Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluid are disclosed. An exemplary
apparatus is a miniature pump that includes a shape memory wire that
obtains a plastic condition below a transformation temperature and has a
memorized shape such that the shape memory wire produces a work stroke by
returning to the memorize shape at least at the transformation
temperature. A spring biased against the shape memory wire is deflected
by the work stroke to deform the shape memory wire from the memorized
shape below the transformation temperature. A fluid pump is coupled to
the shape memory wire and driven by the biased spring and shape memory
wire to produce a fluid flow. The miniature pump can be incorporated into
a self-contained infusion device in the form of a compact self-adhesive
patch including a fluid reservoir, control electronics and power supply
that is place directly at the infusion site of a user.