Shape memory alloy wire driven positive displacement micropump with pulsatile output
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a gear engagement member comprising a shape memory wire, the wire capable attaining at least two different material conditions, a first material condition below a transformation temperature and a second material condition above a transformation temperature, wherein the wire attains a memorized configuration such that the wire can produce a work stroke as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions;
a gear adapted to engage the gear engagement member;
a fluid pump coupled to the gear such that when the gear is engaged with the gear engagement member and actuated, the fluid pump generates a fluid flow from the work stroke produced by the wire; and
a fluid conduit adapted to couple the fluid pump to a fluid medication reservoir.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a miniature pump that includes a shape memory wire that obtains a plastic condition below a transformation temperature and has a memorized shape such that the shape memory wire produces a work stroke by returning to the memorize shape at least at the transformation temperature. A spring biased against the shape memory wire is deflected by the work stroke to deform the shape memory wire from the memorized shape below the transformation temperature. A fluid pump is coupled to the shape memory wire and driven by the biased spring and shape memory wire to produce a fluid flow. The miniature pump can be incorporated into a self-contained infusion device in the form of a compact self-adhesive patch including a fluid reservoir, control electronics and power supply that is place directly at the infusion site of a user.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a gear engagement member comprising a shape memory wire, the wire capable attaining at least two different material conditions, a first material condition below a transformation temperature and a second material condition above a transformation temperature, wherein the wire attains a memorized configuration such that the wire can produce a work stroke as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions;
a gear adapted to engage the gear engagement member;
a fluid pump coupled to the gear such that when the gear is engaged with the gear engagement member and actuated, the fluid pump generates a fluid flow from the work stroke produced by the wire; and
a fluid conduit adapted to couple the fluid pump to a fluid medication reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A fluid delivery system, comprising
a reservoir; -
a fluid pump for receiving a fluid from the reservoir and driving the fluid out a conduit;
an electronic circuit for controlling delivery of the fluid with the pump;
a gear engagement member comprising a shape memory wire, the wire capable attaining at least two different material conditions, a first material condition below a transformation temperature and a second material condition above a transformation temperature, wherein the wire and attains a memorized configuration such that the wire can produce a work stroke as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions;
a gear adapted to engage the gear engagement member, wherein the fluid pump is coupled to the gear such that when the gear is engaged with the gear engagement member and actuated, the fluid pump generates a fluid flow from the work stroke produced by the wire;
an enclosure housing the reservoir, gear, gear engagement member, pump and electronic circuit; and
an infusion set directly coupled to the conduit. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of pumping fluid, comprising the steps of:
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subjecting a shape memory wire to a first material condition, wherein the wire comprises a gear engagement member and is capable attaining at least two different material conditions, a first material condition below a transformation temperature and a second material condition above a transformation temperature, and wherein the wire and attains a memorized configuration such that the wire can produce a work stroke as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions; and
subjecting the wire to a second material condition, wherein a gear is coupled to a fluid pump such that when the gear is engaged with the gear engagement member and actuated, the fluid pump generates a fluid flow from the work stroke produced by the wire as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification