Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for providing information on a promoted product to a user. A virtual environment is rendered and a virtual customer is rendered within the virtual environment, wherein the virtual customer utilizes the promoted product by receiving input control signals from the user indicating movement of the virtual customer through the virtual environment. Interactions are rendered between the virtual customer and the virtual environment in response to the input control signals to enable the user to virtually experience how the promoted product is capable of impacting daily activities of the user and to promote the product.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a miniature pump that includes a shape memory wire that obtains a plastic condition below a transformation temperature and has a memorized shape such that the shape memory wire produces a work stroke by returning to the memorize shape at least at the transformation temperature. A spring biased against the shape memory wire is deflected by the work stroke to deform the shape memory wire from the memorized shape below the transformation temperature. A fluid pump is coupled to the shape memory wire and driven by the biased spring and shape memory wire to produce a fluid flow. The miniature pump can be incorporated into a self-contained infusion device in the form of a compact self-adhesive patch including a fluid reservoir, control electronics and power supply that is place directly at the infusion site of a user.

Abstract: An automobile monitoring system is for monitoring patient body characteristics. The automobile monitoring system includes at least one sensor to monitor at least one patient body characteristic, at least one transmitter operatively coupled to the at least one sensor to communicate sensor data, at least one monitor operatively coupled to the at least one transmitter to receive the sensor data, and automobile electronics operatively coupled to the at least one transmitter to receive sensor data. The at least one monitor and the automobile electronics display the sensor data to the patient. The at least one transmitter communicates with the at least one monitor and the automobile electronics using at least one wireless protocol including Bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency, 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g. The automobile electronics include at least one of a GPS navigation system, a DVD entertainment system, an on-system computer, or a stereo system.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring blood glucose data of a patient. The system includes a sensing device and hospital monitor. The sensing device includes a sensor and sensor electronics and is adapted to transmit information to the hospital monitor while continuing to sense blood glucose data. The communication between the sensing device and the hospital monitor may be wireless. The sensor electronics may include a sensor power supply, a voltage regulator, and optionally a memory and processor.

Abstract: An infusion system that includes a watch controller device and a communication system to transmit the communications from the watch controller device to an infusion device pump that controls delivery of fluids to the user's body. More particularly, these apparatuses and methods are for providing convenient monitoring and control of the infusion pump device in determining the appropriate amount of insulin to deliver.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting at least a portion of at least one piercing member of an insertion set through the skin of a patient, including: a device housing and a carrier body for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position. The carrier body includes a receiving structure to support the insertion set in a position with the at least one piercing member oriented for insertion through the skin of the patient at a predetermined angle relative to the skin of the patient. A driver urges the carrier body with a controlled force and speed to place at least a portion of the at least one piercing member of the insertion set through the skin of the patient to install the insertion set to the patient. The receiving structure is removable from the insertion set while maintaining installation of the insertion set to the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrically connecting a medical glucose monitor to a glucose sensor set, as well as for testing the operation of the glucose monitor, monitor cable and glucose sensor set are provided. In one embodiment, an electric cable comprises a cable member, a first connector and a second connector. The cable member in turn comprises at least one insulated conductor, a conductive shielding layer disposed around the at least one insulated conductor; and an insulating layer disposed around the conductive shielding layer. A glucose monitoring system test plug provides for a releasable electrical connection with the electric cable. In one embodiment, the test plug comprises a housing and a fitting affixed thereto which is adapted to electrically couple the test plug with the electric cable.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for providing information to a user of the computer program on using a medical therapy to treat a medical condition. A virtual environment is displayed and a user controlled virtual patient is displayed within the virtual environment. The user controlled virtual patient is simulating receiving the medical therapy and simulating real life activity in the virtual environment. Input control signals are received from the user controlling movement of the user controlled virtual patient through the virtual environment and interactions are rendered between the user controlled virtual patient and the virtual environment in response to the input control signals to enable the user to virtually engage in a simulated daily activity through the actions of the user controlled virtual patient. The simulated daily activity is other than simulated receiving of the simulated medical therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function.

Abstract: A reusable analyte sensor site for use with a replaceable analyte sensor for determining a level of an analyte includes a site housing and a resealable insertion site coupled to one end of the site housing. Preferably, the site housing is formed to have an interior cavity, and includes an outer membrane made of a material selected to promote vascularization and having a first pore size, and an inner membrane made of a material selected to be free of tissue ingress. Also, the site housing permits the analyte to pass through the site housing to the interior cavity to permit measurement by the replaceable analyte sensor. The resealable insertion site is provided for inserting the replaceable analyte sensor into the interior cavity of the site housing.

Abstract: A flexible mounting base to hold a sensor at an infusion site, the sensor being a removable in vivo sensor for monitoring analyte concentration level in a patient, such as blood glucose (BG) level. The mounting base comprises a flexible adhesive that anchors the flexible sensor set at an infusion site to provide stability for the sensor set in a convenient and comfortable manner. Placement of the mounting base onto the patient's skin causes the insertion needle to pierce the skin for transcutaneous placement of the cannula with the sensor therein. The insertion needle can then be withdrawn to leave the cannula and sensor at the selected insertion position, with the distal segment of the sensor being exposed to patient extracellular fluid via apertures formed in the cannula.

Abstract: A system and method of temporarily adjusting a delivery of fluid or medications to a user from an infusion device that provides various delivery customizations, and may include a user interface. The user interface may provide access to a menu from which users can select specific delivery options appropriate for different times and situations.

Abstract: A method for formulating and immobilizing a protein and a protein matrix formed by the method. The protein matrix preparation method results in a physically and chemically stable protein matrix that has low swelling, non-leaching, high activity, and high mechanical strength properties. The method includes cross-linking and hardening the protein mixture and using a mold to form a protein into a desired shape and size.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting a force sensor failure in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on the current measurements, the infusion pump detects when the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir, and detects a problem with the force sensor when the force sensor independently fails to register a value indicating that the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir.

Abstract: A selectively protected electrical system includes or operates with a power source, a load, a power driver circuit for controllably transferring power from the power source to the load, the power driver circuit being encapsulated in a potting material, and a controller for enabling and disabling the power driver circuit, the controller being un-encapsulated by the potting material. If a contaminant induced electrical fault occurs in the selectively protected electrical system, the electrical fault is more likely to occur in the un-encapsulated controller, such that the selectively protected electrical system is disabled. The contaminant is inhibited from contacting and inducing an electrical fault in the power driver circuit, thus providing for a controlled failure of the selectively protected electrical system.

Abstract: An infusion device includes a disc-shaped housing that is made from a biocompatible material. The housing contains a reservoir for holding a volume of infusion medium, such as a medication to be administered to the patient. The inlet structure is coupled in flow communication with the reservoir, to allow the reservoir to be filled or re-filled. The housing has an outlet through which the infusion medium may be expelled.

Abstract: A diabetes data management system selects variable parameters and one or more devices with data that are utilized in a report. The diabetes data management system analyzes data during a selected period. The system generates reports which highlight data from one or more device during the selected period including carbohydrate, insulin, and glucose data, reports which highlight data around and during meal events and other user-defined events, reports which overlay multiple data based on time of day and other factors, and automatically prepared logbook reports.

Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and handheld communication device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein transmitted messages have enhanced numbers of and/or regularity of bit transitions to minimize the risk of synchronization loss between transmitted bits of data and received bits of data. Bit transitions for portions of messages may be enhanced by applying a pseudo-randomization scheme to those portions of messages that are transmitted in a way that allows the receiver to extract the original data from the received randomized data. Preferred randomization techniques modify (i.e. randomize) the data using a CRC value that is being accumulated while simultaneously causing the modified data to modify subsequent accumulation of the CRC itself. Upon reception, the reversal of data randomization occurs so that the intended message is appropriately received.

Abstract: A reusable analyte sensor site for use with a replaceable analyte sensor for determining a level of an analyte includes a site housing and a resealable insertion site coupled to one end of the site housing. Preferably, the site housing is formed to have an interior cavity, and includes an outer membrane made of a material selected to promote vascularization and having a first pore size, and an inner membrane made of a material selected to be free of tissue ingress. Also, the site housing permits the analyte to pass through the site housing to the interior cavity to permit measurement by the replaceable analyte sensor. The resealable insertion site is provided for inserting the replaceable analyte sensor into the interior cavity of the site housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the integrity of an implantable sensor. Voids formed between an outer tubing and a sensor substrate or spacing element may be back-filled with a curable, implantable material, minimizing the extent to which unwanted fluids diffuse within the sensor. An enzyme or protein matrix pellet below the sensor window may be pre-treated with a reducing agent to enhance its bond stability, and to reduce undesired swelling that may cause the sensor window to detach or leak. The bonding between the enzyme pellet and a hydrogel layer may be reinforced by application of an intervening bonding layer of a protein material, such as human serum albumin (HSA). The size of the window may be minimized by minimizing the size of an underlying electrode, providing reduced flux and lengthening sensor. A coating may be deposited on the surface of the sensor leads, providing stiffening and lubrication.