Abstract:
An eyedrop bottle holder with resilient arms formed from an inverted U-shaped band made from resilient injection molded plastic. The top middle portion of the inverted U-shape band includes a centrally located opening through which the top (dispensing portion) of a standard eyedrop bottle containing eyedrop solution may be positioned and held. The right and left arms of the U-shape band each terminate in an outwardly disposed J-shape foot, the underside of which is covered by a soft rubber-like pad. When a user inserts a standard eyedrop bottle into the holder, the dispensing tip of the eyedrop bottle may be positioned in close proximity to the user&#39;s eye. The user may cause his or her eye lid to remain open by using the fingers of one hand to squeeze the right and left arms of the holder together, then placing the pad of one arm on the upper ridge of the orbital eye socket and the pad of the second arm on the lower ridge of the orbital eye socket. Releasing the arms causes the skin of the user&#39;s upper and lower eyelids to be spread apart from each other and remain spread during an eyedrop solution dispensing event. The eyedrop bottle is retained within a housing that includes an electromechanical assembly with a rotating cam that pushes on the side of the bottle until a predetermined amount of solution is dispensed. When a set amount of eyedrop solution has been dispensed, the assembly resets itself. An electronic sensor detects the passage of a drop of solution from the bottle and directs a reverse motion to the rotating cam. Tilt sensors assist the user in properly orienting the device for use. An adaptor may be used to accommodate non-standard sized eyedrop bottles.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of eyedrop dispensing devices. The present invention relates more specifically to devices for facilitating the proper positioning of an eyedrop bottle and the automated dispensing of a quantity of eyedrop solution. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Devices for dispensing eyedrop solutions are known. Generally, a bottle of eyedrop solution includes a drop dispenser that is built into the exit orifice of the container. To dispense the solution, the user squeezes the bottle forcing solution out of the exit orifice and into his or her eye. Many users have trouble with dispensing eyedrops from standard dispensing bottles. The user has a tendency to blink when the drop is about to enter the eye, causing the drop to miss the eye and land on a closed lid. Therefore, eyedrop solution is frequently wasted due to the user blinking during the attempted application and the user ends up with eyedrop solution streaming down his or her face. Problems also occur when the user dispenses too much eyedrop solution (too many drops) accidentally and when the user thinks they have dispensed a drop of solution when they have not. 
         [0005]    A number of efforts have attempted to resolve the above mentioned problem. Thomas Keen, in his U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,096, discloses a dispenser with an eyelid opening device. The user is required to place a pair of lid spreading arms dangerously close to the eye and then press a lever arm to keep the eyelids apart. Thomas Sherman, in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,945, discloses an attachment for a bottle that includes a ring intended to help align the bottle with the eye. However, no attempt is made to hold the eyelid open. Gary Campagna, in his U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,590, shows a tripod like device for aligning the solution bottle over the user&#39;s eye. No attempt is made to hold the lid open. James Davidian, in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,970, shows a device for dispensing eye drops. He proposes a dispensing arm, one side of which includes an indentation that receives the user&#39;s nose, the other side of which accepts a dispensing bottle. The bottle includes a pair of arms which, when squeezed, impinge on the side walls of the bottle forcing solution out of the bottle and into the user&#39;s eye. No attempt is made to hold the user&#39;s eyelid open. U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,916 issued to Julia Clifford et al. shows a dispenser that attempts to control the amount of drops that exit a solution holding bottle. The bottle has retractable apertures that capture and release a drop of solution. The devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,927,062 (Walsh); 6,041,978 (Hagele); 6,010,488 (Deas); and 4,834,727 (Cope) as well as U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,292 (Feldman), all attempt to position an eyedrop bottle in a correct location above a person&#39;s eye, but none include a means to help hold the user&#39;s eye lids spread apart in an open position. U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,916 (McKee) discloses an eyelid retractor that is used during ocular surgery or the like. It is not designed to be used with the dispensing of eyedrop solution. 
         [0006]    None of the above cited devices safely holds the user&#39;s eyelids open while dispensing eyedrops from a standard eyedrop bottle. Additionally, none of the above mentioned patents describe a device that allows the user to dispense a portioned amount of eyedrop solution in an automatic and repeatable fashion. None of the above cited inventions dispenses a precise amount of eyedrop solution and simultaneously holds the user&#39;s eyelids open while doing so. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A primary object of the present invention is to provide a holder for an eyedrop bottle that facilitates the proper positioning of the bottle over the eye and includes resilient lid spreading legs. 
         [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid spreading eyedrop bottle holder that allows the user to easily attach and detach a standard eyedrop bottle to the lid spreading device. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid spreading eyedrop bottle holder that does not interfere with the eyedrop bottle tip and at the same time prevents the bottle tip from contacting the eye during proper use. 
         [0010]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a lid spreading eyedrop bottle holder that firmly attaches to the eyedrop bottle and orients the bottle for dispensing. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lid spreading eyedrop bottle holder that is inexpensive to manufacture. 
         [0012]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid spreading eyedrop bottle holder that automatically dispenses a portioned amount of eyedrop solution when the user presses a dispensing button on the device. 
         [0013]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an eyedrop bottle holder with resilient arms constructed of: an inverted U-shaped band made from resilient injection molded plastic. The top middle portion of the inverted U-shape band includes a centrally located opening through which the top (dispensing portion) of a standard eyedrop bottle containing eyedrop solution may be positioned and held. The right and left arms of the U-shape band each terminate in an outwardly disposed J-shape foot, the underside of which is covered by a soft rubber-like pad. When a user inserts a standard eyedrop bottle into the holder, the dispensing tip of the eyedrop bottle may be positioned in close proximity to the user&#39;s eye. In this manner, the user may cause his or her eye lid to remain open by using the fingers of one hand to squeeze the right and left arms of the holder together, then placing the rubber-like pad of one arm on his or her upper ridge of the orbital eye socket and the rubber-like pad of the second arm on the lower ridge of his or her orbital eye socket, and then releasing the arms thereby causing the skin of the user&#39;s upper and lower eyelids to be spread apart from each other and remain spread during an eyedrop solution dispensing event. 
         [0015]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention the eyedrop bottle is retained within a housing. The housing includes an electromechanical assembly that includes a rotating cam member that pushes on the side of the bottle until a predetermined amount of solution is dispensed. When a set amount of eyedrop solution has been dispensed, the assembly resets itself automatically to prepare for the next dispensing event. An electronic sensor detects the passage of a drop of solution from the bottle and thereby directs a reverse motion to the rotating cam member. Mechanical and/or electronic tilt sensors assist the user in properly orienting the device for use. An adaptor may be used to accommodate non-standard sized eyedrop bottles. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle (minus its cap) fixed within the device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with the eyedrop bottle removed and configured with a bottle size adaptor. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a front side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle fixed within the device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a back side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle fixed within the device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle fixed within the device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  a bottom plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle fixed within the device. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B  are partial cross sectional views of the device of the present invention showing the interior electromechanical components that direct the movement of the rotating cam into the side of the eyedrop bottle to dispense a drop of solution. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a front (lateral) cross sectional view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the internal electronic components operable for the control of the device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side (transverse) cross sectional view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the internal electromechanical components operable for the control of the device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a preferred method of use of the device of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a front side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a mechanical tilt indicator. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a mechanical tilt indicator and an optional battery recharging connector. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  with a mechanical tilt indicator. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a detailed partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with an electronic tilt sensor. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart providing the basic steps in a preferred method of using the eyedrop dispensing device of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Reference is made first to  FIG. 1  for an overview description of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle fixed within the device. Eyedrop delivery system  1200  is shown to comprise an enclosure assembly made up primarily of front housing  1220 , rear housing  1222 , and housing top  1224 . A standard sized eyedrop bottle  1216  is positioned within a cylindrical extension of front housing  1220 . Eyedrop bottle  1216  may be fixed in position with adjustment screw  1218  directed through the wall of the cylindrical extension of front housing  1220 . Bottle tip nozzle  1236  extends downward in the view of  FIG. 1  and is shown with the cap removed to allow for dispensing of the eyedrop solution. 
         [0033]    The housing components described above for the eyedrop delivery system  1200  of the present invention are positioned on eyelid retracting assembly  1201 . This assembly is comprised of a unitary curved band of resilient, semi-rigid, plastic material that serves to support the housing components (in conjunction with eyedrop bottle  1216 ) and further to facilitate the retention of the eye in an open condition ready to receive the drop of eyedrop solution. Eyelid retracting assembly  1201  accomplishes this by providing flexible but resilient arms that terminate in soft cushioned feet that are positioned on the upper and lower orbital rim sites around the user&#39;s eye. 
         [0034]    Lower flex arm  1226  and upper flex arm  1228  extend from a common point of attachment to the housing components of eyedrop delivery system  1200 . Each flex arm  1226  and  1228  extends downward to terminate in a “J” shaped eyelid retracting leg. Lower eyelid retracting leg  1202  terminates lower flex arm  1226 , while upper eyelid retracting leg  1204  terminates upper flex arm  1228 . As shown, each of the eyelid retracting legs  1202  and  1204  are covered on one face with soft resilient cushion material so as to gently engage the skin of the user at the upper and lower orbital sites against which the device and delivery system is placed (see  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0035]    As used herein, the terms upper and lower refer to positions about the eye of the user; upper referring to the area about the eyebrow, and lower referring to the area about the top part of the cheek. The upper curved sections of eyelid retracting assembly  1201 , on either side of front housing  1220 , provide the necessary spring resiliency to eyelid retracting assembly  1201  so as to allow the user to squeeze the upper and lower eyelid retracting legs  1202  and  1204  together for placement of the device against the face about the eye and thereafter release the legs slightly so as to allow for the expansion of eyelid retracting assembly  1201  and the corresponding opening of, or retention of the open condition of, the eye. 
         [0036]    Various electronic components are associated with the operation of eyedrop delivery system  1200  as described in more detail below. In the view of  FIG. 1 , activation button  1212  is shown as a recessed button positioned on housing top  1224 . Also positioned on housing top  1224  is a low battery LED  1260  which provides an indication to the user that the internal battery (rechargeable or replaceable) is low and should be replaced or recharged. Also shown as extending down from eyelid retracting assembly  1201  is drop sensor assembly  1246  which is shown to include opposing legs that bracket bottle tip nozzle  1236 . The manner of the operation of the drop sensor assembly  1246  in conjunction with the activation of the device is described in more detail below. 
         [0037]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 2  for a brief description of an additional optional component to the system of the present invention for adaptation of the device to an alternate sized eyedrop bottle. Eyedrop delivery system  1200  is shown in  FIG. 2  with the eyedrop bottle removed. In this view, dispensing cam assembly  1207  can be seen within the confines of the cylindrical housing component of the device. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dimensions of the cylindrical enclosure established by front housing  1220 , appropriately accommodates a standard sized eyedrop bottle (typically a 15 ml or 0.5 oz. squeeze bottle). 
         [0038]    Some variation of the outer diameter of such standard sized bottles may be accommodated through the use of adjustment screw  1218 . Significant departures from a standard sized diameter bottle may be addressed through the use of bottle size adapter  1256  as shown in  FIG. 2 . This partial cylindrical sleeve may be inserted into the cylindrical opening of front housing  1220  as shown, thereby directing alternate sized eyedrop bottle  1258  towards the side of front housing  1220  where it is positioned adjacent to dispensing cam assembly  1207 . The manner in which dispensing cam assembly  1207  squeezes the eyedrop bottle is described in more detail below. Eyedrop delivery system  1200  however is structured the same as the system shown in  FIG. 1  and is thereby adaptable to a variety of eyedrop bottle sizes. 
         [0039]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 3  for a detailed description of a front side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle fixed within the device. In this view, the same components as shown generally in  FIG. 1  may be seen. Eyedrop delivery system  1200  is shown to be generally comprised of front housing  1220 , rear housing  1222 , and housing top  1224 . Eyedrop bottle  1216  is positioned within front housing  1220  with bottle tip nozzle  1223  extending below the housing between lower flex arm  1226  and upper flex arm  1228 . 
         [0040]    Lower flex arm  1226  is shown to include lower eyelid retracting leg  1202 , at least partially covered with a resilient soft cushion material appropriate for engagement with the skin about the orbital socket of the eye of the user. Likewise, upper flex arm  1228  is shown to include upper eyelid retracting leg  1204  with a similar soft cushion covering. Extending below front housing  1220  is drop sensor assembly  1246 . Sensor assembly  1246  is positioned to sense the passage of a drop of solution from eyedrop bottle  1216  by way of bottle tip nozzle  1236  downward (in the orientation shown in  FIG. 3 ) and preferably into the eye of the user. 
         [0041]    Drop sensor assembly  1246  may preferably be comprised of two “L” shaped legs that extend down from front housing  1220  below eyelid retracting assembly  1201  so as to be appropriately positioned below bottle tip nozzle  1236  to sense the passage of a drop of solution. As described in more detail below, drop sensor assembly  1246  is preferably the combination of a photodiode and a photo sensor, each positioned on one of the two “L” shaped legs of the assembly. Electrical conductors extend within the “L” shaped legs of the assembly up into the enclosure defined by the housing components of the eyedrop delivery system  1200 . In general, a single pair of conductors may extend to the photodiode and a similar single pair of conductors to the photo sensor and are sufficient to provide the necessary electronics connections associated with operation of drop sensor assembly  1246 . 
         [0042]    Also seen in  FIG. 3  is a manner of integrating the construction of eyelid retraction assembly  1201  into front housing  1220  of the eyedrop delivery system  1200 . Although the various components of the overall eyedrop delivery system  1200  may be constructed from individual sections of molded material (preferably rigid or semi-rigid plastic material), it may be preferred to mold the eyelid retracting assembly  1201  as a unitary component with front housing  1220  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternately, these components may be molded separately and attached one to the other as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0043]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 4  for a detailed description of the obverse view of the device shown in  FIG. 3 . In the view of  FIG. 4 , the backside of the housing components can be seen. In this view, front housing  1220  is seen to transition into rear housing  1222  across the back of the eyedrop delivery system  1200 . Housing top  1224  is shown to extend across both front housing  1220  and rear housing  1222 . Front housing  1220  is primarily descriptive of the cylindrical portion of the device designed to receive the eyedrop bottle as shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4  also discloses the manner in which bottle cap  1237  may be returned to the top of bottle  1216  while it remains held in eyedrop delivery system  1200 . 
         [0044]    Reference is next made to  FIGS. 5 and 6  which are a top plan view and a bottom plan view respectively of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown assembled with an eyedrop bottle fixed within the device.  FIG. 5  represents a top view, which shows eyedrop bottle  1216  centrally (co-axially) positioned within the cylindrical extension of front housing  1220 . On either side of front housing  1220 , enclosing eyedrop bottle  1216 , are lower flex arm  1226  and upper flex arm  1228 . These flex arm components of eyelid retracting assembly  1201  are shown to extend into lower eyelid retracting leg  1202  and upper eyelid retracting leg  1204 , each covered with soft resilient cushion components as described above. 
         [0045]    Housing top  1224  of eyedrop delivery system  1200  is shown in  FIG. 5  to include recessed activation button  1212  as well as low battery LED indicator  1260 . Adjustment screw  1218  is shown positioned through the cylindrical wall of front housing  1220  so as to engage the outer diameter wall of eyedrop bottle  1216 . A small portion of drop sensor assembly  1246  is visible in  FIG. 5  positioned as it is below the front cylindrical wall of front housing  1220 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is the obverse view of the device shown in  FIG. 5 , seen from below as the user might view the device immediately prior to use. In this view, drop sensor assembly  1246  is seen in its entirety and is shown to be generally aligned with bottle tip nozzle  1236  so as to provide an accurate indication of the passage of a drop of solution down from bottle tip nozzle  1236  between the two legs of drop sensor assembly  1246 . In the preferred embodiment, the photodiode and the photo sensor that make up drop sensor assembly  1246  have a sufficient range of detection so as to identify the passage of a drop of solution even if the drop falls slightly off-center from the bottle tip nozzle  1236 . The drop sensor assembly  1246  may therefore accommodate slight deviations from a direct alignment between bottle tip nozzle  1236  and the electronic components associated with drop sensor assembly  1246 . 
         [0047]    Also seen in  FIG. 6  are the fully cushioned surfaces of lower eyelid retracting leg  1202  and upper eyelid retracting leg  1204 . The cushioned surfaces of eyelid retracting legs  1202  and  1204  are structured so as to softly engage the skin of the user in the area about the orbital socket around the user&#39;s eye with a sufficient friction as to facilitate the retention of the skin and the associated eyelid areas of the user in an open condition. The material should be soft enough to prevent abrasion or other negative impacts to the skin while at the same time having a sufficiently frictional characteristic to prevent the skin from sliding under the surface of the retracting legs. In the view shown in  FIG. 6 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to include an array of soft but resilient fins that provide the necessary surface area to prevent slippage of the retracting legs  1202  and  1204  over the skin surface. At the same time, this construction provides a soft surface for contact with the skin of the user. 
         [0048]    Reference is next made to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  for a more detailed description of the interior electromechanical components associated with the operation of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  provide top plan views of eyedrop delivery system  1200  with the housing top ( 1224  in the previous figures) removed so that the interior components of the system are disclosed. In  FIG. 7A  eyedrop delivery system  1200  is shown in the same basic view as that of  FIG. 5  with the top of the housing removed for clarity and with the eyelid retracting assembly only partially shown, again for clarity. Eyedrop bottle  1216  is shown positioned within front housing  1220  held in place in part with adjustment screw  1218 . On either side of front housing  1220  are lower flex arm  1226  and upper flex arm  1228 . Below flex arms  1226  and  1228  may be seen a portion of drop sensor assembly  1246 . 
         [0049]    Within the enclosure defined by front housing  1220  and rear housing  1222  are shown the various components that carry out the automated operation of the system. These components include dispensing cam assembly  1207  and the associated electronics used to direct the operation of the cam assembly. The operation of the device of the present invention involves the controlled rotation of an offset cam that may alternately be directed into ( FIG. 7A ) the side of the flexible eyedrop bottle  1216  or removed from ( FIG. 7B ) contact with the side of the eyedrop bottle. 
         [0050]    Dispensing cam assembly  1207  generally comprises three components and is associated with an electric motor (hidden from view in  FIG. 7A ) that drives a shaft  1208  in an off center position within inside cylinder  1209  of roller bearing  1210 . As motor shaft  1208  turns, it in turn rotates inside cylinder  1209  of offset roller bearing  1210  such that rotational movement of the inside cylinder portion of the bearing does not necessarily effect rotational movement of the external cylinder portion of the roller bearing. In this manner, the offset cam assembly  1207  may alternately direct the external cylindrical portion of bearing  1210  into the side of eyedrop bottle  1216  at wall section  1215  of the eyedrop bottle. Further rotation (or preferably, reverse rotation) of the cam assembly, as directed by the electric motor, rotates offset roller bearing  1210  away from contact with wall portion  1215  of eyedrop bottle  1216  as shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0051]    The electronics associated with the control of the electric motor directing the operation of dispensing cam assembly  1207  are also shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In the representation shown, the various primary components of the electronics are shown. These include battery  1230 , activation button  1212 , PC board  1232 , and microprocessor  1214 . Activation button  1212  is electrically connected to PC board  1232  as are microprocessor  1214 , and battery  1230 . Additionally, low battery LED  1260  is shown connected to PC board  1232 . Other components typically associated with such control circuitry may be included on PC board  1232  as known in the electronics art according to functions of the system controlling the DC motor associated with dispensing cam assembly  1207 . 
         [0052]    Although the system of the invention is designed to be operated using battery power from a relatively small DC cell, the battery itself may be either a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery. Alternate embodiments may provide battery door access into the enclosure if a replaceable battery is included, while charging circuit components and a charger connector (see  FIG. 12 ) may be included if a rechargeable battery system is utilized. 
         [0053]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 8  for a cross-sectional view of eyedrop delivery system  1200  of the present invention showing in an elevational view the various structures of the device as seen generally across a lateral diameter of the eyedrop bottle  1216 . In this view of  FIG. 8 , the interior of eyedrop bottle  1216  can be seen and the placement of the bottle within front housing  1220  with the specific downward orientation of eyedrop bottle  1216  can also be seen. In the partial cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 8 , one-half of drop sensor assembly  1246  is shown, in this case with photodiode  1247  directing the beam across the path of a drop that would be dispensed from bottle tip nozzle  1236 . The flex arms  1226  and  1228  are also shown in this view integrally constructed from the material and components making up front housing  1220  of the device. Lower eyelid retracting leg  1202  and upper eyelid retracting leg  1204  are also shown in this cross-sectional view. 
         [0054]    The interior components described briefly above in conjunction with  FIGS. 7A and 7B  are shown further in  FIG. 8 . Battery  1230  is shown positioned in a manner generally parallel to PC board  1232 . Various components are shown attached to PC board  1232  including microprocessor  1214  and activation button  1212 . Low battery LED  1260  has been omitted for clarity in this view. Also shown in  FIG. 8  is an optional electronic component mounted through the wall of front housing  1220  between PC board  1232  and the positioned placement of eyedrop bottle  1216 . This optional component is an electronic barcode reader that optically scans a barcode positioned as a label on eyedrop bottle  1216 , identifying the product contained within the eyedrop bottle as it is inserted into the device. Controlled by programming within microprocessor  1214 , optical reader  1250  may be used to assist in the control of the dispensing of eyedrop solution from the eyedrop bottle according to the requirements for a specific product. The initial optical scan may also be utilized to estimate the remaining amount of solution present in the bottle, and in some instances to control the manner in which the dispensing of a drop is directed by the mechanical components of the system. A wide range of additional control features may be facilitated by information scanned from a barcode positioned on eyedrop bottle  1216 . 
         [0055]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 9  which is a further cross-sectional view taken through the device at a view orthogonal to that shown in  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 9  the mechanical components of the system are shown positioned as they are primarily within rear housing  1222 . In the view of  FIG. 9 , eyedrop bottle  1216  is shown positioned within the cylindrical wall of front housing  1220  adjacent the components of dispensing cam assembly  1207 . With the orientation shown in  FIG. 9  dispensing cam assembly  1207  is positioned as it might be turned as in  FIG. 7B , that is withdrawn from wall section  1215  of eyedrop bottle  1216 , before or after having been pinched or squeezed inward as in the view of  FIG. 7A . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , however, rotation of dispensing cam assembly  1207  will direct the larger radius of the dispensing cam assembly into wall section  1215  of eyedrop bottle  1216  so as to squeeze the bottle and dispense a drop of eyedrop solution. 
         [0056]    As briefly described above, dispensing cam assembly  1207  is primarily constructed of electric motor  1206  having motor shaft  1208  which extends up through internal cylinder  1209  of offset roller bearing  1210 . Since motor shaft  1208  is positioned on an offset axis of internal cylinder  1209  of roller bearing  1210 , rotation of the bearing directs the larger radius portion into the wall of eyedrop bottle  1216 . Because of the cylinder-within-a-cylinder construction of offset roller bearing  1210 , the outer surface of the external portion of the bearing need not rotate abrasively against the wall of eyedrop bottle  1216  as it is pushed in and out from compressive contact with wall section  1215 . The internal cylinder  1209  of offset roller bearing  1210  may therefore rotate freely under the control and direction of electric motor  1206  not subject to any rotational friction, while the external cylinder portion of the offset roller bearing  1210  may simply move in and out against the wall of the eyedrop bottle. 
         [0057]    Also shown in  FIG. 9  are the extended leg components of drop sensor assembly  1246 . In this view, photodiode  1247   a  is shown in an orientation opposing photo sensor  1247   b  across the path that a drop would fall after exiting from bottle tip nozzle  1236  as described above. Once again, electrical conductors connect photodiode  1247   a  and photo sensor  1247   b  with the associated control electronics described above in conjunction with  FIG. 8 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that very accurate control of DC motor  1206  may be utilized to correspondingly control the very accurate and specific dispensing of solution from eyedrop bottle  1216 . Through the use of drop sensor assembly  1246 , the control electronics of the system may very quickly identify when a dispensing event (a single drop) has occurred and immediately withdraw (counter-rotate) the offset cam of dispensing cam assembly  1207  so as to prevent a further drop of solution from being dispensed from the bottle. 
         [0058]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 10  for a description of the manner in which the device  1200  of the invention is utilized in order to accurately dispense a drop of solution into the user&#39;s eye. Oriented in the manner shown in  FIG. 10 , the user holds the device with the thumb  1251  and forefinger  1253  engaging lower flex arm  1226  and upper flex arm  1228  respectively in a manner that allows the user to initially squeeze the arms towards each other and then allow the arms to return to an extended position once the device has been placed against the skin of the user above and below the orbital socket of the eye. 
         [0059]    Operation of the device of the present invention is facilitated by the user reclining in a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 10  and holding the device in the right hand as shown with the thumb and forefinger engaging the lower and upper flex arms. As the user holds the device as described above and squeezes the flex arms together, the cushioned surfaces of lower eyelid retracting leg  1202  and upper eyelid retracting leg  1204  are placed into contact with the skin of the user above  1254  and below  1252  the orbital socket just outside of the eyelid portion of the skin surrounding the eye. Once in contact with the skin&#39;s surface, the user then gently loosens the compressive force between the thumb and forefinger, all the while keeping the device engaged against the skin. This action of releasing the compressive force allows the eyelid retracting assembly  1201  to spring back to its original configuration with flex arms  1226  and  1228  moving outward. As the lower and upper flex arms move outward, while the eyelid retracting legs remain in gentle contact with the skin of the user about the eye, the eyelids are opened further and/or are retained open by the outward force exerted by the flex arms tending to return to their original configuration. In this manner, the device of the present invention imitates the action of a user that might utilize a thumb and forefinger to hold open the eyelids around the eye while a drop is being dispensed. This use of the present device, however, allows the user a free hand to actually control the dispensing of the eyedrop rather than being required to hold open the eye with one hand in a typically inadequate manner. 
         [0060]    The device of the present invention is configured in a sufficiently compact form as to allow the user to push the activation button on the device with the hand that is holding the device or, given a free hand, to push the activation button with the user&#39;s other hand. In either case, once properly positioned and oriented, the user pushes the activation button and causes the device to accurately dispense a single drop of solution into the eye while the eyelids are being retained in an open position by way of the spring force in the flex arm components. Drop sensor assembly  1246  shown in  FIG. 10  then detects the passage of a drop from the dispensing device into the user&#39;s eye and then reverses the motion of the internal mechanisms associated with the automatic dispensing device as described above. 
         [0061]    Drop sensor assembly  1246  is of course positioned so as to prevent any direct contact between the assembly and the user&#39;s eye. The placement and positioning of the eyedrop bottle within the eyedrop delivery system also positions the dispensing tip of the bottle appropriately apart from the surface of the user&#39;s eye. The resiliency associated with eyelid retracting assembly  1201  directs flex arms  1226  and  1228  horizontally apart or together rather than significantly changing the distance to the eye. 
         [0062]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 11  for a brief description of an alternate optional feature that may be incorporated into the device of the present invention.  FIG. 11 , which generally represents the same view as that shown in  FIG. 3 , discloses the use of a tilt ring  1270  positioned between drop sensor assembly  1246  and the base of the housing components of the device. Tilt ring  1270  is a pivoting structure that allows the user to recognize when the entire assembly is at the proper angle for dispensing. That is, when the dispensing tip  1236 , as viewed by the user, is positioned in the center of tilt ring  1270  (as in the side view shown in  FIG. 11 ), a person using the device would know that proper orientation has occurred. The user may tilt or orient the device so that ring  1270  can be seen to be in line with the sensor elements on drop sensor assembly  1246 . Indicia may be placed on the bottom of the two “L” shaped legs of drop sensor assembly  1246  to facilitate this alignment. 
         [0063]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 13 , which is a detailed perspective view of the tilt ring component  1270  shown with most of the balance of the components of the device removed for clarity. In this view, ring  1270  can be seen positioned directly under dispensing tip  1236 . If the user&#39;s head is not tilted back to the proper angle, (again, ideally parallel to a ground plane for the purpose of utilizing gravity to direct the eyedrop into the user&#39;s eye) ring  1270  will swing above or below the coaxial orientation in a manner that is identifiable to the user. 
         [0064]      FIG. 12  provides a bottom plan view of the device of the present invention showing the use of the tilt ring  1270  as well as the incorporation of a further optional feature utilized when a rechargeable battery is used within the system. In this view, electrical jack  1271  is shown positioned through a lower wall of the rear housing  1222  of the device in a manner that allows the user to connect an adaptor plug to the device so as to receive an electrical current from an AC adaptor that would recharge the internal rechargeable battery through on board charging circuitry. 
         [0065]      FIG. 14  shows a further optional component associated with an alternate embodiment of the present invention that may be used to insure that the user can not dispense a drop unless the correct dispensing angle is achieved. In  FIG. 14 , tilt switch  1280  is shown within the electronics so as to allow electrical power to the dispensing motor only if the device is at the correct angle. A micro-miniature tilt switch (such as those manufactured by Assemtech Company) which has a fifteen degree zone of operation, is appropriate for controlling this functionality. Any other tilt angle will not allow power to flow through the switch and therefore would not allow operation of the device. Switch  1262  may be mounted to PC board  1232  as shown in  FIG. 14  and appropriate programming within microprocessor  1214  may be used to direct power through the switch. Alternately, the switch may simply provide power that enables or disables the entire system&#39;s operation. In this latter manner, the switch may act as a wake up device, such that when the system is oriented properly, the electronics are activated and operation of the device may occur. It may be preferable to incorporate both the physical mechanical tilt angle mechanism described in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , as well as the electronic tilt angle mechanism shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0066]    Reference is finally made to  FIG. 15  which provides a flowchart of the basic method steps associated with the operation of the eyedrop dispensing device of the present invention. Provided with the device of the present invention and a typical bottle of eyedrop solution, the user begins the process of using the device by removing the eyedrop bottle cap at Step  1402 . This is followed by an optional step of activating a bar code scanner at Step  1404  if the device incorporates such capability and the eyedrop bottle bears a bar code suitable for scanning. The user then inserts the eyedrop bottle into the holder of the device at Step  1406 . If bar code scanning has been activated then the system scans the bar code as the bottle is inserted and confirms the solution and programming at Step  1408 . The user may then optionally tighten the drop adjustment set screw on the device at Step  1410 . 
         [0067]    The device is now ready for use and may either be immediately activated or stored with the bottle cap placed back on the bottle while it is in the holder. To initiate use of the device the user proceeds at Step  1412  to wake up the electronics of the system by momentarily touching the activation switch and/or by some other means for powering up the control electronics. Step  1414  involves confirming the battery status as adequate for accurate operation. The user then preferably grasps the device at Step  1416  by placing the thumb and forefinger on the two resilient legs of the device and squeezing the legs together at Step  1418 . The user then positions the cushioned pads of the device against the upper and lower rim of the orbital socket about the user&#39;s eye at Step  1420 . 
         [0068]    The user then partially releases the legs of the device at Step  1422  so as to spread and/or hold open the eyelids of the user. During this action the user also may, at Step  1424 , confirm the appropriate angle of the eyedrop bottle tip through the use of either a visual mechanical indicator of alignment or through the use of an internal electronic tilt sensor. Once the tilt angle is confirmed, the user presses the activation button at Step  1426  to direct the dispensing of the eyedrop. Meanwhile the resilient legs of the bi-pedal support of the device have maintained the eyelids in an open condition for the ready receipt of the eyedrop accurately into the eye. Pressing the activation button powers the motor to turn the offset cam into the side of the bottle at Step  1428  and thereby compress the bottle and cause it to dispense a drop from the bottle tip. 
         [0069]    The system of the present invention then detects the dispensing of the drop of solution from the bottle at Step  1430  and directs the electronic control circuitry to reverse the direction of the motor driven cam at Step  1432 . This completes the drop dispensing event which is typically followed by the user replacing the cap on the bottle at Step  1434 , preferably while the bottle remains within the device ready for its next use. Variations on the above described process are anticipated depending upon which optional features are provided on the device of the present invention. In its simplest form the process involves using the bi-pedal support to hold the eyelids open and the electromechanical drive motor to automatically compress the bottle to dispense a drop of solution. Additional features as described in the method above contribute to the accuracy and ease with which the device operates. 
         [0070]    While the present invention has been described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, these preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.