U.S. patent application number 17/400985 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-02 for systems and methods for positioning fluid supply system.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel EVANS, Kenneth Mitchel KNOWLES, Christopher Brian LOCKE, Benjamin Andrew PRATT.
Application Number | 20210369942 17/400985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005771618 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210369942 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PRATT; Benjamin Andrew ; et
al. |
December 2, 2021 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING FLUID SUPPLY SYSTEM
Abstract
Fluid supply systems and methods for therapeutic fluid delivery
systems, including those used for negative pressure wound therapy
(NPWT) systems and methods.
Inventors: |
PRATT; Benjamin Andrew;
(Poole, GB) ; EVANS; Daniel; (London, GB) ;
LOCKE; Christopher Brian; (Bournemouth, GB) ;
KNOWLES; Kenneth Mitchel; (Bandera, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005771618 |
Appl. No.: |
17/400985 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16111434 |
Aug 24, 2018 |
11116887 |
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17400985 |
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14801493 |
Jul 16, 2015 |
10086119 |
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16111434 |
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|
13870873 |
Apr 25, 2013 |
9107998 |
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14801493 |
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13014482 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
8449502 |
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13870873 |
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61299744 |
Jan 29, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2209/082 20130101;
A61M 5/14228 20130101; A61M 1/90 20210501; A61J 1/16 20130101; A61J
1/1462 20130101; A61M 5/1417 20130101; A61M 1/85 20210501; A61M
5/14232 20130101; A61M 5/14224 20130101; A61M 5/1415 20130101; A61M
2209/08 20130101; A61M 3/0258 20130101; A61M 5/162 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61M 3/02 20060101 A61M003/02; A61J 1/14 20060101
A61J001/14; A61M 5/14 20060101 A61M005/14; A61M 5/142 20060101
A61M005/142; A61M 5/162 20060101 A61M005/162 |
Claims
1. A negative-pressure wound treatment system, comprising: a wound
insert adapted to distribute reduced pressure to a tissue site; a
liquid container adapted to be fluidly coupled to the wound insert
via a conduit; and a peristaltic pump unit configured to be coupled
to the conduit, the peristaltic pump unit configured to pump liquid
from the liquid container to the wound insert via the conduit.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wound insert comprises a
manifold.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the wound insert comprises a
porous pad.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the wound insert comprises open
cells configured to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue
site.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the wound insert comprises open
cells configured to channel fluids drawn from the tissue site.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the wound insert comprises a
drape.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the peristaltic pump unit
comprises an actuation member configured to engage the conduit.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the peristaltic pump unit
comprises a recessed portion extending across a body of the
peristaltic pump unit.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the conduit is configured to be
disposed within the recessed portion.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the actuation member comprises a
rotor.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the rotor is configured to
engage the conduit in the recessed portion.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the rotor is configure to
engage the conduit as the rotor rotates.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the rotor is configured to
engage the conduit as the rotor rotates, pumping liquid from the
liquid container to the wound insert.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the peristaltic pump unit is
configured to be attached to a housing unit.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the housing unit comprises a
control unit.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the housing unit comprises a
display screen.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the liquid container is
configured to be attached to the housing unit.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the liquid container comprises
a support engagement member having an aperture formed through the
support engagement member.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the housing unit comprises a
support member having a hook.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the hook is configured to
engage the support engagement member through the aperture.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/111,434, filed on Aug. 24, 2018, which is a
Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/801,493, filed
on Jul. 16, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,086,119, which is a
Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/870,873, filed
on Apr. 25, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,107,998, which is a
Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/014,482, filed on
Jan. 26, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,502, which claims the
benefit, under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e), of the filing of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/299,744, filed Jan. 29, 2010,
entitled "Systems and Methods for Positioning Fluid Supply System",
all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to positioning a
fluid supply system. More particularly, but not by way of
limitation, the present invention relates to systems and methods
for positioning a fluid supply system proximal to a therapeutic
fluid delivery system used in conjunction with a negative pressure
wound therapy (NPWT) system.
2. Background Information
[0003] Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a
reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and
accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The
applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but application of
reduced pressure has been particularly successful in treating
wounds. This treatment (frequently referred to in the medical
community as "negative pressure wound therapy," "reduced pressure
therapy," or "vacuum therapy") provides a number of benefits,
including faster healing and increased formulation of granulation
tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissue through a
wound insert (e.g., a porous pad or other manifold device). The
wound insert typically contains cells or pores that are capable of
distributing reduced pressure to the tissue and channeling fluids
that are drawn from the tissue. The wound insert can be
incorporated into a wound dressing having other components that
facilitate treatment, such as, for example, a drape (e.g., adhesive
surgical drape). Instillation of fluids (e.g., irrigation fluids
and/or medicaments) may be used in conjunction with negative
pressure wound therapy to promote healing and/or improve
efficacy.
[0004] In addition, the delivery of therapeutic fluids (e.g. saline
or antibiotic fluids) to the wound insert can also provide
benefits. The connection and positioning of such fluid supply and
delivery systems can be challenging. In certain instances, the
fluids can be located on a separate IV support, but this requires
the unit to be located either on or near the support. This may
present logistical issues if there is not sufficient room around
the patient. If the unit is also supposed to be portable then these
support methods can have a negative impact on this aspect of
use.
[0005] In addition, there are various connection methods, from
cartridges to basic tube routing systems that are currently used on
fluid delivery pumps. Many existing systems have limiting factors
on the type of fluid container that can be used with the system.
For example, many cartridge systems specify a specific
configuration for a fluid container or an expensive tube set for
that system, leading to cost issues as well as limiting flexibility
for the user in the type of fluid to be instilled.
[0006] Furthermore, securing different sized fluid containers can
also present problems on portable products. Unwanted shifting of
the fluid container can lead to kinks or disconnections. For NPWT
systems, this can lead to leaks and blockage alarms, or potentially
a continued break in therapy.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure includes embodiments of fluid supply
systems and coupling such systems to therapeutic fluid delivery
systems.
[0008] Certain embodiments comprise a cartridge for attachment to a
fluid delivery system. In specific embodiments, the cartridge may
comprise: a piercing device having a conduit, the piercing device
being for piercing a liquid container and creating a fluid
communication between the interior of the container and the
conduit, the conduit having an outlet connection. In particular
embodiments, the conduit may comprise a pump component actuated by
a fluid delivery system to which the cartridge is coupled for
pumping liquid from the interior of a container to the outlet
connection.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the pump component may be a flexible
conduit which forms a peristaltic pump upon connection to a fluid
delivery system having a peristaltic pump actuator. In certain
embodiments, the pump component may be a diaphragm pump configured
to be actuated by an actuator of a fluid delivery system to which
the cartridge is coupled.
[0010] Particular embodiments may further comprise a support device
for supporting the liquid container. In certain embodiments, the
piercing device may be configured to be attached to the support
device such that a container placed in the support device is
pierced by the piercing device. In specific embodiments, the
conduit may comprise: a first coupling from the piercing device to
the pump component; and a second coupling from the pump component
to the outlet connection. In particular embodiments, the pump
component may be a flexible conduit between the first and second
couplings.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the piercing device may comprise a
vent valve. Particular embodiments may comprise a fluid delivery
system for connecting to a cartridge, where the fluid delivery
system comprises an actuator for actuating the pump component of
the cartridge. In specific embodiments, the actuator may comprise a
rotor to engage the conduit of a cartridge to form a peristaltic
pump. Specific embodiments may comprise a fluid delivery system,
where the actuator comprises a push/pull actuator to actuate a
diaphragm pump of a cartridge.
[0012] Certain embodiments comprise a fluid supply system
comprising a support device configured to support a liquid
container. The support device may comprise a base portion with a
first lateral extension and a second lateral extension extending
from the base portion, and a slot between the first lateral
extension and the second lateral extension. The fluid supply system
may also comprise a cartridge coupled to the support device, where
the cartridge is configured to engage a fluid delivery system. In
certain embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a housing
comprising a first end and a second end, and a first coupling
member proximal to the first end and a second coupling member
proximal to the second end. Specific embodiments may comprise a
piercing device coupled to a retaining member, where the retaining
member is configured to engage the slot of the support device.
Certain embodiments may also comprise a conduit coupled to the
piercing device and the first coupling member, where the piercing
device and the first coupling member are in fluid
communication.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the first lateral extension and the
second lateral extension may form a receptacle, and the piercing
device may extend into the receptacle when the retaining member is
engaged with the slot. Particular embodiments may also comprise a
liquid container configured for insertion into the receptacle of
the support device. In certain embodiments, the piercing device may
be configured to pierce the liquid container when the liquid
container is inserted into the receptacle of the support device. In
specific embodiments, an upper portion of the liquid container may
comprise a support engagement member.
[0014] In particular embodiments, the support engagement member may
comprise an extension and an aperture. In certain embodiments, the
support engagement member may be configured to engage a support
member coupled to a therapeutic fluid delivery system. In
particular embodiments, the first lateral extension and the second
lateral extension of the support device may be curved and tapered.
In specific embodiments, the fluid supply system may be coupled to
a therapeutic fluid delivery system comprising a control housing
having a lower support surface, and the slot may be positioned
above the lower support surface. In certain embodiments, the
conduit coupled to the piercing device may not be occluded when the
retaining member is engaged with the slot and when the lower
support surface of the control housing is placed on a flat
surface.
[0015] Particular embodiments may also comprise a conduit coupled
to the first and second coupling members. In certain embodiments,
the conduit may be configured to engage a pump when the fluid
supply system is coupled to a therapeutic fluid delivery system. In
specific embodiments, the pump may be a peristaltic pump. In
particular embodiments, the cartridge and the support device are
integral components. In certain embodiments, the cartridge and the
support device may be separate components.
[0016] Specific embodiments may also comprise a method of securing
a liquid container in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid
delivery system. In particular embodiments, the method may
comprise: providing a support device comprising a receptacle
configured to receive the liquid container and providing a
cartridge coupled to the support device, where the cartridge is
configured to engage the therapeutic fluid delivery system. In
certain embodiments the cartridge may comprise a piercing device,
and the method may include engaging the piercing device with the
support device so that the piercing device extends into the
receptacle. The method may also include placing the liquid
container in the receptacle of the support device, and piercing the
liquid container with the piercing device.
[0017] In specific embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a
housing having a first end and a second end the cartridge may
comprise a first coupling member proximal to the first end and a
second coupling member proximal to the second end, and the piercing
device may be coupled to a conduit in fluid communication with the
first coupling member. In particular embodiments, the support
device may comprise a slot, the piercing device may be coupled to a
retaining member, and the retaining member may be engaged with the
slot of the support device when the piercing member extends into
the receptacle.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the support device may comprise a
base portion with a first lateral extension and a second lateral
extension extending from the base portion, and the liquid container
may be placed between the base portion, the first lateral extension
and the second lateral extension when the liquid container is
placed in the receptacle. In particular embodiments, an upper
portion of the liquid container may comprise a support engagement
member, and the therapeutic fluid delivery system may comprise a
support member. Specific embodiments of them method may comprise
engaging the support engagement member of the liquid container with
the support member of the therapeutic fluid delivery system.
[0019] Certain embodiments may comprise a method of securing a
liquid container in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid
delivery system.
[0020] Any embodiment of any of the present systems and/or methods
can consist of or consist essentially of--rather than
comprise/include/contain/have--any of the described steps,
elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term
"consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" can be substituted
for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to
change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be
using the open-ended linking verb.
[0021] Details associated with the embodiments described above and
others are presented below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not
limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a
given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that
structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily
indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number
may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar
functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers.
[0023] FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a pump-engagement
cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 1B depicts a partial schematic side view of the
pump-engagement cartridge coupled to a pump.
[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a support device for a
liquid container according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the pump-engagement
cartridge of FIG. 1A coupled to the support device of FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 4 depicts a fluid container coupled to the
pump-engagement cartridge of FIG. 1A and the support device of FIG.
2.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts the assembly of FIG. 4 coupled to a
therapeutic fluid delivery system.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not
necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items
that are "coupled" may be integral with each other. The terms "a"
and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure
explicitly requires otherwise. The terms "substantially,"
"approximately," and "about" are defined as largely but not
necessarily wholly what is specified, as understood by a person of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0030] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as
"comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such
as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as
"includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain,
such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs.
As a result, a method that "comprises," "has," "includes" or
"contains" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but
is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.
Likewise, a connection pad that "comprises," "has," "includes" or
"contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more
elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. For
example, in a connection pad that comprises a fluid-delivery
connection and a pressure-sensor connection, the connection pad
includes the specified elements but is not limited to having only
those elements. For example, such a connection pad could also
include a vacuum connection.
[0031] Further, a device or structure that is configured in a
certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be
configured in other ways than those specifically described.
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1A and 1B, one example of a pump-engagement cartridge 10
comprises a housing 11, a piercing device 12, and a conduit 13
coupled to piercing device 12. In the embodiment shown, housing 11
further comprise a recessed portion 14 located between a pair of
conduit coupling members 15 and 16 proximal to first and second
ends 25 and 26, respectively. A conduit 20 (e.g., flexible tubing)
can extend between conduit coupling members 15, 16 and across
recessed portion 14. As explained in more detail below,
pump-engagement cartridge 10 may engage a therapeutic fluid
delivery system so that the conduit between coupling members 15, 16
engages a pump (e.g., a peristaltic or diaphragm pump) to provide
delivery of a therapeutic fluid.
[0033] In the partial schematic side view shown in FIG. 1B, pump
engagement cartridge 10 is shown coupled to a therapeutic fluid
delivery system 70 comprising a peristaltic pump 76. In this
embodiment, peristaltic pump 76 comprises an actuation member or
rotor 77 configured to engage conduit 20 in recess 14. In certain
embodiments, conduit 20 may be located in a track or groove
extending across recess 14. As rotor 77 rotates and engages conduit
20, fluid is pumped from coupling member 15 through conduit 20 and
to coupling member 16. As explained in more detail below, coupling
member 15 is in fluid communication with conduit 13, which can be
placed in fluid communication with a fluid container. This
configuration can allow peristaltic pump 76 to pump fluid from a
fluid container coupled to pump engagement cartridge 10.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, one example of a support device
30 configured to support a liquid container 50 is shown coupled to
pump-engagement cartridge 10. FIG. 3 illustrates pump-engagement
cartridge 10 and support device 30 coupled together to form a fluid
supply system 60, while FIG. 4 shows liquid container 50 placed in
support device 30.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, support device 30 comprises a
receptacle 31 configured to receive liquid container 50. In the
embodiment shown, receptacle 31 is formed by a pair of lateral
extensions 32, 33 that extend from a base portion 34. Lateral
extensions 32, 33 are curved and tapered to accommodate a variety
of sizes and shapes of liquid container 50. In this embodiment,
lateral extensions 32, 33 are configured to provide a gap or slot
35. In the embodiment shown, support device 30 also comprises an
extension 36 that extends generally vertical (when support device
is positioned during use). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, extension 36
may be coupled to an upper portion of pump-engagement cartridge 10
and can provide additional support for liquid container 50.
[0036] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, piercing
device 12 is coupled to a retaining member 17 configured to engage
slot 35. In the embodiment shown, retaining member 17 comprises a
plurality of flexible ribs 18 that provide a positive engagement
for a friction fit between retaining member 17 and slot 35. In
addition, a vent valve 19 may be coupled to piercing device 12 to
allow a user to vent liquid container 50 (if needed) as it is
emptied of fluid. In exemplary embodiments, piercing device 12 may
comprise an elongated body with a point or taper at an end distal
to retaining member 17. During use, retaining member 17 can be
inserted into slot 35 so that piercing device 12 extends upward
from slot 35. This arrangement provides for piercing device 12 to
extend into receptacle 31 so that when liquid container 50 is
inserted into receptacle 31, piercing device 12 can pierce liquid
container 50. Alternatively, piercing device can be inserted into
liquid container 50 prior to engaging retaining member 17 with slot
35.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, pump-engagement cartridge 10 and support
device 30 can be coupled together to form a fluid supply system 60.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, liquid container 50 can be placed in
support device 30. With this arrangement, fluid from liquid
container 50 can pass through piercing device 12 (which comprises
an internal conduit), conduit 13, coupling members 15, 16, and
conduit 20. As shown in FIG. 5, fluid supply system 60 can be
coupled to therapeutic fluid delivery system 70. In certain
embodiments, therapeutic fluid delivery system 70 comprises a pump
and control system configured to administer a therapeutic fluid
from fluid supply system 60. In specific embodiments, therapeutic
delivery system 70 may comprise a peristaltic pump that engages
conduit 20 between coupling members 15, 16. In certain embodiments,
therapeutic fluid delivery system 70 may be configured to deliver
fluid to a negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) system. In
other embodiments, therapeutic fluid delivery system 70 may be
configured to deliver fluid to other systems, including for
example, those designed to administer fluids intravenously.
[0038] Fluid supply system 60 provides numerous benefits as
compared to previous fluid supply systems. For example, fluid
supply system 60 allows for liquid container 50 to be kept in close
proximity to therapeutic fluid delivery system 70. Referring now to
FIG. 4, liquid container 50 comprises a support engagement member
51 with an extension 52 and an aperture 53. As shown in FIG. 5,
support engagement member 51 is configured to engage a support
member 71 having a hook 72 and a handle 73. In certain embodiments,
handle 73 can be extended upwardly (from the position shown in FIG.
5). Such a configuration can allow for support member 71 to support
fluid containers of different lengths. Support member 71 and
support device 30 can provide a stable support for the upper
portion of liquid container 50.
[0039] Furthermore, support device 30 is configured to accept fluid
containers of various sizes and shapes, including for example,
fluid containers ranging from 250 ml to 1,000 ml. The curved and
tapered shape of lateral extensions 32, 33 allow support device 30
to support a fluid container at different locations within
receptacle 31. For example, a smaller fluid container may be
supported at a lower position within receptacle 31 because the
fluid container would enter receptacle 31 a greater distance before
it engages lateral extensions 32, 33. A larger container may be
supported at a higher position within receptacle 31 because it
would engage lateral extensions 32, 33 sooner than a smaller fluid
container. The engagement of piercing device 12 with a fluid
container, along with the engagement of retaining member 17 with
slot 35 can stabilize the lower portion of a fluid container
inserted into receptacle 31. In addition, the engagement of support
member 71 and support engagement member 51 provides stability to
the upper portion of the fluid container. These features allow a
user to utilize different types of fluid containers and does not
require fluid containers specifically designed for this fluid
supply system. Such specialized containers can often increase the
costs associated with fluid supply systems.
[0040] In addition, fluid supply system and therapeutic fluid
delivery system 70 are configured so that the systems may be
supported by a flat surface without kinking or pinching conduit 13.
As shown in FIG. 5, therapeutic fluid delivery system 70 comprises
a control unit housing 74 having a lower surface 75 that can be
used to support therapeutic fluid delivery system 70 when placed on
a flat surface. In this embodiment, retaining member 17 (which is
coupled to conduit 13) is located above lower surface 75 of control
unit housing 74. This configuration allows therapeutic fluid
delivery system 70 to be supported on a flat surface without
causing conduit 13 to become occluded (e.g., pinched or kinked)
under components such as control unit housing 74 or retaining
member 17.
[0041] The various illustrative embodiments of devices, systems,
and methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the
particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications
and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims. For
example, the support device may be integrated with a side cover
coupled to the therapeutic fluid delivery system. Such an a
configuration can assist in accommodating larger bottles. The side
cover can also be used to protect the delivery mechanism when not
in use or during storage. In addition, certain embodiments may
utilize spring-loaded straps around the fluid container to assist
in securing the fluid container within the receptacle of the
support device. Furthermore, certain embodiments may not comprise a
support device with a receptacle, but instead utilize the piercing
device in conjunction with straps and/or a side cover. In certain
embodiments, the support device and cartridge are integral
components, while in other embodiments, they may be separate
components. In still other embodiments, the fluid container may be
integral to the support device or pump engagement cartridge, and
the system may not include a piercing device. For example, a fluid
container may be integrally formed with pump engagement cartridge
10 and comprise a port that can be coupled to conduit 13. Such a
configuration could reduce the need to include a piercing device to
assist in stabilization of the fluid container, due to the fluid
container being integrally formed with the pump engagement
cartridge.
[0042] Certain embodiments may comprise a load cell to prevent the
fluid container from running empty and to provide an indicator of
fluid level.
[0043] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be
interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function
limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a
given claim using the phrase(s) "means for" or "step for,"
respectively. It will be understood that the benefits and
advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may
relate to several embodiments. It will further be understood that
reference to `an` item refers to one or more of those items.
[0044] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out
in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.
[0045] Where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described
above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples
described to form further examples having comparable or different
properties and addressing the same or different problems.
[0046] It will be understood that the above description of
preferred embodiments is given by way of example only and that
various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The
above specification, examples and data provide a complete
description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of
the invention. Although various embodiments of the invention have
been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or
with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled
in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed
embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention.
* * * * *