INSULET CORPORATION

A novel embodiment of a drive mechanism for use in a pump, for example, of the type that would be used in a wearable drug delivery system, comprises, a cylindrically-shaped slider element configured with a channel on a circumferential surface thereof defining one or more zig-zag-shaped tracks therethrough. One or more pegs are engaged within the tracks, such that a back and forth longitudinal motion of the slider element along a radial axis of the cylinder causes movement of the pegs along one of the tracks through the channel, thus providing a movement of the pegs around the circumference of the cylinder which imparts a rotational motion to a header element disposed co-axially with the slider. The header element is in turn connected to a gear train, for example, a planetary gear box, which is coupled to the pump via a linkage or other type of mechanism.

Electrochemical actuators including a sealed electrolytic chamber with two or more electrodes disposed therein and associated reservoirs are described. In some embodiments, the electrochemical actuators include one or more rigid structures that are overmolded onto one or more electrodes to form the electrolytic chambers. In some embodiments, multiple rigid structures that are overmolded onto two or separate electrodes may be connected to form one or more electrolytic chambers with a desired configuration of electrodes contained therein. Manufacturing methods and structures related to the formation of an array of electrochemical actuators are also described.

A low-force, non-displacement, micro/miniature valve and/or pump assembly is provided. A tube component having a first side port coupled to an inlet portion and a second side port coupled to an outlet portion can be selectively moved to alternatively couple the side ports to a first or second piston pump chamber. First and second pistons can be actuated after positioning the tube component to either draw in fluid or push out fluid from either the first or second piston pump chambers during each actuation of the pistons. The fluid can be drawn in from a reservoir and can be expelled to a patient for providing a dose of the fluid to the patient.

In some embodiments, electrochemical actuators include a sealed electrolytic chamber with two or more electrodes disposed therein and associated reservoirs. In some embodiments, the electrochemical actuators include one or more rigid structures that are overmolded onto one or more electrodes to form the electrolytic chambers. In some embodiments, multiple rigid structures that are overmolded onto two separate electrodes may be connected to form one or more electrolytic chambers with a desired configuration of electrodes contained therein. In some embodiments, manufacturing methods and structures relate to the formation of an array of electrochemical actuators.

A low-force, non-displacement, micro/miniature valve and/or pump assembly is provided. A tube component having a first side port coupled to an inlet portion and a second side port coupled to an outlet portion can be selectively moved to alternatively couple the side ports to a first or second piston pump chamber. First and second pistons can be actuated after positioning the tube component to either draw in fluid or push out fluid from either the first or second piston pump chambers during each actuation of the pistons. The fluid can be drawn in from a reservoir and can be expelled to a patient for providing a dose of the fluid to the patient.

A novel embodiment of a drive mechanism for use in a pump, for example, of the type that would be used in a wearable drug delivery system, comprises, a cylindrically-shaped slider element configured with a channel on a circumferential surface thereof defining one or more zig-zag-shaped tracks therethrough. One or more pegs are engaged within the tracks, such that a back and forth longitudinal motion of the slider element along a radial axis of the cylinder causes movement of the pegs along one of the tracks through the channel, thus providing a movement of the pegs around the circumference of the cylinder which imparts a rotational motion to a header element disposed co-axially with the slider. The header element is in turn connected to a gear train, for example, a planetary gear box, which is coupled to the pump via a linkage or other type of mechanism.

A low-force, non-displacement, micro/miniature valve and/or pump assembly is provided. A tube component having a first side port coupled to an inlet portion and a second side port coupled to an outlet portion can be selectively moved to alternatively couple the side ports to a first or second piston pump chamber. First and second pistons can be actuated after positioning the tube component to either draw in fluid or push out fluid from either the first or second piston pump chambers during each actuation of the pistons. The fluid can be drawn in from a reservoir and can be expelled to a patient for providing a dose of the fluid to the patient.

A low-force, non-displacement, micro/miniature valve and/or pump assembly is provided. A tube component having a first side port coupled to an inlet portion and a second side port coupled to an outlet portion can be selectively moved to alternatively couple the side ports to a first or second piston pump chamber. First and second pistons can be actuated after positioning the tube component to either draw in fluid or push out fluid from either the first or second piston pump chambers during each actuation of the pistons. The fluid can be drawn in from a reservoir and can be expelled to a patient for providing a dose of the fluid to the patient.