Dropper, Douche, Or Eyecup For Applying Liquid To Eye Patents (Class 604/295)
  • Patent number: 8128606
    Abstract: Embodiments of an ophthalmic apparatus are disclosed for administering fluids to the eye. In one disclosed embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatus includes an eye-positioning device for assisting a subject in positioning an eye in a desired position for administering the fluid and a fluid applicator for dispensing the fluid into the eye when the eye is in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Daryl E. Anderson, John Stephen Dunfield
  • Patent number: 8099162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device of ocular iontophoresis for delivering active substances, comprising a reservoir having an outer wall and a hollow body at least partly delimited by the outer wall, wherein the hollow body is capable of receiving an electrical conductive medium and active substances contained in the medium and has an outlet defining a surface, so-called “application surface”, intended to receive a determine part of an eyeball surface, the application surface being at least partly limited by an outer line concave towards the optical axis of the eyeball, wherein the outer wall extends from the outer line with a global outwardly with respect to the said optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: EyeGate Pharma, S.A.S.
    Inventor: Pierre Roy
  • Patent number: 8007480
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a delivery device that is capable of preventing a content liquid from flowing back and achieving aseptic delivery of liquid drop (dripping), and provide a delivery container, and an eye dropper that can eliminate or reduce the use of an antiseptic agent and achieve smooth delivery of the liquid. The delivery device 10 of the present invention comprises the outlet portion 11 of a substantially bottomed tubular shape having the outlet orifice 12, the valve element support portion 13 of substantially cylindrical shape that is secured in the outlet portion 11 with a distal end 13a thereof exposed through the outlet orifice 12 to the outside of the outlet portion 11, and a valve element 14 that is secured in the outlet portion 11 with a distal end 14a thereof exposed through the outlet orifice 12 to the outside of the outlet portion 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kawashiro, Yuji Sugahara
  • Publication number: 20110184358
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulsatile ophthalmic peri-corneal drug delivery device. The device includes an annular body and a mechanism for releasing multiple separate and distinct doses of a therapeutic composition over an extended period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Alan L. Weiner, Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • Publication number: 20110144598
    Abstract: In a filtering dispenser container which includes a plug attached to a mouth portion of a bottle thereof and having a liquid discharge passage, and a filter and a check valve provided in the discharge passage, air lock is prevented, even if the container contains a highly percolative liquid, by preventing a very small amount of liquid percolating the check valve from reaching the filter. In the filtering dispenser container, a dam (14) is provided between the check valve (23) and the filter (25) for retaining a very small amount of the liquid percolating the check valve (23) when the check valve is closed. Thus, the filter (25) is prevented from being wetted with the liquid percolating the closed check valve (23) during storage or delivery of the container before the first use of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Hirokazu Mihashi, Seiji Yoshimura, Kazuko Suzuki, Yorihisa Uetake, Norio Hoshi, Shinji Matsuda, Hidetoshi Kondo
  • Publication number: 20110046582
    Abstract: A retrofit kit for an emergency eyewash station and method of retrofitting a plumbed emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The kit includes a sterile eyewash fluid source. A pump assembly having an input port and an output port is also included. The input port is configured to connect to a dispensing structure of a plumbed eyewash station and the output port is configured to connect to the sterile eyewash fluid source. A drive assembly is configured to drive the pump assembly to draw sterile eyewash fluid from the sterile eyewash fluid source and discharge it through the dispensing structure of the plumbed eyewash station. The eyewash fluid discharged from the dispensing structure is configured to drain through a discharge of the plumbed eyewash station and away from the plumbed eyewash station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: SPERIAN EYE & FACE PROTECTION, INC, Sperian Protection USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Devinat, David J. Copeland, Michael C. Pereira
  • Patent number: 7846140
    Abstract: A tip is provided for a liquid dropper which facilitates formation of a mini drop, a mini drop being a drop smaller than a standard typical drop. A conduit is provided extending from a reservoir of liquid to a tip. The tip provides a location for release of the mini drop. The tip includes a rim surrounding a port with the rim having a particularly thin wall and with the port being particularly narrow. The dimensions of the rim and port facilitate formation of the mini drop. The material forming the tip is flexible and resilient so that should the tip come into contact with sensitive structures, such as an eye of a patient, a potential for injury is minimized. Dispensers featuring the unique tip are disclosed in multiple different embodiments for attachment to a bottle of liquid to be dispensed, or to fit over an existing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: James Hagele
  • Patent number: 7837069
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to droppers that can be used at nighttime or in low-light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Melissa Helen Kroub
  • Patent number: 7832594
    Abstract: A liquid storage container (eyedrops container) comprises a container body having a liquid storage portion for containing medical liquid therein, and an instilling portion for allowing the medical liquid to flow out in an opened stage. An aerating device having a filter element and a check valve for allowing ambient air to flow in from outside and preventing the liquid from flowing out to the outside is installed at the bottom of the container body. Further, a cap having an opening member and a valve member is mountable on the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamada, Naohito Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 7833205
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Lyle Paul, Steven Roe, Donald R. Korb
  • Patent number: 7771403
    Abstract: The feed connector (270) capable of interacting with a device for delivering active principles comprising a reservoir delimited by at least two lateral walls of substantially cylindrical shape and extending opposite one another, is characterized in that it includes means (202, 203, 204, 205) for dispensing active principles into the reservoir that are arranged such that said reservoir is filled substantially uniformly between the two lateral walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Eyegate Pharma S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Roy
  • Patent number: 7758553
    Abstract: A drop dispenser has a substantially conical sleeve member with a narrow upper end and a wide lower end. Centrally located at the apex of the upper end of the sleeve member is an aperture which has an inner diameter and is circumscribed by a raised ridge. The aperture and the ridge form a nozzle. The interior space of the substantially conical sleeve member forms a substantially conical chamber between the narrow upper end and wide lower end of the sleeve member. The nozzle is in liquid communication with the chamber through the aperture. The drop dispenser may have external threads at the lower end of the sleeve member for engaging a cap having a protuberance centrally located at its internal top end for hermetically engaging the aperture of the nozzle when the cap fully engages the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Insight Vision Incorporated, R.P. Scherer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Poisson, Lyle M. Bowman
  • Publication number: 20100145287
    Abstract: This assembly is of the type including: a vessel (4) for containing liquid, the vessel (4) having a neck (14); a dispensing dropper end fitting (6) disposed at the end of the neck (14); and a cap (8) for closing the vessel (4), provided to be screwed onto the neck (14). In a preferred embodiment, the cap (8) and the neck (14) have safety element preventing the cap (8) from being unscrewed simply by applying an unscrewing torque, and allowing the cap (8) to be unscrewed when an additional action is applied together with the torque for unscrewing the cap (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: REXAM PHARMA
    Inventor: Guillaume Grevin
  • Patent number: 7658729
    Abstract: A cannula support serves in supporting a cannula relative to a non-contact lens assembly and a positioning mechanism for positioning the non-contact lens assembly. The cannula support includes a cannula holder and a gripper disposed relative to the cannula holder. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The gripper is adapted to cooperatively engage a portion of one of the non-contact lens assembly and the positioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas P. Hull
  • Patent number: 7635070
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Ben Z. Cohen, Nigel Kelly
  • Patent number: 7621897
    Abstract: The combination of a squeezable bottle containing an ophthalmic fluid and a detachable applicator apparatus for efficiently spraying the ophthalmic fluid to an eye. The applicator apparatus includes a body having an inlet end portion for attaching the applicator apparatus to the bottle and an outlet end portion for centering the applicator apparatus on the eye, a circular outer planar flange portion extending outwardly in covering relationship from said body circular outlet portion to limit the intrusion of the outlet end portion into the bony orbital ocular opening which surrounds the eye; and a soft resilient seal for sealing a nozzle when the applicator apparatus is not used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke
  • Publication number: 20090281508
    Abstract: A Combination Eye Cup and Drop Dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a nozzle within an eye cup so that the user's hand will be steadied by resting the eye cup over the eye. The eye cup is integrated with a cap that regulates the opening and closing of the dispenser bottle so that turning the eye cup will open or close the dispenser nozzle. The bottle neck has external threads configured to engage internal threads on the eye cup/cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Alvino
  • Publication number: 20090259204
    Abstract: An eye dropper with spring loaded soft tipped arms that hold open the eyelid to facilitate applying fluid eye medication drops to the eye. Eye dropper has attachment device for a bottle of liquid with a means of controllably dropping liquids into the open eye. Adjustable protrusions set maximum opening of eye and concurrently squeeze the bottle to controllably extract the eye drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Shabty Galdeti, Uzi Ezra Havdsha
  • Patent number: 7578808
    Abstract: The invention provides a suction-cleansing device that is capable of forming a swirling stream at a position close to skin and has both a cleansing and a massaging effect by adequately maintaining a state of minute air bubbles in the stream of water, comprising a vessel body having a hollow portion converging from the rear part side thereof toward the front part side thereof, an air/liquid jetting port secured at the front end portion of the vessel body, a liquid-introducing pipe 4 connected to the circumferential wall at the rear part side of the vessel body in the tangential direction, and an air/liquid jet-guiding portion that is disposed at the outer circumferential portion of the air/liquid jetting port and is widened to open from the air/liquid jetting port toward the jetting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Ryosaku Fujisato
  • Patent number: 7569037
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an atomized liquid solution upon a person, comprising a spray enclosure booth; an exhaust vent located below an anticipated user's facial area zone, the exhaust vent disposed within the bottom tray or a lower area of at least one wall or a lower area of a door and configured for exhausting ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth; a rigid conduit support defining a central air flow conduit connected to a bottom tray and pneumatically connected to an exhaust vent and providing structural integrity to the enclosure booth; an atomizing spray head assembly movably connected to the rigid conduit support and physically supported by the rigid conduit support; and an exhaust system configured to exhaust ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth by drawing atomized solution into the exhaust vent then through and out of the rigid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Spivak
  • Publication number: 20090143752
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the passive delivery of active agents into the eye of a subject. In one aspect, for example, a device for passively delivering an active agent into an eye of a subject may include a housing configured to conform to at least a portion of an eye surface, and a first reservoir component located within the housing and configured to be fluidically coupled to a first ocular surface, where the first reservoir contains an ionized active agent. The device may further include a second reservoir component located within the housing and configured to be fluidically coupled to a second ocular surface located adjacent to the first ocular surface, where the second reservoir component contains a depot forming agent having a charge that is opposite in polarity as compared to the ionized active agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: John W. Higuchi, S. Kevin Li
  • Publication number: 20090137972
    Abstract: A container (1) with a liquid-squeezing nozzle has a main body (2) having an opening (21) and collecting liquid (L), a nozzle (3) mounted on the opening (21), and a cap (4) covering the nozzle (3) and being mounted on main body (2) removable. The nozzle (3) has a storage part (33), a liquid supplying path (34), and a valve (35). The storage part (33) has rubber elasticity, and collects liquid (L) without posture of the main body (2). The liquid supplying path (34) communicates from the opening (21) to the storage part (33). The valve (35) is usually shut, and is opened to spout liquid (L) of the storage part (33) when internal pressure of the storage part (33) exceeds constant pressure by shutting the communication between the storage part (33) and the liquid supplying path (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Ryu Katayama
  • Patent number: 7527613
    Abstract: Drop dispensers are provided which comprise a first portion, the first portion including a dispensing tip, the dispensing tip including an annular groove around an outer part of the dispensing tip, and a nozzle having a through-opening; and a second portion having a closed end, wherein the first portion is angularly disposed from the second portion and the dispensing tip is distal from the closed end. Exemplary drop dispensers also provide for a removable cannula tip for conveying liquids contained within the drop dispenser to a precise location in the eye, ear, nose, or mouth. Removable cannula tips are provided comprising an aperture for dispensing liquids, and an elastomeric annular ring capable of seating in the annular groove of the dispensing tip, wherein the aperture is distal to the elastomeric annular ring. The drop dispensers described are particularly well suited for the dispensing of ophthalmic solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Rush University Medical Center
    Inventor: Bruce I. Gaynes
  • Patent number: 7503909
    Abstract: An eyedropper including a container and a cap which can be screwed onto the container unit wherein a tubular fluid instilling portion is provided at a tip of the container. An outer circumferential region of the tubular fluid instilling portion is provided with a step portion where the outer diameter of the container is smaller and whose outer diameter is substantially not reduced or changed moving towards the tip. The cap is provided with a convex seal portion, which, in the mounted condition, is in close contact with the tip and the step portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Kusu, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7438704
    Abstract: A bottomed conical hollow 6b is formed in a tip end of the container body A formed of a thermoplastic material with a liquid filled and sealed therein simultaneously during the molding process, the hollow having an inside diameter enlarging toward the tip end, and a small-diameter instilling hole 6c is penetrated through the bottom of the hollow 6b for controlling, at a set quantity, the liquid pushed out of the container body A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Kawashima, Yukio Kusu
  • Patent number: 7435241
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser closure includes a tube having a distal end. The tube has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The hydrophobic portion has an exit orifice at the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Gustavo A. Dascanio, M. Edmund Ellion
  • Publication number: 20080233053
    Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a mist of a pharmaceutical composition for ophthalmic delivery of a protein or peptide active pharmaceutical ingredient, a related method of treatment and a device useful in implementing the use and method. Disclosed is also the use of a mist for ophthalmic delivery of a pharmaceutical composition including a highly irritating penetration enhancer and an ophthalmically acceptable carrier, a related method of treatment and a device useful in implementing the use and method. Disclosed is also a device for ophthalmic administration configured to direct a mist of a pharmaceutical composition to the eye only when the eye is open. Disclosed is also a self-sterilizing device for ophthalmic administration. Disclosed is also a device and a method for increasing the bioavailability of an ophthalmically administered API in a pharmaceutical composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: PHARMALIGHT INC.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Rafi Herzog, Steven B. Koevary
  • Publication number: 20080200885
    Abstract: A treatment for dry eye syndrome. An at least partially sealed chamber including a reservoir for moisture for surrounding the eyes is disclosed. The invention may be transparent for use during the day or in association with prescription or non-prescription lenses. The moisture chamber may also be opaque to act as a blackout mask for sleeping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Mary L. Schwebel
  • Publication number: 20080177217
    Abstract: Treating of localized bacterial infection, comprising locally applying Taurolidine to the infection. A device for insertion into the body, the device comprising Taurolidine to render the device infection resistant. A medication for treating bacterial infections, comprising Taurolidine carried by one of: gels, liquid, thixotropic gels, colloidal mixtures, dispensal suspensions, injectable polymers, or a microparticle. A method for treating blood, comprising: removing blood from the body; treating the blood with Taurolidine; and returning the treated blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
  • Patent number: 7374559
    Abstract: A system for delivering a drop of liquid to an eye of a subject, wherein the instrument has a receiver to receive a liquid to be delivered to the eye of the subject, a transfer portion to receive the liquid from the receiver to advance a drop of the liquid by gravity and capillary action through a capillary tube to a lower discharge outlet whereat the drop of liquid breaks away and drops from the capillary tube, and a lid retractor supported adjacent to the discharge outlet of the capillary tube, for being pressed against the lower lid of the subject to form a cul-de-sac at the lower lid. The lower discharge outlet of the capillary tube is positioned adjacent to and above the lid retractor in a position to deposit the drop of liquid into the cul-de-sac.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Steven T. Berger, Richard P. Gibralter
  • Patent number: 7325708
    Abstract: An ocular positioning device threadably attached to a standard soft sided squeeze bottle of ophthalmic fluid. The device consists of two parts, an attaching mechanism and a sealing mechanism, connected by a hinge with motion limited to ninety degrees of arc. The sealing mechanism is fitted with a nose bridge saddle designed to rest on the bridge of the users nose and to align the discharge nozzle with the central portion of the ocular opening of either of the users eyes when the attaching hinge is in the fully open position. The sealing mechanism is also fitted with a manually operated latch to maintain the sealing mechanism in the closed and sealed condition to prevent leakage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Rory Barber
  • Patent number: 7309329
    Abstract: Apparatus for attaching to a squeeze bottle or other dispenser for delivering drops to an eye comprises an axial member and a laterally extending leg. The axial member is attached to the bottle and receives drops or liquid therefrom. The leg is rested against the patient's nose bridge so that it directs fluid to a trough and releases drops into the eye after a predetermined threshold volume is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan H. Cress
  • Publication number: 20070282241
    Abstract: An applicator system and assembly is provided with a user-friendly medical applicator device and closure cap for easy and effective application of medicine or other material. The applicator device comprises an ergonomically designed front applicator portion, a special intermediate applicator portion, and a multi-use handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Meryl J. Squires
  • Publication number: 20070244450
    Abstract: A portable eye washer is described including a bladder, which may be disposable, filled with an eye-washing solution such as water or a solution specially-designed for cleaning eyes. The bladder may be made of rubber, a thin plastic, or other material so long as the bladder material is generally not permeable to the eye washing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Donald Wieczorek
  • Publication number: 20070219511
    Abstract: An emergency eyewash station and dispensing structure therefore is disclosed. The emergency eyewash station includes a main body configured and arranged to hold and dispense eyewash fluid therefrom, an actuator arm assembly movable from a closed position to an open position, and a dispensing structure having an eyepiece sealed by a membrane. The eyepiece is in fluid connection with the eyewash fluid contained in the main body. The dispensing structure is removably coupled to the actuator arm assembly such that when the actuator arm assembly is moved from the closed position to the open position, the membrane is unsealed and the eyewash fluid dispenses from the eyepiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: FENDALL, INC.
    Inventors: Benoit Devinat, Michael C. Pereira, Petrillo Breck
  • Patent number: 7244246
    Abstract: An eyewash system is disclosed. The eyewash system includes a mounting apparatus and a container coupled to the mounting apparatus and having a removable portion. Movement of the container relative to the mounting apparatus separates the removable portion from the container to provide an opening in the container. The removable portion may be provided on a cap coupled to the container. The container may be coupled to the mounting apparatus by a retaining device (such as a pin) inserted through one or more members extending from the base and through a tab extending from the removable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bradley Fixtures Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Val Madritsch, Thomas A. Jones, Jennifer Zajicek
  • Patent number: 7241279
    Abstract: A portable eye washer is described including a bladder, which may be disposable, filled with an eye-washing solution such as water or a solution specially-designed for cleaning eyes. The bladder may be made of rubber, a thin plastic, or other material so long as the bladder material is generally not permeable to the eye washing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Donald Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 7235065
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for an eyedropper comprising a base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces wherein the base has at least one interface for receiving the eyedropper. There is also a support coupled to the base and extending from the bottom surface of this base. Extending out from this support is a first leg and a second leg. These legs branch apart to form a slot or support groove therebetween. There is also a track formed on the bottom surface of the base wherein the support is adjustably coupled to the track so that the support can slide along the track. At least one band can be coupled to the base. The band is allows an eyedropper to attach to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Peter H. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7178703
    Abstract: A terminally sterilizable container includes a polypropylene bottle having a body with a manually squeezable sidewall and a thickness preventing water loss. The bottle body includes shoulders for providing autoclave produced pressure distribution and deformation resistance along with an elongated tips outfitted to a neck of the body and having a lumen therethrough with a drop dispensing orifice. A cap enclosed the elongated tip and includes enclosed with a nub for sealing the orifice to prevent autoclave produced pressure leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Lon T. Spada, Paul T. Butorac, Scott J. Gerondale
  • Patent number: 7070071
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for a liquid product, the apparatus comprising a) a housing (2) or frame (3), b) a receptacle (4) for the liquid with a feed nozzle (4a) arranged substantially stationary with respect to the housing or frame, c) a dosing chamber (11) having an orifice (11a), d) a mechanism arranged to allow at least ejection of liquid through the orifice and e) a through passage (7) arranged to allow the ejected liquid to pass in a direction different from the feed nozzle or opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Bohdan Pavlu, Hans Himbert, Christian Péclat, Emmanuel Gremion, Daniel Siegfried, Alain Saurer, Joel Fontannaz
  • Patent number: 7063687
    Abstract: An eye fluid applicator comprising a) a hand grip part having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end and the proximal end defining a axis therebetween and a distal direction and a proximal direction along said axis, b) a container, or a seat for a container, having a bottle part and a delivery orifice for delivery of a stream or drops, the orifice defining a fluid delivery axis and a fluid delivery direction, along said axis, from the bottle through the orifice, the container being arranged with its orifice closer to the proximal end than the distal end, and c) an eye cup part having a rim and a cavity, the rim defining a contact plane, a contact axis normal to said contact plane and a contact direction, along said contact axis, from the cavity towards the rim, the eye cup being arranged at the orifice and the proximal direction of the hand grip and the contact direction of the eye cup forming an acute angle therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Benktzon, Henric Bjarke, Carl-Göran Crafoord, Hans Himbert, Stig Mannberg, Ann-Marie Svensson, Jonas Törnsten
  • Patent number: 6918896
    Abstract: A self contained, user powered, portable bidet apparatus to facilitate and provide cleansing action with versatility, comfort and convenience. An ergonomically designed vessel (20) with a discharge nozzle (22) and nozzle tip (24) attached and angled (FIG. 6A) so as to vigorously discharge a cleansing stream of fluid when the vessel (20) is filled with fluid, inverted, pivoted into position under the anus or genital area and user compressed with hand pressure. Easy to fill with a wide range of solutions, and solution temperatures, lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, unbreakable, and versatile the apparatus can incorporate detachable nozzle tips (26) allowing the user to customize water pressure and flow characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: John B. McMurdo
  • Patent number: 6875201
    Abstract: In an eye drops container, a barrel portion 2 in the form of a flexible hollow cylinder defines a dent portion 7 which can be gripped with two fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Kawashima, Yukio Kusu, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6869421
    Abstract: A device (10) for non-gravity presentation of a droplet (16) of a liquid (12). The device includes an applicator (20) for forming the droplet and a squeeze-type bottle (18) that contains the liquid used to form the droplet. The applicator includes an upwardly-facing presentation surface (36) upon which the droplet is formed. One or more capillary tubes (38) communicate liquid from inside the bottle to the presentation surface via an uptake tube (40) when a user squeezes the bottle. Each capillary tube has a diameter of no greater than about 0.0787 inch (2 mm). Once the droplet has been formed, the user may tilt the device up to a critical tilt angle ?critical, above which the droplet will fall from the presentation surface. When the device is tilted to a tilt angle ? less than or equal to the critical tilt angle, capillary attraction between the droplet and the capillary tube(s) retains the droplet on the presentation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Gary L. Hanley
  • Publication number: 20040267214
    Abstract: An ophthalmic device is provided for administering fluid eye medication from a dispenser (5) to a human eye, said device comprising a housing (1) comprising a base portion (2) having a first opening (4), whereby the dispenser (5) is releasably engaged with the base portion (2) and the nozzle of the dispenser is assembled through the said first opening (4), and at least one positioning member (3) extending outwardly from the base portion (5) having an edge at the outer end to be placed against the head of a user adjacent to the eye to keep the said dispenser (5) at a predetermined distance from the eye, wherein said base portion (2) further comprises a second opening (8) providing a target for directing the eye upon administering the fluid eye medication to the eye, and in that said base portion (2) has, on its side directed towards the eye, an entirely or partially reflecting and/or colour-discriminating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Geert Kerssies
  • Publication number: 20040210203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an eyedropper including a container unit (A) made of a thermoplastic material and a cap (B) which can be screwed onto the container unit, wherein a tubular fluid instilling portion (6), which is provided at a tip of the container unit, is depressed into a bottomed conical concave portion (6b) whose internal diameter expands towards its tip side, and a instilling hole (6c) is formed or can be formed in the bottom portion of this concave portion, and wherein the cap (B) is provided with a first convex seal portion (15), which, in a mounted condition, seals the concave portion (6b) of the container unit (A). It is an object of the present invention to provide an eyedropper that will improve further the sealability between the cap and the container unit when the cap is screwed onto the container unit, and with which an appropriate single drop delivery volume can be set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Yukio Kusu, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6758837
    Abstract: A device and use method for ejecting a liquid stream towards an eye, the stream moving from a proximal position towards a distal position, the device comprising a) a housing, b) a container for the liquid, c) at least one opening arranged for ejection of the stream and being in fluid communication with the container, d) a pump mechanism operable to deliver at least part of the liquid from the container through the opening to form the stream and e) an eyecup with a contact surface arranged for contact with the eye or its facial surroundings. The eyecup is arranged movable with respect to the opening or housing between at least two positions i) an active position with said eyecup contact surface at a defined safety distance to the opening and ii) a rest position with the eyecup contact surface at a position more proximal than in the active position and a sensor is arranged to allow discrimination between the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Pharmacia AB
    Inventors: Christian Péclat, Emmanuel Gremion, Alain Saurer, Daniel Siegfried, Stefan Käser, Beat Villiger, Hans Himbert
  • Publication number: 20040111070
    Abstract: A device (10) for non-gravity presentation of a droplet (16) of a liquid (12). The device includes an applicator (20) for forming the droplet and a squeeze-type bottle (18) that contains the liquid used to form the droplet. The applicator includes an upwardly-facing presentation surface (36) upon which the droplet is formed. One or more capillary tubes (38) communicate liquid from inside the bottle to the presentation surface via an uptake tube (40) when a user squeezes the bottle. Each capillary tube has a diameter of no greater than about 0.0787 inch (2 mm). Once the droplet has been formed, the user may tilt the device up to a critical tilt angle &agr;critical, above which the droplet will fall from the presentation surface. When the device is tilted to a tilt angle &agr; less than or equal to the critical tilt angle, capillary attraction between the droplet and the capillary tube(s) retains the droplet on the presentation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Gary L. Hanley
  • Patent number: 6736802
    Abstract: An eye-drop applicator for directing eye-drop solution into a user's eye without the user blinking one's eye. The eye-drop applicator includes a container having a neck portion and also having an open end for storing eye-drop solution; and also includes a lid having a wall and being closable upon the open end of the container; and further includes a tubular eyedropper member being attached to the lid and through which eye-drops are dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Shai Recanati
  • Patent number: 6728573
    Abstract: An iontophoretic apparatus comprising a housing member, a current distribution member, a medicament containment member and a handle member. The current distribution member is associated with the housing member. The medicament containment member is associated with the current distribution member. The handle member is associated with the housing member. The handle member facilitates the positioning and placement of the iontophoretic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Iomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon E. Beck, Alexander K. Koss