Fluid dispensing apparatus

• US 5,188,610 A
• Filed: 10/18/1991
• Issued: 02/23/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vetrisystems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Vetrisystems Incorporated
• Inventors: Rains, John R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rosenbaum, C. Fred
• Assistant Examiner(s): Polutta, Mark O.
• Application Number:
  US07/779,268
• Time in Patent Office: 494 Days
• Field of Search: 604/131, 604/142, 604/181, 604/183, 604/184, 604/187, 604/200, 604/208, 604/223, 604/257, 604/408, 604/415, 604/905, 604/410, 222/175, 222/105
• US Class Current: 604/183
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/204 connected to external reservoirs for multiple refilling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 604/905 Aseptic connectors or couplings, e.g. frangible, piercable

Abstract

A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided which comprises a flexible, collapsible fluid container in fluid communication with an adjustable volume multi-dose dispensing means.

Claims

1. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising:

a flexible, collapsible fluid container having an opening;

a neck sealingly engaged with said opening;

puncturably resealable means for preventing fluid flow from said fluid container through said neck, said preventing means being sealingly engaged within said neck; and

fluid dispensing means comprising a gun-type hypodermic syringe or a drench gun, said fluid dispensing means having means for fluid communication with said fluid container.

2. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 1, wherein said fluid communication means further comprises means for connecting said fluid container to said fluid dispensing means and comprising a lance in fluid communication with said fluid dispensing means and said fluid container, said connecting means releasably engaging said neck for puncturing said preventing means to permit fluid flow from said fluid container to said fluid dispensing means.

3. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 2, further comprising means releasably engaging said connecting means and in fluid communication with said lance and said fluid dispensing means.

4. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 3, further comprising tubing means releasably engaged with and in fluid communication with said engaging means and said fluid dispensing means.

5. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 1, further comprising attachment means for supporting said fluid container on a user.

6. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 5, wherein said attachment means comprise a backpack.

7. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 2, wherein said neck comprises at least one tab and said connecting means comprises at least one slot wherein said tab may be releasably engaged with said slot to releasably engage said neck and said first connector means.

8. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 2, wherein said lance comprises a hollow spike comprising at least one vent.

9. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 8, wherein said hollow spike comprises three vents.

10. A method for dispensing a fluid, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a source of a fluid to be dispensed, said fluid being disposed within a flexible, collapsible fluid container;

b) connecting apparatus for dispensing a fluid according to claim 1 to said source of fluid; and

c) actuating said apparatus for dispensing a fluid to dispense fluid from said source of fluid.

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein said fluid comprises medications, vitamins or nutrients.

12. A method according to claim 10 wherein said fluid comprises veterinary medications, vitamins or nutrients.