Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston assembly for use in a fluid delivery system. The piston assembly is comprised of two elements: a splined-piston having generally a convex shape and a ribbed-base, that receives the piston, which has a complementary concave shape. The interposition of the splines and ribs and the complementary shaping of the two elements permit: a constant supporting surface area to be realized throughout a pumping cycle; the establishment of a constant supporting surface that readily and fully supports a thin, flexible material such that the material cannot not likely become stretched, unsupported or bound within the pumping mechanism throughout the pumping cycle; and the establishment of a relationship between the piston and its associated pumping chamber that enables a precise volumetric quantity to be delivered consistently and accurately.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 27, 1995
Date of Patent:
June 17, 1997
Assignee:
Quest Medical, Inc.
Inventors:
Andrew P. Mattson, Martyn Abbott, Lee K. Kulle