Reservoir Pressure Equalization Systems and Methods

• US 20090171324A1
• Filed: 12/27/2007
• Published: 07/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Lorenzen, Eric M., Kavazov, Julian D., Chong, Colin A., Bikovsky, Rafael, Bare, Rex O., Scherer, Andrew J., Sargent, Bradley J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,313,467 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/890.100
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14264 with means for compensating influence from the environment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14268 with a reusable and a disposable component
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/267 having a sealing sleeve around a tubular or solid stem portion of the connector
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0216 Materials providing elastic properties, e.g. for facilitating deformation and avoid breaking
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3337 Controlling, regulating pressure or flow by means of a valve by-passing a pump
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3592 using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7527 liquophilic, hydrophilic
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7536 allowing gas passage, but preventing liquid passage, e.g. liquophobic, hydrophobic, water-repellent membranes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/201 Glucose concentration
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14248 of the skin patch type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1452 pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1456 with a replaceable reservoir comprising a piston rod to be moved into the reservoir, e.g. the piston rod is part of the removable reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/1633 whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 17/02 opening on surplus pressure on one side; closing on insufficient pressure on one side check valves F16K15/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0396 Involving pressure control

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.

Claims

1. A system for equalizing pressure within a reservoir, the system comprising:

a structure having a chamber;

a needle connectable to the reservoir for allowing fluidic media contained in the reservoir to flow through the needle when the needle is connected to the reservoir; and

a pierceable member moveable within the chamber, the pierceable member pierceable by the needle, the pierceable member having an interior volume for containing fluidic media expelled from the reservoir before the pierceable member is pierced by the needle.

2. The system according to claim 1,

wherein fluidic media is expelled from the reservoir in a case where a pressure difference exists between the reservoir and the chamber.

3. The system according to claim 1,

wherein fluidic media is expelled from the reservoir in a case where a pressure difference exists between the reservoir and the interior volume of the pierceable member.

4. The system according to claim 1,

an end of the needle located at least substantially within the interior volume of the pierceable member before the pierceable member is pierced by the needle.

5. The system according to claim 1,

wherein a cross-section of the pierceable member is U-shaped.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user; and

a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from the first housing portion;

the structure supported by one of the first and second housing portions.

7. The system according to claim 6,

the pierceable member positioned to be pierced by the needle when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged;

the needle positioned to enter the other of the first and second housing portions from said one of the first and second housing portions when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged.

8. The system according to claim 6,

the pierceable member having a first end for contacting the other of the first and second housing portions from said one of the first and second housing portions when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged;

and

the pierceable member having a second end located on an opposite side of the pierceable member from the first end.

9. The system according to claim 8,

a first portion of the chamber adjacent to the second end of the pierceable member, the first portion of the chamber for containing fluidic media in a case where fluidic media flows out of the interior volume of the pierceable member.

10. The system according to claim 9,

the first portion of the chamber located between the pierceable member and the reservoir.

11. The system according to claim 9,

a second portion of the chamber adjacent to an opposite side of the pierceable member from the first portion of the chamber, the second portion of the chamber for containing fluidic media in a case where fluidic media flows out of the first portion of the chamber.

12. The system according to claim 11, the pierceable member comprising:

a seal member for inhibiting fluidic media contained in the second portion of the chamber from flowing back into the first chamber.

13. The system according to claim 1,

the structure having an opening that communicates with the chamber, the opening for allowing fluidic media to be purged from the chamber in a case where fluidic media flows out of the interior volume of the pierceable member.

14. The system according to claim 1, the pierceable member comprising:

a membrane configured to expand to increase the interior volume of the pierceable member in a case where the interior volume of the pierceable member sufficiently fills with fluidic media.

15. The system according to claim 1, the system further comprising:

a bias member arranged to impart a bias force on the pierceable member.

16. The system according to claim 15,

wherein the bias member comprises a spring.

17. The system according to claim 1,

the pierceable member having a resiliently flexible portion for providing a bias force on the pierceable member to maintain the pierceable member within the chamber.

18. The system according to claim 1,

the needle having a longitudinal dimension and a central axis along the longitudinal dimension;

the interior volume of the pierceable member curved concavely relative to the central axis of the needle.

19. The system according to claim 1, the system further comprising:

at least one seal member positioned between the structure and the pierceable member.

20. The system according to claim 1,

the interior volume of the pierceable member for containing fluidic media that flows through the needle from the reservoir before the pierceable member is pierced by the needle.

21. A method for equalizing a pressure within a reservoir, the method comprising:

providing a structure having a chamber;

locating a needle connectable to the reservoir for allowing fluidic media contained in the reservoir to flow through the needle when the needle is connected to the reservoir; and

locating a pierceable member moveable within the chamber, the pierceable member pierceable by the needle, the pierceable member having an interior volume for containing fluidic media expelled from the reservoir before the pierceable member is pierced by the needle.

22. A system for equalizing pressure, the system comprising:

a reservoir having a port and an interior volume for containing fluidic media;

a plug positioned relatively offset to the port of the reservoir, the plug for closing the port of the reservoir when the plug is in a closed position; and

a structure having a chamber in flow communication with the interior volume of the reservoir, the chamber for collecting fluidic media expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir through the port in a case where a pressure difference exists between the interior volume of the reservoir and the chamber before the plug is held in the closed position.

23. The system according to claim 22, the system further comprising:

a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user; and

a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from the first housing portion;

the reservoir supported by one of the first and second housing portions.

24. The system according to claim 23,

the plug positioned to close the port of the reservoir when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged.

25. The system according to claim 23,

the other of the first and second housing portions from said one of the first and second housing portions having a first surface for moving and holding the plug in the closed position when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged.

26. The system according to claim 23, the system further comprising:

a needle supported by the other of the first and second housing portions from said one of the first and second housing portions, the needle for piercing a portion of the reservoir and entering the interior volume of the reservoir when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged, the needle for allowing fluidic media contained in the interior volume of the reservoir to flow through the needle when the needle is in the interior volume of the reservoir.

27. The system according to claim 26,

wherein the portion of the reservoir pierced by the needle when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged is the plug.

28. The system according to claim 22, the structure comprising:

a membrane configured to expand to increase the volume of the chamber in a case where the chamber sufficiently fills with fluidic media.

29. The system according to claim 28,

wherein the membrane comprises an elastomeric membrane.

30. The system according to claim 22, the structure comprising:

one of a hydrophobic filter and a hydrophilic filter.

31. The system according to claim 22,

the chamber located within the reservoir.

32. The system according to claim 22,

the chamber located outside of the reservoir.

33. The system according to claim 22,

the structure having an opening that communicates with the chamber, the opening for allowing fluidic media to be purged from the chamber.

34. The system according to claim 22,

wherein the plug comprises one of a flapper valve and a disc valve.

35. A method for equalizing pressure, the method comprising:

providing a reservoir having a port and an interior volume for containing fluidic media;

locating a plug positioned relatively offset to the port of the reservoir, the plug for closing the port of the reservoir when the plug is in a closed position; and

locating a structure having a chamber in flow communication with the interior volume of the reservoir, the chamber for collecting fluidic media expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir through the port in a case where a pressure difference exists between the interior volume of the reservoir and the chamber before the plug is held in the closed position.

36. A system for equalizing pressure, the system comprising:

a reservoir having a passage and an interior volume for containing fluidic media; and

a plunger head having a first surface and a second surface, the plunger head having a channel connecting the first surface and the second surface, the plunger head moveable within the reservoir to align the channel in the plunger head and the passage in the reservoir;

wherein when the channel in the plunger head and the passage in the reservoir are aligned and a pressure difference exists between the interior volume of the reservoir and the passage, fluidic media is expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir through the passage.

37. The system according to claim 36,

the interior volume of the reservoir for containing fluidic media;

the reservoir having a second interior volume;

the plunger head located between the interior volume of the reservoir and the second interior volume of the reservoir;

the first surface of the plunger head in contact with fluidic media when fluidic media is in the interior volume of the reservoir.

38. The system according to claim 36, the system further comprising

a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user;

and

a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from the first housing portion;

the reservoir supported by one of the first and second housing portions.

39. The system according to claim 38, the system further comprising:

a mating piece supported by the other of the first and second housing portions from said one of the first and second housing portions, the mating piece for closing the passage when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged.

40. The system according to claim 39, the system further comprising:

a needle supported by the other of the first and second housing portions from said one of the first and second housing portions, the needle for piercing the reservoir and entering the interior volume of the reservoir when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged, the needle for allowing fluidic media contained in the interior volume of the reservoir to flow through the needle when the needle is in the interior volume of the reservoir.

41. The system according to claim 38,

the passage in the reservoir and the channel in the plunger head aligned at a first position of the plunger head in the reservoir, the plunger head advanceable from the first position to a second position, wherein the passage in the reservoir and the channel in the plunger head are disaligned when the plunger head is in the second position.

42. The system according to claim 41,

the plunger head advanceable in the reservoir from the first position to the second position before the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged.

43. The system according to claim 36, the system further comprising:

a valve positioned relative to an end of the channel in the plunger head, the valve for closing the channel in the plunger head when the valve is in a closed position.

44. The system according to claim 36, the system further comprising:

a valve positioned relative to an end of the passage in the reservoir, the valve for closing the passage in the reservoir when the valve is in a closed position.

45. The system according to claim 36,

the first surface of the plunger head and the second surface of the plunger head perpendicular to each other.

46. The system according to claim 36, the system further comprising:

a structure having a chamber connected to the passage, the chamber for collecting fluidic media that flows through the passage in the reservoir.

47. The system according to claim 46,

wherein fluidic media flows through the passage when the channel in the plunger head and the passage in the reservoir are aligned and a pressure difference exists between the interior volume of the reservoir and the passage.

48. The system according to claim 46, the structure comprising:

a membrane configured to expand to increase the volume of the chamber in a case where the chamber sufficiently fills with fluidic media.

49. The system according to claim 48,

wherein the membrane comprises an elastomeric membrane.

50. The system according to claim 46, the structure comprising:

one of a hydrophobic filter and a hydrophilic filter.

51. The system according to claim 46,

the chamber located within the reservoir.

52. The system according to claim 46,

the chamber located outside of the reservoir.

53. The system according to claim 36, the system further comprising:

at least one seal member positioned between the plunger head and the reservoir.

54. A method for equalizing pressure, the method comprising:

providing a reservoir having a passage and an interior volume for containing fluidic media; and

locating a plunger head having a first surface and a second surface, the plunger head having a channel connecting the first surface and the second surface, the plunger head moveable within the reservoir to align the channel in the plunger head and the passage in the reservoir;

wherein when the channel in the plunger head and the passage in the reservoir are aligned and a pressure difference exists between the interior volume of the reservoir and the passage, fluidic media is expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir through the passage.

55. A system for equalizing a pressure in a device, the system comprising:

a mating piece;

a needle supported by the mating piece;

a reservoir having an interior volume for containing fluidic media, the mating piece configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from the reservoir, the reservoir having a port for allowing fluidic media to be expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir before the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged; and

at least one valve positioned relative to an end of the port, the at least one valve for closing the port when the mating piece and the reservoir are operatively engaged;

the needle for piercing the at least one valve and entering the interior volume of the reservoir when the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged, the needle for allowing fluidic media contained in the interior volume of the reservoir to flow through the needle when the needle is in the interior volume of the reservoir.

56. The system according to claim 55, the system further comprising:

a structure having a chamber connected to the port of the reservoir, the chamber for collecting fluidic media expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir before the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged.

57. The system according to claim 56,

wherein fluidic media is expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir before the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged in a case where a pressure difference exists between the interior volume of the reservoir and the chamber.

58. The system according to claim 56, the structure comprising:

a membrane configured to expand to increase the volume of the chamber in a case where the chamber sufficiently fills with fluidic media.

59. The system according to claim 58,

wherein the membrane comprises an elastomeric membrane.

60. The system according to claim 56, the structure comprising:

one of a hydrophobic filter and a hydrophilic filter.

61. The system according to claim 55, the system further comprising:

a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user; and

a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from the first housing portion;

the reservoir supported by one of the first and second housing portions.

62. The system according to claim 61,

the mating piece supported by the other of the first and second housing portions from said one of the first and second housing portions.

63. The system according to claim 62,

wherein the mating piece and the reservoir are operatively engaged when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged.

64. The system according to claim 55,

the at least one valve having a moveable portion moveable between an open position and a closed position such that the moveable portion of the at least one valve is moveable by the mating piece from the open position to the closed position to close the port of the reservoir when the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged.

65. The system according to claim 64,

wherein the moveable portion of the at least one valve is pierceable by the needle when the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged.

66. The system according to claim 55,

the at least one valve arranged to be held closed by the mating piece to close the port of the reservoir when the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged.

67. The system according to claim 55,

wherein the at least one valve comprises one of a flapper valve and a loose fitting cap.

68. The system according to claim 55,

wherein the at least one valve comprises a covering that seals the port of the reservoir, the covering having an opening for allowing fluidic media to be expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir before the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged.

69. The system according to claim 68, the covering comprising:

a second valve positioned relative to an end of the opening in the covering.

70. The system according to claim 69,

the second valve arranged to be held closed by the mating piece to close the opening in the covering when the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged.

71. The system according to claim 68,

the needle positioned to enter the opening when the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged.

72. A method for equalizing pressure, the method comprising:

providing a mating piece;

locating a needle supported by the mating piece;

locating a reservoir having an interior volume for containing fluidic media, the mating piece configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from the reservoir, the reservoir having a port for allowing fluidic media to be expelled from the interior volume of the reservoir before the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged; and

locating at least one valve relative to an end of the port, the at least one valve for closing the port when the mating piece and the reservoir are operatively engaged;

the needle for piercing the at least one valve and entering the interior volume of the reservoir when the reservoir and the mating piece are operatively engaged, the needle for allowing fluidic media contained in the interior volume of the reservoir to flow through the needle when the needle is in the interior volume of the reservoir.