Homeostatic insulin pump

• US 8,066,694 B2
• Filed: 11/10/2008
• Issued: 11/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Joseph Wagener
• Original Assignee: Robert Joseph Wagener
• Inventors: Wagener, Robert Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): Koharski; Christopher D
• Application Number:
  US12/267,989
• Publication Number:
  US 20090137957A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,114 Days
• Field of Search: 604/892.1, 604/890.1, 604/891.1, 604 65- 67, 417/412, 600/309, 600/310, 600/341
• US Class Current: 604/890.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1726 the body parameters being measured at, or proximate to, the infusion site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8243 by induction
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16827 controlling delivery of multiple fluids, e.g. sequencing, mixing or via separate flow-paths infusion of multiple fluids without using a controller A61M5/1407

Abstract

A permanently implanted insulin pump or combined insulin and glucagon pumps, controlled by a valve that expands and contracts due to osmosis as a result of changes in the blood sugar level. The valve is constructed from tissues harvested or grown from the patient'"'"'s body tissues to prevent rejection, infection or thrombosis. It operates the pump(s) though a blood vessel via a magnetic strip within the valve tissue and a reed switch located outside the blood vessel. The pump battery is recharged by electromagnetic induction in response to low battery warnings. Glucagon and/or insulin are refilled in response to low-level warning indicators, using self-sealing septa located near to the surface of the skin.

Claims

1. A device for controlling the blood sugar level, comprising—

(a) an intravenous valve constructed from human tissue and consisting of a semi-permeable membrane containing a glucose solution; and

(b) a magnetic strip attached to intravenous valve for activating a reed switch;

(c) an insulin pump that is activated and deactivated by changes in the size of the valve, which are driven by osmosis, and subsequent movement of the attached magnetic strip.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve controls two pumps, which deliver insulin and glucagon alternately in response to changes in the blood sugar level.