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Abstract
There is provided a fluid delivery system (100), comprising a pump (102) for pumping fluid from a cartridge (400) to an outlet. The pump comprises a housing (302), a cartridge which can be removably attached to the housing, and a switch (308) for activating the pump. The switch is arranged such that attaching the cartridge to the housing activates the switch to automatically activate the pump. The system may also include a control unit for wireless connection with the pump.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an external infusion fluid delivery system that includes a durable pump housing and a removably attachable cartridge for storing fluid. The cartridge is removably attachable to the housing, and the system includes a switch for activating the pump. The switch is arranged such that attaching the cartridge to the housing activates the switch to automatically activate the pump.
The pump includes a transceiver for wirelessly connecting to a control unit, and the pump is wirelessly connectable to the control unit for controlling the pump. The automatic activation of the pump comprises activation of the transceiver that makes the pump available for pairing with the control unit over a Bluetooth™ or other radio frequency near field communications protocol.
In the described system, the pump includes a power supply, a microprocessor, and an actuator/reciprocating drive member coupled to the cartridge to pump fluid through inlet and outlet valves to an outlet or infusion set. The pump lacks a user interface and is controlled via the separate wireless control unit for pairing, status, and infusion parameter control. Cartridge detachment is described as deactivating the switch and causing pump deactivation and power conservation, including deactivation of components such as the transceiver pairing availability.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claim defines four main inventive features: a pump housing with a removably attachable fluid cartridge, an automatic pump activation switch triggered by cartridge attachment, a pump transceiver activated to enable pairing over Bluetooth™ or other near field radio frequency communications, and wireless connection to a control unit for controlling the pump. Dependent claims further refine switch and deactivation behaviors and optionally specify system-level characteristics such as the absence of a pump user interface and the pump being used for patient infusion.
Automatic cartridge-attachment pump activation using a switch
A pump includes a housing and a cartridge for storing fluid that is removably attachable to the housing; a switch is arranged such that attaching the cartridge to the housing activates the switch to automatically activate the pump.
Transceiver activation for pairing upon automatic pump activation
The automatic activation of the pump comprises activation of the transceiver that makes the pump available for pairing with the control unit over a Bluetooth™ or other radio frequency near field communications protocol.
Wireless pump transceiver connectable to a control unit for pump control
A transceiver wirelessly connects to a control unit, wherein the pump is wirelessly connectable to the control unit for controlling the pump.
Removably attachable cartridge for storing fluid
A fluid delivery system includes a cartridge for storing fluid that is removably attachable to the housing.
Across the independent claim coverage, the core inventive structure is a removable fluid cartridge and housing that cooperate with a switch to automatically activate the pump on cartridge attachment. The automatic activation includes activating the pump transceiver so the pump becomes available for pairing with a control unit over Bluetooth™ or other radio frequency near field communications, enabling wireless control of the pump.
Stated Advantages
Automatic activation of the pump when the cartridge is attached to the housing.
Power conservation when no cartridge is present (via cartridge detachment behavior).
Wireless pairing availability over a Bluetooth or other radio frequency near field communications protocol by activating the transceiver as part of automatic pump activation.
Documented Applications
Infusion system for delivering fluid to a patient.
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