Abstract:
The present invention provides a reservoir compartment adapter for use with a fluid delivery device. The adapter includes a first end adapted for coupling with a fluid delivery device, a second end adapted for coupling with a connector, and a structure between the first end and the second end including an interior space for receiving the reservoir, wherein an extended reservoir compartment for accommodating the reservoir is adapted to be formed when the first end is coupled to the fluid delivery device, and the reservoir is adapted to be secured in the extended reservoir compartment when the connector is coupled to the second end. The adapter allows a user of a delivery device accommodating reservoirs of a certain size to manage periods where increased medication dosage is needed without the burden of carrying a larger delivery device for accommodating reservoirs filled with the increased dosage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for extending a reservoir compartment of an infusion device to accommodate reservoirs of different sizes. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Infusion devices and systems have become relatively prevalent in the medical field for use in delivering or dispensing prescribed medication such as insulin to a patient. In one form, such devices comprise a transportable, pocket-size pump housing capable of receiving a reservoir of medication for administration to the patient through an associated catheter or infusion set. 
         [0003]    Infusion devices have significant advantages over traditional medication delivery methods because of their precision, consistency, and versatility. Patients are able to set exact dosage amounts and generally benefit from receiving medication from pumps during physical activity or other occasions that would otherwise not easily be suited for doing so. As a result, infusion pumps have effectively reduced the restrictions that a diabetic patient&#39;s medical needs place upon him allowing the patient to live a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. 
         [0004]    Generally, medication reservoirs have been used with the infusion devices to invasively deliver medication to the patient. According to the patient&#39;s needs, the medication reservoirs are available in various sizes in order to hold various amounts of medication or fluid. Typically, the medication reservoir is operatively inserted in, or attached to, the infusion device. A plunger is then actuated to force medication out of the reservoir, and deliver the medication via a tube to an insertion set on the patient. 
         [0005]    A problem associated with a typical infusion device is that the device can only accommodate one reservoir size because a reservoir compartment in the infusion device has fixed dimensions (i.e. length, width, height, diameter, etc.). To administer medication contained in reservoirs of different sizes, a plurality of infusion devices are required to respectively accommodate the different-sized reservoirs. Hence, a patient having access to only one infusion device is limited to only using reservoirs of one size. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, what is needed is an apparatus and method for facilitating a single infusion device to accommodate reservoirs of varying sizes. Doing so would eliminate the need for multiple devices when administering medication from different-sized reservoirs is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a reservoir compartment adapter for extending a reservoir compartment of a fluid delivery device to receive a larger reservoir. The compartment adapter allows a user of a delivery device accommodating reservoirs of a certain size to manage periods where increased medication dosage is needed without the burden of carrying a larger delivery device for accommodating reservoirs filled with the increased dosage. 
         [0008]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0009]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention is embodied in a reservoir compartment adapter for use with a fluid delivery device. The adapter comprises a first end for coupling with a reservoir compartment of the device, the reservoir compartment including a first interior space for housing a reservoir, a second end for coupling with a locking cap, and a stepped cylindrical structure including a second interior space for receiving the reservoir. An extended housing combining the first interior space and second interior space for accommodating the reservoir is formed when the first end is coupled to the reservoir compartment. The reservoir is operatively connected to the device by inserting the reservoir in the extended housing and securing the reservoir therein by coupling the locking cap to the second end while the locking cap interfaces an end of the reservoir. 
         [0010]    The first end comprises male threads formed on an exterior diameter of the first end for mating with female threads formed on an interior diameter of the reservoir compartment. Moreover, the second end comprises female threads formed on an interior diameter of the second end for mating with male threads formed on an exterior diameter of the locking cap. Also, the locking cap may be a fluid conduit between the reservoir and infusion tubing for delivering fluid contained in the reservoir through the infusion tubing. In one embodiment, the reservoir is sized to hold 3.0 mL of fluid. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a system for operatively connecting a reservoir in a fluid delivery device comprises a fluid delivery device including a reservoir compartment, the reservoir compartment including a first interior space for housing a reservoir, a locking cap for securing the reservoir within the device, and a reservoir compartment adapter including a first end for coupling with the reservoir compartment, a second end for coupling with the locking cap, and a stepped cylindrical structure including a second interior space for receiving the reservoir, An extended housing combining the first interior space and second interior space for accommodating the reservoir is formed when the first end of the adapter is coupled to the reservoir compartment. The reservoir is operatively connected to the device by inserting the reservoir in the extended housing and securing the reservoir therein by coupling the locking cap to the second end of the adapter while the locking cap interfaces and end of the reservoir. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the device comprises a detector for detecting the adapter coupled to the reservoir compartment. For example, the detector may be at least one a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a mechanical switch, and a color sensor. The device may also comprise control circuitry for modifying operation of the device when the adapter is detected to be coupled to the reservoir compartment. 
         [0013]    In a further embodiment, a fluid delivery device comprises a reservoir compartment for housing a reservoir, control circuitry for operating the device, and a detector for detecting a reservoir compartment adapter coupled to the reservoir compartment. In another embodiment, a method for operatively connecting a reservoir in a fluid delivery device comprises coupling a first end of a reservoir compartment adapter to a reservoir compartment of a fluid delivery device, wherein the reservoir compartment includes a first interior space for housing a reservoir, and the adapter comprises a stepped cylindrical structure including a second interior space for receiving the reservoir, forming an extended housing combining the first interior space and second interior space for accommodating the reservoir when the first end of the adapter is coupled to the reservoir compartment, and operatively connecting the reservoir to the device by inserting the reservoir in the extended housing and securing the reservoir therein by coupling a locking cap to a second end of the adapter while the locking cap interfaces and end of the reservoir. 
         [0014]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side plan, cut-away view of a fluid delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a reservoir compartment adapter for use with a fluid delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side plan, cut-away view of a reservoir compartment adapter operatively connected to a fluid delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reservoir compartment adapter for use with a fluid delivery device. As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, embodiments of the invention include a reservoir compartment adapter for an infusion device. In particular embodiments, the reservoir compartment adapter is used in conjunction with a medication delivery device for delivering medication, such as insulin, contained in the reservoir to a patient. In further embodiments, the fluid delivery device may be used to deliver medical substances, such as vitamins, hormones, vaccines, antibiotics or other medications, or other liquid substances, such as dyes, tracers or the like, to the patient. The reservoir compartment adapter allows fluid reservoirs having different sizes to be operatively coupled to the delivery device. Accordingly, a single delivery device may be used when fluid from reservoirs having different sizes is to be administered to a patient. 
         [0020]    Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in an infusion device including an in-line drive system of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,248,093; 6,362,591; and 6,555,986, all of which are specifically incorporated by reference herein. Other embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in an infusion device that receives data from a sensor inserted into a patient&#39;s body as generally described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/867,529 entitled “System for Providing Blood Glucose Measurements to an Infusion Device” and filed on Oct. 14, 2004, which is incorporated by reference. In further embodiments, the infusion device may be any other type of external infusion pump that facilitates the delivery of fluid into the body. 
         [0021]    An infusion device according to the present invention may include a housing to enclose a drive system, a fluid containment assembly, and a power supply. The device&#39;s drive system generally includes a small motor (DC, stepper, solenoid, piezoelectric, piston drive, peristaltic pump, shape memory alloy driven, or other type) and drive train components such as gears, screws and levers that act in concert to convert rotational motor motion to translational displacement of a piston in a fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the drive system may use gas or other types of pressure systems that induce displacement of the piston in the fluid reservoir. The fluid containment assembly may include the reservoir, flexible tubing and a catheter or infusion set that transports the fluid or medication from the infusion device to the body of the user. The device&#39;s electronic system may include programmable controls for regulating the motor, as well as for setting desired dosage intervals over a certain period of time. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side plan, cut-away view of a fluid delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention. Notably, other types of fluid delivery devices may also be used with the reservoir compartment adapter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a device  101 , containing a lower section  102  for a power supply  120  and electronic control circuitry (microprocessor)  122 , accommodates a driving device, such as a motor  103  (e.g., a solenoid, stepper or DC motor), a first drive member, such as an externally threaded drive gear or screw  104 , a second drive member, such as an internally threaded plunger gear or slide  105 , and a removable reservoir  10 . The reservoir  10  may include a piston  107  with O-rings or integral raised ridges for forming a water and air tight seal. The reservoir  10  is secured into a reservoir compartment  15  with a connector cap  131 . The connector  131  also serves as an interface between the reservoir  10  and a conduit for delivering fluid to the patient, such as tubing and an infusion set (not shown) adhered to the patient. In particular embodiments, the reservoir piston  107  is coupled to a plunger slide  105  by a releasable coupler. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler includes a female portion  124  which receives a male portion  126  carried by the plunger slide  105 . The female portion  124  is positioned at the end face  128  of the piston  107  and includes a threaded cavity which engages the threads of a male screw extending from the end  130  of the plunger slide  105 . 
         [0023]    While particular embodiments of the present invention are directed to disposable, pre-filled reservoirs  10 , alternative embodiments may use user-filled, refillable, refurbished, or the like reservoirs  10 . The reservoir  10  can be pre-filled with insulin (or other drug or fluid) and inserted into the fluid delivery device  101 . Alternatively, the reservoir  10  may be filled by the patient using an adapter handle (not shown) attached to the piston  107  on the reservoir  10 . After the reservoir  10  is filled, the handle is removed (such as by unscrewing the handle) so that the reservoir  10  can be placed into the fluid delivery device  101 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , as the drive shaft  132  of the motor  103  rotates, the drive screw  104  drives the plunger slide  105  directly to obtain the axial displacement against the reservoir piston  107  to deliver the predetermined amount of medication or fluid. A conventional gear box  150  couples the drive screw  104  to the drive shaft  132  of the motor  103 . When using a DC or stepper motor, the motor can be rapidly rewound when the reservoir is emptied or as programmed by the user. A sealing device, such as an O-ring seal  109 , is in contact with the plunger slide  105  thus allowing it to move axially while maintaining a water resistant barrier between the cavity holding the reservoir  10  and the motor  103 . This prevents fluids and other contaminants from entering the drive system. 
         [0025]    An anti-rotation key  110  is affixed to the plunger slide  105  and is sized to fit within a groove (not shown) axially disposed in the device  101 . This arrangement serves to prevent motor and plunger slide rotation which might otherwise result from the torque generated by the motor  103  in the event that the friction of the O-ring seal  109  is not sufficient alone to prevent rotation. 
         [0026]    The motor  103  is a conventional motor, such as a DC or stepper motor, and is journal mounted in the device  101  by a system compliance mounting  112 . A system compliance mount can be useful in aiding motor startup. The compliance mounting  112  can include a rubberized mounting bracket. Alternatively, the mounting  112  could be accomplished using a shaft bearing and leaf spring or other known compliance mountings. 
         [0027]    The reservoir  10  is coupled to the connector  131  and then inserted into the reservoir compartment  15  of the device  101  and secured to the device  101  using the connector  131 . The connector  131  may be of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,695, which is incorporated by reference herein. The connector  131  is used to secure the reservoir  10  within the reservoir compartment  15  and to connect the reservoir to a conduit through which the fluid or medication can be delivered, such as tubing and an infusion set (not shown). Alternatively, the reservoir  10  may be inserted into and secured within the reservoir compartment  15  using another type of cap and then connected through an opening in the cap to a conduit using another type of connector, such as a standard Luer-type connector. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the reservoir  10  is of a predetermined size in order to operatively fit into the compartment  15 . For example, the reservoir  10  may be sized to hold up to approximately 1.6 mL of fluid or medication, although in alternative embodiments, the reservoir  10  may be sized to hold other amounts of fluid or medication. Accordingly, if the reservoir  10  is sized to hold 1.6 mL, then component dimensions of the device  101  are sized such that when the 1.6 mL reservoir is operatively coupled to a driving means of the device  101  and accommodated in the compartment  15 , the connector  131  can mate with an outlet end  17  of the compartment  15  to secure the reservoir  10  in the device  101 . 
         [0029]    In particular embodiments, the outlet end  17  may be specifically configured to mate with the connector  131 . For example, an interior diameter of the outlet end  17  includes female threads (not shown) that engage male threads  134  on an exterior diameter of the connector  131 . Once the connector  131  is mated with the outlet end  17 , the device  101  is water resistant, preventing fluid from entering the compartment  15 . Moreover, the connector  131  acts as an interface between the reservoir  10  and a conduit such as tubing and an infusion set (not shown) adhered to the patient. 
         [0030]    In particular embodiments, the connector  131  may include one or more detents (not shown) that extend radially from the exterior of the connector  131  and are adapted to engage into detent openings or recesses (not shown) in the housing of the device  101 . In other embodiments, a shoulder  136  may be formed as part of the connector  131  and is adapted to seat against the housing of the device  101  to form a watertight seal. This prevents any water from entering the housing of the device  101 . Further aiding in the watertight construction is an O-ring seal (not shown) which is disposed in the housing of the device  101  and located just above the shoulder (not shown). Such exemplary features of the connector  131  are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,695, which is incorporated by reference. 
         [0031]    Depending on implementation, reservoirs having a size smaller than the predetermined size may be used with the delivery device of the present invention. For example, reservoirs sized to hold less than 1.6 mL of fluid may also be operatively coupled to the driving means of the device  101 , accommodated in the compartment  15  and secured therein when the connector  131  is attached to the outlet end  17  of the compartment  15 . However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a reservoir having a length longer than the predetermined size (e.g. a reservoir sized to hold more than 1.6 mL of fluid) may not be operatively accommodated in the compartment  15  because the additional length of the reservoir housed in the compartment may prevent the connector  131  from coupling with the outlet end  17 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates a reservoir compartment adapter for use with an exemplary fluid delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3  illustrates a reservoir compartment adapter operatively coupled to an exemplary fluid delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a reservoir compartment adapter  200  is used with the delivery device  101  to facilitate use of a reservoir  20  with the device  101 . In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir  20  is sized to hold more fluid than the reservoir  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , and therefore has a longer length than the reservoir  10 . For example, the reservoir  20  may be sized to hold up to approximately 3.0 mL of fluid or medication, but in alternative embodiments, the reservoir  20  may be sized to hold other amounts of fluid. Although the reservoir  10  of  FIG. 1  and the reservoir  20  of  FIG. 2  differ in size, the dimensions of the device  101  in both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and specifically the size of the compartment  15 , are the same. 
         [0034]    In particular embodiments, the adapter  200  is made of a suitable plastic material. However, in alternative embodiments, the adapter  200  may be made out of other materials, such as composites, metals, ceramics, Topas®, or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the adapter  200  has a generally stepped cylindrical structure. An interior diameter of the adapter  200  is large enough to allow a diameter of the reservoir  20  to pass within the adapter  200 . Moreover, when the adapter  200  is connected to the outlet end  17 , a length of the compartment  15  combines with a length of the adapter  200  in order to house the longer reservoir  20 . Hence, a length of the adapter  200  is sufficiently long to house a portion of the reservoir  20  protruding out of the outlet end  17  when the reservoir  20  is inserted in the compartment  15 . 
         [0035]    The adapter  200  is configured to mate with the outlet end  17  of the compartment  15 . In particular embodiments, an exterior diameter of a first end  210  of the adapter  200  may include male threads  212  that engage with female threads (not shown) located on the interior diameter of the outlet end  17 . In other embodiments, the first end  210  may include one or more detents (not shown) that extend radially from the exterior of the first end  210  and are adapted to engage into detent openings or recesses (not shown) in the housing of the device  101 . This engagement may result in a “click” when the first end  210  is appropriately seated, thus providing both tactile and audible feedback to the user that the first end  210  is securely engaged in the housing of the device  101 . Moreover, the detents aligning with the recesses may serve as a visual indicator that the first end  210  is appropriately seated. In further embodiments, a shoulder  214  may be formed as part of the first end  210  and be adapted to seat against the housing of the device  101  to form a watertight seal. An O-ring seal (not shown) may also be disposed in the housing of the device  101  and located just above the shoulder (not shown). In yet other embodiments, the first end  210  may be mated to the outlet end  17  using other coupling means, such as latches or locks. Accordingly, the adapter  200  may be connected directly to the compartment  15  by mating the first end  210  to the outlet end  17 . When the first end  210  is mated to the outlet end  17 , a watertight seal is created, thus preventing fluid from entering the device  101  at the connection point between the first end  210  and the outlet end  17 . 
         [0036]    A second end  220  of the adapter  200  is configured to mate with a connector  131 . In  FIG. 2 , the connector  131  is shown attached to an end of the reservoir  20 . The reservoir  20  is coupled to the connector  131  and then inserted into and secured to the device  101  using the connector  131 . In particular embodiments, an interior diameter of the second end  220  may include female threads (not shown) that engage with male threads  134  located on the exterior diameter of the connector  131 . In other embodiments, the connector  131  may include one or more detents (not shown) that extend radially from the exterior of the connector  131  and are adapted to engage into detent openings or recesses (not shown) in the second end  220 . This engagement may result in a “click” when the connector  131  is appropriately seated, thus providing both tactile and audible feedback to the user that the connector  131  is securely engaged in the second end  220 . Moreover, the detents aligning with the recesses may serve as a visual indicator that the connector  131  is appropriately seated. In further embodiments, a shoulder  136  may be formed as part of the connector  131  and be adapted to seat against the second end  220  to form a watertight seal. An O-ring seal (not shown) may also be disposed on the second end  220  and located just above the shoulder (not shown). In yet other embodiments, the second end  220  may be mated to the connector  131  using other coupling means, such as latches or locks. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the reservoir  20  is operatively coupled to the device  101  by inserting the reservoir  20  into a combined interior space of the adapter  200  and reservoir compartment  15  of the device  101 , and securing the reservoir  20  therein by mating the connector  131  with the second end  220 . Once the connector  131  is mated, fluid is prevented from entering the combined interior space of the compartment  15  and adapter  200 . Moreover, as with other embodiments, the connector  131  acts as an interface between the reservoir  20  and a conduit such as tubing and an infusion set (not shown) adhered to the patient. In alternative embodiments, the reservoir  20  may be inserted into and secured within the combined interior space of the adapter  200  and reservoir compartment  15  of the device  101  using another type of cap that mates with the second end  220 , and then connected through an opening in the cap to a conduit using another type of connector, such as a standard Luer-type connector. 
         [0038]    In particular embodiments, the delivery device  101  of the present invention is capable of accommodating reservoirs of different sizes using the reservoir compartment adapter  200 . For example, the device  101  may accommodate both the reservoir  10  of  FIG. 1  and the reservoir  20  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the reservoir  10  is operatively coupled to the device  101  when the reservoir  10  is inserted into the compartment  15  and secured therein by mating the connector  131  with the outlet end  17  of the compartment  15 . In this embodiment, the reservoir compartment adapter  200  is not needed. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the reservoir  20  is operatively coupled to the same device  101  using the reservoir compartment adapter  200 . Specifically, to accommodate the longer length of the reservoir  20 , the adapter  200  is first mated to the outlet end  17  to extend a housing of the compartment  15  past the outlet  17 . Thereafter, with the reservoir  20  coupled to the connector  131 , the reservoir  20  may be operatively housed in the device  101  by inserting the reservoir  20  through the adapter  200  and into the compartment  15 . The reservoir  20  may then be secured to the device  101  by mating the connector  131  with the second end  220  of the adapter  200 . Hence, the additional length of the reservoir  20  does not prevent the reservoir from being used with the device  101  because the connected adapter  200  provides an extended housing for the longer reservoir and a mating structure for the connector  131  to mate with in order to secure the reservoir  20  in the device  101 . Accordingly, use of the adapter  200  is advantageous because a patient is provided with a choice of different-sized reservoirs, such as a 1.6 mL reservoir and a 3.0 mL reservoir, for use with a single delivery device. For example, while using a delivery device such as an insulin infusion pump, many patients utilize a 1.6 mL reservoir with the pump because it holds a sufficient amount of insulin for such patients. However, some patients require more insulin, and thus utilize a 3.0 mL reservoir with the pump. By using the reservoir compartment adapter with the pump, patients requiring a 3.0 mL reservoir are able to use the same pump as patients requiring a 1.6 mL reservoir, thus eliminating the need to manufacture and use two separate delivery devices to accommodate two different-sized reservoirs. Additionally, a pump that accommodates a 1.6 mL reservoir is typically smaller in size than a pump that accommodates a 3.0 mL reservoir, and the smaller pump is more desirable to patients. Further, if a patient&#39;s insulin needs ever increase from a 1.6 mL reservoir to a 3.0 mL reservoir, the patient is able to use the same pump. 
         [0040]    In particular embodiments, the device  101  comprises a mechanism for detecting when the reservoir compartment adapter  200  is attached and informing the control circuitry  122  of the attachment. The control circuitry  122  may require such information in order to modify control algorithms for delivering medication to the patient according to a size of an inserted reservoir. For example, a device may have to modify pumping parameters when a different-sized reservoir is accommodated in the device. Also, the algorithm for determining the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir may be modified when a different-sized reservoir is inserted into the device. In particular embodiments, attachment of the adapter  200  may be detected using a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a mechanical switch, or a color sensor, for example. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the mechanism for detecting when the adapter  200  is attached to the device  101  is on the adapter  200  and/or on the device  101 . In one embodiment, the device  101  may include one or more mechanical switches that are manipulated by the adapter  200  when the adapter  200  is attached to the device  101  to inform the control circuitry  122  of the attachment. In another embodiment, the adapter  200  may include one or more contacts that mate with corresponding contacts on the device  101 . In an additional embodiment, one or more magnets may be mounted on the adapter  200  to provide information about the attachment to a magnetic sensor housed in the device  101 . In a further embodiment, the adapter  200  may include a bar code that provides information about the attachment to an optical scanner in the device  101 . In yet another embodiment, the adapter  200  may include a colored band that is detected by a color sensor in the device  101 . The bar code or colored band may completely encircle or partially extend around the adapter  200 , and may be applied to a surface of the adapter  200  by means of a painted mark, printing, spraying, molding, adhered sticker, or the like. 
         [0042]    Alternatively, the mechanism for detecting when the adapter  200  is attached to the device  101  may be on the reservoir itself and/or on the device  101 . The above embodiments may be applied to the reservoir itself, rather than the adapter  200 , and indicate the reservoir size (i.e., 1.6 mL, 3.0 mL), and the device  101  may determine that the adapter  200  is attached to the device  101  based on the indicated reservoir size. Such a mechanism is described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/346,726 and 12/346,730, both entitled “Color Detection System for Detecting Reservoir Presence and Content in Device” and both filed on Dec. 30, 2008, which are incorporated by reference. 
         [0043]    In further alternative embodiments, the mechanism for detecting when the adapter  200  is attached to the device  101  may be omitted, and the patient may simply input the information into the device  101  itself. 
         [0044]    The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structure described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.