Methods and devices for accurately pumping small quantities of liquid to a patient with a broad range of flow and low cost.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivery of a drug to a recipient. In some embodiments, the delivery apparatus may unseal a drug containing reservoir. In some embodiments, the delivery rate may be controlled and/or adjustable. Optionally the apparatus may be disposable. Optionally, the apparatus may have a low profile and/or be wearable and/or attachable to the recipient. Optionally, discharge of the drug and/or unsealing of the reservoir may be driven by a plunger moving parallel to the base of the apparatus. Optionally, the apparatus may release a hypodermic needle into the recipient. Optionally, release of the hypodermic needle may be in a direction non-parallel and/or orthogonal to the direction of movement of the plunger. Optionally, prior to release, the hypodermic needle may be preserved in an aseptic state by a needle opening septum sealing a needle opening. Optionally, upon release, the hypodermic needle may pierce the needle opening septum.

A syringe pump including a housing with a syringe accepting region, an accelerometer configured to detect a tube pull, a syringe holding system configured to hold a syringe in the syringe accepting region, a drive mechanism, and a drive head operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. The drive head is configured to engage a piston of a syringe held by the syringe holding system.

A delivery unit (2) of a drug delivery device (1), the delivery unit (2) comprising a subcutaneous delivery mechanism (9) having a subcutaneous delivery member (92), and a subcutaneous delivery member actuation mechanism (10) being operable to move the subcutaneous delivery member (92) between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuation mechanism (10) comprises a rotary member (102) having an engagement member (104) rotatable relative a support member (14), and an actuator (106) comprising a pivot portion (10A) and an engagement portion (10B) pivotally connected to the support member via the pivot portion. The engagement member (104) and engagement portion (10B) are configured to engage upon rotation of the rotary member to pivot the actuator between first and second positions and to thereby move the subcutaneous delivery member (92) between the corresponding retracted and extended positions. In an embodiment, the needle actuation mechanism may comprise a reuse protection.

A delivery unit (2) of a drug delivery device (1), the delivery unit (2) comprising a subcutaneous delivery mechanism (9) having a subcutaneous delivery member (92), and a subcutaneous delivery member actuation mechanism (10) being operable to move the subcutaneous delivery member (92) between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuation mechanism (10) comprises a rotary member (102) having an engagement member (104) rotatable relative a support member (14), and an actuator (106) comprising a pivot portion (10A) and an engagement portion (10B) pivotally connected to the support member via the pivot portion. The engagement member (104) and engagement portion (10B) are configured to engage upon rotation of the rotary member to pivot the actuator between first and second positions and to thereby move the subcutaneous delivery member (92) between the corresponding retracted and extended positions. In an embodiment, the needle actuation mechanism may comprise a reuse protection.

A syringe pump including a housing with a syringe accepting region, a syringe holding system configured to hold a syringe in the syringe accepting region, a drive mechanism, and a drive head operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. The drive head is configured to engage a piston of a syringe held by the syringe holding system.

A device for delivering fluid into the body is provided. The device may comprise a reservoir including at least one wall for retaining fluid and a plunger (400), wherein the plunger is articulated with a drive screw (300) having a distal end (304) that rotates within the plunger and displaces the plunger in a linear direction. The device may further comprise a reusable part having a motor, one or more gears and a receiving portion, and also a disposable part having a reservoir, a plunger and a drive screw having a proximal end capable of engaging with the receiving portion upon connecting the reusable part and the disposable part

Ratchet-based drive systems for more reliable and safer drug delivery are provided. The ratchet-based drive systems restrict angular movement and/or linear movement of components that cause a plunger to expel a liquid drug from a drug container. Movement of the components can be restricted to correspond to a predetermined or desired portion of the liquid drug. In the case that control of the drive system is lost or fails, the maximum amount of drug that could be delivered is limited to a known amount, thereby reducing the likelihood of an overdose.

A syringe positioning assembly includes a housing, a rotating member, a fixing member and a transmission member. The rotating member is connected to the fixing member via the transmission member, and during rotation, the rotating member can, via the transmission member, drive the fixing member to move. When the rotating member rotates in a direction away from a carrying face of the housing, the fixing member can be moved in a direction away from the fixing face. A space between the rotating member and the carrying face of the housing facilitates placement of a barrel of a syringe and a space between the fixing member and the fixing face of the housing can also facilitate placement of a barrel flange. A user can thus move the fixing member just by operating the rotating member, so that the syringe can be easily mounted and properly positioned.

Variable fill drug delivery devices for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient are provided. A variable fill drug delivery device includes a drug container to store a variable amount (or user-selectable amount) of a therapeutic agent. A plunger of the variable fill drug delivery device is positioned in the drug container. An infusion engine of the variable fill device is coupled to the plunger. The infusion engine retains the plunger prior to activation of the variable fill drug delivery device and releases the plunger after activation of the variable fill drug delivery device. After activation, the infusion engine drives the plunger from a first position within the drug container to a second position within the drug container to expel the variable amount of the therapeutic agent from the drug container for delivery to a patient.