Patent ID: 7278553

Claim:
An apparatus for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid therefrom, comprising: a one-way valve and variable volume storage chamber assembly comprising (a) a one-way valve including (i) a valve body defining an axially-extending valve seat and at least one flow aperture extending through at least one of the valve body and valve seat; and (ii) a valve cover formed of an elastic material and including a cover base mounted on the valve body and fixedly secured against movement relative thereto, and an axially-extending valve portion overlying the valve seat and covering a substantial axially-extending portion thereof, wherein the valve portion defines a predetermined radial thickness and forms an interference fit with the valve seat, the valve portion and the valve seat define an axially-extending seam therebetween forming a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to connect the valve opening in fluid communication with the at least one flow aperture and thereby allow the passage of fluid from the at least one flow aperture through the valve opening; and (b) a flexible container defining therein a hermetically sealed, variable volume storage chamber for storing therein multiple portions of the fluid in an aseptic condition and connected in fluid communication with the one-way valve; a relatively rigid housing receiving therein the flexible container; and a pump coupled between the storage chamber and the one-way valve and configured to pump discrete portions of fluid from the storage chamber, through the at least one flow aperture, and through the valve opening to dispense the portions of fluid therethrough.