Abstract: The present invention includes an osmotic pump that includes a means for venting an osmotic composition included in the pump before the internal pressure of the pump has the opportunity to build to such an extent that the pump is structurally compromised, such as when one or more components of the pump are physically separated. The means for venting osmotic material included in an osmotic pump according to the present invention includes a vent that allows the material included in the osmotic composition of the pump to dissipate into an environment of operation at a rate that results in dissipation of the pressure created within the osmotic pump and a reduced potential for subject discomfort or irritation.

Abstract: Osmotic delivery system semipermeable body assemblies that control the delivery rate of a beneficial agent from an osmotic delivery system incorporating one of the semipermeable body assemblies are provided. A semipermeable body assembly or plug includes a semipermeable body which is positionable in an opening of an osmotic delivery system. The semipermeable body has a hollow interior portion having a size selected to obtain a predetermined liquid permeation rate through the semipermeable body. Because the beneficial agent in the osmotic delivery system is delivered at substantially the same rate, the osmotic agent imbibes liquid which has permeated through the plug from a surrounding environment, and the liquid permeation rate through the plug controls the delivery rate of the beneficial agent from the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention includes an osmotic pump that includes a means for venting an osmotic composition included in the pump before the internal pressure of the pump has the opportunity to build to such an extent that the pump is structurally compromised, such as when one or more components of the pump are physically separated. The means for venting osmotic material included in an osmotic pump according to the present invention includes a vent that allows the material included in the osmotic composition of the pump to dissipate into an environment of operation at a rate that results in dissipation of the pressure created within the osmotic pump and a reduced potential for subject discomfort or irritation.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent includes an implant capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent which swells on contact with water causing the release of the beneficial agent over time. The osmotic delivery system has a membrane plug which allows water to pass through the plug from an exterior of the capsule while preventing the compositions within the capsule from passing out of the capsule. A delivery rate for delivery of the beneficial agent from the implant capsule is controlled by varying a core diameter of the membrane plug within a constant diameter capsule. The membrane plug has a variable water permeation rate depending on an extent to which the membrane plug is constrained by the capsule walls.