Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.

Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback

A multiple-layer element method for monitoring the concentration of glucose in blood. The element comprises: (a) a core layer having two major surfaces, an optical reading chamber extending from a first opening in one of said two major surfaces to a second opening in the other of said two major surfaces, said, core layer further having a third opening therein and a flow channel, one end of which flow channel communicates with the third opening and the other end of which flow channel communicates with the optical reading chamber; and (b) a base layer in face-to-face contact with one major surface of said core layer; and (c) a cover layer in face-to-face contact with the other major surface of said core layer, said cover layer having an opening therein to vent the element. The method involves (a) obtaining a sample of biological fluid, e.g., interstitial fluid, from the body of a patient; (b) introducing the sample to article comprising a multiple-layer element having an optical reading chamber; (c) allowing reagents to react with an analyse of interest in the sample; and (d) measuring the concentration of analyse in the sample by means of an optical instrument.

Diagnostic assay requiring a small sample of biological fluid

A rugged, all-electronic fluid dispensing system for use with pipettes or in other contexts indirectly measures fluid flow by using a non-linear system model to correlate vacuum existing at the top of a column of suspended fluid. Non-contact operation is provided to eliminate the need for contact-type closed-loop fluid flow sensing and associated potential cross-contamination risks. In one particular exemplary non-limiting illustrative implementation, an electronic controller within a gun-shaped, cordless self-contained pipetter housing dynamically calculates valve opening time based on a non-linear equation. Calibration is used to derive equation constants, and column vacuum pressure before the valve is opened is used as the independent variable to derive a valve opening time that will result in accurate dispensing of a desired programmed fluid quantity. Repetitive automatic dispensing with accuracies greater than 1% are possible within the context of a relatively inexpensive portable pipette or device without the need for mechanically-complex positive displacement arrangements.

Automatic precision non-contact open-loop fluid dispensing

A system for detecting a specific substance or analyte of interest is provided that includes one or more sensing units and an instrument for analyzing the sensing units. Each sensing unit preferably includes a substrate, an attachment layer and at least one capture layer that includes a ligand layer. In one embodiment, the attachment layer is tripartite and includes a lower binding surface held to the substrate and an upper binding surface that holds the ligand layer, together with an insulating layer disposed between these two surfaces. The lower binding surface provides a durable and stable attachment to the substrate. The upper binding surface holds the ligand layer and does not jeopardize the integrity or viability thereof. The insulating layer prevents any unwanted interaction between the lower and upper binding surfaces. Each sensing unit is supported on a test piece received by the instrument. The instrument controllably positions the test piece using marks and/or codes on the test piece. The instrument measures a difference in mass in the sensing unit in connection with determining whether or not the analyte of interest is present. A light beam is used in making this measurement. In one embodiment, multiple reflections of the light beam on the same sensing unit are utilized to improve the sensitivity of the instrument. Mass enhancement techniques are also preferably utilized to effectively amplify the detected signal that is indicative of the analyte's presence. The system can also include a device for heating, humidifying and mixing materials of the sensing units, as well as preventing cross-contamination of the sensing units.

Sensing system for specific substance and molecule detection

Two chamber pumps and related methods provide a platform for measuring flow rate in about real time without contacting the material being pumped. Pressure and optional temperature sensors disposed in a pressurized chamber allow for fluid delivery calculations after being calibrated or by knowing the initial volume of the fluid to be delivered.

Two chamber pumps and related methods

A method and apparatus for analyzing a sample to determine an analyte content has a sensor for sensing the analyte positioned between a first and second transducer. The analyte or derivatives thereof are reciprocated between the first and second transducer to reciprocate at the sensor and allow instantaneous sensing of an indication of the analyte's presence at a point between the first and second transducer. Rapid analysis can be carried out in many different systems including for example where the transducers are enzyme reactors and the analytes are body metabolites.

Analysis by sensor placement in recprocating flow

A measured amount of a first fluid is metered into a measured amount of a second fluid by a method where a fluid is confined within a first chamber and a plunger of predetermined volume is mechanically moved into the chamber to displace a first measured amount of fluid after which a second plunger is mechanically moved into a defined volume of the chamber to displace a second volume of fluid therefrom different from the first volume whereupon the first and second volumes can be mixed in predetermined proportions.

Method of metering a fluid using a multi-mode differential fluid displacement pump

A method and apparatus for analyzing a sample to determine an analyte content has a means for sensing said analyte positioned between a first and second transducer. The analyte or derivatives thereof are reciprocated between the first and second transducer to reciprocate at the sensor and allow instantaneous sensing of an indication of said analyte's presence at a point between said first and second transducer. Rapid analysis can be carried out in many different systems including for example where the transducers are enzyme reactors and the analytes are body metabolites.

Humayun Qureshi

Papers

Analysis by sensor placement in recprocating flow

Method of metering a fluid using a multi-mode differential fluid displacement pump

Analyzing means and method

Moyens et méthode d'analyse

Mittel und Verfahren zur Analyse