Claims
- 1. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 2. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein said membrane material retaining means comprising a retention flange positioned along an outer periphery of said fluid uptake end.
- 3. The delivery system according to claim 2, wherein said retention flange and said capsule are formed integrally.
- 4. The delivery system according to claim 2, wherein said retention flange is a separate member attached to said capsule.
- 5. The delivery system according to claim 4 wherein the said flange is attached to the said capsule by welding.
- 6. The delivery system according to claim 4 wherein the said flange is attached to the said capsule by press fit.
- 7. The delivery system according to claim 4 wherein the said flange is attached to the said capsule by screw means.
- 8. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein said membrane material retaining means comprises a screen or a grate.
- 9. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein said membrane material retaining means comprises a perforated disc, frit, or sintered powdered metal structure including porous capillaries.
- 10. The delivery system according to claim 9, wherein said membrane material retaining means comprises a frit.
- 11. The delivery system according to claim 9, wherein said membrane material retaining means comprises a perforated disc.
- 12. The delivery system according to claim 9, wherein said membrane material retaining means comprises a sintered powdered metal structure including porous capillaries.
- 13. The delivery system according to claim 12, wherein the diameter of said sintered powdered metal structure porous capillaries is between about 0.5 and about 10 microns.
- 14. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the said retaining means can have a flat, rounded, or contoured surface on at least one surface.
- 15. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein said membrane material comprises a generally smooth, cylindrical shape.
- 16. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein said membrane material has a diameter between about 0.040 inches and about 0.250 inches.
- 17. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein said membrane material has a length or thickness between about 0.010 inches and about 0.350 inches.
- 18. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the membrane material is extruded, cast, or calendared.
- 19. The delivery system according to claim 18, wherein the membrane material is machined following extrusion, casting, or calendaring.
- 20. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the membrane material is machined.
- 21. The delivery system according to claim 20, wherein the membrane material is die-cut.
- 22. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inward-protruding ridges are shaped to accommodate insertion of the membrane material, while preventing withdrawal of the membrane material from said capsule.
- 23. The delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising an osmotic engine positioned between said beneficial agent delivery end and said membrane material.
- 24. The delivery system according to claim 23, further comprising a piston positioned between said beneficial agent delivery end and said osmotic engine for transmitting a pushing force created by said osmotic engine to said beneficial agent.
- 25. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a perforated disc, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 26. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a frit, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 27. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a sintered powdered metal structure including porous capillaries, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 28. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a sintered powdered metal structure with porous capillaries, said capillaries having diameters between about 0.5 and about 10 microns, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 29. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a flange, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 30. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a flange with a frit, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 31. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a flange with a sintered powdered metal structure including porous capillaries, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 32. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a flange that is a separate member attached to said capsule, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 33. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means comprising a flange that is attached to said capsule by welding, press fit, or screw means, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 34. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means having a flat, rounded, or contoured surface on at least one surface, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 35. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule, said membrane material comprising a generally smooth, cylindrical shape; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 36. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule, said membrane material comprising a generally smooth, cylindrical shape having a diameter between about 0.040 inches and about 0.250 inches; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 37. A delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent, said system comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned within the capsule for delivery of the beneficial agent at a predetermined delivery rate; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end of the capsule and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule, said membrane material comprising a generally smooth, cylindrical shape having a length or thickness between about 0.010 inches and about 0.350 inches; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end of said capsule, said retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 38. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 39. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a perforated disc, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 40. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a frit, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 41. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and is said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a sintered powdered metal structure including porous capillaries, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 42. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially is arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a sintered powdered metal structure with porous capillaries, said capillaries having diameters between about 0.5 and about 10 microns, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 43. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a flange, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 44. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a flange with a frit, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 45. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a flange with a sintered powdered metal structure including porous capillaries, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 46. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a flange that is a separate member attached to said capsule, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 47. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a flange that is attached to said capsule by welding, press fit, or screw means, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 48. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means having a flat, rounded, or contoured surface on at least one surface, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 49. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule, said membrane material comprising a generally smooth, cylindrical shape; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 50. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule, said membrane material comprising a generally smooth, cylindrical shape having a diameter between about 0.040 inches and about 0.250 inches; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 51. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule, said membrane material comprising a generally smooth, cylindrical shape having a length or thickness between about 0.010 inches and about 0.350 inches; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means including at least one opening for allowing passage of fluid, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule; and wherein said osmotic engine is expandable at a controlled rate and when expanded, applies a pushing force against said piston which applies a pushing force against said beneficial agent, such that, said beneficial agent is released through said beneficial agent delivery end at a predetermined rate.
- 52. An osmotic system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent comprising:
an implantable capsule having a beneficial agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end; a beneficial agent reservoir positioned adjacent said beneficial agent delivery end for housing the beneficial agent; a piston positioned between said beneficial agent reservoir and said fluid uptake end; an osmotic engine positioned between said piston and said fluid uptake end; a membrane material received in the fluid uptake end and providing a fluid permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule; one or a plurality of inwardly protruding ridges circumferentially arrayed near the fluid uptake end of the capsule to securingly grip the outer surface of the membrane material; and a membrane material retaining means positioned at the fluid uptake end, said membrane material retaining means comprising a flange that is attached to said capsule by welding, press fit, or screw means, the membrane material retaining means preventing the membrane material from being ejected out of the fluid uptake end of the capsule.
- 53. A method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device, comprising the steps of:
providing an implantable capsule having an open agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end with a membrane material retaining means; inserting a membrane material into said capsule from the open agent delivery end; positioning the membrane material such that an end surface thereof is in contact with an inside surface of the membrane material retaining means; filling a chamber of the capsule with a beneficial agent; and closing the agent delivery end while providing a controlled outlet for said beneficial agent to escape when sufficient pressure is applied to said beneficial agent.
- 54. The method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device according to claim 53, wherein the membrane material is formed by extrusion.
- 55. The method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device according to claim 53, wherein the membrane material is machined.
- 56. The method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device according to claim 53, wherein the membrane material is die-cut.
- 57. The method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device according to claim 53, wherein said membrane material comprises a smooth, cylindrical shape.
- 58. The method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device according to claim 53, wherein said capsule comprises a plurality of inward-protruding ridges, and wherein the step of positioning the membrane material such that an end surface thereof is in contact with an inside surface of the membrane material retaining means includes the step of positioning said membrane material over said plurality of inward-protruding ridges such that said plurality of inward-protruding ridges hold said membrane material securely within said capsule.
- 59. A method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device, comprising the steps of:
providing an implantable capsule having an open agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end, one or more inward-protruding ridge(s) near the fluid uptake end and a membrane material retaining means at the fluid uptake end; inserting a membrane material into said capsule from the open agent delivery end such that an end surface thereof is in contact with an inside surface of the membrane material retaining means, positioning said membrane material over said inward-protruding ridge(s) such that said inward-protruding ridge(s) hold said membrane material securely within said capsule; positioning the membrane material such that an end surface thereof is in contact with an inside surface of the membrane material retaining means; filling a chamber of the capsule with a beneficial agent; and closing the agent delivery end while providing a controlled outlet for said beneficial agent to escape when sufficient pressure is applied to said beneficial agent.
- 60. A method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device, comprising the steps of:
providing an implantable capsule having an open agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end with a membrane material retaining means and one or more inward-protruding ridge(s) near the fluid uptake end; inserting a membrane material into said capsule from the open agent delivery end; positioning the membrane material such that an end surface thereof is in contact with an inside surface of the membrane material retaining means, positioning said membrane material over said inward-protruding ridge(s) such that said inward-protruding ridge(s) hold said membrane material securely within said capsule; inserting an osmotic engine into the capsule; inserting a piston into the capsule; filling a chamber of the capsule with a beneficial agent; and closing the agent delivery end while providing a controlled outlet for said beneficial agent to escape when sufficient pressure is applied to said beneficial agent.
- 61. A method of forming a beneficial agent delivery device, comprising the steps of:
providing an implantable capsule having an open agent delivery end and a fluid uptake end and one or more inward-protruding ridge(s); inserting one or more of the following:
(a) inserting a membrane material into said capsule from the open agent delivery end such that an end surface of said membrane will be in contact with a surface of a membrane material retaining means, positioning said membrane material over said inward-protruding ridge(s) such that said inward-protruding ridge(s) hold said membrane material securely within said capsule; (b) inserting an osmotic engine into the capsule; (c) inserting a piston into the capsule; or (d) filling a chamber of the capsule with a beneficial agent; attaching a membrane retention means; inserting any of (a), (b), (c), or (d) that were not inserted prior to attaching the membrane retention means; and closing the agent delivery end while providing a controlled outlet for said beneficial agent to escape when sufficient pressure is applied to said beneficial agent.
Parent Case Info
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 60/300,575 filed Jun. 22, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60300575 |
Jun 2001 |
US |