Component location for linear reciprocating pumps

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a wearable drug delivery device and method for positioning components of a linear reciprocating pump. In some methods, the pump may include a pump chamber and a stop device, the pump chamber being operably connected to the piston, wherein the stop device includes a stop body, a stop arm, and a stop engagement member. The stop engagement member may maintain direct physical contact with a first capture position or a second capture position of the stop body or the stop arm. The pump may also include a piston gripper coupled to the piston, the piston gripper including a gripper component that engages with the outside of the piston. Movement of the piston gripper may cause the piston to move axially relative to the pump chamber to control the receipt and delivery of the liquid drug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments herein relate generally to drug delivery. More specifically, embodiments herein relate to wearable drug delivery devices and methods for positioning components of linear reciprocating pumps. Background Art

[0002] Many wearable drug delivery devices include a container for storing a liquid drug. A drive mechanism (such as a pump including a pump chamber and a piston) is operated to discharge the stored liquid drug from the container for delivery to a user. One problem with known devices is that the accuracy of the delivery rate is affected when the volume of the drug is small. In many cases, this inaccuracy is caused by one or more drive mechanisms used, which causes a change in the delivery rate. Therefore, there is a need to provide a wearable drug delivery device that can adjust the drug delivery dose while verifying the positioning and sequence of the drive mechanism. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one method of the present disclosure, a pump may include a pump chamber and a stop device, the pump chamber being operably connected to a piston, the stop device being connected to the pump chamber or the piston. The stop device may include a stop body, a stop arm, and a stop engagement member, wherein in a first position, the stop engagement member remains in contact with a first captured position of the stop body or the stop arm, and wherein in a second position, the stop engagement member remains in contact with a second captured position of the stop body or the stop arm. The pump may also include a piston gripper coupled to the piston, the piston gripper including a gripper component engaged with the exterior of the piston, wherein movement of the piston gripper causes the piston to move axially relative to the pump chamber to control the receipt and delivery of the liquid drug.

[0004] In another method of the present disclosure, a linear volume reciprocating pump may include a pump chamber and a stop device, wherein the pump chamber is operably connected to a piston, and the stop device is connected to the pump chamber or the piston. The stop device may include a stop body, a stop arm, and a stop engagement member, wherein the stop engagement member is operable to move between a first capture position and a second capture position arranged along the stop body or the stop arm. The linear volume reciprocating pump may also include a piston gripper connected to the piston, the piston gripper including a gripper component engaged with the outside of the piston, wherein movement of the piston gripper causes the piston to move axially relative to the pump chamber to control receiving liquid medicine from the container and delivering liquid medicine from the pump chamber.

[0005] In another method of the present disclosure, a linear volume reciprocating pump may include a pump chamber and a stop device, the pump chamber being operably connected to a piston, and the stop device being connected to the pump chamber or the piston. The stop device may include a stop body, a stop arm, and a stop engagement member, wherein the stop engagement member is operable to move between a first capture position and a second capture position arranged along the stop body or the stop arm. The linear volume reciprocating pump may also include a piston gripper coupled to the piston, the piston gripper comprising a gripper component engaged with the outside of the piston, wherein movement of the piston gripper causes the piston to move axially relative to the pump chamber to control receiving liquid medicine from a container and delivering liquid medicine from the pump chamber. The linear volume reciprocating pump may also include a contact portion extending from the stop device or the piston gripper, the contact portion being operable to establish or disconnect contact with one or more contact members coupled to the pump chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary methods of the present disclosure, including practical applications of its principles, and are as follows:

[0007] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 A top view of the linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump depicted in;

[0009] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 Another view of the linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump depicted in;

[0011] Figure 5 shows a top view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 6 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of a linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump as depicted in;

[0013] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 8 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 7 A top view of the linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump depicted in;

[0015] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pump housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig.10 shows a top view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 11-12 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.10 A close-up view of a stop device for a linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump depicted in;

[0018] Figure 13-14 shows a top view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 15-16 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 17-18 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 19-20 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 17-18 A perspective view of a contact member of a linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump as depicted in;

[0022] Figure 21-22 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig.23 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 21-22 A top view of the linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump depicted in;

[0024] Fig.24 shows a sequence for operating an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 25-26 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 27 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 25-26 A top view of the linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump depicted in;

[0027] Fig.28 shows a sequence for operating an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 29-30shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump including an optical sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.31 shows a perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump including an optical sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig.32 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.31 A cross-sectional view of a linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pump as depicted in;

[0031] Fig.33 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.31 A perspective view of the linear positive displacement fluid pump depicted in; and

[0032] Figure 34-35 A perspective view of an exemplary linear positive displacement fluid pump including a capacitive sensor is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to describe specific parameters of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are intended to depict example embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0034] Furthermore, for clarity of illustration, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted or not shown to scale. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of "sliced" or "close-up" cross-sectional views, with certain background lines that would otherwise be visible in a "true" cross-sectional view omitted for clarity of illustration. Furthermore, some reference numerals may be omitted in certain figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Various methods according to the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the methods are shown. These methods can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the methods to those skilled in the art.

[0036] Various examples disclosed herein provide a drive mechanism and / or pump system having the ability to control and verify a pump sequence. As a result, a drug delivery device including a container and a pump can be made more reliable and thus safer for the user.

[0037] Various examples described herein enable pumps, such as linear positive displacement pumps (LVSPs), to perform pumping cycles in the proper order. At any given time during pump actuation, it is beneficial to know the positions of different pump components, i.e., pump chambers and pistons, because the pump chambers and pistons are responsible for inhaling and expelling fluids. Knowing the positions of both the pump chamber and the piston also indicates whether the pump is operating in the designed sequence. In some examples of the present disclosure, one or more mechanical stops and sensing / sequencing mechanisms may be implemented with the pump to both control the position of the pump chamber and piston to maintain the pump cycle in the proper sequence and provide feedback on the position of the pump chamber and / or piston. As will be described in more detail herein, a variety of methods and devices may be implemented for tracking the position of the pump chamber and piston, such as electromechanical contacts, optical sensing, and / or capacitive sensing.

[0038] Figure 1-2 A linear positive displacement fluid pump 100 (hereinafter referred to as a "pump") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the pump 100 may include a pump housing 102 that connects a fluid container 104, a pump chamber 106, and a piston 108 together. In some embodiments, the fluid container 104 may contain a fluid or a liquid drug. The pump housing 102 may include: a base 110; a chassis 111 extending from the base 110 for holding the pump chamber 106; and a container wall 112 operable to interface with the pump chamber 106, as will be described in more detail herein. Although non-limiting, the pump housing 102 may be formed of injection molded plastic or other similar materials.

[0039] Although not shown, the pump chamber 106 may include an inlet passage or component and an outlet passage or component. Liquid or fluid may enter the pump chamber 106 through the inlet passage and may leave the pump chamber 106 through the outlet passage. One or more plunger components may operate with the inlet passage and the outlet passage to draw fluid into the pump chamber 106 and discharge fluid from the pump chamber 106. In various examples, the pump chamber 106 may be coupled to a fluid container 104 storing fluid or liquid medicine. For example, the inlet passage may be coupled to the fluid container 104 and the outlet passage may be coupled to a fluid path component (not shown), which is coupled to a patient or user who will receive the liquid medicine stored in the fluid container 104.

[0040] As further shown, the pump 100 can include a stop device 115 coupled to the pump chamber 106. In some embodiments, the stop device 115 can include: a stop cap or stop body 116; one or more stop arms 117 extending from the stop body 116; and one or more stop engagement members 118. The stop body 116 can extend over and / or abut one end of the pump chamber 106. In some embodiments, the stop body 116 can also abut the piston 108, wherein an opening (not shown) of the stop body 116 can allow the rod of the piston 108 to pass therethrough.

[0041] The stop arm 117 may include a first capture location 120 and a second capture location 121. As shown, the first capture location 120 and the second capture location 121 may correspond to recesses or valleys disposed between one or more peaks 122. The first capture location 120 and the second capture location 121 may be curved to generally complement the dimensions of the stop engagement member 118, which in this case is a coil spring extending from the base 110 of the pump housing 102. The first capture location 120 and the second capture location 121 allow for discrete positioning of the pump chamber 106 and / or the piston 108 by adding additional friction to limit movement of the stop body 116 before a desired time.

[0042] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the stop engagement member 118, when in the first position, contacts the first capture location 120 of the stop arm 117. In the second position, the stop engagement member 118 can contact the second capture location 121 of the stop arm 117. The stop engagement member 118 can change between the first position and the second position as the pump chamber 106 moves relative to the fluid container 104.

[0043] As further shown, the pump 100 may include a piston gripper 125 coupled to the piston 108. The piston gripper 125 may include one or more gripper components 126 that engage the exterior of the piston 108. During operation, movement of the piston gripper 125 causes the piston 108 to move axially relative to the pump chamber 106 to control the receipt and delivery of the liquid drug within the pump chamber 106. The piston gripper 125 may be actuated by a variety of mechanisms and / or actuators. In various examples, the piston gripper 125 may be actuated by an actuator capable of generating a reciprocating motion, such as a piezoelectric-based actuator, a solenoid-based actuator, a nitinol-based actuator, a spring-based actuator, a rotary motor with a gear train, a direct current (DC) motor, or any combination thereof. As a result, the desired effect of a reciprocating fluid (e.g., a liquid drug) may be achieved.

[0044] In some embodiments, the piston gripper 125 includes a gripper body 127 extending on opposite sides of the piston 108. The gripper body 127 can be a generally planar member that includes one or more spring feet 128 extending therefrom. As shown, each spring foot 128 can include one or more tabs 171 to engage and retain a side spring 129 therein. In this embodiment, the side springs 129 can be disposed on opposite sides of the piston 108, parallel to a central axis (not shown) extending through the piston 108, the pump chamber 106, and the stop body 116. The side springs 129 can provide a spring force to bias the piston gripper 125, and therefore the piston 108, toward the pump chamber 106.

[0045] like Figure 3-4 As shown, in some embodiments, the pump 100 may include a stop cap 130 positioned on top of the stop engagement member 118 to provide support / rigidity to the stop engagement member, because the stop engagement member 118 may be prone to unpredictable bistable behavior. In some embodiments, the stop cap 130 may include an elongated body 131 extending between the free ends of each of the stop engagement members 118. As shown, a vertical shaft 132 extending from the underside of the elongated body 131 may extend into a central cavity defined by the helical structure of each of the stop engagement members 118.

[0046] Now turn to Figure 5-6 , a pump 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 200 may be similar in many respects to the pump 100 described above. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 200 may be described below. In this embodiment, the pump 200 may include a stop device 215 coupled to a piston rod 234 of the piston 208. The stop device 215 may include a stop body 216, which may be coupled to the housing 202 or formed integrally with the housing 202. The stop device 215 may also include one or more stop arms 217 extending from the piston rod 234, wherein each stop arm 217 includes one or more stop engagement members 218 engaged with the stop body 216. In some embodiments, the stop arm 217 may be a rigid or semi-rigid element that extends toward the container wall 212 of the fluid container 204. When the pump chamber 206 moves axially relative to the fluid container 204, each of the stop arms 217 may be allowed to bend radially relative to the pump chamber 206 to a certain extent.

[0047] The stop body 216 may include a first capture position 220 and a second capture position 221. As shown, the first capture position 220 and the second capture position 221 may correspond to the recess or valley 216 disposed between the protrusions or peaks 222 along the sidewall 233 of the stop body 216. In some embodiments, the first capture position 220 and the second capture position 221 may be curved or grooved to substantially complement the size of the stop engagement member 218. The first capture position 220 and the second capture position 221 allow for discrete positioning of the pump chamber 206 and / or the piston 208 during use. For example, as the piston 208 moves relative to the fluid container 204, each stop engagement member 218 can move from the first capture position 220 to the second capture position 221.

[0048] Now turn to Figure 7-8 , a pump 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 300 can be similar in many respects to the pumps 100 and 200 described above. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 300 are described below. In this embodiment, the pump 300 may include a stop device 315 coupled to the pump chamber 306. The stop device 315 may include a stop body 316, which may be coupled to the pump housing 302 or formed integrally with the pump housing 302. For example, the stop body 316 may correspond to an outer surface 337 of a chassis 311 extending from a base 310 of the pump housing 302.

[0049] The stop device 315 may also include one or more stop arms 317 extending from the outer surface 345 of the pump chamber 306. As shown, the stop arm 317 may extend radially away from the pump chamber 306. Each stop arm 317 may include an opening 335, which receives a stop engagement member 318 therein. In this embodiment, the stop engagement member 318 may be a coil spring extending from the base 310 of the pump housing 302. As shown, the stop engagement member 318 may be linked together by a connector 338 to provide rigidity and support thereto. In addition, the connector 338 may provide an electrical connection between each stop engagement member 318.

[0050] The stop body 316 may include a first capture location 320 and a second capture location 321. As shown, the first capture location 320 and the second capture location 321 may correspond to recesses or valleys disposed between protrusions or peaks 322 along the outer surface 337 of the stop body 316. In some embodiments, the first capture location 320 and the second capture location 321 may be curved or grooved to substantially complement the dimensions of the stop engagement member 318. The first capture location 320 and the second capture location 321 allow for discrete positioning of the pump chamber 306 and / or the piston 308 during use.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the stop body 316 may include one or more contact signal pins 344 embedded therein. As shown, the contact signal pin 344 can be positioned in the second capture position 321. In other embodiments, the contact signal pin 344 can be positioned in the first capture position 320, or positioned in both the first capture position 320 and the second capture position 321. In the case where the contact signal pin 344 is positioned in both the first capture position 320 and the second capture position 321, two different on / off states can be recorded to replace a single "on" or "off" state. For example, this can be achieved using a live contact signal pin 344 in each of the first capture position 320 and the second capture position 321 on one side of the pump chamber 306 and different contact signal pins in the corresponding capture positions on the opposite side of the pump chamber 306.

[0052] During use of the pump 300, when the pump chamber 306 is in the first position, the contact signal pin 344 may not contact the stop engagement member 318. When the pump chamber 306 moves away from the container wall 312 of the fluid container 304 to the second position in the second captured position 321, the contact signal pin 344 contacts the stop engagement member 318. Thus, a closed loop is formed between the contact signal pin 344 and the stop engagement member 318, so that a signal is transmitted to a processor or control logic / loop (not shown). For example, the signal obtained by actuating the closed-circuit switch can be an indicator of the state or position of the pump chamber 306. The information about the position of the pump chamber 306 obtained by the closed-circuit switch can be used, for example, to ensure that the pump 300 properly inhales or discharges fluid.

[0053] Now go to Fig. 9 , the pump housing 302 of the pump 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. As shown in the figure, the pump housing 302 may include a base 310 and a pump chamber 306 ( Figure 7-8 ) chassis 311. The pump housing 302 may also include a container housing 350 that defines or contains a fluid container 304, wherein the fluid container contains a fluid drug therein. A container wall 312 may extend along the exterior of the container housing 350, the container wall 312 including a fluid opening 351 formed therethrough. In some embodiments, a needle (not shown) may extend through the fluid opening 351 to draw the fluid drug into the pump chamber 306.

[0054] In other embodiments, the piston rod of the piston 308 can extend into the fluid opening 351, initially preventing the fluid medication from being released from the fluid container 304. When the piston rod is withdrawn from the container housing 350, for example axially away from the container wall 312, the fluid medication can be released from the fluid container 304 and enter the pump chamber 306. In some embodiments, the movement of the piston rod can create a vacuum within a portion of the pump chamber 306 (such as within the fluid line). The vacuum can pull a portion of the fluid medication out of the fluid container 304 and into the resulting space / volume within the pump chamber 306.

[0055] As further shown, the chassis 311 may include a first (proximal) end 353 and a second (distal) end 354. A channel 355 may be provided in the chassis 311 to support the pump chamber 306. During use, the pump chamber 306 may slide within the channel 355 between the first end 353 and the second end 354. The base 310 of the pump housing 302 may also include one or more openings 356 for receiving one or more contact members (not shown).

[0056] Reference Figure 10-12 , a pump 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 400 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 400 may be described below. In this embodiment, the pump 400 may include a stop device 415 coupled to the pump chamber 406. In some embodiments, the stop device 415 may include: a stop cover or stop body 416; one or more stop arms 417 extending from the stop body 416; and one or more stop engagement members 418. The stop body 416 may extend over and / or abut one end of the pump chamber 406. In some embodiments, the stop body 416 may also abut the piston 408, wherein an opening (not shown) of the stop body 416 may allow the rod of the piston 408 to pass therethrough.

[0057] The stop arm 417 may include a first capture location 420 and a second capture location 421. As shown, the first capture location 420 and the second capture location 421 may be defined by a recess or valley disposed between one or more peaks 422. The first capture location 420 and the second capture location 421 may be curved to substantially complement the dimensions of the stop engagement member 418, in which case the stop engagement member 418 is a torsion spring extending from the base 410 of the pump housing 402. More specifically, the stop engagement member 418 may include a contact portion 458 connected to a spiral portion 459. In some embodiments, the spiral portion 459 may be housed or embedded in a spring housing 460 ( Fig.12), the spring housing 460 may extend from or be integrally formed with the base 410. The first capture position 420 and the second capture position 421 allow for discrete positioning of the pump chamber 406 and / or the piston 408 by adding additional friction to limit movement of the stop device 415 before a desired time.

[0058] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, when in the first position, the contact portion 458 of the stop engagement member 418 can maintain physical and / or electrical contact with the first capture location 420 of the stop arm 417. In the second position, the contact portion 458 of the stop engagement member 418 can maintain physical and / or electrical contact with the second capture location 421 of the stop arm 417. As the pump chamber 406 moves away from the container wall 412, the stop engagement member 418 can change between the first position and the second position.

[0059] Reference Figure 13-14 , a pump 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 500 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 500 are described below. In this embodiment, the pump 500 may include a stop device 515 coupled to the pump chamber 506. In some embodiments, the stop device 515 may include: a stop cover or stop body 516; one or more stop arms 517 extending from the stop body 516; and one or more stop engagement members 518. The stop body 516 may extend over and / or abut one end of the pump chamber 506. In some embodiments, the stop body 516 may also abut the piston 508, wherein an opening (not shown) of the stop body 516 may allow the rod 534 (not shown) of the piston 508 to be moved. Fig.14 ) through it.

[0060] The stop arm 517 may include a first capture location 520 and a second capture location 521. As shown, the first capture location 520 and the second capture location 521 may be defined by a recess or valley disposed between one or more peaks 522. The first capture location 520 and the second capture location 521 may be curved to substantially complement the dimensions of the stop engagement member 518, in which case the stop engagement member 518 may be a coil spring extending from the base 510 of the pump housing 502. The first capture location 520 and the second capture location 521 allow for discrete positioning of the pump chamber 506 and / or the piston 508 by adding additional friction to limit movement of the stop device 515 before a desired time.

[0061] In this embodiment, one or more of the stop engagement members 518 may include an insulating coating 562 formed thereon. As shown, the insulating coating 562 may be formed along only a portion of the stop arm so that the first capture position 520 remains uncovered by the insulating coating 562. During use, as the pump chamber 506 and the stop device 515 move away from the fluid container 504, the stop arm 517 is repositioned from the first capture position 520 to the second capture position 521 relative to the stop engagement member 518, thereby terminating the electrical contact between the stop engagement member 518 and the stop arm 517 due to the presence of the insulating coating 562. In other embodiments, the first capture position 520 may be covered by the insulating coating 562, while the second capture position 521 is not covered by the insulating coating 562. Thus, the movement of the stop engagement member 518 from the first capture position 520 to the second capture position 521 may result in a closed loop formed between the stop engagement member 518 and the stop arm 517. The signal indicative of the closed / open loop connection between the stop engagement member 518 and the stop arm 517 may be used to determine the position of the pump chamber 506 and / or the piston 508 .

[0062] Reference Figure 15-16 , a pump 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 600 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 600 are described below.

[0063] As shown, the pump 600 may include one or more contact members 664, such as coil springs, extending from the base 610 of the pump housing 602. When the contact members 664 contact the periphery of the stop body 616 of the stop device 615, the contact members 664 may form a closed loop. For example, when the pump chamber 606 is in a first position adjacent to the container housing 650, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, there is an open circuit. As the pump chamber 606 and the stop device 615 move toward the distal end 654 of the chassis 611, the periphery 665 of the stop body 616 makes electrical and mechanical contact with one or more contact members 664 to form a closed circuit 670, as shown. Fig.16 The signal representing the closed / open loop connection between the stop body 616 and one or more contact members 664 can be used to determine the position of the pump chamber 606 and / or the piston 608.

[0064] exist Figure 17-20 , a pump 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 700 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 700 are described below.

[0065] As shown, the pump 700 may include one or more contact members 764, such as a coil spring, extending from the base 710 of the pump housing 702. When the contact member 764 contacts the contact piece 767 of the stop body 716 of the stop device 715, the contact member 764 can form a closed loop. In this embodiment, the contact member 767 can be an L-shaped contact member extending from the stop body 716. As best shown in Figures 19-20, the contact member 767 can include a set of crimps 768 that are operable to electrically and mechanically engage the contact member 764. For example, the contact member 767 can extend between each contact member 764 so that the contact member 764 extends from the opening 769 ( Fig.19 ) is deflected outwardly from a central axis (not shown). It should be understood that the specific geometry and configuration of the contact member 767 is non-limiting.

[0066] During use, when the pump chamber 706 is in a first position adjacent to the container housing 750, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, there is an open circuit. As the pump chamber 706 and the stop device 715 move toward the distal end 754 of the chassis 711, the contact 767 makes electrical and mechanical contact with the contact member 764 to form a closed circuit 770, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 The signal representing the closed / open loop connection between the contact 767 and the contact member 764 can be used to determine the position of the pump chamber 706 and / or the piston 708.

[0067] Reference Figure 21-23 , a pump 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 800 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 800 are described below. In this embodiment, the pump 800 may include a piston gripper 825 coupled to the piston 808. The piston gripper 825 may include one or more gripper components 826 that engage the exterior of the piston 808. During operation, movement of the piston gripper 825 causes the piston 808 to move axially relative to the pump chamber 806 to control the receipt and delivery of liquid medication within the pump chamber 806.

[0068] In some embodiments, the piston gripper 825 includes a gripper body 827 extending on opposite sides of the piston 808. The gripper body 827 may include one or more spring feet 828 extending therefrom. As shown, each spring foot 828 may include one or more tabs 871 to engage and retain a side spring 830 therein. In this embodiment, the side springs 830 may be disposed on opposite sides of the piston 808, parallel to a central axis (not shown) extending through the piston 808, the pump chamber 806, and the stop body 816. The side springs 830 provide a spring force to bias the piston gripper 825, and therefore the piston 808, toward the pump chamber 806.

[0069] In this embodiment, the piston gripper 825 may also include a contact 867 coupled thereto. Although not limiting, the contact 867 may be an insulated engagement pin disposed along the underside of the gripper body 827. For example, the contact 867 may be a conductive cylinder extending generally parallel to the central axis. In some embodiments, the contact 867 may include a first end 872 retained within a clamp 873 of the piston gripper 825 and a second free end 874 opposite the first end 872. The free end 874 may be operable to engage one or more piston position contact members 875, as described below.

[0070] Now refer to Fig.24 , the operation of the pump 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. As shown, for each state of the pump 800, a side view of the pump 800 and a close-up top view of the contact member 867 and the piston position contact member 875 are shown. In the initial stage (1), the pump chamber 806 can be directly adjacent to and / or abut the container wall 812 of the container housing 850. In addition, when the pump chamber 806 is in the initial stage (1), the stop engagement member 818 can remain in direct physical contact with the first capture position of the stop arm 817. As shown, for example, there is no contact between the stop body 816 and the contact member 864, or there is no contact between the contact member 867 and the piston position contact member 875.

[0071] Next, in the second stage (2), the piston 808 can be moved axially away from the pump chamber 806 to draw the liquid drug into the pump chamber 806. More specifically, the piston rod 834 of the piston 808 can be withdrawn axially through the pump chamber 806 to release the fluid drug from the container housing 850. As shown, the piston gripper 825 and the contact member 867 can also be moved axially away from the pump chamber 806, thereby causing the contact member 867 to engage the first pair 875A of the piston position contact members 875. A signal can be transmitted from the piston position contact member 875 to indicate the position of the contact member 867, thereby indicating the position of the piston 808. The open circuit between the stop body 816 and the contact member 864 can provide an indication of the position of the pump chamber 806.

[0072] Next, in the third stage (3), pump chamber 806 and piston 808 can be moved axially away from container housing 850, so that the pin (not shown) of pump chamber 806 enters the fluid output position. As shown in the figure, piston gripper 825 and contact 867 can engage first pair 875A and second pair 875B in piston position contact member 875. Signal can be transmitted from piston position contact member 875 to indicate the position of contact 867 and therefore indicate the position of piston 808. And the closed loop between stop body 816 and contact member 864 can also provide the indication of the position of pump chamber 806. As shown in the figure, stop engagement member 818 can keep direct physical contact with second capture position 821 of stop arm 817.

[0073] Next, in the fourth stage (4), the piston 808 can move axially toward the pump chamber 806 to discharge the fluid drug from the pump chamber 806. As shown, the piston gripper 825 and the contact member 867 can only engage the first pair 875A of the piston position contact member 875. A signal can be transmitted from the piston position contact member 875 to indicate the position of the contact member 867, thereby indicating the position of the piston 808. Moreover, the closed loop between the stop body 816 and the contact member 864 can also provide an indication of the position of the pump chamber 806. As shown, the stop engagement member 818 can remain in direct physical contact with the second capture position 821 of the stop arm 817 in the fourth stage.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 25-27 , a pump 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 900 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 900 may be described below. In this embodiment, the pump 900 may include a piston gripper 925 coupled to the piston 908. The piston gripper 925 may include one or more gripper components 926 that engage the exterior of the piston 908. During operation, movement of the piston gripper 925 causes the piston 908 to move axially relative to the pump chamber 906 and the container housing 950 containing the fluid drug.

[0075] In some embodiments, the piston gripper 925 includes a gripper body 927 extending on opposite sides of the piston 908 and a contact 967 coupled to the gripper body. Although not limiting, the contact 967 can be an engagement pin disposed along the underside of the gripper body 927. For example, the contact 967 can be a conductive cylinder extending generally parallel to the central axis. The contact 967 can include a first end 972 proximate to the contact member 964 and a second end 974 proximate to one or more piston position contact members 975. As shown, the contact 967 can be coupled to the gripper body 927 by one or more clamps 973.

[0076] Now go to Fig.28 , the operation of the pump 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. As shown, for each state of the pump 900, a side view of the pump 900 and a close-up top view of the contact piece 967, the contact member 964, and the piston position contact member 975 are depicted. In the initial stage (1), the pump chamber 906 can be directly adjacent to and / or abut the container wall 912 of the container housing 950. In addition, the stop engagement member 918 can maintain direct physical contact with the first capture position 920 of the stop arm 917 when the pump chamber 906 is in the initial stage (1). As shown, the contact piece 967 can be in direct physical and electrical contact with the contact member 964, but not in direct physical and electrical contact with the piston position contact member 975.

[0077] Next, in the second stage (2), the piston 908 can be moved axially away from the pump chamber 906 to draw the liquid drug into the pump chamber 906. More specifically, the piston rod 934 of the piston 908 can be withdrawn axially through the pump chamber 90 to release the fluid drug from the container housing 950. As shown, the piston gripper 925 and the contact member 967 can also be moved axially away from the pump chamber 906, thereby causing the contact member 967 to engage the piston position contact member 975. A signal can be transmitted from the piston position contact member 975 and the contact member 964 to indicate the position of the contact member 967, thereby indicating the position of the piston 908.

[0078] Next, in the third stage (3), pump chamber 906 and piston 908 can be moved axially away from container housing 950, so that the needle (not shown) of pump chamber 906 enters the fluid output position. As shown, piston gripper 925 and contact member 967 can continue to move axially away from container housing 950, thereby causing the first end 972 of contact member 967 to disconnect contact with contact member 964. One or more signals can be transmitted from piston positioning contact member 975 and contact member 964 to indicate the position of contact member 967, thereby indicating the position of piston 908. In certain embodiments, the closed loop between stop body 916 and contact member can also provide an indication of the position of pump chamber 906. As shown, stop engagement member 918 can keep direct physical contact with the second captured position 921 of stop arm 917.

[0079] Next, in the fourth stage (4), the piston 908 can move axially toward the pump chamber 906 to expel the fluid drug from the pump chamber 906. As shown, the contact 967 can again engage the piston position contact 975 and the contact member 964. A signal can be transmitted from the piston position contact member 975 and the contact member 964 to indicate the position of the contact 967, thereby indicating the position of the piston 908. Moreover, the closed loop between the stop body 916 and the contact member 964 can also provide an indication of the position of the pump chamber 906. As shown, the stop engagement member 918 can remain in direct physical contact with the second capture position 921 of the stop arm 917 in the fourth stage.

[0080] Now turn to Figure 29-30 , a pump 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 1000 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 1000 are described below. In this embodiment, the pump 1000 may include a piston gripper 1025 coupled to the piston 1008. The piston gripper 1025 may include one or more gripper components 1026 that engage the exterior of the piston 1008. During operation, the piston gripper 1025 and the piston 1008 can move axially together relative to the pump chamber 1006.

[0081] In some embodiments, the piston gripper 1025 includes a gripper body 1027 extending on opposite sides of the piston 1008. The gripper body 1027 may also include a sensor plate 1080 extending between a pair of side springs 1030. A sensor arm 1082 may extend vertically from the sensor plate 1080, wherein the sensor arm 1082 operates with an optical sensor 1085 to detect the position of the piston gripper 1025, thereby detecting the position of the piston 1008. More specifically, as shown in Fig.30 As better shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor arm 1082 can travel between a light source 1083 (eg, an LED) and a photodiode 1084. The light source 1083 and the photodiode 1084 can extend from the base 1010 of the housing 1002.

[0082] The photodiode 1084 is operable to detect light from the light source 1083. When the sensor arm 1082 is positioned between the light source 1083 and the photodiode 1084, the photodiode will not detect any light. When the sensor arm 1082 is not positioned between the light source 1083 and the photodiode 1084, the photodiode detects light output from the light source 1083. Based on the detection or non-detection of light, the position of the piston gripper 1025 and thus the position of the piston 1008 can be determined.

[0083] Now turn to Figure 31-33, a pump 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 1100 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 1100 may be described below. In this embodiment, the pump 1100 may include a piston gripper 1125 coupled to the piston 1108. During operation, movement of the piston gripper 1125 causes the piston 1108 to move axially relative to the pump chamber 1106 and / or the piston rod 1134.

[0084] In some embodiments, the piston gripper 1125 includes a gripper body 1127 extending on opposite sides of the piston 1108. The gripper body 1127 may also include a sensor plate 1180 extending between a pair of side springs 1130. As further shown, the sensor plate 1180 may be positioned distal to the piston 1108. In this embodiment, the sensor plate 1180 may include an optical opening 1186 positioned above the optical sensor 1185. Light from a light source (not shown) may reach the photodiode 1184 of the optical sensor 1185, depending on the position of the sensor plate 1180. For example, when the solid portion 1187 of the sensor arm 1182 is positioned between the light source and the photodiode 1184, the photodiode will not detect any light. However, when the optical opening 1186 is positioned above the photodiode 1184, light from the light source is allowed to reach the photodiode 1184. Based on the detection or non-detection of light by the photodiode 1184, the position of the piston gripper 1125 and, thereby, the position of the piston 1108 may be determined. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 1185 may be elevated to a position proximate to the gripper body 1127 by a sensor block 1190 extending from the base 1110 of the housing 1102 of the pump 1100. However, the embodiments herein are not limited in this context.

[0085] Now turn to Figure 34-35 , a pump 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The pump 1200 can be similar to the pumps described above in many respects. Thus, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the pump 1200 are described below. In this embodiment, the pump 1200 may include a piston gripper 1225 coupled to the piston 1208. During operation, movement of the piston gripper 1225 causes the piston 1208 to move axially relative to the pump chamber 1206.

[0086] In some embodiments, the piston gripper 1225 includes a gripper body 1227 extending on opposite sides of the piston 1208. The gripper body 1227 can operate in conjunction with a capacitive sensor 1285. For example, the capacitive sensor 1285 can include a capacitive plate 1294 mounted on top of a capacitor block 1295 extending from the base 1210 of the housing 1202. During use, as the grounded gripper body 1227 moves over the capacitive plate 1294, a temporary capacitor can be formed. For example, the capacitance can be measured by components on a logic board (not shown) and can directly indicate the position of the piston gripper 1215 and thereby the position of the piston 1208. This approach can provide multiple resolutions between pump states because the capacitance measured with the capacitive sensor 1285 increases and decreases linearly with the movement of the gripper body 1227 of the capacitive plate 1294.

[0087] In summary, the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein can be used to extract a portion of a liquid drug or other fluid from a container. The pumps disclosed herein can be linear reciprocating pumps and / or linear positive displacement reciprocating fluid pumps for providing stored liquid drugs to a user by, for example, extracting liquid drugs from a container, temporarily storing the extracted liquid drugs in the pump, and then expelling the liquid drugs from the pump for delivery to a patient. Each disclosed pump can be part of a wearable medical device, such as, for example, a wearable insulin delivery device.

[0088] The foregoing discussion is presented for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. For example, in order to simplify the present disclosure, various features of the present disclosure may be combined together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations. However, it should be understood that various features of certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations.

[0089] As used herein, an element or step described in the singular and beginning with the word "one" or "an" should be understood to not exclude multiple elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly described. In addition, reference to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also include the described features.

[0090] As used herein, "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Therefore, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are open-ended expressions and can be used interchangeably herein.

[0091] As used herein, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" refer to A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0092] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, up, down, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to help the reader understand the present disclosure and do not constitute limitations, especially not limitations on the position, direction, or use of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection, and connection) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship to each other.

[0093] Furthermore, identifying references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) is not intended to imply importance or priority, but is used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for illustration purposes only, and the size, position, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings may vary.

[0094] Moreover, the terms "substantially" or "substantially" and the terms "approximately" or "approximately" may be used interchangeably in some embodiments and may be described using any relative measure acceptable to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, these terms may be used as a comparison to a reference parameter to indicate a deviation from being able to provide the intended function. Although non-limiting, the deviation from a reference parameter may be, for example, an amount less than 1%, less than 3%, less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, and the like.

[0095] In addition, although the various methods disclosed herein are described as a series of actions or events, unless otherwise specified, the present disclosure is not limited by the shown order of these actions or events. For example, according to the present disclosure, some actions may occur in different orders and / or occur simultaneously with other actions or events other than those orders shown and / or described herein. In addition, implementation according to the methods disclosed herein may not require all the actions or events shown. Moreover, these methods can be implemented in conjunction with the formation and / or processing of the structures shown and described herein and in conjunction with other structures not shown.

[0096] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments described herein. In fact, various other embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of a specific implementation in a specific environment for a specific purpose. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the usefulness is not limited thereto, and that the present disclosure can be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Therefore, the claims set forth below will be interpreted in light of the full scope and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein.

Claims

1. A pump, comprising: a pump chamber operably coupled to the piston; a stop device coupled to the pump chamber or the piston, wherein the stop device comprises a stop body, a stop arm and a stop engagement member, wherein in a first position the stop engagement member remains in contact with a first captured position of the stop body or the stop arm, wherein in a second position the stop engagement member remains in contact with a second captured position of the stop body or the stop arm; a piston gripper coupled to the piston, the piston gripper including a gripper component engaging an exterior of the piston, wherein movement of the piston gripper causes axial movement of the piston relative to the pump chamber to control receipt and delivery of liquid medication; and A capacitive sensor is positioned adjacent the piston gripper to indicate a position of the piston gripper, wherein the capacitive sensor includes a capacitive plate mounted on top of a capacitor block extending from a base of the pump housing.

2. The pump of claim 1, further comprising a set of side springs coupled to the piston gripper, wherein the set of side springs provide a spring force to bias the piston gripper toward the pump chamber.

3. The pump of claim 1, further comprising a second stop engagement member, wherein a stop cap is positioned on top of the stop engagement member and the second stop engagement member.

4. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The detent engagement member is a spring.

5. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The stop body extends from a pump housing, wherein the stop arm is directly coupled to an outer surface of the pump chamber, and wherein the stop engagement member extends through an opening of the stop arm.

6. The pump of claim 5, further comprising a contact signal pin embedded in the stop body, wherein: In the first position, the stop engagement member is in contact with the contact signal pin, and wherein in the second position, the stop engagement member is not in contact with the contact signal pin.

7. The pump of claim 1, further comprising an insulating coating extending along a portion of the stop arm, wherein in the second position the stop engagement member is in direct physical contact with the insulating coating.

8. The pump of claim 1, further comprising a contact extending from the stop body or the piston grip, wherein the contact is operable to make or break contact with one or more contact members coupled to a pump housing.

9. The pump according to claim 1, wherein: The pump is a linear positive displacement pump.

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