APPARATUS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF LIQUID FROM A CONTAINER AND METHOD

摘要

An apparatus that provides for withdrawal of the liquid contents from a closed container (14) independent of the spatial orientation thereof, is described. The liquid withdrawal apparatus includes flexible withdrawal conduits (58) disposed inside the container and in fluid flow communication with external heat exchangers (144, 146). The heat exchangers serve to transfer heat to the withdrawn liquid to thereby provide a breathable gas mixture. The pick-up end of the withdrawal conduits (58) are weighted to ensure liquid withdrawal during changes in the orientation of the container while the outlet end of the tubes (62) communicates through septa (140, 142) that ensure there is little to no communication of pressure between the inside of the container and the heat exchangers, other than the fluid flow communication path provided by the conduits themselves. A pressure differential between the inside of the container and the external heat exchangers, normally brought about by an inhalation event of the user, provides the motive force for withdrawing the liquid contents from the container through the conduits.