Reservoir connector

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. 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 is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. 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. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, the apparatus comprising: 
 a conduit portion;    a piercing member coupled to the conduit portion and adapted to pierce the septum; and    a reservoir connector portion coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member;    wherein the open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing member pierces the septum when so coupled such that the piercing member and the conduit portion can conduct a fluid.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit portion comprises a luer connector.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing member extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.  
     
     
         9 . A method of connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, comprising the steps of: 
 releasably coupling a reservoir connector portion comprising an open-ended cylindrical member to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to a conduit portion and the conduit portion is coupled to a piercing member; and    piercing the septum with the piercing member when releasably coupling such that the piercing member and the conduit portion can conduct a fluid.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the conduit portion comprises a luer connector.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing member extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.  
     
     
         17 . An apparatus for connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, comprising: 
 a conduit means;    a piercing means for piercing the septum coupled to the conduit means; and    a reservoir connector means coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member;    wherein the open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing means pierces the septum when so coupled such that the piercing means and the conduit means can conduct a fluid.    
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the conduit means comprises a luer connector.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing means extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit means by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the reservoir connector means is coupled to the conduit means by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.