Patent ID: 6367961
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
An apparatus for making an emulsion, said apparatus comprising:a body defining a fluid pathway and a pumping bore therein, said pumping bore in fluid communication with said fluid pathway; a reciprocable member disposed in said pumping bore, said reciprocable member having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion disposed in fluid contact with said fluid pathway defined by said body, said reciprocable member being reciprocable between a first position and a second position, said second portion being in fluid contact with said fluid pathway when said reciprocable member is in said first position, said second portion being fluidly isolated from said fluid pathway when said reciprocable member is in said second position, wherein the reciprocable member and pumping bore are capable of generating a pressure sufficient for making an emulsion; said body further defining a sterilant passage constructed to permit introduction of sterilant into a portion of said pumping bore adjacent to said second portion of said reciprocable member when said reciprocable member is in said second position; a collapsible wall defining a chamber, said chamber in fluid communication with said pumping bore, said wall fluidly isolating said reciprocable member from an external environment of said wall; and a valve body defining a valve bore in fluid communication with said fluid pathway and a valve plunger positioned within said valve bore.