reservoir end; and ii) a piercing component comprising piercing end and an engagement end; wherein the valve unit is adapted to receive a fluid delivery valve at its valve end, and to releasably engage the engagement end of the piercing component at its reservoir end.

[0011] Preferably, the adapter of the present invention comprises a fluid channel extending between the valve end of the valve unit and the piercing component.

[0012] In use, the adapter of the present invention allows a user to insert the engagement end of the piercing component, from the outside, through a bottle opening of a standard animal cage lid, engage the valve unit on the inside of the cage lid and thereby permit the use of fluid bags with a standard animal cage.

[0013] Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a valve unit of an adapter for the fluid delivery system according to the invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a piercing component of an adapter for the fluid delivery system according to the invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is an illustration of a standard small animal cage lid, showing a bottle opening that may be used by embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 shows the two components of the adapter shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the valve unit shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0020] Figure 6 is an illustration of a commercially available fluid delivery valve suitable for use with the present invention.

[0021] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following description will focus on the adapter part of the fluid delivery system, since it is assumed that the skilled addressee will readily understand the functioning of fluid delivery systems to which the present invention may be applied.

[0023] The embodiments described herein are provided by way of example only and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an adapter for a fluid delivery system, the adapter comprising: a valve unit comprising a valve end and a reservoir end; and a piercing component; wherein the valve unit is adapted to receive a fluid delivery valve at the valve end, and to releasably engage the piercing component at the reservoir end. The adapter of the present invention provides a conduit through which fluid may be passed from the piercing component through the valve unit to the fluid delivery valve, when installed. Accordingly, the valve unit and piercing component are substantially hollow and, when engaged, form a fluid channel.

[0025] Accordingly, the adapter of the present invention is intended to allow standard animal cages to be used with non-standard fluid bags, and the like. This is achieved by the use of a two part adapter. The first part is a substantially hollow piercing component which is used to rupture the fluid bag, it therefore comprises a piercing tip. The piercing component also comprises an entrance port adjacent the piercing tip to allow fluid to enter the substantially hollow piercing component. The second part of the adapter is the valve unit. The valve unit is a substantially tubular component, comprising a reservoir end and a valve end. The reservoir end of the valve unit is adapted to releasably receive an engagement end of the piercing component. The valve end of the valve unit is adapted to releasably receive a commercially available fluid delivery valve.

[0026] Preferably, the adapter of the present invention comprises a substantially hollow piercing component which is substantially elongate and comprises an engagement end, a piercing end and a sealing portion located therebetween. The piercing end of the piercing component preferably comprises a piercing tip. In certain embodiments, adjacent to the piercing tip is located an entrance port. The entrance port is an opening in the side of the piercing component through which fluid may pass into the substantially hollow interior of the piercing component. When the piercing component and valve unit are connected, the substantially hollow interior of the piercing component forms a part of the fluid channel. When in use, the piercing tip may be used to rupture a fluid bag and allow fluid to flow from the fluid bag into the entrance port and through the fluid channel to the valve end of the valve unit.

[0027] The engagement of the piercing component and the valve unit may comprise a frictional engagement, a threaded engagement, a snap fit, or any other suitable method know to the skilled person. The engagement of the piercing component and the valve unit must be sufficiently fluid tight whereby fluid is substantially prevented from escaping through the joint. In the illustrated embodiment, the piercing component and the valve unit have a substantially circular cross-section and their engaging regions are concentrically arranged. This shape is not to be construed as limiting, it is merely a simple example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] When in use, embodiments of the present invention comprise a fluid delivery valve located in the valve end of the valve unit. An exemplary fluid delivery valve is a commercially available valve manufactured by Hydropac (owned by Avidity Science The valve is made of a plastic and employs a metal spring that

closes the valve after usage to ensure a drip free process when the animal drinks from the valve by depressing or moving the valve plunger. The valve is disposable to ensure no cross contamination between cages or experiments. When in use in accordance with the manufacturer’ s instructions, the valve is inserted into the bag of fluid with the spike however, according to the invention, the valve is inserted into the valve unit of the adapter which is then inserted into the bag of fluid. The fluid delivery valve prevents fluid passing through the fluid delivery valve until the fluid delivery valve is opened by the plunger being depressed or moved.

[0029] The two part construction of the adapter of the present invention allows the adapter to be firmly mounted to a cage lid 300, whereby fluid bags may be changed without the need for removing and replacing the adapted and valve. Specifically, the engagement end of the piercing component may be inserted into and through the water bottle opening 310 of a cage lid 300, from the outside of the cage, then locked in place by installing the valve unit on the inside of the cage lid 300. Further, the valve unit may be made in different sizes to accommodate different types/brands/sizes of fluid delivery valves.

[0030] According to the illustrated embodiment, the valve unit 100 comprises a valve end 110, which is adapted to tightly receive the fluid delivery valve 400. At its reservoir end 120, the valve unit 100 is adapted to receive the engagement end 210 of the piercing component 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir end 120 and the engagement end 210 are substantially circular in cross section and frictionally fit together to create a fluid tight seal. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved due to the receiving diameter 121 of the reservoir end 120 and the engagement end diameter 211 are similar enough for the engagement end 210 to be received tightly within the reservoir end 120. The cross-sectional shape is not critical to the functioning of the present invention. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of these engaging portions of the reservoir end 120 and the engagement end 210 should be sufficiently similar to allow a frictional fit together in order to create a fluid-tight seal.

[0031] The adapter may be made from any suitable material. In preferred embodiments, the adapter is made of metal or a food grade polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the adapter is approximately 90mm long when assembled with a diameter of approximately 25mm at the valve end of the valve unit. The approximate dimensions of the illustrated embodiment are: valve unit - 35mm long with a 25 mm diameter at its widest point; piercing component - 55mm long with an 8mm diameter at its widest point.

[0032] In further, non-illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the valve unit 100 and the piercing component 200 may be joined threadedly, wherein the reservoir end 120 and the engagement end 210 comprise matching threads. In yet further embodiments, the valve unit 100 and the piercing component 200 may be joined by a twist and snap fitting. It is envisaged that certain embodiments may also include a gasket or washer to assist with creating a fluid-tight seal. Further methods of releasably joining the valve unit 100 and the piercing component 200 may be apparent to the skilled person, and such methods and corresponding components are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0033] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the piercing component 200 is substantially elongate, having an engagement end 210, a piercing end 220 and, optionally, a sealing portion 230 located therebetween. As discussed above, the engagement end 210 is adapted to engage, and form a fluid tight releasable seal with, the reservoir end 120 of the valve unit 100. The piercing end 220 of the piercing component 200 has a piercing tip 221 which is adapted to pierce a fluid bag in a manner similar to that employed by the Hydropac system. Upon piercing the fluid bag, fluid is able to enter an entrance port 222, located adjacent the piercing tip 221. The entrance port 222 is in fluid communication with a fluid channel passing through the centre of the piercing component 200 and the valve unit 100.

[0034] The fluid delivery valve 400 is retained within the valve end 110 of the valve unit 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve end 110 and the fluid delivery valve 400 are substantially circular in cross section and frictionally fit together to create a fluid tight seal. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved due to the valve retention diameter 111 of the valve end 110 and the sealing edge 410 of the fluid delivery valve 400 are similar enough for the fluid delivery valve 400 to be received tightly within the valve end 110.

[0035] The optional sealing portion 230 of the piercing component 200 may be used to span the bottle opening 310 of the cage lid 300. Some bottle openings include a resilient plug with a hole therethrough to receive and accommodate the nozzle of standard water bottles so that the caged animals may be able to access water. The skilled reader will understand that removal and replacement of a standard water bottle may be achieved without opening the cage by simply withdrawing the bottle and nozzle from the resilient plug.

[0036] Accordingly, in use, the engagement end 210 of the piercing component 200 may be pushed through the resilient plug of the bottle opening 310 and be held firmly in place. The reservoir end 120 of the valve unit 100 may then be engaged with the engagement end 210 of the piercing component 200, and the entire adapter will then be usable with the standard animal cage lid 300.

[0037] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0038] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

TABLE OF PARTS

Claims

- 9 - Claims:

1. An adapter for a fluid delivery system, the adapter comprising: i) a valve unit comprising a valve end and a reservoir end; and ii) a piercing component comprising an engagement end, a piercing end, and a fluid entrance port wherein the fluid entrance port is located adjacent the piercing end; wherein the valve unit is adapted to receive a fluid delivery valve at the valve end, and releasably engage the piercing component at the reservoir end.

2. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir end of the valve unit is adapted to engage with the engagement end of the piercing component.

3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises a fluid channel extending between the valve end of the valve unit and the entrance port of the piercing component.

4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the piercing component further comprises a sealing portion located between the engagement end and the piercing end.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the piercing end comprises a piercing tip.

6. A method for installing the adapter of claim 1, the method comprising:

• passing the engagement end of the piercing component through a cage bottle opening; and

• engaging the reservoir end of the valve unit with the engagement end of the piercing component.

7. A method of delivering fluid to a caged animal, the method comprising:

• installing the adapter of claim 1 to an animal cage in accordance with claim 6;

• installing a fluid delivery valve in the valve end of the valve unit;

• installing a fluid bag containing fluid on the piercing component, whereby fluid enters the piercing component and is releasable from the adapter when the fluid delivery valve is opened by the caged animal.

8. A fluid delivery system for a gaged animal, the system comprising the adapter of claim

1, an animal cage and fluid bag.