An Implantable Microbolus Pump With Contactless Rechargeable Battery Power Source Triggered by Remote Activation

We describe the design and testing of an implantable miniature infusion pump that uses a rechargeable battery as a power source. This design includes a receiver printed coil that allows inductive power transfer from a transmitter coil wound around a 20 cm diameter charging unit and a frequency-gated optical sensor that allows activation of the pump at a distance using pulses of infrared light. This mini pump can be charged in the home cage by inductive power transfer, and then operates independently from its power link in freely moving animals.