Automated filling systems and methods

• US 8,597,270 B2
• Filed: 06/17/2011
• Issued: 12/03/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Kavazov, Julian D.
• Primary Examiner(s): SU, SUSAN SHAN
• Application Number:
  US13/163,548
• Publication Number:
  US 20110247719A1
• Time in Patent Office: 900 Days
• Field of Search: 604/403, 604411-415
• US Class Current: 604/403
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/16 Holders for containers
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/20 Arrangements for transferring or mixing fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/201 having one piercing end
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2013 having two piercing ends
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2051 having tap means, e.g. tap means activated by sliding
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2065 having aligning and guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2068 Venting means
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2072 for internal venting
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2075 for external venting
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2096 Combination of a vial and a syringe for transferring or mixing their contents
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14268 with a reusable and a disposable component
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/341 angularly adjustable or angled away from the axis of the injector
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2207/00 Methods of manufacture, assembly or production
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/045 for filling, e.g. for filling reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1413 Modular systems comprising interconnecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14248 of the skin patch type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/162 Needle sets, i.e. connections by puncture between reservoir and tube ; Connections between reservoir and tube in jet-action syringes A61M5/30; connectors for tubes having sealed ends and a needle for piercing them A61M39/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/165 Filtering accessories, e.g. blood filters, filters for infusion liquids A61M1/14 , A61M1/34, A61M1/3627, A61M1/3679, A61M1/3687 take precedence; needle sets with incorporated air inlet filters A61M5/162
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/36 with means for eliminating or preventing injection or infusion of air into body dialysis systems, blood oxygenators A61M1/14; haemofiltration equipment A61M1/34; automatic tube cut-off A61M39/281

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to transferring fluidic media from a vial to a reservoir. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir by moving a housing portion to move a plunger head located in the reservoir to draw fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir while the reservoir is held by a holding unit and vibrated by a vibrator to remove air from the fluidic media. In some embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir by moving a handle operatively connected to a bias member for assisting with the transfer of fluidic media. In other embodiments, the transfer of fluidic media may be assisted by a bias member and a needle connecting atmosphere and the vial.

Claims

1. A system for transferring fluidic media, the system comprising:

a first housing portion having an elongated dimension; and

a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

one of the first and second housing portions removably connectable to a transfer guard, the one of the first and second housing portions having an interior volume configured to receive a reservoir, the transfer guard providing a fluid path from a vial to the reservoir when the transfer guard is connected to the one of the first and second housing portions and the reservoir is received in the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions;

the other of the first and second housing portions operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir;

the first and second housing portions configured such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions, the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the other of the first and second housing portions has a connecting portion configured to operatively connect to the plunger head.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one of the first and second housing portions has a connecting portion configured to engage with and connect to the transfer guard.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the connecting portion comprises at least one projection configured to be received within an aperture in the transfer guard.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the connecting portion is arranged within the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second housing portions are configured such that, when the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, movement of the second housing portion along the elongated dimension of the first housing portion causes the plunger head to move within the reservoir to transfer fluidic media between the reservoir and the vial.

7. A method for transferring fluidic media, the method comprising:

providing a first housing portion having an elongated dimension; and

locating a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

configuring one of the first and second housing portions to be removably connectable to a transfer guard, the transfer guard for providing a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir;

configuring the other of the first and second housing portions to be operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir; and

configuring the first and second housing portions such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the one of the first and second housing portions is connected to the transfer guard, and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising providing the one of the first and second housing portions with a connecting portion configured to engage with and connect to the transfer guard.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the connecting portion comprises at least one projection configured to be received within an aperture in the transfer guard.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising arranging the connecting portion within the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein configuring the first and second housing portions comprises configuring the first and second housing portions such that, when the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, movement of the second housing portion along the elongated dimension of the first housing portion causes the plunger head to move within the reservoir to transfer fluidic media between the reservoir and the vial.

12. A system for transferring fluidic media, the system comprising:

a first housing portion having an elongated dimension;

a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

one of the first and second housing portions removably connectable to a transfer guard, the one of the first and second housing portions having an interior volume configured to receive the reservoir, the transfer guard providing a fluid path from a vial to the reservoir when the transfer guard is connected to the one of the first and second housing portions and the reservoir is received in the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions;

the other of the first and second housing portions operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir;

the first and second housing portions configured such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions, the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

a threaded member supported by the other of the first and second housing portions, the threaded member configured to engage a threaded portion of the plunger when the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions.

13. A system for transferring fluidic media, the system comprising:

a first housing portion having an elongated dimension;

a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

one of the first and second housing portions removably connectable to a transfer guard, the one of the first and second housing portions having an interior volume configured to receive the reservoir, the transfer guard providing a fluid path from a vial to the reservoir when the transfer guard is connected to the one of the first and second housing portions and the reservoir is received in the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions;

the other of the first and second housing portions operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir;

the first and second housing portions configured such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions, the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

the other of the first and second housing portions extending at least partially within the one of the first and second housing portions.

14. A system for transferring fluidic media, the system comprising:

a first housing portion having an elongated dimension;

a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

one of the first and second housing portions removably connectable to a transfer guard, the one of the first and second housing portions having an interior volume configured to receive the reservoir, the transfer guard providing a fluid path from a vial to the reservoir when the transfer guard is connected to the one of the first and second housing portions and the reservoir is received in the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions;

the other of the first and second housing portions operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir;

the first and second housing portions configured such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions, the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

the other of the first and second housing portions extending at least partially within the one of the first and second housing portions and is arranged for sliding motion within the one of the first and second housing portions.

15. A system for transferring fluidic media, the system comprising:

a first housing portion having an elongated dimension;

a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

one of the first and second housing portions removably connectable to a transfer guard, the one of the first and second housing portions having an interior volume configured to receive the reservoir, the transfer guard providing a fluid path from a vial to the reservoir when the transfer guard is connected to the one of the first and second housing portions and the reservoir is received in the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions;

the other of the first and second housing portions operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir;

the first and second housing portions configured such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions, the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

the other of the first and second housing portions has a connecting portion configured to operatively connect to the plunger head; and

the connecting portion has a receptacle for receiving a handle of a plunger arm that extends from the plunger head.

16. A system for transferring fluidic media, the system comprising:

a first housing portion having an elongated dimension;

a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

one of the first and second housing portions removably connectable to a transfer guard, the one of the first and second housing portions having an interior volume configured to receive the reservoir, the transfer guard providing a fluid path from a vial to the reservoir when the transfer guard is connected to the one of the first and second housing portions and the reservoir is received in the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions;

the other of the first and second housing portions operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir;

the first and second housing portions configured such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions, the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

the one of the first and second housing portions has a connecting portion configured to engage with and connect to the transfer guard;

the connecting portion is arranged within the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions; and

the one of the first and second housing portions has a side surface with an opening into the interior volume, the one of the one of the first and second housing portions further has a door arranged to selectively open and close the opening, wherein the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions is exposed to allow a user to insert the reservoir into the interior volume and to connect the transfer guard to the connecting portion within the interior volume, when the door is arranged to open the opening.

17. A system for transferring fluidic media, the system comprising:

a first housing portion having an elongated dimension;

a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

one of the first and second housing portions removably connectable to a transfer guard, the one of the first and second housing portions having an interior volume configured to receive the reservoir, the transfer guard providing a fluid path from a vial to the reservoir when the transfer guard is connected to the one of the first and second housing portions and the reservoir is received in the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions;

the other of the first and second housing portions operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir;

the first and second housing portions configured such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions, the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

the one of the first and second housing portions has a side surface with an opening into the interior volume, the one of the one of the first and second housing portions further has a door arranged to selectively open and close the opening, wherein the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions is exposed to allow a user to insert the reservoir into the interior volume when the door is arranged to open the opening.

18. A method for transferring fluidic media, the method comprising:

providing a first housing portion having an elongated dimension; and

locating a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

configuring one of the first and second housing portions to be removably connectable to a transfer guard, the transfer guard for providing a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir;

configuring the other of the first and second housing portions to be operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir; and

configuring the first and second housing portions such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the one of the first and second housing portions is connected to the transfer guard, and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

supporting a threaded member by the other of the first and second housing portions, the threaded member configured to engage a threaded portion of the plunger when the reservoir is received in the one of the first and second housing portions.

19. A method for transferring fluidic media, the method comprising:

providing a first housing portion having an elongated dimension; and

locating a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

configuring one of the first and second housing portions to be removably connectable to a transfer guard, the transfer guard for providing a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir;

configuring the other of the first and second housing portions to be operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir; and

configuring the first and second housing portions such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the one of the first and second housing portions is connected to the transfer guard, and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

locating the second housing portion further comprises arranging the first and second housing portions such that the other of the first and second housing portions extends at least partially within the one of the first and second housing portions.

20. A method for transferring fluidic media, the method comprising:

providing a first housing portion having an elongated dimension; and

locating a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

configuring one of the first and second housing portions to be removably connectable to a transfer guard, the transfer guard for providing a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir;

configuring the other of the first and second housing portions to be operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir; and

configuring the first and second housing portions such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the one of the first and second housing portions is connected to the transfer guard, and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

locating the second housing portion further comprises arranging the first and second housing portions such that the other of the first and second housing portions extends at least partially within the one of the first and second housing portions and is arranged for sliding motion within the one of the first and second housing portions.

21. A method for transferring fluidic media, the method comprising;

providing a first housing portion having an elongated dimension; and

locating a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

configuring one of the first and second housing portions to be removably connectable to a transfer guard, the transfer guard for providing a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir;

configuring the other of the first and second housing portions to be operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir; and

configuring the first and second housing portions such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the one of the first and second housing portions is connected to the transfer guard, and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

providing the one of the first and second housing portions with a connecting portion configured to engage with and connect to the transfer guard;

arranging the connecting portion within the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions; and

providing the one of the first and second housing portions with a side surface having an opening into the interior volume, and arranging a door to selectively open and close the opening, wherein the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions is exposed to allow a user to insert the reservoir into the interior volume and to connect the transfer guard to the connecting portion within the interior volume, when the door is open.

22. A method for transferring fluidic media, the method comprising:

providing a first housing portion having an elongated dimension; and

locating a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, the second housing portion for moving relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion;

configuring one of the first and second housing portions to be removably connectable to a transfer guard, the transfer guard for providing a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir;

configuring the other of the first and second housing portions to be operatively engageable to a plunger head positioned in the reservoir; and

configuring the first and second housing portions such that fluidic media is transferred from the vial to the reservoir in a case where the one of the first and second housing portions is connected to the transfer guard, and the other of the first and second housing portions is operatively engaged to the plunger head, and the second housing portion is moved relative to the elongated dimension of the first housing portion; and

providing the one of the first and second housing portions with a side surface having an opening into the interior volume, arranging a door to selectively open and close the opening, wherein the interior volume of the one of the first and second housing portions is exposed to allow a user to insert the reservoir into the interior volume when the door is arranged to open the opening.