Patent ID: 7220244
Filing Date: 2007-05-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluids to a patient comprising: (a) an outer housing having first, second and third portions; (b) an expandable housing disposed within said outer housing, said expandable housing having a fluid reservoir provided with an inlet for permitting fluid flow into said fluid reservoir and an outlet for permitting fluid flow from said fluid reservoir, said expandable housing comprising a bellows structure having an accordion-like side wall movable from a substantially collapsed configuration to a substantially expanded configuration by fluid flowing into said fluid reservoir; (c) stored energy means disposed within said second portion of said outer housing for exerting a force upon said inner expandable housing to cause the fluid contained within said fluid reservoir to controllably flow through said outlet, said stored energy means comprising a constant force extension spring carried within said outer housing, said constant force extension spring being expandable by fluid flowing into said fluid reservoir and being retractable to cause fluid flow from said fluid reservoir; (d) fill means carried by said outer housing for filling said reservoir with the fluid to be dispensed, said fill means comprising a vial carried within said third portion of said outer housing, said third portion of said outer housing including: (e) dispensing means carried by said outer housing for dispensing fluid to the patient; and flow control means connected to said outer housing for controlling fluid flow between said reservoir and said dispensing means.