Variable volume, shape memory actuated insulin dispensing pump
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A pumping system comprising:
- a chamber;
a piston within the chamber;
a shape memory element within the chamber that changes length when a current flows through the shape memory element,the shape memory element moving the piston between a first physical limit at a proximal end of the chamber and second physical limit at a distal end of the chamber, such that when the piston is at the first physical limit the chamber is filled with fluid and when the piston is at the second physical limit the chamber is discharged of fluid;
a first switch at the first physical limit that indicates the piston is in contact with the first physical limit; and
a processor programmed to measure a first time period, wherein the first time period is the time it takes for the piston to move between the proximal end and the distal end, to compare the first time period to a predetermined time period, and to determine that the pumping system is not primed when the first time period 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.
1050 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A pumping system comprising:
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a chamber; a piston within the chamber; a shape memory element within the chamber that changes length when a current flows through the shape memory element, the shape memory element moving the piston between a first physical limit at a proximal end of the chamber and second physical limit at a distal end of the chamber, such that when the piston is at the first physical limit the chamber is filled with fluid and when the piston is at the second physical limit the chamber is discharged of fluid; a first switch at the first physical limit that indicates the piston is in contact with the first physical limit; and a processor programmed to measure a first time period, wherein the first time period is the time it takes for the piston to move between the proximal end and the distal end, to compare the first time period to a predetermined time period, and to determine that the pumping system is not primed when the first time period is below the predetermined time period by a threshold amount of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for pumping a fluid from a pump, the method comprising:
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moving a piston in a chamber between a first physical limit at a proximal end of the chamber and a second physical limit at a distal end of the chamber, wherein the piston is moved from the first physical limit to the second physical limit by a shape memory element that expands and contracts when a pulse is applied to the shape memory element; drawing fluid into the chamber when the piston moves towards the first physical limit; expelling fluid from the chamber when the piston moves towards the second physical limit; detecting, using a switch disposed at the first physical limit, when the piston is in contact with the first physical limit; measuring a first time period, wherein the first time period is the time it takes for the piston to move between the proximal end and the distal end; comparing the first time period to a predetermined time period; and determining that the pump is not primed when the first time period is below the predetermined time period by a threshold amount of time. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A pump comprising:
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a chamber having at least a first physical limit at a proximal end of the chamber and a second physical limit at a distal end of the chamber; a first piston disposed within the chamber; a shape memory element coupled to the first piston, wherein the shape memory element is configured to move between an extended state and a contracted state when a current is applied thereto, wherein when the shape memory element moves between the extended state and the contracted state, the first piston moves from the first physical limit to the second physical limit; at least one switch disposed on at least one of the first physical limit and the second physical limit, wherein the at least one switch indicates when the first piston is in contact with the at least one of the first physical limit or the second physical limit; and a processor programmed to measure a first time period, wherein the first time period is the time it takes for the piston to move between the proximal end and the distal end, to compare the first time period to a predetermined time period, and to determine that the pump is not primed when the first time period is below the predetermined time period by a threshold amount of time. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification