Variable volume, shape memory actuated insulin dispensing pump
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A pump comprising:
- a chamber;
an actuator comprising a shape memory alloy that moves a plunger within the chamber from a first position to a second position, wherein a liquid is drawn into the chamber when the plunger is moved from the first position to the second position and expelled from the chamber when the plunger is moved from the second position to the first position; and
a control system that utilizes linear feedback to sense the position of the actuator and to automatically determine when the pump is primed based on a feedback response associated with the movement of the plunger, wherein the control system includes a microprocessor that is programmed to compare a time period associated with the feedback response to a predetermined time period and determine that the pump is not primed when the time period associated with the feedback response is below the predetermined time period by a threshold amount of time.
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Abstract
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A pump comprising:
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a chamber; an actuator comprising a shape memory alloy that moves a plunger within the chamber from a first position to a second position, wherein a liquid is drawn into the chamber when the plunger is moved from the first position to the second position and expelled from the chamber when the plunger is moved from the second position to the first position; and a control system that utilizes linear feedback to sense the position of the actuator and to automatically determine when the pump is primed based on a feedback response associated with the movement of the plunger, wherein the control system includes a microprocessor that is programmed to compare a time period associated with the feedback response to a predetermined time period and determine that the pump is not primed when the time period associated with the feedback response is below the predetermined time period by a threshold amount of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A pump comprising:
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a shape memory alloy; a piston connected to the shape memory alloy, the piston having a stroke length; a sensing mechanism for sensing the precise position of the piston at any point of the piston stroke; and a controlling mechanism operatively coupled to the sensing mechanism for controlling the position of the piston by changing the length of the shape memory alloy, such that when the piston moves toward a first position, liquid is drawn into a chamber and when the piston moves toward a second position the liquid is expelled from the chamber, the controlling mechanism further configured to automatically prime the pump and automatically determine when the pump is primed based on a feedback response associated with the position of the piston, wherein the controlling mechanism includes a microprocessor that is programmed to compare a time period associated with the feedback response to a predetermined time period and determine that the pump is not primed when the time period associated with the feedback response is below the predetermined time period by a threshold amount of time. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification