Device and method for dispensing fluid from an infusion pump
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A modular infusion pump for dispensing a fluid, comprising:
- a reservoir module, comprising;
a tubular, curved reservoir containing the fluid, the curved reservoir having a proximal end and a distal end;
a flexible drive train configured to slidably fit within the curved reservoir and to expel the fluid through the proximal end of the reservoir, the flexible drive train including;
a plunger at a proximal end of the drive train,a cursor at a distal end of the drive train,a flexible filament extending between the cursor and the plunger, anda plurality of balls positioned along and connected by the filament between the plunger and the cursor,wherein each of the plurality of balls includes a center through hole extending therethrough, the flexible filament extending through the center through holes of the balls, wherein each of the balls further comprises a tapered slot, wherein a diameter of the center through hole is smaller than a largest width of the tapered slot located at an outer diameter of the ball, and further wherein the diameter of the center through hole is larger than a smallest width of the tapered slot located adjacent to the center through hole; and
a control module comprising an electric motor, a drive shaft, and a lead screw, wherein the lead screw is configured to mechanically engage the drive train when the reservoir module is connected to the control module.
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Abstract
The present disclosure is directed towards a compact, modular infusion pump and a delivery mechanism for accurate dispensing of very small amounts of medication. The infusion pump comprises a tubular, curved medication reservoir, and a flexible, one-piece drive train configured to push very small amounts of medication out of the medication reservoir. A method of measuring a level of medication inside the medication reservoir or cross-checking the accuracy of medication delivery is also described.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A modular infusion pump for dispensing a fluid, comprising:
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a reservoir module, comprising;
a tubular, curved reservoir containing the fluid, the curved reservoir having a proximal end and a distal end;a flexible drive train configured to slidably fit within the curved reservoir and to expel the fluid through the proximal end of the reservoir, the flexible drive train including; a plunger at a proximal end of the drive train, a cursor at a distal end of the drive train, a flexible filament extending between the cursor and the plunger, and a plurality of balls positioned along and connected by the filament between the plunger and the cursor, wherein each of the plurality of balls includes a center through hole extending therethrough, the flexible filament extending through the center through holes of the balls, wherein each of the balls further comprises a tapered slot, wherein a diameter of the center through hole is smaller than a largest width of the tapered slot located at an outer diameter of the ball, and further wherein the diameter of the center through hole is larger than a smallest width of the tapered slot located adjacent to the center through hole; and a control module comprising an electric motor, a drive shaft, and a lead screw, wherein the lead screw is configured to mechanically engage the drive train when the reservoir module is connected to the control module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An infusion pump for delivering medication to a user, the pump comprising:
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a reservoir module including a tubular medication reservoir having a curved configuration, the medication reservoir comprising a medication delivery outlet at a proximal end; a flexible, and continuous drive train comprising; a plunger at a proximal end of the drive train, a cursor at a distal end of the drive train, a flexible filament extending between the cursor and the plunger, and a plurality of balls positioned along and connected by the filament between the plunger and the cursor, wherein each of the plurality of balls includes a center through hole extending therethrough, the flexible filament extending through the center through holes of the balls, wherein each of the balls further comprises a tapered slot, wherein a diameter of the center through hole is smaller than a largest width of the tapered slot located at an outer diameter of the ball, and further wherein the diameter of the center through hole is larger than a smallest width of the tapered slot located adjacent to the center through hole; and a control module including an actuation device configured to drive the drive train through the medication reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification