Abstract:
An eyedrop delivery system for the automated dispensing of eyedrop solution from bottles and ampoules. The system includes a battery and electronic control circuitry. A sprocket drive motor directs the advancement of a loop cartridge band containing eyedrop solution ampoules, moving each one at a time into position for dispensing. A motor rotates a cam to strike a push rod to compress each ampoule. The system includes an eyelid retracting leg assembly. The cartridge automatically advances the next full ampoule into position for dispensing and pushes the ampoule tip aside. The system helps assure that: (1) a known number of drops are dispensed; (2) the dispensed eyedrop(s) fall on the eyeball (by providing eyelid retracting legs to keep the eye open); and (3) the eyedrop(s) landing on the surface of the eye are confirmed using a drop dispensing sensor pair and a surface of the eye sensor pair.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/732,334, filed Dec. 1, 2012, and the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §120, as a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2011/051826, filed Sep. 15, 2011, designating the United States, which claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §120, of PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2011/028235, filed Mar. 11, 2011, designating the United States, which itself further claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(a) of U.S. patent Application Ser. No. 12/722,340, filed Mar. 11, 2010, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     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 dispensing device and the automated dispensing of a fixed quantity of sterile eyedrop solution. The present invention also relates more specifically to improvements in an eyedrop delivery system including drop delivery confirmation, variable bottle size accommodation, and improved cushioned orbital lobe contact surfaces. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     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 or to one side of the eye. 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. The user may also think that they have dispensed a drop of solution properly when they may not have. Normally, the eye will only hold about 0.6 of a drop. Therefore, some of the drop will typically go onto the eyelid. It is extremely difficult for the user to know whether the proper 60% of the drop actually landed in the eye. In addition, the size of a drop for a given solution may vary significantly in size. 
     Besides improper usage and subsequent inadequate treatment, waste is another consideration with currently available eyedrop administration. While some eyedrop solutions are sufficiently inexpensive that manufacturers can plan on some waste by the user while designing packaging for the product and fixing a selling price, other eyedrop solutions, being much more expensive, can dramatically increase the cost of eye care if sufficient measures are not taken to reduce the waste normally associated with the administration of eyedrop solutions. 
     There are, in addition, a number of problems associated with maintaining the sterility of solutions that are dispensed from a large container through a dropper tip that may become contaminated by exposure or contact. All multi dose vials sold in the U.S. contain antiseptic compounds to protect the solution against bacterial and viral contamination. Moreover, organic antiseptics do not kill all bacteria or viruses. These antiseptics are often irritating and may be toxic to the sensitive tissues surrounding and within the eye. For these reasons, individual dosages of sterile eyedrop solutions may be preferable to a simple container holding a quantity of eyedrop solution that may be subject to waste and may also be subject to contamination once the eye drop bottle is opened. 
     A number of efforts have attempted to resolve the contamination 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 legs on the edge of the eyelids dangerously close to the eye and then press a lever arm to keep the eyelids apart. It is nearly impossible to exert enough pressure on the edge of the eyelid to keep the eye open without injuring the eye. 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 eyelids 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. No. 4,927,062 (Walsh); U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,978 (Hagele); U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,488 (Deas); and U.S. Pat. No. 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. 
     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. 
     There has been little, if any, effort in the prior art to provide an efficient means for dispensing single dosages of sterile eyedrop solution accurately and completely into the user&#39;s eye. What systems that have been developed are generally expensive and involve a one-time use, where the complex device must be disposed of after the individual dosage has been dispensed. None of the above references provide an automated mechanism for dispensing a series of individual measured doses of eyedrop solution under sterile or near sterile conditions into the user&#39;s eye accurately and completely along with direct confirmation of the appropriate dispensing action. 
     Various efforts have been made to provide confirmation of eyedrop delivery to the eye. In the simplest form the user holds a bottle over the open eye, squeezes the bottle, and hopes that a drop finds its way onto the eyeball. Recent improvements to eyedrop delivery are provided by the system disclosed by the same Applicant of the present invention in the various Related Applications cross referenced above. 
     The Automated Incremental Eyedrop Delivery System with Eyelid Retracting Legs of the referenced disclosures provide elements to assist with keeping the eye open, electromechanical drive system for automated activation of the delivery system, and are designed to utilize existing eyedrop bottles that may vary slightly in size. The present disclosure also provides a number of improvements that help to assure not only that a single drop or a known number of drops are dispensed from the bottle and that the eye remains open, but also that the eyedrop(s) landing on the eye can be confirmed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an automated eyedrop delivery system that incorporates eyelid retracting legs and a replaceable bandolier loop cartridge containing individually measured doses of an eyedrop solution. The eyedrop solution is kept sterile until it is ready to be dispensed. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an eyedrop dispensing device with a lid spreading structure with its legs based on the orbit that allows the user to accurately position the dispensing device over the eye and maintain the eyelids open to receive the dispensed eyedrop. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that delivers individual measured dosages of an eyedrop solution from a sterile ampoule packet contained on a multi-ampoule packet band within the dispensing device. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyedrop dispensing device that automatically detects whether the user has properly positioned the dispensing device over the eye before activating the automatic dispensing system. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyedrop dispensing device that alerts the user to the proper positioning of the device and further facilitates the maintenance of the eyelids in an open condition during the dispensing action. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyedrop dispensing device that utilizes a removable and replaceable cartridge containing a number of individual dosage ampoules of the eyedrop solution. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyedrop dispensing device with a replaceable cartridge containing individually measured dosages of an eyedrop solution that is easy for the user to position within the device and additionally easy for the user to remove and replace the cartridge component after a cartridge has been used entirely. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyedrop dispensing device having visible and audible alerts directed to the user to confirm proper placement, positioning, and battery status of the device, during the operation and use of the device by the user. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electromechanical eyedrop delivery system that operates in conjunction with a movable bandolier loop cartridge containing a number of individually packaged and positioned eyedrop solution ampoules so as to automatically advance each ampoule into position for dispensing of the solution as directed by the user, and to direct the dispensing of the eyedrop solution by a separate electromechanical means directing the compressing of the ampoule so as to force the single dose of solution through a nozzle structured to dispense the eyedrop solution into the user&#39;s eye. 
     In fulfillment of the above and further objectives, the present invention provides an automated eyedrop delivery system comprising an enclosure housing electronic and electromechanical components for the automated dispensing of eyedrop solution from a number of individually measured and packaged eyedrop solution ampoules. The dispensing device includes an activation button as well as a number of LED indicators to facilitate the user&#39;s recognition of the condition of the device and of the eyedrop dispensing action. The main body of the eyedrop delivery device includes a battery power supply, as well as electronic control circuitry for carrying out the method of eyedrop dispensing. A sprocket drive motor directs the advancement of a loop cartridge comprising an oval band containing a number of eyedrop solution ampoules so as to move each of the ampoules one at a time into position for dispensing. A cam drive motor rotates a cam which strikes a push rod that directs a dispensing hammer onto the flexible wall of the individual ampoule reservoir that is in position for dispensing. The cartridge component containing the bandolier shaped (oval) band retaining the individual ampoule packets is positioned within and covered by a cartridge cover which fits over the delivery device housing and engages the appropriate sprocket drive and cam drive components. The entire device is configured with an eyelid retracting leg assembly that includes two J-shaped flex eyelid retracting legs covered with cushioned skin engaging material. The user holds the eyedrop delivery device in one hand, compressing the eyelid leg assembly together, then places the cushioned skin contacting material on the orbital ridge above and below the user&#39;s eye, and then releases the spring loaded eyelid retracting legs to facilitate the maintenance of the eye in an open condition. While holding the device in this manner, the user pushes the activation button with a finger of his free hand. A process that initially detects whether the device is appropriately oriented to ensure that the eyedrop falls into the eye, then automatically advances the bandolier cartridge component to the next full eyedrop ampoule for dispensing. The programmed control electronics direct the rotation of the cam component to move an ampoule dispensing hammer which compresses the ampoule aligned for dispensing and thereby discharging a dose of solution from the device. Various additional condition indicators are provided within the system to facilitate the user&#39;s operation of the device and the accurate and complete dispensing of the eyedrop solution into the user&#39;s eye. 
     The present invention also provides an improved eyedrop delivery system that helps to assure that: (1) a single drop or a known number of drops are dispensed from the bottle; (2) the eyedrop(s) fall on the eyeball by providing eyelid retracting legs to keep the eye open; and (3) the eyedrop on the eye can be confirmed using a drop dispensing sensor and a surface of the eye sensor. In addition, it is desirable that any device used to assist in keeping the eye open be cushioned and comfortable to the user. Finally, it would be desirable if an eyedrop delivery system could easily accommodate a variety of different sized eyedrop bottles without losing its single drop sensitivity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of 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. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention shown fully assembled. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention fully assembled. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention fully assembled. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded assembly view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention shown without the cartridge cover and ampoule strip in place. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention showing the internal electronic and electromechanical components. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention showing the electromechanical components. 
         FIG. 8A  is a detailed front plan view of the preferred embodiment of the ampoule strip of the present invention shown in an initial position with the caps of the ampoules positioned on the ampoule nozzles. 
         FIG. 8B  is a detailed front plan view of the preferred embodiment of the ampoule strip of the present invention shown rotated into a dispensing position with one of the ampoule caps off. 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the ampoule strip of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of a single ampoule of the present invention shown with the cap off and the ampoule wall compressed. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of the eyedrop dispensing method associated with the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a preferred method of use of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the eyedrop delivery confirmation system of the present invention with the bottle door closed and the device ready for use. 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the eyedrop delivery confirmation system of the present invention with the bottle door open showing the inserted bottle and the automated dispensing components. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view through the middle of the device of the present invention showing the placement of the bottle, the positioning of the electromechanical components used to squeeze the bottle, and the sensor systems. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is made first to  FIG. 1  for a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention in a fully assembled configuration. Eyedrop delivery device  10  is shown to comprise main housing  12  with cartridge cover  14  positioned thereon. The dispensing assembly is positioned on an eyelid retracting assembly made up primarily of first flex leg  16   a  and second flex leg  16   b . Each of the flex legs  16   a  &amp;  16   b  extend and terminate in first and second eyelid retracting feet  18   a  &amp;  18   b . This eyelid retracting assembly structure is comprised of a pair of curved bands of resilient, semi-rigid, plastic material that serve to support the housing components described above and to facilitate the retention of the eyelids in an open condition ready to receive the drop of eyedrop solution from an individual ampoule within the device. The eyelid retracting structure accomplishes this by providing flexible, but resilient legs that terminate in soft cushioned feet that are positioned on the upper and lower orbital rim sites of the user&#39;s eye. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , first flex leg  16   a  and second flex leg  16   b  extend from near a common point of attachment (away from their point of attachment) to the housing components of eyedrop delivery device  10 . Each flex leg  16   a  &amp;  16   b  extends downward to terminate in a “J” shaped eyelid retracting foot. First eyelid retracting foot  18   a  terminates first flex leg  16   a , while second eyelid retracting foot  18   b  terminates second flex leg  16   b . As shown, each of the eyelid retracting feet  18   a  &amp;  18   b  are covered on at least one face with soft, resilient cushioned 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. 
     The terms “first” and “second” when referring to the flex legs and eyelid retracting feet, are arbitrary designations herein and do not reflect a specific orientation of the device. The device is designed to be utilized in conjunction with either eye and with either hand of the user. The upper curved sections of flex legs  16   a  &amp;  16   b , on either side of main housing  12 , provide the necessary spring resiliency to the eyelid retracting structure so as to allow the user to squeeze the first and second eyelid retracting feet  18   a  &amp;  18   b  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 the eyelid retracting structure and the corresponding opening of, or retention of the open condition of, the eye of the user. 
     Various electronic and electro-mechanical components are associated with the operation of eyedrop delivery device  10  as described in more detail below. In the view of  FIG. 1 , activation button  20  is shown as a surface mounted button positioned on top of main housing  12 . Cartridge cover  14  is shown positioned on and attached to main housing  12  by way of cartridge cover clips  24 , one on each side of main housing  12 . 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 2  for a detailed description of a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, again shown assembled, with cartridge cover  14  in place over the main housing (not seen in this view). In the view of  FIG. 2 , the profile structures of the eyelid spreading components (first and second flex legs  16   a  &amp;  16   b , and first and second eyelid retracting feet  18   a  &amp;  18   b ) can be seen. The manner in which resiliency is imparted to these components can also be seen, given the curved structures that extend from the base of eyedrop delivery device  10  which are positioned and oriented to facilitate the placement of the device. The legs are first compressed and the feet positioned just inside the upper and lower orbital ridges. The legs are gently released, while the device is kept in place. Activation button  20  is again shown at a top position on eyedrop delivery device  10  accessible for the user to activate the system when delivery device  10  has been properly positioned and oriented over the user&#39;s eye. When properly oriented as shown, the user is provided with a view of LED drop indicator  22 , as well as an LED battery indicator (not shown), positioned on the bottom of eyedrop delivery device  10 . The manner of the function of these LED indicators visible to the user while the device is positioned over the eye is described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention, again shown in a fully assembled configuration. Eyedrop delivery device  10  is made up primarily of main housing  12  with cartridge cover  14  positioned thereon and attached by means of cartridge cover clips  24 . In the view of  FIG. 3 , only first flex leg  16   a  and first eyelid retracting foot  18   a  are visible. Positioned on the bottom of main housing  12  are LED drop indicator  22  and LED battery indicator  26 . 
     As can be seen in the views of  FIGS. 1-3 , the device of the present invention provides a very simple and straightforward set of indicators and controls to the user. After the user has properly positioned and placed the device against the face over the eye in the manner described above, both visible and audible indicators provide information regarding the proper orientation and battery condition of the device. Operation of the device is then a simple matter of the user pressing activation button  20  with a finger of the hand that is not holding the eyedrop delivery device  10  against the face. One goal of the present invention is to make the delivery of a single drop (or a fixed incremental quantity) of eyedrop solution to the eye in a definitive manner that leaves no doubt in the user that the drop has been delivered to the proper place on the surface of the eye, thereby eliminating the need for re-administration of an eyedrop that may not have been properly administered. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 4 , which is an exploded assembly view of eyedrop delivery device  10  showing the manner in which the user may remove cartridge cover  14  and then remove and replace ampoule strip  42 . This assembly view of  FIG. 4  also discloses some of the mechanical components that serve to advance the individual eyedrop solution dosages contained on ampoule strip  42 . The oval or bandolier shaped strip is pre-packaged with individual ampoule reservoirs  50  filled with the appropriate dosage of eyedrop solution. In  FIG. 4 , main housing  12  of eyedrop delivery device  10  is shown with cartridge cover  14  removed. The eyelid retracting components are again shown to be integrated into the structure of main housing  12  to facilitate the placement and positioning of the device over the user&#39;s eye. Dispensing gate  41  represents a cut-out in the curved structure of the eyelid retracting assembly to the user&#39;s eye that permits the movement of a dispensed drop from the dispensing assembly to the user&#39;s eye in a manner described in more detail below. 
     Main housing  12  is again shown to comprise activation button  20  positioned at a top oriented external point. With cartridge cover  14  removed, cartridge cover clips  24  are shown to be released from cover clip recesses  40  on either side of main housing  12 . Underneath cartridge cover  14  on main housing  12  are a number of components that serve to partially retain and guide ampoule strip  42  during operation of the eyedrop delivery device  10 . Mechanism cover  34  serves to isolate the ampoule strip cartridge system from the internal electromechanical workings of the device within main housing  12 . Strip guide base  35  supports ampoule strip guide  28  and defines an oval circumference channel within which ampoule strip  42  rotates or moves. The perimeter of ampoule strip guide  28  is formed with strip installation alignment cutouts  36  that correspond to each of the individual ampoules  50  positioned on ampoule strip  42 . 
     Drive sprocket  30  extends through one side of ampoule strip guide  28  and retains a number of sprocket posts  32  which engage ampoule strip sprocket teeth  48  on ampoule strip  42 . When ampoule strip  42  is positioned over ampoule strip guide  28  around strip guide base  35  the ampoule strip is free to rotate or move as controlled and driven by drive sprocket  30  in a manner described in more detail below. 
     Also shown in the view of  FIG. 4  are the individual ampoule reservoirs  50  positioned on the inside face of ampoule strip  42 , as well as ampoule caps  46  which cover dispensing nozzles (not seen in this view) until a particular ampoule is positioned and ready for dispensing. Tethered ampoule caps  46  are removed from these dispensing nozzles one at a time as the selected ampoule moves into position over dispensing gate  41 . The removal of each ampoule cap  46  is carried out one at a time by hook arm  38 . The manner of dislodging ampoule cap  46  in order to expose the ampoule dispensing nozzle is described in more detail below. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 5  which is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention shown without the cartridge cover and ampoule strip in place. Eyedrop delivery device  10  in this view is again shown to be structured primarily of main housing  12  integrated with the eyelid retracting structures comprising first and second flex leg  16   a  &amp;  16   b , as well as first and second eyelid retracting feet  18   a  &amp;  18   b . In this view, dispensing gate  41  is shown positioned between the two sides of the eyelid retracting assembly. LED drop indicator  22  is shown positioned adjacent dispensing gate  41  where it is visible to the user while the dispensing device is being used. 
     Main housing  12  is, in this view, covered by mechanism cover  34  positioned behind ampoule strip guide  28 . Drive sprocket  30  extends through ampoule strip guide  28  and presents sprocket posts  32  in a forward orientation so as to engage the ampoule strip sprocket teeth on the ampoule strip (not shown). Hook arm  38  is shown in profile in this view, positioned to appropriately engage the ampoule caps positioned around the perimeter of the ampoule strip. 
       FIG. 6  provides a partial cross-sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the eyedrop delivery system of the present invention, disclosing in greater detail both the electro-mechanical components of the device, and the manner in which the dispensing of a single dosage of eyedrop solution is achieved. Eyedrop delivery device  10  as shown in  FIG. 6  again comprises main housing  12  fitted with cartridge cover  14 . The eyelid retracting components are shown integrated into the lower edge of main housing  12 , and in this view are represented by second flex leg  16   b  and second eyelid retracting foot  18   b . Within main housing  12  are positioned and secured a variety of electronic and electromechanical devices that serve to carry out the operation of the system of the present invention. Activation button  20  is shown to extend through the upper wall of main housing  12  where it engages activation switch  62 . Switch  62  is preferably a momentary switch that signals the processor circuitry on PC board  66  that the user intends to activate the device. The functionality associated with this initial pressing of activation button  20  and the start of the process for delivering a quantity of eyedrop solution is described in more detail below. 
     Sprocket drive motor  60  is shown within main housing  12  oriented so as to extend sprocket drive shaft  70  forward to retain drive sprocket  30  which directs and controls the rotation of drive sprocket  30 , thereby rotating or advancing the ampoule strip. Also positioned within main housing  12  are batteries  64  which in the preferred embodiment comprise three AAA replaceable batteries. These batteries provide the electrical power necessary to not only run the system electronics, but also to power sprocket drive motor  60  and cam drive motor  68 . Cam drive motor  68  is connected by way of a cam shaft to cam  72  seen from the side in this view. Cam  72  rotates on and engages the top of a push rod, which in the view of  FIG. 6  is surrounded by push rod spring  74 . The bottom or hammer end of the push rod engages the top of one of the ampoule reservoirs  50  positioned on the interior circumferential surface of the ampoule strip. 
     PC board  66 , shown positioned adjacent cam drive motor  68  in the view of  FIG. 6 , is connected to LED battery indicator  26  and LED drop indicator  22 . Microprocessor  67  programmed for carrying out the functionality of the present invention is also positioned on PC board  66  which receives power from batteries  64 , directs the necessary signal current to the LED indicators, and the necessary drive current to each of the drive motors contained within main housing  12 . When fully assembled in the manner shown in  FIG. 6 , the system of the present invention advances the ampoule strip incrementally around an oval track, positioning in turn each of the individual ampoules on the ampoule strip at a bottom orientation whereby the rotation of cam  72  and the movement of the push rod downward directs the dispensing of a quantity of eyedrop solution from a single ampoule through the dispensing nozzle for that ampoule and out from the housing. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 7 , which provides an assembly view of a sub-assembly of the eyedrop delivery device  10  designated here as  10 A, since the ampoule strip and the cartridge cover are not shown in this view. In the view of  FIG. 7 , main housing  12  is again shown to position activation button  20  at a top orientation thereof, and to have cover clip recesses  40  positioned on either side to receive and retain the cartridge cover (not shown). Positioned within main housing  12  are sprocket drive motor  60  and cam drive motor  68 . Sprocket drive shaft  70  extends from sprocket drive motor  60  and cam shaft  82  extends from cam drive motor  68 . Batteries  64  are shown positioned between the two drive motors. 
     Mechanism cover  34  is shown to be an oval plate that may be fixed in position over main housing  12  with a pair of apertures therethrough to allow sprocket drive shaft  70  and cam shaft  82  to operationally extend through mechanism cover  34  to their point of attachment with drive sprocket  30  and cam  72  respectively. Positioned on a lower side of mechanism cover  34  is push rod guide  84  which slidingly retains, and allows the up and down movement of, push rod  86  against the return force of push rod spring  74 . When fully assembled, push rod spring  74  holds push rod  86  captive between the top surface of push rod guide  84  and the rotating edge of cam  72 . In the view of  FIG. 7 , the operation of cam  72  can be seen in more detail. The rotation of cam shaft  82  directs the rotation of oblong shaped cam  72  in a manner that allows push rod  86  to raise and lower and thereby direct the hammer end of push rod  86  into the aligned ampoule for dispensing of the eyedrop solution. 
     Positioned over mechanism cover  34  is ampoule strip guide  28  with strip guide base  35 . As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , one end of ampoule strip guide  28  defines a large round aperture through which drive sprocket  30 , having sprocket posts  32 , may extend. When drive sprocket  30  is attached to sprocket drive shaft  70 , sprocket posts  32  are positioned so as to extend slightly above (forward from) the surface of ampoule strip guide  28 . In this manner, the ampoule strip sprocket teeth may slide along the forward facing surface of ampoule strip guide  28  while engaging in turn sprocket posts  32  positioned on rotating drive sprocket  30 . This arrangement provides for positive engagement between the ampoule strip and the drive sprocket such that controlled rotation of drive sprocket  30  directs the movement of the ampoule strip in increments to align individual ampoules for dispensing. 
     Sprocket drive motor  60  and cam drive motor  68 , again as shown in  FIG. 7  are, in the preferred embodiment, DC stepping motors that allow for precise incremental rotation of their respective drive shafts for precise rotation of either drive sprocket  30  or cam  72 . The incremental operation of sprocket drive motor  60  is necessary in order to provide just the right rotation of drive sprocket  30  and therefore just the right rotation and advancement of the ampoule strip so as to sequentially orient and position one ampoule dispensing nozzle after the other in the proper orientation for eyedrop dispensing action. This process of orientation and the manner of moving the ampoule strip into position is described in more detail below. Likewise, cam drive motor  68  is a DC stepping motor that incrementally rotates cam  72  from its two extreme positions; where push rod  86  is fully elevated under the force of push rod spring  74  or fully depressed when cam  72  forces it downward against push rod spring  74 . Here again, precise incremental rotation of cam shaft  82  as driven by cam drive motor  68  is essential for the proper operation and full dispensing action of the device. 
       FIGS. 8A &amp; 8B  are detailed front views of the dispensing port components of the preferred embodiment of the ampoule strip of the present invention shown first in an initial position with each of the ampoule caps in place ( FIG. 8A ), each ampoule cap sealed airtight, and second in a dispensing position with one of the ampoule caps removed for dispensing ( FIG. 8B ). In these figures, a small portion of main housing  12  is shown near the bottom, or dispensing end, of the device. Dispensing gate  41  is oriented so as to allow for the passage of the eye drop solution out from the device into the user&#39;s eye in the manner described above. Positioned under the cartridge cover and around the appropriate ampoule strip guide components as described above, ampoule strip  42  advances a number of individual eyedrop solution ampoules one at a time into position for dispensing. 
     In the views of  FIGS. 8A &amp; 8B , three representative ampoules are shown. Ampoule strip  42  is comprised of a flat band through which are positioned a number of ampoule reservoirs  50  and dispensing nozzles  88 , as well as corresponding ampoule strip sprocket teeth  48 . Once again, the sprocket teeth  48  are provided to engage the sprocket posts of the drive sprocket, not seen in the views of  FIGS. 8A &amp; 8B . On the outside of ampoule strip  42  are positioned corresponding dispensing nozzles (covered in the view of  FIG. 8A ) onto which are positioned a number of ampoule caps  46 . 
     In  FIG. 8A , a first ampoule cap  46   a  is shown positioned as it is initially placed over and retained on the associated dispensing nozzle when the ampoule strip is first inserted into the dispensing device. In the initial condition where eyedrop solution is contained within each of the ampoule reservoirs  50 , the ampoule strip  42  is placed within the device and oriented so that ampoule sprocket teeth  48  appropriately engage the posts of the drive sprocket and a single one of the ampoules is oriented in the lowest downward dispensing position. In  FIG. 8A , this position is held by second ampoule cap  46   b  as shown, although the ampoule cap has not been removed (as would be typically when ampoule strip  42  is first installed) and therefore further incremental rotation of the strip is required before dispensing can occur. Hook arm  38  is shown in  FIG. 8A  to initially engage the N th  ampoule cap  46   n  in a manner that begins the cap removal function. As ampoule strip  42  advances according to the directional arrows shown in  FIGS. 8A &amp; 8B , individual ampoule caps  46  are removed to allow the dispensing of the eyedrop solution from the specific ampoule  50 . 
       FIG. 8B  shows the next step in the process, where hook arm  38  has dislodged the N th  ampoule cap  46   n  from the dispensing nozzle  88   n  now in a position to appropriately dispense the eyedrop solution from its ampoule reservoir  50  when the system directs the push rod (not shown) down onto ampoule reservoir  50  in the manner described. Further advancement of ampoule strip  42 , as directed by the drive sprocket, positions hook arm  38  appropriately for removal of the next ampoule cap, in this case the N th +1 ampoule cap  46   n +1. In this manner, the operation of the device progresses, although it is anticipated that the user directs the delivery of one dose eyedrop solution from a single ampoule during each use. Once the device has been activated, and a dose of eyedrop solution has been dispensed, the system remains in the position shown in  FIG. 8B  until the user next activates the device, which thereafter directs the removal of the next ampoule cap and the rotation of the next dispensing nozzle into position. 
       FIGS. 9 &amp; 10  show in greater detail the preferred embodiment of the ampoule strip construction of the present invention.  FIGS. 9 &amp; 10  are detailed cross-sectional views of a portion of the ampoule strip showing the construction of the ampoule reservoirs and the ampoule caps that are progressively removed for dispensing.  FIG. 9  represents three such ampoule components laid out flat for clarity. First and second ampoule reservoirs  50   a  &amp;  50   b  are shown in line followed by a third or N th  ampoule reservoir  50   n , all positioned on the inside surface of ampoule strip  42 . Likewise, first ampoule strip sprocket tooth  48   a  is followed by second ampoule strip sprocket tooth  48   b  followed by N th  ampoule strip sprocket tooth  48   n.    
     On the outward face of ampoule strip  42  are positioned first, second and N th  dispensing nozzles,  88   a ,  88   b  &amp;  88   n . Each of these dispensing nozzles has a drop aperture represented in this view by first drop aperture  86   a , second drop aperture  86   b , and N th  drop aperture  86   n . In the view of  FIG. 9 , each of the nozzles is covered by its own ampoule cap comprising first ampoule cap  46   a , second ampoule cap  46   b , and N th  ampoule cap  46   n . Each ampoule cap is configured with a recess comprising a cap catch represented here by first cap catch  90   a , second cap catch  90   b , and N th  cap catch  90   n . The structure of ampoule strip  42  shown in  FIG. 9  would be the configuration of the ampoule strip when it is purchased and inserted for the first time into the device of the present invention ready for its first use. This loading of the device may involve the placement of the ampoule strip  42  followed by the placement and positioning of the cartridge cover over the strip. Alternately, the ampoule strip may be loosely held (but accurately positioned) within the cartridge cover so that the loading process may occur in a single step. 
       FIG. 10  discloses in greater detail the specific action by which a measured dose of an eyedrop solution is dispensed from an individual ampoule. In this detailed cross-sectional view, ampoule reservoir  50  is shown being compressed by dispensing hammer  96  which in the preferred embodiment represents the lower end of the push rod associated with the cam drive mechanism of the device. Dispensing hammer  96  is directed into the bubble shaped wall of ampoule reservoir  50  in a manner that forces the liquid solution from the reservoir through the dispensing nozzle  88  out through drop aperture  86 . This arrangement allows the eyedrop solution contained within the ampoule reservoir  50  to be maintained in a generally sterile condition up to the point when ampoule cap  46  is removed as described above. In the detailed view of  FIG. 10 , ampoule cap  46  is shown to comprise cap catch  90 , as well as retainer strap  94  which is attached to the outer surface of ampoule strip  42 . Retainer strap  94  is designed to have a shape memory such that once ampoule cap  46  is released from its position over dispensing nozzle  88 , it removes ampoule cap  46  sufficiently out of the way to allow dispensing drop  98  to easily fall from drop aperture  86  and out from the device. Ampoule cap  46  is initially retained with an airtight seal on dispensing nozzle  88  against this shape memory of retainer strap  94  by way of retention ridge  92  positioned circumferentially around dispensing nozzle  88  and associated internally to the structure of ampoule cap  46 . 
     Reference is finally made to  FIG. 11 , which provides a brief overview flowchart of the method of operation of the dispensing device system of the present invention. Once the user has appropriately positioned the device against the face, with the legs squeezed and the feet placed just inside the superior and inferior orbital ridges, and has operated the flexible eyelid retracting components, automated operation of the system may begin. This automated operation is initiated at Step  102  when the user presses the start button (the activation button in the structural diagrams described above). At Step  104 , a first LED flashes to show that the unit has been turned on. An audio signal sounds a short beep to again confirm activation. At Step  106 , the microprocessor determines whether the appropriate battery power level and tilt angle are present. 
     At decision Step  108 , if the battery and tilt angle are appropriate, then the microprocessor starts the drive motor for the ampoule strip. If at Step  112  the correct tilt angle is not present, than an audio signal beeps in short bursts until the correct angle is achieved. This ensures that when a quantity of eyedrop solution is dispensed from an ampoule, it falls by gravity through the opening in the main housing of the device into the user&#39;s eye and not to the side. 
     At Step  110 , if the microprocessor determines that battery power is low, the low battery LED turns on (visible to the user) and an audio signal beeps once. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device will not operate beyond the indicator steps when the battery is low. Clearly, proper positioning of the ampoule strip and proper rotation of the dispensing cam are essential to the accurate and complete dispensing of the proper quantity of eyedrop solution from an ampoule. 
     Once again, at Step  108 , if the microprocessor determines that the battery and tilt angle are appropriate, it initiates the drive motor. The drive motor rotates the ampoule strip one increment and stops at Step  114 . As the ampoule strip rotates, at Step  116  a cover cap positioned near the base of the device is removed from an individual ampoule as it moves into its dispensing position. Then at Step  118 , the dispensing cam motor starts and the cam causes the push rod to impact and press on the top of an individual ampoule. One dosage drop is expressed from that ampoule at Step  120 , and because of the appropriate tilt angle, exits the device and is directed properly into the eye of the user. At Step  122 , the plunger (push rod) re-sets to its start position (under the force of the return spring) and the device shuts down, this deactivation being indicated at Step  124  when the LED indicator turns off. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12  for a description of the manner in which the eyedrop delivery device  10  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. 12 , the user holds the device with the thumb  130  and forefinger  132  engaging first flex leg  16   a  and second flex leg  16   b  respectively in a manner that allows the user to initially squeeze the flex legs towards each other and then allow them to return to an extended position once the device has been placed against the skin of the user above the inferior orbital ridge and below the superior orbital ridge of the eye. 
     Operation of the device of the present invention is facilitated by the user reclining in a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 12  and holding the device in the right hand as shown with the thumb and forefinger engaging the first and second flex legs. As the user holds the device as described above and squeezes the flex legs together, the cushioned surfaces of first eyelid retracting foot  18   a  and second eyelid retracting foot  18   b  are placed into contact with the skin of the user just below the superior orbital ridge  136  and just above the inferior orbital ridge  134  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 leg assembly to spring back to its original configuration with flex legs  16   a  and  16   b  moving outward. As the first and second flex legs move outward, while the eyelid retracting feet 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 legs 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. 
     The device of the present invention as described above 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 not holding the device. In any case, once properly positioned and oriented, the user pushes the activation button and causes the device to accurately dispense a single dose of solution into the eye while the eyelids are being retained in an open position by way of the spring force in the flex leg components. 
     Reference is made next to  FIG. 13  which is a perspective view of the device and system of the present invention showing certain further improvements to the Automated Eyedrop Delivery System described in the above cross referenced Related Applications.  FIG. 13  shows eyedrop delivery device  210  as being structured to include flexible leg section  212  and eyedrop bottle housing  214 . Flexible leg section  212  comprises an eyelid retracting assembly made up of retracting legs  216  &amp;  218 . Eyedrop bottle housing  214  is structured and fixed at a mid-point on eyelid retracting assembly of flexible leg section  212  as shown. The dispensing tip of the eyedrop bottle (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) extends through an aperture (also not shown in  FIG. 13 ) in the mid-section of eyelid retracting assembly of flexible leg section  212 . Bottle cap  234  is shown positioned over the dispensing tip of the eyedrop bottle as it would be placed when the device  210  is not being used. 
     Housing  214  is generally made up of an electromechanical system for directing the dispensing of one or more eyedrops from the eyedrop bottle inserted within the housing. As described in the related Application, internal electromechanical components within housing  214  serve to squeeze the inserted eyedrop bottle in an incremental manner so as to dispense one or more eyedrops at a time from the device. Housing  214  generally comprises bottle enclosure  224  and electromechanical enclosure  226 . Access to the interior of eyedrop bottle enclosure  224  is provided by way of access door  230  positioned on hinge  228 . 
     The device of the invention as shown in  FIG. 13  is activated by pressing on dispense button  232  which directs the electronic circuitry of the device to activate an electric motor (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) and rotate a cam (also not shown in  FIG. 13 ) that impinges upon the side of the eyedrop bottle so as to direct the dispensing of one or more eyedrops. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 13  are sensor arms  236  &amp;  238  that extend down on either side of the tip of the eyedrop bottle (as covered with the bottle cap  234 ) and terminate in a number of photo-electric sensors that are used to both detect the passage of a drop of liquid between the sensors and to detect the appropriate landing of the eyedrop on the surface of the eye. A first pair of sensors  240  &amp;  242  direct an interruptible beam (such as an IR beam, a visible light beam, or other EM wave beam. The sensor structure is preferably a combination of a photodiode transmitter and receiver that directs a beam across a path  248  interrupted by the drop and detected by the interruption of the signal at the receiver. 
     A second pair of sensors  244  &amp;  246  are directed downwards at an angle towards the position where the eye of the user would be placed in a manner that bounces a beam (preferably IR or ultrasonic in this case) onto the eye of the user and reflect back (as shown by path  252 ) to a receiving sensor  244  where the presence of the eyedrop on the eye may be sensed. In each case, it is a change in the sensed signal at the receiving sensors that indicates either the passage of the eyedrop in the first instance or the landing of the eyedrop on the eye in the second instance. Signal interruption or signal strength modification is sufficient in each case to confirm drop passage or drop placement. Alternate to the positioning of the above described sensor structures on special arm extensions as shown in  FIG. 13 , the sensor elements may be placed within the structure of the flexible leg eyelid spreader leg structures of the eyelid retracting assembly. 
     The three fundamental improvements made in the device of the present invention to those structures previously described in the related Application (the International Publication mentioned above) are the structure of the eyedrop bottle access door  230  (especially the internal structure described in more detail below), the sensor systems extending below the device towards the eye for both the detecting of the passing of a drop from the dispensing bottle tip and the landing of the drop on the surface of the eye, and finally, the improved composition in structure to the eyelid retracting leg pads  220  &amp;  222  positioned so as to make contact with the orbital lobes of the user in a manner that allows the eyelid to be retracted and the eye to remain open. In the present invention eyelid retracting leg pads  220  &amp;  222  are preferably made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials such as those produced by GLS (PolyOne Corporation). These materials provide a very soft cushioned contact surface for placement against the very sensitive skin areas around the eye, in particular against the orbital lobe. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 14  which focuses on the structure of the improvement related to the eyedrop bottle enclosure access door and its internal components designed to accommodate a variety of different eyedrop bottle sizes. In  FIG. 14 , door  230 , which is opened on hinge  228 , is shown to include frame  266  positioned on the inside of door  230  and insert  268  positioned on frame  266 . As described above, the hinged door can be opened by the user to allow the user to remove and replace the bottle of eyedrop solution. The bottle may come in a variety of different diameters depending upon how many ounces or drops are contained within the bottle. To accommodate the differences in bottle diameter, various sizes of insert  268  fill the distance between the inside of the main housing (as measured from closed door  230 ) and the side surface of the bottle  260 . Insert  268  is snapped into frame  266  which is integral with or mounted to the inside surface of door  230 . A variety of different sized inserts  268  are provide in a kit that comes with the device to allow the user to switch out the insert to match the size of the eyedropper bottle being used. In this manner the eyedropper bottle is fit snugly within the enclosure so that activation of the device and the rotation of the cam produces a consistent squeezing of the bottle without any shifting within the enclosure. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 15  which is a partial cross-sectional view of the device  210  of the present invention showing not only the placement of eyedrop bottle  260  but also the electromechanical components therein that, once activated, will direct the dispensing of one or more drops from the eyedrop bottle. In this view, insert  268  positioned on frame  266  on the inside of door  230  is shown to contact the side of eyedrop bottle  260  and hold it in place against the pressure exerted by cam  262  driven by electric motor  264 . Activation button  232  is shown in its position above the assembly where the user may easily access the button and direct the dispensing of the eyedrop. 
     The legs of insert  268  are in contact with the outer surface of bottle  260  so that when offset cam  262  driven by motor  264  impinges on the side of bottle  260  as shown by dashed line  270 , the insert  268  prevents the bottle from being pushed away from the cam  262 . Different inserts  268  having different leg lengths may be snapped into frame  266  depending upon the diameter of the bottle  260  to be used. One half of the sensor pairs are also shown in  FIG. 15  with dispense sensor  240  shown above landing sensor  244  (positioned at an angle). 
     Electronics contained within the electromechanical enclosure  226  provide the necessary circuitry to: (1) receive the signal from the activation button to direct the dispensing of the eyedrop; (2) monitor the drop passage dispensing sensor pair to confirm that a drop has been dispensed (and to count the drops if necessary); and (3) monitor the drop landing sensor pair to confirm that a drop has properly landed on the surface of the eye of the user. Various indicators are anticipated for confirming to the user each of the functions of this system. 
     Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications to those embodiments that do not alter the fundamental characteristics of the improvements still fall within the spirit and scope of the spirit of the invention. Although the improvements described in the present application have been shown in connection with a specific automated electromechanical eyedrop dispensing device, those skilled in the art will recognize that these same improvements may be implemented in conjunction with a variety of different eyedrop dispensing devices and are thus not tied directly to the function of the embodiment shown. The sensor systems, for example, may serve to operate in conjunction with an eyedrop dispensing system that incorporates no electromechanical drive elements. These sensor elements could function in association with the appropriate electronic sensor circuitry to respond to the passage of a drop and the landing of the drop on the eye regardless of what motivated the dispensing of the drop from the bottle. In like manner, the improvements to the cushioned feet on the flexible legs of the eyelid retracting assembly of the present invention might be utilized in conjunction with a variety of different eyedrop dispensing devices that incorporate the eyelid retracting assembly. 
     In contrast, the bottle spacer structures described above associated with the door to the bottle enclosure are specifically related to the function of the device driven by the electromechanical system shown, namely, an electric drive motor connected to a rotating cam. Other variations in the preferred embodiment, such as may relate to size or material composition of the overall enclosure and the eyelid retracting assembly, are anticipated and do not necessarily fall outside the spirit and scope of the present invention.