Eye dropper device and method

Abstract

A eye dropper device and associated methods for applying an eyedrop are shown. Examples include detecting a size of an eyedrop using a sensor. Selected examples also include blowing an eyedrop into a user's eye using pressurized gas, such as pressurized air.

Description

Atorney Docket 1775.033WO1EYE DROPPER DEVICE AND METHODClaim of Priority

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Serial No. 63 / 687,150, entitled “EYE DROPPER DEVICE AND METHOD,” filed on August 26, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to eye drop devices and methods of applying eye drops.Background

[0003] Application of medication to eyes is frequently accomplished through the use of eyedrops. A standard size eye drop bottle with a nozzle is typically used to deliver the eyedrops. However, eyedrop medication can be expensive, and existing eyedrop bottles and nozzles dispense drops of a volume that often includes an excess of medication. This application of excess medication can be wasteful. Additionally, the procedure of applying eyedrops is often imprecise, and drops of medication are wasted when a user fails to properly deliver all of the eyedrop to their eye, or misses their eye entirely. Also, individuals may refrain from using drops when they find the process too difficult.

[0004] Improved eyedrop application methods and devices are desired to address these, and other technical concerns.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] FIG. 1 shows an eye dropper device according to an example of the invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 shows another eye dropper device according to an example of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 3A shows a top view of an eye drop sensor according to an example of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 3B shows a side view of portions of an eye drop sensor according to an example of the invention.Attorney Docket 1775.033WO1

[0009] FIG. 3C shows a side view of portions of an eye drop sensor according to an example of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 3D shows a side view of an eye dropper device according to an example of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 3E shows a side view of portions of an eye drop sensor from Figure 3D according to an example of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 4A shows an eye dropper device in use according to an example of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 4B shows a bottle adaptor according to an example of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 4C shows the bottle adaptor from Figure 4B in use according to an example of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows another eye dropper device according to an example of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows another eye dropper device according to an example of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows an example method of applying an eyedrop according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 8 shows another eye dropper device according to an example of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows another eye dropper device according to an example of the invention.Detailed Description

[0020] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, or logical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 shows an eye dropper device 100 according to one example. The eye dropper device 100 includes a bottle mount 102 to accept an eyedrop bottle 104. The bottle mount 102 is shown in dashed lines to reveal details of the eyedropAtorney Docket 1775.033WO1 bottle 104 within the bottle mount 102. The eyedrop bottle 104 includes a nozzle 106 and cap threads 105.

[0022] In the example of Figure 1, the eyedrop bottle 104 is obtained separately from the rest of the device 100. For example, the eyedrop bottle 104 may be a commercial eyedrop bottle that is obtained from a pharmacy or physician. In many instances, eyedrop bottles 104 include a standard form factor, or at least standard nozzle 106 dimensions and / or cap threads 105. One advantage of eye dropper device configurations shown includes the ability to work with standard eyedrop bottles 104. Although a standard eyedrop bottle 104 is used as an example, the invention is not so limited.

[0023] In many cases, a size of an eyedrop, when dispensed manually from an eyedrop bottle 104, includes an excess of a required medication. The excess medication may be wasted by washing out of the patient’s eye, or merely applying more than was necessary when using a manually dispensed eyedrop.

[0024] The eye dropper device 100 includes an eyedrop holder 110 spaced apart from the nozzle 106 of the eyedrop bottle 104. A surface 112 of the eyedrop holder 110 forms a direct interface with an eyedrop 114 as shown. In one example, the surface 112 includes a contour adapted to hold the eyedrop 114 at an end of the eyedrop holder 110 using surface tension. Examples of contours include, but are not limited to, concave, convex, ridged, bumped, etc. By constructing the surface 112 with an adapted contour, an amount of surface area is tailored to change surface tension between the eyedrop 114 and the surface 112, as compared to a surface tension between the eyedrop 114 and a flat surface.

[0025] In one example, surface tension is increased at the surface 112 using a contour, as compared to a flat surface. Increasing surface tension helps to hold the eyedrop 114 in place before directing the eyedrop 114 to a user’s eye. In one example, surface tension is decreased at the surface 112 using a contour, as compared to a flat surface. Decreasing surface tension helps to release the eyedrop 114 from the surface 112 for easier application of the eyedrop 114 to the user’s eye. In one example, surface tension is engineered and selected at the surface 112 to provide a level of retention high enough to hold the eyedrop 114 on the surface 112, yet low enough to allow release of the eyedrop 114 when a puff of air is directed at the eyedrop, as discussed in more detail below.Attorney Docket 1775.033WO1

[0026] The eye dropper device 100 includes a blower 120 located adjacent to the end of the eyedrop holder 110, wherein when actuated, the blower overcomes the surface tension of the surface 112 and directs the eyedrop 114 into a user’s eye. In the example of Figure 1, the blower 120 is coupled to a storage tank 122. The storage tank 122 is coupled to the blower 120 through a conduit 124. In one example, a switch 126 is shown connected in line between the storage tank 122 and the blower 120. When actuated, the switch 126 is configured to release an amount of pressurized air from the storage tank 122. In one example, the switch 126 includes a valve. One example of a valve includes a solenoid actuated valve. In the example of Figure 1, an actuator 128, such as a button, is pressed, and the switch 126 releases an amount of pressurized air that passes to the blower 120. The amount of pressurized air then directs the eyedrop 114 into a user’s eye.

[0027] One example illustration of this procedure is shown in Figure 4A, and discussed below. In the example of Figure 1, a fixture 130 is included, and adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between the nozzle 106 and a user’s eye. This feature is also shown in Figure 4A, and discussed in more detail below.

[0028] Figure 2 shows another example of an eye dropper device 200. Similar to device 100, the eye dropper device 200 includes a bottle mount 202 to accept an eyedrop bottle 204. The eyedrop bottle 204 includes a nozzle 206. In the example of Figure 2, a fixture 230 is included, and adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between the nozzle 206 and a user’s eye.

[0029] The eye dropper device 200 includes a blower 220 located adjacent to nozzle 206. When actuated, the blower overcomes surface tension of the nozzle 206 and directs an eyedrop 214 into a user’s eye. In the example of Figure 2, the blower 220 is coupled to a storage tank 222. The storage tank 222 is coupled to the blower 220 through a conduit 224. In one example, a switch 226 is shown connected in line between the storage tank 222 and the blower 220. When actuated, the switch 226 is configured to release an amount of pressurized air from the storage tank 222. In one example, the switch 226 includes a valve. One example of a valve includes a solenoid actuated valve.

[0030] The eye dropper device 200 of Figure 2 further includes an eyedrop sensor 240 positioned adjacent to the bottle mount 202 such that when the eyedrop bottle 204 is present, the eyedrop sensor 240 is proximate to the nozzle 206 of the eyedrop bottle 204. In the example of Figure 2, the eyedrop sensor 240 includes anAtorney Docket 1775.033WO1 optical sensor. A beam 242 is shown projecting from the eyedrop sensor 240 and interacting with the eyedrop 214 to detect a presence of the eyedrop 214, and various properties of the eyedrop 214, such as size of the eyedrop 214. Detecting a size of an eyedrop is discussed in more detail with respect to Figures 3A-3C below. Although an optical eyedrop sensor 240 is used as an example, the invention is not so limited. Other examples of eyedrop sensor 240 include electrical conductivity sensors, mechanical levers, etc. that are also possible.

[0031] Circuitry 244 is further shown in the eye dropper device 200 of Figure 2. The circuitry 244 is coupled to the eyedrop sensor 240 and to the switch 226. In operation, when an eyedrop 214 is detected at an end of the nozzle 206 by the eyedrop sensor 240, the switch 226 is actuated, and an amount of pressurized air is released from the storage tank 222 top the blower 220. The amount of pressurized air then directs the eyedrop 214 to a user’s eye.

[0032] Figure 3A shows an example of an optical eyedrop sensor 300. A beam source 304 and a beam detector 306 are shown coupled to a fixture 302. A nozzle 310 is shown to indicate an end of a nozzle of an eyedrop bottle. In Figure 3B, an optical beam 305 is shown passing from the beam source 304 to the beam detector 306. Beam options include, but are not limited to, laser beams, infrared beams, other wavelength beams, etc.

[0033] An eyedrop 320 is shown extending from the nozzle 310. In the example of Figure 3B, an end 321 of the eyedrop 320 is just beginning to intersect the beam 305. As the end 321 of the eyedrop 320 intersects the beam 305, the beam 305 is interrupted, and the interruption is detected at the beam detector 306. In one example, this detection indicates to circuitry in the eye dropper device 200 that an eyedrop 320 is present. The presence of an eyedrop 320 may then be processed (for example, by circuitry 244), and triggers actuation of a switch such as switch 226.

[0034] In addition to merely detecting a presence or absence of eyedrop 320, in selected examples, the optical eyedrop sensor 300 is further capable of adjusting a size of the eyedrop 320. As shown in Figure 3B, a location of the beam source 304 and the beam detector 306 may be adjustable as indicated by arrows 312. Arrows 312 show one example of adjusting a spatial relationship between the beam source 304, the beam detector 306, and the nozzle 310. From Figure 3B to Figure 3C, the beam source 304 and beam detector 306 are adjusted up.Attorney Docket 1775.033WO1

[0035] In the adjusted location shown in Figure 3C, the beam 305 detects an end 323 of the eyedrop 322 earlier than in Figure 3B. As shown in Figure 3C, the earlier detection of the end 323 of the eyedrop 322 results in a smaller eyedrop 322. In this way, by adjusting the spatial relationship between the beam source 304, the beam detector 306, and the nozzle 310, the size, when detected, of the eyedrop is controlled. In the example of Figures 3B and 3C, if a smaller eyedrop 322 is desired, the beam source 304, and beam detector 306 are moved up along arrows 312, and a smaller eyedrop 322 is provided at a time of actuation of the blower as described above.

[0036] Figure 3D shows an eye dropper device 350 according to one example. The eye dropper device 350 includes a bottle mount 352 to accept an eyedrop bottle 354. The bottle mount 352 is shown in dashed lines to reveal details of the eyedrop bottle 354 within the bottle mount 102. The eyedrop bottle 354 includes a nozzle 356 and cap threads 355.In the example of Figure 3D, a fixture 380 is included, and adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between the nozzle 356 and a user’s eye.

[0037] The eye dropper device 350 includes a blower 370 located adjacent to nozzle 356. When actuated, the blower overcomes surface tension of the nozzle 356 and directs an eyedrop 364 into a user’s eye. In the example of Figure 3D, the blower 370 is coupled to an air source 362. Examples of an air source 362 include, but are not limited to, a pressurized tank, a fan, etc. The air source 362 is coupled to the blower 370 through a conduit. In one example, a switch 376 is shown connected in line between the air source 362 and the blower 220. When actuated, the switch 376 is configured to release an amount of pressurized air from the air source 362. In one example, the switch 376 includes a valve. One example of a valve includes a solenoid actuated valve.

[0038] The eye dropper device 350 of Figure 3D further includes an eyedrop sensor 360 positioned adjacent to the bottle mount 352 such that when the eyedrop bottle 354 is present, the eyedrop sensor 360 is proximate to the nozzle 356 of the eyedrop bottle 354. In one example, the eyedrop sensor 360 is similar to the eyedrop sensor 300 from Figures 3A-3C, although the invention is not so limited. In Figure 3D, a position of the eyedrop sensor 360 is adjustable as indicated by arrows 366. In one example, a threaded adjuster post 368 moves the eyedrop sensor 360 as desired by a user, or at manufacture. Similar to the eyedrop sensor 300 from Figures 3A-3C in addition to merely detecting a presence or absence of eyedrop 364, the eyedrop sensor 360 is further capable of adjusting a size of the eyedrop 364.Atorney Docket 1775.033WO1

[0039] Figure 3E shows an end view of the eyedrop sensor 360 rotated 90 degrees from the view in Figure 3D. A beam source 363 and a beam detector 365 are shown coupled to a fixture 361. In Figure 3E, an optical beam 367 is shown passing from the beam source 363 to the beam detector 365. Beam options include, but are not limited to, laser beams, infrared beams, other wavelength beams, etc. As described above with respect to Figures 3A-3C, if a beam interruption is detected, circuitry is triggered to actuate the blower 370. The post 368 is further shown with threads 369. By rotating the post 368, the fixture 361 of the eyedrop sensor 360 is raised or lowered. As described in Figure 3C above, raising or lowering the eyedrop sensor 360 provides selectability of drop size. Although a threaded post 368 is used as an example for adjustability, the invention is not so limited.

[0040] Figure 3D further shows the blower 370 oriented at an upward angle 371 towards the eyedrop 364. By angling the blower 370 upward, the eyedrop 364 is likewise blown upward at an angle along arced path 382. The arced path 382 provides greater distance to target point 384, which is the user's eye as shown in Figure 4A. In one example, an angle 371 of the blower 370 may be adjustable to ensure accurate targeting of the eyedrop 364 with the user's eye. In one example, the angle 371 is determined at manufacture. In one example, the angle 371 is user adjustable.

[0041] Figure 4 A shows an example of application of an eyedrop using an eye dropper device 400 as described in the present disclosure. In Figure 4A, a first fixture 430 and a second fixture 432 are included, although the invention is not so limited. Fewer than two fixtures, or more than two fixtures are also within the scope of the invention. In one example, the fixtures include a ring, or cylinder, that circles a user’s eye 401. As shown in Figure 4A, the fixtures 430, 432 contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between a nozzle and the user’s eye 401. An eyedrop 414 from eyedrop bottle 404 is shown in Figure 4A, moving in response to a stream of air 421 . The stream of air 421 emanates from a blower 420, and is triggered by any of a number of different possible conditions, such as pressing a button, or detection of an eyedrop at an end of the nozzle 406, as discussed in examples above. In Figure 4A, the eyedrop 414 is shown being blown off of a surface 412, although the invention is not so limited. Other examples, such as the example of Figure 2, blow an eyedrop directly from a nozzle 406. In one example, a force of the stream of air 421 is selected to be strong enough to overcome surface tension at the nozzle 406 or other surface, but light enough to not be jarring to a user. In one example the force of the stream of air 421 is justAttorney Docket 1775.033WO1 above a threshold of the surface tension of the nozzle 406 or other surface and no greater.

[0042] Figure 4A further shows a visual target 434 to encourage a user to look up along path 436 before the eyedrop 414 is blown into the user’s eye 401. The blowing of the eyedrop 414 may be abrupt, and cause the user to flinch. In one example, by encouraging the user to look at the target 434 before blowing the eyedrop 414 helps the user to not focus on the eyedrop 414 in anticipation of it being blown into the eye 401. In this way, the user is more at ease when the eyedrop 414 is blown into the eye 401. The user may still flinch, but the eyedrop will already be deposited in the eye 401 by the time the user reaction occurs.

[0043] Figure 4B shows an adaptor 450 that may be used to adapt other shapes of eyedrop bottles 404 to a bottle mount 402, similar to bottle mounts 202 or 102 shown in other examples above. The adaptor 450 includes a base 452 and side structures 454 that hold the eyedrop bottles 404 as shown in Figure 4C. A magnet 456 is included to provide removable retention with the bottle mount 402. In Figure 4C, The magnet 456 is retained against a ferromagnetic plug 458. One of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, will recognize that the positions of the magnet 456 and ferromagnetic plug 458 can also be reversed. Although a magnet configuration is shown to provide removable retention of the adaptor 450, the invention is not so limited. Other retention mechanisms, such as an interference fit, threaded retention, spring pin, etc. are also within the scope of the invention.

[0044] Although a storage tank, and a switch are described in examples above to provide a stream of air, the invention is not so limited. Figures 5 and 6 show possible alternative example configurations to provide a stream of air. Additionally, although a stream of air is used as an example, other gasses such as nitrogen may be used.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an eye dropper device 500. Similar to other examples, the eye dropper device 500 includes a bottle mount 502 to accept an eyedrop bottle 504. The eyedrop bottle 504 includes a nozzle 506. In the example of Figure 5, a fixture 530 is included, and adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between the nozzle 506 and a user’s eye.

[0046] The eye dropper device 500 includes a blower 520 located adjacent to nozzle 506. When actuated, the blower overcomes surface tension and directs an eyedrop 514 into a user’s eye. In the example of Figure 5, the blower 520 is coupled to a storage tank 522. The storage tank 522 is coupled to the blower 220 through a conduitAtorney Docket 1775.033WO1524. In one example, a switch 526 is shown connected in line between the storage tank 522 and the blower 520. When actuated, the switch 526 is configured to release an amount of pressurized air from the storage tank 522. In one example, the switch 526 includes a valve. One example of a valve includes a solenoid actuated valve.

[0047] In the example of Figure 5, the eye dropper device 500 includes an air pump 550 coupled to the storage tank 522. In the example of Figure 5, the air pump 550 includes a manual air pump. A piston 552 is pumped one or more times, and air pressure is built as pumped air is passed through a check valve 554. An advantage of a manual air pump 550 includes reduced cost. Other examples of an air pump 550 include electrically powered air pumps.

[0048] In one example, a pressure sensor 560 is further included, and attached to the storage tank 522. In examples where a pressure sensor 560 is included, circuitry, such as circuitry 244 in the example of Figure 2, can be used to monitor a pressure in the storage tank 522, and indicate when a sufficient pressure has been reached to provide a desired level of pressurized air to the blower 520.

[0049] In one example, a regulator 528 is further included between the storage tank 522 and the blower 520. A regulator 528 can be used to control a force of released pressurized air. In other examples, the pressure sensor 560 and geometry of the blower 520 is used to monitor and control a force of released pressurized air.

[0050] In Figure 6, an eye dropper device 600 is shown. Similar to other examples, the eye dropper device 600 includes a bottle mount 602 to accept an eyedrop bottle 604. A nozzle 606 is further shown. In the example of Figure 6, a fixture 630 is included, and adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between the nozzle 606 and a user’s eye.

[0051] The eye dropper device 600 includes a blower 620 located adjacent to nozzle 606. When actuated, the blower overcomes surface tension and directs an eyedrop 614 into a user’s eye. In the example of Figure 6, the blower 620 is coupled to an air pump 650. The air pump 650 includes a motor 652 and a fan 654. The air pump 650 is coupled to the blower 620 through a conduit 624. In selected examples, a regulator 628 is included between the air pump 650 and the blower 620.

[0052] In selected examples, a separate eyedrop reservoir 605 is included that is separate from the eyedrop bottle 604. An eyedrop reservoir 605 can be filled from any of various configurations of eyedrop bottle. In such an example, the nozzle 606 is coupled to the eyedrop reservoir 605, and not directly to the eyedrop bottle 604. InAttorney Docket 1775.033WO1 selected examples, once an eyedrop reservoir 605 is filled, the eyedrop bottle 604 can be removed. Advantages of only using an existing eyedrop bottle 604 include lower cost, and reduced device complexity for a user. An advantage of using a nozzle 606 that is dedicated to the eye dropper device 600 includes the ability to better calibrate an eyedrop sensor as illustrated in Figures 3A-3C. If a nozzle 606 location is fixed, motion in relation to the nozzle of a beam source and beam detector are more easily calibrated, resulting in better calibrated eyedrop sizes.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of a method of applying an eyedrop using devices and methods described. In operation 702, an amount of eyedrop medication is expelled from a nozzle to form an eyedrop. An amount of expelling determines a size of the eyedrop. In operation 704, the size of the eyedrop is detected using a sensor. In operation 706, the eyedrop is blown into a user’s eye when a detected size of the eyedrop meets a size threshold.

[0054] Figure 8 shows an eye dropper device 800 includes a blower 820 located adjacent to nozzle 806. In the example of Figure 8, the nozzle 806 is part of an eyedrop bottle 804 that is separately available from a pharmacy or over the counter. An eyedrop sensor 860 is shown, with arms 862 that include a beam source and a beam detector as described in examples above. The eyedrop sensor 860 is movably secured to the device 800 using mount holes 864.

[0055] Figure 9 shows an eye dropper device 900. In the example of Figure 9, a bottle mount 902 is shown to accept an eyedrop bottle (not shown). In one example the bottle mount 902 is configured to accept one or more bottle adapters as described in Figures 4B and 4C. Similar to the example in Figure 8, an eyedrop sensor 960 is shown. The eyedrop sensor 960 is movably secured to the device 900 using screws 962. A fixture 910 is further shown, and adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between a nozzle and a user’s eye.

[0056] To better illustrate the method and apparatuses disclosed herein, a nonlimiting list of embodiments is provided here:

[0057] Aspect 1. An eye dropper device, comprising: a bottle mount to accept an eyedrop bottle; an eyedrop sensor positioned adjacent to the bottle mount such that when the eyedrop bottle is present, the eyedrop sensor is proximate to a nozzle of the eyedrop bottle; and a blower located adjacent to the nozzle when the eyedrop bottle is present, wherein when actuated by the eyedrop sensor, the blower overcomes a surface tension of the nozzle of the eyedrop bottle and directs an eyedrop into a user's eye.Attorney Docket 1775.033WO1

[0058] Aspect 2. The eye dropper device of aspect 1, further including an air pump coupled to the blower.

[0059] Aspect 3. The eye dropper device of aspect 2, further including a storage tank coupled to the air pump.

[0060] Aspect 4. The eye dropper device of aspect 3, wherein the air pump includes a manual operated pump.

[0061] Aspect 5. The eye dropper device of aspect 4, further including a switch connected in line between the storage tank and the blower, the switch configured to release an amount of pressurized air when actuated.

[0062] Aspect 6. The eye dropper device of aspect 5, wherein the switch includes a solenoid.

[0063] Aspect 7. The eye dropper device of aspect 3, further including a pressure sensor to control a desired air pressure in the storage tank.

[0064] Aspect 8. The eye dropper device of aspect 1, further including a regulator to adjust blower flow.

[0065] Aspect 9. The eye dropper device of aspect 1, wherein the eyedrop sensor includes an infrared optical sensor.

[0066] Aspect 10. The eye dropper device of aspect 9, wherein the eyedrop sensor includes a beam detector that is configured to be triggered when interrupted by an eyedrop.

[0067] Aspect 11. The eye dropper device of aspect 9, wherein the eyedrop sensor is adjustable and is configured to adjust a size of an eyedrop by changing a spatial relationship between the eyedrop sensor and the nozzle.

[0068] Aspect 12. The eye dropper device of aspect 1, further including a fixture adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between the nozzle and a user's eye.

[0069] Aspect 13. The eye dropper device of aspect 1, wherein the blower includes a fan.

[0070] Aspect 14. An eye dropper device, comprising: a bottle mount to accept an eyedrop bottle; an eyedrop holder spaced apart from a nozzle of an eyedrop bottle when positioned in the bottle mount, the eyedrop holder including a contour adapted to hold an eyedrop at an end of the eyedrop holder using surface tension; and a blower located adjacent to the end of the eyedrop holder, wherein when actuated, the blowerAtorney Docket 1775.033WO1 overcomes the surface tension of the eyedrop holder and directs the eyedrop into a user's eye; and a switch to actuate the blower.

[0071] Aspect 15. The eye dropper device of aspect 14, wherein the eyedrop holder includes a structure to modify a surface tension compared to a flat eyedrop holder.

[0072] Aspect 16. The eye dropper device of aspect 14, further including an eyedrop reservoir separate from the eyedrop bottle.

[0073] Aspect 17. The eye dropper device of aspect 14, further including an air pump coupled to the blower.

[0074] Aspect 18. The eye dropper device of aspect 17, further including a storage tank coupled to the air pump.

[0075] Aspect 19. The eye dropper device of aspect 14, further including an eyedrop sensor positioned adjacent to the bottle mount such that when an eyedrop bottle is present, the eyedrop sensor is proximate to a nozzle of the eyedrop bottle.

[0076] Aspect 20. A method of applying an eyedrop, comprising; expelling an amount of eyedrop medication from a nozzle to form an eyedrop, wherein an amount of expelling determines a size of the eyedrop; detecting the size of the eyedrop using a sensor; and blowing the eyedrop into a user's eye when a detected size of the eyedrop meets a size threshold.

[0077] Aspect 21. The method of aspect 20, wherein expelling an amount of eyedrop medication from a nozzle includes expelling from a commercial eyedrop bottle.

[0078] Aspect 22. The method of aspect 20, wherein detecting the size of the eyedrop using a sensor includes detecting an interruption of a beam by the eyedrop.

[0079] Aspect 23. The method of aspect 20, wherein blowing the eyedrop includes actuating a valve to release an amount of pressurized air.

[0080]

[0081] These and other examples and features of the present infusion devices, and related methods will be set forth in part in the above detailed description. This overview is intended to provide non-limiting examples of the present subject matter — it is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation.

[0082] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can includeAtorney Docket 1775.033WO1 elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0083] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0084] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may he in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. Atorney Docket 1775.033WO1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An eye dropper device, comprising: a bottle mount to accept an eyedrop bottle; an eyedrop sensor positioned adjacent to the bottle mount such that when the eyedrop bottle is present, the eyedrop sensor is proximate to a nozzle of the eyedrop bottle; and a blower located adjacent to the nozzle when the eyedrop bottle is present, wherein when actuated by the eyedrop sensor, the blower overcomes a surface tension of the nozzle of the eyedrop bottle and directs an eyedrop into a user’s eye.

2. The eye dropper device of claim 1, further including an air pump coupled to the blower.

3. The eye dropper device of claim 2, further including a storage tank coupled to the air pump.

4. The eye dropper device of claim 3, wherein the air pump includes a manual operated pump.

5. The eye dropper device of claim 4, further including a switch connected in line between the storage tank and the blower, the switch configured to release an amount of pressurized air when actuated.

6. The eye dropper device of claim 5, wherein the switch includes a solenoid.

7. The eye dropper device of claim 3, further including a pressure sensor to control a desired air pressure in the storage tank.

8. The eye dropper device of claim 1, further including a regulator to adjust blower flow.Atorney Docket 1775.033WO19. The eye dropper device of claim 1, wherein the eyedrop sensor includes an infrared optical sensor.

10. The eye dropper device of claim 9, wherein the eyedrop sensor includes a beam detector that is configured to be triggered when interrupted by an eyedrop.

11. The eye dropper device of claim 9, wherein the eyedrop sensor is adjustable and is configured to adjust a size of an eyedrop by changing a spatial relationship between the eyedrop sensor and the nozzle.

12. The eye dropper device of claim 1, further including a fixture adapted to contact a user and consistently determine a spacing between the nozzle and a user’s eye.

13. The eye dropper device of claim 1, wherein the blower includes a fan.

14. An eye dropper device, comprising: a bottle mount to accept an eyedrop bottle; an eyedrop holder spaced apart from a nozzle of an eyedrop bottle when positioned in the bottle mount, the eyedrop holder including a contour adapted to hold an eyedrop at an end of the eyedrop holder using surface tension; and a blower located adjacent to the end of the eyedrop holder, wherein when actuated, the blower overcomes the surface tension of the eyedrop holder and directs the eyedrop into a user’s eye; and a switch to actuate the blower.

15. The eye dropper device of claim 14, wherein the eyedrop holder includes a structure to modify a surface tension compared to a flat eyedrop holder.

16. The eye dropper device of claim 14, further including an eyedrop reservoir separate from the eyedrop bottle.

17. The eye dropper device of claim 14, further including an air pump coupled to the blower.Atorney Docket 1775.033WO118. The eye dropper device of claim 17, further including a storage tank coupled to the air pump.

19. The eye dropper device of claim 14, further including an eyedrop sensor positioned adjacent to the bottle mount such that when an eyedrop bottle is present, the eyedrop sensor is proximate to a nozzle of the eyedrop bottle.

20. A method of applying an eyedrop, comprising; expelling an amount of eyedrop medication from a nozzle to form an eyedrop, wherein an amount of expelling determines a size of the eyedrop; detecting the size of the eyedrop using a sensor; and blowing the eyedrop into a user’s eye when a detected size of the eyedrop meets a size threshold.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein expelling an amount of eyedrop medication from a nozzle includes expelling from a commercial eyedrop bottle.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein detecting the size of the eyedrop using a sensor includes detecting an interruption of a beam by the eyedrop.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein blowing the eyedrop includes actuating a valve to release an amount of pressurized air.

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