Abstract: A portable osmotic pump, having two pouches (4,3) in pressure-transmitting relationship, the first (4) containing a pumped fluid, such as infusate (5), and the second (3), a driving fluid (36). The driving fluid is created and pressurized by activation of an osmotic pump, and the rate of infusion is controlled by a semipermeable membrane (10). Activation can be by rupturing a seal (11) or by opening a closed tube (58) to permit permeant (2) to contact the semipermeable membrane. Pulses of the pumped fluid can be achieved by delivery pulses of the permeant to the second pouch. The pouches can be designed to resist collapse of the first pouch by external forces on the pumped liquid, such as gravity, movement of the first pouch and negative pressures applied to the pumped liquid. The infusate pouch is manufactured separately and can be stored apart from the rest of the system.

Abstract: A portable pump, useful for medical and non-medical uses, has two pouches (3, 4) in pressure transmitting relationship, the first (4) containing an infusate (5) and the second (3), a driving medium (2). The driving medium is pressurized in any of a variety of ways, including activation of osmotic pump, electrochemical reaction (19), release of pressurized fluid or gas (21, 23) or mechanical means (24). The rate of infusion is controlled by a rate controller (18). The infusate pouch is separately manufactured and can be stored apart of the rest of the system. Pulses of pumped fluid can also be delivered according to one aspect of the invention (18, 40).

Abstract: A portable infusion device assembly, having two pouches in pressure transmitting relationship, the first containing infusate and the second, a driving medium. The driving medium is pressurized by activation of osmotic pump, electrochemical reaction, release of pressurized fluid or gas or mechanical means and the rate of infusion is controlled by a rate controlling means. The infusate pouch is separately manufactured and can be stored apart of the rest of the system.

Abstract: A portable osmotic infusion device assembly, having two pouches in pressure transmitting relationship, the first containing infusate and the second, a driving fluid. The driving fluid is created and pressurized by activation of an osmotic pump, and the rate of infusion is controlled by a rate-controlling means. The infusate pouch is manufactured separately and can be stored apart from the rest of the system.

Abstract: A portable infusion device assembly where the drug is contained in a separate or separatable pouch in pressure transmitting relationship with a driving medium. The driving medium is pressurized by activation of osmotic pump, and the rate of delivery of the drug is regulated by a rate controlling means. Manufacture and sterilization of the infusate containing pouch separately from the other components of the systems to facilitates construction of sterile infusion pumps and provides an additional measure of safety.

Abstract: A means for elimination or compression of trapped air spaces in osmotically powered pumps is disclosed in which the housing of the pump is constructed of movable portions so that movement of the said housing portions will force air out of the device or compress it to such an extent that activation of the pump will result in the minimum lag time between activation of the pump and infusate flow.

Abstract: A portable infusion device assembly, having two side-by-side compartments, the first containing the drug or agent to be infused and an osmotic pump, and the second containing the driving liquid for the pump. The two chambers are separated during storage by a barrier. When the barrier is ruptured, the driving fluid is carried by means of a wick to the osmotic pump. The drug is then forced out of the device by the pressure developed by the osmotic pump. The assembly is characterized by a very flat profile, and is light, comfortable, and inconspicuous in use.

Abstract: A corrective and protective knee brace wherein the upper and lower portions of the brace are connected together in such a manner that the flexing movement of the brace closely simulates the rolling and sliding movement of the human knee. The simulated knee movement is accomplished in the brace by a novel roller and inclined plane mechanism which coacts with flexible interconnecting cables. The upper portion of the knee brace includes a pair of pressure pads for engagement with opposite sides of the wearer's leg above the knee, and the lower portion of the brace includes a pair of pressure pads for engagement with opposite sides of the wearer's leg below the knee. The brace is provided with a toggle mechanism that is operable after the brace has been positioned on the leg to cause the upper and lower pressure pads to exert inward pressure above and below the knee.