External Infusion Device with a Vented Housing

Abstract

An external infusion device for infusion of a fluid into a body from a reservoir includes a drive system, a housing, electronic control circuitry and at least one vent port. The drive system is operatively coupled with a reservoir to infuse a fluid into a body. The housing is adapted for use on an exterior of the body, and is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir. In addition, the drive mechanism is at least partially contained within the housing, and operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing. Also, the housing is sized to be carried by a user without significant restriction on mobility. The electronic control circuitry is coupled to the drive system to control infusion of the fluid into the body. Moreover, the housing has at least one vent port that permits the passage of air into and out of the housing and inhibits the passage of liquids into the housing through the at least one vent port.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 698,783, filed Oct. 27, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part application which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 429,352, filed Oct. 28, 1999, which claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 60 / 106,237, filed Oct. 29, 1998.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to improvements in infusion pumps such as those used for controlled delivery of medication to a patient. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved infusion pump having a modified and space-efficient drive system. This invention also relates generally to improvements in infusion pumps such as those used for controlled delivery of medication to a patient. Additionally, this invention relates to an improved fluid reservoir and piston for use in combination with such infusion pumps. In addition, this invention relates generally to external infusion dev...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a compact, water-resistant infusion system that maintains accurate medication delivery and prevents corrosion, while allowing air pressure equalization and secure piston operation across varying atmospheric conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Solenoid based drive systems, on the other hand, often must be reset manually, which in turn makes water resistant construction of the pump housing more difficult.

This external arrangement occupies a substantial volume which can increase the overall size of the pump.

While the in-line drive system of FIG. 3a achieves a more compact physical pump size, there are problems associated with the design.

This results in a relatively expensive disposable item due to the number of components which go into its construction.

Any water which might come in contact with the drive screw 305 may result in corrosion or contamination which would affect performance or result in drive failure.

The design of FIG. 3a further gives rise to problems associated with position detection of the piston head 304.

The construction of pumps to be water resistant can give rise to operational problems.

Should the pressure in the housing exceed external atmospheric pressure, the resulting forces could cause the reservoir piston to be driven inward thus delivering unwanted medication.

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