Flexible sleeve syringe and system

Abstract

A syringe having an elastic sleeve which defines a fluid chamber, and a plunger positioned within the elastic sleeve. The outer diameter of the plunger is greater than the inner diameter of the elastic sleeve such that the plunger elastically deforms the sleeve during use. A syringe pump system is also provided.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 516,459 which was filed on Nov. 3, 2003, and is incorporated herein by way of reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to syringes and, more particularly, to syringes having flexible components, including a flexible sleeve, that are adapted to maintain sealing and performance integrity under varying chemical, temperature, fatigue and pressure conditions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Syringes have long been used in various applications requiring precise, sterile or convenient pumping, extraction or delivery of liquids. As a result, many varieties of syringes exist in different forms suitable for different purposes. [0004] In environments requiring precision and sterile handling of liquids for medical or industrial applications, it is necessary for syringes and their components to have high temperature and chemical resistance. Such applications may r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a syringe or syringe pump system that has superior resistance to leakage, chemicals, and heat, such as in high volume or continuous cycle environments, while also having low pumping force requirements.

Problems solved by technology

A problem associated with such designs, however, is tendency for the PTFE plunger to set, particularly after a high number of cycles.

The setting of the plunger, as a result of compressive forces from the liquid pumped and the rigid glass sleeve during use, causes leakage between the plunger and the sleeve.

This solution has drawbacks in that the onset of leakage is merely prolonged and the syringe will require more axial force to pump the liquid.

The requirement of more axial force will subject associated components to greater wear and higher costs in design to handle the increased load.

In situations where pumping through the syringe is continuous or high volume, the need for increased axial force will increase power input requirements and associated costs.

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