Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve a refill apparatus comprising at least one pump, a plurality of reservoirs, a plurality of reservoir fluid channels each associated with one of the reservoirs, a plurality of valves, each having a cracking pressure, for fluidically sealing the reservoir fluid channels and the outlet fluid channel, an outlet fluid channel fluidically connected to the reservoir fluid channels, and a needle having a lumen in fluid communication with the outlet fluid channel. A parameter such as a pressure level is monitored, and one or more pumps and various ones of the valves are actuated in accordance with a protocol comprising a sequence of steps whereby fluidic pathways are opened between different ones of the reservoirs and the needle in a washing and filling sequence, each of the steps being associated with an expected pressure level.

Abstract: Tubular polymeric structures are formed by creating a convex mold conforming to a fluid pathway design, depositing a coating of polymer over the mold, and in situ removing the mold without drawing it against the polymer. The resulting structures are fabricated with flow-altering features.

Abstract: Microscale valves for use in, e.g., micropump devices, may be formed of a slitted diaphragm bonded o the interior of a valve tube. A bump in the diaphragm and/or a backward-leakage stopper may increase the breakdown pressure of the valve. A push-rod may be used to pre-load the valve membrane to thereby increase the cracking pressure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, welding washers are utilized to establish electrical connections between electrically conductive wires and electrically conductive pins.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool is employed in filling a drug-delivery device. The tool may include, for example, a needle that is admitted through a fill port of the drug-delivery device.

Abstract: An implantable device has an outer shell that includes an aperture through the housing of the device and, spanning the aperture, a membrane structure permeable to gas but not to liquid. In this way, excess gas may be vented from the device. The membrane and aperture are designed to discourage or even prevent tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: Microscale valves for use in, e.g., micropump devices, may be formed of a slitted diaphragm bonded o the interior of a valve tube. A bump in the diaphragm and/or a backward-leakage stopper may increase the breakdown pressure of the valve. A push-rod may be used to pre-load the valve membrane to thereby increase the cracking pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.

Abstract: Microscale valves for use in, e.g., micropump devices, may be formed of a slitted diaphragm bonded to the interior of a valve tube. A bump in the diaphragm and/or a backward-leakage stopper may increase the breakdown pressure of the valve. A push-rod may be used to pre-load the valve membrane to thereby increase the cracking pressure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an implantable pump includes a cannula. The pump (e.g., the cannula thereof) may include, for example, flow sensors, pressure sensors, filters, and/or other components.

Abstract: Implanted drug pump devices can be refilled with a refill needle inserted through a fill port in the drug reservoir of the drug pump device. Proper needle insertion may be verified visually or using electrical, magnetic, optical, acoustic, or other suitable sensing mechanisms.

Abstract: A removable material is deposited or otherwise applied to a flat substrate surface in a pattern corresponding to desired corrugations in a membrane, e.g., a deflection diaphragm. The applied material serves as a scaffold for a polymeric material, which is applied thereover, and following cure or hardening, the polymeric material is removed to form a finished corrugated membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve a refill apparatus comprising at least one pump, a plurality of reservoirs, a plurality of reservoir fluid channels each associated with one of the reservoirs, a plurality of valves, each having a cracking pressure, for fluidically sealing the reservoir fluid channels and the outlet fluid channel, an outlet fluid channel fluidically connected to the reservoir fluid channels, and a needle having a lumen in fluid communication with the outlet fluid channel. A parameter such as a pressure level is monitored, and one or more pumps and various ones of the valves are actuated in accordance with a protocol comprising a sequence of steps whereby fluidic pathways are opened between different ones of the reservoirs and the needle in a washing and filling sequence, each of the steps being associated with an expected pressure level.

Abstract: In various embodiments, actuation of a drug-delivery pump is controlled based on a change in a condition of the pump.

Abstract: Tubular polymeric structures are formed by creating a convex mold conforming to a fluid pathway design, depositing a coating of polymer over the mold, and in situ removing the mold without drawing it against the polymer. The resulting structures are fabricated with flow-altering features.

Abstract: Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system for receiving wireless power includes a magnetic core and a plurality of layers of unbraided electrical conductors wrapped around the magnetic core. Each unbraided electrical conductor includes a first endpoint and a second endpoint; the first endpoint and the second endpoint are electrically connected to a circuit to provide power thereto, and two of the unbraided electrical conductors are electrically insulated from each other between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. The system may include a biocompatible, magnetically transparent, rigid polymer casing surrounding the magnetic core and at least a portion of the electrical conductors.

Abstract: In various embodiments, actuation of a drug-delivery pump is controlled based on a change in a condition of the pump.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool is employed in filling a drug-delivery device. The tool may include, for example, a needle that is admitted through a fill port of the drug-delivery device.