Fluid container with integrated valve

Abstract

Embodiments of fluid storage containers ( 312 ) comprise a displaceable electrodynamic valve ( 344 ) for selectively regulating release of fluid from the container. The fluid storage container has a port ( 342 ) and comprises means for defining a reservoir ( 330 ) for accommodating a pressurizing a fluid. A displaceable electrodynamic valve selectively opens and closes the port and thereby regulates release of the pressurized fluid from the container. In some implementations, the container has a lid ( 400 ) and the port is provided in the container lid. In other implementations, the container has a container body, and the port is provided in the container body. The displaceable electrodynamic valve ( 344 ) can take various configurations (e.g., flapper, solenoid) and various forms (e.g., piezoelectric valve) in differing example embodiments. In some embodiments a compressor ( 361 ) is provided for pressurizing the fluid, and can also take various forms.

1 . A fluid storage container comprising: 
 a collapsible bladder for accommodating a fluid, the bladder having a port;    a container body for at least partially enclosing the bladder;    a displaceable electrodynamic valve for selectively opening and closing the port and thereby regulating release of the fluid from the bladder; and    a compressor for applying pressure to the bladder to expel fluid from the bladder through the port when the valve is open.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is a piezoelectric valve.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is a valve comprised of a electroreactive polymer, a valve comprised of a electrorestrictive member, a valve comprised of a memory alloy, or a valve comprised of a magneto-restrictive element.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor is a spring biased for applying pressure to the bladder.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor comprises a gravity weighted member for applying pressure to the bladder.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor provides a chemical reaction for applying pressure to the bladder.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor produces a gas for applying pressure to the bladder.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is configured as a flapper valve.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is configured as a solenoid valve.  
     
     
         10 . A fluid storage container having a port and comprising: 
 means for defining a reservoir for accommodating a pressurizing a fluid;    a displaceable electrodynamic valve for selectively opening and closing the port and thereby regulating release of the pressurized fluid from the container.    
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is a piezoelectric valve.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is a valve comprised of a electroreactive polymer, a valve comprised of a electrorestrictive member, a valve comprised of a memory alloy, or a valve comprised of a magneto-restrictive element.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is configured as a flapper valve.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the displaceable electrodynamic valve is configured as a solenoid valve.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the container has a lid, and wherein the port is provided in the container lid.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the container has an essentially rigid container body, and wherein the port is provided in the container body.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising means for pressurizing the fluid in the reservoir.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a spring for pressurizing the fluid in the reservoir.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a gravity weighted member for pressurizing the fluid in the reservoir.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a compressor which provides a chemical reaction for pressurizing the fluid in the reservoir.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a compressor which produces a gas for pressurizing the fluid in the reservoir.