Drug delivery device and method

• US 8,707,792 B2
• Filed: 08/25/2011
• Issued: 04/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nilimedix Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Nilimedix Ltd.
• Inventors: Shekalim, Avraham
• Primary Examiner(s): ALLEN, ANDRE J
• Application Number:
  US13/217,303
• Publication Number:
  US 20120017688A1
• Time in Patent Office: 978 Days
• Field of Search: 73700-756
• US Class Current: 73/716
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/22 Valves or arrangement of valves A61M39/02, A61M39/0247, A61M39/16 take precedence; regulating valves in infusion systems A61M5/16881; in devices worn by the patient for the reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge, or in colostomy devices A61F5/4405
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/145 using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1454 spring-actuated, e.g. by a clockwork
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16854 by monitoring line pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16877 Adjusting flow; Devices for setting a flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/36 the pressure or differential pressure being created by the use of flow constriction
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/38 the pressure or differential pressure being measured by means of a movable element, e.g. diaphragm, piston, Bourdon tube or flexible capsule

Abstract

A drug delivery device (10) includes a pressurized reservoir (14) in communication with a flow path to an outlet (12). The flow path includes two normally-closed valves (16, 18) and a flow restriction (18). A pressure measurement arrangement (22) measures a differential fluid pressure between two points (24, 26) along the flow path which span at least part of the flow restriction (18), one of the points being between the valves (16, 18). A controller (28) selectively opens the valves (16, 18) to deliver a defined quantity of the liquid medicament to the outlet (12).

Claims

1. A pressure measurement interface for measuring fluid pressure within a disposable arrangement defining a fluid flow path by use of a reusable pressure sensor, the interface including:

(a) a disposable pressure sensing cell deployed in fluid connection with said fluid flow path, said pressure sensing cell including a closed liquid-filled sensing volume isolated from fluid in the fluid flow path by a flexible membrane, said sensing volume having a first portion of a mating configuration; and

(b) a second portion of a mating configuration associated with the reusable pressure sensor and configured for mating with said first portion of said mating configuration so as to form fluid interconnection between the pressure sensor and said liquid-filled sensing volume,

wherein the pressure sensor is a differential pressure sensor measuring a pressure differential between a first and a second measurement port, the interface further including a second disposable pressure sensing cell deployed in fluid connection with a second region in said fluid flow path and a second mating configuration for connecting between said second disposable pressure sensing cell and the differential pressure sensor.

2. The pressure measurement interface of claim 1, wherein said first portion of said mating configuration includes an elastomeric seal and wherein said second portion of said mating configuration includes a needle for piercing said elastomeric seal.

3. The pressure measurement interface of claim 2, wherein said needle is pre-filled with a liquid.

4. The pressure measurement interface of claim 1, wherein the disposable arrangement is a disposable cartridge for a fluid drug delivery device, and wherein the pressure sensor is mounted within a body configured for receiving said disposable cartridge.