A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium has a coil and an armature
moveable
toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by
activation of the coil. A piston is moveable axially within a piston channel to
a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position.
The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is
not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed
between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium. As the
piston is moved to its forward position, the piston chamber volume is reduced and
pressure within the piston chamber increases to a point where the pressure moves
the valve member into an open position through an outlet.