An infusion device includes a disc-shaped housing that is made from a
biocompatible material. The housing contains a reservoir for holding a
volume of infusion medium, such as a medication to be administered to the
patient. The inlet structure is coupled in flow communication with the
reservoir, to allow the reservoir to be filled or re-filled. The housing
has an outlet through which the infusion medium may be expelled. Any one
or combination of aspects may be employed to minimize or reduce the
required thickness T of the inlet structure and of the infusion device,
including: the selection of a convergence angle of the cone-shaped
depression to be within the range of about 60.degree. and 180.degree.
and, preferably about 150.degree.; a septum having one or more sealing
ribs or a recess for receiving a support ring, to allow the septum to be
made relatively thin without compromising sealing or support functions; a
cup member having grooves and indentations formed in its inner surfaces,
to improve flow of infusion medium without added structural thickness; a
valve member having a relatively shallow needle-receiving depression or
having a recess for receiving and sharing thickness with a the spring;
and an inlet configuration which accommodates a needle having an opening
located near its tip and, thus, employs a relatively short stroke of the
valve member between closed and open states of the valve member.