Abstract:
A fluid delivery device for delivering small quantities of fluid such as insulin to a patient, including a disposable unit having a disposable housing that has one lower part and one upper part, which together form a shell that defines an internal partial toroidal arcuate cavity. The housing fits together with a drive unit. The housing contains an arcuate cylinder for containing fluid to be delivered, a piston movably mounted in the cylinder for driving out fluid to be delivered, an adhesive support for attaching the housing and a cannula that when the housing is attached to a patient is insertable in the patient&#39;s skin for delivering fluid. The drive unit is preferably removably mounted on a front of the housing opposite the adhesive support, the removable drive unit having a shape that when fitted complements the shape of the front face of the housing to form with the housing.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention described herein is directed to an ultra small fluid delivery system comprising a fluid pumping device and an associated multi-functional remote control including automatic filling and cannula insertion features. The invention is further directed to a method for administering the fluid to a patient. The fluid delivery system according to the invention is intended to be used in any medical application. 
         [0002]    This system is particularly adapted to be used as a subcutaneous or transdermal drug delivery patch adhesively attached to the patient&#39;s skin. It is preferably used as an insulin patch pump given that its structure makes it ultra small and very light while being capable to deliver a very small amount of insulin or other drug. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Insulin pumps are widely known in the prior art as an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin by an insulin syringe or an insulin pen. 
         [0004]    A wearable patch pump as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,164 uses an arcuate syringe to provide a small and compact drug delivery device. This patch pump has a wearable frame receiving a removable arcuate syringe with a stem that is actuated by a motor placed on the frame when assembled. The fluid is expelled from a syringe barrel through a needle attached to the syringe extremity by a flexible tube. The syringe is affixed to the internal wall of the frame and maintained with clips. 
         [0005]    The first drawback of this patch pump is the coupling between the syringe and the frame that will not allow for precise control of the piston movement within the barrel. The presented clips do not insure proper fixation of the syringe on the frame and the syringe can possibly move during a shock or vibration which are common situations of wearable devices. As a result, the amount of drug is not fully controlled and may lead to serious injury for the patient. 
         [0006]    The second drawback is the filling and setup of the system. There is no teaching how to setup the system and manipulate the syringe during assembly with the frame. When the stem is fully outside the barrel, there is no element maintaining it in position and it will most probably fall out of the barrel. This leads to an almost impossibility to fill the syringe properly without the help of specific equipment. In addition, during the manual insertion of the filled syringe on the frame, the operator or patient has to be very careful to not push the stem, otherwise the drug will be expulsed inadvertently. 
         [0007]    This known pump has several other drawbacks; the plunger is in two parts making it complex to manufacture. The sealing between the piston and the barrel is made without rubber resulting in high friction for avoiding leakage. The insulin is delivered through a needle that is sharp and stiff reducing the number of possible subcutaneous injection sites. 
         [0008]    Another wearable patch assembly is described U.S. Pat. No. 8,137,314. The known delivery device is made of two parts, a durable part and a disposable part, connectively removable. This system has no indication as to how to provide the required accuracy of the drug delivery with an efficient assembly composed of a reduced number of parts especially with an arcuate reservoir. 
         [0009]    In EP 2438938A1, an injection device is disclosed. This system has a one-part casing with a curved reservoir. This configuration makes its manufacturability complex and not appropriate for a having a low cost system made of injected plastics especially for mass production. There is also no indication as to how provide a reliable and efficient assembly of the system. 
         [0010]    Other wearable patch pumps are described in: U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,707, U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,499, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,420, US 2008/0215006 and WO2011007356. 
         [0011]    Other remotely controlled infusion pumps are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,070, U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,710, U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,778 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,593. 
         [0012]    A wearable patch with needle inserter is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,192. 
         [0013]    Other fluid delivery systems including assembly for filling the fluid reservoir are described in WO 97/23252, US2010/024099 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,658. 
         [0014]    Those systems address only part of the needs of the patients as they all require the operator or patient to fill the reservoir manually. Insulin is a very sensitive drug such as many others that can be only stored for a long period of time in a recipient made of glass such as a vial or prefilled pen cartridge. The reservoirs of the pumps and patch pumps are disposable elements made of plastic. During setup of the systems, the insulin must be transferred from the glass recipient to the plastic reservoir. This operation is performed manually by using an intermediate component such as a syringe or reservoir connector. Then the operator or patient empties the desired amount of drug from the glass recipient and transfers it into the plastic reservoir. The major drawbacks of this process are that the operator or patient has to manipulate the drug which may result in air trapping, emulsion, incorrect filling amount and possible injury with the needle of the syringe. 
         [0015]    The drug transfer is not only a source of possible error and injury but is a cumbersome process requiring training and a high degree of confidence by the operator or patient. This then poses a problem to children, elderly, blind or impaired patients that have difficulties or even impossibility to setup the system. 
         [0016]    Another drawback of these known patch pumps is the subcutaneous cannula insertion into the body that is either made manually with an external cannula inserter or automatically with an internal cannula inserter. In the first case, the operator or patient needs to indicate to the remote control when the patch pump is ready with the cannula inserted under the skin. In the second case, the cannula insertion is remotely controlled but the inserter remains in the patch pump which occupies place and makes the downscale of the patch pump difficult. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    An aim of the present invention is to reduce the size and the production cost of a wearable fluid pumping device in order to make it more convenient to wear 24/7 and more economical. The invention provides an efficient assembly for manufacturing an accurate, reliable and low cost wearable fluid pumping device for mass production. 
         [0018]    This aim is achieved by a fluid delivery device for delivering small quantities of a fluid to a patient, comprising a disposable housing that comprises one lower part and one upper part, the lower and upper parts together forming a shell that defines an internal partial toroidal arcuate cavity. 
         [0019]    The arcuate cavity receives an arcuate cylinder for containing the fluid or itself forms an arcuate cylinder for containing the fluid, and an arcuate piston is preferably movable inside the arcuate cylinder. The piston can have a support at its bottom which cooperates with at least one support on the upper and/or lower part of the housing. 
         [0020]    The piston can also have a reinforced stem at its bottom. At least one of said lower or upper parts forming the shell of the disposable housing preferably has an arcuate wall on one half of its circumference opposite to the arcuate cavity. 
         [0021]    The fluid delivery device can also have a removable drive unit comprising means for actuating the piston is attachable to the disposable housing. Said arcuate wall can constitute a support for receiving, fixing and sealing the drive unit to the disposable housing. The disposable housing can have a recess with outer borders defined by the inner side of the piston stem and by a diametral line of the disposable housing for receiving therein the drive unit. 
         [0022]    The disposable housing of the fluid delivery device is preferably an overall enveloping housing in the form of a generally flat cylindrical disc with rounded/inclined upper edges and a flat bottom, the drive unit occupying about one half of the top surface of the flat cylindrical disc, and wherein an adhesive support is applied against the flat bottom and projects from the flat bottom as a peripheral rim. 
         [0023]    The fluid delivery device can have a straight cannula generally perpendicular to an adhesive support placed under one part/shell of the disposable housing and located towards the downstream end on the said toroidal cavity. 
         [0024]    A cannula can be movably mounted in the disposable housing between a first position for delivering fluid to a patient and a second position communicating the cavity with the outside for filling the cavity or a cylinder therein with fluid from an external recipient, the cannula passing through the two parts/shells of the disposable housing. Such cannula cooperates with a septum having therein an aperture. 
         [0025]    The drive unit is preferably actuable by remote control. 
         [0026]    The lower and upper parts/shells of the disposable housing are fixed by ultrasonic welding, glue or by clipping/snap fit. 
         [0027]    The arcuate cavity or a cylinder located in the arcuate cavity for example contains insulin for delivery to a patient. 
         [0028]    The above aim is thus achieved by a fluid pumping device comprising a disposable housing containing preferably partial toroidal arcuate cylinder, a preferably part-circular arcuate piston with preferably elliptical section, a cannula, at least one septum, an adhesive support and a preferably removable drive unit comprising an adapted case to be fixed to the disposable housing, including a piston actuator, an electronic control unit, sensors and preferably a rechargeable battery. 
         [0029]    In one main aspect, the invention therefore comprises a fluid delivery device for delivering small quantities of a fluid to a patient, comprising a disposable unit comprising a disposable housing and a preferably removable drive unit. 
         [0030]    The disposable housing contains a cylinder for containing fluid to be delivered, a piston movably mounted in the cylinder for driving out fluid to be delivered, an adhesive support for attaching the disposable housing to a patient, and a cannula that when the disposable housing is attached to a patient is insertable in the patient&#39;s skin for delivering fluid to the patient. 
         [0031]    The overall enveloping housing is usually a generally flat cylindrical disc with rounded/inclined upper edges and a flat bottom, the drive unit occupying about one half of the top surface of the flat cylindrical disc, and wherein the adhesive support is applied against the flat bottom and projects from the flat bottom as a peripheral rim. 
         [0032]    The piston usually comprises a piston head engaging in the arcuate cylinder and a generally arcuate stem extending from the cylinder, the piston having an elongate stem having thereon s serrated rack engageable with a toothed wheel forming part of the means for actuating the piston. 
         [0033]    The disposable housing&#39;s cylinder advantageously has an elliptical cross-section with its large section generally parallel to the adhesive support, and the piston has a piston head of corresponding elliptical shape engaged in the cylinder. 
         [0034]    Another aspect of the invention is a disposable unit of the fluid delivery device, the disposable unit comprising a disposable housing containing a cylinder for containing fluid to be delivered, a piston movably mounted in the cylinder for driving out fluid to be delivered, and adhesive support for attaching the disposable housing to a patient, and a cannula that when the disposable housing is attached to a patient is insertable in the patient&#39;s skin for delivering fluid to the patient, the top face of the disposable housing opposite to the adhesive support having a recess for receiving therein a drive unit to form a fluid delivery device. 
         [0035]    A further aspect is the removable drive unit of fluid delivery device, the drive unit being removably mountable on a front face of the fluid delivery device&#39;s disposable housing opposite the adhesive support, the removable drive unit having a shape that when fitted complements the shape of the front face of the disposable housing to form with the disposable housing an overall enveloping housing for the fluid pumping device, the drive unit comprising means for actuating the piston and a control unit for the device. 
         [0036]    The drive unit is mounted, preferably removably, on a front face of the disposable housing opposite the adhesive support, the mounted drive unit having a shape that when fitted complements the shape of the front face of the disposable housing to form with the disposable housing an overall enveloping housing for the fluid pumping device, the drive unit comprising means for actuating the piston and a control unit for the device. 
         [0037]    Further aspects consist on the one hand of the disposable unit as defined and, on the other hand, the removable drive unit as defined. 
         [0038]    Yet another aspect of the invention is the combined automatisation of the filling of the reservoir in order to simplify the system setup, reduce the risk of errors, making it more convenient for children, elderly, blind or impaired persons and the automatisation of the cannula insertion into the body. 
         [0039]    This is achieved by a removable bi-functional connector attached to the disposable housing, comprising a drug recipient support, a movable needle, a needle grip, an optional needle actuator. 
         [0040]    The bi-functional connector is removably fittable on the fluid delivery device. In one embodiment, it comprises a support for a fluid recipient, a movable needle held in a needle grip, the needle being movable when the bi-functional connector is fitted on the fluid delivery device between a position for delivering fluid from the fluid recipient to the cylinder, a position for causing the needle to pierce the patient&#39;s skin for insertion of the cannula and a position allowing the cylinder to deliver fluid via the cannula. 
         [0041]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an associated multi-function remote control that is adapted to communicate wirelessly with the fluid delivery device, the remote control comprising a plurality of controls for different functions of the fluid delivery device. The remote control is for example adapted to automatically fill the fluid recipient, automatically insert the cannula into the body, integrate a glucose sensor and a lancing device, making the remote control an “all-in-one” component in order to reduce the number of separate devices to manage diabetes. 
         [0042]    This is achieved by a portable device communicating wirelessly with the fluid delivery system comprising an electronic control unit, a display, an optional keypad, sensors, an optional glucose sensor, an optional test strips compartment, an optional needle release mechanism, an optional lancing device, an optional lancets compartment. 
         [0043]    Advantageously, the wireless-operated remote control comprises a plurality of controls for different functions of the fluid delivery device including controls for: automatically filling the cylinder with fluid and automatically inserting the cannula into a patient&#39;s body, the remote control comprising an electronic control unit, a display, an optional keypad, and at least one sensor-actuated control. 
         [0044]    An even further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for setting up the fluid device and insert the cannula into the body. This method comprises: adhering the disposable housing to a patient&#39;s skin by means of the adhesive support; fitting a bi-functional support on the fluid delivery device, the bi-functional support carrying a recipient of fluid to be delivered and being adapted to deliver fluid to the fluid delivery device; actuating the bi-functional support to deliver fluid to the disposable housing&#39;s cylinder; and actuating the needle to pierce the patient&#39;s skin for inserting the cannula and bring the cannula into communication with fluid in the cylinder for delivering fluid to the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0045]    Further aspects of the invention are set out in the detailed description and in the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0046]    The invention will be better understood thanks to the following detailed description of several embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0047]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the fluid pumping device. 
           [0048]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the fluid pumping device&#39;s disposable housing optionally with a breakable element used for indicating that the disposable housing has already been used. 
           [0049]      FIG. 3   a  is an outside side view of a drive unit. 
           [0050]      FIG. 3   b  is a bottom view of the drive unit with electrical connector plus a motor gear wheel. 
           [0051]      FIG. 4   a  is a top plan view of the fluid pumping device&#39;s disposable housing. 
           [0052]      FIG. 4   b  is a section view along line A-A of  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0053]      FIG. 5   a  is a schematic side elevation of the fluid pumping device&#39;s disposable housing. 
           [0054]      FIG. 5   b  is a section view along line B-B of  FIG. 5   a,    
           [0055]      FIG. 6  is an open view of the upper and lower parts/shell of the disposable housing case forming a cavity for receiving the cylinder. 
           [0056]      FIG. 7  shows a preferred arcuate cylinder with septum support at a lower end part of the cylinder. 
           [0057]      FIG. 8  shows a preferred arcuate piston with piston head receiving at least one O-ring or at least one dedicated gasket as sealing element with the cylinder. 
           [0058]      FIG. 9  shows a cannula with lateral hole and stopper head including a septum to be fixed in the cylinder support at bottom position. 
           [0059]      FIG. 10  shows a septum with hole for connecting the cannula with the cylinder inlet/outlet port. 
           [0060]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the disposable housing partly without its upper case part/shell. 
           [0061]      FIG. 12   a  is a schematic diagram of the disposable housing showing section lines C-C, D-D and E-E. 
           [0062]      FIG. 12   b  is a section view along line C-C of  FIG. 12   a.    
           [0063]      FIG. 12   c  is a section view along line D-D of  FIG. 12   a.    
           [0064]      FIG. 12   d  is a section view along line E-E of  FIG. 12   a.    
           [0065]      FIG. 13   a  is a schematic side elevation of the fluid pumping device with the drive unit fitted on the disposable housing. 
           [0066]      FIG. 13   b  is a section along line F-F of  FIG. 13   a.    
           [0067]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the disposable unit with the bi-functional connector attached. 
           [0068]      FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the disposable unit with the bi-functional connector attached and a drug recipient fitted. 
           [0069]      FIG. 16   a  is schematic plan view of the disposable unit with the bi-functional connector attached and drug recipient fitted. 
           [0070]      FIGS. 16   b ,  16   c  and  16   d  are section views along line G-G of  FIG. 16   a  with the bi-functional connector attached to the disposable housing and drug recipient fitted, showing operative parts in three different positions. 
           [0071]      FIG. 17   a  is a schematic side elevational view of the disposable unit with the bi-functional connector attached and drug recipient fitted. 
           [0072]      FIG. 17   b  is section view along line H-H of  FIG. 17   a.    
           [0073]      FIG. 17   c  is a section view along line I-I of  FIG. 17   a , wherein a bi-functional connector has optionally a second needle fixed on it. 
           [0074]      FIG. 18   a  is a front view of a first embodiment of an “all-in-one” multi-function remote control. 
           [0075]      FIG. 18   b  is a back view of the first embodiment of “all-in-one” multi-function remote control. 
           [0076]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the lancing device that is fitted on the back of the multi-function remote control, having preferably at least one compartment for disposable lancets and preferably one compartment for disposable glucose strips. 
           [0077]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of multi-function remote control having a preferred removable control unit with a preferred touch screen. 
           [0078]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show another embodiment of a multi-function remote control showing a control unit fitted and removed. 
           [0079]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of another remote control with an optional lancet compartment and an optional test strip compartment. 
           [0080]      FIG. 24  shows another removable lancing device with at least one optional compartment. 
           [0081]      FIGS. 25   a ,  25   b ,  25   c  and  25   d  are perspective views showing a second embodiment of the bi-functional connector. 
           [0082]      FIG. 26  is a diagram of the electronic circuitry of the remote control and/or the drive unit. 
           [0083]      FIG. 27  is a flow diagram of successive steps in a method of implementation. 
           [0084]      FIG. 28  is a view of a disposable patch with a centered cannula. 
           [0085]      FIG. 29  shows the patch of  FIG. 29  in side elevation. 
           [0086]      FIG. 30  is a plan view of the patch of  FIGS. 28 and 29 , drive unit removed. 
           [0087]      FIGS. 31 and 32  show the two parts/shells of a patch making up the disposable housing and defining the inner arcuate cavity that is assembled from the two parts/shells. 
           [0088]      FIG. 33  is a bottom view of the piston and drive unit with the motor gear at 90°. 
           [0089]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the disposable housing with a central axis for guiding the piston. 
           [0090]      FIG. 35  is perspective exploded view of another embodiment of the disposable housing. 
           [0091]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the piston with a support and dedicated gasket. 
           [0092]      FIG. 37  is a side view of another embodiment of the movable needle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The Fluid Pumping Device 
       [0093]    The fluid pumping device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  comprises a disposable housing  20  shown in  FIG. 2  and a drive unit  30  shown in  FIGS. 3   a , 3   b . As shown, the overall enveloping housing is a generally flat cylindrical disc with rounded/inclined upper edges and a flat bottom, the drive unit  30  occupying about one half of the top surface of the flat cylindrical disc, divided by a diametral dividing line  12 . A sheet-like adhesive support  14  is applied against the flat bottom and projects from the flat bottom as a peripheral rim. 
         [0094]    The device optionally has a breakable element for indicating that the disposable housing has already been used. 
         [0095]    The bottom part/shell of the disposable housing  20  has adhesive means for the disposable housing to be fixed on the patient&#39;s skin, namely the flat support  14  with adhesive on its lower surface protected by a removable peel-off layer. 
         [0096]    The drive unit  30  shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  has preferably an electrical connector  32  and a motor gearwheel  34  that engages with serrations  36  on the piston, see  FIG. 2 , when the drive unit  30  is fitted on the disposable housing  20 . The gear wheel  34  is preferably located outside the drive unit case  33  to engage externally with serrations  36 . 
         [0097]    The disposable housing  20  comprises towards its periphery a cannula  22 . The cannula  22  is straight and is preferably perpendicular to the adhesive support and as shown is located preferably towards the periphery of the disposable housing  20  at the downstream end of the cylinder  28 . Alternatively, the cannula  22  can be located centrally ( FIG. 29 ). 
         [0098]      FIG. 2  shows the assembled disposable housing  20  formed by an upper part/shell  20 B and a lower part/shell  20 A forming a preferably toroidal arcuate cavity wherein the piston  38  can move inside. The lower part/shell  20 A has preferably an arcuate wall  19 A ( FIG. 34 ) on one half of its circumference opposite to the arcuate cavity  13 . The wall  19 A is preferably used to support and guide the piston  38 ,  138 . The disposable housing  20  has a recess  15  with preferable outer borders defined by the inner side of the piston stem  40  and the diametral line  12  for receiving therein the drive unit  30 . The wall  19 A is also preferably used as support for receiving, fixing and sealing the drive unit  30  to the disposable housing  20 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 4   b  shows the cannula  22  at its bottom position inside a septum  24  and in communication, via a through hole  26  in the septum  24 , with an arcuate cylinder  28 . The cannula  22  is movably mounted between a first position ( FIG. 4   b ) for delivering fluid to a patient and a second position ( FIG. 16   b ) communicating the cylinder  28  with the outside for filling the cylinder with fluid from an external recipient  44 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 5   b  shows a preferably arcuate cylinder  28  positioned inside the disposable housing  20 , with the piston  38  positioned in its end position inside its cylinder, and the septum  24  positioned at an end part of the cylinder  28 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 6  is an open view of the upper and lower parts/shell  20 A and  20 B of the disposable housing  20 &#39;s case forming preferably a partial toroidal arcuate cavity  13  for receiving the cylinder  28 . The inner side of the wall  19 A has preferably a curved profile  21 A adapted to the cross sections of the arcuate cavity  13  and cylinder  28  allowing the piston stem  40  to move properly along the cylinder while being in contact with wall  19 A. 
         [0102]      FIG. 7  shows the disposable housing&#39;s cylinder  28  which as shown is preferably an arcuate cylinder with a septum support  29  at the downstream end part of the cylinder  28 , i.e. at its left hand end. See also  FIG. 5   b  where the arcuate cylinder  28  is fitted in the disposable housing  20 . 
         [0103]      FIGS. 8 ,  35  and  36  show the piston  38 ,  138  which as shown is preferably an arcuate piston corresponding to the arcuate cylinder  28 . As shown, the arcuate piston  38  has a piston head  39 ,  139  receiving at least one O-ring  155  or at least one dedicated gasket  255  as sealing element with the cylinder  28 . This piston head  39  has an arcuate stem  40 ,  140  with a corresponding elliptical shape to the inner part of the arcuate cylinder  28 . The piston stem  40 ,  140  has a rack  36 ,  136  with a series of serrations preferably on the upper side, as shown. The rack  36 ,  136  has a special shape to be engaged with the gearwheel  34  of the drive unit, i.e. motor  31 . The piston shape has a special design as the axis of motor  31  is eccentric from the center of the disposable housing  20 . The bottom part of the piston head  39 ,  139  is reinforced with the stem to avoid bending. In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33 ,  36  the rack  36 ,  136  is located on the inner side of the stem  40 ,  140  and the motor gearwheel  34  is positioned at 90° to be engaged with the rack  36 ,  136 . Supports are placed along the stem to provide a better guiding while reducing the friction with the disposable housing and cylinder. 
         [0104]    The cannula  22  cooperates with a septum  24  having therein an aperture  26 .  FIG. 9  shows the cannula  22  with a lateral hole  25  and stopper head  27  including a septum to be fixed in a cylinder support at bottom position.  FIG. 10  shows the septum  24  with its hole  26  for connecting the cannula with the cylinder inlet/outlet port. 
         [0105]      FIG. 11  shows the disposable housing  20  with its upper case part/shell partly cut away. 
         [0106]      FIG. 12   b &#39;s section view shows the drive unit  30  coupled with the disposable housing  20 , and the motor gearwheel  34  engaged with the piston stem&#39;s rack  36 . Rotation of the motor gearwheel  34  moves the piston  38  whose piston head  39  is guided along the disposable housing. As a result, liquid is expulsed via the cylinder inlet/outlet port and through the cannula  22  under a patient&#39;s skin. The motor  31  is driven by an electronic control ( FIG. 26 ) and powered preferably with at least one rechargeable battery. The motor axis  35  passes through an opening  37  in the drive unit case  33  to receive gearwheel  34  outside of the drive unit case  33 . A sealing element not illustrated preferably such as an O-ring is positioned in the opening  37  in the drive unit case  33  to make the drive unit air and water tight. 
         [0107]      FIG. 12   c  is a section view along line D-D of  FIG. 12   a  showing the cylinder  28 &#39;s section which as shown is preferably elliptical to reduce the height of the reservoir, the long diameter of the ellipse being parallel to the plane of the support  14 . 
         [0108]      FIG. 12   d  is a section view along line E-E for  FIG. 12   a , showing the cannula  22  at its bottom position, wherein the cylinder inlet/outlet port is in communication with the septum hole  26  and with the cannula hole  25 . The cannula head  27 &#39;s septum insures sealing to ambient air on the upper side of the cannula  22 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 13   b  is section view along line F-F of  FIG. 13   a  showing how the motor  31  is preferably placed eccentrically to the disposable housing to reduce the size of the drive unit  30  allowing for a larger cylinder volume. The motor  31  is also preferably placed closer to the cylinder upper part (aperture) to have the best piston guiding. 
         [0110]      FIGS. 34 ,  35  and  36  are perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the piston  138  having a support  250  preferably engaged in the center of the disposable housing by means of an element such as a joint, hinge, bearing or any rotatable element  251  attached to at least one fixed support  252 A and/or  252 B respectively part of the lower and upper parts/shells  20 A and  20 B of the disposable housing  20 , allowing the piston to be axially guided with the disposable housing  20 . The use of a central guiding assembly improves the piston displacement accuracy during the release of the drug to the patient. It also reduces the friction of the piston along the disposable housing. The piston stem  140  has at its bottom a reinforcement  260  preferably extending along the entire stem. This stem reinforcement  260  serves for rigidifying the piston  138 , avoiding the stem  140  to bend and ensuring a good accuracy of the fluid delivery device  10 . 
         [0111]    The piston support  250  is preferably positioned at the bottom of piston  138  and at the bottom of the rotatable element  251  close to the support  14 , opposite to the recess&#39;s opening  15  receiving the drive unit  30 . The positioning of the piston support  250  and stem reinforcement  260  at the bottom of the piston  138  and rotatable element  251  allows the piston  138  to move freely under the drive unit  30  when the drive unit  30  is placed in the disposable housing  20 . 
         [0112]    The upper part/shell  20 B has preferably an arcuate wall  19 B ( FIG. 34 ) on one half of its circumference opposite to the arcuate cavity  13 . The inner side of the wall  19 B has preferably a curved profile  21 B adapted to the cross sections of the arcuate cavity  13  and cylinder  28  allowing the piston stem  140  to move properly along the cylinder while being in contact with wall  19 B. The walls  19 A and  19 B are adapted to form, when in contact, a smooth continuous cross section profile for avoiding vertical movement of the piston stem  140  during the rotational movement of the piston  138  horizontally. The wall  19 B preferably overlaps the wall  19 A when the upper and lower parts/shells  20 B and  20 A are attached together. The wall  19 B is also preferably used as support for receiving, fixing and sealing the drive unit  30  to the disposable housing  20 . 
         [0113]    The piston support  250  or any part of the piston can optionally have at least one sensor element  258 , 259  preferably made of metal, ferromagnetic, or plastic compound having a special shape or profile. This sensor element  258 ,  259  is preferably placed such as to be close at least to one inductive, capacitive, magnetic, optical or mechanical fixed sensor, located in the drive unit  30 ,  130 . The relative movement of the sensor element  258 ,  259  with the fixed sensor(s) in the drive unit, allows measuring precisely the piston displacement during operation. The measured displacement is processed by the electronic circuitry of the drive unit in order to detect displacement errors, piston blockage, fluid delivery occlusion, start and stop positions, or any other relevant positioning information. Such information can also be used as positioning feedback to control the piston movement in a closed loop. 
         [0114]    The sensor element above described can also be directly any part of the piston. As for example, the piston stem can be made of metal, magnetic material, or a plastic compound charged with metal, magnetic or mineral particles. 
       The Electronic Circuitry 
       [0115]    As stated above the fluid pumping device&#39;s motor  31  is driven by an electronic control and it is powered preferably with at least one rechargeable battery. The electronic circuitry has optionally one electrical, magnetic or optical sensor for controlling the piston position. 
         [0116]      FIG. 26  is a diagram of one embodiment of the electronic circuitry of a multi-function remote control  70 , the drive unit  30  or control unit  82 ,  92 . As shown, the circuit includes a CPU (micro processor)  61  functionally connected to:
       A power management unit  62  for managing electrical supply from a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery, an ac-dc, dc-ac converter or a solar panel.   A sensor unit  63  grouping preferably together a pressure sensor, accelerometer, etc as shown.   An external device interface  64  using different communication protocols as indicated.   A memory,  65  which can be RAM; ROM, EEPROM or Flash.   A user interface  66  including optionally LED, Display, touch screen and various control buttons or keyboard.   An optional audio interface  67 .   An actuator driver  68  notably for the device&#39;s electric motor  31 , or solenoid, vibrator, valve or bistable.       
 
         [0124]    Each device—the remote control  70 , the drive unit  30  or control unit  81 ,  92 —can contain all of the components of the electronic circuit, or only a part. It is also possible for security reasons to provide a second CPU, for example one in the remote control or the control unit and one in the drive unit. 
         [0125]    The electronic circuit typically includes a CPU, a memory, a motor driver, power management, optionally a vibrator, optionally a sound speaker, optionally a visual indicator, optionally a temperature indicator, optionally a humidity sensor, a wired or wireless communication interface to transmit and receive data with external devices such as a remote control, smartphone, tablet, PC, glucose sensor, bio-analytical sensor, bio-sensor or any other type of electronic device, and optionally a sensor to detect the status of the breakable element of the disposable housing. The memory can store preset information such as bolus and basal rates for delivering drug at pre-programmed period of time. The electronic circuitry can receive orders from external device to deliver the drug on demand. The electronic circuitry can be programmed remotely with any type of program of drug delivery profile optionally combining user input and sensors data such as for example glucose level. The electronic circuitry can be adapted to work in a closed loop with glucose sensor or any other bio and bio-analytical sensor. 
         [0126]    Multi-axis accelerometer sensors are optionally integrated to the electronic circuitry for sensing shocks, driving position, and for measuring patient activity. 
         [0127]    The electronic circuitry can be adapted to sense occlusions in drug pathway by measuring motor parameters such as current and voltage in order to calculate torque at the motor gearwheel that is adapted to the force applied to the piston. 
         [0128]    A sensor such as a strain gauge or flexion sensor is optionally positioned in contact with the motor to sense the motor displacement resulting from high torque during occlusion. 
         [0129]    All data collected by the sensors, motor commands, threshold values and system status can be stored and reprogrammed in the memory unit  65  and transmitted to the external device for storage, processing of data, activation of procedures, closed loop control and system supervision. 
         [0130]    Firmware and software of the drive unit  30 , remote control  70  or control unit  82 ,  92  can be updated by means of the external device under certain conditions. Such update is preferably done through a procedure including user input such as an optional secure code. 
         [0131]    A temperature sensor, humidity sensor or accelerometers can detect unsecure conditions such as overheating, water infiltration, shocks that could possibly alter the correct working conditions of the drive unit. The electronic circuitry is adapted to manage alerts when normal conditions are not met and stop the system, emit alerts through a vibrator, sound speaker or visual indicator, and transmit alert information to an external device. 
         [0132]    A vibrator, sound speaker or visual indicator can also give feedback to the user on system status, failure or order confirmation. 
         [0133]    A watch dog can be used to supervise the circuitry activity and detect any abnormal situation such as for example but not limited to CPU errors, sensor faults, PCB problems or battery failure. 
         [0134]    The communication between the drive unit  30  and the remote control  70  or the control unit  82  can be done by using a low energy protocol such as for example NFC (Near Field Communication). The remote control  70  or the control unit  82  will preferably provide the energy for reading and transmitting the data in order to avoid using power from the drive unit&#39;s battery. 
         [0000]    The Disposable Unit with Bi-Functional Connector Attached 
         [0135]      FIG. 14  is a view of the disposable unit  20  with the bi-functional connector  41  attached and  FIG. 15  further shows the drug recipient  44  fitted in a support  42 . 
         [0136]      FIGS. 16   b ,  16   c  and  16   d  are section views along line G-G of  FIG. 16   a  showing the bi-functional connector  41  attached to the disposable housing  20  and with the moving parts in different positions. The bi-functional connector&#39;s needle  43  is fixed on a movable needle grab/clamp  45 . The needle  43  is preferably open on both extremities, the upper extremity passes through the drug recipient  44 &#39;s septum and is in contact with the stored drug. The drug recipient  44  can be a prefilled cartridge, vial or any other type of recipient. In the position of  FIG. 16   b , the second, lower needle extremity faces the disposable septum hole  26 . The needle  43  makes a pathway between the drug and the arcuate cylinder&#39;s inlet/outlet port through the septum hole  26 . The cannula  22  is at an upper position around the needle  43 . The cannula hole  25  is closed by the needle body. The needle  43  passes through the cannula head septum and traverses the whole cannula  22 . 
         [0137]    The needle grab/clamp  45  is connected to a movable support  47  having a horizontal groove  48 . A pin  49  is engaged inside the groove  48  and placed in a U-shape groove  50  that is part of the bi-functional connector&#39;s case. A compression spring  52  is placed in one arm of the U-shape and is compressed between the pin  49  and one extremity of the U-Shape. The movable support  47  is maintained in position with a holder placed on the inner side of the bi-functional connector&#39;s case. An aperture  54  on the side of the bi-functional connector&#39;s case allows an external element to push the movable support  47  or the holder to disengage the movable support from the holder. Then the spring  52  pushes the pin inside the U-Shape that activates the movable support  47  to move axially in the direction of the disposable housing  20  during the pin&#39;s displacement down in the first half of the U-Shape ( FIG. 16   c ) and in the opposite direction during the pin&#39;s displacement up in the second half of the U-Shape ( FIG. 16   d ). The imparted to-and-fro movement of the needle  43  by the movable support pushes the needle  43  in the direction of the patient&#39;s skin, piercing it as shown in  FIG. 16   c  and in the same time pushes the cannula  22  with the needle  43 . Once arrived at the bottom position, the cannula head  27  is fixed in the cylinder support. When the movable support  47  moves back, the needle  43  goes outside the cannula  22  and is free from the disposable housing  20 , as shown in  FIG. 16   d . The cannula  22  is then placed inside the patient&#39;s skin and the cannula hole communicates with the cylinder inlet/outlet port through the septum hole  26 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 17   b  is section view along line H-H of  FIG. 17   a , with a view of the pin inside U-shape. 
         [0139]    The support  42  for the fluid recipient  44  may also support a second, fixed needle whose upper end communicates with the inside of a supported fluid recipient and whose lower end is open to the ambient air. Such an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 17   c  which is a section view along line I-I of  FIG. 17   a , showing that the bi-functional connector  41  has optionally a second needle  53  fixed on it. The upper extremity of the fixed needle  53  is preferably positioned higher than the movable needle  43 . The upper extremity of the fixed needle  53  is in contact with drug or air in the recipient  44 . Its second, lower extremity is in contact with ambient air preferably through a hydrophobic membrane  51 . When the piston  38  is moving back, the drug in the recipient  44  is sucked through the movable needle  43 , then passes through the septum hole  26  and goes inside the cylinder&#39;s inlet/outlet port and fills the cylinder  28 . During this filling phase, a vacuum is generated inside the drug recipient  44 . This vacuum will exercise a counter pressure resulting in a counterforce on the piston  38  requiring more energy to fill the cylinder  28 . To avoid this vacuum during filling, the fixed needle  53  creates an air vent allowing ambient air to go inside the recipient  44  to compensate the inside pressure of the recipient  44 . The fixed needle  53  also allows to equilibrate the inside pressure of the drug recipient  44  with ambient air when connecting the recipient  44  to the bi-functional connector  41 . This is particularly useful when the patient travels in an airplane, or changes altitude between the last use of the drug recipient. Uncompensated pressure in the drug recipient  44  could result in over or under-pressure during setup and create leakage through septum and incorrect filling. 
         [0140]    In another embodiment presented on  FIG. 37 , the movable needle  143  can have a second channel/needle  153 . The upper extremity of the second channel is preferably positioned above the upper extremity of the first channel of the needle  143  and the lower extremity of the second channel  153  is in contact with ambient air, optionally through a hydrophobic element  151  arranged to form an air vent. 
         [0141]    The needle  53 &#39;s hydrophobic membrane  51 ,  151  ensures that no drug will go outside and maintains the bi-functional connector clean. The upper extremity of the fixed needle  53  is preferably higher than the movable needle  43  to avoid ambient air that goes inside the recipient from being sucked with the drug during the filling phase. 
       Multi-Function Remote Control 
       [0142]      FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b  show a first embodiment of an “all-in-one” multi-function remote control  70 . 
         [0143]    The multi-function remote control  70  can have a glucose sensor that is optionally removable, a display that is optionally a touch screen display  72 , optional keypads, optionally at least one activating button  74  preferably placed on the upper side, and optionally at least one compartment. 
         [0144]    The multi-function remote control  70  can have a lancing device  76  that is optionally removable. The lancing device  76  preferably has an activating means  78  and a release button  79 .  FIG. 19  is a view of the lancing device having preferably at least one compartment for disposable lancets and preferably one compartment for disposable glucose strips. 
         [0145]      FIG. 20  shows a second embodiment of multi-function remote control  80  having a preferably removable control unit  82  with a preferred touch screen. The control unit has electronic circuitry, a CPU, a memory, power management, preferably at least one rechargeable battery, preferably an interface with a glucose sensor or bio-analytical sensors, preferably multi-axis accelerometers, a wired or wireless interface with the drive unit of the fluid pumping device, a wired or wireless interface with an external device such as a smartphone, PC, tablet, keypad, earphones or any other type of device or sensor, optionally a sound speaker, optionally a vibrator and optionally at least one visual indicator. One control unit  82  is able to control multiple drive units. Each drive unit is paired with the control unit following a preferably secured and encrypted protocol to avoid hacking or interferences of the communication links between the remote unit and the drive unit. 
         [0146]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show a third embodiment of multi-function remote control  90  with a removable control unit  92  and top and side control buttons  94 ,  96 . 
         [0147]      FIG. 23  shows a remote control  95  incorporating a removable lancing device  76  as well as a compartment for lancets and a compartment for test strips.  FIG. 24  shows the removable lancing device  76  with an optional compartment. 
         [0148]    The multi-functions remote control  90  has optionally at least one button  94  on the upper side, optionally at least one button  96  on one side, optionally a slot for receiving a drive unit, optionally a plug for recharging the drive unit, optionally a drug recipient level sensor, optionally an actuator means for releasing the movable needle support of the bi-functional connector, an optional latch to maintain the disposable housing and/or the bi-functional connector, optionally at least one sensor for detecting the insertion of the disposable housing with the bi-functional connector, the drive unit and the drug recipient, and an optional barcode or RFID reader to automatically detect the drug type. 
         [0149]    The control unit has a programmable system for managing drug delivery profiles such as hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basal rate presets, hourly, daily, weekly monthly and yearly bolus volume, custom profiles, drug volume calculator; glucose control; carbohydrate calculator; a drug library; a library of food parameters such as calories, sugars, hydrates, proteins, vitamins, nutrients, fats; patient physiological parameters such as weight, age, sex, physical conditions, illness, patient activity; time, date. The control unit is also programmable to setup the volume for automatic filling, parameters of the filling procedure such as flow rate, time, viscosity, type of drug, and timing for releasing the movable needle support after button activation, drug recipient level. 
         [0150]    The control unit can have an optional integrated or removable sensor for glucose measurement or any other bio-analytic parameter. 
         [0151]    The remote control can have an optional slot for receiving a drive unit. 
         [0152]    The remote control can be adapted to recharge the drive unit battery by direct electrical contact or by electromagnetic induction. 
         [0153]    The remote control or control unit can be adapted to measure the weight of a drug recipient in order to calculate the remaining volume of drug in the recipient and automatically manage the parameters of the filling procedure of the fluid pumping device. 
         [0154]    The remote control can also be adapted to manage two or more drive units alternatively for a continuous treatment. 
         [0155]    The drive units used for the treatment can be synchronized directly, or by the remote control, or the remote unit or any other external device in order to have the same or appropriate functional settings and drug delivery configurations. 
       Method of Use 
       [0156]    The filling of the cylinder  28  is preferably done using the remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90 , after assembling the disposable housing  20  with the bi-functional connector  41  and the drug recipient  44 . Once assembled, the patient activates the automatic filling either by preset volume or manual volume. The filling is preferably activated if the disposable housing  20  of the system is horizontally positioned. Multi-axis accelerometers of the drive unit or remote control indicate the position of the system before and during the filling. If the system moves, rotates or falls before or during the filling procedure, the control unit stops the filling. 
         [0157]    The filling is preferably completed after a priming to remove air in the drug pathway. Once completed, an alert/signal is either visually or audibly emitted to indicate the status of the filling. The operator/patient is optionally requested to validate the next step and pre-activation of automatic release of the movable needle support. 
         [0158]    The operator/patient then takes the multi-functions remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90  in hand, removes the adhesive protection on support  14  and applies the support against the patient&#39;s skin. Then when ready, the operator/patient presses one of the activating buttons on the multi-functions remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90 . The electronic circuitry or a mechanical element then engages the activator means that releases the movable needle support  47 . The needle  43  pierces the patient&#39;s skin, places the cannula  22  under the skin and retracts to its final position, as described above. The latch of the multi-function remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90  releases the fluid pumping device that is in place for delivering the drug. 
         [0159]    The drive unit  30  or the control unit can be programmed to stop the drug delivery under certain conditions such as period of time, patient activity status, system failure, shocks, communication interferences and others situations. 
         [0160]      FIG. 27  is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the successive operating steps for installing and using the fluid delivery device according to the invention. According to this protocol, the user begins in step  101  by assembling the drive unit  30  to the disposable unit, i.e. housing  20 . In the next step  102  the drug recipient  44  (vial) is plugged into the bi-functional support  41 . Then in step  103  the complete patch i.e. the drive unit  30  assembled with the disposable housing  20 , is inserted within the remote control unit  70 ,  80 ,  90 . Next in step  104  the communication procedure between the remote control and the drive unit is activated. In step  105  the manual or automatic filing procedure is activated from the remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90  or control unit  82 ,  92 . Next, at step  106 , the remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90  or control unit  82 ,  92  waits for feedback on the filling procedure from the drive unit  30 , then in step  107  the remote control or control unit waits for activation of the release of needle  43 . The user then removes the peel-off protective layer from support  14  and sticks the patch (disposable housing  20  and drive unit  30 ) with the remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90  to the patient&#39;s body, in step  108 . The needle release procedure is activated in step  109 , then the remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90  is removed (step  110 ). Next, the bi-functional support  41  is removed from the remote control unit  70 ,  80 ,  90  and the vial (drug recipient  44 ) is removed from the bi-functional support  41 . Lastly, in step  112 , the drug delivery procedure is activated so that the drug (eg insulin) is delivered in controlled manner to the patient by driving the piston  38  at a controlled rate. 
         [0161]    Steps  101  and  102  can be made in the inverse order. 
         [0162]    Steps  103 ,  110  and  111  are optional when the filling is made without insertion of the assembly in the remote control. 
         [0163]    Step  108  can be done by applying the patch to the skin directly with the assembly in hand, without the use of the remote control. 
         [0164]    Steps  110  and  111  can be reordered after step  112 . 
         [0165]    The drug recipient/vial can optionally be removed after the filling, before the needle release activation. 
         [0166]    Each procedure is preferably using a double hand check protocol to confirm a proper communication between the control unit and the drive unit. 
         [0167]    Each procedure can be programmed and modified manually by the user or automatically updated with an external device such as PC, mobile device or any other electronic device. 
         [0168]    The filling procedure can be either manually controlled by the user or preset to automatically fill the drug reservoir. The preset procedure can be optionally programmed to follow a custom filling profile with different parameters such as multiple filling speeds, volume increments, piston directions and pause times. A position sensor inside the driving detects if the patch and remote is correctly positioned (vertical). 
         [0169]    The filling procedure and/or profile can be adapted to the drug type, drug reservoir type, drug viscosity and filling conditions such as temperature, vibrations, system position or orientation, drug level in recipient. 
         [0170]    The control unit and the drive unit can be adapted to store multiples filling procedures and multiples profiles. 
         [0171]    The filling procedure and/or profile can be entirely or partially stored in the control unit memory or in the drive unit memory. 
         [0172]    The needle release procedure can be either activated by the control unit sending command to the release mechanism of the multi-functions remote control or adapted to the manual activation of the needle insertion. 
       Second Embodiment of Bi-Functional Connector 
       [0173]      FIGS. 25   a ,  25   b ,  25   c  and  25   d  show a second embodiment of the bi-functional connector  41  with a rotary element moving a pin in a groove replacing the U-shape. See in particular  FIG. 25   b  which illustrates the rotary element  57  moving a pin  55  in a groove  56 . The disposable housing  20  is then, after removing the peel-off layer protecting the adhesive on the support, placed manually onto the patient&#39;s skin. The movable needle support  47  is manually activated by pushing on the release mechanism at the back side of the bi-functional support  41 . The bi-functional support  41  is then released manually by pressing the preferably lateral latch. 
       Variations 
       [0174]    The filling of the cylinder  28  can be remotely operated without assembling the multi-functions remote control  70 ,  80 ,  90  to the disposable housing  20 . 
         [0175]    The control unit can be a mobile phone, smartphone or a watch. 
         [0176]    The sensors of the fluid delivery system as described in any embodiment can be directly or indirectly in communication with the fluid path. 
         [0177]    The electronic circuitry can be adapted to interface with any type of external sensor. 
         [0178]    The electronic circuitry can be adapted to transfer energy form the remote control or the control unit to the drive unit during working procedures such as but not limited to the filling phase of the reservoir, data communication and battery recharging. 
         [0179]    The communication protocol between the drive unit of the fluid pumping device and the control unit can be of any type. Either the drive unit or the control unit can be programmed in order to adapt the fluid delivery accordingly to the patient inputs or sensor(s) data. 
         [0180]    Seal elements of the fluid pumping device according to any embodiment of the invention can be any sort of O-ring and/or any specific gasket. Besides, any part of the fluid pumping device can be machined or obtained by an injecting molding/over molding process. The cylinder can also be made of glass, ceramic or having special coating for not altering the drug during storage. 
         [0181]    Although the fluid delivery system as described in the different embodiments of the invention is particularly adapted to be used as an insulin pump, its essential components can also be scaled up to any size so that the fluid delivery system can operate in other fields. For instance, a high-pressure resistance fluid delivery system operating over a wide range of flow rates can be obtained. The fluid delivery system can also be prefilled at the manufacturing site, to avoid the filling process by the user. 
         [0182]    In a non-illustrated embodiment, the reservoir/cylinder can be adapted to be filled by means of a syringe for filling the reservoir without a drug recipient or for adding another liquid to the drug. The filling procedure can be adapted to such conditions. 
         [0183]    In another non-illustrated embodiment, the bi-functional connector can be reduced to a simple cannula inserter with no drug recipient connector. 
         [0184]    In another non-illustrated embodiment, the bi-functional connector can have only part of the components above described and the other components are integrated in the remote control or any other device. As for example, the needle and the recipient support can be part of the bi-functional connector and the activation mechanism is integrated in a separate reusable or disposable device. In another variation, only the needle is part of the bi-functional connector. 
         [0185]    In another non-illustrated embodiment, the bi-functional connector can be adapted to be a fully disposable applicator for manual placement of the patch on the patient skin. 
         [0186]    The hydrophobic membrane  51 ,  151  can be replaced by a least one micro hole in the needle. 
         [0187]    The hole(s) is/are dimensioned as to allow only the air to pass through while avoiding leakage of the drug. 
         [0188]    The disposable housing can be adapted to allow seeing the cylinder/reservoir and piston with an opening or by using semi or fully transparent material. The disposable housing and/or the cylinder/reservoir can be graduated by any means. 
         [0189]    The disposable housing can be adapted to integrate a sensor such as, but not limited to, a glucose sensor. The sensor can optionally have a means to pierce the skin to access the tissue on or under the skin such as, but not limited to, a needle or micro needle. The sensor can optionally be placed simultaneously with the cannula  22 . The sensor can have electrical connector(s) positioned on the disposable housing to be in contact with electrical connectors(s) on the drive unit for transmitting to the electronic circuitry. The sensor can also be powered by inductive means and transfer data wirelessly to the electronic circuitry. This configuration is well adapted for making a closed loop system. 
         [0190]      FIGS. 28 to 30  show a disposable patch with its disposable housing  20  and a centered cannula  22 .  FIGS. 31 and 32  show the two parts/shells  20 A/ 120 A and  20 B/ 120 B of this patch that make up the disposable housing whereby the inner preferably partial toroidal arcuate cavity  113  forms the cylinder by the assembly of the two half-cylinders  28 A and  28 B.  FIGS. 31 ,  32  also show a channel  23  by which the cannula  22  (via the septum in its upper head  27 ) communicates with the arcuate cylinder  28 A,  28 B. The lower and upper parts/shells  120 A,  120 B have also preferably an arcuate wall  119 A,  119 B on one half of its circumference. The septum is placed in the septum support  129 . 
         [0191]    The upper part/shell  20 B or  120 B has preferably a projected surface in the form of half a disc. 
         [0192]    The two parts/shell  120 A,  120 B can be adapted to support the rotatable element  251  of the piston  138  in a similar configuration as the fixed support  252 A and  252 B positioned on the two parts  20 A, 20 B. 
         [0193]    The two parts/shell  20 A, 20 B or  120 A/ 120 B of the disposable housing are preferably joined at the central section plan B-B of the housing or cylinder, making each part one half of the arcuate cavity  13 ,  113  or cylinder  28 . 
         [0194]    The two parts/shells  20 A,  20 B or  120 A,  120 B of the disposable housing are preferably attached together by ultrasonic welding, gluing or clipping/snap fit means. 
         [0195]    The cannula  22  is preferably passing through the two parts/shells  20 A,  20 B or  120 A,  120 B of the disposable housing. 
         [0196]    Elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims. 
         [0197]    For convenience the references numbers and their corresponding features are listed in the following legend: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LEGEND 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10. 
                 Fluid delivery device 
               
               
                   
                 12. 
                 Diametral dividing line 
               
               
                   
                 13, 113. 
                 Arcuate cavity 
               
               
                   
                 14. 
                 Adhesive support 
               
               
                   
                 15. 
                 Recess 
               
               
                   
                 19A, 19B. 
                 Wall 
               
               
                   
                 20, 120. 
                 Disposable housing unit 
               
               
                   
                 20A, 20B. 
                 Parts/Shells 
               
               
                   
                 21A, 21B. 
                 Curved profile 
               
               
                   
                 22. 
                 Cannula 
               
               
                   
                 23. 
                 Channel 
               
               
                   
                 24. 
                 Septum 
               
               
                   
                 25. 
                 Hole in cannula 
               
               
                   
                 26. 
                 Through hole 
               
               
                   
                 27. 
                 Upper head 
               
               
                   
                 28. 
                 Arcuate cylinder 
               
               
                   
                 28A, 28B.  
                 Cylinder parts 
               
               
                   
                 29, 129. 
                 Septum support 
               
               
                   
                 30, 130. 
                 Drive unit 
               
               
                   
                 31. 
                 Motor 
               
               
                   
                 32. 
                 Electrical connector 
               
               
                   
                 33. 
                 Driving unit case 
               
               
                   
                 34. 
                 Motor gear wheel 
               
               
                   
                 35. 
                 Motor axis 
               
               
                   
                 36, 136. 
                 Serrations, rack 
               
               
                   
                 37. 
                 Opening 
               
               
                   
                 38, 138. 
                 Piston 
               
               
                   
                 39. 
                 Piston head 
               
               
                   
                 40, 240. 
                 Stem 
               
               
                   
                 41. 
                 Bi-functional connector 
               
               
                   
                 42. 
                 Support for 44 
               
               
                   
                 43, 153. 
                 Needle 
               
               
                   
                 44. 
                 Drug recipient 
               
               
                   
                 45. 
                 Needle grab/clamp 
               
               
                   
                 47. 
                 Movable support 
               
               
                   
                 48. 
                 Groove 
               
               
                   
                 49. 
                 Pin 
               
               
                   
                 50. 
                 U-shaped groove 
               
               
                   
                 51, 151. 
                 Hydrophobic membrane 
               
               
                   
                 52. 
                 Spring 
               
               
                   
                 53, 153. 
                 Second needle 
               
               
                   
                 54. 
                 Aperture 
               
               
                   
                 55. 
                 Pin 
               
               
                   
                 56. 
                 Groove 
               
               
                   
                 57. 
                 Rotary element 
               
               
                   
                 61. 
                 CPU 
               
               
                   
                 62. 
                 Power management 
               
               
                   
                 63. 
                 Sensor unit 
               
               
                   
                 64. 
                 External device interface 
               
               
                   
                 65. 
                 Memory 
               
               
                   
                 66. 
                 User interface 
               
               
                   
                 67. 
                 Audio interface 
               
               
                   
                 68. 
                 Actuator driver 
               
               
                   
                 70. 
                 Multi-function remote control 
               
               
                   
                 72. 
                 Touch screen display 
               
               
                   
                 74. 
                 Activating button 
               
               
                   
                 76. 
                 Lancing device 
               
               
                   
                 78. 
                 Activating means 
               
               
                   
                 79. 
                 Release button 
               
               
                   
                 80. 
                 2 nd  embodiment of remote control 
               
               
                   
                 90. 
                 3 rd  embodiment of remote control 
               
               
                   
                 92. 
                 Removable control unit 
               
               
                   
                 94, 96. 
                 Buttons 
               
               
                   
                 101-112. 
                 Steps 
               
               
                   
                 119A, 119B. 
                 Wall 
               
               
                   
                 120A, 120B. 
                 Parts/Shell 
               
               
                   
                 250. 
                 Piston support 
               
               
                   
                 251. 
                 Rotatable element 
               
               
                   
                 252A, 252B. 
                 Axial joint, hinge 
               
               
                   
                 255. 
                 Gasket 
               
               
                   
                 258, 259. 
                 Sensor element 
               
               
                   
                 260. 
                 Stem reinforcement