Dropper system with prepositioned wiper

Abstract

A dropper system includes a spherical portion having a body, a collar, and a flange. The body of the spherical portion includes a closed end, an open end opposite the closed end, and a cavity extending between the closed end and the open end. The collar extends axially from the open end of the body and includes a pipette connection member recessed into an inner surface of the collar. The pipette connection member is configured to retain at least a portion of a pipette near the cavity of the body. The inner surface tapers between the pipette connection member and the opening of the collar. The flange extends radially from an outer surface of the collar and includes a lip that projects axially around a perimeter of the flange, forming an annular recess between the outer surface of the collar and the lip.

Description

Cross-referencing related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 623,174, filed January 19, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Wipe inserts for dropper bottles are small components typically found inside the neck of the bottle. These inserts are commonly used in bottles containing liquid medications, essential oils, cosmetic serums, and other related products where precise dosage and cleanliness are important. The design of the wipe insert can vary depending on the viscosity of the liquid and the desired dispensing rate.

[0003] While integrating wipers into dropper systems offers advantages in controlling fluid dispensing and preventing leaks, it presents significant challenges in large-scale filling operations. These challenges primarily revolve around the complexity and inefficiencies introduced into the filling process when wiping is inserted before filling and when it is manually inserted after filling.

[0004] Pre-fill insertion complicates and may slow down the automation process, while post-fill manual insertion is labor-intensive and inefficient. Both methods can lead to increased production costs, reduced throughput, and potential quality control problems, making wipers less desirable for high-volume filling operations.

[0005] For example, the presence of a wiper insert narrows the opening at the neck of the bottle. This restriction slows down the bottle-filling process because the liquid needs to pass through the smaller opening. Furthermore, the wiper insert can impede airflow as liquid is added to the bottle, further slowing the filling rate because the incoming liquid and outgoing air compete for the same narrow space. This slowing effect can be particularly noticeable with thicker liquids, as the viscous liquid moves through the restricted opening of the wiper (e.g., when filling a bottle with gel, oil, or serum). The filling device may need to be adjusted or operated at a slower rate to accommodate the presence of the wiper insert, ensuring the liquid is filled without overflowing or foaming.

[0006] On the other hand, manually inserting wipers after the filling process also has its drawbacks. Manual wiper insertion is a labor-intensive process that significantly slows down the overall production rate because each bottle must be managed individually for wiper insertion. These manual processes require more human labor and are prone to human error and inconsistency, which directly translates into higher labor costs. In large-scale operations, the additional labor costs required for manual wiper insertion can be quite high, thus impacting overall profitability. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment, a dropper system includes a bulb having a body, a collar, and a flange. The body of the bulb includes a closed end, an open end opposite the closed end, and a cavity extending between the closed end and the open end. The collar extends axially from the open end of the body and includes a pipette connection member recessed into an inner surface of the collar. The pipette connection member is configured to retain at least a portion of a pipette near the cavity of the body. The inner surface tapers between the pipette connection member and the opening of the collar. The flange extends radially from the outer surface of the collar and includes a lip that projects axially around the periphery of the flange, forming an annular recess between the outer surface of the collar and the lip.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for filling a bottle is provided. The method includes pre-positioning a wiper around a collar of a spherical portion. The wiper is detachably coupled within an annular gap of a flange extending radially from the outer surface of the collar. The method further includes delivering fluid into the bottle through a neck having an opening extending through it, the opening providing access to the interior of the bottle. The method further includes inserting the collar of the spherical portion into the opening of the bottle. The wiper remains in the neck such that withdrawing the collar does not remove the wiper from the neck.

[0009] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A dropper system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a spherical portion (110) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 A pipette according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 A wiper according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a ball-shaped portion, pipette, and wiper assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 6A and 6B A bottle is shown as part of a dropper system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a method for filling a bottle according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0017] For consistency, similar elements in each figure are represented by similar reference numbers. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Turn Figure 1 A dropper system is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. The dropper system (100) is a liquid disposal device configured to facilitate the controlled transfer and dispensing of liquid fluids.

[0019] The dropper system (100) may include several components. As depicted, the dropper system (100) includes a bulb (110), a pipette (120), and a wiper (130). Each component is designed with a specific function that contributes to the overall operation of the system.

[0020] The spherical portion (110) is an elastic compressible element located at the proximal end of the dropper system. The spherical portion (110) is made of an elastomer or flexible polymer material to allow for repeated compression and expansion.

[0021] The bulbous portion (110) is used to regulate the intake and release of liquid during sampling. When compressed, the bulbous portion (110) expels air. Upon release, the expansion of the bulbous portion (110) immediately creates a vacuum, which allows fluid to be drawn from the surrounding reservoir into the pipette (120).

[0022] A pipette (120) is a long, thin tubular structure that extends from the bulbous part to the distal end of the dropper system. The pipette (120) is used as the main conduit for the collection, storage and delivery of fluids.

[0023] The pipette (120) may be made of a transparent or translucent material, such as glass or plastic, to allow for visual monitoring of the liquid level. The distal end of the pipette (120) may include a tapered section to facilitate precise dispensing, thereby controlling the release of fluid in the measured amount.

[0024] A wiper (130) is a flexible assembly prepositioned around the pipette near the proximal end, adjacent to the bulb (110). The wiper (130) is used to remove excess liquid from the outer surface of the pipette (120) during operation, thereby minimizing dripping and facilitating clean dispensing of the fluid. The specific design of the wiper (130) may vary depending on the viscosity of the fluid and the desired dispensing rate.

[0025] The wiper (130) may be made of a flexible polymer or elastomeric material to provide a tight fit around the pipette. As shown, the wiper (130) may include a set of radial slots or openings that allow controlled bending around the pipette (120).

[0026] The wiper (130) can be used in bottles containing fluid medications, essential oils, cosmetic serums, and other related products where accurate dosage and cleanliness are important. For example, the wiper (130) helps control the amount of fluid dispensed from the bottle. When the dropper is inserted back into the bottle, the wiper removes excess fluid from the outside of the pipette, ensuring that only the fluid inside the bulb of the dropper is dispensed.

[0027] In another example, a wiper (130) helps prevent drips. When the dropper is removed from the bottle, the wiper (130) scrapes away excess fluid from the pipette, thus helping to prevent potential drips and keeping the bottle and surrounding area clean. For products that may be exposed to air (such as certain cosmetics or pharmaceuticals), the wiper (130) helps minimize the amount of air entering the bottle, thereby maintaining the quality of the contents.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 2 According to the disclosed embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the spherical portion (110) is illustrated. The spherical portion (110) includes a body (210) and a collar (220).

[0029] The body (210) is the main structure of the spherical portion (200), encompassing the cavity (212). The body is made of a flexible material that allows it to be compressed, thereby reducing the internal volume of the cavity and allowing fluid to drain through the open end. Compression of the body (210) is used to draw and dispense fluid via a pipette connected to the body (210). The body is designed to return to its original shape after compression, ready to draw fluid when the pressure is released.

[0030] The body (210) has a closed end (214) and an open end (216), wherein the open end is opposite to the closed end. The closed end (214) is integral with the structure of the spherical portion and is sealed to contain fluid within the cavity (212), thereby providing an endpoint that helps to retain fluid within the cavity of the spherical portion when the spherical portion is not compressed. The closed end (214) is the end point of the body (210) and is opposite to the opening (232) to which a pipette can be attached.

[0031] The open end (216) is positioned relative to the closed end (214) along the body (210) and is connectable to a pipette. When the body is squeezed, the open end (216) allows fluid contained within the cavity to be dispensed. The open end (216) may be shaped to facilitate attachment of a pipette that, when used, draws fluid from the bulb.

[0032] The cavity (212) is an internal hollow space within the main body of the spherical portion, extending between the closed end (214) and the open end (216). The cavity (212) contains fluid drawn into and discharged from the main body (210) through the open end (216). The cavity (212) can be configured to contain a specific volume of fluid that can be discharged when pressure is applied to the main body (210).

[0033] A collar (220) extends axially from the open end (216) of the body (210). The collar (220) serves as an interface between the dropper system (100) and a fluid reservoir (e.g., a bottle). The collar (220) includes a hub (230) and a flange (240).

[0034] The connector (230) is a protruding section of the collar that extends axially from the open end (216) of the body (210). The connector (230) provides a transition between the body of the ball-shaped portion and the pipette, thereby surrounding the opening through which fluid enters the pipette. The connector can be designed to support the structural integrity of the pipette attachment area and can facilitate proper positioning of the pipette.

[0035] As depicted, the inner surface of the connector tapers between the pipette connector (234) and the opening (232). In other words, the thickness of the connector (230) gradually decreases from the pipette connector to the opening of the collar. This taper facilitates easier insertion or removal of the pipette.

[0036] Below the connector, an opening (232) provides access to the cavity (212). The opening (232) provides a channel through which fluid exits the cavity when the body of the spherical portion is compressed.

[0037] pipette (e.g.) Figure 1 The pipette (120) can be inserted into the collar (220) through the opening (232). The opening (232) can be appropriately sized to allow the pipette to pass through easily while maintaining the structural integrity of the collar. The design and size of the opening (232) can affect how the pipette interacts with the collar and the bulb, thus affecting the overall functionality of the dropper system.

[0038] The pipette connection component (234) within the collar is designed to securely hold a portion of the pipette. The pipette connection component (234) may be a recess in the inner surface of the collar (220), the recess being configured to fit tightly around a portion of the pipette, thereby retaining at least a portion of the pipette near the cavity of the body.

[0039] The bulbous pipette connector (234) is where the pipette will be attached and is designed to interface with the pipette, thereby providing a secure fit to ensure that the pipette remains attached to the bulbous portion during operation of the dropper system. This narrow portion may be positioned between the cavity (212) and the pipette connector (234). This narrow portion may at least partially prevent the pipette from moving out of the opening (232) and / or into the cavity (212).

[0040] The pipette connection component (234) can be defined by a narrow portion of the main body of the bulb located near the open end. This narrow portion is a constriction or tapering region within the cavity and can be positioned near the open end, thereby facilitating controlled movement of fluid and accurate placement of the pipette within the bulb.

[0041] The flange (240) extends radially from the outer surface of the collar: the flange (240) is an extended edge or margin extending from the outer surface of the collar. As used herein, radial extension means that the flange (240) extends outwardly in all directions from the attachment point. The flange serves as an interface between the dropper and the bottle. The flange may serve as a stabilizing feature or as an interface with another component of the dropper system (e.g., a wiper (130)). When the dropper is in use, the flange provides a resting point or seal against the bottle neck. The diameter of the flange may be sized to ensure proper fit and seal when the dropper system (100) is inserted into the bottle.

[0042] The flange (240) includes a lip (242). The lip (242) projects axially around the periphery of the flange (240): the lip (142) surrounds the periphery of the flange (240), thereby defining an annular recess (244). The lip (142) may be integrally formed with the flange (140) and project from the flange in a direction parallel to the axis of the spherical portion (200).

[0043] The annular recess (244) is an annular space defined by the lip (242) and the outer surface of the collar (220). This annular recess (244) can accommodate corresponding features of another component (e.g., a sealing element), thereby providing a specific fit or function within the dropper system assembly. For example, the annular recess (244) can be configured to interact with the flange (410) of the wiper (130), as described below. Figure 4 Location description.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 3 According to the disclosed embodiments, a pipette (120) is illustrated. The pipette (120) includes an elongated body (310), a top portion (320), and a tip (330).

[0045] As illustrated, the pipette (120) may include an elongated body (310) extending along the length between the top portion (320) and the tip (330) of the pipette (120). A lumen may extend within the elongated body (310) between a first opening in the top portion (320) and a second opening at the tip (330) (e.g., the lumen may terminate at both the first and second openings of the pipette).

[0046] As illustrated, the top portion (320) may form a flange extending radially outward from the elongated body (310) of the pipette (120). The top portion (320) facilitates retention of the pipette (120) within the bulbous portion (110). For example, the top portion (320) may be received within the pipette connection member (234) of the bulbous portion (110).

[0047] The tip (330) may be a tapered portion of the pipette (120) near the second end. The pipette (120) may be linear (e.g., in line with the body of the pipette) or curved.

[0048] Now for reference Figure 4 The wiping device is illustrated according to the disclosed embodiments. The wiping device (130) is an insert for a dropper bottle, which is typically inserted into the neck of the bottle to control dispensing, prevent dripping, and / or maintain product quality.

[0049] The wiper (130) can be used in bottles containing fluid medications, essential oils, cosmetic serums, and other related products, where accurate dosage and cleanliness are important. The specific design of the wiper (130) can vary depending on the viscosity of the fluid and the desired dispensing rate.

[0050] For example, a wiper (130) helps control the amount of fluid dispensed from the bottle. When the dropper is inserted back into the bottle, the wiper removes excess fluid from the outside of the pipette, ensuring that only fluid inside the bulb of the dropper is dispensed.

[0051] In another example, a wiper (130) can help prevent drips and / or help maintain product quality: when the dropper is removed from the bottle, the wiper (130) scrapes away excess fluid from the pipette, thereby helping to prevent potential drips and keeping the bottle and surrounding area clean. For products that may be exposed to air (such as certain cosmetics or pharmaceuticals), it helps to minimize the amount of air entering the bottle, thereby maintaining the quality of the contents.

[0052] The wiper (130) includes a flange (410). The flange (410) is a protruding edge or rim that forms a circumferential lip at one end of the wiper. The flange is designed to fit securely within an annular recess (244) of the spherical portion (110), thereby providing a stable connection between the wiper and the spherical portion. This connection ensures proper alignment and prevents displacement of the wiper during insertion.

[0053] The diameter of the flange (410) can be larger than the opening in the neck of the bottle into which the wiper is inserted. The diameter of the flange ensures proper positioning and securing of the dropper after the bottle is filled. The diameter of the flange also prevents the flange from slipping into the bottle and helps to form a leak-proof seal.

[0054] The bushing (420) is the main cylinder of the wiper positioned below the flange. The bushing is sized to press into the neck of the corresponding bottle, thereby forming a tight seal that stabilizes the wiper and prevents movement.

[0055] A scraper ring (430) extends below the bushing (420). The scraper ring is an annular ring that interfaces with the pipette and slides around the outer surface of the elongated body (310). In use, when the pipette is withdrawn from the bottle, the scraper ring (430) removes excess fluid from the outside of the pipette, thereby reducing the possibility of dripping or spilling.

[0056] The wiper may include slots or openings along its body. These slots provide flexibility, allowing the wiper to conform to the size of a pipette. The slots reduce material usage and simplify cleaning.

[0057] Now for reference Figure 5 According to an illustrative embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the bulbous portion, pipette, and wiper assembly is shown. As depicted, Figure 5 The relative positions and functional interactions of the components are described in detail, highlighting the pre-positioning of the wiper within the assembly to facilitate the attachment process.

[0058] As illustrated, the cavity (212) of the bulbous portion is aligned with the narrow portion, which in turn is aligned with the elongated body (314). When the bulbous portion is pressed down, the fluid inside is directed into the lumen for dispensing. This alignment facilitates direct fluid flow from the bulbous portion into the pipette, allowing for accurate and controlled fluid dispensing, which enhances the usability and functionality of the dropper system.

[0059] The spherical portion includes a top portion (320) and a base having an annular recess (244). The annular recess is configured to receive the flange (410) of the wiper, thereby securing the wiper in place before assembly with the bottle. This pre-positioning of the wiper simplifies the assembly process, allowing the wiper to remain attached to the spherical portion-pipette assembly before the system is connected to a liquid-filled bottle.

[0060] The wiper is secured to the spherical portion by engagement of its flange (410) with the annular recess (244) of the spherical portion. This pre-positioning eliminates the need to separately insert the wiper into the bottle after it has been filled with liquid. Alternatively, a dropper system with a pre-positioned wiper can be attached to the filled bottle in a single step, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the risk of spillage, misalignment, or contamination.

[0061] A wiper ring (430) contacts the outer surface of the elongated body (314) of the pipette. The wiper ring removes excess liquid from the pipette during withdrawal, ensuring clean and controlled dispensing. The wiper also serves as a stabilizing and sealing interface, aligning the pipette with the assembly and maintaining its position during operation.

[0062] The pipette connector (234) secures the top portion (320) of the pipette within the bulb. The elongated body (314) of the pipette extends through the wiper and beyond the assembly for liquid dispensing. The pipette serves as a conduit for liquid aspiration and dispensing. The connector ensures proper alignment of the pipette with the bulb and the wiper.

[0063] As depicted, a gap (516) is visible between the pipette connection and the wiper. This gap accommodates slight movements or alignment adjustments, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the pipette within the assembly.

[0064] In some embodiments, the gap (516) is a truncated conical gap between the collar and the pipette. This gap decreases or narrows when the collar is inserted into the neck of the bottle. This reduction in gap size can be a result of compression of the collar when it engages with the neck opening, creating a narrower space compared to its resting state. This reduction in gap size allows the dropper system to be adapted for insertion, thereby enhancing the seal or fit of the dropper system during use, improving efficiency and preventing leakage.

[0065] Now for reference Figure 6A According to an illustrative embodiment, a bottle is shown as part of a dropper system. The bottle 600 is designed to work in conjunction with the components of the dropper.

[0066] As illustrated, the bottle (600) includes a neck (610). The neck is a narrow section extending from the body of the bottle. The neck is configured to accommodate a dropper, thereby ensuring easy insertion and removal while maintaining a seal to prevent leakage.

[0067] The neck (610) includes an opening (612) extending through the neck (610). This opening is a passageway through which the contents of the bottle can be accessed or dispensed. The opening in the neck of the bottle serves as the primary point of access into the interior of the bottle, where fluids or substances contained within the bottle are stored. The opening (612) may be appropriately sized and shaped to accommodate a dropper, including the dropper's collar, flange, and wiper assembly. For example, the opening may be large enough to allow the dropper, along with its various components (such as the collar and wiper), to be inserted into the bottle without excessive force, yet tight enough to ensure a tight seal when the dropper is in place.

[0068] As illustrated, the flange diameter is larger than the diameter of the opening in the neck of the bottle. The flange diameter ensures that when the dropper is inserted into the bottle, it sits atop the neck, preventing the dropper from being fully inserted. The larger diameter of the flange relative to the neck opening acts as a barrier, sealing the interface to prevent leakage of the bottle's contents and ensuring the dropper remains securely in place. Therefore, the flange diameter contributes to proper dropper positioning and the formation of a seal between the dropper and the bottle.

[0069] like Figure 6B The illustration shows that when the collar is inserted into the bottle, the wiper remains in the neck. This retention of the wiper in the neck ensures that once positioned, it remains firmly in place within the bottle's neck, regardless of collar movement or repositioning. Removing the pipette does not remove the wiper. In other words, when the dropper system's collar is inserted into the bottle's opening, the wiper is designed to remain in the bottle's neck, regardless of collar insertion or removal. Even when the dropper is not in the bottle, the wiper remains in place to perform its intended function (e.g., wiping away excess fluid from the pipette or maintaining a seal within the neck). Retaining the wiper also ensures that wipes that may come into contact with fluids do not accidentally detach and cause spills or contamination.

[0070] like Figure 6B As illustrated in the diagram, in some embodiments, the dropper system may include a cap (620) having a skirt (622) and sidewalls (624). The cap includes a skirt, which is an outwardly flared or extended portion forming the lower part of the cap.

[0071] The skirt (622) includes an orifice or opening through which the bulbous portion of the dropper can be positioned. The skirt is received by a recess in the bulbous portion, such as a specific recessed area on the bulbous portion designed to accommodate or interact with the skirt, thereby ensuring a secure and stable fit when the cap is in place. When the cap is placed on the bottle, the bulbous portion protrudes through the orifice, allowing easy access to the bulbous portion when the cap is in place.

[0072] The cap (620) may also include sidewalls extending from the perimeter of the skirt. These sidewalls are designed to be positioned close to or near the outer sidewall of the bottle neck when the pipette is inserted into the bottle. The design of the cap's sidewalls close to the bottle neck facilitates a secure and aligned fit of the cap, thereby protecting the contents of the bottle and promoting ease of use.

[0073] The sidewall (624) may interface with the neck (610) of the bottle (600). In some embodiments, the sidewall is threaded. The threads on the sidewall of the cap are designed to mate with corresponding threads on the exterior of the bottle neck. The threads on the cap and the bottle are complementary, thereby allowing the threads to interlock when the cap is screwed onto the bottle. The sidewall (624) provides a secure and tight fit, thereby preventing contamination and maintaining the integrity of the bottle contents. The close proximity of the sidewall to the bottle neck helps to properly align the cap, thereby ensuring that the cap can be easily attached and removed without interfering with the positioning of the pipette or bulb.

[0074] although Figure 1 Section 6 illustrates the configuration of the components, but other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, various components may be combined to form a single component. As another example, functionality performed by a single component may be performed by two or more components.

[0075] Go to Figure 7 According to an illustrative embodiment, a method for filling a bottle is shown. The method illustrated in Figure 6 can be used... Figure 1 It can be executed by one or more components of 6.

[0076] At step 710, the wiper is pre-positioned onto the spherical portion of the dropper system. The wiper is detachably attached within the annular gap of a flange that extends radially from the outer surface of a collar on the spherical portion. This step secures the wiper in place on the dropper system before it is assembled with the bottle. Pre-positioning the wiper eliminates the need to insert it separately into the bottle and ensures that the wiper remains aligned during subsequent steps.

[0077] At step 720, filling. Fluid is delivered into the bottle through the neck, which includes an opening providing access to the interior of the bottle. This step involves filling the bottle with the desired liquid, thereby ensuring that the bottle is ready to attach a dropper system. The neck of the bottle is designed to interface with the dropper system, specifically a wiper, during subsequent assembly steps.

[0078] At step 730, the dropper system is inserted into the bottle. The dropper system with the pre-positioned wiper is inserted into the opening in the neck of the bottle. During insertion, the wiper is retained within the neck of the bottle. Retaining the wiper ensures that withdrawing the dropper system from the bottle will not remove the wiper from its position in the neck. This configuration ensures proper sealing and maintains the functionality of the wiper to remove excess liquid from the pipette during operation.

[0079] The dropper system is now securely assembled with the bottle and ready for use. Pre-positioning of the wiper during assembly and its retention within the neck of the bottle simplifies the process and reduces the risk of misalignment or operational problems.

[0080] Therefore, illustrative embodiments provide a dropper system characterized by a pre-positioning wipe integrated with a bulb and pipette assembly. The wipe is detachably coupled to the bulb by engaging with an annular recess in a flange, allowing for secure pre-positioning before assembly with a liquid-filled bottle. This configuration simplifies the assembly process by enabling the entire dropper system, including the wipe, to be attached to the bottle in a single step after filling. The wipe is designed to fit within the bottle neck, remaining securely in place even after the dropper system is removed. The system ensures precise alignment of components, efficient liquid transfer, and effective wiping of the pipette during operation to remove excess liquid.

[0081] The dropper system described in this paper addresses a key limitation of conventional wiping systems, where the wiper is typically inserted separately into the bottle after it has been filled. Such methods generally involve additional steps, increased complexity, and a higher risk of misalignment or contamination. By integrating the wiper into the dropper system prior to assembly, the current dropper system reduces assembly time and enhances operational reliability. Furthermore, the secure retention of the wiper in the bottle neck prevents unintentional displacement, thereby maintaining the integrity of the seal and wiping functionality.

[0082] The bulbous part of the dropper system establishes a leak-proof seal with the inner surface of the pre-positioned wiper. When inserted, the interior of the wiper fits tightly against the outer surface of the bulbous part to prevent fluid leakage. This configuration minimizes potential leakage paths and achieves a leak-proof seal while maintaining a streamlined pre-positioning and assembly process.

[0083] Although the steps in the flowchart are presented and described sequentially, at least some of these steps may be performed in a different order, may be combined or omitted, and some steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the steps may be performed actively or passively.

[0084] When used with respect to measurable physical properties, the term "approximately" refers to an engineering tolerance expected or determined by a person skilled in the art. The precision of the engineering tolerance depends on the product being manufactured, the process being performed, or the technical nature being measured. For a non-limiting example, if the values ​​of two angles are within ten percent of each other, then the two angles may be "approximately congruent." However, if a person skilled in the art determines that the engineering tolerances for a particular product should be more stringent, then "approximately congruent" may mean that the two angles have values ​​within one percent of each other. Similarly, in other embodiments, the engineering tolerance may be relaxed such that "approximately congruent" angles have values ​​within twenty percent of each other. In any case, a person skilled in the art can assess what acceptable engineering tolerances are for a particular product, and therefore can assess how to determine the variation in the measured values ​​expected by the term "approximately."

[0085] As used herein, the term "connected to" is considered to have at least two meanings. In the first meaning, unless otherwise stated, "connected to" means that component A is separable from component B, but is joined to component B by a fixed or detachable attachment arrangement. In the second meaning, unless otherwise stated, "connected to" means that component A and component B are integrally formed. Thus, for example, suppose the bottom of a pot is "connected to" the wall of the pot. The term "connected to" can be interpreted as the bottom and wall being separate components that are snap-fitted together, welded, or otherwise fixed or detachably attached to each other. Alternatively, the term "connected to" can also be interpreted as the bottom and wall being continuous as a monolithic body, for example, formed by a molding process.

[0086] In the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) can be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any noun in the application). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or produce any particular ordering of elements, nor does it limit any element to merely a single element, unless explicitly stated, for example, through the use of the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between elements. In an instance-like manner, the first element is different from the second element, and the first element may encompass more than one element and is after (or before) the second element in the element order.

[0087] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "or" is "inclusive or" and therefore includes the term "and". Additionally, unless otherwise expressly stated, items connected by the term "or" may include the item and any combination of any number of each item.

[0088] In the foregoing description, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating this description. Furthermore, other embodiments not explicitly described above are contemplated that do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dropper system comprising: The spherical portion includes: The main body of the spherical portion, wherein the main body of the spherical portion comprises: Closed end; The open end is opposite to the closed end; and A cavity that extends between the closed end and the open end; A collar extending axially from the open end of the body, wherein the collar comprises: A pipette connection component recessed into the inner surface of the collar, wherein the pipette connection component is configured to retain at least a portion of the pipette near the cavity of the body; The inner surface tapers between the opening of the pipette connection and the collar; and A flange extending radially from the outer surface of the collar, wherein the flange comprises: A lip that projects axially around the periphery of the flange, such that an annular recess is formed between the outer surface of the collar and the lip.

2. The dropper system according to claim 1, further comprising: A wiper, which is prepositioned around the collar, wherein the wiper includes a flange detachably coupled within the annular gap.

3. The dropper system of claim 2, wherein the annular gap defines the negative shape of the flange of the wiper.

4. The dropper system according to claim 2, further comprising: Bottle, wherein the bottle comprises: The neck has an opening that extends through it and provides access to the interior of the bottle.

5. The dropper system of claim 4, wherein the flange has a diameter larger than that of the opening in the neck.

6. The dropper system of claim 4, wherein when the collar of the bulbous portion is inserted into the opening, the wiper remains in the neck such that withdrawing the collar does not remove the wiper from the neck.

7. The dropper system of claim 4, wherein when the collar of the bulbous portion is inserted into the opening of the neck, the collar is at least partially compressed to prevent leakage.

8. The dropper system according to claim 4, further comprising: A pipette, comprising: The top portion, wherein the top portion is received in the pipette connection member, such that the pipette and the bulb can be detachably connected; and An elongated body having a lumen therethrough, wherein when the top portion is positioned in the pipette connection assembly, a truncated conical gap is formed between the inner wall of the collar and the pipette.

9. The dropper system of claim 8, wherein the collar further comprises: A collar opening provides access to the cavity, wherein the diameter of the collar opening is larger than the diameter of the elongated body of the pipette.

10. The dropper system of claim 8, wherein the truncated conical gap decreases when a portion of the collar is positioned into the opening of the neck.

11. The dropper system of claim 8, wherein the cavity further comprises: A narrow portion, which is close to the open end of the body of the spherical portion, wherein the narrow portion is aligned with the lumen such that when the spherical portion is pressed down, fluid in the spherical portion is transferred to the lumen.

12. The dropper system of claim 8, wherein the pipette includes a tip positioned at an angle relative to the elongated body.

13. The dropper system according to claim 4, further comprising: Cap, wherein the cap includes: A skirt, wherein the skirt includes an opening through which the spherical portion is disposed, and wherein the skirt is received by the recess of the spherical portion; and a sidewall extending from the skirt, wherein the sidewall is disposed close to the outer sidewall of the neck of the bottle when the pipette is disposed in the bottle.

14. The dropper system of claim 13, wherein the sidewall of the cap includes threads configured to mate with threads on the exterior of the bottle.

15. The dropper system of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the skirt is perforated such that the portion of the skirt separates when the skirt is removed from the bottle.

16. A method for filling a bottle, comprising: The wiper is prepositioned around the collar of the spherical portion such that the wiper is detachably connected within the annular gap of the flange extending radially from the outer surface of the collar; Fluid is delivered into the bottle through a neck having an opening extending through it, the opening providing access to the interior of the bottle; and The collar of the spherical portion is inserted into the opening, wherein the wiper is retained in the neck, such that withdrawing the collar does not remove the wiper from the neck.

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