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Ophthalmic dispenser and associated method

  • US 20050029307A1
  • Filed: 10/21/2003
  • Published: 02/10/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2000
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An ophthalmic dispenser comprising:

  • a body defining a fluid reservoir;

    a pump coupled in fluid communication with the reservoir and including a slide defining an axially-elongated passageway and a piston slidably received within the axially-elongated passageway, wherein the slide defines within the axially-elongated passageway a compression zone, a first portion formed between the compression zone and the reservoir, and a second portion located on an opposite side of the compression zone relative to the first portion, wherein the first portion is defined by a first radius and the compression zone is defined by a second radius that is less than the first radius, and at least one of the piston and slide is movable relative to the other between (i) a first actuated position with the tip of the piston received within the first portion of the slide, and the compression zone coupled in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving fluid therefrom, and (ii) a rest position with a tip of the piston received within the second portion of the slide;

    a nozzle comprising a valve including an annular, axially-extending valve seat, an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication between the valve seat and the compression zone, and a flexible valve cover extending about the valve seat and forming an annular, axially-extending interface therebetween, wherein the interface is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture, and at least part of the valve cover is movable between (i) a normally closed position with the valve cover engaging the valve seat to close the interface and form a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and (ii) an open position with at least part of the valve cover spaced away from the valve seat in response to fluid flowing through the outlet aperture at a pressure greater than a valve opening pressure to allow the passage of pressurized fluid therebetween; and

    at least one spring drivingly connected to at least one of the piston and slide, wherein the spring drives at least one of the piston and the slide from the first actuated position to the rest position to pressurize fluid in the compression zone and, in turn, dispense a metered dosage of fluid through the valve and into a user'"'"'s eye.

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