Medication reservoir

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing.

1 . An apparatus for engaging or disengaging a fluid medication reservoir with a fluid conduit, wherein the fluid medication reservoir is disposed within an infusion device; the apparatus comprising:
 a cap having a cylindrical external surface;   a fluid conduit coupled to the cap;   a housing engagement member projecting outward from the cylindrical external surface of the cap and adapted to engage an engagement member disposed in a housing recess within the infusion device, wherein the cap is insertable and removable from the housing recess within the infusion device upon rotation of the cap;   a first tab disposed on the cap so as to provide a first surface for a user to grip, wherein:   the first tab projects outward from the cap; and   gripping and twisting the first tab rotates the cap and engages or disengages the fluid medication reservoir.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a vent disposed in the cap that permits venting of air and equalization of pressure inside the infusion device to atmospheric pressure outside the infusion device. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the vent comprises a hydrophobic material that permits the passage air and simultaneously inhibits the passage of fluids. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a piercing member disposed in the cap. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the piercing member creates a hole in a septum coupled to the reservoir when the reservoir is coupled and operatively engaged with the cap. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing engagement member comprises a detent or a thread projecting outward from the cylindrical external surface of the cap. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second tab disposed on the cap so as to provide a second surface for the user to grip and twist to engage the cap with the infusion device upon rotation of the cap, wherein the second tab projects outward from the cap such that the second surface of the second tab is disposed in an orientation perpendicular to the plane defined by the circumference of the cap. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second tabs are disposed on the cap in a diametrically opposed orientation. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cap, the housing engagement member and the tab comprise a homologous one piece unit. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for engaging or disengaging a fluid medication reservoir with a fluid conduit, wherein the fluid medication reservoir is disposed within an infusion device; the apparatus comprising:
 a cap having a cylindrical external surface;   a retractable detent arm formed within and defining a portion of the circumference of the cap, wherein the cap is insertable and removable from a housing recess within the infusion device upon rotation of the cap;   a first tab disposed on the cap so as to provide a first surface for a user to grip, wherein: the first tab projects outward from the cap; and   gripping and twisting the first tab rotates the cap and engages or disengages the fluid medication reservoir.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a vent disposed in the cap that permits venting of air and equalization of pressure inside the infusion device to atmospheric pressure outside the infusion device. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a piercing member disposed in the cap. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a housing engagement member comprising a detent or a thread projecting outward from the cylindrical external surface of the cap and adapted to engage an engagement member disposed in a housing recess within the infusion device. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the housing member is disposed on the cap so that all of the fluid medication reservoir is disposed within the housing recess during operation of the infusion device. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a conduit cavity disposed in the cap. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid conduit coupled to the cap. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus for engaging or disengaging a fluid medication reservoir with a fluid conduit, wherein the fluid medication reservoir is disposed within an infusion device; the apparatus comprising:
 a cap;   a fluid conduit coupled to the cap;   a needle disposed in the cap, wherein the needle is in operable contact with the fluid conduit and pierces a septum coupled to the reservoir when the reservoir is coupled and operatively engaged with the cap;   a first tab disposed on the cap so as to provide a first surface for a user to grip, wherein: the first tab projects outward from the cap; and   gripping and twisting the first tab rotates the cap and engages or disengages the fluid medication reservoir.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising a vent disposed in the cap that permits venting of air and equalization of pressure inside the infusion device to atmospheric pressure outside the infusion device. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising a second tab disposed on the cap so as to provide a second surface for the user to grip and twist to engage the cap with the infusion device upon rotation of the cap, wherein the second tab projects outward from the cap such that the second surface of the second tab is disposed in an orientation perpendicular to the plane defined by the circumference of the cap. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the first and second tab are spaced 180 degrees radially apart.