US 5,681,435 AGranted

Fluid dispensing pump

AssigneeCeramatec, Inc.

InventorsAshok V. Joshi, John H. Gordon

Life of this patent

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Abstract

Disclosed is a self-contained device which continuously dispenses a packaged fluid. The device is particularly suited for applications where several months may lapse before performance is manually initiated, after which a consistent steady flow is required for an extended period until the packaged fluid is exhausted. The device is also particularly suited for applications where ease of fabrication and where availability of materials are important factors. A button cell battery provides a driving force to reduce atmospheric oxygen at a simple air cathode, ions are transported through an ion-exchange membrane, and oxygen gas is released at a simple anode. The effective transport of oxygen gas pressurizes a chamber resulting in fluid contained in a flexible bladder within the chamber to be forced through an outlet. This device is intended to be very low in cost and thus disposable.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A disposable micropump for delivering volatile liquids to a space external to said pump comprises:

a micro battery power supply having a voltage output of about 1 to 2 volts;
a power output of about 30 to 200 ma-hr over a period of time of about 10 to about 180 days, said battery having a negative pole and a positive pole;
a non-porous, solid electrolytic ionomeric membrane capable of transporting protons and diffusing water, said membrane having a thickness of about 0.005 cm to about 0.018 cm and an area of about 0.5 to about 3 cm.sup.2 ;
a first electronic and ionic-conducting electrode containing an oxygen-reducing catalyst which reduces oxygen in the presence of water, said electrode containing an ionomeric binder, said electrode being formed on one surface of said membrane and having an area which is less than said electrolyte;
a second electronic and ionic-conducting electrode bonded to said membrane on a surface opposed to said first electrode, said second electrode having an area substantially the same as said first electrode.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/538,439Filed 3 Oct 1995 · continuation in part
Priority: 7 May 1993
Granted: 28 Oct 1997
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification14 codes

A01M 1/2044
Without heating: holders or dispensers for liquid insecticide, e.g. using wicks
A61L 9/12
Using substances evaporated in the air without heating: apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
B01J 19/2475
Stationary reactors without moving elements inside: membrane reactors
B67D 7/0255
Utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on liquids in storage containers: squeezing collapsible or flexible storage…