Smart connection interface

• US 10,172,998 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2018
• Issued: 01/08/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Tieck, R. Marie, Pananen, Jacob E., Bazargan, Afshin, Alderete, Jr., Juan M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mendez, Manuel A
• Application Number:
  US15/896,954
• Publication Number:
  US 20180169324A1
• Time in Patent Office: 328 Days
• Field of Search: 604 65- 67, 604131, 128DIG 12, 128DIG 13, 32420725, 3242072, 32420721
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/1418 Threaded type
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/1481 with connection retaining means, e.g. thread or snap-fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/18 Arrangements for indicating condition of container contents, e.g. sterile condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/60 using magnetic or electronic identifications, e.g. chips, RFID, electronic tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1005 Detection of disconnection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1016 Unlocking means providing a secure or comfortable disconnection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1022 additionally providing electrical connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1027 Quick-acting type connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1033 Swivel nut connectors, e.g. threaded connectors, bayonet-connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1044 Verifying the connection, e.g. audible feedback, tactile feedback, visual feedback, using external light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1094 at least partly incompatible with standard connectors, e.g. to prevent fatal mistakes in connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0227 Materials having sensing or indicating function, e.g. indicating a pressure increase
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0272 Electro-active or magneto-active materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0288 Electro-rheological or magneto-rheological materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/12 with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/121 interface between cassette and base
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/14 Detection of the presence or absence of a tube, a connector or a container in an apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3317 Electromagnetic, inductive or dielectric measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 : by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 : by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6027 : Electric-conductive bridges closing detection circuits, with or without identifying elements, e.g. resistances, zener-diodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6054 : Magnetic identification systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6063 : Optical identification systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/10 : Tube connectors; Tube couplings A61M39/02 takes precedence; connecting needles to syringes or hubs A61M5/34; connecting catheter tubes to hubs A61M25/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/1011 : Locking means for securing connection; Additional tamper safeties A61M39/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/1055 : Rotating or swivel joints in general F16L27/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/12 : for joining a flexible tube to a rigid attachment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1413 : Modular systems comprising interconnecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/142 : Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1456 : with a replaceable reservoir comprising a piston rod to be moved into the reservoir, e.g. the piston rod is part of the removable reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14566 : with a replaceable reservoir for receiving a piston rod of the pump
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/5086 : for indicating if defective, used, tampered with or unsterile
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 15/00 : Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object record carriers for use with machines having a detectable tag or marker G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/00 : Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination, deviation
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/02 : operating with propagation of electric current
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/08 : operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices with electromagnetic waves G01V3/12

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The reservoir, a base and a cap are connected to form an integrated unit that is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing. The cap and the infusion pump are each provided with at least one sensor or at least one detectable feature, arranged to interact with at least one corresponding detectable feature or sensor on the other of the cap and infusion pump device, to detect one or more of the presence, position or other characteristic of the cap when the cap is aligned or coupled with the infusion pump housing. The detectable feature and sensor may be magnetic, RF, mechanical, optical or any combination.

Claims

1. A connector interface system, comprising:

a reservoir to be received within a reservoir receptacle of an infusion pump device, the reservoir to contain infusion media to be selectively dispensed from the reservoir when the reservoir is received within the reservoir receptacle;

a connector interface to connect the reservoir with the infusion pump device, the connector interface comprising a cap to connect to the reservoir to form a reservoir/cap unit for installation into the infusion pump device;

an infusion set coupled to the cap via a tubing for conveying infusion media dispensed from the reservoir; and

at least two different types of detectable features arranged on the cap for detection by at least one sensor element on the infusion pump device when the reservoir of the reservoir/cap unit is received in the reservoir receptacle of the infusion pump device,

wherein the at least two different types of detectable features include at least one detectable parameter that is associated with one or more characteristics of the cap, the reservoir, a cannula, or the tubing;

wherein the one or more characteristics of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula, or the tubing includes a type or identity of a manufacturer of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula or the tubing, or a size of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula or the tubing;

wherein a first of the at least two different types of detectable features includes a magnetically detectable feature that is attached to a housing of the cap; and

wherein the at least two different types of detectable features are detected by the at least one sensor element when the cap is in a proper or fully installed position within the reservoir receptacle of the infusion pump device.

2. A connector interface system as recited in claim 1, wherein a second of the at least two different types of detectable features includes an inductively detectable feature attached to the housing of the cap.

3. A connector interface system as recited in claim 2, wherein the first of the at least two different types of detectable features is a magnetic field angle of a magnet, wherein the magnetic field angle being an angle of orientation of the magnetic field of the magnet relative to a predefined axis of the cap or the reservoir/cap unit.

4. A connector interface system as recited in claim 2, wherein the inductively detectable feature comprises:

(a) one or more electrically conductive targets in one or more locations for inductive interaction with one or more coils when the reservoir/cap unit is received in the reservoir receptacle;

or

(b) a plurality of electrically conductive targets in locations that allow the one or more electrically conductive targets to inductively interact with the one or more coils to provide detectable signals for detection of axial or rotational motion or position of the cap or the reservoir relative to the reservoir receptacle, when the reservoir/cap unit is received in the reservoir receptacle.

5. A connector interface system as recited in claim 2, wherein a first of the at least one sensor element detects the magnetically detectable feature, and a second of the at least one sensor element is an inductive sensor to detect the inductively detectable feature.

6. A connector interface system as recited in claim 1, wherein a second of the at least two different types of detectable features includes a RF detectable feature attached to the housing of the cap.

7. A connector interface system as recited in claim 6, wherein the first of the at least two different types of detectable features is a magnetic field angle of a magnet, wherein the magnetic field angle being an angle of orientation of the magnetic field of the magnet relative to a predefined axis of the cap or the reservoir/cap unit.

8. A connector interface system as recited in claim 6, wherein:

(a) the RF detectable feature comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that is attached to the housing of the cap, to the reservoir, or on a plunger within the reservoir;

(b) the RF detectable feature comprises a passive RF device that receives power through inductive coupling with a RF sensor;

(c) the RF detectable feature comprises an RF detectable device having a directional antenna or an antenna with at least one RF shield or wave guide configured to direct RF signals to or from the antenna;

(d) the RF detectable feature comprises an RF detectable device having an antenna, the antenna being arranged adjacent or in a vent opening on the cap;

(e) the RF detectable feature comprising an antenna printed with conductive ink on the cap, the reservoir, or a label applied to the reservoir or cap;

or

(f) the RF detectable feature has a memory that stores information, and an antenna for communicating information stored in the memory, the memory includes a first section that stores permanent information and a second section that is writeable for storing information written to the RF detectable feature, where;

(i) the information stored in the memory comprises information identifying one or more of;

the type or identity of the manufacturer of the reservoir;

the size of the reservoir;

a type or concentration of infusion media in the reservoir;

a volume amount of infusion media in the reservoir;

a volume amount of infusion media that has been dispensed from the reservoir;

a date corresponding to an expiration date or fill date related to infusion media in the reservoir;

a location corresponding to a place where the reservoir or infusion media in the reservoir was made, filled, or otherwise processed;

a lot number or code associated with a batch in which the reservoir or infusion media was made, cleaned, filled or otherwise processed;

(ii) the information stored in the memory comprises information identifying one or more characteristics relating to an infusion set connected to the cap, the one or more characteristics including at least one of;

a type or identity of a manufacturer of the infusion set;

a length of tubing in the infusion set;

a diameter of the tubing in the infusion set;

a length of a needle or cannula in the infusion set;

a diameter of the needle or cannula in the infusion set;

a date corresponding to an expiration date, manufacturing date or assembly date of the infusion set;

a location corresponding to a place where the infusion set was made or assembled;

a lot number or other code associated with a batch in which the infusion set was made, cleaned or otherwise processed;

or

(iii) the information stored in the memory comprises information identifying one or more characteristics of the connector interface system, the one or more characteristics including at least one of a type or manufacturer of the connector interface system;

a size dimension of the cap;

a date corresponding to an expiration date, manufacturing date or assembly date of the connector interface system;

a location corresponding to a place where the connector interface system was made or assembled;

a lot number or other code associated with a batch in which the connector interface system was made, cleaned or otherwise processed.

9. A connector interface system as recited in claim 6, wherein a first of the at least one sensor element detects the magnetically detectable feature, and a second of the at least one sensor element is a RF sensor to detect the RF detectable feature.

10. A connector interface system as recited in claim 1, wherein a second of the at least two different types of detectable features includes a mechanically detectable feature attached to the housing of the cap.

11. A connector interface system as recited in claim 10, wherein the first of the at least two different types of detectable features is a magnetic field angle of a magnet, wherein the magnetic field angle being an angle of orientation of the magnetic field of the magnet relative to a predefined axis of the cap or the reservoir/cap unit.

12. A connector interface system as recited in claim 10, wherein the mechanically detectable feature comprises at least one protrusion on an outer surface of the cap or the reservoir, a plurality of protrusions at mutually different locations on the cap or the reservoir, or first and second protrusions located about 180 degrees from each other with respect to a central axis through the cap or the reservoir.

13. A connector interface system as recited in claim 10, wherein a first of the at least one sensor element detects the magnetically detectable feature, and a second of the at least one sensor element is a mechanical detection sensor element to detect the mechanically detectable feature.

14. A connector interface system as recited in claim 1, wherein a second of the at least two different types of detectable features includes an optically detectable feature attached to the housing of the cap.

15. A connector interface system as recited in claim 14, wherein the first of the at least two different types of detectable features is a magnetic field angle of a magnet, wherein the magnetic field angle being an angle of orientation of the magnetic field of the magnet relative to a predefined axis of the cap or the reservoir/cap unit.

16. A connector interface system as recited in claim 14, wherein the optically detectable feature comprises:

(a) at least one surface of the cap or the reservoir that has at least one of a material, coating, surface contour or pattern, ribs, grooves, undulations, roughness, abrasions, apertures, detents or an attached article, that inhibits or changes optical reflective characteristics of the at least one surface of the cap;

(b) a bar code, matrix code or other optically detectable pattern that represents encoded information;

or

(c) an adhesive-backed tag that adheres to the cap and that has an outer surface configured to alter an optical signal in an optically detectable manner.

17. A connector interface system as recited in claim 14, wherein a first of the at least one sensor element detects the magnetically detectable feature, and a second of the at least one sensor element is an optical sensor to detect the optically detectable feature.

18. A connector interface system as recited in claim 1, wherein a second of the at least two different types of detectable features includes an electrically detectable feature attached to the housing of the cap.

19. A connector interface system as recited in claim 18, wherein the first of the at least two different types of detectable features is a magnetic field angle of a magnet, wherein the magnetic field angle being an angle of orientation of a magnetic field of the magnet relative to a predefined axis of the cap or the reservoir/cap unit.

20. A connector interface system as recited in claim 18, wherein the electrically detectable feature is an electrical contact connected to a chip inside the cap having an internal memory containing data about the cap or the reservoir, and the at least one sensor element is configured to receive the data for communication to the infusion pump device.

21. A connector interface system as recited in claim 18, wherein a first of the at least one sensor element detects the magnetically detectable feature, and a second of the at least one sensor element is a sensor to detect the electrically detectable feature.

22. A connector interface system as recited in claim 1, wherein a first of the at least one sensor element detects a first of the at least two different types of detectable features, and a second of the at least one sensor element detects a second of the at least two different types of detectable features.

23. A connector interface system, comprising:

a reservoir to be received within a reservoir receptacle of an infusion pump device, the reservoir to contain infusion media to be selectively dispensed from the reservoir when the reservoir is received within the reservoir receptacle;

a connector interface to connect the reservoir with the infusion pump device, the connector interface comprising a cap to connect to the reservoir to form a reservoir/cap unit for installation into the infusion pump device;

an infusion set coupled to the cap via a tubing for conveying infusion media dispensed from the reservoir; and

at least two detectable features arranged on the cap for detection by at least one sensor element on the infusion pump device when the reservoir of the reservoir/cap unit is received in the reservoir receptacle of the infusion pump device,

wherein the at least two detectable features include at least one detectable parameter that is associated with one or more characteristics of the cap, the reservoir, a cannula, or the tubing;

wherein the one or more characteristics of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula, or the tubing includes a type or identity of a manufacturer of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula or the tubing, or a size of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula or the tubing;

wherein the at least two detectable features are detected by the at least one sensor element when the cap is in a proper or fully installed position within the reservoir receptacle of the infusion pump device;

wherein a first of the at least two detectable features includes a magnet that is attached to a housing of the cap, and a second of the at least two detectable features include a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that is attached to the housing of the cap; and

wherein the RFID chip contains data representing one or more of the following characteristics;

the type or identity of the manufacturer of the reservoir, cap or infusion pump device;

the size of the reservoir, cap or infusion pump device;

a type or concentration of infusion media in the reservoir;

a volume amount of infusion media in the reservoir;

a date corresponding to a manufacturing date, expiration date or fill date related to infusion media in the reservoir;

a date corresponding to a manufacturing date or expiration date of the reservoir, cap or infusion pump device;

a location corresponding to a place where the reservoir or infusion media in the reservoir was made, filled, or otherwise processed;

a location corresponding to a place where the cap or infusion pump device was made, assembled or otherwise processed;

a location corresponding to a place where the reservoir, infusion media in the reservoir, cap or infusion pump device is authorized to be used;

a lot number or code associated with a batch in which the reservoir, cap, infusion pump device or infusion media was made, cleaned, filled or otherwise processed;

a serial number;

a unique ID; and

user identification information for authorized users.

24. A connector interface system, comprising:

a reservoir to be received within a reservoir receptacle of an infusion pump device, the reservoir to contain infusion media to be selectively dispensed from the reservoir when the reservoir is received within the reservoir receptacle;

a connector interface to connect the reservoir with the infusion pump device, the connector interface comprising a cap to connect to the reservoir to form a reservoir/cap unit for installation into the infusion pump device;

an infusion set coupled to the cap via a tubing for conveying infusion media dispensed from the reservoir; and

at least two detectable features arranged on the cap for detection by at least one sensor element on the infusion pump device when the reservoir of the reservoir/cap unit is received in the reservoir receptacle of the infusion pump device,

wherein the at least two detectable features include at least one detectable parameter that is associated with one or more characteristics of the cap, the reservoir, a cannula, or the tubing;

wherein the one or more characteristics of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula, or the tubing includes a type or identity of a manufacturer of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula or the tubing, or a size of the cap, the reservoir, the cannula or the tubing;

wherein the at least two detectable features are detected by the at least one sensor element when the cap is in a proper or fully installed position within the reservoir receptacle of the infusion pump device;

wherein a first of the at least two detectable features includes a magnet that is attached to a housing of the cap, and a second of the at least two detectable features include a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that is attached to the housing of the cap; and

wherein a first of the at least one sensor element detects the magnet, and a second of the at least one sensor element is a RFID chip reader to read data from the RFID chip.