Abstract: An accelerated life testing device and method including an accelerated life testing method for a test piece within a test chamber, the method including: establishing a first atmosphere within the test chamber; changing the first atmosphere to a second atmosphere to form a deposition layer on the test piece; changing the second atmosphere to the first atmosphere to remove the deposition layer from the test piece; and repeating the changing the first atmosphere to the second atmosphere and the changing the second atmosphere to the first atmosphere to form an oxidation layer on the test piece.

Abstract: An implantable medication delivery device that is highly space efficient and can reliably and safely deliver controlled medication doses to a target site. The system includes a variable volume medication reservoir that is exposed to an ambient pressure equal to the ambient pressure at a system outlet port. A pump/valve subassembly is provided to draw medication from the reservoir and force a medication dose along a fluid transfer passageway to the outlet port. The pump/valve subassembly incorporates a safety mechanism, e.g., a balanced valve, which normally blocks medication flow to the outlet port and opens only in response to a pump induced unbalancing force. A protective shell is also disclosed for protecting the ambient reservoir.

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. The piston comprises a first member and a second member. The first member has an external proximate side and an external distal side. The external proximate side is adapted to contact the fluid and is made of a material having a first stiffness. The second member has a first side and a second side and is at least partially disposed within the first member. The first side of the second member is adjacent to the external proximate side of the first member and is made of a material having a stiffness which is greater than the first stiffness.

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. The piston comprises a first member and a second member. The first member has an external proximate side and an external distal side. The external proximate side is adapted to contact the fluid and is made of a material having a first stiffness. The second member has a first side and a second side and is at least partially disposed within the first member. The first side of the second member is adjacent to the external proximate side of the first member and is made of a material having a stiffness which is greater than the first stiffness.