Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a pump configured to deliver insulin, a wireless communication port, a controller, and a housing to enclose the apparatus. The controller is configured to communicate with a second device via the communication port using an open standard wireless communication protocol. The housing includes a mechanical coupling to slidably engage the second device which includes a second wireless communication port. Slidably engaging the second device positions the first and second communication ports opposite each other to allow communication via the first and second communication ports when slidably engaged.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medication pump for use with a medication cartridge that is loaded using a drive rod of the medication pump. In one embodiment, the drive rod includes an interface structure defining a first channel where the first channel has an axial portion disposed parallel to an axis of the drive rod and a locking portion disposed in a circumferential direction around an outer surface of the drive rod. In another embodiment of the invention, the drive rod includes a visual indicator at an interface end of the drive rod, so that when the interface structure of the drive rod is coupled to a plunger of a medication cartridge, the visual indicator will not be seen, to provide a way to check for secure coupling of the drive rod to the plunger. In its embodiment, the outer housing of the medication pump includes a window into a cartridge housing to allow a view of the visual indicator if it is not attached to the plunger.

Abstract: Sensors are described that may be provided in a medication pump. A magnetic sensor detects rotation of an element that is rotated by a motor, where a magnet covers a portion of the element. A light sensor may also be provided that detects if a cartridge is present in a cartridge chamber. A medication cartridge includes an opaque area at its open end for use with the light sensor. Methods of using these sensors to operate the pump area also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medication pump, a cartridge for use in a medication pump, a pump cap for use with a medication pump, components of the cartridge and methods of use of these devices. A cartridge includes a plunger having a tab that projects from an interior wall of the plunger. The tab can be used to lock the plunger into engagement with a drive rod of the pump. The drive rod defines a channel for receiving the tab of the plunger, where the channel includes an axial portion disposed parallel to an axis of the drive rod and a locking portion disposed in a circumferential direction around an outer surface of the drive rod. A similar channel structure can be provided on a removable fill rod used while filling the cartridge. The cartridge axially inserted into a cartridge chamber and then is rotated into engagement with the drive rod. The cartridge may also include axial guides at one end that interface with a guides on pump cap.

Abstract: Sensors are described that may be provided in a medication pump. A magnetic sensor detects rotation of an element that is rotated by a motor, where a magnet covers a portion of the element. A light sensor may also be provided that detects if a cartridge is present in a cartridge chamber. A medication cartridge includes an opaque area at its open end for use with the light sensor. Methods of using these sensors to operate the pump area also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medication pump, a cartridge for use in a medication pump, a pump cap for use with a medication pump, components of the cartridge and methods of use of these devices. A cartridge includes a plunger having a tab that projects from an interior wall of the plunger. The tab can be used to lock the plunger into engagement with a drive rod of the pump. The drive rod defines a channel for receiving the tab of the plunger, where the channel includes an axial portion disposed parallel to an axis of the drive rod and a locking portion disposed in a circumferential direction around an outer surface of the drive rod. A similar channel structure can be provided on a removable fill rod used while filling the cartridge. The cartridge axially inserted into a cartridge chamber and then is rotated into engagement with the drive rod. The cartridge may also include axial guides at one end that interface with a guides on pump cap.

Abstract: A safety cap cover for use with a medication pump and a method for using a pump are described, where the cap cover makes the pump is more difficult for a child to open. The cap cover according to the present invention is configured to reversibly attach to and enclose a pump cap of a medication pump. The cap cover is movable from a first state to a second state on the pump cap. In the first state, the safety cap cover rotates freely around the pump cap. In the second state, the cap cover contacts an exterior surface of the pump cap so that the user can apply torque on the pump cap through the cap cover to rotate the pump cap. Preferably, the safety cap cover is moved from the first state to the second state by applying a radially inward force on opposing sides of the cap cover.