Abstract: A medical device pump with a housing with a compartment for removably receiving a cartridge containing a therapeutic agent, a conduit configured to operatively provide a fluid flow path for therapeutic agent to exit from the cartridge, a user activated delivery button, a trigger mechanism, and a mechanical pump mechanism. The trigger mechanism, user activated delivery button and mechanical pump mechanism of the medical device pump are configured such that the trigger mechanism is activated by a user fully activating the user activated delivery button. Moreover, such full activation generates mechanical power employed by, and sufficient for, the mechanical pump mechanism to pump a predetermined volume of therapeutic agent from the cartridge and through the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The invention provides related apparatus and methods of making an integrated electrospray tip by depositing ionic and/or electronic conductor materials onto a planar substrate. The invention also features methods of forming an electrospray apparatus comprising coupling a first planar substrate to the surface of a second planar substrate, wherein a surface on at least one of the substrates includes one or more microfluidic channels and/or reservoirs which are at least partially or totally enclosed therebetween. The conductive regions of the apparatus do not intersect the microfluidic channels within other portions of the apparatus provided preferably. The invention further provides related apparatus and methods for manufacturing and using microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes for electrospray ionization.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrokinetic element is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane adapted for use in an electrokinetic pump and encapsulating the porous membrane within a polymer substrate to yield an electrokinetic element base member having the porous membrane encapsulated by the polymer. In one embodiment, the method can include laminating the porous membrane between opposed sheets of a polymer before the step of encapsulating. The method can also include cutting the electrokinetic element base member into a plurality of slices and assembling an electrokinetic infusion pump by inserting a slice into a chamber of the pump.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods associated with infusion pumps, which can optionally utilize an electrokinetic driving mechanism. Infusion pumps, including electrokinetically-driven pumps, are discussed, along with schemes for controlling their operation. As well, systems and methods of detecting malfunctions in infusion pumps are discussed. Any number of malfunctions can be detected including the presence of occlusions and/or leaks. In some instances, a measurement associated with some aspect of electrokinetic phenomena (e.g., an electrode measurement such as voltage or current) is compared with one or more sample values, the comparison allowing an indication of pump malfunction to be determined. A variety of such measurements and comparison techniques are discussed in the present disclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides related apparatus and methods of making an integrated electrospray tip by depositing ionic and/or electronic conductor materials onto a planar substrate. The invention also features methods of forming an electrospray apparatus comprising coupling a first planar substrate to the surface of a second planar substrate, wherein a surface on at least one of the substrates includes one or more microfluidic channels and/or reservoirs which are at least partially or totally enclosed therebetween. The conductive regions of the apparatus do not intersect the microfluidic channels within other portions of the apparatus provided preferably. The invention further provides related apparatus and methods for manufacturing and using microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes for electrospray ionization.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting occlusions and fluid-loss conditions (e.g., disconnects and/or leakages) in an infusion pump are discussed. For example, electrokinetic infusion pumps may develop an occlusion in the fluid flow path, which can disrupt control of fluid dispersed from the pump. As well, an infusion set disconnect can also result in a fluid-loss that can be disruptive. Such disruptions can be troublesome to systems that control the infusion pump, such as closed loop controllers. Accordingly, systems and methods described herein can be used to detect such occlusions and fluid-loss conditions during infusion pump operation. For example, a position sensor can be used to monitor fluid flow from the infusion pump, with the measurement being compared with an expected value to detect an occlusion or fluid-loss condition. Other algorithms for utilizing the position sensor are also described.

Abstract: An infusion pump (e.g., an electrokinetic infusion pump) includes an infusion pump module and an engine that can drive a moveable piston non-mechanically. In addition, the infusion pump module includes a position detector configured for sensing a dispensing state of the infusion pump module. Such information can be utilized in a control scheme to control fluid displacement within and out of the pump. Descriptions of different types of position detectors, such as magnetic sensors (e.g., an anisotropic magnetic resistive sensor), and their implementation in detecting infusion pump fluid displacement are described.

Abstract: An infusion pump (e.g., an electrokinetic infusion pump) includes an infusion pump module and an engine that can drive a moveable piston non-mechanically. In addition, the infusion pump module includes a position detector configured for sensing a dispensing state of the infusion pump module. Such information can be utilized in a control scheme to control fluid displacement within and out of the pump. Descriptions of different types of position detectors, such as magnetic sensors (e.g., an anisotropic magnetic resistive sensor), and their implementation in detecting infusion pump fluid displacement are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting occlusions and fluid-loss conditions (e.g., disconnects and/or leakages) in an infusion pump are discussed. For example, electrokinetic infusion pumps may develop an occlusion in the fluid flow path, which can disrupt control of fluid dispersed from the pump. As well, an infusion set disconnect can also result in a fluid-loss that can be disruptive. Such disruptions can be troublesome to systems that control the infusion pump, such as closed loop controllers. Accordingly, systems and methods described herein can be used to detect such occlusions and fluid-loss conditions during infusion pump operation. For example, a position sensor can be used to monitor fluid flow from the infusion pump, with the measurement being compared with an expected value to detect an occlusion or fluid-loss condition. Other algorithms for utilizing the position sensor are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides related apparatus and methods of making an integrated electrospray tip by depositing ionic and/or electronic conductor materials onto a planar substrate. The invention also features methods of forming an electrospray apparatus comprising coupling a first planar substrate to the surface of a second planar substrate, wherein a surface on at least one of the substrates includes one or more microfluidic channels and/or reservoirs which are at least partially or totally enclosed therebetween. The conductive regions of the apparatus do not intersect the microfluidic channels within other portions of the apparatus provided preferably. The invention further provides related apparatus and methods for manufacturing and using microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes for electrospray ionization.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip formed with multiple fluid channels terminating at a tapered electrospray ionization tip for mass spectrometric analysis. The fluid channels may be formed onto a channel plate that are in fluid communication with corresponding reservoirs. The electrospray tip can be formed along a defined distal portion of the channel plate that can include a single or multiple tapered surfaces. The fluid channels may terminate at an open-tip region of the electrospray tip. A covering plate may substantially enclose most portions of the fluid channels formed on the channel plate except for the open-tip region. Another aspect of the invention provides methods for conducting mass spectrometric analysis of multiple samples flowing through individual fluid channels in a single microfluidic chip that is formed with a tapered electrospray tip having an open-tip region.

Abstract: The invention provides related apparatus and methods of making an integrated electrospray tip by depositing ionic and/or electronic conductor materials onto a planar substrate. The invention also features methods of forming an electrospray apparatus comprising coupling a first planar substrate to the surface of a second planar substrate, wherein a surface on at least one of the substrates includes one or more microfluidic channels and/or reservoirs which are at least partially or totally enclosed therebetween. The conductive regions of the apparatus do not intersect the microfluidic channels within other portions of the apparatus provided preferably. The invention further provides related apparatus and methods for manufacturing and using microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes for electrospray ionization.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for coating at least a portion of a hydrophobic surface, including the surfaces of plastics or other polymers. Such methods include the use of a first coating layer and/or region that interacts with the hydrophobic surface, although the formation of a chemical bond between the first coating layer and the hydrophobic surface is not required. Subsequent layers may then interact chemically or non-chemically with at least a portion of the first coating layer and/or region. Such coated surfaces may be part of a device or apparatus, including microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices provide substances to a mass spectrometer. The microfluidic devices include first and second surfaces, at least one microchannel formed by the surfaces, and an outlet at an edge of the surfaces which is recessed back from an adjacent portion of the edge. Hydrophilic surfaces and/or hydrophobic surfaces guide substances out of the outlet. A source of electrical potential can help move substances through the microchannel, separate substances and/or provide electrospray ionization.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices provide substances to a mass spectrometer. The microfluidic devices include a substrate having at least one microchannel, a cover arranged on a surface of the microchannel, and at least one electrical potential source. Some embodiments include a microchannel widened at an outlet. Other embodiments position the electrical potential source along a surface of the cover. Still other embodiments include a well in which an electrode and a membrane are disposed. The various embodiments provide stable electrospray ionization of substances from a microfluidic device to a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having integrated components for conducting chemical operations. Depending upon the desired application, the components include electrodes for manipulating charged entities, heaters, electrochemical detectors, sensors for temperature, pH, fluid flow, and other useful components. The device may be fabricated from a plastic substrate such as, for example, a substantially saturated norbornene based polymer. The components are integrated into the device by adhering an electrically conductive film to the substrate. The film may be made of metal or an electrically conducting ink and is applied to the device through metal deposition, printing, or other methods for applying films. Methods for reducing bubble formation during electrokinetic separation and methods for heating material in a microfluidic device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip formed with multiple fluid channels terminating at a tapered electrospray ionization tip for mass spectrometric analysis. The fluid channels may be formed onto a channel plate that are in fluid communication with corresponding reservoirs. The electrospray tip can be formed along a defined distal portion of the channel plate that can include a single or multiple tapered surfaces. The fluid channels may terminate at an open-tip region of the electrospray tip. A covering plate may substantially enclose most portions of the fluid channels formed on the channel plate except for the open-tip region. Another aspect of the invention provides methods for conducting mass spectrometric analysis of multiple samples flowing through individual fluid channels in a single microfluidic chip that is formed with a tapered electrospray tip having an open-tip region.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices provide substances to a mass spectrometer. The microfluidic devices include first and second surfaces, at least one microchannel formed by the surfaces, and an outlet at an edge of the surfaces. Some embodiments also include a tip surface with one or more surface features for helping guide substances from the outlet of the device toward a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, the surface feature(s) includes a groove, which may be hydrophilic along all or part of its length. Hydrophilic surfaces and/or hydrophobic surfaces may also help guide substances out of the outlet and/or toward the mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, the outlet and/or the tip surface is recessed back from an adjacent portion of the edge. A source of electrical potential can help move substances through the microchannel, separate substances and/or provide electrospray ionization.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices provide substances to a mass spectrometer. The microfluidic devices include first and second surfaces, at least one microchannel formed by the surfaces, and an outlet at an edge of the surfaces which is recessed back from an adjacent portion of the edge. Hydrophilic surfaces and/or hydrophobic surfaces guide substances out of the outlet. A source of electrical potential can help move substances through the microchannel, separate substances and/or provide electrospray ionization.

Abstract: A microdevice having integrated components for conducting chemical operations. Depending upon the desired application, the components include electrodes for manipulating charged entities, heaters, electrochemical detectors, sensors for temperature, pH, fluid flow, and the like. The device is fabricated from a plastic substrate that is comprised of a substantially saturated norbornene based polymer. The components are integrated into the device by adhering an electrically conductive film to the substrate. The film is made of metal or ink and is applied to the device through metal deposition or printing.