Abstract: Disclosed is a medical infusion device, such as an externally worn insulin pump, capable of being in remote communication with a controller or data acquisition unit such as a blood glucose meter. The disclosed medical infusion device includes a dual frequency antenna to facilitate communication with the remote device and the antenna is mounted using a spring-design that inhibits transmission of vibration to the antenna.

Abstract: Described is a drug delivery system and method for inserting a cartridge into a chamber in a drug infusion device to inhibit refilling or reuse of a cartridge. In one embodiment, a drug delivery system is provided that includes a chamber and a cartridge configured for insertion into the chamber. The cartridge includes a hollow barrel for receiving and storing a drug, a plunger having a distal end and a proximal end, where the distal end of the plunger is slidably insertable and movable within the barrel. A breakaway extractor is disposed external to the barrel and is removably attached to the proximal end of the plunger. After insertion of the cartridge into the barrel, the breakaway extractor may be detached from the cartridge, to inhibit the retraction of the plunger from within the barrel of the cartridge and refilling of the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical infusion device, such as an externally worn insulin pump, capable of being in remote communication with a controller or data acquisition unit such as a blood glucose meter. The disclosed medical infusion device includes a dual frequency antenna to facilitate communication with the remote device and the antenna is mounted using a spring-design that inhibits transmission of vibration to the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical infusion device including a dedicated processing unit for detecting abnormal operation of the operation of the device. Specifically, a watchdog controller is employed as an independent monitor of the functioning of microprocessors used in the medical infusion device for controlling things such as RF communication, insulin infusion, and system integrity. Through the use of an independently-powered watchdog control system, the accuracy and reliability of the device is enhanced, resulting in greater assurance to the patient receiving periodic or continuous infusion of a drug.

Abstract: A disease management system, methods, and devices are shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes an infusion pump and a remote controller with the ability to be paired to each other. A method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is shown and described herein. In a further embodiment, a method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is provided. In addition, a method of operating a diabetes management system is provided in which the system includes an infusion pump and at least a remote controller.

Abstract: A disease management system, methods, and devices are shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes an infusion pump and a remote controller with the ability to be paired to each other. A method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is shown and described herein. In a further embodiment, a method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is provided. In addition, a method of operating a diabetes management system is provided in which the system includes an infusion pump and at least a remote controller.

Abstract: A disease management system, methods, and devices are shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes an infusion pump and a remote controller with the ability to be paired to each other. A method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is shown and described herein. In a further embodiment, a method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is provided. In addition, a method of operating a diabetes management system is provided in which the system includes an infusion pump and at least a remote controller.

Abstract: Described is a medical infusion device that is configured to send and receive data on a real-time basis through the use of circuitry that enables the connection of the device to a cellular network. In one embodiment, a medical infusion device is provided that includes a housing having a drug reservoir, a first processing system and a drive mechanism adapted to receive and execute instructions from the first processing system. The drive mechanism is in mechanical cooperation with the drug reservoir for controlling expulsion of the drug from the reservoir. Medical infusion device also includes an input device for receiving external instructions and configured to transmit the external instructions to the first processing system, a display for receiving and displaying information from the first processing system, and a second processing system in communication with the first processing system for controlling communication between the first processing system and a remote processing system via a cellular network.

Abstract: Described is a keypad and its method of manufacture. In one embodiment, a keypad is provided that includes a substrate having a plurality of donut-shaped recesses located at each site of a button for inputting user information, a plurality of cushions each filled with an incompressible fluid (e.g., water), a flex circuit layer, a plurality of metal membranes and an over-molded thermoplastic elastomer layer. During the over-molding of the thermoplastic elastomer layer, the plurality of cushions filled with an incompressible fluid prevents collapse of the space between the flex circuit layer and the plurality of metal membranes. After the layers of the keypad are assembled, the incompressible fluid is removed which leaves a space between the flex circuit layer and the plurality of metal membranes.

Abstract: A method is provided for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and processing analyte-specific signals to obtain a measurement value that is closely correlated with the concentration of the target chemical analyte in the biological system. One important application of the invention involves a method for signal processing in a system for monitoring blood glucose values.

Abstract: A diabetes management system and method used to manage the blood glucose level of a diabetes patient. The system includes at least one portable electronic device and a database system. The portable electronic device allows the patient to input different types of data into the processor to calculate insulin and carbohydrate intake recommendations for the patient. A time/date stamp is individually generated and stored for each type of data inputted by the patient. The diabetes management system also includes a database system which stores (i) activity data associated with the physical activity of the patient, (ii) blood glucose data associated with the blood glucose level of the patient, (iii) meal intake data associated with the food intake of the patient, and (iv) insulin intake data associated with the insulin intake of the patient.

Abstract: A low-profile inserter for an angled infusion set comprises an inserter housing having a bottom wall, a retainer slidably connected to the inserter housing for movement between retracted and extended positions in a direction substantially parallel with the bottom wall, and a base member connected to the inserter housing. The retainer is adapted to releasably receive a cannula assembly, including a cannula connected to a cannula housing. The base member has a lower surface that is adapted to contact a skin outer surface. The lower surface and bottom wall together form an acute angle. With this arrangement, the cannula can be inserted subcutaneously at the acute angle with respect to the skin outer surface.

Abstract: An introducer needle for an infusion set or the like includes a solid tip portion with a plurality of intersecting wedge surfaces that converge toward a common insertion point. Preferably, the common insertion point is coincident with a central axis of the introducer needle. The tip portion also includes a plurality of cutting edges formed at intersections of the wedge surfaces. The cutting edges converge toward the common insertion point so that insertion of the introducer needle into the membrane causes even cutting and separation of the membrane around the introducer needle.

Abstract: A piston-type infusion pump is provided having an improved method of occlusion detection. The infusion pump includes processing circuitry for controlling the drive mechanism to infuse medication to a patient, including a sensor to track the position of the syringe plunger, thereby metering the amount of medication dispensed to the patient. The processing circuitry also includes a force sensor for providing signals indicative of the presence of occlusions along the infusion path. The operation of the drive mechanism causes delivery of medication to the patient. The infusion pump is constructed to be watertight.

Abstract: A syringe for use with an infusion pump, the infusion pump having a cavity for receiving the syringe. The syringe includes a syringe body, a plunger and an end cap. The syringe body has a tube that is open at a first end and transitions to a passage at a second end and a connector extending from the passage, the connector for attachment to an infusion set or tubing. The plunger is slidably mounted inside the tube and comprises a plunger tip and a plunger rod. The plunger tip has a front face that is complementarily received by the second end of the tube and a rear face, the plunger tip forming an interference fit with the tube. The plunger rod has a first end attached to the plunger tip and a second end extending outside the first end of the tube. The plunger rod has a cross-sectional shape that is complementarily received by the cavity of the infusion pump when inserted in only one direction.

Abstract: An infusion set for administration of fluid to a subcutaneous layer includes a cannula housing adapted for mounting onto a patient's skin and a needle housing for connection to the cannula housing. The needle housing has a pair of flexible sidewalls and a resilient band connected to the sidewalls. The resilient band is lockably engageable with the cannula housing to thereby secure the housings together, and is releasable from the cannula housing when the sidewalls are pressed toward each other to deform the resilient band. A hollow needle extends out of a main body of the needle housing for delivering fluid to the cannula from a fluid source. The walls of the needle housing extend beyond a distal end of the hollow needle to prevent needle contact with contaminated surfaces and inadvertent injury.

Abstract: A diabetes management system and method used to manage the blood glucose level of a diabetes patient. The system includes at least one portable electronic device and a database system. The portable electronic device allows the patient to input different types of data into the processor to calculate insulin and carbohydrate intake recommendations for the patient. A time/date stamp is individually generated and stored for each type of data inputted by the patient. The diabetes management system also includes a database system which stores (i) activity data associated with the physical activity of the patient, (ii) blood glucose data associated with the blood glucose level of the patient, (iii) meal intake data associated with the food intake of the patient, and (iv) insulin intake data associated with the insulin intake of the patient.

Abstract: A piston-type infusion pump is provided having an improved method of occlusion detection. The infusion pump includes processing circuitry for controlling the drive mechanism to infuse medication to a patient, including a sensor to track the position of the syringe plunger, thereby metering the amount of medication dispensed to the patient. The processing circuitry also includes a force sensor for providing signals indicative of the presence of occlusions along the infusion path. The operation of the drive mechanism causes delivery of medication to the patient. The infusion pump is constructed to be watertight.

Abstract: A piston-type infusion pump is provided having an improved method of occlusion detection. The infusion pump includes processing circuitry for controlling the drive mechanism to infuse medication to a patient, including a sensor to track the position of the syringe plunger, thereby metering the amount of medication dispensed to the patient. The processing circuitry also includes a force sensor for providing signals indicative of the presence of occlusions along the infusion path. The operation of the drive mechanism causes delivery of medication to the patient. The infusion pump is constructed to be watertight.

Abstract: A low-profile inserter for an angled infusion set comprises an inserter housing having a bottom wall, a retainer slidably connected to the inserter housing for movement between retracted and extended positions in a direction substantially parallel with the bottom wall, and a base member connected to the inserter housing. The retainer is adapted to releasably receive a cannula assembly, including a cannula connected to a cannula housing. The base member has a lower surface that is adapted to contact a skin outer surface. The lower surface and bottom wall together form an acute angle. With this arrangement, the cannula can be inserted subcutaneously at the acute angle with respect to the skin outer surface.