Liquid delivery capping apparatus, system, and method

Abstract

To provide devices, systems and methods related to cap devices of a liquid delivery device, e.g., cap devices configured to detect a plunger of the liquid delivery device.SOLUTION: A cap device of a liquid delivery system is provided. In some embodiments, an example cap device includes: a body 110 defining a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a liquid delivery device; a first sensor 140 configured to output a first sensor signal indicative of a plunger 205 of the liquid delivery device; and a processor configured to detect a plunger of the liquid delivery device based on a variation in the sensor signal of the first sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Application No. 62 / 648,046, filed on March 26, 2018. The disclosure of the previous application is regarded as part of the disclosure of this application and is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] This specification relates to a cap device for a liquid delivery device, and to devices, systems, and methods related to a cap device configured to detect, for example, a plunger of a liquid delivery device.

Background Art

[0003] Liquid delivery systems are generally used to deliver measured amounts of drugs to patients. For example, a pen - type syringe delivery device is used to deliver a measured amount of drug. The device includes a delivery end that is capped for storage between uses and a plunger that is movable within a reservoir to dispense a measured dose. A cap device can protect the delivery end from damage during storage and can be used to display information to the user, such as the period since the cap was last removed during the previous use of the delivery device or information regarding the contents of the delivery device.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments described herein include a cap device, a system, and a method configured to detect the state of a liquid delivery device and output dosing information based on the detected state. For example, a liquid delivery system can include a liquid delivery device having a reservoir and a movable plunger for pushing liquid out of the reservoir, and a cap device configured to cover at least the delivery end of the liquid delivery device. The cap device includes one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device, such as the position of the plunger. The position of the plunger can be used to determine the amount of liquid in the reservoir, dosing information (e.g., previously delivered dosing amounts), and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device and its operation.

[0005] Some exemplary capping devices optionally include a body and a sensor carriage movably disposed within the body. The sensor carriage may include one or more sensors that output sensor signals. The sensor signals may vary based on the characteristics of the liquid delivery sensor encountered by one or more sensors, such as the liquid in a plunger or reservoir. In some embodiments, the sensor carriage may be movable between a first position and a second position without user intervention, or may be movable without requiring further user intervention by positioning the capping device on a liquid delivery device.

[0006] Several exemplary capping devices can facilitate accurate and repeatable detection of the plunger position of a liquid delivery device, and thereby detection of the previously delivered dose or remaining amount in the reservoir. Alternatively / furthermore, some embodiments facilitate accurate and repeatable measurements by reducing manual operation during detection. For example, a sensor carriage can move between a first position and a second position without any additional manual operation by the user beyond engaging the liquid delivery device with the capping device, while the liquid delivery device is in a fixed position relative to the body of the capping device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sensor carriage can be pushed into the cavity of the capping device by engaging the liquid delivery device with the capping device. The sensor carriage may optionally be movable with the liquid delivery device until the capping device is held on the liquid delivery device, after which the sensor carriage may be released. One or more sensors on the sensor carriage may be configured to scan the liquid delivery device while the sensor carriage moves from a first position to a second position. Subsequently, by disengaging or removing the liquid delivery device from the capping device, the capping device may be reset and subsequently become engageable with the liquid delivery device. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the capping device may be configured to repeatedly and reliably scan the liquid delivery device to detect its plunger, and / or to evaluate the characteristics of the liquid delivery device and its use.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, the capping device includes one or more sensors configured to output sensor signals indicating characteristics of the liquid delivery device, and one or more position sensors configured to output position-related sensor signals. For example, the capping device may include first and second optical sensors configured to output sensor signals indicating the plunger of the liquid delivery device, and a linear potentiometer configured to output a sensor signal that can be used to determine the corresponding position of the plunger. In various exemplary embodiments, the capping device may optionally include one or more of the following: a color sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, and / or one or more of the following: a rotary encoder, a linear encoder, a membrane potentiometer, a magnetic potentiometer, and so on.

[0009] A particular embodiment described herein is a capping device for a liquid delivery system, comprising a body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery system, and a sensor carriage movable within the cavity and including a first sensor. The sensor carriage may be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the cavity, with the liquid delivery system in a fixed position relative to the cavity.

[0010] In some implementations, the system may optionally include one or more of the following features: A cavity may be defined by a front wall and one or more side walls of a body, the body may define an opening to the cavity. A sensor carriage in a first position may be located near the front wall. A sensor carriage in a second position may be located near the opening. The device may further include a spring that is forceful to move the sensor carriage from the first position to the second position. The first sensor may be configured to output a sensor signal indicating the physical characteristics of the liquid delivery device. The first sensor may be configured to output a sensor signal indicating the plunger of the liquid delivery device while the sensor carriage moves between the first and second positions. The sensor carriage may include a first transmissive sensor. The sensor carriage may include a first reflective sensor. The sensor carriage may include an optical sensor having a first optical emitter aligned with a first optical receiver. The first sensor may include an optical path between a first optical emitter and a first optical receiver, the optical path may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the capping device. The optical path may not intersect the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the capping device. The sensor carriage may include a second optical sensor having a second optical emitter aligned with a second optical receiver. The first optical emitter may not be aligned with the second optical receiver, and the second optical emitter may not be aligned with the first optical receiver. The device may further include a position sensor. The device may further include a processor configured to detect a plunger of a liquid delivery device based on a variation in the sensor signal of the first sensor and to determine a corresponding position based on the sensor signal output by the position sensor. The position sensor may include a linear potentiometer, the linear potentiometer may include a resistive element and a wiper movable along the resistive element. The wiper may be located on the sensor carriage. The output of the linear potentiometer may indicate the position of the sensor carriage. The position sensor may include a linear encoder, and the linear encoder may include a code strip and an encoder that is movable along the code strip.The position sensor may include a rotary encoder, and the rotary encoder may include a code wheel and an encoder.

[0011] Specific embodiments described herein include a liquid delivery system comprising a reservoir, a liquid in the reservoir, and a liquid delivery device including a plunger movable within the reservoir for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir; a capping device comprising a body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device, and a sensor carriage movable within the cavity, and one or more sensors configured to output sensor signals indicating the physical characteristics of the liquid delivery, and a position sensor. The sensor carriage may be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the cavity while the liquid delivery device is in a fixed position relative to the cavity.

[0012] In some implementations, the system may optionally include one or more of the following functions: The capping device may include a processor configured to detect the plunger of a liquid delivery device based on fluctuations in the sensor signal of a first sensor and to determine the corresponding position based on the sensor signal of a position sensor. The processor may be located within the capping device. One or more sensors located on the sensor carriage may include first and second optical sensors, the first optical sensor having a first optical emitter aligned with the first optical receiver, and the second optical sensor having an optical emitter aligned with the second optical receiver. The first optical sensor may include an optical path between the first optical emitter and the first optical receiver, the optical path may be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the capping device. The first optical path does not have to intersect the mid-longitudinal axis of the cavity of the capping device.

[0013] A particular embodiment described herein includes a method for evaluating the state of a liquid delivery device, comprising: housing at least a portion of the liquid delivery device within a cavity of a capping device; releasing a sensor carriage containing one or more sensors to move the sensor carriage from a first position to a second position while the liquid delivery device remains in a fixed position within the cavity; and evaluating the output of one or more sensors indicating the presence of features of the liquid delivery device.

[0014] In some implementations, the method may optionally include one or more of the following features. The method may further include a processor in the capping device evaluating the output of a position sensor to determine the position of a feature of the liquid delivery device. The feature of the liquid delivery device may be a plunger. One or more sensors may include first and second optical sensors, and the position sensor may include a linear potentiometer including a resistive element and a wiper. The wiper may be located on a sensor carriage.

[0015] A particular embodiment described herein includes a liquid delivery system capping device comprising a body defining a cavity configured to house a liquid delivery device, and means for moving one or more plunger sensors together with the cavity.

[0016] In some implementations, the system may optionally include one or more of the following features: The capping device may further include means for detecting the position of one or more plunger sensors.

[0017] Specific embodiments described herein include a capping device for a liquid delivery system, comprising: a body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery system; a first sensor configured to output a first sensor signal indicating a plunger of the liquid delivery system; a second sensor configured to output a second sensor signal indicating a position; and a processor configured to detect the plunger of the liquid delivery system based on fluctuations in the sensor signal of the first sensor and to determine the corresponding position based on the sensor signal output by the second sensor. The second sensor may include a linear encoder, including a code strip and an encoder.

[0018] In some implementations, the system may optionally include one or more of the following features: The linear encoder may be a reflective linear encoder. The linear encoder may be a transmissive linear encoder. The encoder may be located in a cavity on a sensor carriage that is movable between a first position and a second position. The first sensor may be fixed to the body. The first sensor may be located on the sensor carriage and be movable between a first position and a second position. The cap device may include a first spring that is biased to move the sensor carriage between a first position and a second position. The sensor carriage may include a second spring that frictionally engages with the body while the sensor carriage moves between a first position and a second position. If the sensor carriage is movable between a first position and a second position, the encoder may be spaced apart from the squad strip.

[0019] Specific embodiments described herein include a capping device for a liquid delivery system, comprising: a body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery system; a first sensor configured to output a first sensor signal indicating a plunger of the liquid delivery system; a second sensor configured to output a second sensor signal indicating a position; and a processor configured to detect the plunger of the liquid delivery system based on fluctuations in the sensor signal of the first sensor and to determine the corresponding position based on the sensor signal output by the second sensor. The second sensor may include a rotary encoder, including a code wheel and an encoder.

[0020] In some implementations, the system may optionally include one or more of the following features: The capping device may include a track and a carriage movable along the track between a first and second position, the carriage may be configured to accommodate the delivery end of a liquid delivery device. The track may include a helical slot, and the track may be rotatable by the movement of the carriage between a first and second position along the helical slot. The rotation of the track may cause the code wheel to rotate. The capping device may include a gear train, and the rotation of the track may be transmitted to the code wheel via the gear train. The carriage may not include a sensor or sensor component. The first sensor may be fixedly positioned relative to the body of the capping device. The first sensor may be positioned on a carriage movable between a first and second position.

[0021] Specific embodiments described herein include a method for evaluating the state of a liquid delivery device, which involves receiving at least a portion of the liquid delivery device within a cavity of a capping device. A first sensor generates a first sensor signal indicating a feature of the liquid delivery device. A second sensor generates a second sensor signal output indicating a location associated with the first sensor signal output. The first sensor signal output and the second sensor signal output are evaluated to determine the location of the feature of the liquid delivery device.

[0022] In some implementations, the system may optionally include one or more of the following functions: The second sensor may include a linear encoder comprising a code strip and an encoder, and generating the second sensor signal output includes moving the encoder along the code strip. The second sensor may include a rotary encoder comprising a code wheel and an encoder, and generating the second sensor signal output includes relative rotation between the code wheel and the encoder. A feature may be a plunger of a liquid delivery device. This method may further include displaying an output related to the position of the plunger. The output may be the amount of a previous dose delivered from the liquid delivery device.

[0023] A particular embodiment described herein is a capping device for a liquid delivery system, comprising a body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery system, and a sensor carriage movable within the cavity and including a first sensor, and a motor configured to move the sensor carriage. The sensor carriage is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the cavity while the liquid delivery system is in a fixed position relative to the cavity.

[0024] In some implementations, the device may optionally include one or more of the following features: An electric motor may be configured to drive a sensor carriage along a portion of the liquid delivery device. A cavity may be defined by a front wall and one or more side walls of a body, the body may define an opening to the cavity. A first sensor may be configured to output a sensor signal indicating the physical characteristics of the liquid delivery device. The first sensor may be configured to output a sensor signal indicating the plunger of the liquid delivery device while the sensor carriage moves between a first position and a second position. The device may further include a sleeve configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device. The sensor carriage may be configured to move along the outside of the sleeve. The first sensor may include an optical path between a first optical emitter and a first optical receiver, the optical path may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the cap device. The optical path may pass through the material thickness of the sleeve. The sensor carriage may include a second optical sensor having a second optical emitter aligned with a second optical receiver. The first optical emitter does not need to be aligned with the second optical receiver, and the second optical emitter does not need to be aligned with the first optical receiver. The device may include a position sensor. The device may include a processor configured to detect the plunger of the liquid delivery device based on fluctuations in the sensor signal of the first sensor and to determine the corresponding position based on the sensor signal output by the position sensor. The position sensor may include a linear encoder, and the linear encoder may include a code strip and an encoder that is movable along the code strip.

[0025] Certain embodiments described herein include a liquid delivery system comprising a reservoir, a liquid within the reservoir, and a plunger movable within the reservoir for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir. The system further comprises a body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device, a sensor carriage movable within the cavity and including one or more sensors configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a physical characteristic, a motor configured to move the sensor carriage, and a position sensor. The sensor carriage is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the cavity while the liquid delivery device is in a fixed position relative to the cavity.

[0026] In some implementations, the system optionally can include one or more of the following features. The system can include a processor configured to detect the plunger of the liquid delivery device based on variations in the sensor signal of a first sensor and determine a corresponding position based on the sensor signal output by the position sensor. The processor can be disposed within the cap device. The one or more sensors disposed on the sensor carriage include first and second optical sensors, the first optical sensor having a first optical emitter aligned with a first optical receiver, and the second optical sensor having an optical emitter aligned with a second optical receiver.

[0027] Certain embodiments described herein include housing at least a portion of the liquid delivery device within the cavity of the cap device, driving a sensor carriage including one or more sensors to move from a first position to a second position while the liquid delivery device remains in a fixed position within the cavity, and evaluating the output of the one or more sensors indicative of the presence of a characteristic of the liquid delivery device, a method of evaluating the state of the liquid delivery device.

[0028] In some implementations, the system can optionally include one or more of the following features. Driving the sensor carriage can include driving the sensor carriage by an electric motor. This method can include evaluating the output of the position sensor by a processor within the cap device to evaluate the position of a feature of the liquid delivery device. A feature of the liquid delivery device can be a plunger.

[0029] Certain embodiments described herein include a liquid delivery system cap device comprising a body defining a cavity configured to house a liquid delivery device, and means for moving one or more plunger sensors with the cavity.

[0030] In some implementations, the system can optionally include one or more of the following features. The means for moving can include an electric motor.

[0031] Certain embodiments described herein include a cap device for a liquid delivery system, including movable sensor means and a motor configured to move the movable sensor means.

[0032] The devices, systems, and techniques described herein can provide one or more of the following advantages. First, some embodiments described herein include a cap device that can facilitate accurate and repeatable measurements related to a liquid delivery device. For example, a sensor carriage carrying (and / or movable under restraint or without manual user operation) a sensor component can facilitate the achievement of a constant and predictable sensor signal by facilitating the achievement of a constant movement speed and / or acceleration. The influence of the user on the movement of the sensor carriage can be reduced, and manufacturing design tolerances that can cause rattling or other inadvertent movement of the sensor carriage during operation of the sensor carriage can be reduced.

[0033] Secondly, some embodiments described herein can facilitate accurate and repeatable measurements related to liquid delivery devices by using combinations of sensor types. In some embodiments, the capping device includes one or more optical sensors along with position sensors such as linear potentiometers, optical encoders, rotary encoders, magnetic potentiometers, membrane potentiometers, and load cells. Such combinations of sensor types facilitate accurate assessment of the relative positions of various features of the liquid delivery device and / or changes in the positions of various features during subsequent scanning of the liquid delivery device.

[0034] Thirdly, the capping device can facilitate efficient and cost-effective manufacturing and assembly processes by including a relatively small number of sensors. In some embodiments, the capping device includes one or two liquid delivery device sensors (e.g., plunger sensors), such as one or two optical sensors, and position sensors such as linear potentiometers, optical encoders, rotary encoders, magnetic potentiometers, and membrane potentiometers. Thus, such configurations include a relatively small number of sensors, reducing the number of assembly and / or calibration steps, which may be appropriate when incorporating many more sensors into the capping device than in such configurations.

[0035] Fourth, the various embodiments described herein may include capping devices compatible with various types of liquid delivery devices. For example, the capping devices may facilitate accurate and repeatable measurements even when used with different types of liquid delivery devices that differ from one another in shape, size, sensors, and other features of the capping device that interact differently. One or more optical sensors of the sensor carriage may be oriented to obtain a predetermined line of sight that facilitates reliable plunger detection for various different types of liquid delivery devices. For example, the optical sensors may be arranged such that at least one optical sensor is positioned to detect the plunger even if another optical sensor is obstructed by features of the liquid delivery device in certain cases.

[0036] Fifth, some of the capping devices described herein improve the usability of the liquid delivery system by automating several operations related to the measurement and management of drug dosages. For example, the capping device may provide an output that informs the user of the previously delivered liquid dose, the time elapsed since the last dose, the number of remaining doses, the remaining liquid volume, and the expected remaining lifespan of the liquid delivery device.

[0037] Sixth, in some arbitrary embodiments, the capping devices described herein can improve the usability of the liquid delivery system by facilitating semi-automatic or automatic operation. For example, little or no manual operation may be required other than engaging the capping device with the liquid delivery device. In some arbitrary embodiments including a movable sensor carriage, the sensor carriage may be positioned in a first position by engaging the capping device with the liquid delivery device, and the sensor carriage may be automatically released to move from the first position to a second position during an operation scanning the liquid supply device.

[0038] Seventh, some embodiments described herein facilitate the realization of durable capping devices that can operate over long periods and can be used with even more / or many liquid delivery devices. For example, a single capping device may be reusable with many disposable liquid delivery devices. Sensors in the capping device, such as one or more plunger sensors, and position sensors, such as one or more optical sensors, load sensors, linear potentiometers, optical encoders, rotary encoders, magnetic potentiometers, and membrane potentiometers, can provide consistent and / or predictable output over the operating life of the capping device.

[0039] Eighth, some embodiments described herein provide controlled sensor movement that can achieve reliable and repeatable detection. For example, an electric drive system can drive the sensor carriage substantially independently of manual input or movement. In some embodiments, the electric drive system can drive the sensor carriage at various speeds and in multiple directions to improve detection. Or / Furthermore, the movement of the sensor carriage may be delayed for a predetermined time after engagement between the capping device and the liquid delivery device to facilitate measurement while there is little or no movement or external force on the system.

[0040] Details of one or more embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary liquid delivery system including a capping device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1, showing a sensor carriage containing one or more sensor components. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sensor carriage of the exemplary liquid delivery system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is an end view of the capping device of an exemplary liquid delivery system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the liquid delivery system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1, showing the movement of the sensor carriage as the liquid delivery device is housed in the cavity of the capping device. [Figure 6A]Figure 6A shows the sensor carriage of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1 in the first position, intermediate position, and second position. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows the sensor carriage of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1 in the first position, intermediate position, and second position. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C shows the sensor carriage of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1 in the first position, intermediate position, and second position. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1, showing the engagement features of the sensor carriage in the extended position. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1, showing the engagement features of the sensor carriage in the retracted position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system of Figure 1, including the rotational features of the capping device. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a partial perspective view of an exemplary liquid delivery device. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery apparatus shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows an exemplary sensor carriage including an arm in an extended or engaged state. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B shows an exemplary sensor carriage including an extended or engaged arm. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C shows an exemplary sensor carriage including arms in a retracted or unretracted state. [Figure 10D] Figure 10D shows an exemplary sensor carriage including arms in a retracted or unretracted state. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A shows examples of sensor carriages at multiple locations within the capping device. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B shows examples of sensor carriages at multiple locations within the capping device. [Figure 11C] Figure 11C shows examples of sensor carriages at multiple locations within the capping device. [Figure 11D] Figure 11D shows examples of sensor carriages at multiple locations within the capping device. [Figure 11E] Figure 11E shows examples of sensor carriages at multiple locations within the capping device. [Figure 11F] Figure 11F shows examples of sensor carriages at multiple locations within the capping device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid delivery device including a linear encoder. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid delivery device including a rotary encoder. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for evaluating the state of a liquid delivery device. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary liquid delivery system including an electrically operated capping device. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary liquid delivery system shown in Figure 15. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for evaluating the state of a liquid delivery device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 show an exemplary liquid delivery system 10 that can be used to store and deliver liquid and output dosage information to a user. The liquid delivery system 10 includes a capping device 100 and a liquid delivery device 200. The liquid delivery device 200 includes a reservoir 201, a delivery end 202, and a plunger 205 that can be operated to deliver the medication liquid in the reservoir 201 through the delivery end 202. The capping device 100 can be positioned on the delivery end 202 of the liquid delivery device 200 for storage between uses of the liquid delivery device 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 100 includes one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 200 (such as the position of its plunger) and one or more output devices (such as a display or communication system) configured to output information related to the state of the liquid delivery device 200.

[0043] The liquid delivery device 200 may be configured to deliver a measured dose of liquid to a target for the treatment of a disease. For example, the liquid delivery device 200 may be a pen syringe for delivering a liquid such as insulin to manage diabetes. In an exemplary embodiment, the delivery end 202 of the liquid delivery device 200 includes a partition 203 and a needle 204. The desired dose can be measured by operating a dial 206 (for example, by manually turning the dial 206) and delivered by advancing a plunger 205. The advancement of the plunger 205 via the rod 214 pushes the measured dose of liquid from the reservoir 201 through the delivery end 202 to the target. In an exemplary embodiment, advancing the plunger 205 by a certain distance dispenses a corresponding amount of liquid from the liquid delivery device 200.

[0044] The capping device 100 includes a body 110 defining a cavity 111 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 200, such as the delivery end 202 and / or at least a portion of the reservoir 201. The capping device 100 can be positioned on the delivery end 202, thereby allowing the liquid delivery device 200 to be stored (e.g., between use periods). The capping device 100 can protect the delivery end 202 from damage or contaminants from the external environment and can accommodate the injection needle 204. The liquid delivery device 200 can be removed from the cavity 111 of the capping device 100 before each use and then engaged with the capping device 100 after the dose has been delivered. Thus, the capping device 100 can be removed from and replaced with the liquid delivery device 200 over multiple uses. After all the contents of a particular liquid delivery device 200 have been used, the liquid delivery device 200 may be discarded, and the capping device 100 may be used with a new liquid delivery device. In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery device 200 may be discarded once its usable contents are used, and the capping device 100 may be reusable for multiple liquid delivery devices 200. In other exemplary embodiments, the capping device 100 may be associated with a specific liquid delivery device 200, and both the capping device 100 and the liquid delivery device 200 may be discarded once all the contents of the reservoir 201 are used.

[0045] The capping device 100 may include one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 100 includes a plunger 205, a sensor that outputs a sensor signal which can be evaluated to detect the position of the plunger 205, changes in the position of the plunger 205 during a series of engagements with the capping device 100 (e.g., changes in position after volume delivery), and / or other states of the liquid delivery device 200. The position of the plunger 205, and / or changes in the position of the plunger 205, may be used to monitor the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 200, the total amount of remaining liquid in the reservoir 201, the number of remaining medications in the reservoir 201, the remaining time until the reservoir 201 is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device 200.

[0046] The capping device 100 may include various components that facilitate the calculation, display, storage, and / or communication of sensor signals that may be output by one or more sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 100 includes a display 121, a user input 122, a communication device 123, a memory 124, a processor 125, a speaker 126, and a circuit board 127. One or more components may be able to electrically communicate with one or more other components via the circuit board 127, and the processor 125 may consist of logic for controlling the operation of one or more of the display 121, user input 122, communication device 123, memory 124, and speaker 126, and for processing sensor signals received from one or more sensors of the capping device 100.

[0047] The display 121 provides the user with visual output relating to the status of the capping device 100 and / or the liquid delivery device 200. The display 121 may be, for example, an LED or LCD display. In some embodiments, the display 121 may provide visual indications relating to the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 200, the total amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 201, the number of remaining doses in the reservoir 201, the remaining time until the reservoir 201 is empty, the time of the last dose (e.g., the time when the capping device 100 was replaced with the liquid delivery device 200), the time elapsed since the last dose (e.g., the time elapsed since the capping device 100 was replaced with the liquid delivery device 200), and / or other information relating to the liquid delivery device 200.

[0048] Alternatively / furthermore, the capping device 100 may include audio and / or vibration alerts regarding the status of the capping device 100 and / or the liquid delivery device 200. The processor 125 may control the audio output of the speaker 126 to output an audible alert, or control the vibrator 128 to output a vibration alert. This may be perceived as indicating the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 200, the total amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 201, the number of remaining doses in the reservoir 201, the remaining time until the reservoir 201 is empty, the time of the last dose (e.g., the time when the capping device 100 was replaced for the liquid delivery device 200), the time elapsed since the last dose (e.g., the time elapsed since the capping device 100 was replaced for the liquid delivery device 200), and / or other information regarding the liquid delivery device 200. Alternatively / furthermore, the vibrator 128 may deliver vibrations to the liquid delivery device 200. The vibrator 128 may be operated to facilitate mixing of the contents of the liquid delivery device 200, and / or to suppress the formation or accumulation of precipitates (for example, on the tip surface of the plunger and / or on the surface of the reservoir 201).

[0049] The capping device 100 optionally includes one or more user inputs 122 to facilitate user interaction with the capping device 100. In exemplary embodiments, the user inputs 122 include first and second buttons that can be operated to control the capping device 100. For example, the user inputs 122 may be operated by the user to activate the capping device 100 and / or to select information displayed by the display 121. Alternatively, the user inputs 122 may be operated to reset the settings and / or memory 124 of the capping device 100, such as when the capping device 100 engages with a new liquid delivery device 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the capping device 100 does not include user inputs 122 such as buttons. A capping device 100 without buttons or other user inputs may facilitate the recognition of a fully automated capping device 100 and / or improve user operability.

[0050] The capping device 100 can communicate with one or more other components of the liquid delivery system to transmit and / or receive information relating to the state of the capping device 100 and / or the liquid delivery device 200. For example, the capping device 100 includes a communication device 123 configured to communicate with one or more components located away from the capping device 100. The communication device 123 may include a wireless communication printed circuit assembly configured for wireless communication such as via short-wavelength UHF radio frequencies, RF communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZiGBEE. Alternatively, the communication device 123 may include a port for wired communication with electrochemical electronic equipment. In various exemplary embodiments, the communication device 123 is configured for bidirectional communication, such as bidirectional communication with a mobile device having software configured to send and receive communications with the capping device 100. Alternatively, the capping device 100 may be configured for unidirectional communication, such as being dedicated to uploading information to or receiving information from a mobile device.

[0051] The communication device 123 may be configured to communicate with an electronic device comprising diabetes management software. For example, the communication device 123 may transmit information related to the liquid delivery device 200, which can be further processed by the electronic device. In this way, the capping device 100 can make the information collected by its sensors more easily evaluated by a remote user or healthcare provider, provide alerts related to the liquid delivery system 200 by the electronic device (e.g., scheduled injection time, liquid delivery device nearly empty, etc.), and further / or facilitate additional processing and analysis of the information collected by the capping device 100.

[0052] The capping device 100 includes a power supply 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply 170 includes one or more batteries, such as an alkaline battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-ion battery. The power supply 170 is associated with a microswitch configured to switch the capping device between an inactive or low-power state and an active or operating state in which the sensors of the capping device 100 are active, or / or, sensor signals from one or more sensors of the capping device 100, such as one or more position sensors, may alert the processor 125 to switch the capping device to an active or operating state.

[0053] Referring further to Figure 1, the body 110 of the capping device 100 defines a cavity 111 configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 200. The body 110 may be configured to house various components of the capping device 100, such as a display 121, user input 122, communication device 123, memory 124, processor 125, speaker 126, and circuit board 127. In various exemplary embodiments, the body 110 is a molded body, such as molded plastic. The body 110 may include a plurality of body parts assembled to form the body 110, such as a first body part 110a and a second body part 110b, which can be joined together to define the cavity 111 and / or other spaces that house the capping device 100. The body 110, including the first and second body parts 110a, 110b, may facilitate the efficient manufacture of the body 110 and / or efficient assembly with other components of the capping device 100. In other exemplary embodiments, the portion of the body 110 defining the cavity 111 may be formed integrally as a single component (for example, eliminating the need to join multiple components to define the cavity 111).

[0054] The body 110 includes a front wall 112, side walls 113, and an opening 114 to a cavity 111. The cavity 111 is at least partially defined by the front wall 112 and the side walls 113. The front wall 112 includes features configured to receive the delivery end 202 of the liquid delivery device 200 and / or the injection needle 204, such as a receptacle 112a including a plug 112b (Figure 2) that at least partially surrounds the injection needle 204. Alternatively / furthermore, the front wall 112 may include one or more retaining features that engage with the liquid delivery device 200 and restrict relative movement between the liquid delivery device 200 and the body 110 of the capping device 100.

[0055] In some optional embodiments, the capping device 100 includes a sensor carriage 140 that is movable within the body 110 (for example, movable within a cavity 111). The sensor carriage 140 is configured to move along at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 200 within the cavity 111, and the cavity 111 is sized to accommodate the dimensions of the liquid delivery device 200 and the path of the sensor carriage 140. The sensor carriage 140 facilitates the detection of characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200 by carrying one or more sensors along the liquid delivery device between a first position and a second position. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 140 is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the cavity while the liquid delivery device 200 remains in a fixed position relative to the cavity (for example, the sensor carriage 140 is movable while the liquid delivery device 200 is fixedly engaged with the capping device 100).

[0056] The capping device 100 may include a track 150. The sensor carriage 140 may move along the track 150, and the track 150 may include one or more features that guide and / or restrict the movement of the sensor carriage 140. In exemplary embodiments, the track 150 includes one or more slots 151 that interact with corresponding features of the sensor carriage 140. The slots 151 define a path along which the sensor carriage 140 moves, for example, along the longitudinal direction between a first position close to the front wall 112 and a second position close to the opening 114. In some embodiments, the slots 151 may include keyed end regions 152 that allow movement of the sensor carriage 140 or components of the sensor carriage 140 in one or more additional directions, such as rotation of the sensor carriage 140 or components of the sensor carriage 140 around the central longitudinal axis (A) of the cavity 111 (for example, the sensors carried by the carriage 140 do not rotate).

[0057] In some embodiments, the track 150 includes one or more features configured to interact with features of the liquid delivery device 200. For example, the inner surface 153 of the track 150 may include features that orient and / or hold the liquid delivery device 200 within the capping device 100. The track 150 may at least partially surround the reservoir 201 of the liquid delivery device, and the sensor carriage 140 may be movable between the track 150 and the side wall 113 defining the cavity 111 of the capping device 110. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the track 150 is positioned between the liquid delivery device 200 and the sensor carriage 140 during the operation of the sensor carriage 140.

[0058] In some embodiments, the track 150 may be formed integrally with the body 110 of the capping device 100. For example, the track 150 may be formed integrally with the body 110 to form a single component. Alternatively, the track 150 may be formed as a separate component from the other components of the body 110 and then assembled to another component of the body 110. A separately formed track 150 can be easily manufactured (for example, optionally, manufacturing tolerances may be tighter, and / or it may include features that are difficult to form within the cavity 111 of the body 110).

[0059] The sensor carriage 140 is movable along the longitudinal axis of the capping device 100 (for example, a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the front wall 112 and the opening 114), and may also be rotatable about the longitudinal axis at certain positions (for example, components of the sensor carriage 140 may be rotatable). When the capping device 100 engages with the liquid delivery device 200, the sensor carriage 140 may move along at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 200, for example, between the delivery end 202 and the position of the tip of the plunger 205. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 100 includes a spring 160 configured to move the sensor carriage 140 from a first position to a second position. For example, the spring 160 may be manually compressed when the sensor carriage 140 is moved to a first position close to the front wall 112 of the body 111. When the liquid delivery device 200 is inserted into the cavity 111, the sensor carriage 140 may be moved to a first position (for example, the liquid delivery device 200 may push the sensor carriage to the first position), and then the sensor carriage 140 may be released and moved (for example, independently of the liquid delivery device 200) to a second position near the opening 114 of the body 111. In various exemplary embodiments, the spring 160 is a coil spring. Alternatively / furthermore, the spring 160 may be an elastic band, wire, elastic component, or other component configured to bias the sensor carriage 140 toward a particular position.

[0060] In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery device 200 remains fixed relative to the cavity 111 and body 110 of the capping device 100 while the sensor carriage 140 moves along the liquid delivery device 200. The liquid delivery device 200 may be restricted from twisting or rotating about the longitudinal axis A of the cavity 111, and / or from moving longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A. The restriction or inability to move relative to the liquid delivery device 200 and the body 110 allows the sensor of the sensor carriage 140 to accurately and repeatedly detect the plunger 205, and further enables a predictable line of sight to the sensor of the sensor carriage 140.

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 140 includes one or more sensor components configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 200 (for example, as the sensor carriage moves between a first position and a second position). The sensor carriage 140 may include plunger detection sensors such as reflective or transmissive optical sensors, and / or position sensors such as load sensors, linear potentiometers, linear encoders, rotary encoders, magnetic potentiometers, and membrane potentiometers. These components are configured to detect information that can be used, for example, to evaluate the state of the liquid delivery device 200.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the liquid delivery system 10 is shown, including a capping device 100 held in the liquid delivery device 200. The delivery end 202 of the liquid delivery device 200 and at least a portion of the reservoir 201 are positioned within the cavity 111 of the capping device 110. The front wall 112 includes engagement features configured to align and / or engage with the delivery end 202. For example, the front wall 112 includes a tapered or chamfered wall portion 112c that can orient the delivery end 202 to a central position within the cavity 111. Alternatively / furthermore, the engagement features 112c interact with the corresponding surface of the delivery end 202 to hold the delivery end 202 by friction. For example, the wall portion 112c may include one or more ribs, stoppers, etc., to hold the liquid delivery device 200 in a fixed position within the cavity 111.

[0063] The main body 110 may include one or more features that orient and align the liquid delivery device 200 with respect to the main body 110 (for example, when the liquid delivery device 200 is inserted into the cavity 111). For example, the inner surface 153 and / or side wall 113 of the track 150 may include a tapered portion 153a near the opening 114 such that the leading edge of the track 150 is wider than the interior of the track 150. The tapered portion 153a can facilitate manual insertion of the liquid delivery device 200 into the cavity 111 by orienting the liquid delivery device 200 to a central position within the main body 110. In some embodiments, the tapered portion 153a may guide the central longitudinal axis B of the liquid delivery device 200 to coincide with the central longitudinal axis A of the cavity 111. Alternatively / furthermore, the track 150 and / or side wall 113 may include one or more rotational alignment features 153b (Figure 11). This guides the liquid delivery device 200 in one or more predetermined angular directions. In this way, the features of the liquid delivery device 200 can be guided to predetermined angular positions relative to the capping device 100 and its sensors (such as sensors located on the sensor carriage 140).

[0064] Referring next to Figures 3 and 4, an exemplary sensor carriage 140 movable within the body 110 of the capping device 100 is shown. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor carriage 140 within the capping device 100. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sensor carriage 140. The sensor carriage 140 includes one or more sensor components configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 200, such as the position of the plunger within the liquid delivery device 200. For example, the sensor carriage 140 includes a sensor 142 that outputs a sensor signal representing the characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200. The output signal from the sensor 142 may vary depending on the physical characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200 that the sensor 142 encounters. Thus, the output signal may vary at different locations along the length of the liquid delivery device 200. For example, as the sensor carriage 140 moves relative to the liquid delivery device 200, changes in the output signal of the sensor 142 can be evaluated to determine the front end of the reservoir 201 (e.g., the supply end 202), the front end of the plunger 205, the rear end of the plunger 205, and / or other attributes of the liquid delivery device 200. Changes in position detected between a series of dosings, such as changes in the position of the plunger 205 before and after the dosing, can be used to evaluate the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 200, the total amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 201, the number of remaining dosings in the reservoir 201, the remaining time until the reservoir 201 is empty, the time of the previous dosing (e.g., the time when the capping device 100 was replaced relative to the liquid delivery device 200), the time elapsed since the previous dosing (e.g., the time elapsed since the capping device 100 was replaced relative to the liquid delivery device 200), and / or other information about the liquid delivery device 200. Alternatively, / furthermore, the relative positions of one or more of these detected characteristics, or the distance between one or more of these detected characteristics, can be used to evaluate the medication information associated with the liquid delivery device 200.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the sensor 142 includes emitters 142a and 142b, such as optical emitters 142a and 142b. The optical emitters 142a emit radiant energy that can be detected by the optical receiver 142b, and in some embodiments, may include an LED or a laser diode. The sensor 142 can output a sensor signal related to the amount of radiant energy received by the optical receiver 142b (e.g., the amount of radiant energy received from the optical emitter 142a). Thus, the sensor signal may depend on the characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200 present in the optical path 142c between the optical emitters 142a and the optical receiver 142b. That is, the amount of radiant energy received by the optical receiver may be relatively low if a plunger or other solid structure is present in the optical path 142c, and relatively high if, for example, only the transparent walls of a reservoir and its liquid contents are present in the optical path 142c.

[0066] The emitter 142a and receiver 142b can be positioned aligning with each other such that the optical path 142c between the emitter 142a and receiver 142b extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the cavity 111 (for example, substantially perpendicular, within 10° of perfectly perpendicular). In some embodiments, the emitter 142a is configured to produce a narrow beam with limited diffusion outward from the optical path 142c. This is achieved by the emitter 142a emitting a narrow beam and / or by a collimating structure configured to focus the output of the emitter 142a along the optical path 142c. In various exemplary embodiments, the radiant energy emitted by the emitter 142a may be within visible and / or invisible wavelengths.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor 142 may be a reflective sensor that detects reflected light. The reflective sensor 142 may detect color transitions indicating the plunger 205, such as a transition from the relatively high transparency and / or bright color of the liquid and / or reservoir 201 to the relatively low transparency and / or dark color (e.g., red, orange, black, etc.) of the plunger 205.

[0068] The sensor carriage 140 may include a plurality of sensors, such as first and second optical sensors 142, 143 (Figure 4). The first optical sensor 142 includes a first emitter 142a and a first receiver 142b, and the second optical sensor 143 includes a second emitter 143a and a second receiver 143b. The first emitter 142a may be aligned with the first receiver 142b, and the second emitter 143a may be aligned with the second receiver 143b (for example, the first receiver 142b receives radiant energy mainly or solely from the first emitter 142a, and the second receiver 143b receives radiant energy mainly or solely from the second emitter 143a). For example, the first emitter 142a and the second receiver 143b, and the second emitter 143a and the first receiver 142b are not aligned and do not define an optical path perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 111. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second emitters 142a, 142b, and the first and second receivers 143a, 143b are spaced 90° apart from each other along the outer circumference of the sensor carriage 140. Thus, the first sensor 142 and the second sensor 143 can define first and second optical paths 142c, 143c oriented perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, the first optical path 142c and / or the second optical path 143c do not intersect the central longitudinal axis (A) of the cavity 111 or the central longitudinal axis (B) of the liquid delivery device 200. The first and / or second optical paths 142c, 143c, which do not intersect the central axis, can facilitate detection of the rear surface 205b of the plunger 205 by avoiding interference from the rod 214.

[0069] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative positions of sensors 142 and 143 may be selected to facilitate the realization of a suitable line of sight (e.g., through the liquid delivery device 200) by at least one of sensors 142 or 143. The relative positions of sensors 142, 143 may be selected based on features of the liquid delivery device 200, such as the location of ribs, markings, and other obstacles that may affect the reliable detection of features of the liquid delivery device 200, such as plungers 205 or delivery ends 202. In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second optical paths 142c, 143c may form angles of 15° to 90°, 30° to 75°, or about 60°. Alternatively / furthermore, the first and second sensors 142, 143 may be spaced apart longitudinally along the sensor carriage 140.

[0070] The paths of sensors 142 and 143 can be angled with respect to the central longitudinal axes (A) and (B) of the cavity 111 and the liquid delivery device 200. Angled sensor paths can facilitate the detection of the plunger at a position within the opaque region of the liquid delivery device 200, such as during initial use of the liquid delivery device 200 when the reservoir 201 is full or nearly full. For example, angled sensor paths can enable the detection of the plunger without the sensor carriage 140 itself moving to the longitudinal position of the plunger 205. Thus, sensor 142 can detect characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200 over a distance longer than the distance the sensor carriage 140 moves along the liquid delivery device 200 between a first position and a second position. Sensor 142 can be configured to detect the magnitude of the radiated energy reflected by the tip surface 205a of the plunger 205. In various exemplary embodiments, the plunger 205 may be detected by angled sensor paths 142d, 143d until, for example, about 10 to 60 dispensings, 20 to 40 dispensings, or about 30 dispensings have been dispensed from the liquid delivery device 200.

[0071] In some embodiments where multiple optical sensors 142, 143 are present, different wavelengths may be emitted by each emitter 142a, 143a, and receivers 142b, 143b may also be wavelength-specific, for example, by including a bandpass filter. Alternatively / furthermore, each sensor may emit and detect pulses of radiated energy at different periods within one cycle (e.g., by using time-division multiplexing). In some embodiments, the sampling rate may be greater than 100 Hz, greater than 1000 Hz, or higher.

[0072] In place of / in addition to sensors 142 and 143, the sensor carriage 140 may include a position sensor 145 configured to output a sensor signal indicating position or distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 100 includes a position sensor 145 that outputs a sensor signal indicating the position of the sensor carriage and / or the distance the sensor carriage has traveled between a first position and a second position (for example, as the sensor carriage 140 moves along the liquid delivery device 200 or between subsequent dispensing by the liquid delivery device 200). In an exemplary embodiment, the position sensor 145 includes a linear potentiometer. A resistive element 145a is positioned along at least a portion of the length of the cavity 111, such as the side wall 113 of the body 110 or the track 150. A wiper 145b is positioned on the sensor carriage 140. The wiper 145b may be biased toward the resistive element 145a by an elastic element 145c, such as a spring arm or spring (Figure 3). This promotes continuous contact between the resistive element 145a and the wiper 145b. In some embodiments, the elastic element 145c provides a relatively weak bias so that the wiper 145b remains in contact with the resistive element 145a even as frictional resistance or wear of the resistive element 145a decreases.

[0073] Sensor 145 can output a sensor signal (e.g., voltage) that changes depending on the position of the wiper 145b along the resistive element 145a (e.g., the position of the sensor carriage 140 along the cavity 111). For example, a specific voltage may be associated with a specific position along the resistive element 145a, the voltage may be constant and repeatable each time the wiper 145b moves along the resistive element 145a. Sensor 145 may have unique characteristics for the voltage output at each position of the wiper 145b and can be calibrated to achieve highly accurate and repeatable measurements. In some exemplary embodiments, the resolution of sensor 145 may be 1 μm to 30 μm, 2 μm to 15 μm, 3 μm to 10 μm, or about 6 μm, and the resolution of the liquid delivery device 200 may be about 130 μm. Thus, the resolution of sensor 145 in capping device 100 may be between about 10 and 20 times the resolution of liquid delivery device 200. Such resolution of sensor 145 makes it easy to determine the position of plunger 205 with great accuracy. For example, the error due to the sensor is one-tenth of the variation in dose delivery by the liquid delivery device 200.

[0074] In some embodiments, the accuracy and repeatability of the sensor 145 can be further enhanced by taking into account variations that may occur due to changes in ambient temperature. For example, the capping device 100 may include a temperature sensor 129 (Figure 1). The temperature sensor 129 detects the temperature and outputs a temperature signal to the processor 125. The processor 125 can take into account changes in temperature when evaluating the sensor signal received from the sensor 145 based on a predetermined relationship between the temperature and the sensor signals from sensors 142, 143, 145, etc.

[0075] In place of / in addition to the linear potentiometer, the position sensor 145 may include one or more other types of sensors that provide position indications that can correlate with the sensor signal output by sensor 142. For example, the position sensor 145 may include, for example, a linear encoder, a rotary encoder, a magnetic potentiometer, a membrane potentiometer, a load cell, and the like.

[0076] In exemplary embodiments, the processor 125 is configured to evaluate sensor signals from sensors 142 and / or 143, such as fluctuations in the sensor signal indicating the plunger, and to determine the corresponding position based on the sensor signal from sensor 145. In some embodiments, the corresponding position may be stored and compared with the corresponding position of the plunger 205 during subsequent measurements. The change in position may then be evaluated (for example, by evaluating the distance traveled by the plunger 205) to determine the previously delivered dose. In some exemplary embodiments, only the change in the position of the plunger 205 is evaluated, and the position of the plunger 205 relative to other components of the liquid delivery device 200 and / or capping device 100 is not evaluated.

[0077] Alternatively, the position of the plunger 205 relative to the features of the liquid delivery device 200 and / or the capping device may be evaluated. For example, the processor may be configured to detect sensor signals output from sensors 142 and 143 indicating the front end of the reservoir 201 and to determine the corresponding position based on the output signal from sensor 145. By evaluating the relative position of such features, the distance between the front end of the reservoir 201 and the plunger 205 can be determined, which may facilitate the calculation of the total remaining amount of liquid in the reservoir 201, the remaining number of doses in the reservoir 201, the remaining time until the reservoir 201 is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device 200.

[0078] The sensor carriage 140 may be electrically connected to the processor 125 to facilitate electrical communication of sensor signals. In some embodiments, a flexible electrical connector 147 provides at least a partial electrical connection between the sensor carriage 140 and the circuit board 127 supporting the processor 125. The flexible electrical connector may include a conductive electrical structure on a thin, flexible substrate. For example, the flexible electrical connector may include one or more layers of PEEK, polyester, or polyamide having a printed or laminated electrical structure. Thus, the flexible electrical connector may have a thin shape to be easily bent with a small radius of curvature. While the sensor carriage 140 moves along the track 150, the flexible electrical connector may bend and flex while maintaining an electrical connection with the circuit board 127 and / or the processor 125.

[0079] Alternatively, the track 150 may include one or more conductors that provide electrical communication between the sensor carriage 140 and the circuit board 127 while the sensor carriage 140 moves along the track 150. For example, the sensor carriage 140 may have fixed electrical contacts that are biased to slide-engage with corresponding conductive surfaces of the track 150.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sensor carriage 140 is not continuously electrically connected to the circuit board 127 and / or the processor 125. For example, the sensor carriage 140 may operate to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 200 while not electrically communicating with the circuit board 127 and / or the processor 125. The sensor carriage 140 may include a power supply that can power one or more sensors carried by the sensor carriage 140, and a sensor carriage memory for storing sensor signal information. The sensor carriage 130 may store sensor information collected while moving between a first position and a second position, and may be able to electrically communicate with the circuit board 127 and / or the processor 125 when stopped at the first and / or second position in order to upload the collected information to the memory 124.

[0081] Referring further to Figures 3 and 4, the sensor carriage 140 includes engagement features configured to interact with the track 150 and / or the liquid delivery device 200. In some arbitrary embodiments, an arm 146 of the sensor carriage 140 may guide the sensor carriage 140 along a slot 151. By having the arm 146 extend at least partially into the slot 151, the movement of the sensor carriage 146 is restricted to a path defined by the slot 151, preventing rotation of the sensor carriage 140. The slot 151 may include a substantially straight portion parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the cavity 111. Alternatively / furthermore, the slot 151 may include a curved or helical portion that rotates the sensor carriage 140 and / or the track 150 relative to each other and / or further relative to other components of the capping device 140 as the sensor carriage 140 moves along the cavity 111.

[0082] Referring next to Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, the sensor carriage 140 includes one or more engagement features configured to interact with the liquid delivery device 200. For example, the sensor carriage 140 includes an arm 146 that can move the sensor carriage 140 when pushed by the liquid delivery device 200. When the liquid delivery device 100 is inserted into the cavity 111, interference between the arm 146 and the liquid delivery device 200 causes the sensor carriage 140 to move toward the front wall 112 of the body 110 together with the liquid delivery device 200. The arm 146 then disengages from the liquid delivery device 200 (e.g., by retraction, release, rotation, etc.) and releases the sensor carriage 140. Thus, with the liquid delivery device 200 remaining in a fixed position relative to the cavity 111 of the capping device 100, the sensor carriage 140 returns toward the opening 114 of the cavity 111. In some embodiments, the spring 160 may be compressed when the liquid delivery device 200 is fully inserted into the cavity 110, and when the arm 146 is released from engagement with the liquid delivery device 200, it may return the sensor carriage 140 toward the opening 114.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5A, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor carriage includes four arms 146 arranged radially spaced around the outer circumference of the sensor carriage 140. The arms 146 are movable between an extended position (e.g., extending inward from the inner wall of the sensor carriage 140) and a retracted position, where the arms 146 extend into a lumen 148 defined by the sensor carriage 140. For example, the track 150 has a major axis (D) between opposing inner surfaces 153 and a minor axis (d) between opposing arms 146 in the extended position. The major axis (D) may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the liquid delivery device 200 so that the sensor carriage 140 can move along the liquid delivery device 200. The minor axis (d) may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the liquid delivery device 200. This allows the sensor carriage 140 to be pushed by the liquid delivery device 200 via the extended arms 146. When the arm 146 is in the retracted position, the diameter (d) between the opposing arms 146 may be greater than the major diameter (D). This allows the sensor carriage 140 to move along the liquid delivery device 200 without interfering with the arms 146.

[0084] Referring to Figures 5B and 5C, the capping device 100 can engage with the liquid delivery device 200 by inserting the delivery end 202 into the cavity 111 through the opening 114 of the body 110. Once the liquid delivery device 200 is inserted through the opening 114, the delivery end 202 encounters engagement features of the sensor carriage 140, such as the arm 146, in its extended position. As shown in Figure 5C, the relative movement between the capping device 100 and the liquid delivery device 200 (for example, the capping device 100 and the liquid delivery device 200 becoming one unit) causes the liquid delivery device 200 to push the sensor carriage 140 into the cavity 111. For example, the liquid delivery device 200 pushes the sensor carriage 140 along the track 150 from the position of the opening 114 to the position of the front wall 112, compressing the spring 160.

[0085] The body 110 and the liquid delivery device 200 may include one or more features that align the liquid delivery device 200 toward the body 110. In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 200 includes a non-circular and / or asymmetrical cross-section that can be accommodated within the cavity 111 in a certain number of orientations. The liquid delivery device 200 includes a non-circular body portion 207 having a substantially square or rectangular cross-section so that the liquid delivery device 200 can be positioned within the cavity 111 in one of four orientations. In other exemplary embodiments, the non-circular body portion 207 may have a triangular, pentagonal, polygonal, or other shape. Alternatively / furthermore, the liquid delivery device 200 may include one or more protrusions or recesses that interact with corresponding recesses or protrusions of the cap device 100 to determine a predetermined angular orientation between the liquid delivery device 200 and the cap device 100 when engaged. The cross-sectional shape, protrusions, and / or recesses facilitate the realization of a predetermined angular orientation upon engagement and can maintain that orientation while the capping device 100 is engaged with the liquid delivery device 200. The positions and relative angular directions of the sensors 142 and 143 within the capping device 100 can be selected based on a predetermined angular orientation of the liquid delivery device 200 to facilitate the realization of a predetermined path between the sensor emitter and receiver (e.g., to suppress interference by ribs, markings, or other features of the liquid delivery device 200).

[0086] The tracks 150 and / or side walls 113 of the capping device 100 may include one or more rotational alignment features 153b that guide the liquid delivery device 200 in a predetermined angular direction. For example, the features of the liquid delivery device 200 may be guided to a predetermined angular position relative to the capping device 100 and its sensors. The alignment features 153b may interact with the main body 207 after the delivery end 202 is inserted into the cavity 111, guiding the liquid delivery device 200 in a predetermined angular direction.

[0087] Referring next to Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, the movable sensor carriage 140 is illustrated as being in a first position (Figure 6A), an intermediate position (Figure 6B), and a second position (Figure 6C), respectively. The sensor carriage 140 is movable between the first, intermediate, and second positions while the liquid delivery device 200 is fixed to the body 110 and cavity 111. The movement of the sensor carriage 140 between the first and second positions facilitates the detection of characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200 at multiple positions. The sensor 142 may generate an output signal continuously or at a relatively high frequency (e.g., 0.1 to 100 kHz, 5 to 50 kHz, or about 30 kHz) while the sensor carriage 140 moves between the first and second positions. In some embodiments, the operation of the sensor 142 as the sensor carriage 140 moves between the first and second positions may be described as scanning a portion of the liquid delivery device 200. The output signal of sensor 142 (for example, alone or in conjunction with one or more sensors such as sensor 145) is then evaluated, making it possible to determine the position of plunger 205 in reservoir 201, changes in the position of plunger 205 in reservoir 201, and / or other states of the liquid delivery device 200.

[0088] In the first position shown in Figure 6A, the sensor carriage 140 is positioned near the front wall 112 of the main body 110. The sensor carriage 140 can be positioned in the first position by inserting the liquid delivery device 200 into the cavity 111. In an exemplary embodiment, when the sensor carriage 140 is in the first position, the spring 160 is compressed. Movement of the sensor carriage 140 from the first position can be initiated by the release of the sensor carriage 140 and / or the spring 160. For example, one or more engagement features of the sensor carriage 140, such as the arm 146, can interact with the liquid delivery device 200. Upon reaching the first position, the engagement features can be moved or released so as to release the fixed positional relationship maintained between the sensor carriage 140 and the liquid delivery device 200. Upon reaching the first position, the sensor carriage 140 can be released without any additional manual operation. In other exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 140 may be held in a first position until it is released by manual operation (for example, by manual movement or release of the arm 146).

[0089] The sensor carriage 140 is movable from a first position to a second position by a spring 160. The spring 160 is biased toward an uncompressed or decompressed state, where the sensor carriage 140 is positioned in close proximity to the opening 114 of the cavity 111. The spring 160 may be characterized by a spring constant that provides a force well greater than the frictional resistance between the resistive element 145a and the wiper 145b, and between the sensor carriage 140, the track 150, and / or other components of the capping device 100. This allows the sensor carriage 140 to move smoothly and under control (e.g., at predictable speed and acceleration) between the first and second positions. For example, the minimum force of the spring 160 (e.g., when the sensor carriage 140 is stretched in the second position) may be greater than 1 N, greater than 1.5 N, or about 2 N. The force of the spring 160 is low enough to easily hold the capping device 100 firmly on the liquid delivery device 200. For example, the maximum force of the spring 160 (e.g., when compressed by the sensor carriage 140 in the first position) may be less than about 5N, less than about 4.5N, or less than or equal to about 4N. Alternatively / Furthermore, the capping device 110 may include a damper configured to ensure smooth and consistent movement of the sensor carriage 140. For example, the sensor carriage 140 may include a rotation damper that interacts with a corresponding feature (e.g., a rack) on a component of the capping device 140.

[0090] Sensor 142 of the sensor carriage 140 may output a sensor signal as the sensor carriage 140 moves along the liquid delivery device 200 between a first position and a second position. At the first position shown in Figure 6A, the optical path 142c between the emitter 142a and the receiver 142b intersects with the delivery end 202 of the liquid delivery device 200. The sensor signal may be evaluated (e.g., by the processor 125) to detect the presence of the front end of the reservoir 201, such as immediately after the tapered wall 204a. For example, the magnitude of the radiated energy received by the receiver 142b may increase or rise between the position where the optical path 142c passes the tapered wall 204a and the position where the optical path 142c passes the wall 204b, which is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 201. Thus, in some embodiments, a particular magnitude of the sensor signal, or an increase in the magnitude of the sensor signal, may indicate the front end of the reservoir 201.

[0091] Figure 6B shows the sensor carriage 140 in an intermediate position between the first and second positions. The optical path 142c between the emitter 142a and the receiver 142b passes through the intermediate position of the reservoir 201. The walls 204b of the reservoir 201 and the liquid within the reservoir 201 may provide relatively low opacity for the transmission of radiant energy between the emitter 142a and the receiver 142b, such that the sensor signal is relatively high at the intermediate position.

[0092] Figure 6C shows the sensor carriage 140 at a second position near the opening 114 of the cavity 111. The sensor carriage 140 moves over the tip surface 205a of the plunger 205 so that the optical path 142c intersects with the plunger 205 to reach the second position. The presence of the tip surface 205a can be detected by a change in the sensor signal at the position where the optical path 142c encounters the tip surface 205a. For example, the magnitude of the radiated energy received by the receiver 142b may be reduced or decreased due to the presence of the plunger 205 in the optical path 142c.

[0093] Sensor 142 can continue to detect the characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200 even after the plunger 205 has moved beyond its leading edge 205a. For example, the trailing edge 205b can be detected based on the change in sensor output at the point where the trailing edge 205b intersects the optical path 142c. For example, the magnitude of the radiated energy received by receiver 142b may increase or rise when the plunger 205 does not intersect the optical path 142c. The length of the plunger 205 between the leading edge 205a and the trailing edge 205b is fixed, and therefore the position of the plunger 205 can be evaluated using either the leading edge 205a or the trailing edge 205b. By detecting both the leading edge and the trailing edges 205a and 205b of the plunger 205, the evaluation accuracy of the plunger 205 can be improved. For example, the position of the plunger 205 can be precisely determined even if the front and rear end faces 205a and 205b are obscured by other features of the liquid delivery device 200, such as ribs or markings.

[0094] The position of the plunger 205 or a change in the position of the plunger 205 may be evaluated in conjunction with a sensor signal output by the position sensor 145. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor signal generated by the position sensor 145 changes predictably as the sensor carriage 140 moves between a first position and a second position. For example, the sensor signal from the position sensor 145 at a particular location may be associated with a sensor signal from a sensor 142 at a particular location. Changes in the position of the plunger 205 before and after the drug dose is delivered may be detected, and the delivered drug dose may be calculated based on the change in position. Alternatively, the distance between positions associated with various output signals from the sensor 142 (e.g., the distance between the tip of the reservoir 201 and the tip surface 205a of the plunger 205) may be evaluated, and the remaining amount in the reservoir 201 may be calculated based on that distance.

[0095] Referring next to Figures 7A and 7B, the engagement features of the sensor carriage 140 are shown in an extended or engaged state (Figure 7A) and a retracted or disengaged state (7B). In exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 140 includes a rotatable ring 147 associated with an arm 146. The ring 147 may be rotatable to move the arm 146 between an extended and a retracted state. For example, the arm 146 and the ring 147 may include corresponding features that interact when the ring 147 is rotated relative to other components of the sensor carriage 140. In some exemplary embodiments, the arm 146 and the ring 147 include corresponding teeth 146a, 147a that interact similarly to a rack and pinion. Rotating the ring 147 in a first direction moves the arm 146 from an extended state to a retracted state, and rotating the ring 147 in a second direction moves the arm 146 from a retracted state to an extended state. In this way, the arm 146 is movable between an engaged state that is prone to interference with the liquid delivery device 200 (for example, when the liquid delivery device 200 is inserted into the cavity 111) and a retracted state that avoids interference with the liquid delivery device 200 (for example, this allows the sensor carriage 140 to move along a portion of the liquid delivery device 200 during plunger detection operation).

[0096] The capping device 100 may include a feature that moves the arm 146 between an extended position and a retracted position, respectively, when the sensor carriage 140 reaches a first and second position. For example, in some embodiments, the arm 146 is configured to move between the extended position and the retracted position without any additional manual operation after the liquid delivery device 200 is inserted into the cavity 111. The body 110 may include a recess 115 having an inclined or sloped surface. The ring 147 includes a projection 147b that can engage with the inclined surface of the recess 115. When the projection 147b encounters the inclined surface (for example, by the force inserting the liquid delivery device 200 into the cavity 111), the ring 147 is rotated in a first direction relative to the rest of the sensor carriage 140. This moves the arm 146 to the retracted position shown in Figure 7B. Movement of arm 146 to a retracted position (for example, when the cap device 100 engages with the liquid delivery device 200 and the sensor carriage 140 is in a first position close to the front wall 112) may release the sensor carriage 140 so that the spring 160 moves the sensor carriage 140 along the liquid delivery device 200 from the first position to the second position. Alternatively / furthermore, interaction with springs, spring arms, etc., may also contribute in part to the generation of rotation and / or motion.

[0097] The slot 151 of track 150 may include a wide end region 152 (Figure 3). This facilitates or encourages the movement of the arm 146 between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the wide end region may provide additional clearance for rotation of the arm 146. Alternatively / furthermore, the wide end region 152 may include a sloped surface or other feature that can engage with the sensor carriage 140, allowing the arm 146 to move between an engaged and a retracted position. The slot 151 may be configured to prevent or limit the rotation or release of the arm 146 while the sensor carriage 140 moves between a first position and a second position.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, the body 110 may include one or more features that rotate the ring 147 in a second direction relative to the rest of the sensor carriage 140 when the sensor carriage 140 reaches a second position close to the opening 114 (for example, by movement caused by a spring 160). Referring now to Figure 8, the cap device 100 may include a spring 117 that interacts with the ring 147 when the sensor carriage 140 is in the second position, the spring 117 is biased to rotate the ring 147 in a second direction, thereby returning the arm 146 to an extended position. The presence of the liquid delivery device 200 in the cavity 111 prevents the arm 146 from moving to the extended position. Thus, the ring 147 can only be forced to rotate by the spring 117 when the liquid delivery device 200 is removed.

[0099] In exemplary embodiments, the rotation of the ring 147 and / or the movement of engagement features such as the arm 146 between the extended and retracted positions may occur without manual operation after insertion and removal of the liquid delivery device 200. For example, insertion of the liquid delivery device 200 causes the sensor carriage 140 to move to a first position and then release, scanning the liquid delivery device 200 while moving from the first position to a second position. When the liquid delivery device 200 is removed from the cavity 111, the arm 146 returns to the extended position. This makes the capping device 100 capable of receiving the liquid delivery device 200 again. Thus, in various exemplary embodiments, the capping device 100 is configured to repeatedly and reliably scan the liquid delivery device 200. This allows the position of the plunger 205 to be determined, and the subsequent plunger position to be evaluated, thereby determining various characteristics of the liquid delivery device 200 and its use.

[0100] Referring next to Figures 9A and 9B, a partial perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid delivery device 200 are shown. The liquid delivery device 200 includes various features that may affect the sensor signals of sensors such as sensor 142. For example, the liquid delivery device 200 may include a region 208 with relatively high opacity, ribs 209, markings 210, and / or other features that can reduce the transmittance of radiant energy utilized by sensor 142, as well as a region 212 with relatively low opacity. These features may be obstructive and may result in sensor signals similar to the sensor signal generated when encountering plunger 205, or other signals that cannot be used for accurate measurement. Similarly, plunger 205 may include a ridge or projection 211 on its tip surface.

[0101] In various exemplary embodiments, these features can be avoided and / or accounted for by a predetermined angular orientation of the capping device 100 and the liquid delivery device 200. As shown in Figure 9B, the liquid delivery device 200 includes paths (C), (D) through a region 212 having relatively low opacity. Alternatively, paths (C), (D) avoid intersecting with one or more of the regions 208, ribs 209, and / or markings 210 having higher opacity. In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 100 may be configured to orient the liquid delivery device 200 so that the sensor path of at least one sensor, such as the optical path 142c of sensor 142, is aligned with path (C) or (D) in the same way as path (C) or (D) in order to avoid intersecting with such features. For example, a sensor carriage 140 having two sensors 142, 143 offset from each other (e.g., the configuration shown in Figure 4) facilitates the alignment of at least one sensor path through region 212. The sensor signals output by sensors 142 and 143 can be processed to reliably distinguish the plunger 205 from one or more other features of the liquid delivery device 200. Alternatively / furthermore, the sensor signals output by sensors 142 and 143 can be processed to account for the presence of a ridge or projection 211 (e.g., by evaluating a series of sensor signals from each of sensors 142 and 143). Thus, reliable and repeatable detection of the plunger 205 can be achieved by taking into account one or more other features of the liquid delivery device 200 and / or by maintaining the liquid delivery device 200 in a fixed longitudinal and angular position relative to the capping device 100 during operation.

[0102] Referring next to Figures 10 and 11, an exemplary liquid delivery system 50 is shown that can be used for the storage and delivery of liquids. The liquid delivery system 50 includes a capping device 700 and a liquid delivery device 900. The liquid delivery device 900 includes a reservoir 901, a delivery end 902, and a plunger 905 that can be operated to deliver a volume of liquid in the reservoir 901 through the delivery end 902. The capping device 700 can be positioned on the delivery end 902 of the liquid delivery device 900 for storage between uses of the liquid delivery device 900. In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 700 includes one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 900 (such as the position of its plunger) and one or more output devices (such as a display or communication system) that can be configured to output information related to the state of the liquid delivery device 900. In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery system 50 includes features and characteristics similar to those of the liquid delivery system 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0103] The capping device 700 may include one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 900. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 700 includes sensors that output sensor signals which can be evaluated to detect a plunger, the position of the plunger, a series of engagements with the capping device 700 and changes in the position of the plunger between engagements (e.g., changes in position after volume delivery), and / or other states of the liquid delivery device 900. The position of the plunger, and / or changes in the position of the plunger, may be used to monitor the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 900, the total amount of remaining liquid in the reservoir 902, the number of remaining medications in the reservoir 902, the remaining time until the reservoir 902 is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device 900.

[0104] In some embodiments, the capping device 700 includes a sensor carriage 740 that is movable within the body 710 (for example, movable within a cavity 711 between the wall of the body 710 and a lumen 748 in which the liquid delivery device is located). The sensor carriage 740 is configured to move along at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 900 within the cavity 711, and the cavity 711 is sized to accommodate the dimensions of the liquid delivery device 900 and the path of the sensor carriage 740. The sensor carriage 740 facilitates the detection of characteristics of the liquid delivery device 900 by carrying one or more sensors along the liquid delivery device between a first position and a second position. The sensor carriage 740 is movable between the first position and the second position relative to the cavity 711 while the liquid delivery device 900 remains in a fixed position relative to the cavity 711 (for example, the sensor carriage 740 is movable while the liquid delivery device 900 is fixedly engaged with the capping device 700).

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 700 includes a spring 760 configured to move the sensor carriage 740 from a first position to a second position. For example, the spring 760 can be manually compressed to move the sensor carriage 740 to a first position close to the front wall 712 of the body 710, such as by inserting the liquid delivery device 900 into the cavity 711, and can be biased to return the sensor carriage to a second position close to the opening 714 of the body 710 when released.

[0106] The sensor carriage 740 includes one or more sensor components configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 900 as the sensor carriage moves between a first position and a second position. In various exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 740 includes a plunger sensor component configured to detect information that can be used to evaluate the state of the liquid delivery device 900. Alternatively, the sensor carriage 740 may include only a position sensor component (e.g., without a plunger sensor). In some embodiments, one or more optical sensors 744 may be fixedly mounted on the body 710 of the capping device 700.

[0107] Referring next to Figures 10A to 10D, the sensor carriage 740 includes one or more engagement features configured to interact with the liquid delivery device 900. For example, the sensor carriage 740 includes an arm 746 that can move the sensor carriage 740 when pushed by the liquid delivery device 900. When the liquid delivery device 900 is inserted into the cavity 711, interference between the arm 746 and the liquid delivery device 900 causes the sensor carriage 740 to move toward the front wall 712 of the body 710 together with the liquid delivery device 900. The arm 746 then disengages from the liquid delivery device 900, releasing the sensor carriage 740. Thus, with the liquid delivery device 900 remaining in a fixed position relative to the cavity 711 of the capping device 700, the sensor carriage 740 returns toward the opening 714 of the cavity 711. For example, the arm 746 may be a flexible arm that can move between an engaged and disengaged state through interaction with the sensor carriage 740 and / or one or more other components of the cap 700. In some embodiments, the spring 760 may be compressed when the liquid delivery device 900 is fully inserted into the cavity 711 (e.g., the lumen 748), and when the arm 746 is released from engagement with the liquid delivery device 900, it may return the sensor carriage 740 toward the opening 714.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor carriage 740 includes two arms 746 spaced apart around the outer circumference of the sensor carriage 740. The arms 746 are movable between an extended position (e.g., extending inward from the inner wall of the sensor carriage 740) and a retracted position, where the arms 746 extend into a lumen 748 defined by the sensor carriage 740. The arms 746 may be movable relative to one or more components of the sensor carriage 740, such as a sensor carriage ring 749a including a cam surface 749b. In the first relative position (Figures 10A, 10B), the arms 746 are held in a bent or engaged state by the cam surface 749b. The arms 746 extend into the lumen 748 and are positioned to interfere with a liquid delivery device inserted into the capping device 700. In the second relative position (Figures 10C, 10D), the arm 746 is not in contact with the cam surface 749b and is in an unbent or disengaged state (for example, the arm 746 is not forced into an engaged position by the cam surface 749b). The arm 746 is positioned so that the sensor carriage 740 can move relative to the lumen 748 and / or the liquid delivery device 900 located within the lumen 748 without interference that would hinder its movement.

[0109] The relative movement between the arm 746 and the cam surface 749b may result from the interaction between the sensor carriage 740 and one or more features of the capping device 700. For example, the body 710 may include one or more ribs 718 that prevent further longitudinal movement of the sensor carriage ring 749a during insertion of the liquid delivery device 900. The arm 746 can be released from contact with the surface 749b by continuously moving. As a result, the arm can be bent, retracted, or disengaged (Figures 10C, 10D). When the sensor carriage 740 is returned to a position close to the opening 714 (for example, by a spring 760), the ribs 719 can prevent further longitudinal movement of the sensor carriage ring 749a while the spring 760 continues to press against the arm 746. Thus, the arm 746 can be forced into contact with the cam surface 749b and moved into an extended or engaged state.

[0110] Referring to Figures 11A to F, the capping device 700 can engage with the liquid delivery device 900 by inserting the delivery end 902 into the cavity 711 through the opening 714 of the main body 710. When the liquid delivery device 900 is inserted through the opening 714 (Figure 11A), the delivery end 902 encounters the engagement features of the sensor carriage 740, such as the arm 746, in the extended position. Relative movement between the capping device 700 and the liquid delivery device 900 (for example, the capping device 700 and the liquid delivery device 900 becoming one unit) causes the liquid delivery device 900 to push the sensor carriage 740 into the cavity 711 (Figure 11B). When the sensor carriage 740 reaches a position close to the front wall 712 of the main body 710, for example, the longitudinal movement of the sensor carriage ring 749a is stopped by the rib 718, and the arm 746 may move relative to the sensor carriage ring 749a (for example, by the force of insertion of the liquid delivery device 900). Such relative movement releases the arm 746 from contact with the cam surface 749b and moves into a disengaged state (Figure 11C). When the arm 746 moves into a disengaged state, the arm 746 and the sensor carriage 740 move so as not to interfere with the liquid delivery device 900. Thus, the sensor carriage may be moved by the spring 760 (for example, toward the opening 714) (Figure 11D). When the sensor carriage 740 reaches a position close to the opening 714 of the main body 710, for example, the longitudinal movement of the sensor carriage ring 749a is stopped by the rib 719, and the arm 746 can move relative to the sensor carriage ring 749a (for example, by force from the spring 760) (Figure 11E). Such relative movement causes the arm 746 to come into contact with the cam surface 749b and move into a bent or engaged state (Figure 11F). With the sensor carriage 740 positioned close to the opening 714 and the arm 746 engaged, the liquid delivery device 900 can be accommodated again and processing can be repeated.

[0111] Referring to Figure 12, an exemplary liquid delivery system 20 that can be used for storing and delivering liquid is shown. The liquid delivery system 20 includes a capping device 300 and a liquid delivery device 400. The liquid delivery device 400 includes a reservoir 401, a delivery end 402, and a plunger 405 that can be operated to deliver a dosage of liquid in the reservoir 401 through the delivery end 402. The capping device 300 can be positioned on the delivery end 402 of the liquid delivery device 400 for storage between uses of the liquid delivery device 400. In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 300 includes one or more sensors, including a linear encoder. The capping device includes one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 400 (such as the position of its plunger) and one or more output devices (such as a display or communication system) configured to output information related to the state of the liquid delivery device 400. In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery system 20 includes features and characteristics similar to those of the liquid delivery system 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

[0112] The liquid delivery device 400 may be configured to deliver a measured dose of liquid to a target for the treatment of a disease. For example, the liquid delivery device 400 may be a pen syringe for delivering liquids such as insulin to manage diabetes. In an exemplary embodiment, the delivery end 402 of the liquid delivery device 400 includes a partition 403 and a needle 404. The desired dose can be measured by operating a dial 406 (e.g., by manually turning the dial 406) and operating the liquid delivery device 400 to advance a plunger. Advancement of the plunger 405 via the rod 414 pushes the measured dose of liquid from the reservoir 401 through the delivery end 402 to the target. In an exemplary embodiment, when the plunger 405 is advanced a certain distance, a corresponding amount of liquid is dispensed from the liquid delivery device 400.

[0113] The capping device 300 may include one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 300 includes a sensor that outputs a sensor signal which can be evaluated to detect a plunger, the position of the plunger, a series of engagements with the capping device 300 and changes in the position of the plunger between engagements (e.g., changes in position after volume delivery), and / or other states of the liquid delivery device 400. The position of the plunger, and / or changes in the position of the plunger, may be used to monitor the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 400, the total amount of remaining liquid in the reservoir 402, the number of remaining medications in the reservoir 402, the remaining time until the reservoir 402 is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device 400.

[0114] The capping device 300 optionally includes one or more user inputs 322 to facilitate user interaction with the capping device 100. In exemplary embodiments, the user inputs 322 include first and second buttons that can be operated to control the capping device 300. For example, the user inputs 322 may be operated by the user to activate the capping device 300 and / or to select information displayed by the display 321. Alternatively, the user inputs 322 may be operated to reset the settings and / or memory of the capping device 300, such as when the capping device 300 is engaged with a new liquid delivery device 400. In some exemplary embodiments, the capping device 300 does not include any manually operable user inputs. A capping device 300 without buttons or other user inputs may improve operability and facilitate the perception of a fully automated capping device 300.

[0115] The capping device 300 can communicate with one or more other components of the liquid delivery system to transmit and / or receive information relating to the status of the capping device 100 and / or the liquid delivery device 400. For example, the capping device 300 includes a communication device 323 configured to communicate with one or more components located away from the capping device 300. The communication device 323 may include a wireless communication printed circuit assembly configured for wireless communication such as via short-wavelength UHF radio frequencies, RF communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZiGBEE. Alternatively, the communication device 323 may include a port for wired communication with electrochemical electronic equipment. In various exemplary embodiments, the communication device 323 is configured for bidirectional communication, such as bidirectional communication with a mobile device having software configured to send and receive communications with the capping device 300. Alternatively, the capping device 300 may be configured for unidirectional communication, such as being dedicated to uploading information to or receiving information from a mobile device.

[0116] The communication device 323 may be configured to communicate with an electronic device comprising diabetes management software. For example, the communication device 323 may transmit information related to the liquid delivery device 400, which can be further processed by the electronic device. In this way, the capping device 300 can make it easier for users or healthcare providers at a distance to remotely evaluate the information collected by its sensors, provide alerts related to the liquid delivery system 400 by the electronic device (e.g., scheduled injection time, liquid delivery device nearly empty, etc.), and further / or facilitate additional processing and analysis of the information collected by the capping device 300.

[0117] In some optional embodiments, the capping device 300 optionally includes a sensor carriage 340 that is movable within the body 310 (e.g., movable within the cavity 311). The sensor carriage 340 is configured to move along at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 400 within the cavity 311, and the cavity 311 is sized to accommodate the dimensions of the liquid delivery device 400 and the path of the sensor carriage 340. The sensor carriage 340 facilitates the detection of characteristics of the liquid delivery device 400 by carrying one or more sensors along the liquid delivery device between a first position and a second position. The sensor carriage 340 is optionally movable between the first and second positions relative to the cavity 311 while the liquid delivery device 400 remains in a fixed position relative to the cavity 311 (e.g., the sensor carriage 340 is movable while the liquid delivery device 400 is fixedly engaged with the capping device 300).

[0118] The capping device 300 may include a track 350. The sensor carriage 340 may move along the track 350, and the track 350 may include one or more features that guide and / or restrict the movement of the sensor carriage 340. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 300 includes a spring 360 configured to move the sensor carriage 340 from a first position to a second position. For example, the spring 360 may be manually compressed to move the sensor carriage 340 to a first position close to the front wall 312 of the body 310, such as by inserting the liquid delivery device 400 into the cavity 311, and may be biased to return the sensor carriage to a second position close to the opening 314 of the body 310 when released.

[0119] The sensor carriage 340 includes one or more sensor components configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 400 as the sensor carriage moves between a first position and a second position. In various exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 340 includes plunger sensor components (optical sensors and position sensors such as linear encoders) configured to detect information that can be used to evaluate the state of the liquid delivery device 400. Alternatively, the sensor carriage 340 may include only position sensor components (e.g., without plunger sensors). In some embodiments, one or more optical sensors 344 may be fixedly mounted on the body 310 of the capping device 300.

[0120] In some embodiments, the sensor carriage 340 has a sensor 342 (e.g., a plunger sensor) including an emitter 342a and a receiver 342b, such as an optical emitter 342a and an optical emitter 342b. The optical emitter 342a emits radiant energy that can be detected by the optical receiver 342b, and in some embodiments, may include an LED or a laser diode. The optical receiver 342b may output a signal related to the radiant energy received from the optical emitter 342a. This may depend on the portion of the liquid delivery device 400 present in the path 342c between the optical emitter 342a and the optical receiver 342b. Thus, the amount of radiant energy received by the optical receiver may be relatively low when the path 342c intersects with a plunger or other solid structure, and relatively high when the path 342c intersects with the transparent wall of the reservoir and its liquid contents.

[0121] In place of / in addition to sensor 342, the sensor carriage 340 may include a position sensor 345 configured to output a sensor signal indicating position or distance. In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 300 includes a position sensor 345 that outputs a sensor signal indicating the position of the sensor carriage 340 and / or the distance the sensor carriage 340 has traveled between a first position and a second position (for example, as the sensor carriage 340 moves along the liquid delivery device 400 or between subsequent dispensings by the liquid delivery device 400). In exemplary embodiments, the position sensor 345 includes a linear encoder, such as a reflective linear encoder or a transmissive linear encoder. The encoder code strip 345a is positioned along at least a portion of the length of the cavity 311, such as the side wall 313 of the body 310 or the track 350. The encoder 345b, such as an optical encoder, is positioned on the sensor carriage 340. In some exemplary embodiments, the encoder 345b may be positioned close to but not in contact with the code strip 345a.

[0122] In various exemplary embodiments, the linear encoder 345 may output a sensor signal (e.g., a count) that changes depending on the position of the encoder 345b along the code strip 345a (e.g., the position of the sensor carriage 340 along the cavity 311). The code strip 345a includes an optical pattern such as a series of alternating dark and white lines. The linear encoder 345 may output a sensor signal indicating the position of the encoder 345b along the code strip 345a. For example, a particular count may be associated with a particular position along the code strip 345a, and the count may be constant and repeatable for each movement of the encoder 345b along the code strip 345a.

[0123] The encoder's resolution can be increased to a resolution finer than the thickness of the alternating lines of the code strip 345a by detecting transitions at the leading edge of each line and / or by velocity-based interpolation techniques. In various exemplary embodiments, the linear encoder 345 can provide highly accurate and reliable measurements with resolutions of less than 25 μm, less than 15 μm, less than 10 μm, about 5 μm to 10 μm, or about 7.5 μm. The resolution of the liquid delivery device 400 may be about 130 μm. Therefore, the resolution of the sensor 345 of the capping device 300 may be between about 10 and 20 times the resolution of the liquid delivery device 400. Such a resolution of the sensor 345 makes it easier to determine the position of the plunger 405 with great accuracy. For example, the error by the sensor is one-tenth of the variation in dose delivery by the liquid delivery device 400. In various exemplary embodiments, high resolution can be achieved with little or no calibration of the sensor 345 during the assembly of the capping device 300.

[0124] In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 300 has a processor configured to evaluate sensor signals from sensors 342 and / or 344, such as fluctuations in the sensor signal indicating the plunger, and to determine the corresponding position based on the sensor signal from sensor 345. In some embodiments, the corresponding position may be stored and compared with the corresponding position of the plunger during subsequent measurements. The change in position may then be evaluated (for example, by evaluating the distance traveled by the plunger) to determine the previously delivered dose. In some exemplary embodiments, only the change in the position of the plunger is evaluated, and the position of the plunger relative to other components of the liquid delivery device 400 and / or capping device 300 is not evaluated.

[0125] Alternatively, the position of the plunger relative to the features of the liquid delivery device 400 and / or the capping device 300 may be evaluated. For example, the processor may be configured to detect sensor signals output from one or more sensors 342 and / or 344 indicating the front end of the reservoir 403 and to determine the corresponding position based on the output signal from sensor 345. By evaluating the relative position of such features, the distance between the front end of the reservoir 403 and the plunger 405 can be determined, which may facilitate the calculation of the total remaining amount of liquid in the reservoir 401, the remaining number of doses in the reservoir 401, the remaining time until the reservoir 401 is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device 400.

[0126] The encoder 345b does not come into contact with the code strip 345a during the operation of the sensor 345, for example, by maintaining a distance from it. Therefore, the encoder 345b does not generate frictional resistance through contact with the code strip 345a, and no frictional wear occurs. The encoder 345b can repeatedly move along the code strip 345a without causing wear or other effects on the code strip 345a. In some exemplary embodiments, an optional spring 348 may be included. This can provide a controlled resistance to the movement of the sensor carriage 340 propelled by the spring 360. For example, controlled movement of the sensor carriage 340 can be easily achieved without causing frictional engagement or wear on the components of the sensors 342, 344, or 345.

[0127] In addition to sensor 342, a sensor 344 fixedly positioned on the body 310 of the capping device 300 can be used to detect the plunger and / or other features of the liquid delivery device 400. Sensor 344 can output a sensor signal when the liquid delivery device 400 is inserted into the cavity 311 and engages with the capping device 300. Spring 360 can facilitate controlled manual insertion of the liquid delivery device 400 into the cavity 311 of the capping device 300 (e.g., the lumen that receives the liquid delivery device 400).

[0128] Referring next to Figure 13, an exemplary liquid delivery system 30 including a rotary encoder position sensor is shown. The liquid delivery system 30 includes a capping device 500 that can be positioned on the delivery end of the liquid delivery device for storing the liquid delivery device between uses. In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 500 includes one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device (such as the position of its plunger) and one or more output devices (such as a display or communication system) configured to output information related to the state of the liquid delivery device. In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery system 30 includes features similar to those of the liquid delivery systems 10 and 20 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 12.

[0129] The capping device 500 may include one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 500 includes a sensor that outputs a sensor signal which can be evaluated to detect a plunger, the position of the plunger, a series of engagements with the capping device 500 and changes in the position of the plunger between engagements (e.g., changes in position after volume delivery), and / or other states of the liquid delivery device. The position of the plunger, and / or changes in the position of the plunger, may be used to monitor the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device, the total amount of liquid remaining, the number of remaining medications, the remaining time until the liquid delivery device is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device.

[0130] The capping device 500 optionally includes one or more user inputs 522 to facilitate user interaction with the capping device 500. In exemplary embodiments, the user inputs 522 include first and second buttons that can be operated to control the capping device 500. For example, the user inputs 522 may be operated by the user to activate the capping device 500 and / or to select information displayed by the display 521. Alternatively, the user inputs 522 may be operated to reset the settings and / or memory of the capping device 500, such as when the capping device 500 is engaged with a new liquid delivery device. In some exemplary embodiments, the capping device 500 does not include any manually operable user inputs. A capping device 500 that does not include buttons or other user inputs may improve operability and facilitate the perception of a fully automated capping device 500.

[0131] The capping device 500 can communicate with one or more other components of the liquid delivery system to transmit and / or receive information relating to the status of the capping device 500 and / or the liquid delivery system. For example, the capping device 500 includes a communication device 523 configured to communicate with one or more components located away from the capping device 500. The communication device 523 may include a wireless communication printed circuit assembly configured for wireless communication such as via short-wavelength UHF radio frequencies, RF communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZiGBEE. Alternatively, the communication device 523 may include a port for wired communication with electrochemical electronic equipment. In various exemplary embodiments, the communication device 523 is configured for bidirectional communication, such as bidirectional communication with a mobile device having software configured to send and receive communications with the capping device 500. Alternatively, the capping device 500 may be configured for unidirectional communication, such as being dedicated to uploading information to or receiving information from a mobile device.

[0132] The communication device 523 may be configured to communicate with an electronic device comprising diabetes management software. For example, the communication device 523 may transmit information related to the liquid delivery device that can be further processed by the electronic device. In this way, the capping device 500 can make it easier for users or healthcare providers at a distance to remotely evaluate the information collected by its sensors, provide alerts related to the liquid delivery system by the electronic device (e.g., scheduled injection time, liquid delivery device nearly empty, etc.), and further / or facilitate additional processing and analysis of the information collected by the capping device 500.

[0133] In some embodiments, the capping device 500 optionally includes a carriage 540 configured to house at least a portion of a liquid delivery device. For example, the carriage 540 may be configured to house the delivery end of the liquid delivery device, or to move together with the liquid delivery device when the liquid delivery device engages with the capping device 500. The capping device includes a track 550 along which the carriage 540 can move (for example, to guide and / or restrict the carriage 540 as it moves within the cavity 511).

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 500 includes a spring 560 configured to move the carriage 540 from a first position to a second position. For example, the spring 560 can be manually compressed, for example, by inserting the liquid delivery device 500 into the cavity 511, when the carriage 540 is moved toward the front wall 512 of the cavity 511. When released (for example, when the liquid delivery device is disengaged from the capping device 500), the spring 560 can be biased to return the carriage 540 to the second position of the opening 514 of the body 510. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 560 is mounted around a spring hat portion 586.

[0135] The capping device 500 includes one or more sensor components configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device when the liquid delivery device engages with the capping device 500. In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 500 includes a plunger sensor and / or rotary encoder configured to detect information that can be used to evaluate the state of the liquid delivery device. For example, the capping device 500 includes one or more sensors 544 fixedly positioned in the opening 514 of the cavity 511. The sensors 544 may include an emitter 542a and a receiver 542b, such as an optical emitter 542a and an optical emitter 542b. The optical emitter 542a emits radiant energy that can be detected by the optical receiver 542b, and in some embodiments may include an LED or a laser diode. The optical receiver 542b may output a signal related to the radiant energy received from the optical emitter 542a. This may depend on the location of the liquid delivery device present in the path 542c between the optical emitter 542a and the optical receiver 542b. In other words, the amount of radiant energy received by the optical receiver is relatively low when a plunger or other solid structure is present in the path 542c, and can be relatively high when, for example, the transparent wall of a reservoir and its liquid contents are present in the path 542c.

[0136] In place of / in addition to sensor 544, the capping device 500 may include a position sensor component configured to output a sensor signal indicating position or distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 500 includes a rotary encoder 570 that outputs a sensor signal indicating the position of carriage 540 and / or the distance that carriage 540 has moved between a first position and a second position (for example, as carriage 540 is pushed along the cavity 511 while the capping device 500 and the liquid delivery device are engaged).

[0137] The capping device 500 includes a track 550 having a helical slot 551. The end of the track 550 is held between a track ring 585 and a helical track base 584 so that the track 550 is rotatable relative to the carriage 540, the body 510, and / or other components of the capping device 500. Movement of the carriage 540 along the cavity 511 results in rotation of the track 550 (e.g., rotation relative to the carriage 540, the body 510, and / or other components of the capping device 500).

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, the position sensor 545 includes an encoder code wheel 545a and an encoder 545b, such as an optical encoder. The encoder 545b may be positioned very close to the code wheel 545a without contacting it. The rotation of the track 550 is sent to the code wheel 545a and / or the encoder 545b. The corresponding rotation is detected by the encoder 545b. The rotary encoder 545 may generate a sensor signal (e.g., a count) that changes in accordance with the relative rotation of the code wheel 545a and the encoder 545b. In an exemplary embodiment, the code wheel 545a includes an optical pattern, such as a series of alternating dark and white lines. The rotary encoder 545 may output a sensor signal indicating the rotation detected by the encoder 545b. For example, a particular count may be associated with a particular rotation of the code wheel 545a, i.e., a particular rotation of the track 550, and the count may be constant and repeatable for each movement of the carriage 540 along the track 550.

[0139] The encoder resolution can be increased to a resolution finer than the thickness of the alternating lines on the code wheel 545a by detecting transitions at the leading edge of each line and / or velocity-based interpolation. In various exemplary embodiments, the linear encoder 345 can provide high-precision and reliable measurements with resolutions of less than 25 μm, less than 15 μm, less than 10 μm, about 5 μm to 10 μm, or about 7.5 μm.

[0140] The resolution of the rotary encoder 345 can be further improved by a gear train 581 between the track 550 and the code wheel 345a. For example, the gear train may include gears 581a, 581b, 581c, 581d, and 581e, which achieve gear ratios of 2 to 100, 4 to 50, 8 to 25, or about 16. Gears 581a, 581c, and 581e may be rotatable on a spindle 582 supported, for example, by a bearing 583, and gears 581b and 581d may be rotatable on a gear post 589. Thus, in some embodiments, the code wheel 545a may rotate multiple times with each rotation of the track 150.

[0141] In some embodiments, the encoder 545b may be non-contact with the code wheel 545a, such that it is spaced apart from the code wheel 545a during the operation of the rotary encoder 545. Therefore, the encoder 545b does not generate frictional resistance through contact with the code wheel 545a, and no frictional wear of the code wheel 545a occurs due to contact with the encoder 545b. The encoder 345b can repeatedly detect the code wheel 345a without causing wear or other effects on the code wheel 345a.

[0142] The various exemplary capping devices described herein facilitate an effective and reproducible technique for evaluating the condition of a liquid delivery device. Referring to Figure 14, a flowchart of an exemplary method 800 for evaluating the condition of a liquid delivery device is shown. Method 800 includes operation 802 for housing at least a portion of the liquid delivery device within the cavity of the capping device. In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery device may have similar features and characteristics to the liquid delivery devices 200, 400, and 600 described herein and may be a pen injector device for dispensing a certain dose of insulin.

[0143] Operation 802 may include aligning the liquid delivery device with the cavity of the cap device, for example, by aligning the central longitudinal axis of the liquid delivery device with the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the cap device. Alternatively / Furthermore, operation 802 may include aligning the liquid delivery device with one or more distinct alignment positions with the cap device. For example, the liquid delivery device and / or the cap device may have asymmetric features and / or non-circular shapes that facilitate housing the liquid delivery device at one or more distinct positions selected based on the position of one or more sensors in the cap device. Operation 802, which includes aligning the liquid delivery device with the cap device in a particular orientation, facilitates the desired interaction between one or more sensors in the cap device and the liquid delivery device by suppressing interference or obstruction by ribs, markings, opaque areas, and / or other features.

[0144] In exemplary embodiments, operation 802, which involves housing the liquid delivery device within the cavity of the capping device, may include fixing the capping device to the liquid delivery device. For example, after operation 802, the relative motion between the liquid delivery device and the capping device may be restricted so that the liquid delivery device cannot rotate within the cavity and / or move longitudinally within the cavity.

[0145] Method 800 may include an operation 804 to release a sensor carriage containing one or more sensors. Once the sensor carriage is released, the sensor carriage can move from a first position to a second position while the liquid delivery device remains in a fixed position within the cavity. For example, the sensor carriage can move from a first position close to the front wall defining a portion of the cavity to a second position close to the opening of the cavity. One or more sensors positioned on the sensor carriage are operated while the sensor carriage moves between the first and second positions to output sensor signals indicating one or more features of the liquid delivery device.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, the operation 804 to release the sensor carriage may be initiated without any additional manual operation. For example, if the liquid delivery device is engaged with the capping device, the sensor carriage may be released without manual operation. One or more engagement features of the sensor carriage interacting with the liquid delivery device may be moved or released so that the sensor carriage and the liquid delivery device are not restricted to fixed positions relative to each other.

[0147] Method 800 may further include operation 806, which evaluates the output of one or more sensors indicating the presence of features of the liquid delivery device. For example, the capping device may include a processor configured to evaluate sensor signals from one or more sensors, such as fluctuations in the sensor signal indicating a plunger, and to determine the corresponding position. In some embodiments, operation 806 may include storing the corresponding position and comparing it with the corresponding position during subsequent capping events. Evaluating the sensor signals may include evaluating the change in position (e.g., by evaluating the distance traveled by the plunger 205) to determine the numerical value of the previous delivery dose, the remaining amount in the liquid delivery device, or other characteristics of the liquid delivery device.

[0148] In some embodiments, method 800 may include operation 808 which displays an output relating to the position of the plunger. For example, operation 808 may include displaying the previously delivered dose. Or / Furthermore, operation 808 may include displaying dosing information relating to the total remaining amount of liquid in the reservoir of the liquid delivery device, the number of remaining dosings in the reservoir of the liquid delivery device, the remaining time until the reservoir of the liquid delivery device is empty, the time of the previous dosing (e.g., the time of operation 802 which houses the liquid delivery device in the cavity), the time elapsed since the previous dosing (e.g., the time elapsed since operation 802 which houses the liquid delivery device in the cavity), and / or other information relating to the liquid delivery device.

[0149] Figures 15 to 17 show an exemplary liquid delivery system 1010, which includes an electric capping device 1100 and a liquid delivery device 1200. The liquid delivery system 1010 can be used to store and deliver liquids and to output dosage information to the user, and in some exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery system 1010 includes one or more features similar to those of the liquid delivery systems 10, 20, and 30 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 14.

[0150] The liquid delivery device 1200 includes a reservoir 1201, a delivery end 1202, and a plunger 1205 that can be operated to deliver a volume of liquid in the reservoir 1201 through the delivery end 1202. A capping device 1100 can be positioned on the delivery end 1202 of the liquid delivery device 1200 for storage between uses of the liquid delivery device 1200. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 1100 includes one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 1200 (such as the position of its plunger) and one or more output devices (such as a display or communication system) configured to output information related to the state of the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0151] The liquid delivery device 1200 may be configured to deliver a measured dose of liquid to a target for the treatment of a disease. For example, the liquid delivery device 1200 may be a pen syringe for delivering liquids such as insulin to manage diabetes. In an exemplary embodiment, the delivery end 1202 of the liquid delivery device 1200 includes a partition 1203 and a needle 1204. The desired dosage can be measured by operating a dial 1206 (for example, by manually turning the dial 1206) and delivered by advancing a plunger 1205. The advancement of the plunger 1205 via the rod 1214 pushes the measured dosage of liquid from the reservoir 1201 through the delivery end 1202 to the target. In an exemplary embodiment, advancing the plunger 1205 by a certain distance dispenses a corresponding amount of liquid from the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0152] The capping device 1100 includes a body 1110 that defines a cavity 1111 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 1200, such as the delivery end 1202 and / or at least a portion of the reservoir 1201. The capping device 1100 can be positioned on the delivery end 1202, thereby allowing the liquid delivery device 1200 to be stored (e.g., for the duration of use). The capping device 1100 can protect the delivery end 1202 from damage or contaminants from the external environment and can accommodate the injection needle 1204. The liquid delivery device 1200 can be removed from the cavity 1111 of the capping device 1100 before each use and then engaged with the capping device 1100 after the dose has been delivered. Thus, the capping device 1100 can be removed from and repositioned on the liquid delivery device 1200 over multiple uses. After all the contents of a particular liquid delivery device 1200 have been used, the liquid delivery device 1200 may be discarded, and the capping device 1100 may be used for a new liquid delivery device. In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery device 1200 may be discarded once its usable contents have been used, and the capping device 1100 may be reusable for multiple liquid delivery devices 1200. In other exemplary embodiments, the capping device 1100 may be associated with a particular liquid delivery device 1200, and both the capping device 1100 and the liquid delivery device 1200 may be discarded once all the contents of the reservoir 1201 have been used.

[0153] The capping device 1100 may include one or more sensors configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 1200. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 1100 includes a plunger 1205, a sensor that outputs a sensor signal which can be evaluated to detect the position of the plunger 1205, changes in the position of the plunger 1205 during a series of engagements with the capping device 1100 (e.g., changes in position after volume delivery), and / or other states of the liquid delivery device 1200. The position of the plunger 1205, and / or changes in the position of the plunger 1205, may be used to monitor the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 1200, the total remaining amount of liquid in the reservoir 1201, the number of remaining medications in the reservoir 1201, the remaining time until the reservoir 1201 is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0154] The capping device 1100 may include various components that facilitate the calculation, display, storage, and / or communication of sensor signals that may be output by one or more sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 1100 includes a display 1121, a user input 1122, a communication device 1123, a memory 1124, a processor 1125, a speaker 1126, and a circuit board 1127. One or more components may be able to electrically communicate with one or more other components via the circuit board 1127, and the processor 1125 may consist of logic for controlling the operation of one or more of the display 1121, the user input 1122, the communication device 1123, the memory 1124, and the speaker 1126, and for processing sensor signals received from one or more sensors of the capping device 1100.

[0155] The display 1121 provides the user with visual output relating to the status of the capping device 1100 and / or the liquid delivery device 1200. The display 1121 may be, for example, an LED, LCD, electronic ink, or electronic paper display. In some embodiments, the display 1121 may provide visual indications relating to the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 1200, the total amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 1201, the number of remaining doses in the reservoir 1201, the remaining time until the reservoir 1201 is empty, the time of the last dose (e.g., the time when the capping device 1100 was replaced with the liquid delivery device 1200), the time elapsed since the last dose (e.g., the time elapsed since the capping device 1100 was replaced with the liquid delivery device 1200), and / or other information relating to the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0156] Alternatively / furthermore, the capping device 1100 may include audio and / or vibration alerts regarding the status of the capping device 1100 and / or the liquid delivery device 1200. The processor 1125 may control the audio output of the speaker 1126 to output an audible alert, or control the vibrator 1128 to output a vibration alert. This may be perceived as indicating the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 1200, the total amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 1201, the number of remaining doses in the reservoir 1201, the remaining time until the reservoir 1201 is empty, the time of the last dose (e.g., the time when the capping device 1100 was replaced for the liquid delivery device 1200), the time elapsed since the last dose (e.g., the time elapsed since the capping device 1100 was replaced for the liquid delivery device 1200), and / or other information regarding the liquid delivery device 1200. Alternatively / furthermore, the vibrator 1128 may deliver vibrations to the liquid delivery device 1200. The vibrator 1128 may be activated to facilitate mixing of the contents of the liquid delivery device 1200, and / or to suppress the formation or accumulation of precipitates (for example, on the tip surface of the plunger and / or on the surface of the reservoir 1201).

[0157] The capping device 1100 optionally includes one or more user inputs 1122 to facilitate user interaction with the capping device 1100. In exemplary embodiments, the user inputs 1122 include first and second buttons that can be operated to control the capping device 1100. For example, the user inputs 1122 may be operated by the user to activate the capping device 1100 and / or to select information displayed by the display 1121. Alternatively, the user inputs 1122 may be operated to reset the settings and / or memory 1124 of the capping device 1100, such as when the capping device 1100 is engaged with a new liquid delivery device 1200. In some exemplary embodiments, the capping device 1100 does not include user inputs 1122 such as buttons. A capping device 1100 without buttons or other user inputs may facilitate the recognition of a fully automated capping device 1100 and / or improve user operability.

[0158] The capping device 1100 can communicate with one or more other components of the liquid delivery system to transmit and / or receive information relating to the state of the capping device 1100 and / or the liquid delivery device 1200. For example, the capping device 1100 includes a communication device 1123 configured to communicate with one or more components located away from the capping device 1100. The communication device 1123 may include a wireless communication printed circuit assembly configured for wireless communication such as via short-wavelength UHF radio frequencies, RF communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZiGBEE. Alternatively, the communication device 1123 may include a port for wired communication with electrochemical electronic equipment. In various exemplary embodiments, the communication device 1123 is configured for bidirectional communication, such as bidirectional communication with a mobile device having software configured to send and receive communications with the capping device 1100. Alternatively, the capping device 1100 may be configured for unidirectional communication, such as being dedicated to uploading information to or receiving information from a mobile device.

[0159] The communication device 1123 may be configured to communicate with an electronic device comprising diabetes management software. For example, the communication device 1123 may transmit information related to the liquid delivery device 1200, which can be further processed by the electronic device. In this way, the capping device 1100 can make it easier for users or healthcare providers at a remote location to evaluate the information collected by its sensors and provide alerts related to the liquid delivery system 1010 by the electronic device (e.g., scheduled injection time, liquid delivery device nearly empty, etc.), and further / or facilitate additional processing and analysis of the information collected by the capping device 1100.

[0160] The capping device 1100 includes a power supply 1170. In exemplary embodiments, the power supply 1170 includes one or more batteries, such as an alkaline battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery. In one embodiment, the power supply 1170 may include a rechargeable 3.7V lithium polymer battery, which powers the motor of the electric drive mechanism, the communication device 1123, and / or one or more other components of the capping device 1100. Such a power supply 1170 can provide extended periods between recharges, such as more than 5 days beyond normal use, more than 7 days beyond normal use, or even longer. The power supply 1170 may be associated with a microswitch configured to switch the capping device from a non-started or low-power state to an started or operating state, where the sensors of the capping device 1100 are activated. Alternatively / furthermore, sensor signals from one or more sensors of the capping device 1100, such as one or more position sensors, may alert the processor 1125 to switch the capping device to an activated or operating state.

[0161] Referring further to Figures 15 and 16, the body 1110 of the capping device 1100 defines a cavity 1111 configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 1200 (for example, within the lumen of the cavity 1111). For example, the body 1110 may include a front wall 1112, side walls 1113, and an opening 1114. The body 1110 may be configured to house various components of the capping device 1100, such as a display 1121, user input 1122, communication device 1123, memory 1124, processor 1125, speaker 1126, and circuit board 1127. In various exemplary embodiments, the body 1110 is a molded body, such as molded plastic. The body 1110 may include a plurality of body parts that are assembled to form the body 1110. That is, a first body portion 1110a and a second body portion 1110b, etc., which can be joined together to define the cavity 1111 and / or other spaces that house the capping device 1100. The body 1110, including the first and second body portions 1110a, 1110b, can facilitate the efficient manufacture of the body 1110 and / or efficient assembly with other components of the capping device 1100. In other exemplary embodiments, the portion of the body 1110 that defines the cavity 1111 may be formed integrally as a single component (for example, eliminating the need to join multiple components to define the cavity 1111).

[0162] In exemplary embodiments, the capping device 1100 includes a sleeve 1118 configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 1200 (e.g., the body 1110 includes the sleeve 1118). The sleeve 1118 may include side walls 1118a and a front wall 1118b configured to house the delivery end 1202 and / or the injection needle 1204 of the liquid delivery device 1200. The sleeve at least partially encloses the injection needle 1204 (e.g., close to the front of the capping device 1100) and the reservoir 1201 between the injection needle 1204 and the opening 1114. Alternatively / furthermore, the sleeve 1118 may include one or more retaining features that engage with the liquid delivery device 1200 and restrict relative movement between the liquid delivery device 1200 and the body 1110 of the capping device 1100.

[0163] The motorized capping device 1100 includes a sensor carriage 1140 that is movable within the main body 1110 (for example, between the side wall 1113 and the sleeve 1118, or within the cavity 1111). The sensor carriage 1140 is configured to move along at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 200 within the cavity 111, and the cavity 1111 is sized to accommodate the dimensions of the liquid delivery device 1200 and the path of the sensor carriage 1140. The sensor carriage 1140 facilitates the detection of characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200 by carrying one or more sensors along the liquid delivery device. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor carriage 1140 is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the sleeve 1118 / cavity 1111 while the liquid delivery device 1200 remains in a fixed position relative to the cavity 1111 (for example, the sensor carriage 1140 is movable while the liquid delivery device 1200 is fixedly engaged with the capping device 1100).

[0164] The sensor carriage 1140 may move along the sleeve 1118, and the sleeve 1118 may include one or more features that guide and / or restrict the movement of the sensor carriage 1140. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 defines an opening having a shape corresponding to the shape of the sleeve 1118 (for example, the sensor carriage 1140 defines a circular opening similar in size to the circular cross-section of the sleeve 1118). Alternatively / furthermore, the sleeve 1118 may include one or more ribs or other features that interact with corresponding features of the sensor carriage 1140 and define a path along which the sensor carriage 1140 moves (for example, longitudinally between a first position relatively close to the front wall 1112 and a second position relatively close to the opening 1114). In some embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 is located entirely outside the sleeve 1118 (for example, no portion of the sensor carriage 1140 extends into the sleeve 1118). Therefore, the sleeve 1118 can protect the sensor carriage 1140 from the external environment and / or the contents of the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0165] In some embodiments, the sleeve 1118 includes one or more features configured to interact with features of the liquid delivery device 1200. For example, the inner surface 1118c of the sleeve 1118 may include features that orient and / or hold the liquid delivery device 1200 within the capping device 1100. The sleeve 1118 can at least partially surround the reservoir 1201 of the liquid delivery device 1200, and the sensor carriage 1140 may be movable between the sleeve 1118 and the side wall 1113 defining the cavity 1111 of the capping device 1100. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 1118 is positioned between the liquid delivery device 1200 and the sensor carriage 1140 during the operation of the sensor carriage 1140. The sleeve 1118 can be at least partially constructed from, for example, an optically transparent material or other material that enables the operation of sensors associated with the sensor carriage 1140.

[0166] In some embodiments, the sleeve 1118 may be formed integrally with the body 1110 of the capping device 1100. For example, the sleeve 1118 may be formed integrally with the body 1110 to form a single component. Alternatively, the sleeve 1118 may be formed as a separate component from other components of the body 1110 and then assembled to other components of the body 1110. For example, the sleeve 1118 may be sealed-bonded to other components of the body 1110 near the opening 1114 and / or to other locations on the body 1110. A separately formed sleeve 1118 may be easily manufactured (for example, optionally, with tighter manufacturing tolerances and / or features that are difficult to form within the cavity 1111 of the body 1110).

[0167] The sleeve 1118 can protect electronic and other components within the body 1110 from liquids, debris, and environmental contaminants. In exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 1118 is sealed with other components of the body 1110 and / or does not define an opening to the cavity 1111. Thus, the cavity 1111 can define a sealed, enclosed cavity. A sensor carriage 1140 driven by an electric drive system 1160 (e.g., exclusively driven by the electric drive system 1160) can facilitate the realization of a sleeve 1118 without openings. Such a structure can provide a robust liquid delivery system 1010 in which mechanical and electronic components are protected.

[0168] The capping device 1100 includes an electric drive system 1160 configured to drive a sensor carriage 1140 along the longitudinal axis of the capping device 1100 (for example, along the longitudinal axis extending to the center through the front wall 1112 and the opening 1114). For example, the electric drive system 1160 may include a motor 1161 and a lead screw 1162 directly or indirectly connected to the drive shaft of the motor 1161. The operation of the motor 1161 rotates the lead screw 1162, which can move the sensor carriage. When the motor 1161 is rotated in a first direction, the sensor carriage 1140 moves toward the opening 1114 of the cavity 1111, and when the motor 1161 is rotated in a second direction, the sensor carriage 1140 moves toward the front wall 1112 of the body 1110. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the electric drive system 1160 can drive the sensor carriage 1140 between any number of individual points along the lead screw 1162.

[0169] In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery device 1200 remains fixed relative to the cavity 1111 and body 1110 of the capping device 1100 while the sensor carriage 1140 moves along the liquid delivery device 1200. The liquid delivery device 1200 may be restricted from twisting or rotating about the longitudinal axis A of the cavity 1111, and / or from moving longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A. The restriction or inability to move relative to the liquid delivery device 1200 and the body 1110 allows the sensor of the sensor carriage 1140 to accurately and repeatedly detect the plunger 1205, and further enables a predictable line of sight for the sensor of the sensor carriage 1140.

[0170] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 includes one or more sensor components configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 1200 (for example, similar to the sensor carriage 140 in some embodiments). The sensor carriage 1140 may include plunger detection sensors such as reflective or transmissive optical sensors, and / or position sensors such as load sensors, linear potentiometers, linear encoders, rotary encoders, magnetoelectric spectrometers, and membrane electrometers. These components are configured to detect information that can be used, for example, to evaluate the state of the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0171] The sensor carriage 1140 includes one or more sensor components configured to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 1200, such as the position of the plunger within the liquid delivery device 1200. For example, the sensor carriage 1140 includes a sensor 1142 that outputs a sensor signal representing the characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200. The output signal from the sensor 1142 may change depending on the physical characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200 that the sensor 1142 encounters. Thus, the output signal may change at different locations along the length of the liquid delivery device 1200. For example, as the sensor carriage 1140 moves relative to the liquid delivery device 1200, the change in the output signal of the sensor 1142 can be evaluated to determine the front end of the reservoir 1201 (e.g., the supply end 1202), the front end of the plunger 1205, the rear end of the plunger 1205, and / or other attributes of the liquid delivery device 1200. Changes in position detected between doses, such as changes in the position of the plunger 1205 before and after dose delivery, can be used to evaluate the amount of medication delivered by the liquid delivery device 1200, the total amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 1201, the number of remaining doses in the reservoir 1201, the remaining time until the reservoir 1201 is empty, the time of the previous dose (e.g., the time when the capping device 1100 was replaced with the liquid delivery device 1200), the time elapsed since the previous dose (e.g., the time elapsed since the capping device 1100 was replaced with the liquid delivery device 1200), and / or other information about the liquid delivery device 1200. Alternatively / furthermore, the relative positions of one or more of these detected characteristics, or the distance between one or more of these detected characteristics, can be used to evaluate medication information related to the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0172] In exemplary embodiments, the sensor 1142 includes an emitter 1142a and an optical receiver 1142b, such as an optical emitter 1142a and an optical receiver 1142b (for example, in some embodiments, it may have one or more features of the sensor 142 described herein) (Figure 16). The emitter 1142a and receiver 1142b can be positioned aligning with each other such that the optical path 1142c between the emitter 1142a and receiver 1142b extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the cavity 111 (for example, substantially perpendicular, within 10° of perfectly perpendicular). The optical path 1142c passes at least partially through the sleeve 1118 between the emitter 1142a and receiver 1142b. In some embodiments, the emitter 1142a is configured to produce a narrow beam with limited diffusion to the outside of the optical path 1142c. This is achieved by emitter 1142a emitting a narrow beam, and / or by a collimated structure configured to focus the output of emitter 1142a along the path. In various exemplary embodiments, the radiant energy emitted by emitter 1142a may be within visible and / or invisible wavelengths.

[0173] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor 1142 may be a reflective sensor that detects reflected light. The reflective sensor 1142 may detect color transitions indicating the plunger 1205, such as a transition from the relatively high transparency and / or bright color of the liquid and / or reservoir 1201 to the relatively low transparency and / or dark color (e.g., red, orange, black, etc.) of the plunger 1205.

[0174] The sensor carriage 1140 may include a plurality of sensors, such as first and second optical sensors 1142, 1143, each including an emitter and a receiver. In various exemplary embodiments, the relative positions of the first and second sensors may be selected to facilitate the realization of a suitable line of sight (e.g., through the liquid delivery device 1200) by at least one of the first and second sensors.

[0175] In place of / in addition to sensor 1142, the sensor carriage 1140 may include a position sensor 1145 configured to output a sensor signal indicating position or distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping device 1100 includes a position sensor 1145 that outputs a sensor signal indicating the position of the sensor carriage and / or the distance the sensor carriage has moved between a first position and a second position (for example, as the sensor carriage 1140 moves along the liquid delivery device 1200 or between subsequent dispensing by the liquid delivery device 1200). In an exemplary embodiment, the position sensor 1145 includes a linear potentiometer. The resistive element is located along at least a portion of the length of the cavity 1111, such as the side wall 1113 or sleeve 1118 of the body 1110. A wiper is located on the sensor carriage 1140.

[0176] The position sensor 1145 can output a sensor signal (e.g., voltage) that changes depending on the position of the wiper along the resistive element (e.g., the position of the sensor carriage 1140 along the cavity 1111). For example, a specific voltage may be associated with a specific position along the resistive element, and the voltage may be constant and repeatable each time the wiper moves along the resistive element. The position sensor 1145 may have unique characteristics for the voltage output at each position of the wiper and can be calibrated to achieve highly accurate and repeatable measurements.

[0177] In place of / in addition to the linear potentiometer, the position sensor 1145 may include one or more other types of sensors that provide position indications that can correlate with the sensor signal output by sensor 1142. For example, the position sensor 1145 may include, for example, a linear encoder, a rotary encoder, a magnetic potentiometer, a membrane potentiometer, a load cell, and the like.

[0178] In exemplary embodiments, the processor 1125 is configured to evaluate sensor signals from sensors 1142 and / or 1143, such as fluctuations in the sensor signal indicating the plunger, and to determine the corresponding position based on the sensor signal from sensor 1145. In some embodiments, the corresponding position may be stored and compared with the corresponding position of the plunger 1205 during subsequent measurements. The change in position may then be evaluated (for example, by evaluating the distance traveled by the plunger 1205) to determine the previously delivered dose. In some exemplary embodiments, only the change in the position of the plunger 1205 is evaluated, and the position of the plunger 1205 relative to other components of the liquid delivery device 1200 and / or capping device 1100 is not evaluated.

[0179] Alternatively, the position of the plunger 1205 relative to the features of the liquid delivery device 1200 and / or the capping device may be evaluated. For example, the processor may be configured to detect sensor signals output from sensors 1142 and 1143 indicating the front end of the reservoir 1201 and to determine the corresponding position based on the output signal from sensor 1145. By evaluating the relative position of such features, the distance between the front end of the reservoir 1201 and the plunger 1205 can be determined, which may facilitate the calculation of the total remaining amount of liquid in the reservoir 1201, the remaining number of doses in the reservoir 1201, the remaining time until the reservoir 1201 is empty, and / or other information related to the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0180] The sensor carriage 1140 may be electrically connected to the processor 1125 to facilitate the electrical communication of sensor signals. In some embodiments, a flexible electrical connector 1147 provides at least a partial electrical connection between the sensor carriage 1140 and the circuit board 1127 supporting the processor 1125. The flexible electrical connector may include a conductive electrical structure on a thin, flexible substrate. For example, the flexible electrical connector may include one or more layers of PEEK, polyester, or polyamide having a printed or laminated electrical structure. Thus, the flexible electrical connector may have a thin shape to be easily bent with a small radius of curvature. The flexible electrical connector may bend and curve while maintaining the electrical connection with the circuit board 1127 and / or the processor 1125 during the movement of the sensor carriage 1140.

[0181] In some embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 1127 via one or more components of the electric drive system 1160, such as a lead screw 1162. Alternatively / Furthermore, the sleeve 1118 may include one or more conductors that provide electrical communication between the sensor carriage 1140 and the circuit board 1127 while the sensor carriage 1140 moves along the track 1150. For example, the sensor carriage 1140 may have fixed electrical contacts that are biased to slide-engage with corresponding conductive surfaces of the sleeve 1118.

[0182] In some embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 is not continuously electrically connected to the circuit board 1127 and / or the processor 1125. For example, the sensor carriage 1140 may operate to detect the state of the liquid delivery device 1200 while not electrically communicating with the circuit board 1127 and / or the processor 1125. The sensor carriage 1140 may include a power supply that can power one or more sensors carried by the sensor carriage 1140, and a sensor carriage memory for storing sensor signal information. The sensor carriage 1140 may store sensor information collected as it moves between a first position and a second position, and may be able to electrically communicate with the circuit board 1127 and / or the processor 1125 when stopped at a particular position in order to upload the collected information to the memory 124. For example, after each or a series of operations of the sensor carriage 1140, the sensor carriage 1140 may be driven by the electric drive system 1160 to a position where it can electrically communicate with the circuit board 1127 and / or the processor 1125, so that the collected information can be transmitted.

[0183] Referring next to Figures 17A and 17B, partial cross-sectional views of the liquid delivery system 1010 are shown. Specifically, the liquid delivery device 1200 inserted into the capping device 1100 (Figure 17A) and the capping device 1100 held on the liquid delivery device 1200 (Figure 17B) are shown. The delivery end 1202 of the liquid delivery device 1200 and at least a portion of the reservoir 1201 may be located within the cavity 1111 of the capping device 1100. The sensor carriage 1140 can be driven along a portion of the liquid delivery device 1200 while the liquid delivery device 1200 is fixed to the body 1110 and the cavity 1111. The movement of the sensor carriage 1140 between a first position and a second position facilitates the detection of characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200 at multiple locations on the liquid delivery device 1200. In some embodiments, the operation of sensor 1142 as the sensor carriage 1140 moves between a first position and a second position may be represented as scanning a portion of the liquid delivery device 1200. The output signal of sensor 1142 (e.g., alone or in conjunction with one or more sensors such as sensor 1145) is then evaluated to determine the position of plunger 1205 in reservoir 1201, changes in the position of plunger 1205 in reservoir 1201, and / or other states of the liquid delivery device 1200.

[0184] The motor 1161 is directly or indirectly coupled to the lead screw 1162. In some embodiments, the electric drive system 1160 includes a gear train 1163 between the motor 1161 and the lead screw 1162. The gear train 1163 may be a planetary gear train, a compound gear train, etc., and may be configured to provide sufficient torque to the lead screw 1162 to drive the sensor carriage 1140. The gear train 1163 may facilitate the realization of a small or relatively low-power motor 1161 and a compact electric drive system 1160 while supplying sufficient power to drive the sensor carriage 1140. In various exemplary embodiments, the motor 1161, lead screw 1162, and / or the gear train 1163 may be arranged coaxially. Alternatively / furthermore, the motor 1161 and the lead screw 1162 may be offset or angled relative to each other (e.g., rotating around offset longitudinal axes or perpendicular to each other or angled in other manner). The gear train 1163 facilitates the positioning of the motor 1161 and lead screw 1162 within the main body 1110 (for example, it is not necessary to align the drive shaft of the motor 1161 with the lead screw 1162).

[0185] The electric drive system 1160 can drive the sensor carriage 1140 along at least a portion of the liquid delivery device 1200. In various exemplary embodiments, the electric drive system 1160 can drive the sensor carriage 1140 over a selected travel distance (e.g., forward or backward between a first position and a second position) or over any series of travel distances (e.g., forward and / or backward between a first, second and more positions). Thus, the movement of the sensor carriage 1140 may be independent of manual operation and / or engagement between the capping device 1100 and the liquid delivery device 1200. In some embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 can be driven multiple times along the length of the liquid delivery device (e.g., moving back and forth) while the liquid delivery device 1200 is in a fixed position relative to the capping device 1100. Therefore, the sensor carriage 1140 driven by the electric drive system 1160 can facilitate consistent and reliable detection and / or multiple measurements after a single capping event (e.g., multiple measurements without releasing and re-engaging the liquid delivery device 1200 with the capping device 1100).

[0186] The operation of the electric drive system 1160 and the movement of the sensor carriage 1140 can be controlled according to a selected (e.g., pre-programmed) sequence or to achieve various performance advantages. In various exemplary embodiments, the electric drive system 1160 can drive the sensor carriage 1140 between a first position and a second position each time the liquid delivery device 1200 engages with the capping device 1100. The first and second positions may be selected to reduce the distance the sensor carriage 1140 needs to travel to detect the characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200. For example, the sensor carriage 1140 may start in a first position, which is the position of the sensor carriage 1140 when the liquid delivery device 1200 is engaged with the capping device 1100, and the second position may be the position where the plunger 1205 or other characteristics are detected. Thus, the sensor carriage 1140 may advance progressively along the length of the lead screw 1162 by a distance corresponding to the distance the plunger 1205 was moved during the previous dispensing.

[0187] In some embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 starts from an initial position near the front wall 1112 of the body 1110 after the new liquid delivery device 1200 engages with the capping device 1100. After the first dispensing event (e.g., the liquid delivery device 1200 is removed, used to dispense the dosage, and re-engaged with the capping device 1100), the sensor carriage 1140 is driven by the electric drive system 1160 in a first direction toward the opening 1114 until it encounters the plunger 1205 of the liquid delivery device 1200. The operation of the electric drive system 1160 and the movement of the sensor carriage 1140 are then stopped, and the sensor carriage 1140 remains in the position where the plunger 1205 was detected. Following the subsequent drug delivery event, the sensor carriage 1140 is driven in a first direction toward the opening 1114 by the electric drive system 1160 until it encounters the plunger 1205 of the liquid delivery device 1200, at which point the operation of the electric drive system 1160 and the movement of the sensor carriage 1140 are stopped again. The intermittent operation of the electric drive system 1160 and the corresponding movement of the sensor carriage 1140 are repeated until the liquid delivery device 1200 is used up or a new liquid delivery device engages with the capping device 1100.

[0188] The total distance traveled by the sensor carriage 1140 can be reduced by having it advance only between an initial position (e.g., the position in front of plunger 1205) and a second position (e.g., the position of plunger 1205 after a drug delivery event). The sensor carriage 1140 may detect the position of plunger 1205 at multiple locations while moving in only one direction. Alternatively / furthermore, such a configuration may promote efficient operation and extend battery life by reducing the total distance traveled and the power consumed by driving the sensor carriage 1140. In some exemplary embodiments, reducing the distance traveled by the sensor carriage 1140 may also promote a reduction in scanning time (e.g., a reduction in the period during which the user must wait to receive information based on the scan) and reduce noise generated during the operation of the motorized drive system 1160.

[0189] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor carriage 1140 can repeatedly start moving from a common starting point each time the liquid delivery device 1200 engages with the capping device 1100. For example, the sensor carriage 1140 may start moving from a position near the delivery end 1202 of the liquid delivery device 1200 and move in a first direction toward the opening 1114. After a dispensing event, the motorized drive system 1160 can return the sensor carriage to its initial position toward the front wall 1112 in a second direction. This process may continue for a series of dispensing events. The distance traveled in each continuous movement from the first or initial position to the second position (e.g., where the plunger 1205 is detected) may gradually decrease as the plunger 1205 advances within the liquid delivery device 1200 during each dispensing event.

[0190] The speed of the sensor carriage 1140 can be selected to achieve one or more performance advantages. In exemplary embodiments, the speed of the sensor carriage 1140 may be selected based on one or more parameters, including the resolution of one or more sensors of the sensor 1142 and / or capping device 1100, the duration of scanning, power consumption, noise generation, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, the speed of the sensor carriage 1140 when driven by the electric drive system 1160 may be 0.25 to 8 seconds, 0.5 to 4 seconds, or 1 to 2 seconds, which may be sufficient to drive the sensor carriage 1140 along the entire length of the liquid delivery device 1200 within the capping device 1100. Such a sensor carriage speed may facilitate the achievement of a selected scanning resolution while reducing power consumption and scanning duration, for example.

[0191] The electric drive system 1160 may be configured to vary the speed of the sensor carriage 1140. In some embodiments, the speed of the sensor carriage 1140 may vary depending on whether the sensor carriage 1140 is operating to detect characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200. The electric drive system 1160 may drive the sensor carriage 1140 at a first speed while the sensor 1142 is operating to detect characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200, and may drive the sensor carriage 1140 at a second speed when the sensor 1142 is not operating to detect characteristics of the liquid delivery device 1200 and the sensor carriage 1140 is to be moved to a fixed position.

[0192] Alternatively, the electric drive system 1160 may be configured to drive the sensor carriage 1140 at two or more speeds based on the position of the sensor carriage 1140, the expected position of the sensor carriage 1140 relative to the plunger 1205 or other features of the liquid delivery device 1200 or capping device 1100, sensor signals output from sensor 1142, position sensor 1145, or other sensors of the capping device 1100. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric drive system 1160 may drive the sensor carriage 1140 at a first average speed over a length where the plunger 1205 is not expected to be present (e.g., based on previous plunger position, dosage information, etc.), and at a second average speed over a length where the plunger 1205 is expected to be present. The first average speed may be relatively high, and the second average speed may be relatively low. In some embodiments, the electric drive system 1160 may gradually change the speed of the sensor carriage 1140, for example, by gradually decreasing the speed between an initial position (e.g., a location where the plunger 1205 is unlikely to be present) and a second position (e.g., a location where the plunger 1205 is present). Such adjustment of the speed of the sensor carriage 1140 may facilitate the achievement of a selected scanning resolution, reliability, and / or accuracy when detecting the position of the plunger 1205, while reducing, for example, scanning duration, power consumption, and noise generation.

[0193] The electric drive system 1160 may be configured to facilitate improved reliability and repeatability when detecting the plunger 1205 or other characteristics of the liquid delivery system 1000. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric drive system 1160 facilitates multiple measurements at a single position or a series of positions while the liquid delivery device 1200 is fixedly engaged with the capping device 1100. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric drive system 1160 can drive the sensor carriage 1140 in one or more forward and backward movements close to the position of interest to obtain multiple measurements. The measurements can then be averaged or otherwise processed (e.g., by the processor 1125) to provide a reliable and repeatable output.

[0194] Alternatively, the electric drive system 1160 may drive the sensor carriage 1140 in one or more forward and backward movements close to the position of interest, based on a confidence value associated with the sensor signal. For example, one or more sensor signals may be evaluated (e.g., in real time) to determine a confidence value indicating the confidence that the sensor signal accurately corresponds to the plunger 1205 or another characteristic of the liquid delivery system 1010. If the confidence value falls below a predetermined threshold, the electric drive system 1160 may drive the sensor carriage 1140 along a portion of the liquid delivery device 1200 to obtain additional measurements. In some embodiments, the capping device 1100 may output an alert to the user for a potential error based on the confidence value and / or a request input from the user.

[0195] The electric drive system 1160 may be actuated in response to the engagement between the capping device 1100 and the liquid delivery device 100. For example, the capping device 1100 may include a sensor 1180 positioned to detect the presence of the liquid delivery device 1200 in the sleeve 1118. The sensor 1180 may be a contact switch, an optical sensor, and the like. When the liquid delivery device 1200 is engaged with the capping device 1100, the sensor 1180 may emit a signal indicating the presence of the liquid delivery device 1200. The electric drive system 1160 may be actuated to drive the sensor carriage 1140 after the sensor 1180 has emitted a signal indicating that the liquid delivery device 1200 has engaged with the capping device 1100. In some exemplary embodiments, the electric drive system 1160 may be actuated to drive the sensor carriage 1140 in response to a signal emitted by the sensor 1180. For example, the electric drive system 1160 may be operated to drive the sensor carriage 1140 for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, etc.) after the sensor 1180 has emitted a signal indicating the presence of the liquid delivery device 1200. The predetermined period may ensure that the liquid delivery device 1200 is fully engaged and in a fixed position relative to the capping device 1100, and / or that the contents of the reservoir 1204 are stable, before driving the sensor carriage 1140 to detect the plunger 1205 or other features of the liquid delivery system 1010.

[0196] Alternatively, the operation of the electric drive system 1160 may depend on signals output by one or more additional sensors of the capping device 1100. For example, the capping device 1100 may include an accelerometer that outputs a signal related to the movement of the capping device 1100. The operation of the electric drive system 1160 may begin after a period of one, two, or more seconds has elapsed since the accelerometer outputted a signal indicating that the capping device is stationary or not moving significantly. The reliability and repeatability of the electric drive system 1160, the sensor carriage 1140, and the sensors carried by the sensor carriage 1140 may be enhanced by the operation when the capping device 1100 is stationary or not moving significantly.

[0197] The various exemplary capping devices described herein may facilitate the realization of an effective and repeatable technique for evaluating the condition of a liquid delivery device with little or no reliance on manual, user-operated movement of the components of the capping device. Referring to Figure 18, a flowchart of an exemplary method 1800 for evaluating the condition of a liquid delivery device is shown. Method 1800 includes operation 1802 for housing at least a portion of the liquid delivery device within a cavity of the capping device. In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid delivery device may have similar features and characteristics to the liquid delivery devices 200, 400, 600, and 1200 described herein and may be a pen injector device for dispensing a certain dose of insulin.

[0198] Operation 1802 may include aligning the liquid delivery device with the cavity of the cap device, for example, by aligning the central longitudinal axis of the liquid delivery device with the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the cap device. Alternatively / Furthermore, operation 1802 may include aligning the liquid delivery device with one or more distinct alignment positions with respect to the cap device. For example, the liquid delivery device and / or the cap device may have asymmetric features and / or a non-circular shape that facilitates housing the liquid delivery device at one or more distinct positions selected based on the position of one or more sensors within the cap device. Operation 1802, which includes aligning the liquid delivery device with the cap device in a particular orientation, facilitates the desired interaction between one or more sensors in the cap device and the liquid delivery device by suppressing interference or obstruction due to ribs, markings, opaque areas, and / or other features.

[0199] In this exemplary embodiment, the operation 1802 of housing the liquid delivery device within the cavity of the capping device may include fixing the capping device to the liquid delivery device. For example, after operation 1802, relative movement between the liquid delivery device and the capping device may be restricted so that the liquid delivery device cannot rotate within the cavity and / or move longitudinally within the cavity.

[0200] The method 1800 may include an operation 1804 for driving a sensor carriage containing one or more sensors. Operation 1804 may include driving the sensor carriage by an electric drive system including an electric motor. For example, the electric drive system can drive the sensor carriage from a first position to a second position. One or more sensors positioned on the sensor carriage operate as the sensor carriage moves between the first and second positions to output sensor signals indicating one or more features of a liquid delivery device.

[0201] In some exemplary embodiments, the operation 1804 for driving the sensor carriage can be initiated without additional manual operation. For example, the capping device can detect engagement with a liquid delivery device by means of a sensor, and after detecting the liquid delivery device, the operation of the electric drive system can be initiated.

[0202] Operation 1804 may optionally include driving the sensor carriage in multiple directions. For example, the electric drive system may drive the sensor carriage in one or more forward and backward movements, such as to acquire multiple measurements over a specific position or multiple positions. The sensor carriage may be driven (including in the forward and backward direction) by, for example, the electric drive system without further / or additional manual intervention, while the liquid delivery device is fixed to the capping device.

[0203] The method 1800 may further include an operation 1806 for evaluating the output of one or more sensors indicating the presence of features of the liquid delivery device. For example, the capping device may include a processor configured to evaluate sensor signals from one or more sensors, such as fluctuations in the sensor signal indicating a plunger, and to determine the corresponding position. In some embodiments, operation 1806 may include storing the corresponding position and comparing it with the corresponding position during subsequent capping events. Evaluating the sensor signals may include evaluating the change in position (e.g., by evaluating the distance traveled by the plunger 205) to determine the numerical value of the previous delivery dose, the remaining amount in the liquid delivery device, or other characteristics of the liquid delivery device.

[0204] In some embodiments of this method 1800, the method 1800 may include an operation 1808 that outputs information relating to the position of the plunger. The information may be output by the capping device and / or transmitted to one or more remote devices. For example, operation 1808 may include displaying the previously delivered dose. Or / Furthermore, operation 1808 may include displaying dosing information relating to the total remaining amount of liquid in the reservoir of the liquid delivery device, the number of remaining dosings in the reservoir of the liquid delivery device, the remaining time until the reservoir of the liquid delivery device is empty, the time of the previous dosing (e.g., the time of operation 1802 to house the liquid delivery device in the cavity), the time elapsed since the previous dosing (e.g., the time elapsed since operation 1802 to house the liquid delivery device in the cavity), and / or other information relating to the liquid delivery device.

[0205] This specification includes many specific implementation details, but these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope or claims of the disclosed technology, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of the disclosed technology. Certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination, some or all, as a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, features are described herein as acting in a particular combination, and may be further / first claimed as such, but one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be separated from the combination. And the claimed combination may relate to a subcombination or a variation of a subcombination. Similarly, while operations may be described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in a particular order or sequence, or that all operations be performed, in order to achieve a desired result. Specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are included in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0206] 10 Liquid Delivery Systems 100 Capping device 110 Main Unit 111 Cavity 112 Front wall 113 Side wall 114 Opening 140 sensors 150 trucks 151 slots 152 Keyed end regions 160 springs 121 displays 122 User Input 123 Communication devices 124 memory 125 processors 126 speakers 127 Circuit board 128 Vibrators 200 Liquid Delivery Device 201 Reservoir 202 Delivery end 203 Bulkhead 204 Syringe needle 205 Plunger 206 Dial

Claims

1. A capping device for a liquid delivery system, The capping device comprises a body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of a liquid delivery device, a first sensor movable within the cavity, and a motor. The motor is configured to drive the first sensor along a portion of the liquid delivery device, The first sensor is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the cavity while the liquid delivery device is in a fixed position relative to the cavity, and is configured to output a sensor signal for detecting the plunger of the liquid delivery device while the first sensor is moving between the first position and the second position. Capping device.

2. The motor is an electric motor. The capping device according to claim 1.

3. The first sensor is positioned on a sensor carriage. The capping device according to claim 1.

4. Equipped with additional position sensors, The capping device according to claim 1.

5. The cavity is defined by the front wall and one or more side walls of the main body, and the main body defines an opening to the cavity. The capping device according to claim 1.

6. The device further comprises a sleeve configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device. The capping device according to claim 1.

7. The first sensor is configured to move along the outside of the sleeve. The capping device according to claim 6.

8. The system further comprises a processor configured to determine the position of the plunger of the liquid delivery device based on fluctuations in the sensor signal of the first sensor. The capping device according to claim 1.

9. A liquid delivery device, A liquid delivery device comprising a reservoir, a liquid in the reservoir, and a plunger movable within the reservoir for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir, A capping device, The device comprises a main body defining a cavity configured to house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device, a first sensor movable within the cavity, and a motor. The motor is configured to drive the first sensor along a portion of the liquid delivery device, The first sensor is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the cavity while the liquid delivery device is in a fixed position relative to the cavity. The first sensor is configured to output a sensor signal that detects the plunger of the liquid delivery device while the first sensor moves between the first position and the second position. Liquid delivery system.

10. The system further comprises a processor configured to determine the position of the plunger of the liquid delivery device based on fluctuations in the sensor signal of the first sensor. The liquid delivery system according to claim 9.

11. The processor is located within the cap device. The capping device according to claim 10.

12. The first sensor is positioned on a sensor carriage. The capping device according to claim 9.

13. A method for evaluating the state of a liquid delivery device, To house at least a portion of the liquid delivery device within the cavity of the cap device, With the liquid delivery device remaining in a fixed position within the cavity, the first sensor, which is movable within the cavity, is driven from a first position to a second position relative to the cavity. This includes evaluating the output of the first sensor indicating the presence of a plunger in the liquid delivery device, Driving the first sensor includes driving the first sensor with an electric motor, The first sensor is configured to output a sensor signal that detects the plunger of the liquid delivery device while the first sensor moves between the first position and the second position. method.

14. The processor within the capping device further includes evaluating the output of the position sensor to determine the position of the plunger of the liquid delivery device. The method according to claim 13.

Images