Reservoir pressure equalization systems and methods
First Claim
1. 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;
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; and
wherein the plug is positioned to close the port of the reservoir when the first housing and second housing portions are operatively engaged.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. 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;
the system further comprising;
a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user; anda 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; and
wherein the plug is positioned to close the port of the reservoir when the first housing and second housing portions are operatively engaged. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
- a reservoir having a port and an interior volume for containing fluidic media;
-
12. 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;
providing a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user;
providing a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from the first housing portion; and
supporting the reservoir by one of the first and second housing portions; and
arranging the plug in a position to close the port of the reservoir when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are operatively engaged. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
- providing a reservoir having a port and an interior volume for containing fluidic media;
Specification