Abstract: The filling status of a drug reservoir in a drug pump devices may be determined with mechanical and/or magnetic position sensor associated with a reservoir boundary.

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: Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, adjustments are made based on the flow “tail” that occurs in a piston- or plunger-type pump as relaxation of the plunger material continues to push fluid out of the drug reservoir; this residual flow eventually ceases after the plunger returns to its natural state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, adjustments are made during a “priming” stage when liquid is pumped through the internal fluid path but does not exit the pump.

Abstract: Drug-delivery devices may utilize electrolysis pumps to push a plunger so as to deliver drug from a reservoir. The volume and/or rate of drug delivery may be monitored based on pressure measurements in the pump chamber. Pressure signatures characteristic of end-of-dose and occlusion events may be used to detect when plunger movement stops.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. Depending on the mode of operation, fluid may be dispensed continuously or in discrete pulses, and the manner of adjustment or calibration may be tailored to the operational mode in use.

Abstract: Drug-delivery devices for subcutaneous injections may be provided with pre-filled drug reservoirs and/or integrated needle-insertion mechanisms to increase ease of use of the devices. Certain device configurations include a needle disposed above or below the drug vial, parallel to the bottom wall of the device, with the needle-insertion mechanism placed at least partially side-by side with the vial.

Abstract: Drug pump devices with syringe or pen-injection configurations may utilize pre-filled drug vials or cartridges; the prefilled vials may be equipped with mechanisms for stirring their contents and/or changing a chemical environment therein to improve therapies. To facilitate combination therapies, multiple drug pump devices may be assembled into a larger system. Lancet insertion devices for use in conjunction with the drug pump devices may feature improved safety characteristics and/or mechanisms for minimizing pain and discomfort.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a needle is employed in refilling drug-delivery devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.

Abstract: Drug pump devices may be remotely controlled and/or reprogrammed by a smartphone or other wireless handheld device.

Abstract: Elastomeric check valves for use, e.g., in small pump devices, may include a molded elastomeric valve body forming a pocket that extends from an opening at the valve inlet to a terminus inside the valve body, and having a slit extending from the terminus to a valve outlet.

Abstract: Electrolytically driven drug pump devices may be configured so as to ensure sustained contact of the electrolysis electrodes with the electrolyte, thereby improving the reliability and/or pump capacity of the devices.

Abstract: In piston-pump drug-delivery devices, changes in friction between the piston and vial in which it moves may be reduced and/or compensated for by suitable surface coatings and/or feedback control.

Abstract: Drug pump devices may be remotely controlled and/or reprogrammed by a smartphone or other wireless handheld device.

Abstract: The filling status of a drug reservoir in a drug pump devices may be determined with mechanical and/or magnetic position sensor associated with a reservoir boundary.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, and means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula. Circuitry for controlling the means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula may be included.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. A valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the device may be included.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a drug-delivery device includes a skin patch with an integral delivery vehicle adherable to a patient's skin. An exterior surface of the patch defines an envelope within which is disposed a programmable drug pump including a reservoir, a cannula for conducting liquid from the reservoir to the delivery vehicle, and a mechanism for forcing liquid from the reservoir through the cannula and into the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient includes a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The device and related methods may provide such features as constant-flow operation, an electrolytic mode of pumping, and/or wireless communication.