Reservoir connector

• US 20020173748A1
• Filed: 10/10/2001
• Published: 11/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Srisathapat, Chad, Adair, Randy W., Moberg, Sheldon, McConnell, Susan
• Application Number:
  US09/974,312
• Publication Number:
  US 20020173748A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/167.02
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/14 Details; Accessories therefor A61J7/00 takes precedence; openers B65D, B67B7/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/201 having one piercing end
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2051 having tap means, e.g. tap means activated by sliding
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2055 having gripping means
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2075 for external venting
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2082 for gas filtration
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2089 Containers or vials which are to be joined to each other in order to mix their contents combinations of vial and syringe for mixing their contents A61J1/2096
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2096 Combination of a vial and a syringe for transferring or mixing their contents
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1623 Details of air intake
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/04 having pierceable self-sealing members
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/10 Tube connectors; Tube couplings A61M39/02 takes precedence; connecting needles to syringes or hubs A61M5/34; connecting catheter tubes to hubs A61M25/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/14 for connecting tubes having sealed ends needle sets A61M5/162; having valves closing automatically on disconnection of line A61M39/26
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/162 Needle sets, i.e. connections by puncture between reservoir and tube ; Connections between reservoir and tube in jet-action syringes A61M5/30; connectors for tubes having sealed ends and a needle for piercing them A61M39/14

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir.

Claims

1. An apparatus for connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, the apparatus comprising:

a conduit portion;

a piercing member coupled to the conduit portion and adapted to pierce the septum; and

a reservoir connector portion coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member;

wherein the open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing member pierces the septum when so coupled such that the piercing member and the conduit portion can conduct a fluid.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit portion comprises a luer connector.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing member extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.

9. A method of connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, comprising the steps of:

releasably coupling a reservoir connector portion comprising an open-ended cylindrical member to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to a conduit portion and the conduit portion is coupled to a piercing member; and

piercing the septum with the piercing member when releasably coupling such that the piercing member and the conduit portion can conduct a fluid.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the conduit portion comprises a luer connector.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing member extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the conduit means comprises a luer connector.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing means extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit means by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the reservoir connector means is coupled to the conduit means by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.

24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.

17. An apparatus for connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, comprising:

a conduit means;

a piercing means for piercing the septum coupled to the conduit means; and

a reservoir connector means coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member;

wherein the open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing means pierces the septum when so coupled such that the piercing means and the conduit means can conduct a fluid.