Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for infusing medicinal fluids into a patient which is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction. The apparatus embodies a novel light activated expanding polymer material which uniquely functions as an internal energy source for expelling the medicinal fluids from the device. The light polymer mass is activated by a novel light source in a manner to controllably expel fluid from the device. Further, the light actuated polymer can be specifically tailored to provide precise, predictable protocol delivery of the medicinal agent stored within the reservoir of the device. In one form of the invention, the fluid delivery apparatus is implantable within the patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a novel adjustable flow rate control means for precisely adjustably controlling the rate of fluid flow from the reservoir of the device.

Abstract: An implantable fluid delivery apparatus for infusing medicinal fluids into a patient that includes a novel heat responsive polymer gel material that, upon being heated by a heating coil uniquely functions as an internal energy source for expelling the medicinal fluids from the device.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device having a self-contained stored energy membrane for expelling fluids at a precisely controlled rate, which is of a compact, laminate construction. The device is of very low profile so that it can conveniently be used for the precise delivery of a small volume of pharmaceutical fluids, such as insulin, morphine and the like, into an ambulatory patient at precisely controlled rates over extended periods of time. The device includes strategically configured, multiple fluid chambers to achieve the maximum possible average percent of extension of the membrane and thereby assure adequate fluid delivery pressure.

Abstract: An implantable fluid delivery apparatus for infusing medicinal fluids into a patient that includes a novel basal delivery system that includes a heat responsive polymer gel material which upon being heated by heater foil uniquely functions as an internal energy source for expelling basal doses of medicinal fluids from the device. The apparatus also includes a bolus delivery system that includes a magnetically responsive polymer gel which, upon being stimulated by an electro-magnet will delivery precise bolus doses of medicinal fluids to the patient.

Abstract: An elastomeric bladder stored energy type infusion apparatus that can be filled with a medicinal fluid and, after being filled, can efficiently delivery the medicinal fluid to the patient at a selected rate. The apparatus includes a delivery component for delivering medicinal fluid to the patient and a fill component that can expeditiously be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the delivery component in the field.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel medicament dose dialing feature that allows the user to dial in the appropriate dose to be delivered to the patient. Additionally, the apparatus includes a fill assembly comprising a field fill vial that can be readily filled in the field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high volume manufacture of fluid infusion devices which embody a self-contained, stored-energy source for expelling fluids from the reservoir of the device into an ambulatory patient at precisely controlled rates over extended periods of time. In accordance with the method of the invention, the base and cover infusion components of the devices of the invention are manufactured in injection molded arrays which comprise a cover array which is superimposed over and connected to a base array with the elastomeric membrane being captured therebetween. The elastomeric membrane material, which forms the stored-energy source of the infusion devices, is continuously unrolled from a large roll of film-backed membrane material which is rotatably mounted on a turret assembly upon which a second back-up roll of elastomeric membrane material is also mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a fill assembly comprising a prefilled vial that can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the device with a selected medicinal fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluids at a precisely controlled rate which includes a fluid dispensing component having a fluid reservoir for containing the fluids to be delivered and a reservoir fill component which can be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component. The reservoir fill assembly is uniquely designed to accept a vial component of conventional construction which is factory filled with the medicinal fluid to be delivered to the patient. The dispenser component embodies a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visual indication of fluid flow status through the device.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for infusing medicinal fluids at a precisely controlled rate which includes adapter sleeve means for insuring that only a proper medicament can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the apparatus. More particularly, the apparatus includes a unique polarity adapter that will mate only with a particular delivery device and positively prevent filling the reservoir of the device with a medicament that is incompatible with the delivery profile of the device. In one form of the invention, the polarity adapter includes a novel double-ended cannula that is carried within the polarity adapter and controls filling of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An elastomeric bladder stored energy type infusion apparatus that can be filled with a medicinal fluid and, after being filled, can efficiently deliver the medicinal fluid to the patient at a selected rate. The apparatus includes a delivery component for delivering medicinal fluid to the patient and a fill component that can expeditiously be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the delivery component in the field.

Abstract: A delivery device for the administration of nutrients, drugs, vitamins, trace elements and the like to a ruminant. The device embodies a thermal expanding polymer material which, when heated by the animal's body heat functions as an internal energy source for controllably expelling the beneficial agents from the device over extended period of time of up to 200 days. The device is of a size and shape that can be introduced into the ruminant via the esophagus and is of a density such that the device will be retained within the reticulo-rumen of the animal for the effective controlled release of the beneficial agents to the animal.

Abstract: A fluid operated timing device in which the timing interval is determined by the rate at which the fluid flows through a precisely configured rate control frit upon being forced through the frit by an energy source in the form of a compressible elastomeric member.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a fill assembly comprising a prefilled vial that can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the device with a selected medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high volume manufacture of fluid infusion devices which embody a self-contained, stored-energy source for expelling fluids from the reservoir of the device into an ambulatory patient at precisely controlled rates over extended periods of time. In accordance with the method of the invention, the base and cover infusion components of the devices of the invention are manufactured in injection molded arrays which comprise a cover array which is superimposed over and connected to a base array with the elastomeric membrane being captured therebetween. The elastomeric membrane material, which forms the stored-energy source of the infusion devices, is continuously unrolled from a large roll of film-backed membrane material which is rotatably mounted on a turret assembly upon which a second back-up roll of elastomeric membrane material is also mounted.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for infusing medicinal fluids into a patient which is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction. The apparatus embodies a novel thermal expanding polymer material which uniquely functions as an internal energy source for expelling the medicinal fluids from the device. The apparatus can be used for subdermal, intradermal and intramuscular infusion of fluids and in one form of the invention, includes a novel delivery cannula having a body portion disposed within a circuitous channel formed within the base superstructure of the apparatus and a pierceable portion which extends outwardly from the base of the apparatus. By constructing the cannula in a circuitous configuration and dynamically connecting it to the base assembly, movement of the cannula relative to the base assembly is permitted thereby minimizing needle related tissue necrosis.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a novel adjustable flow rate control means for precisely adjustably controlling the rate of fluid flow from the reservoir of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a fill assembly comprising a prefilled vial that can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the device with a selected medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for infusing medicinal fluids into a patient which is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction. The apparatus embodies a novel thermal expanding polymer material which uniquely functions as an internal energy source for expelling the medicinal fluids from the device. The apparatus can be used for subdermal, intradermal and intramuscular infusion of fluids and in one form of the invention, includes a novel delivery cannula having a body portion disposed within a circuitous channel formed within the base superstructure of the apparatus and a pierceable portion which extends outwardly from the base of the apparatus. By constructing the cannula in a circuitous configuration and dynamically connecting it to the base assembly, movement of the cannula relative to the base assembly is permitted thereby minimizing needle related tissue necrosis.