APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID

摘要

Apparatus (10) and a method are provided for dispensing a liquid, such as an analgesic that has to be administered to a patient. The apparatus (10) includes a reservoir (12) filled with an analgesic that is connected via a handset (26), to administering means such as a needle or cannula. The handset (26) includes inlet (14) and discharge (22) valves as well as a resilient, porous recoil structure (18). The analgesic flows from the reservoir (12) through the inlet valve into the pores of the recoil structure (18) and flow from the recoil structure (18) through the discharge valve (22) to be administered to the patient. The patient can compress the recoil structure (18) to administer a bolus dose of the analgesic is administered and when the recoil structure (18) is released, its recoil nature draws the liquid from the reservoir (12) into and filling its pores. This flow is limited not to exceed a predetermined maximum rate.