Having Means For Metering Liquid Flow To Eye Patents (Class 604/298)
  • 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
  • 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: 7166090
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a monolithic medicine dropper, for storing and dispensing liquids, includes a first portion resiliently compressible at one end. Also included is at least a second portion fluidly connected with the first portion and being essentially rigid and hollow and having an opening. At least one of the portions includes written indicia thereon indicating liquid capacities and content levels of the dropper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Joseph C. Cacciola
  • Patent number: 7077831
    Abstract: An eye fluid applicator is adapted for connection to the mouth of a bottle containing an ophthalmic liquid and comprises means for dispensing ophthalmic liquid from the bottle in metered amounts and in a manner which avoids contacting the eye with the applicator. The applicator includes a metering member that has a metering cavity for holding a small amount of liquid and which is movable between a first position in which the metering cavity is disposed to receive liquid from the container and a second position in which it allows the liquid to spill out of the cavity into a holding chamber, and manually operable pneumatic means for removing liquid from the holding chamber and expelling it through a discharge orifice in the form of a narrow spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Stephanie Skolik
  • 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: 20040102742
    Abstract: A wave-guide having an isolated coupling interface. In one variation, a constant negative pressure is maintained around the area surrounding the wave-guide. Coupling liquid may be directed to the tip of the wave-guide to provide the coupling interface between the wave-guide and a source fluid container. The suction from the constant negative pressure may remove excess coupling liquid and isolating the coupling liquid to the area around the tip of the wave-guide. The wave-guide assembly may also include mechanisms for adjusting the volume of fluid at the tip of the wave-guide. When the position of the wave-guide is displaced, fluid compensation mechanism may increase or decrease the volume of fluids at the distal end of the wave-guide to maintain proper coupling between the wave-guide and the source fluid container. Methods for utilizing negative pressure around the distal end of the wave-guide to isolate the coupling liquid are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Van Tuyl
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040039355
    Abstract: Fluid dispensing devices and methods according to specific embodiments of the invention include a device for ejecting or otherwise dispensing medication, for example eye medication, or other fluid or substance. A thermal ejector is optionally provided to aid in the dispensing. A control device, for example a microprocessor, controls the thermal ejector. Communications to and from a remote location are also optionally provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jose M. Gonzalez, Orlando E. Ruiz
  • Patent number: 6595970
    Abstract: An ophthalmic device for dispensing of an eyedrop from a resilient eyedrop dispenser. The ophthalmic device has an upper body portion having a front portion, first and second lever arm members rigidly connected to the front portion and extending in a longitudinal direction therefrom with distal ends of the arm members being spaced apart. An opening in the upper body portion for receiving the eyedrop container with outlet pointing down. Squeezing the arm members together reduces the opening thereby dispensing an eyedrop. An alignment projection is attached to the upper body portion and has a lower distal end for resting on an user facial area, thereby facilitating maintaining the outlet of the eyedropper container in alignment with a recipient eye. Sighting apertures are also provide to further insure proper alignment over the eye. The ophthalmic device has a shape effective for producing by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: James L. Davidian
  • Patent number: 6565543
    Abstract: A drop dispenser having a sleeve carrying a closure and resilient dosage receiving fitting. The sleeve is treadably mounted on a fluid containing container having a nipple thereon. The closure on the sleeve has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the nipple for sealing the nipple in the closed position. The fitting is filled with fluid from the container by turning the sleeve in a direction away from the closed position on the nipple to an open position to thereby establish fluid communication between the container and fitting. The fluid is dispensed from the fitting by squeezing the fitting after the closure has been returned to the closed position on the nipple, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from the resilient fitting back into the container. Cooperating stop members are provided between the sleeve and bottle neck to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the bottle neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Buehler
  • Patent number: 6533764
    Abstract: Apparatus for instilling a medicament into an eye includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a chamber disposed in the housing for containing a medicament. A nozzle is provided for instilling a dose of medicament into an eye and an actuator meters doses of medicament from the chamber to the nozzle and forces each metered dose through the nozzle upon axial displacement of the actuator along housing longitudinal axis. A spring causes the axial displacement of the actuator upon release of the spring from a compressed state. A collar disposed for rotation about the housing longitudinal axis is provided by compressing the spring by twisting the collar about the housing longitudinal axis and a trigger disposed in a housing is provided for releasing the compressed spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Haffner, Patrick A. Myall, Bill Evans
  • Patent number: 6524287
    Abstract: Apparatus for instilling a medicament into an eye includes a housing, a reservoir, disposed in the housing and movable therein along a longitudinal axis, for containing a medicament and a nozzle disposed for instilling a dose of the medicament into an eye. An actuator is disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle for metering doses of medicament from the reservoir to the nozzle and forcing each metered dose through said nozzle upon acceleration of said actuator. A spring causes longitudinal displacement of the reservoir toward a housing rear upon release of the spring from a compressed state and a depressible button disposed at the housing rear that moves the reservoir in a forward direction toward a housing front to cause compression of said spring. A trigger, disposed in the housing releases the compressed spring and causes rearward movement of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics
    Inventor: John J. Cogger
  • Publication number: 20030032930
    Abstract: An eye drop dispensing device includes a trough member with a space to receive a cartridge housing enclosing a collapsible bag containing an ophthalmic liquid and comprising a spring finger applying pressure to the bag. The bag includes a wall pierced by a needle coupling the liquid to pump means through a one-way valve. The pump means includes a plunger biased to a resting position establishing a dosage chamber. Actuator means moves the plunger to enlarge the dosage chamber, causing a drop in pressure which draws a predetermined quantity of the liquid through the one-way valve into the dosage chamber. The actuator means then releases the plunger so that it moves to compress the dosage chamber to pump the liquid in the dosage chamber through a second one-way valve to spray the liquid through pinholes formed in a nozzle angled to direct the liquid as eye drops to the user's eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Vista Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Branch
  • Patent number: 6506183
    Abstract: Apparatus for operating eye drop dispenser is provided which includes a four bar link system in order to enable cocking firing and resetting of an actuator for dispensing eye drops upon a single button depression by a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics
    Inventor: John J. Cogger
  • Publication number: 20020193757
    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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Maria Benktzon, Henric Bjarke, Carl-Goran Crafoord, Hans Himbert, Stig Mannberg, Ann-Marie Svensson, Jonas Tornsten
  • Patent number: 6450994
    Abstract: Apparatus for multi-dose delivery of preservative-free pharmaceuticals includes a film laminate flexible container for holding and maintaining a sterile drug formulation. A nozzle disposed within the container and in fluid communication therewith provides for dropwise dispensing of the formulation from the flexible container. The nozzle includes an interface established by inner and outer portions of the nozzle which is normally sealed. The nozzle out of portion is sufficiently flexible to enable expansion thereof and passage of the dry formulation therethrough by a piston which withdraws selected volumes of the formulation from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. C. Boyles, John S. Kent
  • Publication number: 20020107493
    Abstract: Apparatus for operating eye drop dispenser is provided which includes a four bar link system in order to enable cocking firing and resetting of an actuator for dispensing eye drops upon a single button depression by a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: John J. Cogger
  • Patent number: 6419663
    Abstract: The present invention mechanically propelled, liquid metered dispenser includes a main housing with liquid storage and a liquid advancing component for either allowing liquid to flow out or assisting in the flow of liquid out of the main housing by exerting pressure, into a metered dosage dispensing chamber in response to a loading movement of a cocking mechanism. The chamber has an inlet connected to the main housing with a one-way valve to only permit flow of liquid into the chamber. The chamber also has an outlet orifice for dispensing liquid therefrom in a metered amount. The chamber has a reciprocal plunger and has a load and release component connected to it, which includes a cocking mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a spring. The cocking mechanism is functionally connected to the plunger so as to move in harmony therewith, or, more preferably, to move a relatively short distance relative to the distance traveled by the cocking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: John E. Harrold
  • Patent number: 6413246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metered, mechanically propelled, liquid dispenser. It has a main body cylinder having liquid and liquid advancing mechanism for advancing the liquid into a metered dosage dispensing chamber. There is a cocking mechanism which includes a lock pin, a stressed slot and a rest slot. When the cocking mechanism is locked, the advancing means is moved and liquid is ready for firing from the metered dosage dispensing chamber through a dispensing orifice. The cocking mechanism is slowly rotated while holding the main body cylinder vertically and the pin is manually moved into the rest slot thereby causing a plunger to be forced by a spring to push against a stop on a trigger which advances the trigger to rapidly force the liquid out of the metered dosage dispensing chamber through the dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice includes a one-way valve which allows the liquid to be dispensed while preventing air from returning to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: John E. Harrold
  • Patent number: 6398766
    Abstract: An eye wash system including a first base member slidable on a second base member from a retracted storage position to an extended operative position. One base member has an eye piece on its front end. The other base member pivotally supports a coupling assembly on which a flexible squeeze bottle is attached. A fluid line from the coupling assembly leads to a spray nozzle mounted on the front end of the other base member. A seal structure on the back side of the eye piece is moved rectilinearly into engagement with the spray nozzle to seal it when the one base member is in its retracted storage position. The bottom wall of the other base member has a resilient tongue with a detent ridge at its free end. Detent grooves on the coupling assembly cooperate with the detent ridge to latch it in the vertical or horizontal positions of the coupling assembly. Modifications of the spray nozzle include means for metering the liquid to be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Vista Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Branch
  • Patent number: 6344047
    Abstract: An instrument for inserting a lacrimal punctum plug and a method of manufacturing the instrument. A body having an insertion portion, a flexible portion, and a handle portion is molded around a shaft. Deforming the flexible portion reduces the effective length of the shaft to draw the shaft into the instrument. A plug supported on the shaft is released when the shaft is withdrawn. Finger pads on the flexible portion properly position fingers of medical personnel using the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eagle Vision
    Inventors: Bret Price, Nicholas J. Webb
  • Patent number: 6254579
    Abstract: Apparatus for instilling a medicament into an eye includes a rigid housing for containing a reservoir of medicament and a nozzle for instilling a dose of the medicament into an eye. A displacement pump, sealing a front end of the rigid housing and in fluid communication with the reservoir, provides for metering doses of medicament from the reservoir to the nozzle and for forcing each metered dose through the nozzle. A stopper, slidably disposed within a rear end of the rigid housing, provides for gradually decreasing the housing volume containing the medicament reservoir. A diaphragm provides for accommodating transient decreases in the volume containing the medicament reservoir during metering of doses therefrom by the displacement pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Allergan Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Cogger, David S. Haffner
  • Patent number: 6168581
    Abstract: A drop dispenser having a sleeve carrying a closure and resilient dosage receiving fitting. The sleeve is treadably mounted an a fluid containing container having a nipple thereon. The closure on the sleeve has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the nipple for sealing the nipple in the closed position. The fitting is filled with fluid from the container by turning the sleeve in a direction away from the closed position on the nipple to an open position to thereby establish fluid communication between the container and fitting. The fluid is dispensed from the fitting by squeezing the fitting after the closure has been returned to the closed position on the nipple, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from the resilient fitting back into the container. Cooperating stop members are provided between the sleeve and bottle neck to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the bottle neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Buehler
  • Patent number: 5997518
    Abstract: Device and method for delivering small microliter volumes of liquid preparations to the eye or other body part utilizing a gas stream to induce a controlled, preselected volume of liquid into the gas stream and to deliver the liquid in the form of small droplets to the desired site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Robert A. Laibovitz, Robert L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5944702
    Abstract: An apparatus is used to apply medicament to an eye and stores the medicament in a medicament chamber. A nozzle is coupled in fluid communication with the medicament chamber and is formed by an outer nozzle portion and an inner nozzle portion received within the outer nozzle portion. A seam is formed by the interface of the inner nozzle portion and the outer nozzle portion and is normally in a closed position to prevent the passage of medicament through the nozzle. The seam opens in response to the flow of medicament of sufficient pressure into the seam to permit the passage of medicament through the nozzle for release into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Instill & Co.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5746728
    Abstract: A pump for delivering a fluid contained in an elastic phial includes a pump body and a movable piston fitted inside the pump body. The front end of the pump body is located on a fluid-outlet side, and the front end includes an outlet orifice (11) sealed off by an elastic membrane (24). The outlet orifice is connected to a pump duct (18) inside the pump body, and the pump duct 18 is in turn connected to a fluid-inlet orifice (15). An end (2) of the movable piston is hermetically fitted within the pump duct (18) with slight friction, and the displacement of the end (2) of the piston relative to the portion of the pump body between the inlet orifice (15) and the a stop position (16) near the outlet orifice (11) determines the quantity of fluid expelled from the pump body. The inlet orifice allows a predetermined quantity of fluid to be trapped at the end of the pump duct (18) before being expelled through the outlet orifice (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5685869
    Abstract: An apparatus is used to apply medicament to an eye and stores the medicament in a medicament chamber. A nozzle is coupled in fluid communication with the medicament chamber and is formed by an outer nozzle portion and an inner nozzle portion received within the outer nozzle portion. A seam is formed by the interface of the inner nozzle portion and the outer nozzle portion and is normally in a closed position to prevent the passage of medicament through the nozzle. The seam opens in response to the flow of medicament of sufficient pressure into the seam to permit the passage of medicament through the nozzle for release into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Daniel Py
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5665079
    Abstract: A slide for an eye drop dispenser. The slide, which may be secured to a container, is formed with a longitudinally extending channel and a distal end configured to rest against the lower eyelid of an individual during administration of a drop to the eye. The dispensed drop rolls along the channel and into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Norman O. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5630793
    Abstract: A method of administering to the eye a liquid ophthalmic formulation, comprising an ophthalmologically acceptable liquid and optionally containing an ophthalmologically-active substance, characterized in that the formulation has a viscosity in the range 10.sup.-3 to 1.0 Pa.s and a resistivity lower than 10.sup.4 ohm.cm, and that a jet of the formulation is ejected towards the eye, from a spray nozzle situated adjacent to a piezoelectric or electromagnetic transducer, to form a stream of uniformly-sized, equally spaced, uncharged droplets, the stream of uncharged droplets is subsequently directed past a charging electrode to induce an electric charge on each droplet in the stream, and the charged droplets discharge their electric charge by earthing on contact with the eye; and spraying apparatus suitable for use in that method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventor: Raymond C. Rowe
  • Patent number: 5613957
    Abstract: An apparatus is used to apply medicament to an eye and stores the medicament in a medicament chamber. A nozzle is coupled in fluid communication with the medicament chamber and is formed by an outer nozzle portion and an inner nozzle portion received within the outer nozzle portion. A tight interface is defined between the inner nozzle portion and the outer nozzle portion and is normally in a closed position to prevent the passage of medicament through the nozzle. The interface opens in response to the flow of medicament of sufficient pressure into it to permit the passage of medicament through the nozzle for release into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Daniel Py
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5614172
    Abstract: In a fluid dispenser for germ-free fluid, in particular eye-drops, the delivery passage from a supply container contains an oligodynamically germicidally active substance that is soluble in the fluid. Said device comprises a metering pump operating without air pressure compensation and having an inlet valve for closing the inlet opening from said container and said fluid-soluble oligodynamically germicidally active substance is situated in the region of said inlet valve or of the inlet thereto and/or the outlet therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Geimer
  • Patent number: 5578020
    Abstract: An eye drop dispenser having a dropper tube and a dispensing sleeve. The dropper tube has a liquid reservoir portion and has a dispensing end with a dropper orifice. At least part of the reservoir portion of the dropper tube is made of a resilient material. The dispensing sleeve has a sleeve portion which circumscribes the dropper tube and a pair of legs which extend beyond the dispensing end of the dropper tube. The legs of the dispensing sleeve are adapted to fit against upper and lower orbital areas of an eye in order to support the dropper orifice over the eye. A pair of squeeze members is carried by the dispensing sleeve. Each squeeze member has a rigid squeeze surface disposed toward the dropper tube in an opposing relationship to the other squeeze surface. In use, the eye drop dispenser is positioned with the legs of the dispensing sleeve against upper and lower orbital areas of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Manuel L. Mosley
  • Patent number: 5514118
    Abstract: The present invention uses an adaptation of a float valve installed within the barrel of the eye dropper at the time of manufacture. This prevents the operator of the eye dropper from intaking more than the predetermined amount of liquid into the barrel of the eye dropper. Once the eye dropper is filled, the operator expels the entire amount of liquid taken into the eye dropper, which is the predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Frederick J. Kummer, Victor H. Frankel
  • Patent number: 5431314
    Abstract: A bottle for liquids is fitted with a dropper adaptor including a plastic body having extending longitudinally therethrough a flow channel. Over at least a first length portion thereof the flow channel has a cross section in the shape of a star with at least three branches. The channel opens outwardly from the body only at an outlet aperture at an outlet end of the flow channel and at an inlet aperture, defined by plural windows, at an internal end of the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Kerplas S.N.C.
    Inventors: Jean Bonnelye, Jean-Francois Chatelier, Jean-Francois Gregoire
  • Patent number: 5429621
    Abstract: A slide for an eye drop dispenser. The slide, which may be secured to a container, is formed with a longitudinally extending channel and a distal end configured to rest against the lower eyelid of an individual during administration of a drop to the eye. The dispensed drop rolls along the channel and into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Norman O. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5368582
    Abstract: A spectacle-like device mounts a system of pump elements that can project droplets of liquid onto a wearer's eye. A reservoir of the liquid and an electrical pump-controlling circuit are mounted on the spectacle frame for operation with the pump elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The Schepens Eye Research Institute
    Inventor: James H. Bertera
  • Patent number: 5265770
    Abstract: A cap for dispensing liquids from a container comprising a base portion; structure to attach the base portion to a container; and an off-center dispenser tip projecting from the base portion and having a passageway extending between an orifice at the distal end of the dispenser tip and the interior underside of the cap, the axis of said passageway forming an angle of no greater than 90 with the longitudinal axis of the base. Included is a composite membrane having liquophilic and liquophobic components for preventing fluid contamination and metering dispersing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignees: Pall Corporation, Merck and Company
    Inventors: Vlado I. Matkovich, Thomas J. Bormann
  • Patent number: 5207659
    Abstract: A device for dispensing of small volume comprises a pump associated with a container of the substance to be dispensed, the pump comprising: a hollow pump body; and a piston sliding inside said pump body in sealing contact with the pump body around a circular periphery of diameter D2; wherein the pump further includes: a push rod including a central channel in which a valve seat is formed, the push rod sliding in contact with the pump body around a circular periphery of diameter D1 less than D2; a punch secured to the piston and capable of bearing in sealed manner against the valve seat; and resilient means urging the piston against the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Technique de Pulverisation - S.T.E.P.
    Inventors: Herve Pennaneac'h, Michel Theot, Claude Jouillat
  • Patent number: 5178613
    Abstract: A dispenser for liquids, e.g., ophthalmic liquids, is provided with a movable top that rotates to uncover an aperture and to expose a recessed dispensing tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Gibilisco
  • Patent number: 5171306
    Abstract: An eyedrop delivery system for administering eyedrops to at least one eye of a user, wherein the system comprises a fluid reservoir for holding a supply of eyedrop fluid, a tube for conducting eyedrop fluid from the fluid reservoir to at least one eye of the user, the tube comprising at least one distal end portion terminating adjacent the at least one eye of the user, fluid driving apparatus for continuously urging eyedrop fluid from the fluid reservoir through the tube toward the at least one distal end portion of the tube, and fluid control apparatus for successively (1) permitting eyedrop fluid to flow freely through the tube so that the eyedrop fluid can begin to exit the at least one distal end portion of the tube, (2) interfering with the flow of eyedrop fluid through the tube so as to prohibit any further eyedrop fluid from exiting the at least one distal end portion of the tube, and so as to cause the eyedrop fluid leaving the at least one distal end portion of the tube to exit the at least one dista
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Van T. Vo
  • Patent number: 5163929
    Abstract: An ocular treatment apparatus for applying medicament into an eye has a vial defining a vial cavity for holding medicament. A nozzle is attached over an opening in the vial and is in fluid communication with the vial cavity for releasing drops of medicament. A piston member is suspended within the vial and slideably engaged within the vial cavity for displacing a substantially predetermined volume of medicament through the nozzle for release into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: O.P.T.I.C., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5154702
    Abstract: A variable dosage dropper system improves upon the conventional dropper assembly (container, cap, pipette, bulb) by providing an annular overcap housing which completely encloses the cap and bulb to provide tamper resistant protection and has a locking collar at its lower end to secure the cap within the housing. A plunger slidably, rotatably, and sealingly mates with the housing. The plunger contacts and compresses the bulb when pushed downward toward the housing a predetermined distance corresponding to various dosages and allows the bulb to return to its decompressed position when released. The system is also adapted to resist undesired opening of the container by children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Wheaton Industries
    Inventor: Mark L. Foyil
  • Patent number: 5139491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to 2-decarboxyl-2-alkoxyalkyl prostaglandins that are potent ocular hypotentives, and are particularly suitable for the management of glaucoma. Said 2-decarboxyl-2-alkoxyalkyl prostaglandins are compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein the wavy line attachments indicate either alpha (.alpha.) or beta (.beta.) configuration; hatched lines indicate .alpha. configuration; solid triangles are used to indicate .beta. configuration; the dashed bonds represent a single bond or a double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration; R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is=O, --OH or a --O(CO)R.sub.6 group, and the other one is --OH or a --O(CO)R.sub.6 group or R.sub.1 is=O and R.sub.2 is H, R.sub.3 is --OH or --O(CO)R.sub.6 ; R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 independently are hydrogen or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; R.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming F. Chan, David F. Woodward
  • Patent number: 5133702
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying medicament to an eye has an inner casing and an outer casing coupled to the inner casing and moveable relative thereto. An eyecup is supported on one end of the inner casing. The eyecup defines a surface shaped to conformably engage the facial tissue surrounding an eye. An ocular vial supported with the inner casing. The ocular vial holds medicament for release into an eye. An eyelid displacing member is coupled to the outer casing and slideably mounted through the inner casing. The eyelid displacing member includes a depresser tab adapted to engage the facial tissue below an eye. The depresser tab engages the facial tissue upon moving the outer casing toward the inner casing, thus displacing the lower eyelid to expose the ocular cul-de-sac. A dispensing member is supported by the outer casing. The dispensing member is adapted to actuate the ocular vial upon moving the outer casing toward the inner casing, to release medicament onto the exposed ocular cul-de-sac of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: O.P.T.I.C.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5085651
    Abstract: An ocular treatment apparatus for applying medicament into an eye has a vial defining a vial cavity for holding medicament. A nozzle is attached over an opening in the vial and is in fluid communication with the vial cavity for releasing drops of medicament. A piston member is suspended within the vial and slideably engaged within the vial cavity for displacing a substantially predetermined volume of medicament through the nozzle for release into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5053000
    Abstract: A method of administering less than 20 .mu.l of a solution of an ophthalmically effective substance to the eye characterized in that the formulation has a viscosity and resistivity which makes it suitable for electrodynamic spraying, and the formulation is supplied to a spray nozzle wherein a sufficiently large electrical potential, relative to earth, is applied to the formulation that a sufficient electrical gradient is provided at the spray nozzle to atomize the formulation as a spray of electrically charged droplets. Also liquid solution formulations of opthalmically effective substances for use in the method of the invention; and electrodynamic spraying apparatus, convenient for hand held use, for use in the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventors: Christopher G. Booth, Raymond C. Rowe
  • Patent number: 5053030
    Abstract: An implant and method for treating external human eye conditions due to a deficiency of tears. The method includes the temporary blockade of the canaliculus of a patient without resorting to a surgical stitch, observing the response of the patient's eye to the temporary blockade and, if an improvement is observed, placing an implant within the horizontal portion of at least one of the canaliculi of the patient's eye. The temporary blockade may be produced by the placement of a piece of catgut in the canaliculus. The implant is constructed of a material that is nonabsorbable by the human body and is constructed to facilitate placement into and removal from the canaliculus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventors: Robert S. Herrick, William F. Sardi
  • Patent number: 4952212
    Abstract: A method of administering less than 20 .mu.l of a solution of an ophthalmically effective substance to the eye characterized in that the formulation has a viscosity and resistivity which makes it suitable for electrodynamic spraying, and the formulation is supplied to a spray nozzle wherein a sufficiently large electrical potential, relative to earth, is applied to the formulation that a sufficient electrical gradient is provided at the spray nozzle to atomize the formulation as a spray of electrically charged droplets. Also liquid solution formulations of ophthalmically effective substances for use in the method of the invention; and electrodynamic spraying apparatus, convenient for hand held use, for use in the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventors: Christopher G. Booth, Raymond C. Rowe
  • Patent number: 4871094
    Abstract: A dispenser for substances including solids, liquids, semi-solids, and gels including a forward member having a bore extending between its front and back opposite ends. The front end of the forward member consists of an application orifice. A rearward member is translateably movable with respect to the forward member and includes a plunger which is extendable through the back end of the forward member into the bore of the forward member. The plunger is slidable in the bore in response to movement of the forward section with respect to the rearward section. The substance, having been inserted into the bore, is then expelled from the application orifice in a precise and easily maneuverable manner. The dispensing means can be used with substances which are pre-packaged in capillary-type containers. The plunger can have different diametered sections which allow expulsion of the substance and then allow expulsion of the capillary-type container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Gall, Don A. Clements, Michael J. Kent