Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A unidirectional injector having at least one cylinder-piston unit, the piston thereof being displaceable between two stroke end positions relative to the cylinder, wherein the cylinder-piston unit comprises at least one sealing system sealing a compensating space from the surroundings. To this end the piston is provided at its front surface with an axial annular groove for accommodating a seal ring or a permanently elastic seal material, that the cylinder is provided with a first seal element and a second seal element which are spaced by at least a piston stroke, or that the piston is provided with the first seal element and the second seal element which are spaced by at least a piston stroke, or the cylinder carries the first seal element and the piston carries the second seal element which is displaced with respect to the first by the piston stroke.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for Handling Fluids at Nano-Scale Rates. A linear displacement pump produces non-pulsatile liquid flow rates as low as the nl/mm range. The pump includes a servo motor, a gear reduction, a lead screw, a linear stage, a barrel, and a plunger extending into the barrel and coupled to the stage. A microfluidic interconnect device can be coupled to the barrel. One or more of these pumps can be disposed in a thermally controlled pump assembly that includes a pump housing, a thermally conductive body disposed in the housing and including first and second opposing sides, and a temperature regulating element such as a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the thermally conductive body on a side thereof opposite to the barrel or barrels of the pumps.

Abstract: A micro fluid delivery device is particularly useful in medical applications. The device may be worn or carried by the user and may deliver drugs or other medicaments to the user or patient. The device has a control system that accepts input from the user and controls all aspects of operation of the device. The control system measures the output of the pump and adjusts the output of the pump to achieve the desired dosage rate and size. This eliminates differences from pump to pump that result from inevitable variations in the manufacturing of such small scale affordable devices.

Abstract: Detection of end of stroke for an electromagnetic pump is performed using, for example, a calculated first flux derivative.

Abstract: A novel one-piece fluid reservoir assembly for use in conjunction with an insulin infusion pump. The single piece fluid reservoir assembly includes a barrel body, a male luer fitting integral with the barrel body, a sealing surface integral with the barrel body, the sealing surface for sealing against the pump housing when the fluid reservoir assembly is inserted into the pump housing. Further, the barrel includes, as part of the one-piece fluid reservoir assembly, threads for engagement with threads on an opening in the fluid pump so that the fluid assembly can be inserted into the fluid pump, engage the threads and rotation therewith will locate the fluid reservoir assembly within the pump. Thereafter, a piston in the pump may be incrementally advanced to act upon a plunger in the barrel assembly to force a fluid within the barrel assembly through the male luer fitting and through a conduit engaged therewith to a remote infusion set.

Abstract: A reservoir includes a reservoir body portion and a collecting portion. The reservoir body portion having a wall defining an interior volume for containing fluidic media, the reservoir having a first port in the reservoir body portion to be in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the first port for expelling fluidic media from the interior volume as a plunger is moved within the reservoir. The collecting portion having a wall defining a volume in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the volume of the collecting portion for collecting gas bubbles in the fluidic media as the fluidic media is expelled through the first port from the interior volume of the reservoir body portion, the reservoir having a second port in the collecting portion to be in fluid flow communication with the volume of the collecting portion, the second port for receiving fluidic media into the reservoir.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump device may include a drive system that accurately and incrementally dispenses fluid from the pump device in a controlled manner. Particular embodiments of the drive system may include a rotational motor that is coupled to a string member, which is used to adjust a pawl relative to a ratchet body. In such circumstances, the drive system can provide a reliable and compact infusion pump device that accurately dispenses the desired volume of fluid.

Abstract: Low profile inlet valve embodiments for a piston pump therapeutic substance infusion device are disclosed that reduce dead volume, occupies little residential space, operates rapidly, and have many other improvements. The therapeutic substance infusion device has a housing, a therapeutic substance reservoir, a power source carried in the housing, electronics, a piston pump, and an inlet valve. The piston pump is configured for pumping therapeutic substance from the therapeutic substance reservoir through an infusion port at a programmed rate. The inlet valve is in fluid communication with a reservoir outlet to control the flow of therapeutic substance into the piston pump. The inlet valve has a substantially coplanar valve surface and valve spring. Many embodiments of the low profile inlet valve and its methods of operation are possible.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A compact and one time use, self-administration device (10) for administering medication is disclosed. The device includes a housing (12) having a start button (26), a status indicator (28), a window (30), and a surface removably attachable to a user. The device (10) has a cartridge holder (34) providing in an aseptic environment a cartridge (32) containing the medication. The cartridge (32) is viewable through the cartridge holder (34) and the window (30). An included drive unit (42) provides a movable plunger (126) that breaks through a sterile barrier (130) of the cartridge holder (34) to dispense the medication from the cartridge (32) to an hollow needle (38) for administering the medication into the user.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for dispensing material from a container. Devices can include driving means for providing one or more forces, and actuator means for activating the driving means whereby the driving means causes material to be dispensed from the container.

Abstract: An automatic pump relay system includes controllers coupled to drivers for sequentially discharging fluid from a plurality of medication containers into a coupler having a reflux barrier from which fluid is administered to a patient. The internal fluid pressure of the coupler is determined by a pressure sensing device or devices that provide signals to the controllers that, based at least on the sensor signals, cause the drivers to operate in reverse and forward directions so as to rapidly decrease and raise the fluid pressure within the coupler during a relay from an empty syringe to a filled syringe, thereby avoiding bolus formation and an interruption in infusion therapy. Independently operable syringes pumps are contemplated to be connected in relay fashion to form a modular system. An associated method is also disclosed wherein a fluid administration pressure is stored for use as a reference during a syringe changeover.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medical fluid to a patient includes a pump system including a pressurizing unit to pressurize the medical fluid and a drive system in operative connection with the pressurizing unit. The pump system exhibits variation in pressure during operation. The system further includes a compensating system in fluid connection with the medical fluid pressurized by the pressurizing unit. The compensating system defines a displacement volume in fluid connection with the pressurized medical fluid that is altered in a predetermined manner to alter the variation in pressure. The compensating system can, for example, reduce pulsatility of pressure during flow.

Abstract: A drug delivery pump drive which uses a linear piezoelectric motor to advance a syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The pump drive, provided in a drug delivery pump, provides silent operation and very low energy consumption compared to electric motor-based drives. The small size of the motor helps also to reduce overall size of the pump drive and the resulting drug deliver pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and devices for micro-dosing a liquid are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for a time controlled micro-dosing of a liquid from a liquid reservoir includes: receiving the liquid reservoir with a structure wherein the structure is portable; securing the liquid reservoir to the structure; connecting a second end of a drive unit to a piston disposed within the liquid reservoir; activating a drive motor; displacing the drive unit with respect to the structure towards the piston in an axial direction with the drive motor; moving the piston axially within the liquid reservoir; and micro-dosing the liquid from the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for administering a first medicament and a second medicament includes a first fluid reservoir configured to contain the first medicament and a second fluid reservoir configured to contain the second medicament. The fluid delivery device may include one or more basal drive mechanisms to provide a basal delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments. The fluid delivery device may further include one or more bolus drive mechanisms to provide a bolus delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments.

Abstract: A wearable insulin dispensing device has features and operation characteristics supporting and easing compliance by the users of the device. For example, the device may provide capabilities of rendering a very specific and well-tuned dosage which may be altered according to the specific development of the individual user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical pump, especially for water jet surgery, in which a pump unit is assembled as a single use article and can be reversibly connected to a pump actuating device. Within the pump, the pump actuating device is also used to open up the connection between the pump unit and the pump actuating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hypodermic injection system having a direct-drive motor for moving a ram towards an injectate chamber for discharging injectate therein through a discharge orifice. The system can have an injection head attached to a housing having an injectate chamber for holding injectate to be injected, a remote discharge device with a control apparatus or the structure for holding a cartridge containing injectate. The injectate supply could be a bottle, a remote reservoir or a cartridge. An injection head can have a nose actuator for enabling an injection only if the nose actuator has engaged the body to be injected. A clamping device clamps the body to be injected. Control is effected through a microprocessor to which the electrically-operated parts of the invention are attached. Control and output signals are readable through an electronic display.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device includes a pump motor that is driven by electrical energy from a storage capacitor. At the end of each pump delivery cycle, electrical energy stored in the pump motor is recovered and returned to the storage capacitor, so that it can be used in subsequent delivery cycles.

Abstract: The invention provides a pump assembly comprising an actuator lever, a supporting structure, a pump comprising a pump member moveable by actuation of the actuator lever, and an actuator for moving the actuator lever. A first stationary pivoting joint is formed between the actuator lever and the supporting structure, and a second floating pivoting joint is formed between the actuator lever and the pump member allowing the pump member to float relative to the actuator lever, the floating pivoting point providing a constant-length actuator arm defined between the first pivoting joint and the second pivoting joint.

Abstract: An injection system includes a fluid delivery system, a drive mechanism, a controller and a tubing set. The fluid delivery system includes a fluid container and a pumping mechanism having an inlet in fluid connection with the fluid container and an outlet. The tubing set is adapted to be placed in removable fluid connection with the outlet of the pumping mechanism and a patient. The drive mechanism is in operative connection with the pumping mechanism to pump fluid from the fluid container. First and second information stores, such as bar codes or RFID tags, are associated with the pumping mechanism and the tubing set, respectively. The controller is in operative connection with the drive mechanism and adapted to read the first information store and the second information store to at least partly control the operation of the drive mechanism based thereon.

Abstract: A chemical liquid injection system which a piston driving mechanism is driven only when a cylinder holding mechanism appropriately holds liquid syringes of various sizes through a cylinder adapter and such manner. When the liquid syringe 200S of a size other than the maximum size is appropriately held by the cylinder holding mechanism 120, RFID chip 230 is located on the side at the rear of metallic cylinder holding mechanism 120. A pair of resonance antennas are disposed on the left and right of the RFID chip, and an RFID reader 131 is disposed below the resonance antennas. When the liquid syringe 200S is appropriately held by the cylinder holding mechanism 120, RFID chip 230 wirelessly communicates with RFID reader 131 favorably, and the piston driving mechanism can be operated only in this state.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid pump (IV) contains a disposable part including a fluid chamber having a resilient top membrane and a non-disposable part including a piston abutting a resilient membrane and a vacuum chamber fitted on top of the resilient top membrane. An external pump is used to create vacuum in the vacuum chamber, resulting in the resilient top membrane being held taut. The flow rate through the pump is relatively independent of changes in the pressure of IV fluid on the upstream and the downstream due to changes in the relative elevation of the fluid reservoir and the patient with respect to the fluid pump.

Abstract: A nasal spray apparatus for simultaneously administrating metered amounts of multiple medicaments includes chambers for separately storing incompatible medicaments, such as an antihistamine and a steroid. Reciprocal piston pumps allow the medications to be sprayed into the user's nasal cavity. Two pumps can be used to separately transfer the medicaments to a receptacle where they can be initially mixed just prior to administration. A small volume receptacle is used to reduce the amount of mixture remaining after each stroke of the nasal spray apparatus. A check valve can be associated with each pump to further reduce medicament mixtures from cross contamination within storage chamber preparations. Collapsible components, including collapsible storage chambers or balloon capacitors can be employed to compensate for vacuums and back pressures as the medicaments are pumped to a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A reservoir may be filled with fluidic media in a first type of environment, a plunger head may be placed within the reservoir in the first type of environment, and a casing that may be configured to envelop at least a portion of a plunger arm operatively connected to the plunger head may be attached adjacent to at least a portion of the reservoir in a second type of environment. A reservoir may be provided having a first and second portion for respectively containing fluidic media, the second portion may be adapted to be removable, the reservoir may be selectively filled with a first volume or a second volume of fluidic media, a seal member may be placed in the reservoir, and the second portion may be removed in a case where the reservoir contains the first volume of fluidic media.

Abstract: Devices and methods for powering a medical device for sustained delivery of fluids or continuous monitoring of body analyte. The devices may comprise a pumping mechanism, a driving mechanism for activating the pumping mechanism to dispense fluid, and a power source coupled to the driving mechanism and having an energy storage cell for providing a pulsed power to the driving mechanism. The methods may be implemented by activating the driving mechanism using pulsed energy in the form of at least one pulse train pattern accumulated in and discharged from an energy storage component.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of fluids to a patient includes an inlet tube and an outlet tube connected to each other at an angular joint. A rotary valve and a piston are fitted to the angular joint forming a chamber. The rotary valve is provided with a priming channel notch and a pumping notch. For priming operation with the fluid delivery apparatus, a user sets the rotary valve to a priming position. During pumping operation, the rotary valve rotates in coordination with the piston to transfer a quantum of fluid from the inlet tube to the outlet tube via the chamber. A second piston is optionally provided on the outlet tube for smoothing out flow rate pulsations.

Abstract: Fluid transfer devices for use in, for example, ambulatory infusion devices and infusions devices including fluid transfer devices.

Abstract: Fluid transfer devices for use in, for example, ambulatory infusion devices and infusions devices including fluid transfer devices.

Abstract: A syringe plunger/jacket assembly may comprise a flexible jacket attached to a rigid plunger. The jacket may comprise at least two sealing rings (front and rear) that prevent fluid from leaking out of the rear of the barrel during injection of fluid from the syringe. The rear sealing ring may or may not contact or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel in an unloaded state. In the loaded state, when force is applied in the direction of the forward discharge end of the syringe, pressure is created on the jacket. This condition causes the rear seal to expand and contact and/or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: (i) a hardware unit, the hardware unit including a pump actuator; (ii) a disposable unit received by the hardware unit, the disposable unit having a moveable membrane operable with the pump actuator, the pump actuator moveable towards and away from the disposable unit; and (iii) the hardware unit and disposable unit configured to hold a negative pressure between the pump actuator and the moveable membrane of the disposable unit, the negative pressure causing the moveable membrane to follow the pump actuator as the actuator is moved away from the disposable unit, the pump actuator and membrane positioned relative to each other such that the membrane moves with the pump actuator as the actuator is moved into the disposable unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable injector with a housing, with a cylinder/piston unit which is arranged thereon and has a manually movable piston, and with a detachable container adapter mounted upstream of this cylinder/piston unit, wherein the container adapter supports a container that is closed by an openable stopper. The piston of the cylinder/piston unit is movable via a pump rod. The container adapter engages at the front end around the cylinder of the piston/cylinder unit. The container adapter has an intermediate floor which supports a dual adapter having at least one through-channel. The container, which bears tightly with its stopper on the dual adapter, sits longitudinally displaceably in the rear of the container adapter. The container is opened by displacing it towards the intermediate floor and pushing the stopper into the container.

Abstract: A disposable, wearable, self-contained insulin dispensing device includes a housing and an insulin source in the housing that is connected to a catheter for injecting insulin into a user.

Abstract: A transdermal electrotransport drug delivery device having an anode, a cathode and a source of electrical power electrically connected to the anode and the cathode. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes an electrode and a reservoir comprised of a housing composed of a polymeric material and an aqueous medium in contact with the housing. The aqueous medium includes (i) a drug or an electrolyte salt or a mixture thereof, (ii) propylene glycol, and (iii) an antimicrobial agent in an amount sufficient to inhibit microbial growth in the aqueous medium. The propylene glycol prevents the antimicrobial agent from being adsorbed by other materials used in the construction of the delivery device. A process for preparing a transdermal electrotransport drug delivery device is also provided.

Abstract: A computer-controlled injector of the type having a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. Manual motion is induced by operating a manual motion control; the operator can manipulate the control to indicate the desired direction and velocity of motion. The manual motion control also has a locking mode in which manual motion of the plunger will continue once initiated without requiring the operator to continue manipulating the manual motion control. The injector performs injections in accordance with one of several pre-programmed protocols, and automatically tracks the fluid volume remaining. The injector compensates for plunger extenders found in some partially pre-filled syringes by applying a stored offset value to the computed plunger position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium has a coil and an armature moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is moveable axially within a piston channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium. As the piston is moved to its forward position, the piston chamber volume is reduced and pressure within the piston chamber increases to a point where the pressure moves the valve member into an open position through an outlet.

Abstract: A drug delivery device drive that includes a single shape memory alloy wire actuator to advance a lead screw via a ratcheting mechanism and method thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a shape memory alloy wire is operably connected to one of a pair of ratchet wheels and configured to drive incrementally the rotation of the connected ratchet wheel via a contraction, which in turn drives the rotation of the other ratchet wheel about a rotational axis which moves a lead screw and advances a plunger to dispense a liquid drug from a drug container. A drug delivery device using the shape memory alloy wire actuator in combination with the ratcheting mechanism to incrementally rotate a shaft, a lead screw or a sleeve provides for a more compact an less complicated design.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium a coil capable of being electrically activated to provide an electromagnetic field. The coil surrounds a piston channel extending in an axial direction. An armature is located adjacent the coil, on one side of the axial channel. The armature is moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is located within the piston channel and is moveable axially within the channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. The armature may be configured with a reduced diameter by including a coil cup for supporting the coil including a shelf portion defining at least a portion of a pole surface of the coil cup.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion medium are supported by the disposable housing portion, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics and a drive device. A reservoir is supported by the disposable housing portion and has a moveable plunger that operatively couples to the drive device, when the disposable and durable housing portions are engaged.

Abstract: A movement and control mechanism for operating a syringe is disclosed. The movement mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft, at least one rod disposed coaxially to the shaft and a plunger associated unit, accommodating the plunger of the syringe and axially translated upon the rotation of the shaft. An electrical sensor system implemented with the movement mechanism for detecting the plunger of the syringe, during the operation of the mechanism, is further disclosed. A control system for the movement mechanism, controlling the operation the thereof is disclosed as well.

Abstract: An infusion system, method and device for delivering therapeutic fluid to the body of a patient are disclosed. The device includes a dispensing unit having a peristaltic pump for dispensing therapeutic fluid to the body of the patient. The peristaltic pump includes a driving mechanism. The device further includes a monitoring mechanism (112, 114) for monitoring operation of the driving mechanism and dispensing of therapeutic fluid to the body of the patient.

Abstract: A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for dispensing material from a container. Devices can include driving arrangement for providing one or more forces, and actuator for activating the driving arrangement whereby the driving arrangement causes material to be dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.

Abstract: An adapter includes a syringe carrier adapted to seat at least a portion of the syringe. The syringe carrier includes at least one rearward facing abutmer member to abut at least one forward facing surface on a syringe. The syringe carrie includes an opening therein to allow a drive member of an injector to communicate forward force to the plunger through abutment without connective engagement between the drive member and the plunger. The adapter further includes a releasable mounting mechanism positioned to the rear of the syringe carrier to mount the adapter in a desired position relative to the front wall of the injector. An adapter includes a first section and a second section that are rotatable relative to each other about a hinge axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the adapter.