Shape memory alloy wire driven positive displacement micropump with pulsatile output
First Claim
1. A method of using an apparatus having a housing to deliver a fluid medication to a user, comprising the steps of:
- subjecting a shape memory wire within the housing to a first material condition, wherein the wire is capable attaining at least two difference material conditions, a first material condition below a transformation temperature and a second material condition above a transformation temperature, and 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; and
subjecting the wire to a second material condition;
wherein the shape memory wire is operatively coupled to a gear within the housing; and
the gear comprises teeth and is operatively coupled to a fluid pump within the housing such that when the wire produces the work stroke as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions, the gear is rotated such that the fluid pump generates a fluid flow that delivers the fluid medication from the apparatus to the user.
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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
20 Claims
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1. A method of using an apparatus having a housing to deliver a fluid medication to a user, comprising the steps of:
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subjecting a shape memory wire within the housing to a first material condition, wherein the wire is capable attaining at least two difference material conditions, a first material condition below a transformation temperature and a second material condition above a transformation temperature, and 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; and subjecting the wire to a second material condition; wherein the shape memory wire is operatively coupled to a gear within the housing; and the gear comprises teeth and is operatively coupled to a fluid pump within the housing such that when the wire produces the work stroke as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions, the gear is rotated such that the fluid pump generates a fluid flow that delivers the fluid medication from the apparatus to the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for portably delivering a fluid medication to a user, comprising the steps of:
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connecting a portable apparatus having a housing to the user; subjecting a shape memory wire within the housing of the portable apparatus to a first material condition, wherein the wire 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 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 subjecting the wire to a material condition comprises heating and is performed using a power supply within the housing of the portable apparatus that is coupled to the wire; and wherein the shape memory wire is operatively coupled to a gear within the housing of the apparatus; and the gear comprises teeth and is operatively coupled to a fluid pump within the portable apparatus such that when the wire produces a work stroke as a consequence of a transition between the first and second material conditions, the gear is rotated and the fluid pump generates a fluid flow that delivers the fluid medication from a fluid medication reservoir contained within the portable apparatus to the user as the apparatus is carried by the user. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification