A kneading method for kneading a mixture by repetitively forming a compressed space that is formed by an expanding-contracting body of a segment in an open state and an expanding-contracting body of a segment in a closed state adjacent to the segment in the open state and filled with the mixture in a compressed state pressed by the expanding-contracting body, by changing a combination of an operation state of each of the plurality of segments.

A reciprocating fluid pump includes a pump body, a subject fluid chamber, a first plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a first head portion and a first bellows, the first plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the first head portion and the first bellows have a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a second head portion and a second bellows, the second plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the second head portion and the second bellows have a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

Devices and methods for filling a medicament cartridge of a pump, including a user-wearable, ambulatory infusion pump. A device for supporting a medicament cartridge can comprise a body portion resembling a tray, with recesses disposed therein to support one or more of a cartridge body, cartridge tubing, interconnect fitting, and vial adapter. The recesses of the tray may be shaped to correspond to that component intended to be placed in its respective recess so to provide a visual indication to a user how to couple and align the various components necessary to fill the cartridge.

Devices and methods for filling a medicament cartridge of a pump, including a user-wearable, ambulatory infusion pump. A device for supporting a medicament cartridge can comprise a body portion resembling a tray, with recesses disposed therein to support one or more of a cartridge body, cartridge tubing, interconnect fitting, and vial adapter. The recesses of the tray may be shaped to correspond to that component intended to be placed in its respective recess so to provide a visual indication to a user how to couple and align the various components necessary to fill the cartridge.

A chamber has at least three openings, or a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening formed therein that are in communication with a reservoir. The second opening is higher in level than the first opening. The third opening is used for discharging a liquid within the reservoir by introducing gas through at least one of the first opening and the second opening into the reservoir. Since the third opening is the lowest in level among the three openings, the liquid stored in the reservoir is able to be drained easily.

A reciprocating fluid pump includes a pump body, a subject fluid chamber, a first plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a first head portion and a first bellows, the first plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the first head portion and the first bellows have a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a second head portion and a second bellows, the second plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the second head portion and the second bellows have a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

A reciprocating fluid pump includes a pump body, a subject fluid chamber, a first plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a first head portion and a first bellows, the first plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the first head portion and the first bellows have a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second plunger located within the subject fluid chamber of the pump body and having a second head portion and a second bellows, the second plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump the subject fluid through the subject fluid chamber within the pump body, wherein the second head portion and the second bellows have a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

Exemplary embodiments of manual dispensers and actuating mechanisms are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a housing, a receptacle for receiving a container of fluid and an actuating mechanism for causing fluid to be dispensed from the container. The actuation mechanism has a first pivot arm having a pivot point on a first end and a cam on a second end and a second pivot arm having a pivot point a first end and a curved contact surface on a second end. The actuating mechanism includes a pushbar. One of the first and second pivot members is connected to the pushbar. When the pushbar is pushed inward, the cam is configured to travel along the curved contact surface. Movement of the cam along the curved contact surface moves the engagement mechanism upward and downward in a substantially linear motion when the engagement mechanism is connected to a pump to cause the pump to prime with fluid and dispense the fluid.

Exemplary embodiments of manual dispensers and actuating mechanisms are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a housing, a receptacle for receiving a container of fluid and an actuating mechanism for causing fluid to be dispensed from the container. The actuation mechanism has a first pivot arm having a pivot point on a first end and a cam on a second end and a second pivot arm having a pivot point a first end and a curved contact surface on a second end. The actuating mechanism includes a pushbar. One of the first and second pivot members is connected to the pushbar. When the pushbar is pushed inward, the cam is configured to travel along the curved contact surface. Movement of the cam along the curved contact surface moves the engagement mechanism upward and downward in a substantially linear motion when the engagement mechanism is connected to a pump to cause the pump to prime with fluid and dispense the fluid.

A pump system is presented having a pump with a generally cylindrical pump housing that is arranged with a liquid inlet in one end and a liquid outlet in a second end. A tubular membrane is arranged inside the pump housing and a first passage is arranged in the vicinity of the liquid inlet for introducing pressurized fluid between the membrane and the housing. A second passage arranged in the vicinity of said liquid outlet for releasing said pressurized fluid where the membrane is arranged with an elasticity providing a local radial compression and an annular fluid compartment when a pulse of pressurized fluid is entered through the first passage. The annular fluid compartment travels along the housing bringing a volume of liquid with it. An expansion vessel can be operably attached to the liquid outlet for reducing pressure changes in the liquid caused by the action of the pulse of pressurized fluid.