Dispenser components and procedures for a patient infusion device

Abstract

A device (10) for delivering fluid to a patient, comprising: an exit port assembly (62); a reservoir (22) including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly; a lead screw (34) received at least partly in the reservoir and longitudinally extending towards the outlet; a plunger (36) secured to the lead screw and having an outer periphery linearly slideable along the side wall of the reservoir, such that linear movement of the lead screw towards the outlet of the reservoir forces fluid within the reservoir through the outlet to the exit port assembly;an elongated shape memory element (38) having a changeable length decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length when at least one charge is applied to the shape memory element, wherein the shape memory element is operatively connected to the lead screw such that the changeable length of the shape memory element decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length causes linear movement of the lead screw towards the outlet of the reservoir; and characterised by further comprising: a sensor (20) detecting linear movement of the lead screw; a processor (40) connected to the shape memory element and the sensor detecting linear movement of the lead screw, and programmed to apply a charge to the shape memory element and remove the charge upon receiving a signal from the sensor indicative of linear movement of the lead screw.;

Description

[0001] Regarding European patent 2 438 957 (DE 603 ​​44 155), the 6th Senate (Voidance Senate) of the Federal Patent Court, based on the oral proceedings of 15 February 2023, has ruled as follows: recognized as rightful: I. European patent 2 438 957 is hereby declared partially invalid with effect for the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany in the scope of claims 1 and 3 to 6 by replacing these claims with the following wording: 1. A device (10) for delivering fluid to a patient, comprising: an exit port assembly (62); a reservoir (22) including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly; a lead screw received at least partly in the reservoir and longitudinally extending towards the outlet; a plunger (36) secured to the lead screw and having an outer periphery linearly slideable along the side wall of the reservoir, such that linear movement of the lead screw towards the outlet of the reservoir forces fluid within the reservoir through the outlet to the exit port assembly; an elongated shape memory element (38) having a changeable length decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length when at least one charge is applied to the shape memory element, wherein the shape memory element is operatively connected to the lead screw through a ratchet member and a gear such that the changeable length of the shape memory element decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length causes linear movement of the lead screw towards the outlet of the reservoir; and characterised by further comprising: a sensor (20) detecting linear movement of the lead screw; and a processor (40) connected to the shape memory element and the sensor detecting linear movement of the lead screw, and programmed to apply a charge to the shape memory element and remove the charge upon receiving a signal from the sensor indicative of linear movement of the lead screw; and further characterized in that rotation of the lead screw is prevented, and in that the gear is threaded and is designed to be rotatably and threadedly received on the lead serew such tbat rotation of the gear results in a linear movement of the lead screw. 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir contains a therapeutic fluid. 4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the therapeutic fluid is insulin. 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the exit port assembly includes a transcutaneous patient access tool. 6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the transcutaneous patient access tool comprises a needle.

Claims

[1] A device (10) for delivering fluid to a patient, comprising: an exit port assembly (62); a reservoir (22) including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly; a lead screw (34) received at least partly in the reservoir and longitudinally extending towards the outlet; a plunger (36) secured to the lead screw and having an outer periphery linearly slideable along the side wall of the reservoir, such that linear movement of the lead screw towards the outlet of the reservoir forces fluid within the reservoir through the outlet to the exit port assembly;an elongated shape memory element (38) having a changeable length decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length when at least one charge is applied to the shape memory element, wherein the shape memory element is operatively connected to the lead screw such that the changeable length of the shape memory element decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length causes linear movement of the lead screw towards the outlet of the reservoir; and characterised by further comprising: a sensor (20) detecting linear movement of the lead screw; a processor (40) connected to the shape memory element and the sensor detecting linear movement of the lead screw, and programmed to apply a charge to the shape memory element and remove the charge upon receiving a signal from the sensor indicative of linear movement of the lead screw.; [2] A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises: a reflector (172) secured to the lead screw (162); at least one light emitter (174) fixed with respect to the lead screw and directed longitudinally at the reflector; and at least one light detector (176) fixed with respect to the lead screw and directed longitudinally at the reflector. [3] A device according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir contains a therapeutic fluid. [4] A device according to claim 3, wherein the therapeutic fluid is insulin. [5] A device according to claim 1, wherein the exit port assembly includes a transcutaneous patient access tool. [6] A device according to claim 5, wherein the transcutaneous patient access tool comprises a needle.