Patent ID: 8240521
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: A61F,B05B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A method for storing and dispensing a sterile fluid, comprising the following steps: (i) storing a sterile fluid in a variable-volume storage chamber of a device hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere, wherein the device includes a housing, a flexible bladder received within the housing and defining the variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve including an axially-extending valve seat and an elastic valve member having a thickness and forming an axially-extending interface with the valve seat defining an interference fit therewith, the interface having an axial extent greater than the thickness of the valve member and forming a normally closed axially-extending valve opening; (ii) dispensing a plurality of different portions of the sterile fluid at different points in time from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve by pumping fluid along a path extending in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the one-way valve at an inlet to the normally closed valve opening and, in turn, moving the valve member 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 connect the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and thereby allow the passage of fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening, wherein, substantially throughout any period of dispensing fluid through the valve opening, a segment of the valve member engages the valve seat to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere; and (iii) maintaining the sterile fluid within the variable-volume storage chamber sterile and hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere throughout steps (i) and (ii).