Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable infusion pump comprising a housing, a base plate, a propellant chamber, a bellows having an internal volume for receiving a medicament to be administered to a patient, a constriction segment leading to a catheter placed in the body of the patient and communicating with the bellows internal volume, a resonant circuit formed by a coil, and a capacitor detecting the distance between a bottom surface of the bellows and the base plate. The coil is mounted on or in a bottom surface of the base plate and pointing towards the bellows bottom surface such that an inductance of the coil and a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit is a function of the distance between the bellows bottom surface the base plate.

Abstract: A medical device known as a catheter is configured with a variable infusion rate to deliver a therapeutic substance such as pharmaceutical compositions, genetic materials, and biologics to treat a variety of medical conditions such as pain, spastisity, cancer, and other diseases in humans and other animals. The variable infusion rate catheter provides clinician with increased flexibility, versatility, and many other improvements. The variable infusion rate catheter has a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) flow restriction with a variable infusion rate. The MEMS flow restriction is fluidly coupled to the catheter to receive therapeutic substance dispensed from a therapeutic substance delivery device and restrict the therapeutic substance flow to a desired infusion rate. Many embodiments of the variable infusion rate catheter and its methods of operation are possible.

Abstract: An infusion system packaged in a light weight nylon portable mesh container, which is also the pump of the system, includes a removable therapy bag holding the Rx to be infused into the patient. A bladder within the pump is inflatable to provide pressure onto the therapy bag to aid in the discharge of the Rx. When filling the therapy bag, the pharmacist, using his computer to comply with standards, simultaneously programs an EPROM with data specifying the Rx as well as instructions for dispensing the Rx. In one embodiment of the invention, the EPROM fits into a docking receptacle in the pump, while in a second embodiment the EPROM is integral with the therapy bag. A microcomputer mounted in the pump is programmed to control the flow of the Rx to the patient, reading the data from the EPROM in generating the control signals. The microcomputer cyclically drives a fluid control module which outputs a fixed amount of Rx for each cycle of operation.

Abstract: A multiple-dose bottle with dosage nozzle for liquids, particularly for pharmaceutical products, is deformable and has a nozzle (2) which comprises a valve (3) made of flexible material which can be coupled to the mouth (4) of the bottle (1) and has a plurality of passages (5) for the flow of the liquid and a cap (6) made of substantially rigid material which is fitted hermetically on the valve (3) and is provided, in an upward region, with a dispensing opening (7), compression of the bottle (1) producing the compression of the valve (3), the flow of the liquid between the valve (3) and the cap (6), and the release of the liquid through the dispensing opening (7).

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, and a dispenser including at least two laminated layers of material defining a passageway connected to the exit port assembly, and an expandable accumulator in fluid communication with the passageway for controlling fluid flow from a reservoir to the exit port assembly. The laminated construction provides many benefits including simplifying the design and manufacturing of the device, in order to further reduce the size, complexity and costs of the device so that the device lends itself to being small and disposable in nature.

Abstract: An implantable infusion pump to deliver stored infusate to a desired fluid delivery site. The pump includes a collapsible fluid chamber. The pump can include a multi-stage filtration system to filter micro-emboli as well as larger particles that are inadvertently introduced into the pump system. An external member can receive the pump and provide a medium to include additional, interactive components, e.g., a bolus port, as well as provide a versatile suture structure to enable the pump to be properly secured within an implantation site. To improve volumetric efficiency, the pump can further incorporate an outlet flow passage within a movable wall of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: An anti-free flow device is disclosed for a fluid administration system (10) having a tube assembly (12) engageable with a pump (14) with one end of the tube assembly (12) connected to a source of fluid (46) and the other end in fluid flow communication with a patient. The valve device (16) comprises a tube portion (18) defining a channel (22) in-line along a portion of the tube assembly (12) and a body (20) disposed and securely retained inside the channel. Fluid flow is allowed through the tube assembly (12) whenever the tube assembly (12) is in a stretched condition, such as when the tube assembly (12) is engaged with the pump (14). However, fluid free flow is prevented whenever the tube assembly (12) is in a relaxed condition or disengaged from the pump (14).

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 infusion system packaged in a light weight nylon portable mesh container, which is also the pump of the system, includes a removable therapy bag holding the Rx to be infused into the patient. A bladder within the pump is inflatable to provide pressure onto the therapy bag to aid in the discharge of the Rx. When filling the therapy bag, the pharmacist, using his computer to comply with standards, simultaneously programs an EPROM with data specifying the Rx as well as instructions for dispensing the Rx. In one embodiment of the invention, the EPROM fits into a docking receptacle in the pump, while in a second embodiment the EPROM is integral with the therapy bag. A microcomputer mounted in the pump is programmed to control the flow of the Rx to the patient, reading the data from the EPROM in generating the control signals. The microcomputer cyclically drives a fluid control module which outputs a fixed amount of Rx for each cycle of operation.

Abstract: An bolus delivery system includes an implantable pump, a sensor for sensing an adverse patient condition, such as atrial fibrillation, and a catheter for delivery of a bolus of drug to a target area of a living body. The pump is provided with a bolus metering assembly which includes, in a preferred embodiment, an auxiliary bellows defining a bolus reservoir in addition to the main reservoir of the pump. The auxiliary bellows is selectively placed in fluid communication with the pressurized main supply of drug via an inlet valve to refill the bolus reservoir. An outlet valve is provided to permit egress of the bolus to the catheter from the bolus reservoir. A drive train including a stepper motor and a face cam selectively opens and closes the inlet and outlet valves to effect accumulation or metering and delivery of the bolus.

Abstract: This device is a reusable bacteria inhibiting hygienic device for feminine/colon and external genital cleansing suited for use while seated on the toilet or standing in a tub respectively. This device includes a rigid stationary/flexible portable container proficient in delivering a sufficient amount of douche, colon or external genital cleansing preparation. A vented cap, a volume sensitive valve, an adequate length of tubing with one end attached to a retainer cap and the other end to the top of a control valve with a backflush prevention ballcheck valve. It then connects the bottom of the ballcheck valve to a short length of tubing further onto an accessory nozzle of choice.

Abstract: A system to provide a specified volume of a medical fluid from a bulk source to a dose and/or delivery container for injection into a patient. The fluid path between the bulk container and the delivery container is physically separated at a connecting site before fluid is injected from the delivery container into the patient. The bulk container may be a bag or bottle, and the delivery container may be a syringe or bag. A bag delivery container may be contained in a pressurizeable chamber and fluid may be delivered by providing pressure to a membrane in the chamber contacting a wall of the bag. The system may be automated.

Abstract: A medical device known as a therapeutic substance delivery device is configured to with an infusion rate control to deliver a therapeutic substance such as pharmaceutical compositions, genetic materials, and biologics to treat a variety of medical conditions such as pain, spastisity, cancer, and other diseases in humans and other animals. The therapeutic substance delivery device can be configured as a single-use device that is versatile, small, inexpensive, and has many other improvements. The single-use device has a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) flow restriction with a variable infusion rate. The MEMS flow restriction is fluidly coupled to a reservoir outlet to receive therapeutic substance dispensed from the single-use reservoir at the reservoir rate and restrict the therapeutic substance flow to a desired infusion rate. The single-use reservoir is configured for controlled collapse to dispense therapeutic substance from the reservoir at a reservoir rate through a reservoir outlet.

Abstract: A liquid medicament dispenser for controlled infusion delivery of liquid medication to a patient. The dispenser includes an elastomeric bladder for housing the liquid medication, an inlet in communication with the bladder for receiving the liquid medication into the bladder, and an outlet in communication with the bladder for discharging the liquid medication into an infusion tube for delivering the liquid medication to the patient. A flow regulator for controlling flow rate of the liquid medication through the infusion tube includes a flow rate adjuster with a manually operable adjuster knob for setting flow rate and an encasement housing releasably securable about the adjuster knob for impeding access to the adjuster once the proper rate has been set.

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 delivery apparatus for infusing medicinal fluids into a patient that includes a novel electroresponsive polymer gel material that, upon being stimulated by an electrical field, uniquely functions as an internal energy source for expelling the medicinal fields from the device.

Abstract: A portable painkilling system comprises: a first continuous injector (1) for liquid medicine which continuously discharges liquid medicine through a control path (131) in an outlet portion (13) for a given period of time; a flexible, elastic reservoir (3) connected to the outlet portion (13) of the first continuous injector (1) for liquid medicine at one end thereof, the reservoir (3) being adapted to constrict in a normal condition and to expand when liquid medicine from the first continuous injector (1) is being charged into the reservoir (3) so as to contain a maximum quantity of liquid medicine; and a second continuous injector (2) for liquid medicine having an inlet portion (22) connected to the other end (32) of the reservoir (3), the second continuous injector (2) being adapted to receive liquid medicine from the reservoir (3) and to continuously discharge liquid medicine stored in the second continuous injector (2) through a control path (231) in an outlet portion (23) for a given period of time.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing having an internal reservoir in communication with a drug delivery outlet via a fluid path. An expandable chamber disposed adjacent to the reservoir forces drug from the reservoir to the outlet when supplied with a gas. A flow regulating chamber, in communication with the fluid path, is capable of volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure changes. An increase in the volume of the flow regulating chamber increases flow resistance to the outlet and thereby counteracts the corresponding increase in delivery rate resulting from the expansion of the expandable chamber due to the same volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical circuit has a current stabilizing element in electrical communication with an electrolytic cell which supplies the gas. A throttling device maintains a higher pressure in the device to reduce possible clogging of the fluid path.

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: A catheter for use in vasculature or other body lumen includes a fluid injection bypass tube, leading to a elastically compressible pump bulb. Upon compression of the pump bulb, fluid such as contrast solution is injected through a one-way valve, into the catheter manifold lumen, and ultimately to the distal end of the catheter lumen, and into the patient vasculature. The one-way valve between the pump bulb and the catheter lumen has a threshold pressure to prevent unintended aspiration of fluid from the pump bulb during aspiration of fluid from the catheter itself.

Abstract: A catheter flushing device includes a chamber covered with a movable member (e.g., a flexible diaphragm) that can be compressed by exertion of pressure on the diaphragm; and a valve having a first position allowing fluid from a fluid source to fill the chamber, and a second position allowing fluid from the chamber to flow through the catheter when pressure is exerted on the movable member. In particular, the catheter flushing device includes a housing having a cylindrical valve opening, an inlet port for connection with the fluid source, and an outlet port for connection with the catheter. The chamber is defined by a flexible diaphragm sealed about a region of the housing. The chamber can be compressed by manually exerting pressure on the diaphragm by means of a thumb or finger. A passageway extends through the housing from the chamber to the valve opening.

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: The medicine reservoir contains medicine and a bag and may have flat or any other shape. A user programmable controller controls a pump on when and how much air or any kind of fluid is pumped into the bag. The bag then presses the same volume of medicine out of the reservoir into the user's body at approximately the same time. Pumping air requires little power so that the pump and the batteries have small weight and size. Hence, the apparatus is light, small, and flat to be attached to the user. The user feels like to use a large Band-Aid.

Abstract: A disposable device is provided which accurately and reliably delivers an infusable liquid to a patient. The infusion device includes a housing which defines a bladder chamber. A compressible bladder is disposed in the bladder chamber and is compressed by the housing upon filling the bladder with an infusable liquid to create a pressurized bladder. The infusion devices further includes a delivery system for subcutaneously delivering the infusable liquid to a body. The delivery system includes a collapsible member that supports an injection needle and a cannula. The injection needle is used to insert the cannula into the skin of the body being treated. The cannula is in communication with the bladder during delivery of the infusable liquid. The housing includes microfluidic passageways that allow communication between fluid in the bladder and the cannula.

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: Novel ports to be placed within medical patients for dispensing liquid medication and related methods are disclosed, each port comprising an interior variable volume reservoir for receiving and temporarily storing the liquid medication.

Abstract: Provided is an infusion cannula modified to incorporate one of more medicinal agents. The infusion cannula has a tube having an inner lumen and an external surface, and is made of a flexible, biologically compatible elastomeric material, with a coating adhered to the external surface of the tube. The coating contains a medicinal agent in a polymer matrix. Preferably, the polymer is capable of sustained release of the medicinal agent. The infusion cannula can be produced by coating a tube with a medicinal agent in a polymer matrix. In some embodiments, the coating involves dipping the tube into the polymer matrix, or spraying or painting the polymer matrix onto the tube. Additionally provided is a method for infusing a substance into a subject by inserting the cannula into subcutaneous tissue of the subject and delivering the substance into the cannula, thereby infusing the substance into the subject through the cannula.

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: It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an automated system based on an integral fluid bag for administering a variety of intravenous drug regimens and reducing the vagaries of existing manual systems. The fluid has multiple chambers configured to implement a prescribed intravenous medical therapy. Each chamber's geometry (size, shape), sequence and position, alone and in combination with the other chambers, matches the prescribed intravenous therapy or drug regimen. The bag's configuration assures that the intravenous therapy is administered in accordance with the prescribed drug regimen, thus automating the previous manual method. A choice of fluid bag configurations may be stocked so that a prescription for well known and widely accepted drug regimens may be filled by merely selecting a bag with the appropriate chamber configuration and filling it with the prescribed medications.

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: A fluid dispensing device and its method of operation are disclosed. The device includes a feedback system which allows the device to respond in a timely and measured manner to changes in the dispensing flow rate of fluid from the device. The feedback system operates effectively even under conditions where the cause of increase or decrease in flow rate is not unequivocally known or reasonably capable of direct measurement. The device has a fluid reservoir which has an outlet which optionally may have a flow or pressure resistance unit incorporated, into the outlet, and an electric (preferably electrochemical) gas generation module or reversible pump which provides gas pressure to dispense the fluid from the reservoir. A sensor is provided for detection and measurement of an internal or external operating parameter which is indicative of flow rate of the fluid being dispensed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved infusion pump (15). In the preferred embodiment, the infusion pump is comprised of an elastomeric hollow balloon (140) and a longitudinal member (110), the balloon having an axial and radial dimension and an open end (22), the longitudinal member (110) having an insertion member (16) extending into the hollow portion (24) of the balloon, the insertion member and the balloon being so configured that the insertion member stretches the elastomeric balloon in the radial direction, but does not stretch the balloon in an axial direction, whereby the infusion pump delivers the quantity of liquid at a substantially constant flow rate. The present invention also discloses an infusion pump comprising a hollow inert membrane (130), an insertion member extending into the hollow portion (23) of the membrane, and the insertion member and the membrane extending into the hollow portion of the balloon, such that the membrane is between the insertion member and the balloon.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.

Abstract: An infusion pump (10) includes a reservoir (18) containing a therapeutic liquid to be infused. The reservoir (18) includes an outlet (36) for the liquid. A volumetric air pump (24) is operatively associated with the reservoir (18) to pressurize the reservoir and thus drive liquid out the outlet (36). A valve (12) is operatively associated with the outlet (36) and prevents the flow of liquid through the outlet until a select threshold pressure is obtained in the outlet. The valve thereafter maintains an opening in the outlet that keeps the pressure in the reservoir (18) at substantially the select threshold pressure, whereby the volumetric flow rate of liquid through the outlet (36) is proportional to the volumetric flow rate of air from the volumetric air pump (24). The valve (12) varies the opening in the outlet to maintain the select pressure.

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 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: A system for achieving a controlled low emission rate of small volumes of liquid solutions for pest and insect management and other applications. The system has a sealed liquid solution reservoir having an outlet port, a self-powered fluid delivery micropump, and a collector for receiving a liquid solution from the sealed liquid solution reservoir. The liquid solution reservoir has a small volume capacity in the range of 1-100 mL. The micropump is a fluid transfer device capable of delivering 1-1000 microliters/hour of liquid solution. The collector has a low emission rate in the range of 0.1-2000 mg/day. The micropump and the sealed liquid solution reservoir may be contained in a single assembly. Also the entire structure of the system may be located in a single container that may be attached to a support structure.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a medication delivery device includes a force receiving member, a force applying member and a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The force applying member is operatively coupled to the force receiving member to move the force receiving member to a different position relative to the force applying member. The shape memory alloy actuator is formed from a shape memory alloy material and is operatively coupled to the force applying member. The shape memory alloy actuator is heat activated to distort the shape memory actuator from a first shape to a second shape to activate the force applying member to act upon the force receiving member to move the force receiving member to a different position relative to the force applying member. Also, the shape memory alloy actuator is returned to the first shape from the second shape after the force receiving member is moved to a different position relative to the force applying 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 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: Apparatus for timed dispensing of animal care substances to animals including an electronic dispensing controller, and a dispenser operated by the electronic dispensing controller for dispensing an animal care substance to an animal at times determined by the electronic dispensing controller.

Abstract: A disposable garment includes a chassis defining one or more openings for the legs, arms, waist or the like on a wearer. At least a portion of the chassis includes a targeted elastic material including zones of high and low elastic tension in the same material, integrated during formation of the material. The targeted elastic material is positioned so that at least one high tension zone is aligned with at least one garment opening, thereby functioning as an elastic band without requiring a separately manufactured, attached elastic band.

Abstract: An implantable pump apparatus and method of operating the implantable pump for infusing a fluid into a body are described. The implantable pump apparatus includes a support member. A pressure sensitive resistor member is disposed on a first side of the support member. A spring member includes a first end which is adjacent to the pressure sensitive resistor member. An expandable fluid reservoir member includes a first end which is adjacent to a second end of the spring member. The level of fluid within the expandable fluid reservoir member is determined by measuring a force applied to the pressure sensitive resistor member.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus includes a housing having a delivery outlet and an elastic distendable membrane for defining a chamber within the housing. Also provided is a flow rate control assembly delivery outlet. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for quickly and easily priming the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery component. Additionally, the apparatus includes a novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Further provided is a fill assembly for filling the fluid reservoir of the device with a selected medicinal fluid and locking mechanisms for preventing unauthorized tampering with the flow rate control mechanism as well as the priming mechanism.

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 supplying apparatus having a rubber elastic film (11) with fluid contained therein, an upstream tube (30), an intermediate station (40) disposed at a distal end of the upstream tube (30) and a downstream tube (27) connected to the intermediate station (40) is provided. The upstream tube (30) has two flow paths (31A and 32A) formed in a predetermined length extending in a longitudinal direction. The intermediate station (40) has a case (41), the case (41) having a fluid outlet (51) to which the downstream tube (27) is connected, a first communicating channel (52) for intercommunicating the fluid outlet (51) and one of the flow paths (31A), a reservoir (53) in communication with the other flow path (32A), a second communicating channel (55) having a check valve (54) at an intermediate portion thereof and intercommunicating the reservoir (53) and the fluid outlet (51), and a pressing member (56) for discharging the fluid stored in the reservoir (53) to the second communicating channel (55).

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 compact, small-volume, very low flow rate fluid dispensing device for precisely dispensing medicinal fluids into a patient at a very low, controlled flow rate over long periods of time. The dispensing device is readily implantable into the patient's body and includes a novel heat stimulatable polymer gel material which uniquely functions as an internal energy source for controllably expelling the medicinal fluids from the device.

Abstract: An intelligent material unit formed of an intelligent gel encapsulated within an enclosure. When the gel is actuated by a change in temperature thereof, such as heat and/or by an externally applied field such as an electrical current, electric field, magnetic field, ultrasonic energy (or sonic), microwave energy, a laser beam or a combination thereof, at least a portion of the wall of the container or enclosure is deformed to perform a mechanical function or operation; such as to valve a fluid or cause movement of the container and gel through a fluid or in a passageway. The container may be a thin-skinned flexible plastic, such as an elastomer and may be elongated or sausage-like in shape, or strip-like. It may be free travelling, cantilever-supported or otherwise mounted or attached to a device, machine or element. It may also carry a drug for delivery therefrom at a select location and time.

Abstract: A medication infusion pump includes a housing, a medication chamber defined within the housing, a medication delivery device in fluid communication with the medication chamber, a propellant chamber defined within the housing and adapted to apply a predetermined positive pressure to a medication in the medication chamber, and a non-ozone depleting, non-toxic propellant within the propellant chamber. The propellant preferably has a vapor pressure between about 11 psig and about 50 psig at 37° C.

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.