최소 단어 이상 선택하여야 합니다.
최대 10 단어까지만 선택 가능합니다.
다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
NTIS 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
DataON 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Edison 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Kafe 바로가기국가/구분 | United States(US) Patent 등록 |
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 | US-0701194 (2010-02-05) |
등록번호 | US-9408455 (2016-08-09) |
발명자 / 주소 |
|
출원인 / 주소 |
|
대리인 / 주소 |
|
인용정보 | 피인용 횟수 : 1 인용 특허 : 301 |
A device and method for aseptically storing and dispensing a liquid. The device has container forming a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and having an elastic valve member forming a normally closed valve opening. The valve m
A device and method for aseptically storing and dispensing a liquid. The device has container forming a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and having an elastic valve member forming a normally closed valve opening. The valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the elastic valve member spaced radially away from the closed position to allow the passage of fluid from the storage chamber through the valve opening. The liquid is maintained hermetically sealed in the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere throughout dispensing multiple portions of the liquid from the storage chamber through the one-way valve.
1. A method comprising: (a) filling with a substance a sterile assembly including a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and including an elastic valve member forming a normally closed valve opening, wherein the
1. A method comprising: (a) filling with a substance a sterile assembly including a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and including an elastic valve member forming a normally closed valve opening, wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position to allow the passage of substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening, and configured such that one or more of (a) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (b) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere;wherein the filling step comprises: (i) sterile filling the variable-volume storage chamber with a substance; and(ii) hermetically sealing the substance within the variable-volume storage chamber. 2. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: (b) dispensing a plurality of different portions of the substance at different points in time from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve; and(c) maintaining the substance within the variable-volume storage chamber sterile and hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere throughout steps (ii) and (b). 3. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of substantially preventing the ingress of bacteria or other unwanted impurities through the one-way valve and into the variable-volume storage chamber during steps (b) and (c). 4. A method as defined in claim 2, wherein steps (b) and (c) are performed at ambient temperature. 5. A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the dispensing step includes pumping a plurality of different portions of the substance at different points in time from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve. 6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein a bag defines the variable-volume storage chamber, and further comprising the step of mounting the bag within a rigid or semi-rigid outer container. 7. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of sterilizing the substance prior to the step of sterile filling the variable-volume storage chamber with the substance. 8. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the substance is a perishable liquid food that contains one or more of milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, syrup or a beverage. 9. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the substance comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 10. A device for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid therefrom, comprising: a flexible container defining a hermetically sealed, variable-volume storage chamber containing therein multiple portions of the fluid hermetically sealed within the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere; anda one-way valve comprising a valve member formed of an elastic material and forming a normally closed valve opening and an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position to allow the passage of fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening, and configured such that one or more of (a) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (b) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere;wherein during dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve, the one-way valve and storage chamber substantially prevent ingress of air and maintain any remaining fluid in the storage chamber sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. 11. A device as defined in claim 10, further comprising a rigid or semi-rigid outer body for receiving therein the flexible container. 12. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein the fluid comprises perishable food product. 13. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein the fluid comprises a beverage. 14. A device as defined in claim 10, further comprising a squeezable tubular portion coupled in fluid communication between the storage chamber and the one way valve. 15. A device as defined in claim 14, further comprising a pump configured to squeeze the squeezable tubular portion. 16. A device as defined in claim 10, further comprising a pump configured to pump fluid from the storage chamber through the valve opening. 17. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein the flexible container comprises a bag. 18. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 19. A valve assembly that is connectable to a tube for dispensing a substance therefrom, the tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a tubular chamber for receiving and dispensing the substance therefrom, and a portion located at one end of the tubular body and connectable to the valve assembly, wherein the tubular body defines a first axially extending passageway forming an unobstructed axially extending flow path therethrough, the valve assembly comprising: (a) a valve body connectable to the tube and including:a body base defining a second axially extending passageway connectable in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway and defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween;an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base;a first substantially tapered portion extending between the body base and the valve seat;andat least one flow aperture axially extending in a direction of an axis of the valve assembly through the substantially tapered portion adjacent to the valve seat; and(b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including:a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto, wherein the cover base defines a diameter less than a diameter of the body base to thereby form an interference fit therebetween;a valve portion overlying the valve seat, wherein the valve portion defines a predetermined radial thickness and a diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an interference fit therebetween, the valve portion and valve seat defining a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; anda second substantially tapered portion extending between the cover base and valve portion, overlying the first substantially tapered portion of the body, and forming an interference fit therebetween; andwherein (a) one or more of i) the valve seat diameter, ii) a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, iii) the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, or iv) a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the tube that allows passage of the substance from the storage chamber through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the tube in the normally closed position, and (b) the valve cover and valve body define a progressively decreasing degree of interference along the valve opening in a direction from the interior to the exterior of the valve assembly. 20. A method comprising: aseptically storing substance in and dispensing substance from an internally sterile assembly including a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and including an elastic valve member forming a normally closed valve opening, wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position to allow the passage of substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening, and configured such that one or more of (a) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (b) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere; the steps of storing and dispensing including(i) sterile filling the variable-volume storage chamber with a substance;(ii) hermetically sealing the substance within the variable-volume storage chamber;(iii) dispensing a plurality of different portions of the substance at different points in time from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve; and(iv) maintaining the substance within the variable-volume storage chamber sterile and hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere throughout steps (ii) and (iii). 21. A method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step of substantially preventing the ingress of bacteria or other unwanted impurities through the one-way valve and into the variable-volume storage chamber during steps (iii) and (iv). 22. A method as defined in claim 20, wherein the dispensing step includes pumping a plurality of different portions of the substance at different points in time from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve. 23. A method as defined in claim 20, wherein a bag defines the variable-volume storage chamber, and further comprising the step of mounting the bag within a rigid or semi-rigid outer container. 24. A method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step of sterilizing the substance prior to the step of sterile filling the variable-volume storage chamber with the substance. 25. A method as defined in claim 20, wherein the substance is a perishable liquid food that contains one or more of milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, syrup or a beverage. 26. A method as defined in claim 20, wherein steps (iii) and (iv) are performed at ambient temperature. 27. A method as defined in claim 20, wherein the substance comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 28. A device for aseptically storing and dispensing a substance, comprising: an assembly including a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and including an elastic valve member forming a normally closed valve opening,wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the elastic valve member spaced away from the closed position to allow the passage of substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening, and configured such that one or more of (a) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (b) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere, andwherein the variable-volume storage chamber is sterile filled with a substance, the substance is hermetically sealed in the variable-volume storage chamber, and the assembly maintains the substance within the variable-volume storage chamber sterile and hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere throughout dispensing a plurality of different portions of the substance from the storage chamber through the one-way valve. 29. A device as defined in claim 28, further comprising a bag that defines the variable-volume storage chamber and a rigid or semi-rigid outer container, wherein the bag is received within the rigid or semi-rigid outer container. 30. A device as defined in claim 28, further comprising a pump for pumping a plurality of different portions of the substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve. 31. A device as defined in claim 28, wherein the substance is a perishable liquid food that contains one or more of milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, syrup or a beverage. 32. A method as defined in claim 28, wherein the substance comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 33. A container for aseptically storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid therefrom, comprising: a flexible container defining a hermetically sealed, variable-volume storage chamber containing therein multiple portions of fluid in an aseptic condition and hermetically sealed within the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere;a one-way valve comprising a valve member formed of an elastic material and forming a normally closed valve opening and an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, wherein the valve member is movable in response to fluid at the inlet to the valve opening exceeding a valve opening pressure between (i) a normally closed position and (ii) an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position to allow fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber to be dispensed through the valve opening, and configured such one or more of (a) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (b) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere, andwherein during dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve, the one-way valve and storage chamber maintain any remaining fluid in the storage chamber in an aseptic condition and sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. 34. A container as defined in claim 33, further comprising a pump coupled between the variable-volume storage chamber and one-way valve and configured to pump fluid from the storage chamber and into the valve opening to dispense the fluid therethrough. 35. A container as defined in claim 33, further comprising a tubular portion coupled in fluid communication between the variable-volume storage chamber and one-way valve. 36. A container as defined in claim 33, wherein the one-way valve further includes a valve body defining a valve seat, wherein the elastic valve member includes a valve portion overlying the valve seat and covering a substantial portion thereof, the valve portion forms an interference fit with the valve seat, the valve portion and the valve seat define a seam therebetween forming the valve opening, and the valve portion engages the valve seat in the closed position. 37. A container as defined in claim 36, wherein the valve portion includes a segment that engages the valve seat substantially throughout any period of dispensing fluid through the valve opening to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere. 38. A container as defined in claim 36, wherein one or more of (i) the valve portion and valve seat define a progressively decreasing degree of interference therebetween in a direction from an upstream end toward downstream end of the valve opening, (ii) the valve portion defines a decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve seat, or (iii) the valve seat is defined by a radius that progressively increases in magnitude in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve seat. 39. A container as defined in claim 36, wherein the valve body defines a flow aperture extending through one or more of the valve body or the valve seat, and wherein the valve seat, the valve portion and the seam are axially-extending. 40. A container as defined in claim 33, wherein the fluid is a liquid food product selected from the group including milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, syrup and a beverage. 41. A container as defined in claim 40, wherein the liquid food product is sterile and preservative free. 42. A container as defined in claim 3, further comprising an airflow passageway connectable in fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the outer body for regulating a flow of air into the outer body between the outer body and flexible container, and the outer body is manually squeezable to compress the air located between the outer body and flexible container to compress the container and, in turn, compress the fluid within the flexible container to a pressure exceeding the valve opening pressure. 43. A container as defined in claim 33, wherein the variable-volume storage chamber stores the fluid therein in a substantially airless condition during shelf life and dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve. 44. A method as defined in claim 33, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 45. A method for aseptically storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid therefrom, comprising the following steps: providing a flexible container defining a hermetically sealed, variable-volume storage chamber containing therein multiple portions of fluid in an aseptic condition and hermetically sealed within the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere;providing a rigid or semi-rigid outer body and receiving therein the flexible container;providing a one-way valve comprising a valve member formed of an elastic material and forming a normally closed valve opening and an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber;pressurizing fluid at the inlet to the valve opening to a pressure at least equal to a valve opening pressure and moving the elastic valve member between (i) a normally closed position and (ii) an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position, and, in turn, dispensing fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening; andduring dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve, maintaining any remaining fluid in the storage chamber in an aseptic condition and sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere;wherein the step of providing the one-way valve includes providing the one-way valve with a configuration such that one or more of (a) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (b) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere. 46. A method as defined in claim 45, further comprising the step of pumping fluid from the storage chamber and into the valve opening to dispense the fluid therethrough. 47. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein the fluid is a liquid food product selected from the group including milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, syrup and a beverage. 48. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 49. A method comprising: storing fluid in a device comprising (i) a flexible container defining a hermetically sealed, variable-volume storage chamber containing therein multiple portions of the fluid hermetically sealed within the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere and (ii) a one-way valve comprising (a) a valve member formed of an elastic material and forming a normally closed valve opening, wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position to allow the passage of fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening, and configured such that one or more of (I) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (II) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere, and (b) an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber; anddispensing at least one of the multiple portions of the stored fluid, the dispensing step comprising:pressurizing fluid at the inlet to the valve opening to a pressure at least equal to a valve opening pressure and moving the elastic valve member between (i) a normally closed position and (ii) an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position, and, in turn, dispensing fluid through the valve opening; andduring dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve, substantially preventing ingress of air and thereby maintaining any remaining fluid in the storage chamber sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. 50. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the maintaining step includes substantially preventing ingress of air into the storage chamber. 51. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the device further comprises a rigid or semi-rigid outer body for receiving therein the flexible container. 52. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the fluid comprises perishable food product. 53. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the fluid comprises a beverage. 54. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the device further comprises a squeezable tubular portion coupled in fluid communication between the storage chamber and the one way valve. 55. A method as defined in claim 54, wherein the pressurizing step comprises squeezing the squeezable tubular portion. 56. A method as defined in claim 54, wherein the device further comprises a pump configured to squeeze the squeezable tubular portion. 57. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the device further comprises a pump configured to pressurize fluid at the inlet to the valve opening to dispense the fluid therethrough. 58. A method as defined in claim 57, wherein the pressurizing step comprises activating the pump. 59. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the flexible container comprises a bag. 60. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 61. A method comprising the following steps: (a) aseptically storing fluid in a device comprising a flexible container defining a hermetically sealed, variable-volume storage chamber containing therein multiple portions of the fluid in an aseptic condition and hermetically sealed within the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere; a rigid or semi-rigid outer body and receiving therein the flexible container; and a one-way valve comprising a valve member formed of an elastic material and forming a normally closed valve opening and an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber;(b) pressurizing fluid at the inlet to the valve opening to a pressure at least equal to a valve opening pressure and moving the elastic valve member between (i) a normally closed position and (ii) an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position, and, in turn, dispensing fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening; and(c) during dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve, maintaining any remaining fluid in the storage chamber in an aseptic condition and sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere;wherein the one way valve is configured such that one or more of (a) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (b) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing;and further performing the step of maintaining a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere during said dispensing step. 62. A method as defined in claim 61, further comprising the step of pumping fluid from the storage chamber and into the valve opening to dispense the fluid therethrough. 63. A method as defined in claim 61, wherein the fluid is a liquid food product selected from the group including milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, syrup and a beverage. 64. A method as defined in claim 61, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of a cosmetic, a cosmeceutical product, a dermatological product, a pharmaceutical product, a sterile product, a non-preserved product, or a medicament. 65. A device for storing fluid and dispensing stored fluid therefrom, comprising: a manually squeezable body containing a storage chamber therein;a fluid within the storage chamber;a one-way valve comprising a valve seat and a valve member formed of an elastic material overlying the valve seat and forming a normally closed valve opening therewith defined by a seam between the valve seat and the valve member and defining a valve opening pressure, and an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the storage chamber,wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position in which the valve member engages the valve seat, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position to allow passage of at least a portion of fluid from the storage chamber through the valve opening, and configured such that substantially throughout any period of dispensing the one-way valve substantially prevents the ingress of bacteria or other unwanted impurities from the ambient atmosphere through the one-way valve and into the storage chamber;wherein one or more of (a) the valve member and the valve seat define a progressively decreasing degree of interference along the valve opening in a direction from the interior to the exterior of the one way valve, (b) the energy required to open respective segments of the valve member progressively decreases in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve opening or (c) a segment of the valve member is not spaced away from the closed position substantially throughout any period of dispensing to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere; andan airflow passageway in fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the manually squeezable body for regulating a flow of air into the interior of the body, wherein bacteria and unwanted impurities in air passing through the airflow passageway are substantially prevented from contaminating the fluid in the storage chamber;wherein upon manually squeezing the manually squeezable body, fluid at the inlet to the valve opening is pressurized to a pressure at least equal to the valve opening pressure and moving the elastic valve member between the normally closed position and the open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the closed position, and, in turn, dispensing at least a portion of the stored fluid through the valve opening; andwherein upon relaxation of the squeezing, air enters the interior of the manually squeezable body through the airflow passageway without bacteria and unwanted impurities in said air contaminating the fluid in the storage chamber. 66. A device as defined in claim 65, wherein the one-way valve further includes a valve body and a flow aperture extending through the valve body, the flow aperture placing the storage chamber in fluid communication with the inlet to the valve. 67. A device as defined in claim 65, wherein the valve seat, the valve member and the seam are axially-extending. 68. A device as defined in claim 65, wherein the fluid is one or more of sterile and non-preserved.
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