EP4735078A2 - Modular device with seal and anti-premature rotation feature for adjustable seal compression and interference fit in a pump - Google Patents

Abstract

A satellite module having at least one of a seal and an anti-premature rotation feature is provided for adjustable placement in the pump housing of a fluid delivery pump. The satellite module can have at least two separate pieces; that is, a piece with a seal and another piece with an anti-premature rotation feature. The satellite module can be a unitary member with a seal and an anti-premature rotation feature. A biasing component or a rigid component can be provided on the satellite module or pump housing to adjust distance from a fluid outlet hole in a sleeve and adjust compression on the seal.

Description

MODULAR DEVICE WITH SEAL AND ANTI-PREMATURE ROTATION FEATURE

FOR ADJUSTABLE SEAL COMPRESSION AND INTERFERENCE FIT IN A PUMP

BACKGROUND

Field:

[0001] Illustrative embodiments relate generally to a fluid delivery' device, and more specifically to a satellite module for a pump assembly (e.g., an insertable member for a pump housing) having a seal and/or an anti-premature rotation feature for adjustable seal compression between a fluid outlet hole in a sleeve within a pump housing and a port in the pump housing, and/or adjustable interference fit of the anti-premature rotation feature with respect to the sleeve in the pump housing.

Description of Related Art:

[0002] FIGs 1 and 2 depict a pump assembly 4000 configured as a single block pump assembly with a pump housing and a manifold port seal as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,132,308, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety'. The pump assembly 4000 in FIGs 1 and 2 includes a sleeve 4002 having a helical groove 4004, a plug 4006, seals 4008, a plunger 4010, a coupling pin 4012, a pump housing 4014 with a manifold port seal indicated generally at 4016, and a flexible interlock 4018. The manifold port seal 4016 comprises a cannula port 4024 and a reservoir port 4026. For clarity purposes, a bottom part of the pump housing where the manifold port seal 4016 is located is removed in FIG. 1. [0003] The pump assembly 4000 can be connected to a DC motor and gearbox assembly (not shown) via the plunger 4010 to rotate and translate the plunger, and to rotate the sleeve 4002 during a valve state change, in the pump housing 4014, as described below. The helical groove 4004 is provided on the sleeve 4002. The coupling pin 4012 connected to the plunger 4010 translates along the helical groove 4004 to guide the retraction and insertion of the plunger 4010 within the sleeve 4002, respectively, as the plunger 4010 rotates in one direction and then rotates in the opposite direction. The pump assembly 4000 has an end plug 4006. Two seals 4008 on the respective ends of the plunger 4010 and the end plug 4006 that are interior to the sleeve 4002 define a cavity or chamber in the sleeve 4002 when the plunger 4010 is retracted following an intake stroke or aspirate operation and therefore ready to dispense. The volume of the chamber therefore changes depending on the degree of retraction of the plunger 4010. The volume of the chamber is negligible or essentially zero when the plunger 4010 is fully inserted and the seals 4008 are substantially in contact with each other following an output stroke or discharge operation and therefore ready to aspirate. The two ports 4024 and 4026 at the pump manifold seal 4016 include an inlet or reservoir port 4026 through which fluid (e.g., medication) can flow from a reservoir for the pump assembly, and an outlet or cannula port 4024 46 through which the fluid that has been drawn into the chamber (e.g., by retraction of the plunger 4010 during an aspirate stage of operation) can be dispensed from the chamber to, for example, a fluid path to a cannula in the patient by re-insertion of the plunger 4010 into the chamber.

[0004] With continued reference to FIGs. 1 and 2, the sleeve 4002 is provided with an aperture or side part 4030 that aligns with the outlet port 4024 or the inlet port 4026 (i.e., depending on the degree of rotation of the sleeve 4002 and therefore the degree of translation of the plunger 4010 as d escribed below) to permit the fluid in the chamber of the sleeve to flow through the corresponding one of the ports 4024, 4026.

[0005] In a starting position of an example pump cycle, the plunger 4010 is fully extended, the sleeve 4002 blocks the cannula port flow path at the cannula port 4028, and the reservoir port 4026 is open to the side port 4030 in the sleeve 4002, and a rotational limit sensor described below is engaged. As stated above, the sleeve 4002 includes a helical groove 4004 which receives the coupling pin 4012. Plunger 4010 is in sliding engagement with the sleeve 4002 such that as plunger 4010 rotates within the sleeve 4002 (e.g., by rotational force of the motor), coupling pin 4012 slides along helical groove 4004 to force the plunger 4010 to translate axially with reference to sleeve 4002. In the illustrated example, the helical groove 4004 is formed into sleeve 4002 to provides for 180° of rotation for coupling pin 4102 about the circumference of the sleeve 4002. Other degrees of rotation can be implemented using different dimensions for the helical groove 4004.

[0006] During an intake operation, the DC motor turns the plunger 4010, which is driven (e.g., rotating and translating) along the helical groove 4004 of the sleeve 4002 via the coupling pin 4012. The plunger 4010 translates toward the DC motor, drawing fluid into the chamber defined in the sleeve 4002 by the seals 4008 and increasing the chamber volume. During the intake operation, friction between seal material provided at manifold port seal 4016 and the outside diameter of the sleeve 4002 is preferably high enough to ensure that the sleeve 4002 does not rotate. The sleeve 4002 is stationary, while the chamber volume therein is expanding during retraction of the plunger 4010. The cannula port 4024 is blocked, while the reservoir port 4026 is open to fluid flowing into the expanding chamber volume.

[0007] During a valve state change after an intake operation, torque is transmitted from the drive shaft of the motor to the plunger 4010, and then to the sleeve 4002 via the coupling pin 4012. Once the coupling pin 4012 rotates to the end of the helical groove 4004, further rotation of motor causes the coupling pin 4012 to rotate the sleeve 4002 and the plunger 4010 together as a unit without relative axial translation. The side port 4030 on the sleeve rotates between the reservoir port 4026 and the cannula port 4024. Surface tension of the sleeve side port 4030 holds the fluid in the chamber in the sleeve. The sleeve side port 4030 moves out of alignment with the reservoir port 4026 and into alignment with the cannula port 4024 over the next 180° rotation of the motor. In between, both the cannula port 4024 and the reservoir port 4026 are blocked. The coupling pin 4012 is at the end of the helical groove 4004 and transmits torque to the sleeve 4002. The coupling pin 4012 retains the plunger 4010 and the sleeve 4002 together to prevent relative axial motion between the two components. The plunger 4004 and the sleeve 4002 therefore rotate as a unit and do not translate relative to each other. The sleeve 4002 rotates while the chamber volume therein is fixed.

[0008] At the end of the intake operation, the sleeve 4002 engages a limit switch described below, which causes the DC motor to switch directions. Accordingly, during a discharge operation, the motor turns the plunger 4010 and drives the coupling pin 4012 down the helical groove 4004 of the sleeve 4002, causing the plunger 4010 to translate axially away from the DC motor, pushing fluid from the chamber volume between the two seals 4008 in the sleeve 4002 and out of the cannula port 4024 to the cannula. During the discharge operation, friction between the manifold port seal 4016 and the outside diameter of the sleeve 4002 is preferably high enough to ensure that the sleeve 4002 does not rotate. The cannula port 4024 is open to fluid flowing out of the collapsing chamber volume in the sleeve 4002. The reservoir port 4026 is blocked. The sleeve 4002 is stationary while the chamber volume is collapsing and the plunger 4010 rotates and translates in a helical motion. [0009] After a pump cycle is complete, the plunger 4010 is folly extended. The rotational limit sensor described further below is engaged to reverse the motor and begin the pump cycle again. The cannula port 4024 is blocked, while the reservoir port 4026 is open to the flow path from the reservoir.

[0010] A pump measurement device such as a sleeve rotational limit switch can be provided which has, for example, an interlock 4018 and one or more detents 4020 on the sleeve 4002 or its end plug 4006 that cooperate with the interlock 4018. The interlock 4018 can be mounted to the pump housing 4014 at each end thereof. The detent 4020 at the end face of sleeve 4002 is adjacent to a bump 4022 of the interlock 4018 when the pump assembly 4000 is in a first position whereby a side hole 4030 in the sleeve 4002 is aligned with the inlet port 4026 to receive fluid from the reservoir into the chamber. Under certain conditions, such as back pressure, it is possible that friction between the plunger 4010 and the sleeve 4002 is sufficient to cause the sleeve 4002 to rotate before the plunger 4010 and coupling pin 4012 reach either end of the helical groove 4004. This could result in an incomplete volume of fluid being pumped per intake or discharge operation. In order to prevent this situation, the interlock 4018 prevents the sleeve 4002 from rotating until the torque passes a predetermined threshold. This ensures that plunger 4010 folly rotates within the sleeve 4002 until the coupling pin 4012 reaches the end of the helical groove 4004. Once the coupling pin 4012 hits the end of the helical groove 4004, further movement by the DC motor and gearbox assembly or other type of pump and valve actuator increases torque on the sleeve 4002 beyond the threshold, causing the interlock 4018 to flex and permit the detent 4020 to pass by the bump 4022. At the completion of rotation of the sleeve 4002 such that its side hole 4030 is oriented with the cannula or outlet port 4024, the detent 4020 moves past the bump 4022 in the interlock 4018. Another sleeve feature can be provided to engage an electrical switch (e.g., an end-stop switch provided on a printed circuit board and disposed relative to the sleeve 4002 and or end plug 4006 to cooperate with the pump measurement device). [0011] As stated above, the pump housing 4014 includes a manifold port seal 4016 in its housing which can have seal material to seal a reservoir port 4026 and a cannula port 4024. The side hole 4030 on the sleeve 4002 is rotationally shuttled back and forth between these two ports 4024 and 4026 in the pump housing during output and intake operations. As an example, the plunger 4010 can rotate on the order of 196° in either direction and can translate by about 0.038 inches. The sleeve 4002 and the plug 4006 rotate together on the order of 56° in either direction (e.g., during a valve state change as described above). The pump housing 4014 with its manifold port seal 4016 is stationary. The seal on the ports 4024, 4026 can be configured as face seals that are compressed between the outer diameter of the sleeve 4002 and recessed pockets in the pump housing 4014. For example, the manifold port seal 4016 can be a single molded piece of elastomeric material mounted in recessed pockets in the pump housing 4014.

[0012] Problems can occur with respect to the manifold port seal 4016. For example, the pump assembly 4000 described with respect to FIGs. 1 and 2 provides limited control of compression on the manifold seal (e.g., the manifold port seal 4016 and the material for the face seals for the ports 4024 and 4026) due to variation in pump assembly parts geometries that lead to variability in leakage pressure. Further, decay in compression on the manifold seal over time occurs due to creep of the elastomeric material of the face seals or other seal material and seal arrangement in the pump housing 4014 during the lifetime of the pump assembly 4000. In addition, variation in the torque is needed to overcome friction force.

SUMMARY

[0013] The above and other problems are overcome, and additional advantages are realized, by illustrative embodiments.

[0014] In accordance with advantageous aspects of the illustrative embodiments, limitations posed by tolerance stack, and variation of mechanical properties, such as those described above in connection with the pump assembly 4000 are overcome by using a satellite module whose position within the pump housing and relative to a sleeve in the pump housing can be adjusted to achieve target specifications. [0015] It is an aspect of illustrative embodiments to provide a satellite module comprising an insertable member for a pump housing of a metering pump, the pump housing having a main housing with at least one port therein that is connected to a fluid path of a pump, and a compartment configured to receive a sleeve therein, the sleeve having a fluid chamber therein and a side hole that can be aligned with the at least one port for fluid communication between the fluid chamber and the fluid path of the pump, and the insertable member comprising: a body member with an aperture therein; and at least one leg extending from the body member. The pump housing has at least one hole dimensioned to receive at least part of the leg of the body member, wherein the aperture is disposed on the body member to align with the at least one port of the pump housing when the leg is inserted into the hole in the pump housing.

[0016] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, a seal is provided between the side hole and the at least one port.

[0017] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the seal is provided in or at least adjacent to the at least one aperture in the body member.

[0018] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the seal is at least one of elastomeric, and overmolded on the body member with respect to the aperture.

[0019] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, a selected compression of the seal is configured using selected positioning of the body member relative to the pump housing and the sleeve.

[0020] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the body member has a first portion for seal adjustment, and a second portion with an anti-premature rotation member thereon for interference fit adjustment with respect to the sleeve.

[0021] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the first portion and the second portion of the body member comprise corresponding ones of a first piece and a second piece, the first piece being separate with respect to a second piece.

[0022] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the body member is a unitary piece.

[0023] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the pump housing is a formed as a single piece with a cavity therein that is configured to receive at least part of the sleeve. [0024] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the pump housing is a formed from two pieces that define a cavity when combined, the cavity being configured to receive at least part of the sleeve.

[0025] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, a seal is provided in or at least adjacent to the at least one aperture in the body member, and a selected compression of the seal is configured using selected positioning of the body member relative to the pump housing and the sleeve. For example, the seal is at least one of elastomeric, and overmolded on the body member with respect to the aperture.

[0026] In accordance w’ith aspects of illustrative embodiments, the insertable member further comprises an additional member arranged between the two pieces of the pump housing to adjust distance between the sleeve and the pump housing to adjust compression on the seal. For example, the additional member is chosen from a biasing component, a rigid component, a spring, and a shim.

[0027] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the pump housing has a cavity configured to receive at least part of the sleeve, and a compartment with a surface facing the cavity and the sleeve when inserted in the pump housing, the compartment comprising a well dimensioned to receive at least part of insertable member, the -well having a hole to receive at least part of the leg, wherein distance of insertable member from the sleeve is adjusted by the amount of the length of leg that is inserted into the hole in the compartment.

[0028] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the insertable member has two opposite end portions with one end portion comprising the body member with the aperture, and another end portion comprising a detent between two depressions.

[0029] In accordance -with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the at least one port on the pump housing comprises two ports, the body member has a second aperture, the aperture and the second aperture are disposed on the body member to align with respective ones of the two ports of the pump housing when the leg is inserted into the hole in the pump housing, the side hole of the sleeve being controllably aligned -with respective ones of the aperture and the second aperture during corresponding one of a discharge operation and an intake operation of the metering pump, the sleeve having an anti-premature rotation feature that cooperates with the detent and the depressions to prevent the sleeve from displacing the side hole away from the respective ones of the aperture and the second aperture until the corresponding one of the discharge operation and the intake operation is complete.

[0030] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the anti-premature rotation feature on the sleeve comprises a protruding member from an outer surface of the sleeve, the protruding member being aligned with the side hole along an axis of the sleeve that extends through the cavity of the pump housing, the depressions in the insertable member being dimensioned to at least partially receive the protruding member during a corresponding one of the discharge operation and the intake operation, and detent being dimensioned to prevent the protruding member from passing the detent and traveling to the other one of the two depressions until a selected amount of torque is provided on the sleeve.

[0031] In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the pump housing has a keying hole therein that is dimensioned to receive the protrading member on the sleeve during the assembly, and wherein the sleeve is arranged after assembly to engage the protruding member with the detent and the depressions in the insertable member and prevent translational movement of the sleeve relative to the pump housing.

[0032] Additional and/or other aspects and advantages of illustrative embodiments will be set forth in the description that follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the illustrative embodiments. The illustrative embodiments may comprise apparatuses having one or more of the above aspects, and/or one or more of the features and combinations thereof. The illustrative embodiments may comprise one or more of the features and/or combinations of the above aspects as recited, for example, in the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The above and/or other aspects and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will be more readily appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0034] FIGs. 1 and 2 are, respectively, an exploded view and a perspective view of an example pump assembly; [0035] FIGs. 3 A, 3B and 3C are, respectively, a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view and an exploded view of an example pump assembly with a sleeve, a pump housing, and an adjustable satellite module that are each constructed in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0036] FIGs. 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E are perspective views of a sleeve constructed in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 4C is a front view of the sleeve depicted in FIGs. 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E;

[0038] FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are respective exploded views of a pump housing and an adjustable satellite module constructed in accordance with a first example embodiment;

[0039] FIGs. 6A and 6B are, respectively, bottom and top perspective views of the adjustable satellite module constructed in accordance with the first example embodiment shown in FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D;

[0040] FIGs. 7A and 7B are, respectively, a top view’ and a bottom perspective view of a part of the pump housing shown in FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D;

[0041] FIGs. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view’ of a pump housing and an adjustable satellite module constructed in accordance with a second example embodiment;

[0042] FIGs. 9 A, 9B, 9C and 9D are respective exploded view’s of the pump housing and the adjustable satellite module shown in FIGs 6A and 6B;

[0043] FIGs. 10A, 10B and 10C are, respectively, a top perspective view’, a side perspective view and a bottom view' of the adjustable satellite module depicted in FIGs. 9 A, 9B, 9C and 9D;

[0044] FIGs. 11 A and 1 IB are, respectively, a perspective side and front view’ of a pump housing constructed in accordance with another example embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 11C is a side view' of a sleeve constructed in accordance with another example embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 12 is a schematic of a switch coupled to a pump housing and satellite module assembly in accordance with another example embodiment; [0047] FIGs. 13 A is a perspective view of a pump housing configured to receive an additional member to control seal compression in accordance with another example embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the pump housing in FIG. 13B provided with a biasing component as the additional member in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0049] FIGs. 13C and 13D illustrate the pump housing in FIG. I3B provided with a fixed component as the additional member in accordance with an example embodiment whereby FIG. 13C is a top view of a fluid path housing portion of the pump housing with the fixed component disposed thereon, and FIG. 13D is a perspective side view of the pump housing and fixed component.

[0050] Throughout the drawing figures, like reference numbers will be understood to refer to like elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to illustrative embodiments, which are depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein exemplify, but do not limit, the illustrative embodiments by referring to the drawings.

[0052] An advantageous adjustable satellite module is provided that comprises an insertable member that is separate from the pump housing of a pump assembly and is configured to be selectively positioned relative to a sleeve in the pump assembly to achieve at least one of (a) adjustable and or controlled seal compression between the sleeve and the pump housing; and (b) adjustable interference fit of an anti-premature rotation feature with respect to the sleeve.

[0053] Two example embodiments are shown and described herein. FIGs. 5A through 7B illustrate a first example embodiment of a satellite module for use in a pump assembly having a split pump housing. FIGs. 8A through 10C illustrate a second example embodiment of a satellite module for use in a pump assembly having a unitary pump housing. It is to be understood that the first example embodiment of a satellite module (e.g., the satellite module 140 shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B) can be used with a split pump housing (e.g., a pump housing 114 with split pump housing components 142, 144 shown in FIGs. 3C and 5A through 5D) or a unitary pump housing (e.g., a pump housing 314 shown in FIGs. 8A and 8B). Further, it is to be understood that the second example embodiment of a satellite module (e.g., the satellite module 340 shown in FIGs. 10A through 10C) can be used with a split pump housing (e.g., a pump housing 114 with split pump housing components 142, 144 shown in FIGs. 3C and 5A through 5D) or a unitary pump housing (e.g. , a pump housing 314 shown in FIGs. 8 A and 8B).

[0054] FIGs. 3A and 3B depict an example pump assembly 100 having a sleeve 102 that is rotatably disposed in a cavity of a pump housing 114. FIG. 3C is an exploded view of the pump assembly 100. As will be described below, an adjustable satellite module 140 configured in accordance with a first example embodiment is inserted within the pump housing 114 and disposed adjacent a side wall of a sleeve 102 to: (a) adjust and control the seal compression between the sleeve 102 and the pump housing 114, and particularly between a side hole 130 in the sleeve 102 and a respective one of the reservoir and cannula ports 148a, 148b in the pump housing 114 depending on the state of the pump cycle; and/or (b) adjust and control an interference fit of an anti-premature rotation feature 154 on the sleeve 102 with respect to the pump housing 114. The pump housing 114 in the FIGs. 3A through 3C and FIGs. 5A through 5D has a split pump housing configuration comprising a main housing 142 and a fluid path housing 144 which are coupled together to form a cavity- such as the cavity depicted at 146 in FIG. 5D. The pump housing 114 has manifold ports 148a, 148b that are the same or substantially similar to the manifold reservoir and cannula ports 4026 and 4024 described above in connection with FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0055] The pump assembly 100 has a proximal end that is connected to a motor and gearbox assembly (not shown) in conventional manner, and a distal end. FIG. 3A depicts a distal end of the sleeve 102 exposed at the distal end of the pump assembly 100. The pump assembly 100 in FIGs. 3 A through 3C has a plug 106, a plunger 110, and seals 108a, 108b on the plunger 110 and plug 106, respectively. The plunger 110 has a coupling pin 112 that engages a helical groove 104 in the sleeve 102 and operates similarly to corresponding components described with respect to FIGs. 1 and 2. [0056] FIGs. 4A through 4E depict the sleeve 102 configured in accordance with an example embodiment. The sleeve 102 has a helical groove 104 and a side hole 130 that are the same or substantially similar to the helical groove 4004 and a side hole 4030 described above in connection with FIGs. 1 and 2; that is, a side hole 130 on the sleeve 102 that is moved between two orientations to align with reservoir and cannula ports 148a, 148b on the pump housing 114. The sleeve 102 can have a sleeve feature 120 (e.g., a protruding edge) on its distal end face that cooperates with a retainer bar or other component (not shown) provided to the pump assembly 100 to prevent the sleeve 102 from sliding out of the pump housing 114. As described below in connection with FIGs. 11 A through 11C, a sleeve and pump housing can be provided with different components to prevent the sleeve from sliding out of the pump housing.

[0057] In accordance with an example embodiment, the sleeve 102 also has an antipremature rotation feature (e.g., a bump 154) on a side wall thereof. In the example embodiment shown in FIGs. 4A through 4E, the bump 154 is a protrusion with graduated sides that is formed to cooperate with anti-premature rotation features provided on the satellite module 140 and described further below in connection with FIGs. 5A through 5D. The center portion of the bump 154 is configured with the highest elevation from the side wall of the sleeve, and is aligned with the side hole 130 along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, as depicted in FIGs. 4A and 4B.

[0058] As stated above, the pump housing 114 in FIGs. 5 A through 5D has a split pump housing configuration comprising a main housing 142 and a fluid path housing 144 which are coupled together to form the cavity 146. In the illustrated example, the sleeve 102 is elongated and the cavity 146 of the pump housing 114 is characterized by a longitudinal axis with a length sufficient to accommodate at least the portion of the side wall of the sleeve 102 having the side hole 130 to allow controlled alignment of the side hole 130 with respect to the reservoir port 148a or the cannula port 148b in the pump housing 114 during the pump cycle. The reservoir port 148a and the cannula port 148b are shown in FIG. 5C in the fluid path housing 144 of the pump housing 114. The reservoir port 148a and the cannula port 148b are fluidically connected to respective fluid channels or pathways in the fluid path housing 144 that terminate at an inlet 150a and an outlet 150b, respectively, in the distal wall of the fluid path housing 144. The inlet 150a and an outlet 150b are fluidically connected, respectively, to a fluid reservoir, and to a catheter or cannula that is insertable into a patient’s skin, by corresponding fluid paths in the fluid delivery device that comprises the pump assembly 100. Positioning posts 152a,b can be provided in the distal end 114b of pump housing 114 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5C) to guide the positioning of a sleeve inserted in the pump housing 114.

[0059] As stated above and in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the sleeve 102 is configured with an anti-premature rotation feature indicated at 154 as shown in FIGs. 4 A and 4B. In general, the anti-premature rotation feature 154 is also placed at a selected point along the circumference of the sleeve 102 and with respect to the sleeve feature 120 to allow cooperation with an anti -premature rotation feature 164a or 164b of the satellite module 140 at a selected point during a pump stroke to prevent premature rotation of the sleeve 102 until the sleeve 102 is rotated during a valve state change. As explained above in connection with FIGs. 1 and 2, the sleeve 102 is rotated during a valve state change, while the pump housing is stationary. For example, in the illustrated example, the sleeve 102 and the plunger 110 rotate together during a valve state change a selected number of degrees, and maintain that rotational orientation during the next stroke and until the next valve state change wherein the motor reverses rotational direction by the same number of degrees.

[0060] For example, the anti-premature rotation feature 154 can be configured as a bump or other protruding member from the side wall of the sleeve 102 that is disposed at a selected point along the longi tudinal axis of the sleeve 102 to align with a cooperating antipremature rotation feature such as a depression 164a or 164b associated with the satellite module 140. The anti-premature rotation feature 154 can also be placed at a selected point along the circumference of the sleeve 102 to cooperate with the anti-premature rotation feature 164a of the satellite module 140 during a pump intake stroke or aspirate operation to align the side hole 130 on the sleeve 102 with the reservoir port 148a, as well as to prevent premature rotation of the sleeve 102 until the sleeve is rotated during a valve state change. When the sleeve 102 is rotated during a valve state change after the in rake stroke, a frictional force between the cooperating anti-premature rotation features 154 and 164a is overcome and the sleeve 102 is rotated until it reaches an end point established by the rotational limit feature 120 and the anti-premature rotation features 154 is now aligned with the other depression 164 b, allowing the side hole 130 to be aligned with the cannula port 148b. The frictional force between the cooperating anti-premature rotation features 154 and 164b is subsequently overcome in a similar manner during the next valve state change after an output stroke or discharge operation.

[0061] FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are respective exploded views of the pump housing 114 and the adjustable satellite module 140, which is constructed in accordance with a first example embodiment wherein satellite module 140 comprises two parts 140a and 140b. The distal part 140b of the satellite module 140 has a body member 158 with depressions 164a, 164b formed therein on either side of a protrusion 162 to receive the bump or protruding member 154 on the sleeve 102. The depressions 164a, 164b and protrusion 162 are dimensioned to ensure that the travel of protruding member 154 on the sleeve 102 from one depression 164a to the other depression 164b, or vice versa, occurs only during a valve state change at the end of a stroke and not earlier (e.g., such as during a stroke and before the pin 112 reaches an end of the groove 104). It is to be understood that the cooperating antipremature rotation features of the sleeve 102 and the satellite module 140 can be configured using other frictionally cooperating features besides a protruding member 154 and depressions 164a, 164b in the distal piece 140b of the satellite module 140. The bodymember 158 of the distal piece 140b of the satellite module 140 also has one or more leg(s) (e.g., legs 160a, 160b) extending therefrom that can be received in corresponding hole(s) (e.g., holes 182a, 182b) in the fluid path housing 144 of the pump housing that are depicted in FIGs. 3C and 5C respectively. FIGs. 7A and 7B provide additional views of the corresponding hole(s) (e.g., holes 182a, 182b) in the fluid path housing 144 of the pump housing 114.

[0062] The length of the legs 160a, 160b and the depth of the holes 182a, 182b are configured to allow the amount of the legs 160a, 160b that is inserted within the holes 182a, 182b to be adjusted to thereby adjust the space between, and therefore friction, between the outer surface of the sleeve 102 and the distal piece 140b of the satellite module 140 and therefore with respect to the sides of the pump housing 114 within the cavity 146 defined by the mounting of the main housing 142 to the fluid path housing 114 of the pump housing 114. In other words, the depth of the holes 182a, 182b and the length of the legs 160a, 160b are dimensioned to allow the distal piece 140b of the satellite module 140 to be at a selected radial distance from side wall of sleeve 102 to optimize interference fit between the protruding member 154 on the sleeve 102 and the depressions 164a, 164b and therefore frictional force that needs to be overcome to prevent premature rotation of sleeve 102 while also providing for accurate timing of sleeve 102 rotation and alignment of the side hole 130 with the reservoir port 148a and the cannula port 148b during aspirate and discharge stokes, respectively.

[0063] The proximal piece 140a of the satellite module 140 comprises a body member 172 that is provided with apertures or holes 168a, 168b therein and one or more leg(s) extending therefrom as shown in FIG. 5C (e.g., legs 166a, 166b and 166c) that can be received in corresponding hole(s) (e.g., holes 188a, 188b and 188c) in the fluid path housing 144 of the pump housing as shown in FIG. 5D. FIGs. 7 A and 7B provide additional view's of the corresponding hole(s) (e.g., holes 188a, 188b and 188c) in the fluid path housing 144 of the pump housing 114. As shown in FIG. 5C, the ports 148a, 148b are disposed among the holes 188a, 188b and 188c on a cavity-facing surface of the fluid path housing 144. In an example arrangement, the three legs 166a, 166b and 166c are provided w’ith each apertures or holes 168a, 168b disposed between adjacent ones of the legs, as shown in FIG. 6A. When the legs 166a, 166b and 166c of the proximal piece 140a of the satellite module 140 are provided in the holes 188a, 188b and 188c in the fluid path housing 144, the apertures or holes 168a, 168b with corresponding seals 170a, 170b in the proximal piece 140a are aligned with the ports 148a, 148b in the fluid path housing 144. Further, the hole 130 in the sleeve 102 is aligned w’ith one of the holes 168a, 168b in the proximal piece 140a and the corresponding aligned ports 148a, 148b in the fluid path housing 144 to allow fluid to flow into or from the sleeve 102 via a corresponding one of the ports 148a, 148b during an aspirate or discharge operation. The ports 148a, 148b are fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet openings 150a, 150b via respective channels (not shown) in the fluid channel housing 144. The use of a central leg (e.g., 166b) disposed between the holes 168a, 168b and therefore the ports 148a, 148b is beneficial to provide a greater degree of control and more flexibility for adjusting the placement of the proximal piece 140a in the pump housing 114 to achieve the desired amount of compression on the manifold seal.

[0064] The cavity- facing surfaces of the fluid path housing 144 and the body members 158. 172 of the pieces 140a, 140b of the satellite module 140 are arcuate and dimensioned to accommodate a cylindrical shape and outer diameter of the sleeve 102. It is to be understood that the cavity-facing surfaces of the fluid path housing 144 and/or the pieces 140a, 140b of the satellite module 140 can have different shapes and dimensions depending on the mechanical properties of the sleeve 102. The cavity- facing surface of the fluid path housing 144 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7B) is also provided with a raised section that functions as a divider 184 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 5C and 7A) between a distal well or depression 180 and a proximal well or depression 186. The wells 180 and 186 are dimensioned to accommodate the distal piece 140b and the proximal piece 140a of the satellite module 140, respectively. The divider 184 and the wells 180 and 186 are configured to maintain the locations of the pieces 140a, 140b with respect to the sleeve 102 within the cavity 146 along the longitudinal axis thereof, even when one or both of the pieces 140a, 140b of the satellite module 140 are adjusted relati ve to the slee ve 102 and/or the pump housing 114 as described below.

[0065] A satellite module 140 advantageously allows adjustment of the radial distance of either one or both of the distal piece 140b and proximal piece 140a with respect to the sleeve 102. Adjusting the radial distance of the distal piece 140b can advantageously affect the interference fit of the anti-premature rotation feature 154 with respect to the distal piece 140b. Adjusting the radial distance of the proximal piece 140a can advantageously affect the seal compression of the pump housing 114.

[0066] Having separate pieces 140a, 140b for the satellite module 140 is beneficial to allow more flexibility with regard to selecting the radial distance between the sleeve 102 and the satellite module 140 of the pump housing 114. Thus, the afore-mentioned limitations posed by tolerance stack within the pump assembly 100, and variation of its mechanical properties, are overcome by using a satellite module 140 whose position can be adjusted to achieve target specifications. For example, the pump assembly 100 can further comprise a spring component disposed between the sleeve 102 and the pump housing 114 to control and maintain a defined pressure on the seal (e.g., between the seals 170a, 170b and the hole 130). Since the legs 166a through 166c of the proximal piece 140a of the satellite module 140 are slidably received in the holes 188a through 188c in the fluid path housing 144 of the pump housing 114, a spring or other biasing component, or shim or other rigid component, can be placed between the proximal piece 140a and the fluid path housing 144, and/or between the proximal piece 140a and the sleeve 102, to controllably affect the compression on the manifold seal(s) 170a, 170b with respect to the sleeve hole 130. The shape and thickness of the biasing component or rigid component can be selected to achieve a desired amount of seal compression. In another embodiment, the compression of the seal is defined during assembly by means of rigid positioning (e.g. heat staking) of the proximal piece 140a to the pump housing 114 and therefore relative to the sleeve 102, allowing for process optimization. In another example embodiment, the compression of the seal is adjusted by means of geometries on the sleeve 102 and satellite module 140 defining maximum compression of the seal. In other words, the compression of the seal is controlled by an allowable maximum compressive force on the seal, which allows the assembly of the pump assembly subsystem to be controlled by the sealing performance or force rather than having the seal compression force inferred or approximated based on tolerance stack ups of individual components of the pump assembly subsystem. In another embodiment, the compression of the seal (e.g., seals(s) 170a, 170b) is adjusted by means of shims constraining the position of the satellite module 140a relative to the sleeve 102. In another embodiment, the compression is tuned during assembly of the pump to achieve at least one of a target torque during rotation, and a target peak torque imposed by the anti-premature rotation feature 154. In another example embodiment, the elastomeric seal (e.g., seals(s) 170a, 170b) is overmolded on the satellite module 140 component (e.g., 140a).

[0067] A pump housing 314 having a unitary pump housing configuration in accordance with another embodiment is shown in FIGs. 8A through 9D for illustrative purposes. The pump housing 314 is configured with a cavity 346 to receive a sleeve (not shown) 102 that is rotatably disposed therein to operate similarly to the sleeve 4002 described with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2. An adjustable satellite module 340 configured in accordance with a second example embodiment is inserted within the pump housing 314 with the sleeve 102 removed for clarity, as shown in FIG. 8A. FIGs. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the pump housing 314 and the adjustable satellite module 340 assembled together. FIGs. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are respective exploded views of the pump housing 314 and the adjustable satellite module 340 shown in FIGs 6A and 6B. FIGs. 10A, 10B and 10C are, respectively, a top perspective view, a side perspective view and a bottom view of the adjustable satellite module 340.

[0068] The satellite module 340 has a body member 358 with depressions 364a, 364b formed therein on either side of a protrusion 362 to receive the bump or protruding member 154 on the sleeve 102. The depressions 364a, 364b and protrusion 362 are dimensioned to ensure that the travel of protruding member 154 on the sleeve 102 from one depression 364a to the other depression 364b, or vice versa, occurs only during a valve state change at the end of a stroke and not earlier (e.g., such as during a stroke and before the pin 112 reaches an end of the groove 104). The protruding member 154 is configured such that it must overcome a torque requirement of protrusion 362 to allow the sleeve 102 to rotate and move side hole 130 from the reservoir port 348a to the cannula port 348b or vice versa. It is to be understood that the cooperating anti-premature rotation features of the sleeve 102 and the satellite module 340 can be configured using other frictionally cooperating features besides a protruding member 154 and depressions 364a, 364b in the satellite module 340. The bodymember 372 of the satellite module 340 has one or more leg(s) (e.g., legs 360a, 360b in FIGs. 10A and 10B) extending therefrom that can be received in corresponding hole(s) (e.g., holes 382a, 182b in FIG. 9B) in the pump housing 314. FIG. 8B depicts the corresponding hole(s) (e.g., holes 182a, 182b) in the pump housing 314.

[0069] The length of the legs 360a, 360b and the depth of the holes 382a, 382b are configured to allow the amount of the legs 360a, 360b that is inserted within the holes 382a, 32b to be adjusted to thereby adjust the space between, and therefore friction, between the outer surface of the sleeve 102 and the satellite module 340 and therefore with respect to the sides of the pump housing 314 within the cavity 146 defined by the interior of the pump housing 314. In other words, the depth of the holes 382a, 382b and the length of the legs 360a, 360b are dimensioned to allow the distal portion 340b of the satellite module 340 to be at a selected radial distance from side wall of sleeve 102 to optimize interference fit between the protruding member 154 on the sleeve 102 and the depressions 364a, 364b and therefore frictional force that needs to be overcome to prevent premature rotation of sleeve 102 while also providing for accurate timing of sleeve 102 rotation and alignment of the side hole 130 with the reservoir port 348a and the cannula port 348b shown in FIG. 9B during aspirate and discharge stokes, respectively.

[0070] The proximal portion 340a of the satellite module 140 comprises a body member 372 that is provided with one or more leg(s) extending therefrom as shown in FIG. 10B (e.g., legs 366a, 366b and 366c) that can be received in corresponding hole(s) (e.g., holes 388a, 388b and 388c) in the pump housing 314 as shown in FIG. 9B. As shown in FIG. 9B, the ports 348a, 348b are disposed among the holes 388a, 388b and 388c on a cavity-facing surface of the pump housing 314. In an example arrangement, the three legs 366a, 366b and 366c are provided with each apertures or holes 368a, 368b disposed between adjacent ones of the legs, as shown in FIGs. 9D and 10C. When the legs 366a, 366b and 366c of the proximal portion 340a of the satellite module 340 are provided in the holes 388a, 388b and 388c in the pump housing 314, the apertures or holes 368a, 368b with corresponding seals 370a, 370b in the proximal portion 340a are aligned with the ports 348a, 348b in the pump housing 314f. Further, the hole 130 in the sleeve 102 is aligned with one of the holes 368a, 368b in the proximal portion 340a of the satellite module 340 and the corresponding aligned ports 348a, 348b in the pump housing 314 to allow fluid to flow into or from the sleeve 102 via a corresponding one of the ports 348a, 348b during an aspirate or discharge operation. The ports 348a, 348b are fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet openings 350a, 350b via respective channels (not shown) in the pump housing 314. The use of a central leg (e.g., 366b) disposed between the holes 368a, 368b and therefore the ports I48a, I48b is beneficial to provide a greater degree of control and more flexibility for adjusting the placement of at least the proximal portion 140a of the satellite module 340 in the pump housing 314 to achieve the desired amount of compression on the manifold seal.

[0071] The cavity-facing surfaces of the pump housing 314 and the body members 358 and 372 of the satellite module 340 are arcuate and dimensioned to accommodate a cylindrical shape and outer diameter of the sleeve 102. It is to be understood that the cavityfacing surfaces of the pump housing 314 and/or at least the body members 358 and 372 on the respective distal portion 340b and proximal portion of the satellite module 340 can have different shapes and dimensions depending on the mechanical properties of the sleeve 102. The cavity-facing surface of the pump housing 314 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 8A, 9A and 9B) is also provided with a raised section that functions as a divider 384 between a distal well or depression 380 and a proximal well or depression 386. The wells 380 and 386 are dimensioned to accommodate the distal portion 340b and the proximal portion 340a of the satellite module 340, respectively. The divider 384 and the wells 380 and 386 are configured to maintain the location of the satellite module 340 with respect to the sleeve 102 within the cavity 146 along the longitudinal axis thereof, even when end or the other end or both ends or portions 340a, 340b of the satellite module 340 are adjusted in radial distance relative to the sleeve 102 and/or the pump housing i 14 as described below.

[0072] A satellite module 340 advantageously allows adjustment of the radial distance of either one or both of its ends (e.g., a distal portion 340b and proximal portion 340a thereof) with respect to the sleeve 102. Adjusting the radial distance of the distal portion 340b can advantageously affect the interference fit of the anti-premature rotation feature 154 with respect to the distal portion 340b of the satellite module 340. Adjusting the radial distance of the proximal portion 340a can advantageously affect the seal compression of the pump housing 314.

[0073] Even through the satellite module 340 in the second example embodiment does not have separate pieces 140a, 140b as with the satellite module 140, the satellite module 340 nevertheless is beneficial because it allows more flexibility with regard to selecting the radial distance between the sleeve 102 and the satellite module 140 of the pump housing 114 than a conventional pump housing as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 that does not have a satellite module (e.g., satellite module 140 or 340). Thus, the afore-mentioned limitations posed by tolerance stack within the pump assembly 100, and variation of its mechanical properties, are overcome by using a satellite module 340 whose position can be adjusted to achieve target specifications. For example, the pump assembly 100 can further comprise a spring component disposed between the sleeve 102 and the pump housing 314 to control and maintain a defined pressure on the seal (e.g., between the seals 370a, 370b and the hole 130). Since the legs 366a through 366c of the proximal portion 340a of the satellite module 340 are slidably received in the holes 388a through 388c in the pump housing 314, a spring or other biasing component, or shim or other rigid component, can be placed between the proximal portion 340a and the pump housing 314, and/or between the proximal portion 340a and the sleeve 102, to controllably affect the compression on the manifold seal(s) 370a, 370b with respect to the sleeve hole 130. The shape and thickness of the biasing component or rigid component can be selected to achieve a desired amount of seal compression. In another embodiment, the compression of the seal is defined during assembly by means of rigid positioning (e.g. heat staking) of the proximal portion 340a to the pump housing 314 and therefore relative to the sleeve 102, allowing for process optimization. In another example embodiment, the compression of the seal is adjusted by means of geometries on the sleeve 102 and satellite module 340 defining maximum compression of the seal. In another embodiment, the compression of the seal (e.g., seals(s) 370a, 370b) is adjusted by means of shims 200 constraining the position of the satellite module 140a relative to the sleeve 102. In another embodiment, the compression is tuned during assembly of the pump to achieve at least one of a target torque during rotation, and a target peak torque imposed by the antipremature rotation feature 154. In another example embodiment, the elastomeric seal (e.g., seals(s) 370a, 370b) is overmolded on the satellite module 340 component (e.g., 340a).

[0074] In accordance with another example embodiment, a pump housing 414 is provided with a keying feature 420 (e.g., an aperture or hole) that is configured to prevent a sleeve from sliding out of the pump housing 414. With reference to FIGs. 11 A and 1 IB, the pump housing 414 has a unitary pump housing similar to that of the pump housing 314 shown in FIGs. 8A and 8B and several of the pump housing 314 features, except for having a different form factor. The keying feature 420 is arranged at the top portion of the distal end of the pump housing 414 and dimensioned to allow’ the anti-premature rotation feature 154 on a sleeve to pass therethrough. It is to be understood that the keying feature 420 can be arranged on the top portion or main housing 142 of a split pump housing 114. An example sleeve 102’ is shown in FIG. 11C that is similar to the sleeve 102 except for having different distal end 114b’ features. Different sleeve configurations with different shapes and sizes of an anti-premature rotation feature 154 can be used with a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned keying feature 420 in the pump housing 414. During assembly, the anti- premature rotation feature 154 on the sleeve 102’ slides through the keying feature 420 shown in FIGs. 11 A and 1 IB from the distal end 114b’ of the pump housing 414 towards the interior of the pump housing 414 housing and then rotated (e.g., 180 degrees) to engage the anti-premature rotation feature 154 with the seal within the pump housing 414 (e.g., where an anti-premature rotation feature is disposed within the pump housing such as the depressions 164a, 164b and detent 162 in the satellite module 140, or the depressions 264a, 264b and detent 362 in the satellite module 340). The anti-premature rotation feature of the pump housing 414 is arranged such that it retains the anti-premature rotation feature 154 to the interior of the pump housing 414 and prevents translational movement of the sleeve along its longitudinal axis. As shown in FIG. 12, a switch or other sensor 506 can be provided integrally or adjacent to the pump housing 414 to detect engagement of the anti-premature rotation feature 154 with the detent 162, 362 and therefore when a valve state change has occurred to determine when to reverse the pump motor for the next stroke, among other uses. [0075] In accordance with another example embodiment and with reference to FIGs. 13A through 13D, a pump housing 514 is provided that has a split pump housing comprising a main housing 542 and a fluid path housing 544 that are similar to that of the pump housing 114 shown in FIGs. 5 A through 5D and several of the pump housing 114 features, except for having a different form factor. An additional member 500 can be provided between the main housing 542 and a fluid path housing 544 to control compression of the seal (e.g., compression of the manifold seal(s) 170a, 170b or 370a, 370b with respect to the sleeve hole 130. In FIG. 13B, a biasing component 502 such as springs 502 are provided between the main housing 542 and a fluid path housing 544. As showm in FIGs. 12C and 13D, a fixed component 504 such as a shim can be provided between the main housing 542 and a fluid path housing 544.

[0076] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments herein are capable of other embodiments, and capable of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,” "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Further, terms such as up, down, bottom, and top are relative, and are employed to aid illustration, but are not limiting.

[0077] The above-presented description and figures are intended by way of example only and are not intended to limit the illustrative embodiments in any way except as set forth in the following claims. It is particularly noted that persons skilled in the art can readily combine the various technical aspects of the various elements of the various illustrative embodiments that have been described above in numerous other ways, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . An insertable member for a pump housing of a metering pump, the pump housing having a main housing with at least one port therein that is connected to a fluid path of a pump, and a compartment configured to receive a sleeve therein, the sleeve having a fluid chamber therein and a side hole that can be aligned with the at least one port for fluid communication between the fluid chamber and the fluid path of the pump, the insertable member comprising: a body member with an aperture therein; and at least one leg extending from the body member: wherein the pump housing has at least one hole dimensioned to receive at least part of the leg of the body member, wherein the aperture is disposed on the body member to align with the at least one port of the pump housing when the leg is inserted into the hole in the pump housing.

2. An insertable member as recited in claim 1 , wherein a seal is provided between the side hole and the at least one port.

3. An insertable member as recited in claim 2, wherein the seal is provided in or at least adjacent to the at least one aperture in the body member.

4. An insertable member as recited in claim 2, wherein the seal is at least one of elastomeric, and overmolded on the body member with respect to the aperture.

5. An insertable member as recited in claim 2, wherein a selected compression of the seal is configured using selected positioning of the body member relative to the pump housing and the sleeve.

6. An insertable member as recited in claim 1 , wherein the body member has a first portion for seal adjustment, and a second portion with an anti-premature rotation member thereon for interference fit adjustment with respect to the sleeve.

7. An insertable member as recited in claim 8, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the body member comprise corresponding ones of a first piece and a second piece, the first piece being separate with respect to a second piece.

8. An insertable member as recited in claim 8, wherein the body member is a unitary piece.

9. An insertable member as recited in claim 1, wherein the pump housing is a formed as a single piece with a cavity therein that is configured to receive at least part of the sleeve.

10. An insertable member as recited in claim 1, wherein the pump housing is a formed from two pieces that define a cavity when combined, the cavity being configured to receive at least part of the sleeve.

11. An insertable member as recited in claim 10, wherein a seal is provided in or at least adjacent to the at least one aperture in the body member, and a selected compression of the seal is configured using selected positioning of the body member relative to the pump housing and the sleeve.

12. An insertable member as recited in claim 11 , wherein the seal is at least one of elastomeric, and overmolded on the body member with respect to the aperture.

13. An insertable member as recited in claim 11, the insertable member further comprising an additional member arranged between the two pieces of the pump housing to adjust distance between the sleeve and the pump housing to adjust compression on the seal.

14. An insertable member as recited in claim 13, wherein the additional member is chosen from a biasing component, a rigid component, a spring, and a shim.

15. An insertable member as recited in claim 1 , wherein the pump housing has a cavity configured to receive at least part of the sleeve, and a compartment with a surface facing the cavity and the sleeve when inserted in the pump housing, the compartment comprising a well dimensioned to receive at least part of insertable member, the well having a hole to receive at least parr of the leg, wherein dis rance of insertable member from the sleeve is adjusted by the amount of the length of leg that is inserted into the hole in the compartment.

16. An insertable member as recited in claim 1, wherein the insertable member has two opposite end portions with one end portion comprising the body member with the aperture, and another end portion comprising a detent between two depressions.

17. An insertable member as recited in claim 14, wherein the at least one port on the pump housing comprises two ports, the body member has a second aperture, the aperture and the second aperture are disposed on the body member to align with respective ones of the two ports of the pump housing when the leg is inserted into the hole in the pump housing, the side hole of the sleeve being controllably aligned with respective ones of the aperture and the second aperture during corresponding one of a discharge operation and an intake operation of the metering pump, the sleeve having an anti-premature rotation feature that cooperates with the detent and the depressions to prevent the sleeve from displacing the side hole away from the respective ones of the aperture and the second aperture until the corresponding one of the discharge operation and the intake operation is complete.

18. An insertable member as recited in claim 15, wherein the anti-premature rotation feature on the sleeve comprises a protruding member from an outer surface of the sleeve, the protruding member being aligned with the side hole along an axis of the sleeve that extends through the cavity of the pump housing, the depressions in the insertable member being dimensioned to at least partially receive the protruding member during a corresponding one of the discharge operation and the intake operation, and detent being dimensioned to prevent the protruding member from passing the detent and traveling to the other one of the two depressions until a selected amount of torque is provided on the sleeve.

19. An insertable member as recited in claim 18, wherein the pump housing has a keying hole therein that is dimensioned to receive the protruding member on the sleeve during the assembly, and wherein the sleeve is arranged after assembly to engage the protruding member with the detent and the depressions in the insertable member and prevent translational movement of the sleeve relative to the pump housing.