Abstract: The subject invention provides a surgical instrument support assembly which includes an enclosure defining an opening; a light transmissive pane located at least partially across the opening and defining a support surface; and, a light source located inside the enclosure for generating light to be transmitted through the light transmissive pane. A sterilizable light transmissive surgical instrument support may be also provided to be disposed over at least a portion of the light transmissive pane. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an assembly is provided which includes a sterilized surface for supporting surgical instruments which is backlit. With this arrangement, surgical instruments may be supported and illuminated from beneath to aid a medical practitioner in identifying the surgical instruments.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a surgical instrument support assembly which includes an enclosure defining an opening; a light transmissive pane located at least partially across the opening and defining a support surface; and, a light source located inside the enclosure for generating light to be transmitted through the light transmissive pane. A sterilizable light transmissive surgical instrument support may be also provided to be disposed over at least a portion of the light transmissive pane. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an assembly is provided which includes a sterilized surface for supporting surgical instruments which is backlit. With this arrangement, surgical instruments may be supported and illuminated from beneath to aid a medical practitioner in identifying the surgical instruments.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided herein for ophthalmic dispensers which is configured to accommodate microdosing. The nozzle includes a converging pathway. Preferably, the pathway converges so as to impart momentum to liquid passing therethrough through an increase of velocity. A tapered portion may be provided flared openly from the inlet to best accept liquid flow thereinto and provide a funneling effect into the flowpath. Preferably, the flowpath terminates at an outlet which is internally un-radiused and circumscribed by a chamfered surface.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided herein for ophthalmic dispensers which is configured to accommodate microdosing. The nozzle includes a converging pathway. Preferably, the pathway converges so as to impart momentum to liquid passing therethrough through an increase of velocity. A tapered portion may be provided flared openly from the inlet to best accept liquid flow thereinto and provide a funneling effect into the flowpath. Preferably, the flowpath terminates at an outlet which is internally un-radiused and circumscribed by a chamfered surface.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a surgical instrument support assembly which includes an enclosure defining an opening; a light transmissive pane located at least partially across the opening and defining a support surface; and, a light source located inside the enclosure for generating light to be transmitted through the light transmissive pane. A sterilizable light transmissive surgical instrument support may be also provided to be disposed over at least a portion of the light transmissive pane. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an assembly is provided which includes a sterilized surface for supporting surgical instruments which is backlit. With this arrangement, surgical instruments may be supported and illuminated from beneath to aid a medical practitioner in identifying the surgical instruments.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a surgical instrument support assembly which includes an enclosure defining an opening; a light transmissive pane located at least partially across the opening and defining a support surface; and, a light source located inside the enclosure for generating light to be transmitted through the light transmissive pane. A sterilizable light transmissive surgical instrument support may be also provided to be disposed over at least a portion of the light transmissive pane. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an assembly is provided which includes a sterilized surface for supporting surgical instruments which is backlit. With this arrangement, surgical instruments may be supported and illuminated from beneath to aid a medical practitioner in identifying the surgical instruments.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a surgical instrument support assembly which includes an enclosure defining an opening; a light transmissive pane located at least partially across the opening and defining a support surface; and, a light source located inside the enclosure for generating light to be transmitted through the light transmissive pane. A sterilizable light transmissive surgical instrument support may be also provided to be disposed over at least a portion of the light transmissive pane. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an assembly is provided which includes a sterilized surface for supporting surgical instruments which is backlit. With this arrangement, surgical instruments may be supported and illuminated from beneath to aid a medical practitioner in identifying the surgical instruments.

Abstract: Various pump features are provided. In a first aspect of the subject invention, an evaporation-reduction feature is provided, wherein a pump having an actuator with a nozzle is provided with a releasable cap having a first shield located to entrap a fixed volume of air about the nozzle. In a second aspect, a check valve element return feature is provided wherein a valve seat is located along the pump's internal fluid passage with a plurality of delectable spring arms extending therefrom being deflectable in response to movement of a check valve element away from the valve seat. In a third aspect, a complaint shut-off valve feature is provided. In a fourth aspect, a fluid trapping well is provided, wherein fluid may be trapped within the well portion at various angular orientations of the pump to communicate directly with the pump inlet.

Abstract: An inlet for a pump is provided herein including a first elongated component and a tubular second elongated component disposed coaxially about the first elongated component so as to define a space therebetween. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an inlet for a pump can be provided which can be modularly formed from components. In this manner, the components can be manufactured, e.g., by molding, and assembled with a pump, thereby avoiding the difficulties associated with the manufacture and assembly of dip tubes.

Abstract: Various pump features are provided. In a first aspect of the subject invention, an evaporation-reduction feature is provided, wherein a pump having an actuator with a nozzle is provided with a releasable cap having a first shield located to entrap a fixed volume of air about the nozzle. In a second aspect, a check valve element return feature is provided wherein a valve seat is located along the pump's internal fluid passage with a plurality of delectable spring arms extending therefrom being deflectable in response to movement of a check valve element away from the valve seat. In a third aspect, a complaint shut-off valve feature is provided. In a fourth aspect, a fluid trapping well is provided, wherein fluid may be trapped within the well portion at various angular orientations of the pump to communicate directly with the pump inlet.

Abstract: Various pump features are provided. In a first aspect, a pump is provided having an actuator with a nozzle and a releasable cap having a first shield located to entrap a fixed volume of air about the nozzle. In a second aspect, a valve seat is located along a pump's internal fluid passage with deflectable spring arms extending therefrom that are-deflectable in response to movement of a check valve element. In a third aspect, a compliant shut-off valve feature is provided, wherein, a first end of a tubular piston is deflectable in response to interferingly engaging the head of the poppet. In a fourth aspect, a pump includes a pump inlet, and a reservoir having a first portion and a second well portion in open fluid communication. Fluid may be trapped within the well portion at various angular orientations of the pump.

Abstract: A method is provided of treating an eye with ophthalmologically active compounds, particularly with intra-ocular pressure lowering (IOP) compounds, where a dose of 5-15 microliters is delivered at a standard concentration.

Abstract: Various pump features are provided. In a first aspect, a pump is provided having an actuator with a nozzle and a releasable cap having a first shield located to entrap a fixed volume of air about the nozzle. In a second aspect, a valve seat is located along a pump's internal fluid passage with deflectable spring arms extending therefrom that are-deflectable in response to movement of a check valve element. In a third aspect, a compliant shut-off valve feature is provided, wherein, a first end of a tubular piston is deflectable in response to interferingly engaging the head of the poppet. In a fourth aspect, a pump includes a pump inlet, and a reservoir having a first portion and a second well portion in open fluid communication. Fluid may be trapped within the well portion at various angular orientations of the pump.

Abstract: An inlet for a pump is provided herein including a first elongated component and a tubular second elongated component disposed coaxially about the first elongated component so as to define a space therebetween. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an inlet for a pump can be provided which can be modularly formed from components. In this manner, the components can be manufactured, e.g., by molding, and assembled with a pump, thereby avoiding the difficulties associated with the manufacture and assembly of dip tubes.

Abstract: Various pump features are provided. In a first aspect, a pump is provided having an actuator with a nozzle and a releasable cap having a first shield located to entrap a fixed volume of air about the nozzle. In a second aspect, a valve seat is located along a pump's internal fluid passage with deflectable spring arms extending therefrom that are deflectable in response to movement of a check valve element. In a third aspect, a compliant shut-off valve feature is provided, wherein, a first end of a tubular piston is deflectable in response to interferingly engaging the head of the poppet. In a fourth aspect, a pump includes a pump inlet, and a reservoir having a first portion and a second well portion in open fluid communication. Fluid may be trapped within the well portion at various angular orientations of the pump.

Abstract: To overcome shortcomings of the prior art, the subject invention is provided which includes various dropper bottle designs and dropper bottle assemblies including accessories for dropper bottles. With certain aspects of the subject invention, improvements in the administration of eye drops is provided by adding accessories or modifications to conventional dropper bottles, so that doses and/or single drops may be administered in a repeatable and reliable manner. More specifically, certain embodiments use devices (10, 300) to restrict the amount the dropper bottle (12) is deformed in administering a dose; other embodiments rely on mechanical reduction of interior volume (without deformation of the dropper bottle (12)) to administer a dose, such as with a displaceable piston (500, 602); and, yet, a further embodiment provides a valving arrangement (402, 404) to limit a dose.

Abstract: A method is provided of treating an eye with ophthalmologically active compounds, particularly with intra-ocular pressure lowering (IOP) compounds, where a dose of 5-15 microliters is delivered at a standard concentration.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the subject invention, a method is provided for preparing a pump assembly which includes providing a glass or plastic eyedrop vial having a predetermined ophthalmic fluid therein; providing a pump mechanism having a pump inlet; and, securing the pump mechanism to the vial with the pump inlet extending into the vial to form a pump assembly. With the subject invention, a pump assembly can be advantageously formed using standard glass or plastic eyedrop vials. In a second aspect of the subject invention, a method is provided of preparing a pump assembly which includes providing an eyedrop dispenser having a dropper portion and a vial; removing the dropper portion from the vial; providing a pump mechanism having a pump inlet; and, securing the pump mechanism to the vial with the pump inlet extending into the vial to form a pump assembly.

Abstract: With the subject invention, a pump may be formed that generally includes a reservoir formed to accommodate at least one fluid dose, and a fluid-collecting chamber in communication with the reservoir. The fluid-collecting chamber is located such that fluid from the reservoir is fed thereinto, preferably gravitationally. A piston is disposed to reversibly slide within at least a dose-control portion of the fluid-collecting chamber, and the piston is configured such that upon sliding within the dose-control portion, the piston seals or substantially seals the dose-control portion from other portions of the fluid collecting chamber. The piston is configured to displace a volume of fluid from the sealed or substantially sealed dose-control portion which is approximately equal to or greater than the volume of one of the doses of the pump. A nozzle is also provided which is located such that the fluid displaced by the piston from the dose-control portion is generally urged towards the nozzle.

Abstract: A pre-compression pump (10) dispenses microdoses of fluid (F). The pump minimizes pulsing due to pressure fluctuations. The pump is provided with the following to limit pulsing: a low force slow return velocity return spring (46); enlarged fluid passage (58); elastic bumper (74); and, a rachet tooth (76) bearing against the stem (44). Further, a deflectable diaphragm (90), a splined (70) stem (44), no dip tube, and an off-center, gravitational low-point pump inlet (62) assist in printing the pump. The pump includes a stem (44) with deflectable fingers (92) to ensure sufficient momentum in pump operation. Detents (118) and grooves (120) selectively lock a nozzle cap (14) in an inoperative position. To ensure cleanliness, nozzle (60) cleaning is provided, wiping of the nozzle to remove meniscus (M) therefrom, cuts (104) formed in a shroud (98) assist in drawing excess fluid from the nozzle, and an empty volume (108) for collecting fluid run-off from the nozzle.