Abstract: A method for detecting at least one condition of interest relating to a tube, e.g. the presence of an air bubble. In some embodiments, the sensor includes antennas, a split-ring resonator, a frequency generator capable of generating frequencies in the microwave range, and a detection component. The detection component may estimate at least one parameter of received microwave energy in order to determine if a condition of interest exists.

Abstract: An automated insertion assembly includes a first dermal perforation assembly configured to releasably engage a first subdermal device. A first actuation assembly is configured to drive the first dermal perforation assembly into a user's skin to a first depth and drive the first subdermal device into the user's skin to a second depth. The second depth is greater than the first depth.

Abstract: Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.

Abstract: A user control device for a transporter. The user control device can communicate with the transporter via electrical interface(s) that can facilitate communication and data processing among the user interface device and controllers that can control the movement of the transporter. The user control device can perform automated actions based on the environment in which the transporter operates and the user's desired movement of the transporter. External applications can enable monitoring and control of the transporter.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: Manufacturing system and method for creating multiple tissue constructs from cells. System can include a thaw subsystem (if the cells are provided in a frozen state), an expansion subsystem, a concentration subsystem, and a tissue maturation subsystem. Each of these subsystems is modular and can be reconfigured, and the process can be repeated depending on the specific tissue process being implemented. Multiple tissue types can be combined in multiple bioreactors. The activities of multiple bioreactors can be coordinated and controlled in an automated manner by a supervisor controller. The supervisor controller can receive user input at the start of the process, and can manage the process henceforth, alerting the user if user actions are required.

Abstract: A system for at least partial closed-loop control of a medical condition is disclosed. The system includes at least one medical fluid pump. The medical fluid pump including a sensor for determining the volume of fluid pumped by the pump. Also, at least one continuous analyte monitor, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the medical fluid pump and the at least one continuous analyte monitor. The controller includes a processor. The processor includes instructions for delivery of medical fluid based at least on data received from the at least one continuous analyte monitor.

Abstract: A pump for treating a patient is disclosed that includes a spring-biased plunger biased toward actuation against a tube; a cam shaft configured to actuate the spring-based plunger; a lever actuatable between a closed position and an open position; a shaft coupled to the lever, the shaft having a central axis centrally along the length of the shaft, the shaft coupled to the lever to rotate around the central axis in accordance with actuation of the lever; and a lift cam pivotally coupled to the shaft, wherein the lift cam pivots around a lift cam axis, the lift cam axis of the lift cam is parallel to the central axis of the shaft, and the lift cam engages with the spring-based plunger to lift the spring-biased plunger off of the cam shaft as the shaft rotates in accordance with actuating the lever to the open position.

Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a support disposed in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant when the interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is sufficient to support the occupant.

Abstract: A protective mechanism for use when gripping a medical device to a rack is provided. A related system and method are also provided. The protective mechanism includes a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The cover member is configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction.

Abstract: A filling aid device for filling a reservoir. The device includes a cover portion comprising a septum window; a slider beam comprising a septum cover; and a first filling aid tab attached to the slider beam, the first filling aid tab in slidable relation to the cover from a first position to a second position, wherein when the filling aid device is in an unlocked position, the septum cover is located below the septum window, wherein when the first filling aid tab is moved from the first position to the second position, the septum cover is moved from below the septum window, and the filling aid device is in the locked position.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a plunger-cam follower, a tube receiver, a spring-biased plunger, a spring, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger-cam follower engages the plunger cam to follow the plunger cam and to disengage from the plunger cam. The spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger toward the tube receiver. The position sensor determines a position of the spring-biased plunger when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger came. The processor estimates fluid flow utilizing at least the position of the spring-biased plunger as indicated by the position sensor when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger cam and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger against the tube.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes an RFID reader for receiving information from at least one RFID transponder. The medical device also includes a memory for storing a database and at least one processor for processing information. Also, a remote controller for a medical device is disclosed. The remote controller includes an information receiver for receiving information related to food. The infusion device also includes a memory for storing a database and at least one processor for processing information. A method for use in a medical device is also disclosed. The method includes receiving information from an RFID transponder related to food. Also, the processing the information by comparing the information to a database is included in the method. The method also includes determining the acceptability of the food and providing information related to acceptability to the user.

Abstract: A fill adapter for filling a reservoir and a related method are disclosed herein. The fill adapter includes a button assembly actuator and a pump chamber plunger actuator hingeably attached to the button assembly actuator, wherein the actuation of the button assembly actuator actuates the pump chamber plunger actuator and wherein the pump chamber plunger actuator actuates a pump chamber membrane before the at least one button assembly is actuated.

Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as a peritoneal dialysis system, may include a control system and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, the peritoneal dialysis system may include the control system that can adjust a volume of fluid infused into a peritoneal cavity to prevent an intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle of the one or more therapy cycles to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle of the one or more therapy cycles. The control system may also adjust a dwell time of the fluid within the peritoneal cavity during the one or more therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.

Abstract: An optical sensor for a delivery device having a piston that displaces a substance, such as a fluid, from a reservoir. The optical sensor has a light source and a detector array for imaging encoding features disposed along a plunger rod coupled to the piston. By virtue of the pattern of encoding features, an absolute position of the plunger rod relative to a fiducial position may be determined uniquely. Thus, the volume of fluid remaining in the reservoir, the rate of fluid delivery, and proper loading of the reservoir may be accurately ascertained. Additionally, the encoding may serve to uniquely identify a version of the reservoir which may be supplied in various versions corresponding, for example, to differing concentrations of a therapeutic agent to be dispensed.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a therapeutic fluid from a line includes providing an inlet line connectable to an upstream fluid source. The inlet line is in downstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a pump outlet. The method also includes actuating a force application assembly so as to restrict retrograde flow of fluid through the inlet while pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the pump outlet. A corresponding system employs the method.

Abstract: A system for control of a device includes at least one sensor module detecting orientation of a user's body part. The at least one sensor module is in communication with a device module configured to command an associated device. The at least one sensor module detects orientation of the body part. The at least one sensor module sends output signals related to orientation of the user's body part to the device module and the device module controls the associated device based on the signals from the at least one sensor module.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system may comprise a pump and a fluid line state detector having, a receptacle, at sensor, and an illuminator. The system may further comprise a fluid transfer set including an output line for mating into the receptacle. The system may further comprise a controller in data communication with the fluid line state detector configured to power the illuminator and monitor an output signal of the sensor when the outlet line is in the receptacle to determine a dry tube light intensity value. The controller may be further configured to govern operation of the pump to prime the output line with fluid. The controller may be further configured to power the illuminator, monitor the output signal, and halt operation of the pump when the output signal indicates the light intensity value has dropped below a primed line threshold which is dependent upon the dry tube intensity value.

Abstract: Utility services related to executing services requiring trips of various lengths, and short-distance assistance to customers. Utility services can be delivered by semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles on various types of routes, and can be delivered economically. A network of utility vehicles provide the utility services, and can include a commonly-shared dispatch system.