| 摘要 |
<p>A non-inverting liquid dispenser is taught, for use with a liquid-containing vessel. The container (vessel) may be flexible, partially flexible, or rigid, but usually the container is flexible. At all times, the dispenser remains at the bottom of the container, rather than the requirement to invert the container to dispense liquid contained therein. The dispenser has two diaphragm operating valves, one of which is biased towards an opening through which liquid will flow, when the interior of the liquid-containing vessel is at a positive pressure differential with respect to the ambient. When the pressure is relieved --i.e., a negative pressure differential with respect to the atmosphere develops within the container -- the other diaphragm valve opens, permitting the container to be vented. The only moving parts are, in fact, the diaphragms. In one embodiment, the diaphragms are side-to-side, and each is biased over a stub which is directed against its central portion; in a second embodiment, the diaphragms are superimposed one above the other, but each opens in a direction towards the other diaphragm; and in two further embodiments, the diaphragms are also above each other, but each opens in a direction away from the other diaphragm. It is possible to provide an antiseptic, non-inverting liquid dispenser where the liquid is contained within a collapsible bag in the dispenser, with the dispensing operation being as previously stated upon causing a positive pressure differential within the vessel, with respect to the ambient pressure. The dispenser may be connected to a source of pressurized air, by which a dispensing operation can be initiated and controlled by selectively coupling the interior of the vessel to the pressure source.</p> |
