초록 ▼

An apparatus that provides for withdrawal of the liquid contents from a closed container 14 independent of the spatial orientation thereof, is described. The liquid withdrawal apparatus includes flexible withdrawal conduits 58 disposed inside the container and in fluid flow communication with extern

An apparatus that provides for withdrawal of the liquid contents from a closed container 14 independent of the spatial orientation thereof, is described. The liquid withdrawal apparatus includes flexible withdrawal conduits 58 disposed inside the container and in fluid flow communication with external heat exchangers 144, 146. The heat exchangers serve to transfer heat to the withdrawn liquid to thereby provide a breathable gas mixture. The upstream end of the withdrawal conduits 58 are provided with a weighted pick-up means comprising a wicking material that draws liquid into the interior thereof to ensure contact of the liquid with the conduits, even when the supply of liquid is nearly depleted. A pressure differential between the inside of the container and the external heat exchangers, normally brought about by an inhalation event of the user, provides the motive force for withdrawing the liquid contents from the container through the conduits.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An assembly for withdrawing a liquid from a closed container, the assembly comprising:a) a conduit comprising an upstream open end disposed inside the container and an opposed downstream open end located outside the container, wherein at least a portion of the conduit is

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An assembly for withdrawing a liquid from a closed container, the assembly comprising:a) a conduit comprising an upstream open end disposed inside the container and an opposed downstream open end located outside the container, wherein at least a portion of the conduit is of a flexible material such that the conduit reaches all of an enclosed volume of the container intended to contain the liquid upon changes in the orientation of the container while maintaining free and open flow therethrough;b) a pick-up provided at the upstream open end of the conduit, wherein the pick-up comprises an enclosing side wall surrounding the upstream open end of the conduit disposed therein;c) a wicking material housed inside the pick-up in a substantially surrounding relationship with the upstream open end of the conduit, wherein the enclosing side wall of the pick-up is provided with at least one perforation for enabling the wicking material to draw the liquid into the pick-up to thereby maintain the upstream open end of the conduit in contact with the liquid upon changes in the orientation of the container; andd) a removal device located outside the container and in fluid flow communication with the downstream open end of the conduit, wherein when an outer pressure in the removal device is less than an inner pressure taken inside the container, and upon changes in the orientation of the container, the liquid is caused to flow through the conduit from the enclosed volume to the removal device.