Piezoelectric dispenser with replaceable ampoule
First Claim
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1. A handheld device for emitting a fluid onto a surface of an eye, the device comprising:
- a piezoelectric actuator configured to vibrate at a selected frequency;
an ampoule containing;
a fluid reservoir containing the fluid to be dispensed; and
an aperture; and
an attachment mechanism configured to removably couple the ampoule into vibrational conduction with the piezoelectric actuator so that the piezoelectric actuator touches an external surface of the ampoule, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clamp, wherein the clamp is a C-clamp;
wherein;
the ampoule is aligned in a predetermined orientation relative to the piezoelectric actuator such that the fluid is emitted through the aperture when the piezoelectric actuator exerts acoustic pulses on the external surface of the ampoule; and
fluid emitted through the aperture can be directed onto the surface of the eye.
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Abstract
Fluid delivery devices and methods are described where the device may comprise a piezoelectric actuator having a piezoelectric chip that is operatively coupled to a drug package under a preloading force. The actuator is configured to generate an acoustic pressure within the drug package to dispense droplets or a continuous stream of an agent from an aperture, e.g., to the corneal surface of the eye. The piezoelectric actuator can be coupled or decoupled from the drug package via a coupling mechanism which enables the quick release and consistent securement of the drug package to the actuator and housing.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A handheld device for emitting a fluid onto a surface of an eye, the device comprising:
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a piezoelectric actuator configured to vibrate at a selected frequency; an ampoule containing; a fluid reservoir containing the fluid to be dispensed; and an aperture; and an attachment mechanism configured to removably couple the ampoule into vibrational conduction with the piezoelectric actuator so that the piezoelectric actuator touches an external surface of the ampoule, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clamp, wherein the clamp is a C-clamp; wherein; the ampoule is aligned in a predetermined orientation relative to the piezoelectric actuator such that the fluid is emitted through the aperture when the piezoelectric actuator exerts acoustic pulses on the external surface of the ampoule; and fluid emitted through the aperture can be directed onto the surface of the eye. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification