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Gas cell driven orientation independent delivery device

  • US 9,840,361 B2
  • Filed: 08/26/2013
  • Issued: 12/12/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An orientation independent delivery device comprising:

  • a gas chamber comprising a gas-side rigid portion and a gas-side flexible barrier element, wherein the gas-side flexible barrier element is permanently sealed, around a first perimeter of the gas chamber, to the gas-side rigid portion such that gas introduced to the gas chamber is confined between the gas-side flexible barrier element and the gas-side rigid portion;

    a delivery chamber comprising a delivery-side rigid portion and a delivery-side flexible barrier element, wherein the delivery-side flexible barrier element is permanently sealed, around a second perimeter of the delivery chamber, to the delivery-side rigid portion such that delivery material introduced to the delivery chamber is confined between the delivery-side flexible barrier element and the delivery-side rigid portion, the delivery-side flexible barrier element being oriented adjacent to, and a distinct element from, the gas-side flexible barrier element;

    a self-powered gas cell coupled to the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber, the gas cell to increase a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier element, wherein expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier element applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier element; and

    a delivery aperture to allow a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber in response to deflection of the delivery-side flexible barrier element in a direction toward the delivery-side rigid portion, wherein;

    the gas-side rigid portion and the delivery-side rigid portion cooperate to define a constant volume during storage and use of the delivery device;

    the gas chamber is permanently sealed to the delivery chamber to form a single unified piece; and

    the gas-side flexible barrier element has an outer surface that is in continuous direct contact with the delivery-side flexible barrier element without separation.

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