CN109789033A

CN109789033A - Fuid distribution system and application method

Info

Publication number: CN109789033A
Application number: CN201780053689.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·M·艾尔顿; 刘瑞雪; B·布拉德利
Original assignee: Eye Drip Imaging Technique Co Ltd
Current assignee: Eye Drip Imaging Technique Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-02
Filing date: 2017-08-28
Publication date: 2019-05-21
Also published as: WO2018044758A1; CA3034001A1

Abstract

The platform or system and its application method of drops dispenser device, wherein an equipment in platform is active, because it is equipped with being configured to supply, about drops, whether as was expected is transported to data record/transmission/processing/feedback unit of the feedback of ROI, and another equipment is passively (to be substantially structurally similar to active devices in terms of configuration and operation), but it does not have this unit and is configured to simply keep, stablize and/or position drop receptacle, to help successfully to convey (one or more) drop.When using system, user can begin to use passive equipment also, if in terms of timetable, success rate or unsatisfactory for any other reason to the result of ROI conveying drops using passive equipment, be switched to using active devices.Using can be first begin to using active devices, and during once training, (feedback provided by active devices) terminates and the use of the habit of active devices or routine is satisfactorily switched to using passive equipment in the case where no supervision.Advisably the geometry of the equipment in selection system is with the increase for the success rate for promoting drops as expected to convey.

Description

Fuid distribution system and application method

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims the US Design Patent application No.29/615,056 submitted on August 25th, 2017；In The US Design Patent application No.29/611,244 that on July 19th, 2017 submits；In the beauty submitted on October 31st, 2016 State temporary patent application No.62/415,384 and on September 2nd, the 2016 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/383 submitted, 231 priority and right.The disclosure of above-mentioned each patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the systems and application method of the equipment for helping for drop to be transported to area-of-interest (ROI).Example Such as, can by using facilitate by distributor stablize in correct position to ensure a drop of liquid being successfully delivered setting for eyes It is standby to assist conveying of the drops from distributor to eyes.Drop conveying equipment also can be configured to accommodate disposable liquid container. In addition, drop conveying equipment can equipped with feedback system (optical system, sensing system etc.), for collect and provide about Whether drops is successfully delivered to ROI or whether and when indicating equipment is used, or (alternatively, or in addition) with pass Send the feedback data that system is used together, since assist and/or Automatic Conveying process.

Background technique

Liquid is successfully delivered to scheduled area-of-interest from squeezable container (as non-limiting example, by drop It is applied to non-heterogeneous biological target) task can be difficult.It is difficult for example, eye drops is applied to eyes, many people are It lives through and is difficult to obtain each drop in eyes.Many equipment are developed to help eye drops to convey, and each Gather the problem of drops transportation aspect has themselves.For example, those the structural equipment being shelved on around eyes make Eyelid must be difficult to keep to open to ensure to drip in eyes, and when eyes are covered in the presence of the propensity of closure eyes.

The current device for helping for drop to be applied to ROI also lacks the ability for meeting the specific requirements of user.For base In operation equipment platform there are unconsummated demand, which promotes drop to be successfully delivered based on the specific requirements of individual consumer To ROI, wherein the needs of individual consumer can be changed over time.

Summary of the invention

The embodiment provides the set for the equipment for being configured as keeping liquid distributor.As used herein , and unless otherwise defined explicitly, otherwise it is intended to define and cover applied to term " set ", " external member ", " array " of equipment Cover one or more equipment.Equipment in the set includes: pedestal, and with top side and bottom side, (pedestal has the first and second bases End)；Arm extends at the first end of arm from the top side of pedestal；And retainer part, have and is formed through retainer part simultaneously Hole with axially bored line, the one end for being dimensioned to movably keep distributor in the hole.Retainer is fixed to arm Second end, with pass through in parallel the first plane of the plane of the first and second base ends restriction for from the tip of distributor The target area of the drop of (when distributor is maintained in hole) transmitting, target is substantially centered on axially bored line.The equipment can Optionally to include a unit, which includes the optical system with visual field (FOV).This unit and arm cooperation, so that FOV is oriented covering tip and target area (when distributor is maintained in hole) to distribute the liquid to target area.One In a embodiment, pedestal is bowed and size is adapted to fit in above the bridge of the nose of user and is in contact with it；When pedestal is located at When on the bridge of the nose of user, axially bored line passes through the eyes of user；And/or hole has cross section (in the plane transverse to axially bored line In), the cross section be (i) rectangular cross section and (ii) its mesoporous limit have radius of curvature (in one embodiment-it is constant Radius of curvature) one of cross section.Alternatively, or in addition, the length of arm and arm relative in the gradient of pedestal at least One is adjustable, once pilot hole axes are passed through to the eyes of user so that pedestal is located on the bridge of the nose of user.It should Equipment can also include alar part, which is fixed to arm at the point between holding part and pedestal, and along transverse to ginseng The axis for examining plane extends from arm, which includes axially bored line and pass through arm.In a particular embodiment, pedestal can wrap The cross section in the hole for being bent in the plane containing axially bored line, and being limited in the plane perpendicular to preceding axis have (i) perpendicular to One of curvature and the closed periphery (ii) in the plane of axially bored line.

Embodiment additionally provides the set for being configured as keeping the equipment of liquid distributor, which includes: active devices And passive equipment.Actively and passively each of equipment includes: (i) pedestal for these, has top side and bottom side, which has First and second cardinal extremities；(ii) retainer main body has first and second sides and along first axle from the first side to second The opening that side is formed therethrough which, the distributor for being dimensioned to keep that there is nozzle of the opening；And (iii) arm, along Two axis elongations, the second axis are tilted relative to first axle, and arm has first end and fixation fixed to retainer main body To the second end of pedestal.Actively and passively each of equipment is sized so that (when distributor is kept in the opening And nozzle is directed toward along first axle and when far from retainer main body) target area of drop for including in delivery distributer Domain is defined in this first plane, which is parallel to the plane across the first and second cardinal extremities, and target area is substantially Centered on first axle.Different from the passive equipment in the set, active devices additionally include data record at its arm Unit, the data record unit include with visual field (FOV) optical system, the FOV be defined as cover and include (a) when point When orchestration is maintained at opening, the tip of nozzle, and the target area (b).Alternatively, or in addition, and for the set In each equipment: pedestal can be above the bridge of the nose bowed and that be sized to fit within user and be in contact with it；This sets Standby can be sized to so that first passing through the eyes of user when pedestal is located on the bridge of the nose of user；And being open can To have cross section in the plane transverse to first axle, which is (i) rectangular cross section and (ii) its split shed limit Surely with one of the cross section of curve of constant curvature radius.Alternatively, or in addition, in the equipment of the set, the length of arm Degree and gradient at least one of of the arm relative to pedestal are adjustable, once so that base deployment is in the bridge of the nose of user On, position first axle just to pass through the eyes of user.In a particular embodiment, at least one equipment in the set includes the wing Portion, the alar part are fixed to arm at the point between retainer body and pedestal, and along the axis transverse to reference planes from arm Extend, which includes the first and second axis.In one embodiment, and for each equipment in the set, Pedestal is bent in the plane comprising first axle, and the cross section of the opening limited in the plane perpendicular to first axle With (i) perpendicular in the plane of axially bored line curvature and one of closed periphery (ii).In the set in the specific implementation, removing It is present in except the data record unit at the arm of active devices, the knot of the structure configuration and passive conveying equipment of active devices Structure configuration is essentially identical.In a related embodiment, active devices may include following one or more of work as: (i) can be operated The readable processor of the programmable calculator that ground cooperates with tangible non-transitory storage media, the processor be configured as obtain via Data record unit is collected and indicates the optical data of the scene at target area；And (ii) sensing system, it is configured as With programmable electronic circuit Radio Communication, with generate have been equipped with distributor active devices for drop to be transported to The record of the timetable of the actual use of target area.In one implementation, the optical axis of optical system at target area with First axle intersection also, optionally, it intersected with first axle with acute angle (acute angle be by first axle, second axis and The interior angle for the triangle that optical axis limits).Retainer body can be shaped as cuboid.Alternatively, or in addition, for set In each equipment, bottom side bending, wherein the center of curvature is located in the plane comprising the first and second axis, the center of curvature and the One end is separately more than the distance of the length of arm.

Related embodiment provides a kind of method of set using the equipment for being configured as keeping liquid distributor.This sets Standby set includes that active devices and passive equipment have and push up wherein actively and passively each of equipment includes (a) pedestal Side, bottom side and the first and second cardinal extremities；(b) arm extends in the first end of arm from the top side of pedestal；(c) retainer part, tool There is the opening passed through, the opening is with opening axis and is dimensioned to keep the drop receptacle with nozzle (at this In, retainer is fixed to the second end of arm, so that wherein drop receptacle is kept when corresponding equipment is in operating position In opening, the target area for conveying the drop emitted from nozzle is defined in this first plane, and first plane is parallel In the plane for passing through the first and second cardinal extremities, target area is substantially to be open centered on axis).With the passive equipment in set It compares and in contrast, active devices additionally include data record unit at its arm, which includes 1) with the optical system of visual field (FOV), the point of the nozzle of container that FOV is defined as covering and is maintained in hole including (i) End, the target area (ii), and the space and 2 that separates tip and target area (iii)) fluorescence detector.Herein, Data record unit is configured as the image of the scene in record FOV.It is applied to method includes the following steps: will be manually entered Active devices to emit drop along the direction of target area from the container kept by active devices, while recording a series of figures As frame, each frame indicates the corresponding position of drop in space；Whether target area is fallen in using data record unit monitoring drop In domain, it is partially fall in target area or falls in except target area；And using passive equipment by drop from being maintained at it In container transport to target area.In one implementation, the third plane for using the point on (in the set) and top side tangent The equipment parallel to each other with the second plane.It the use of step may include: that will i) be manually entered to be applied to passive equipment, in the party Emit drop and/or ii from the drop receptacle kept by passive equipment upwards) when the result instruction drop of monitoring is successful and can When being repeatedly transported to target area, begin to use passive equipment come from the container transport drop remained at.

In the specific embodiment of this method, meet at least one of the following conditions: one in (i) application and use Or multiple includes user's self-administering drop in the case where no supervision；(ii) monitoring includes carrying out wirelessly via remote unit Monitoring；(iii) it applies and the transverse projections for including to abut against between retainer part and pedestal any one of is used to use (a) one of horizontal component of retainer part compression that is hingedly attached to of finger and (b) equipment has been held in opening Liquid container, and pedestal is located on the bridge of the nose of user, bottom side is contacted with the bridge of the nose, and wherein target area is the eye of user Eyeball.In one implementation, each of application and monitoring are executed after usage.This method can additionally include following step It is one or more of rapid: (i) based on the result of monitoring adjust the position of active devices, active devices direction and be manually entered One or more of；And drop receptacle is inserted into the opening of retainer part by (ii), to keep holding along opening axis Device, wherein nozzle is directed toward target area.Inserting step may include following one: (i) keeps disposably may be used in said opening The horizontal tail part of drop receptacle is squeezed, which passes through the hollow space of retainer part, transverse to opening axis In cross section, opening axis is kept the encirclement of device part completely；And (ii) in said opening keep be used for multiple times it is extrudable The cylindrical neck portion of drop receptacle, split shed are formed between the first and second tips of retainer part, and first and second Tip extends transverse to arm.In this method in the specific implementation, the label of at least one of top side and arm including position, and Keeping any one of horizontal tail part and holding cylindrical neck portion includes that the tip of nozzle is positioned substantially at the position Label level at.Alternatively, or in addition, the embodiment of this method may include following one or more of works as: (i) actively and passively any one of equipment is located on the bridge of the nose of user, while makes the intersection stabilizer part of equipment With the forehead contact of user, it is laterally extended wherein intersecting stabilizer part from the arm between retainer part and pedestal；And (ii) programmable electronic circuit system is utilized, the appreciable report of user is generated, this report includes to indicate that drop is to fall in target In region, the data still fallen in outside target area in target area are partially fall on, and is further supplemented with and determines whether Become using passive equipment being suitably (to be based at least partially on calculated from the data and indicate using active devices Drop is transported to the successful quality factor of target area).

Detailed description of the invention

By reference to the detailed description of following specific embodiments and the attached drawing of combination not to scale (NTS), this will be more fully understood Invention, in which:

Figure 1A, 1B respectively with perspective view and top view illustrate it is according to an embodiment of the present invention be configured to accommodate it is disposable The passive equipment of liquid container；

Fig. 2A, 2B show the passive equipment of Figure 1A, 1B, which be used to keep disposable drop dispenser It is accommodated in opening in the distributor of equipment；

Fig. 3 A provides the perspective view of the passive equipment of related embodiment according to the present invention；Fig. 3 A: complete device；Fig. 3 B: Tuning fork (pitchfork) (bottle holding) part of equipment；

Fig. 4 A, 4B, 4C are illustrated and drop dispenser (or bottle or container) will be used for multiple times kept in the apparatus of figure 3 Mechanism.Fig. 4 A: process drop dispenser being inserted between the tip of the tuning fork part of equipment；Fig. 4 B: two different sizes Drop dispenser, an equipment reservation/holding by Fig. 3 is used for multiple times；Fig. 4 C is the exemplary of the passive equipment of pictorial image 3 Schematic diagram, the size of the passive equipment are suitable for accommodating and keeping one of the distributor of Fig. 4 B；

The passive equipment that Fig. 5 illustrates Fig. 3 is used for from the purposes for keeping container allocation drop in a device；

Fig. 6 A, 6B are that the passive drop dispenser configured according to a further embodiment of the invention keeps the perspective of equipment respectively Figure and side view；

Fig. 7 A, 7B are that the active dispensers configured according to embodiments of the present invention keep the perspective view and side view of equipment；

Fig. 8 A, 8B show the perspective view and front view of the active devices configured according to a further embodiment of the invention；

The equipment that Fig. 8 C illustrates Fig. 8 A, wherein fluid container is maintained between the tip of the tuning fork of equipment；

Fig. 9 A and 9B illustrates the main body of the specific embodiment of passive equipment with perspective view and top view, the passive equipment quilt It is configured to accommodate disposable liquid container；

Fig. 9 C and 9D provide the perspective view and bottom view of the lever segment of specific embodiment, the lever segment and Fig. 9 A, Main body machinery cooperation shown in 9B；

Figure 10 illustrates the specific embodiment formed by the mechanical cooperation of the lever of Fig. 9 A, the main body of 9B and Fig. 9 C, 9D, And disposable container is maintained in the slit of embodiment；

Figure 11 A, 11B and 11C each provide the perspective view of passive equipment, bottom view and side view, the passive equipment quilt It is configured to accommodate disposable liquid container according to an embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 11 D illustrates the embodiment of Figure 11 A, wherein disposable fluid container is maintained in the hole of the embodiment and presses It leans against in the tongue-shaped projection on the extension of equipment body；

Figure 12 A, 12B and 12C illustrate the quilt according to an embodiment of the present invention for being configured to accommodate disposable liquid container Dynamic equipment.Figure 12 A: perspective view；Figure 12 B: top view；Figure 12 C side view；

Figure 13 A, 13B are the perspective view and top view of the embodiment of passive equipment, which is configured in equipment Tuning fork part tip between accommodate liquid container is used for multiple times, which also has intersection stabilizer；

Figure 14 is the diagram of multiple disposable containers, accommodates and is provided by multiple embodiments of the invention；

Figure 15 is the active devices according to an embodiment of the present invention for being configured to receiving and liquid container being used for multiple times；

Figure 16 A, 16B, 16C and 16D provide the side view and top view and perspective view of passive equipment, the passive equipment It is configured to accommodate disposable liquid container according to an embodiment of the present invention, and disposable liquid container is inserted into the phase of equipment Associated steps；

Figure 17 include 4 (four) frames and illustrate EDAM equipment (A), appropriate eye drops application highlight (B), (D) is applied at the eye drops tip (C) and multiple drops missed of contact eyelid and cornea；

Figure 18 includes the demographic table of summing up experience study subject；

Figure 19 A, 19B be to provide the experience that practical drop is delivered between the result of eyes and prescribed regimen compared with figure Table.When that will perceive with being actually compared, the overall percentage of actual therapeutic is not significant (Figure 19 A).From prescribed regimen Absolute variability's percentage (Figure 19 B) generate perception with actual significant difference (p < 0.001).Error bars indicate standard deviation； NS implies (not significant)；

Figure 20 A, 20B are to provide the chart of " treatment is intended to " result: eye drops is delivered to intention and the prescription side of eyes Comparison between case.When that will perceive with being actually compared, it is not significant (Figure 20 A) that wholistic therapy is intended to percentage.Two groups Between prescribed regimen absolute variability's percentage highly significant (P < 0.001).Error bars indicate standard deviation；NS hint (is not shown It writes)；

Figure 21 A, 21B are to provide the chart of the information about overall success percentage (drop entrance/liquid droplet distribution), and And when that will perceive with being actually compared, the absolute change percentage of the prescribed regimen from research group be it is significant (p < 0.007).Error bars indicate standard deviation；

Figure 22 includes the table for summarizing the generation of the drop missed to the application of eyes and the pollution of drop dispenser；

Figure 23 A, 23B, 23C and 23D illustrate alternate embodiment of the invention；

In figure the relative scale of element can be set to actual difference, suitably to promote the simplicity, clear of figure Degree and understanding.For the same reason, all elements not in a width figure must all be shown in another figure.

Specific embodiment

Preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention, disclose the operational drawbacks for solving current device and method method and Equipment, the device and method are used to help for drop to be transported to area-of-interest (ROI).Particularly, current liquid droplet distribution is set Standby disadvantage is that they cannot meet the specific needs of specific user.The equipment of adjusting and multiple such can be operated by providing Equipment solves this disadvantage as external member, which can the anatomical structure (for example, Roman nose and low bridge of the nose) based on user And/or user any other physical trait (for example, tremble, arthritis etc.) and used liquid container type (example Such as, disposable, be used for multiple times, length etc.) be suitable for the unique need of user.

It is used to help for drop to be transported to the current device of area-of-interest and method has another disadvantage that and lacks assessment Drop is effectively transported to the means of the correct way of ROI with introduction/training user, especially when user is primarily intended to When conveying drops in his/her home environment and in the case where no supervision.(such case explains in detail in annex, The annex provides the result of several clinical researches of investigation this problem.) set by providing the conveying of two or more drops Standby (being configured as the liquid distributor for keeping and retaining fluid container etc or drop dispenser etc.) lacks to solve this Point, wherein at least one equipment are " actives " (because it has event registration/feedback system, such as optical system or sensing Device system, for example, the system be configured as collect data and provide about drop whether be successfully delivered ROI or indicate whether with And when use the feedback of the equipment), and at least one other equipment is " passively " (because optionally in configuration and operation It is upper to be substantially structurally similar with " active " equipment, but it does not have this feedback system and is configured as simply protecting Drop receptacle is held, stablizes and/or positioned to help successfully to convey (one or more) drop).

The additional structural features used in active devices can be the system that can feed back generation, which is configured as It monitors the transmission process of drop, and/or collects the data that drop conveying or trial are transported to ROI about user.Use equipment The method of array include depending on user needs actively and passive equipment between carrying out operation transition.If user not yet slaps Expected conveying technology is held, then active devices can be used to monitor and track drop conveying data.Depending on feedback data, The conveying technology of user can be adjusted.For example, once the data instruction drop conveying of active collection is successfully sent out as expected Raw (perhaps spatially relative to target ROI or in time for conveying on schedule, or both), user can Passive equipment is used to be transitioned into.Thus, it the use of the platform or set of equipment or the process of external member include user from using actively Equipment be transitioned into using passive equipment (once feedback system collect data instruction user drop be transported to ROI technology at Function).In associated exemplary, if user has other specific requirements (for example, user forgets to convey liquid in reasonable time), The active devices so used at this time can be additionally equipped with the sensing that can be matched with smart phone or other wireless applications Device system, if be programmed to and/or when prompting user does not use drop when reasonable time is using equipment.It is alternative Ground, the process using the set may include user from using passive equipment be transitioned into using active devices (once due to lacking The success of " passive " equipment is used on the body part of user and prompts the collection of feedback data, begins to use).

Existing equipment, which has another disadvantage that, cannot accommodate (phase since existing drop conveys ancillary equipment and monitoring system Industry is closed to be transitioned into) problem caused by disposable container and/or liquid distributor.This defect is by providing one kind The embodiment of equipment solves, which is configured to contain cavity, size advisably keeps disposable drop dispenser, together When the equipment also have optional built-in feedback system (such as persistently monitoring that drop is transported to the Optical devices or use of ROI In the sensing system for indicating whether and when using the equipment).

Although each attached drawing discussed below shows the specific embodiment of passive equipment or active devices, should recognize Know, all embodiments of the invention it is general it is common have the characteristics that several structure members and/or, but regardless of these components Specific configuration, direction and/or size.Preferably, all embodiments by itself can be molded, lathe process or 3D (one or more) material of printing is made.These common components are introduced referring now to Figure 1A, 2A, 4C.Pedestal or foot 115 draw Enter；Arm 120 extends from pedestal 115；And retainer (or retainer part) 125, it is typically connected to the opposite end of arm 120, it can To be referred to as the major part of these components.Pedestal 115 usually has top side 130 and bottom side 135.Pedestal shown in Figure 1A The bottom side 135 of 115 version be shaped as deviation it is linear-in general, curve, or form angle, arch-as shown in the figure with Define the both ends of pedestal: end 115A and end 115B.In general, the curve shape of pedestal 115 can be round, ellipse Or a part of parabola shaped curve, these are only several examples.

Arm 120 extends from the top side of pedestal 115 130 and is connected to retainer 125 at its another end.Retainer 125 Including main body 140, main body 140 has first surface 145 and second surface 150, and (as shown in the figure-main body 140 upper surface is under Surface), and pass through main body 140 and formed and along hole/cavity/hole/recess portion/spatial axis 160 from first surface 145 to second The hole or cavity or hole or recess portion or space 155 that surface 150 extends.

In general, hole 155 can be closed completely on/four sides around first axle 160, such as Figure 1A and Shown in the embodiment 100 of 2A.Alternatively, hole 155 can not be closed completely on one in four sides, and can be with Have slit or opening (as later in Fig. 3,8A along the side (for example, along third side 365 of main body 140) of main body 140 Embodiment 300,800 shown in, in this case, there is the retainer body in hole passed through to be shaped as tuning fork).It can Alternatively, hole 155 can also not extend completely through main body 140, and can will be designed and sized to be sized to only keep The end of liquid container or the cavity of tail portion.In other words, can be matched depending on the specific implementation of equipment, hole or cavity 155 It is set to hollow (so that hollow cross section is demarcated by the material of main body 140) for running through main body 140 or is configured with opening Cavity, split shed basically perpendicular to axially bored line 160 direction on limit.Moreover, and depending on specific implementation, hole 155 size is suitable for or supports corresponding liquid holding container (in fig. 2 schematically on the periphery of container or tail portion Ground is shown as the end of the container opposite with the nozzle 285 of container) or container between nozzle and the opposite end of container in Between part (such as neck 440) (for example, as shown in FIG. 4 C).Thus, hole is characterized in that cross section (transverse to axially bored line Limited in 160 plane), the cross section be substantially rectangle or limit have constant curvature radius curve (that is, hole The radius of curvature of wall is all identical on any point of the wall in hole).It is worth noting that, being bent simultaneously in foot or base portion And holding part limits in the embodiment of tuning fork, base portion and maintaining part are oriented in plane laterally.Specifically, Tuning fork-like part is located at perpendicular in the plane of axially bored line 160, and the curvature of foot part limits in the plane comprising axially bored line 160 Fixed (for example, with reference to the radius of curvature R in Fig. 3).

When equipment is in its operating position, retainer 125 is oriented in 115 top of pedestal, and area-of-interest (ROI) 170 are located substantially on 155 lower section (and optionally, being parallel in the plane of the plane of end 115A, 115B) of hole.

Arm 120 is fixed to main body 140 at the first end of arm, and in general inclines along relative to first axle 160 Oblique second axis 175 extends from main body 140.The other end of arm 120 is fixed to pedestal 115.When pedestal 115 has bowed shape When, the center of curvature of arc, which can choose into, to be located in the plane comprising 175 the two of first axle 160 and second axis, and is made The first end for obtaining the center of curvature and arm 120 separates at a distance from the length more than arm 120.In one implementation, wherein 115 quilt of pedestal Being chosen to substantially half elliptic (has 16mm minor axis and 20mm long axis alternatively, alternatively, diameter is the semicircle of 20mm Shape；The body thickness of pedestal 115 is about 2.8mm, and width is about 10mm), between axis 160 and base center (bridge of the nose) away from It is 31mm from 115, is about so as to cause the center of area-of-interest 170 during equipment operation and the separating distance at bridge of the nose center 31mm, the typical range of about 58mm to about 66mm between the eye pupil to solve typical human.This point can be customized for patient Separation from.

These general structure features are selected, advisably to ensure the actively and passively version of the specific embodiment base in structure It is similar to each other in sheet, and can be used interchangeably by same user, and have when using a version of this equipment The minimum (if any) for the drop conveying regulation established got used to user deviates.

Passive embodiment and its operating method

Example 1: the drops distributor for disposable container.Referring now to Figure 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B, in related industries The embodiment 100 for becoming the universal passive equipment for being configured to accommodate disposable liquid container is shown to have transverse to The hole 155 of polygon (for example, rectangle) cross section is had in first plane of one axis (axis in hole) 160.Herein, Kong There is closed periphery perpendicular to the cross section in the plane of axis 160.Hole 155 as shown in the figure is limited by hole wall, hole wall base It is parallel to first axle 160 on this and is limited by upper and lower surfaces 145,150.The size in hole 155 is suitably closely protected Disposable liquid container 280 is held, the end or tail portion 282 of the periphery substantially flat in hole 155 are reversibly inserted into or are put into, so that The main body and nozzle 285 of container extend along arm 120, as shown in Figure 2.When disposable container 280 is properly secured to hole 155 When middle, nozzle 285 approximately along equipment arm section and generally towards pedestal and/or the region adjacent with ROI.Specific In the case of, first axle 160 is directed toward ROI 170.ROI is generally being parallel to two ends 115A, 115B comprising pedestal 115 simultaneously And be substantially centered on the central axis 160 in hole 155 plane plane in limit.Disposable container 280 is generally by flexible material Material is made, it is effectively manipulated to emit single drop when being extruded.In operation, once being fixed in hole 155, Disposable container 280 is located in the side of arm or arm section 120, and container 280 is allowed to be pressed against the one of arm or arm section 120 On side.

In addition, disposable container equipment may include label or reference element 122 is (prominent such as on the surface of arm 120 Rise or another label of recess or position), be configured as one level of instruction or point, the nozzle 285 of disposable container 280 Tip after opening should relative to the level or point place (for example, above), for using in a particular application (in non-limiting and very specific example, in application of the drop to eyes, this identification element is for reducing container 280 with the risk of eye contact).

Example 2: the drops distributor for disposable container.Design according to the present invention, the various implementations of passive equipment Example is trimmed to be suitble to the specific requirements of the user of (one or more) equipment.For example, real shown in Fig. 9 A, 9B, 9C and 9D Applying example 900 includes major part or main body 905, has main component (such as pedestal 115,120 and of arm being described above Retainer part 125), but in addition to this herein in connection with the component individually, movably integrated with the major part of embodiment 905 910 (for the sake of simplicity, referred to as lids or lever), to be mounted and held in once container in the hole 915 of retainer 125 once promote Into the extruding (as shown in Figure 10) of disposable container 280.Thick stick that is independent, disconnecting with 905 element of main body is shown as in Fig. 9 C, 9D Bar 910 is configured as being attached to implementation via coaxial protrusion 920 (extending towards each other from the surface of the facing each other of lever 910) The main body 905 of example 900, and when being assembled with main body 905, it is received into the opposite side in the retainer part 140 of main body 905 In container/aperture 925 of upper formation.When assembling as shown in Figure 10 with main body 905, lever 910 connects in such a way To main body, so that protrusion 920 and container 925 substantially coaxially to each other and allow lever 920 freely to pivot around axis, the axis Line is center that is shared and extending through container 925 for protrusion 910 and container 925.It to be formed when being filled with 905 groups of main body When embodiment 900, by providing the larger surface area of applying pressure, this lever 910 makes user be easier to compress insertion/guarantor The disposable container 280 held.It is disposable to hold when user is when towards on the direction for keeping container 280 to 910 applying pressure of lever Device 280 is compressed against on protrusion or tongue 930, this further helps in user and effectively emits desired amt from container 280 Drop.

Shown in foot or pedestal 115 (in substitution is realized, can also be formatted as equipped with shelf or protrusion 935 Recess or another label on the surface of foot or pedestal 115), and it is configured as one level of instruction or point, it is disposable to hold The tip of the nozzle 285 of device 280 should place (for example, above) relative to the level or point after opening in spy Used in fixed application (in non-limiting and very specific example, in application of the drop to eyes, this identification element use In the risk for reducing container 280 and eye contact).In other words, element 935 is configured as this bottle being maintained at drop Being properly positioned for drop bottle tip is helped when in the embodiment of distributor.

Example 3: the drops distributor for disposable container.Embodiment 1100 shown in Figure 11 A, 11B, 11C is similar In the embodiment of Fig. 9 A, 9B, 9C, still, it does not include and operates without using lever (lever 910 of such as Figure 10).In addition to Except main component (such as pedestal 115, arm 120 and retainer 125), this embodiment can also include from retainer part 125 are downwardly projected the extension 1105 of (and substantially extending from the same direction that retainer part 125 extends in arm 120), It is furnished with tongue 1110 in its front surface (away from the surface of arm 120).As shown, extension 1105 and the mechanical cooperation of arm 120, To limit continuous surface 1115, as Figure 11 A, 11C are shown as arcuate surfaces.In the use process of embodiment 1100, user's Thumb can be positioned in the arcuate gap formed between arm 120 and extension 115, as shown in Figure 11 D, to mention for user For effective holding position.Figure 11 D shows embodiment 1100 and keeps disposable liquid container 280 at its peripheral part 282.

Tongue 1110 helps to make disposable container 280 (once be inserted into and be maintained in hole 1120) against tongue 1110 Emit the fluid (for example, drop of predetermined quantity) of desired amount when being extruded or pressing.The multiple portions-of tongue 1110 and it is single only Tongue is opposite-allows to compress disposable container of different shapes in the operation of the equipment with different disposable containers (wherein The outer surface of some containers can be recessed, and as in Figure 11 D, and the outer surface of other containers can be convex).Class It is similar to embodiment shown in Figure 10, foot or pedestal 115 can be equipped with shelf or protrusions 1125 (in a related embodiment, Also the recess or another type of label on the surface of foot or pedestal 115 be can be configured as), and it is configured as instruction one A horizontal or point, the tip of the nozzle 285 of first use container 280 should place after opening relative to the level or point (for example, above), for using in a particular application.In general, being properly located liquid appearance using feature 1125 The tip of device (when being maintained in equipment 1100, so that tip is not less than the level of feature 1125).

Example 4: the drops distributor for disposable container.Embodiment 1200 shown in Figure 12 A, 12B and 12C be also It is configured to accommodate the passive equipment of disposable liquid container, including main component (pedestal 115, arm 120 and retainer 125), but With hole or the slit 1205 in the first plane of the axis transverse to hole 1205 with cross-like cross-section.Shown in hole 1205 are limited by hole wall, and hole wall is arranged essentially parallel to the axis in hole 1205 and is limited by upper and lower surface 145,150.Hole 1205 Size, which is appropriately designed, is kept firmly at two positions for disposable liquid container 280, wherein each position relative to by The plane 1215 that the center vertical cross section of equipment 1200 limits is at 45 degree of angles, as shown in Figure 12B.Disposable container 280 This angled position helps user effectively to knead and squeezes container, while going back commanding apparatus 1200.The two positions allow User in the opposite direction switching equipment 1200 and correspondingly switch container angle.Similar to previously described embodiment, Foot or pedestal 115 can be equipped with shelf or protrusions 1210, and the shelf or protrusion 1210 are also possible to the surface of foot or pedestal 115 On recess or another label, and be configured as instruction one level or point, the point of the nozzle 285 of disposable container 280 End should place (for example, above) relative to the level or point after opening, for using in a particular application.

Example 5: disposable fluid container.With reference to Figure 14, it is shown that commercially available disposable liquid container 280 Various examples.The container of different brands can have different length (by the drop of the slave nozzle 285 of given disposable container Distribution tip to container 1405 liquid retaining portion opposite end longitudinal extent limit, and most commonly abide by 26mm and One of the two received standards of 35mm).In vpg connection, most common design includes groove or slit in container body Shape recess (as shown in 1410) is in liquid-containing portion or volume 1405 to constant volume device and shape between periphery or tail portion 282 At.The previously described embodiment for being related to accommodating disposable liquid container 280 is designed to support and keeps periphery/tail portion 282. The related embodiment of the retainer of disposable fluid container shown in Figure 16 A, 16B, 16C and 16D is designed to will be primary Property liquid container 280 be maintained at slit 1410 and (as shown in Figure 14, can be linear or curve shape).In order to accommodate not With the container of length, equipment shown in Figure 16 A, 16B, 16C provides at least two raised (incarnation), each Protrusion has corresponding height, this is generally realized by changing the length and angle direction of arm 120 relative to foot part. Similarly, Figure 16 A, embodiment described in 16B, 16C are also can accommodate the line slit and curved slit type of disposable container The form of recess provides.Particularly, Figure 16 A, 16B, 16C provide the side view of the related embodiment 1600 of passive equipment and bow View, the passive equipment are configured to accommodate disposable liquid container.Figure 16 A, 16B, 16C are also illustrated for by disposable liquid Container is inserted into the associated steps in equipment 1600.Each of Figure 16 A, 16B, 16C include two son diagrams (corresponding It is shown in figure with bracket).Equipment 1600 includes main component (pedestal 115, arm 120 and retainer 125)；But retainer 125 Opening or hole 1620 are limited, on the side of retainer 125 to form the retainer 125 of tuning fork shape.Front construction Cheng Rong therewith Receive disposable liquid container embodiment it is different, hole 1620 does not have the wall substantially parallel with the axis in hole, and is towards hole Narrow relevant to the slit 1410 being present on various disposable liquid containers is arranged at 1620 bottom.This of hole 1620 narrows The close positioning for allowing the slit 1410 of disposable liquid container 280, as shown in Figure 16 B, 16C.Figure 16 B shows part and inserts Enter the disposable liquid container 280 in equipment 1600, and Figure 16 C shows the primary of liquid 280 in completely inserted position Property container.In other words, disposable liquid container 280 can slide into the retainer 125 of equipment 1600, and hole 1620 is narrow Narrow portion is snugly fit inside in slit 1410, and the non-narrowed portion in hole 1620 firmly holds peripheral part 282.It provides small Hole 1630 is to allow the middle position of the disposable liquid container 280 of user's mark, because of the width 1420 of various disposable containers Change with different brands.

Example 6: the drops distributor for returnable container.With reference to Fig. 3 A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C and 5, it is configured to accommodate The related embodiment 300 of the passive equipment of nonexpondable liquid container has hole 155, and hole 155 is transverse to first axle 160 The first plane in have substantially cylindrical cross section, wherein main body 140 is also limited at the third side 165 in hole 155 and is opened Mouthful.In other words, in these embodiments, hole 155 define tip 355A, 355B of the tuning fork part of embodiment 300 it Between space.The receiving that is dimensioned so as to of this half opening on side opening (and/or its tuning fork part itself) is used for multiple times Liquid container 490, neck 440 is inserted or placed in hole 155 by the opening on side 365, as Fig. 3 A, 3B, 4A, Shown in 4B, 4C and 5.Comparative descriptions between the realization of hole shown in figures 3 a and 3b or cavity 155 limit cavity Surface may include angle and/or can divide completely and be smooth.(in general, in embodiment, retainer 125 are substantially similar to the retainer of Fig. 3 A, 3B, for all devices with 355A and 355B, the thickness of tip 355A, 355B Degree is about 4mm, is formed by cavity 155 and is about 14mm by the interior circular diameter that tip 355A and 355B are surrounded；Tip 355A and Opening/edge interval 365 between the end of 355B is about 12mm.Certainly, these specific sizes can be the liquid of concrete shape The customization of body container.)

Example 7: returnable container.With reference to Fig. 4 B and 4C, two examples of the returnable container of liquid are shown 490A,490B.For the purpose of equipment design, the measurement of a concern is the length at the tip 450 of bottle 490, the length quilt The linear range being defined as between the neck 440 of bottle and the nozzle 460 of transmitting drop, as shown in FIG. 4 C.In general, each The length of the tip s50 of kind returnable container is different, and most common (industrially abiding by) length is 26mm or 20mm.Ginseng Fig. 5 is examined, when rule of thumb verifying the practicability of embodiment of distributor retainer, if determining nozzle tip and ROI 170 Between space or interval it is too small, then tip may be contacted with ROI 170 or peripheral region unintentionally, (this may cause tip Pollution or user are uncomfortable).Alternatively, if space is too big, the success rate to the conveying of ROI is reduced.It is surveyed based on clinic Examination finds that the optimum distance 492 between the nozzle tip and ROI 170 for the bottle (container) being maintained in retainer is about 10mm.Certainly, optimum range can depend on patient application technology and other physical disturbances (such as arthritis, spinal fusion, Tremble or other bodies be difficult) and change in various embodiments.For example, if patient be difficult to be successfully delivered it is desired ROI, then shorter space length may be helpful.In different examples, if the nib contacts eyelash of eye drop bottle Hair (when equipment and the bridge of the nose contact), for example, if eyelash is very long, then longer distance 492 potentially contributes to reduce spray A possibility that sharp-tongued end is contacted with eyelid and it is resulting pollution and/or often cause blink contact.(in the time of mistake Flashing can be interfered to be conveyed to the successful drop of ROI.) for these reasons, the variation of length can be shorter at most about 6mm or more It is long.Thus, the size of passive equipment 300 has been configured as allowing to keep various sizes of fluid distributor, while in nozzle Tip and ROI between provide near optimal separation.For example, in one embodiment, the bottle for being 26mm with tip length The height 420 of the 40mm of combined use causes to be about 10mm at a distance from ROI 170, as shown in FIG. 4 C.Similarly, when with When bottle with the tip 20mm long is used together, the total height of equipment 300 is that about 34mm can provide preferred optimum distance. In practice, the definite distance between the tip of nozzle 460 and ROI 170 (for example, eyes) will slightly change, this is depending on being The specific and different facial characteristics of the user of system.It may be preferred, for example, that user's (such as Asia blood with the low bridge of the nose The user of system) used by system/embodiment be configured to and/or be dimensioned to provide and be slightly less than the tip of 10mm to ROI Separation, and can be arrived with the tip provided slightly larger than 10mm with the user (such as with the user of Northern European ancestry) compared with Roman nose There is various sizes of embodiment preferably to service in the space ROI.In other words, when constructing the particular embodiment of the present invention, It is contemplated that the changeability of the facial characteristics of different user.

Example 8: the drops distributor for returnable container.With reference to Fig. 6 A and 6B, passive equipment (is configured to accommodate more It is secondary to use liquid container) related embodiment 600 there is hole or cavity 155, limit the tuning fork part 610 of embodiment 600 Space between tip 355A, 355B.It is half-open on side opening or cavity (and/or tuning fork part itself) similar to embodiment 300 Be dimensioned so as to accommodate nonexpondable liquid container 490, neck 440 is by the opening insertion on side 365 or puts It sets in hole 155.In particular situations, embodiment 600 can have optional bottle/container mechanism of ammonium fixation 695.Mechanism 695 A part be platform 650,650 position of platform can adjust along axis 160, is used for multiple times with accommodating and keeping various sizes of Container, as shown in Figure 6.In one implementation, optional mechanism of ammonium fixation 695 is spring-loaded (relative to the upper of main body 140 Portion 654) so that its position towards main body 140 location bias.(for example, spring loads arrangement is not shown in FIG. 6, but it It can be deployed in the hollow space 654A of part 654.) once the load of bottle 490 is between platform 650 and tuning fork, due to bullet Spring load, platform 650 are just being upwardly formed 658 (its of vector force applied to bottle 490 from platform 650 towards the side of tuning fork 610 It effectively squeezes and nonexpondable bottle 490 is kept to be in correct position, neck 440 rests on the tip of tuning fork part 610 Between 355A, 355B).The supplementary features of described this or any equipment may include lamp or multiple light sources, such as LED or Light bulb, to help user to be properly located the user of equipment, especially those dysphotias.(one or more) this lamp can be with Facilitate the imaging of application, and can be used in combination with record system, this will be described more fully below.These equipment are also It may include mechanical stabilizer, to help those to suffer from the user to tremble, this is also described in greater detail below.

Example 9: the drops distributor for returnable container.Figure 13 A illustrates the related implementation of passive equipment to 13B Example 1300 is configured to the receiving between tip 355A, 355B of the tuning fork part 1310 of equipment 1300 and liquid is used for multiple times Container, and also have and intersect stabilizer or alar part 1305A, 1305B.Intersect stabilizer or alar part is fixed on arm, same When upwardly extended transverse to arm and transverse to passing through arm and passing through the side of plane (not shown) of axis in hole of holding part.It hands over Pitching stabilizer 1305A, 1305B helps user against another surface (a part on the head (for example, forehead) of such as user) Stabilizing equipment 1300.This enables a user to the better space direction that enough hands realize equipment 1300, while also with same The extruding of hand, which is supported by tip 355A, 355B and is maintained between tip 355A, 355B, is used for multiple times liquid container.This makes Another hand of user can keep opening eyes in order to targetedly convey the fluid (example of desired amount from container Such as, the drop of predetermined quantity).It is such configuration for have benefit from additional fixed point tremble or other motion controls The user of problem may be beneficial.

Intersecting stabilizer can be with various shape towards (in general, construction) relative to the shape, size, angle of arm 120 Formula arrangement, including but not limited to only has an intersection stabilizer (that is, the only intersection stabilizer on the side of arm 120).Also It should be noted that in general, any related embodiment disclosed herein (wherein active, passively or be configured as with Single disposable liquid container is used together) it can be equipped at least one of intersection stabilizer 1305A, 1305B.

Active embodiment and its operating method

Array or external member or the set behind of passive fluid distributor retainer are supplemented using the embodiment of active devices Design is that the user of external member is enabled at least to train oneself to be based on indicating one or more drops conveyings by active devices The case where (such as success of timing, conveying) optical data in terms of the operational feedback that provides drop is instilled into his eyes In.Alternatively, or in addition, observation clinician can be used in unbiased mode (and without human interference) with actively The optical data that equipment is collected is used to adjust treatment type to be used (for example, drop and laser or operation for glaucoma Compared to) or to the addition of at least one of the dosage of the therapeutic scheme of patient or patient (user) treatment and timetable or reduce Drops answers the result treated successfully related problem to patient and assess this treatment in a manner of accurate and system.

Example 10: the drop dispenser for disposable container.For this purpose, and with reference to Fig. 7 A, 7B and 8A, 8B, 8C, actively The embodiment of equipment can be substantially similar in structure to their reciprocity passive equipment in size and size.For example, Fig. 7 A, 7B shows the embodiment 700 of active devices, which is configured to accommodate disposable liquid container and in structure It is substantially similar to the container of the passive equipment 100 of Figure 1A and 2A.But active devices 700 are additionally equipped with data record And/or processing unit 705 comprising optical system 705A, optical system 705A be deployed in arm 120 the first and second ends it Between.Optical system 705A has the visual field (FOV) with FOV axis 710.This FOV is in the plane transverse to first axle 160 The area-of-interest (ROI) 170 around the point on first axle 160 is covered, wherein FOV axis 710 is at ROI 170 with first Axis 160 intersects.More specifically, as shown, FOV axis 710 is intersected with sharp angle α with first axle 160, wherein sharp angle α It is the interior angle of the triangle defined by first axle 160, second axis 175 and FOV axis 710.It is similar with embodiment 100, member (as shown in the figure-main body from processing unit 705 shelf or protrusion indicate optional position mark to part 122, in equipment The level that the nozzle tip of the liquid container used when container is kept in a device should position is indicated in operation.

Example 11: the drop dispenser for disposable container.Fig. 8 A, 8B and 8C show to be configured to accommodate and be used for multiple times The active devices 800 of liquid container are substantially structurally similar to passive equipment 600 shown in Fig. 6 A and 6B.It is similar In being configured to accommodate the active devices of disposable liquid container, active devices 800 are equipped with active cell 805, active cell 805 include optical system 805A, and optical system 805A is deployed between the first and second ends of arm 120.Optical system 805A tool There are the visual field (FOV) with FOV axis 710, point of the FOV in the plane transverse to first axle 160 on first axle 160 Area-of-interest (ROI) 170 is covered, and FOV axis 710 intersects at ROI 170 with first axle 160.More specifically, FOV axis 710 is intersected with sharp angle α with first axle 160, and wherein sharp angle α is by first axle 160, second axis 175 and FOV The interior angle for the triangle that axis 710 defines.

Depending on the details used, the previously described embodiment of each of passive equipment can be appropriately modified to be become It is changed to or is formatted as active devices.For example, being configured to accommodate the active devices implementation that liquid container is used for multiple times with reference to Figure 15 Example 1500 is substantially structurally similar to the embodiment 300 of passive equipment shown in Fig. 3,4A, 4B, 4C and 5.

In general, the optical system of active cell (such as active cell 705,805) and this unit of given embodiment System 705A, 805A substantially can equally be configurable for the active devices for being configured to accommodate the liquid container being intended for single use Be configured to accommodate both active devices of nonexpondable liquid container.In a related embodiment, active cell can be via Conductive member is otherwise connected to Local or Remote programmable processor, and the processor and tangible non-transient storage are situated between Matter is operationally cooperated.Processor in this case is configured as obtaining the optical data collected by optical system 705, should Optical data indicates the image of the scene existing for given time at ROI 170.Then these data be can analyze with determination The drop being discharged from nozzle (being fixed in main body 140, the 460 of 285 or returnable container of disposable container) is successfully defeated It is sent to ROI 170.

Alternatively or additionally, optical system 705A, 805A can be increased with the sensing system comprising communication function By force.This sensing system can be deployed in the shell of active cell 705,805 and/or match with computer based application To perform various functions.For example, this computer based application can download on smart phone or similar devices.Sensor System can with application communication, to indicate time that active devices are currently being used.If used not according to specified timetable Active devices, then application will remind user to apply using the equipment after the application for not sensing plan via its smart phone With the drop missed.

If the specific requirements of specific user so require, it can be raised in structure and save each implementation described herein Example is to be suitble to this specific requirements.This controllability can be implemented in equipment itself (for example, the length of arm 120 and arm 120 At least one of angle relative to foot or pedestal 115 can be adjustable via stretching mechanism appropriate and/or hinge).

Alternatively, or in addition, which can determine most by the way that various sizes of equipment is fitted to specific user has Effect ground meets the needs of user to realize the customization of specific embodiment.This adaptation can execute in a number of different manners, example Such as, it can be realized by the way that the parameter of particular liquid container currently in use to be input in database (wherein, using programmable Processor will be matched container with the most suitable embodiment of equipment based on its size).Adaptation can also be completed by clerk, And it can be related to that user is allowed to attempt different equipment to determine which is most suitable for the particular demands of user.Adaptation procedure may be used also To be related to measuring the facial characteristics (such as nose depth of beam) of user, and the result of this measurement is based at least partially on to select Select equipment.Various apparatus embodiments are optionally variable dimensions, it means that their size can be it is personalized and They are designed to pursue the liquid container tip of different length, and/or tip to the distance of ROI, and/or the dissection knot of user Structure, and/or the problem of to individual subscriber (for example, tremble, Wry Neck and cannot tilt backwards, keep touching eyes and Need to deviate eyes, or close eyes and fall on upper eyelid or palpebra inferior) changeability.

Following step is intended to include using the set of active devices of the invention or passive equipment of the invention or this equipment It is at least some of rapid: to convey a system using having the active devices for the capsule containing liquid being fixed in its hole/opening Column drop；Monitor data set, the conveying for a series of drops which is provided by the active devices wherein with capsule； Based on the conveying technology for adjusting user to the assessment of data set；And when the conveying technology of data set instruction user successfully will When drop is transported to area-of-interest as expected, initiate using passively setting with the capsule containing liquid being fixed in its hole It is standby to convey drop.Determine that " intention " that it is successfully conveyed may include with drop successfully to aim at ROI and/or according to predetermined Timetable target convey this drop.Although using the method for the set of equipment this illustrate from use actively set The standby progress to using passive equipment, but it should be noted that the progress of device systems used can be from using passive equipment To using active devices.As an example, user can be with initially use passive equipment, but failed is that user fails as expected Drop is applied, in such a case, it is possible to instruct user to use active devices, using the system with feedback capability with sensor It actively monitors drop conveying and/or reports the result of this monitoring.In this particular example, by lacking successfully in user Body part on the collection of feedback data is prompted using " passive " equipment.

Started with passive equipment and conveyed in some users with compliance difficulty without undergoing, they may not have It is necessary to use active devices and passive equipment may be sufficient.

Active supervision equipment can be also used for auxiliary drops and convey and determine whether drops is used successfully.If conveying is not Success, then, even if can also determine that the additional liquid of addition does not help, because they are not entered into using ancillary equipment Eyes rather than because they do not work.It is then possible to personal proper use of drops is attempted and trained using this information, Rather than the more drops of addition.It may further result in determining replacement therapy method, for example, laser for glaucoma patient or Operative treatment is better than additional drops.For doctor and insurance company, this can reduce waste, and ensure based on patient Individual demand is treated individually for patient, to obtain better result and less waste.

Active devices are described as to include by the processor of instruction control stored in memory.Memory can be with It is adapted for random access memory (RAM), the read-only memory (ROM), flash memory of storage control software or other instruction and datas Or any other memory, or combinations thereof.Those skilled in the art are it should be readily recognized that define function of the invention Instruction or program can be transported to processor in a variety of forms, include but is not limited to be permanently stored in not writeable storage medium (for example, equipment (such as CD-ROM that read-only storage equipment (such as ROM) or computer I/O attachment in computer is readable Or DVD disc)) on information, the letter being changeably stored on writable storage media (for example, floppy disk, removable flash memory and hard disk) Breath, or the information by being transmitted to computer including wired or radio computer network communication media.Although in addition, the present invention It is a part of can use software realization, but realize that function essential to the invention can optionally or alternatively part or complete It is realized using firmware and/or hardware component to portion, such as combinational logic, specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate Certain of array (FPGA) or other hardware or hardware, software and/or firmware component combination.

Although by the way that foregoing exemplary embodiments describe the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that It is that, in the case where not departing from inventive concept disclosed herein, illustrated embodiment can be modified and be changed.Though for example, So some embodiments are described in conjunction with various illustrative structures, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that, it can be used Various different structures realize system.The example of the related embodiment of each equipment is shown in appendix.The modification of embodiment can To include the device (contraption) of addition, be configured as automatically or electronically compression bottle to improve drops conveying, Or it is only just activated when equipment is placed in correct position to convey drops.Modification can also include, for being configured For with the specific embodiment that is used together of ROI for the eyes for including user, the arm of the different structure of arm or equipment is added to optics System and have including disposable drops distributor tip and when the arcuate base of first end be located at user the nasion top When user below rectangular cavities eyes illumination region light source；And/or compressor unit, it is configured as liquid It keeps container to be resisted against on the side of arm to compress；And/or sensing system, and computer based application communication, with instruction what Shi Caiyong drop conveying equipment；And/or control processor generation notifies user to miss the computer of the data of the drops of plan Code.

The scope of the present invention includes, for example, be configured as keeping the set of the equipment of liquid distributor, the wherein set packet The first equipment is included, the first equipment has (a) pedestal, has top side and bottom side, which has the first and second cardinal extremities；(b) arm, Extend along first axle from the top side of pedestal, and at the first end of arm with pass through the first flat of the first and second cardinal extremities Pedestal is attached at the separated point in face；And (c) retainer part, have and pass through the opening to be formed, which has phase Second axis inclined for first axle, the cross section being open in the second plane transverse to second axis is that (i) includes The cross section at right angle, and (ii) as wherein limited opening curve (in particular situations-with constant curvature radius curve) One of cross section.This set can additionally include the unit comprising the optical system with visual field, when distributor is kept When in the opening and tip being oriented the first plane of direction, FOV is oriented covering distributor by the unit and arm cooperation Nozzle tip.In one embodiment, which is configured as meeting at least one of the following conditions: (i) pedestal is It is bowed and be dimensioned for being mounted on above the bridge of the nose of user and be in contact with it；(ii) pedestal is in the plane comprising second axis Middle bending, and the cross section of the opening limited in the plane perpendicular to second axis has (a) perpendicular to the flat of axially bored line One of curvature and the closed periphery (b) in face；(iii) at least one of the gradient of the length of arm and arm relative to pedestal It is adjustable；(iv) the first equipment further includes alar part, which is fixed to arm at the point between holding part and pedestal, and And extend along the axis transverse to reference planes from arm, which includes axially bored line and passes through arm；And it (v) first sets Standby further includes the platform that can be repositionably deployed to be arranged essentially parallel to the cross section of opening, and is configured as in opening To the return mechanisms of platform application bias force on direction.The first equipment in the set can include additionally extension, this prolongs Extending portion is prominent with (gap, which is configured as working as, to be divided in formation gap between arm and extension partially towards the first plane from retainer The first finger of user is received when orchestration is kept in the opening, and the second finger of user is contacted with the surface of distributor, to permit Perhaps distributor is squeezed between extension and second finger).Extension can carry on the surface away from gap from extension At least one tongue outstanding, and the cross section of its split shed is rectangular cross section, is sized to remain filled with The tail portion of the disposable dispenser of eye drops.The set may include being substantially equivalent to the second equipment of the first device configuration, Wherein the size of at least one component of the second equipment and the size of the corresponding component of the first equipment are suitably different, with adapt to from The different physical characteristics of the user of equipment are selected in set, (i) to keep distributor to be located in use in the opening and by pedestal On the bridge of the nose at family, the nozzle tip of distributor and the eyes of user is made to separate about 10mm, and (ii) when equipment so positions, A drop of liquid is successfully transported to ocular surface from nozzle.

The scope of the present invention also covers the system for being configured as keeping liquid distributor, and wherein the system includes to have opening Retainer part, which is configured as supporting liquid distributor with holding and fixing, which has nozzle and attached It is connected to retainer part and is stretched out from retainer part and be configured as contact user in operation to separate with user The body extension of distributor is supported at distance.In general the size of the various parts of system, which can change, (while keeping it Design feature) to adapt to the difference of the anatomical structure of the user of system and the distributor of different length.In particular situations, system It may include first equipment with this body extension, and in this case, body extension includes: pedestal, tool There are top side and bottom side, which has the first and second cardinal extremities；And arm, from the top side of pedestal along first axle extend and Pedestal is attached at the point separated with the first plane for passing through the first and second cardinal extremities at the first end of arm.First equipment is also Including above-mentioned retainer part, which has the opening being formed therethrough which, which has relative to first axle Inclined second axis, cross section of the opening in the second plane transverse to second axis are that (i) includes the transversal of right angle Face and (ii) are as in one of the cross section of wherein limited opening curve.In a related embodiment, which additionally includes Two equipment, second equipment are substantially structurally equivalent to the first equipment, and in addition also include data record on its arm Unit, the data record unit include the optical system with FOV, which is defined as when distributor is maintained at opening Covering and the tip including nozzle.

One non-limiting compound realization 2300 of the modification including active devices shown in Figure 23 A, 23B, 23C and 23D, Including shell shell 2310 (being illustrated respectively in Figure 23 A and 23B with top view and perspective) and " filler " part 2320, " filler " part 2320 includes that driving part (is at least such as attached with USB port 2328 at one end and (or meets selected mark Another quasi- data port) and it is attached with the electronic circuit system 2324 of opticator 705 in the other end, such as by band-like Shown in cable).Before the procedure, by the way that fill part 2320 to be properly inserted into shell 2310 come built-up section 2310,2320, so that data port 2324 is protruded outward by the slit of correspondingly-sized, while optical system has and passes through shell (active devices of assembling as shown in figure 16d, are shown in the FOV of 2310 cylinder open 2334 not being blocked 2300 keep liquid container 490A in the opening of tuning fork part).

Thus, the present invention should not be considered limited to disclosed (one or more) embodiment.

Annex

Herein, summarize one of several positive researches as a result, with it is prominent to drop dispenser using it is relevant not (one or more) demand met is (such as when the currently used technical equipment and method for this conveying is in family In use, shortage assessment and training user are correctly and efficiently defeated from distributor to ROI in the case where environment and/or no supervision The ability of liquor charging drop) and these demands are met by using the embodiment of the present invention.

The assessment that family's eye drops conveys in patient after cataract operation

Although it is well known that patient be to the compliance for the ophthalmology scheme prescribed it is problematic, assess clinical outer The data of eye drops are limited.

40 years old or 40 years old or more American of cataract affected about 17%, and this number increased at 80 years old More than 65%.Therefore, cataract operation is one of the outpatient operation most often carried out in medicine, is often only the U.S. and just has more than 300 Ten thousand operations.After the procedure, doctor would generally open pre- aseptic antibiotic eye drops and help reduces inflammation and accelerates to regard The anti-inflammatory eye drops that power is restored.Abide by operation after eye drops scheme will lead to such as serious inflammatory reaction, macular edema and The complication of entophthamia etc, these complication will cause visual loss and intraocular cicatrization.In addition, incorrect conveying (for example, nib contacts and be pressed on cornea) will lead to wound deformation and intraocular infection.Doctor's eye drip reported consistent with patient Another major issue of liquid is drops compliance problem.Studies have shown that be more than 90% patient may it is not proper use of he Eye drip drug, but only 31% patient reports that they have any problem at eye drops.The not only possible damage of incorrect dosage Postoperative recovery of vision process and the risk for increasing inflammation and/or infection, and incorrect perception or practical deviation prescription Scheme also will limit the ability that doctor determines therapeutic regimen.In addition, if needing to supplement liquid medicine in advance, then needing The case where compensating the bad drops conveying technology that additional drops applies will increase Cost of Health.

The purpose of this research is directly to assess the patient being in patient after cataract operation to prescription eye drops Compliance.Either intentionally or unintentionally, compliance difference is most likely to be due to perceiving and actually using the difference between eye drops Different, wherein subject believes their performance better than the case where actually occurring.Therefore we assume that the drop of the distribution perceived Agent and the drops fallen into eyes will be dramatically different with actual dose and prescribed regimen.

Method

Including/exclusion criteria: patient (age 58-92 years old after 27 cataract operations with prescription eye drops；It is average 71 years old age) single position carry out observation property case research.Only those can participate in this research with the talent that self is agreed to. All patients report that its drops uses and the embodiment of actively (imaging) equipment is used to record their prescription in every day entry Eye drops is applied one week.Video data from recording equipment is further processed.

The average time points of every patient record are 33 ± 3 (range 25-42).Record and analyze in total 881 views Frequently.All subjects in test endorsed informed consent form, and mechanism examination board approval of this research be from What Lee Memorial Health System was obtained.Verified, all compliance require to be complied with, and grind at this All suitable mechanisms and government regulation used in relation to human volunteer morals are had followed in studying carefully.

Researching and designing: this is a nonrandom prospective trial research.Indicate that 27 participants use novel imaging device Embodiment, be referred to herein as EDAM.Embodiment is (and whole by reference in U.S. Patent application No.14/438,716 Be incorporated herein) discuss active devices shown in the frame A of Figure 17.The embodiment includes camera and logger.Phase parts include There are two LED light in camera, two sides.There are two arm and pedestals below camera, can be attached to most of eye-drop liquid bottles.Record Device is that camera and LED light are powered, and store the video of record for checking (frame B, C, D of Figure 17) later.After training, EDAM Equipment is used one week, and all prescription eye drops all follow above scheme.In addition, patient is given record, wherein they are recorded During one week every time administration in how many time instill eyes, drip to outside eyes or half instill half drip to outside. The video of capture is analyzed at reading center, to determine the eye drops use and delivery situation of patient.By the perception of subject It is compared to drops usage amount with what reading center (actual use amount) was observed.Half instillation half is registered as to drip to outside The drops in face is scored at 0.5.It is considered as missed event in the video of particular point in time missing, therefore uses feelings in its total drops 0 is counted as under condition.

Statistical analysis: in subject's (perception), center (actual) distribution, drop compared between prescribed regimen is read Enter and half instills the drop number that half drips to outside.Especially calculate actual therapeutic (instillation/prescription), treatment is intended to (distribution Drops/prescribed regimen) and success rate (instillation/distribution drops) and be converted into percentage.It is using percentage because of patient Between prescribed regimen be slightly different, this was depended on into a group time, that is, afternoon enrolled patient, therefore give before any Drops is all excluded except prescribed regimen.By subtracted from 100% each value and by each difference be converted to absolute value come Calculate absolute change percentage.It by comparing absolute change, can be best seen from and the deviation of prescribed regimen, because overall flat Mean value may mistakenly indicate compliance rate, because upper limit value and lower limit value are cancelled out each other.Pairs of t test is all for assessing Conspicuousness (GraphPad Prism 4) in analysis.It not yet completes to analyze the effect of determining sample-size.In addition, in this examination In point research, small sample size does not allow to assess covariant, such as age, gender or the education for conveying drops.The value provided is Average value and standard deviation.

As a result

The patient for receiving cataract operation from single private clinic has participated in a research, wherein using EDAM equipment monitor The application of its eye drops.32 subjects are recruited；But five subjects select to withdraw from the study after entering group.27 patients are complete At the research, and their demographic information provides in the table of Figure 18.During entering group, all subjects are ask Ask that the prescription eye drops about them, level of education, contact lenses use history and the optional problem of the experience of arthritis medical history.

The perception (perceiving) that subject applies its drops is the supply log filled in during research according to them Determining, and be compared with the video (actual) captured in EDAM equipment.The example of the image of record is shown in Figure 17 Frame B, C and D in.Stalagmometer relative to prescribed regimen calculates actual treatment, and as the result is shown in fig. 19 a.On average, Subject thinks them successfully and applied 95.4% ± 5.5 (range 85%-103%) drops, and catches from EDAM equipment That observe in the video obtained is 91.4% ± 29.2 (range 32%-152%).Although not significant (the p=of average actual therapeutic 0.52), but the quantity/prescribed regimen of drops and quantity/prescribed regimen dimensional discrepancy of practical drops that perceive are very big. Clinically, this is most important data.If patient only realizes 30% successful drops conveying, this is important.Know It is clinically useless to balance this point that the patient of its drug is wasted by another.In order to obtain the change than prescribed regimen Change preferably measurement, calculates average absolute difference percentage.This abstract statistical data emphasizes the changeability of prescribed regimen, and root It is intended to according to treatment and success rate is calculated.Therefore, compare the absolute deviation percentage (Figure 19 B) of actual therapeutic, perception it is exhausted To variation be 4.8% ± 5.3 and actual absolute change is 23.5% ± 18.9 (p < 0.001).

Compare treatment and be intended to (Figure 20 A), the drop number of distribution is divided by prescribed regimen；With practical respectively 108.7% ± 43.1 The dosage of (range 46%-220%) is compared, and subject thinks that they are assigned with 101.7% ± 5.5 (range 89%-117%'s) Prescription drops.Similar with actual therapeutic, for two datasets, the average intention for the treatment of is not significant (p=.38), but The real data of EDAM capture is concentrated, and compared with the data set of perception, changeability is much bigger again.Compare the absolute for the treatment of intention It makes a variation percentage (Figure 20 B), when subject is practical deviates 29.4% ± 32.3 (p < .001), they think that they deviate regulation Therapeutic scheme 3.2% ± 4.8.

Figure 21 A, 21B show perception and actual success rate, the instillation quantity of the drops quantity relative to distribution.By Examination person thinks that 94.7% ± 5.6 (range 80%-100%) of the drops of distribution is successfully applied in eyes；But this and he Practical success rate 86.7% ± 14.3 (range 52%-100%) it is dramatically different (p < 0.007).In addition, success rate is absolute Change average value be respectively 6.1% ± 5.7 and 13.4% ± 14.2 perception and reality between also it is dramatically different (p < 0.003)。

Had recorded during video analysis missed event quantity (that is, not for particular point in time video and can The drops that can not distribute) and improved pipette tip and cornea, eyelashes or skin contact number (2 tables referring to fig. 2).It is average For, subject fails to apply their drops 18.5% ± 20.1 (range 0%-70%).In entire research process, only Four subjects apply the whole of the eye drops of their plans.Pollution is also an important problem, because being administered every time about One third (31.3% ± 29.7) leads to the pollution of improved pipette tip.The subject of a total of 89% (23/27) is during research The improved pipette tip that at least polluted them is primary.

It discusses

This research directly measures the compliance for carrying out postoperative drug in patient family after cataract operation for the first time.It is overall For, our result is consistent with previous result of study, that is, patient to the report of eye drops scheme compliance and its reality according to From property, there were significant differences.In early stage the 1980s, Kass et al. visits the eye drops compliance of 141 patients It talks, then observes their administrations.They report that 83% patient per's instillation one is dripped, but during observation, 48% patient is assigned with two drops or more drop.Similarly, Stone et al. to topical remedy's service condition of 139 patients into Gone query, subsequent videograph they using two different bottles eye drops instillation situation.They report, are more than 90% patient thinks that they do not instill the difficulty of drops；But single drop is given without polluting only less than 31% patient Drop point.In our observation, we report patient perceivable with EDAM record compared between similar difference.For example, suffering from Person reports them using the drops of correct number and is only deviating from prescribed regimen 5%, but actually they deviate nearly 24%.Compare It treats intention and produces similar as a result, wherein patient thinks that they are assigned with amount appropriate, but after video analysis, Them are disclosed in Fig. 3 B and prescribed regimen has changed nearly 30%.In addition, 5 (18.5%) subject over-allocation their drops Agent is more than 30%, thus the risk for making them have drug to use up before their prescribed regimen terminates.While it is apparent that some Patient meets difficulty in terms of instillation eye drops, but be not each patient in this way.For example, 12 in 27 patients (44.4%) there is at least 80% or higher compliance rate in terms of actual therapeutic, treatment intention and success rate.Therefore, in order to change Kind totality drops conveying and compliance determine those problematic patients to allow to retrain or are conveyed using postoperative drug is substituted Option is most important.

Local antibiotic, steroids and non-steroidal eye drops are usually prescribed after cataract operation, but if patient is not Abide by or by destroy or beat it is scalloping in a manner of mistakenly apply them, then will increase its (one or more) postoperative infection Risk.Entophthamia is rare (having 1 in about 800) after cataract operation, but serious will lead to visual loss.Fail The antibiotic prescribed, steroidal and non-steroidal eye drops, which are delivered to eyes, will increase inflammation, pain, cicatrization and macula lutea capsule The risk of sample oedema, this can postpone and/or damage vision restoration.Unnecessary contact with eyelid and cornea can cause stimulation, wound Mouthful, and the risk of infection and other problems can be can increase.Our data showed that eye drops conveying is one after cataract operation A major issue.This risk how is best managed not yet to determine.It has attempted to solve to convey to drops and not abide by related The problem of, it is reminded including phone app, automatic speech and text, retraining, the physics for assisting drops placement and bottle to squeeze Equipment, and the color and/or shape that change dropper bottle are to increase availability.

Conclusion and correlation

For a long time it is known that the variation for being distributed and being conveyed using the drops for the eye drops scheme prescribed is one and asks Topic；But after cataract operation, the depth of problem is never directly determined at home.Research given above the result shows that, Lacking eye drops conveying is a common problem and influences any prescription eye drops, although influence is more really for it.When this When being mixed with the general considerations abided by (amnesia is the problem of most often mentioning, so as to cause drops application is missed), it is easy to manage Both of these problems are solved for providing the comprehensive significance of health care to patient.Currently, doctor must be based on patient performance and from I reports the compliance of (or perception) rather than actual objective data to assess the morbid state of patient and the effect of prescribed regimen Fruit.Although the hypothesis about therapeutic effect is unsatisfactory, hypothesis is option unique so far, because without direct visitor It is available to see data.By using the embodiment of the present invention (EDAM), by patient oneself and in the case where no supervision, sense Know actual drops distribute and convey between there are significant differences.As a result it highlights to collect and not only abides by property but come from The necessity for the accurate data that the eye drops of patient except clinical setting applies.These information are particularly suitable for doctor preferably Understand and positive influence every patient or suitable for ensuring correctly to take the interested people of topical remedy.

Claims

1. a kind of set for the equipment for being configured as keeping liquid distributor, the set include:

Active devices and passive equipment, each of active devices and passive equipment include:

Pedestal, has top side and bottom side, and pedestal has the first cardinal extremity and the second cardinal extremity；

Retainer main body has the first side and second side and passes through retainer master from the first side to second side along first axle The opening that body is formed, the distributor for being dimensioned to keep that there is nozzle of the opening,

Arm is extended along second axis, and arm has the first end fixed to retainer main body and the second end fixed to pedestal；

And

Wherein, active devices further include data record unit on its arm, which includes having visual field (FOV) Optical system, when distributor is maintained at opening, which is defined as covering and the tip including nozzle.

2. the set of equipment as described in claim 1, wherein meeting one or more of the following conditions:

(i) wherein, for each equipment in set:

Pedestal is arched, and it is dimensioned for contacting above the bridge of the nose for being mounted on user and with the bridge of the nose of user；

The size of the equipment makes, and when pedestal is located on the bridge of the nose of user, first axle passes through the eyes of user or in user Eyes around pass through；And

Opening has cross section in the plane transverse to first axle, which is (i) rectangular cross section and (ii) conduct Wherein one in the cross section of limited opening curve；

(ii) wherein at least one of the gradient of the length of arm and arm relative to pedestal is adjustable, once so as to pedestal It is deployed on the bridge of the nose of user, first axle is just positioned through to the region of the eyes of user or the region of the eyes in user Surrounding is passed through；

(iii) second axis is tilted relative to first axle.

3. the set of equipment as described in claim 1, wherein meeting following one or more:

(i) at least one equipment in the set includes alar part, which is fixed at the point between retainer body and pedestal Arm and from arm along transverse to reference planes axis extension, the reference planes include first axle and second axis；

And

(ii) for each equipment in the set, pedestal is bent in the plane comprising first axle, and perpendicular to first The cross section of the opening limited in the plane of axis has the curvature of (a) in the plane perpendicular to axially bored line and (b) closed One of periphery；

And

(iii) wherein for each equipment in set, bottom side be it is curved, the center of curvature is located at comprising first axle and the In the plane of two axis, the center of curvature and first end separate at a distance from be more than arm length；

And

(iv) wherein retainer body is cuboid.

4. the set of equipment as described in claim 1, wherein in addition to being present in the data records list at the arm of active devices Member, the structure configuration of active devices and the structure configuration of passive conveying equipment are essentially identical.

5. the set of equipment as described in claim 1, wherein active devices further include one of the following or multiple:

(i) the readable processor of programmable calculator, operationally with tangible non-transitory storage media cooperation, which is configured For the optical data for obtaining the scene for collecting and indicating target area by data record unit；And

(ii) sensing system, be configured as with programmable electronic circuit Radio Communication, with generate have been equipped with distributor The active devices record of the timetable of actual use that is used to be transported to drops in target area.

6. the set of equipment as described in claim 1, wherein the optical axis of optical system at target area with first axle phase It hands over.

7. the set of equipment as claimed in claim 6, wherein optical axis is intersected with acute angle with first axle, which is by first The interior angle for the triangle that axis, second axis and optical axis limit.

8. the set of equipment as described in claim 1,

Wherein the size of each of active devices and passive equipment makes, when distributor is kept in the opening, nozzle edge First axle be directed toward and far from retainer main body, the target area of the drop for including in delivery distributer is in the first plane Middle restriction, the first plane are parallel to the plane across the first cardinal extremity and the second cardinal extremity；And

Wherein visual field is defined as covering and including target area.

9. the set of equipment as claimed in claim 8, wherein first axle passes through target area.

10. a kind of for using the method for being configured as keeping the set of equipment of liquid distributor, which includes actively setting Standby and passive equipment,

Wherein each of active devices and passive equipment include:

Pedestal has top side, bottom side and the first cardinal extremity and the second cardinal extremity；

Arm extends in the first end of arm from the top side of pedestal；

Retainer part has the opening passed through, and the opening is with opening axis and is dimensioned to keep having spray The drop receptacle of mouth,

Wherein active devices additionally include the data record unit comprising following elements at its arm:

Optical system with visual field (FOV), visual field is defined as covering and the nozzle of container that is maintained in hole including (i) Tip, the target area (ii), and the space at (iii) separation tip and target area, and

Fluorescence detector,

Data record unit is configured as the image of scene in record visual field；

This method comprises:

It will be manually entered and be applied to active devices, to emit liquid on the direction of target area from the container kept by active devices Drop, while a series of images frame is recorded, the corresponding position of drops in each frame representation space；

It is fallen using data record unit monitoring drops and in the target area, partially falls into target area or fall in target area Except；

And

Using passive equipment by drop from the container transport being maintained in passive equipment to target area.

11. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the third plane tangent with the point of top sides is put down each other with the second plane Row.

12. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein using including that will be manually entered to be applied to passive equipment, from by passive The drop receptacle that equipment is kept emits drop in said direction.

13. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein using including, when monitoring result instruction drops is successful and repeatably defeated When sending to target area, begin to use passive equipment from the container transport drop being maintained in passive equipment.

At least one of 14. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein work as below meeting:

(i) applying and one or more of use includes user's self-administering drops in the case where no supervision；

(ii) monitoring includes or is downloaded by hardware or wirelessly monitored via remote unit；And

(iii) it applies and the transverse projections for including to abut against between retainer part and pedestal any one of is used to use (a) one of horizontal component of retainer part compression that is hingedly attached to of finger and (b) equipment has been held in opening Liquid container, and pedestal is located on the bridge of the nose of user, the bottom side of pedestal is contacted with the bridge of the nose, and wherein target area is user Eyes.

15. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of application and monitoring execute after usage.

It further include following one or more of work as 16. method as claimed in claim 10

(i) result based on monitoring adjusts the position of active devices, the direction of active devices and one or more in being manually entered It is a；And

(ii) by the opening of drop receptacle insertion retainer part, to keep container along opening axis, wherein nozzle is directed toward Target area.

17. the method described in claim 16, wherein insertion includes one of the following conditions:

(i) the horizontal tail part of disposable extrudable drop receptacle is kept in said opening, which passes through retainer portion That divides is hollow, and in the cross section transverse to opening axis, opening axis is kept the encirclement of device part completely；

And

(ii) cylindrical neck portion that extrudable drop receptacle is used for multiple times is kept in said opening, and split shed is in retainer portion It is formed between the first tip and the second tip divided, the first tip and the second tip extend transverse to arm.

18. method as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one of top side and arm include the label of position, and keep flat Any one of portion and holding cylindrical neck portion include the label that the tip of nozzle is positioned substantially to the position Level at.

Further include following one or more of work as 19. method as claimed in claim 10:

(i) any one of active devices and passive equipment are located on the bridge of the nose of user, while keep the intersection of equipment steady Determine device part and the forehead contact of user, laterally prolongs wherein intersecting stabilizer part from the arm between retainer part and pedestal It stretches；

And

(ii) programmable electronic circuit system is utilized, the appreciable report of user is generated, this report includes to indicate that drops is to fall in In target area, the data still fallen in outside target area in target area are partially fall on, and

It is based at least partially on calculated from the data and indicates that drops is transported to the success of target area in report Quality factor, it is determined whether from using active devices become using passive equipment be suitable.

20. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein in each of active devices and passive equipment, retainer It is fixed to the second end of arm, so that drop receptacle is maintained at opening, is used for when corresponding equipment is in operating position The target area of drops emit from nozzle is conveyed to limit in this first plane, first plane be parallel to across the first cardinal extremity with The plane of second cardinal extremity, opening axis pass through the first plane in close-proximity target zone.

21. a kind of set for the equipment for being configured as keeping liquid distributor, the set include:

First equipment, the first equipment have

Pedestal, pedestal have top side and bottom side, which has the first cardinal extremity and the second cardinal extremity；

Arm, arm extend along first axle from the top side of pedestal, and at the first end of arm with pass through the first cardinal extremity and the Arm is attached to pedestal at the separated point of first plane of two cardinal extremities；

Retainer part has and passes through the opening to be formed, which has relative to the inclined second axis of first axle, Cross section of the opening in the second plane transverse to second axis is cross section that (i) includes right angle, and (ii) as wherein One of the cross section of limited opening curve.

22. set as claimed in claim 21 further includes the unit comprising the optical system with visual field (FOV), the list Visual field is oriented at covering when distributor keeps in the opening and is oriented tip the first plane of direction by member and arm cooperation The tip of the nozzle of distributor.

23. set as claimed in claim 21, wherein meeting at least one of the following conditions:

(i) pedestal is bowed and is dimensioned for contacting above the bridge of the nose for being mounted on user and with the bridge of the nose of user；

(ii) pedestal is bent in the plane comprising second axis, and the opening limited in the plane perpendicular to second axis Cross section has one of the curvature of (a) in the plane perpendicular to axially bored line and the closed periphery (b)；

(iii) at least one of the gradient of the length of arm and arm relative to pedestal is adjustable；

(iv) the first equipment further includes alar part, which is fixed to arm, and alar part at the point between holding part and pedestal Extend along the axis transverse to reference planes from arm, which includes axially bored line and pass through arm；

(v) the first equipment further includes the platform that can be repositionably deployed to be arranged essentially parallel to the cross section of opening, and by It is configured in the direction of the opening to the return mechanisms of platform application bias force.

24. set as claimed in claim 21, wherein equipment further includes extension, and the extension is from retainer partially towards the One plane is prominent to form gap between arm and extension, which is dimensioned so as to keep in the opening when distributor When receive the first finger of user, and the second finger of user is contacted with the surface of distributor, in extension and second finger Between squeeze distributor.

25. set as claimed in claim 24, wherein extension carries outstanding from extension on the surface away from gap At least one tongue, and the cross section of its split shed is rectangular cross section, is sized to remain filled with eye drops Disposable dispenser tail portion.

26. component as claimed in claim 21 further includes the second equipment, which is configured as being substantially equivalent to One equipment, wherein the size of at least one component of the second equipment and the size of the corresponding component of the first equipment are suitably different, To adapt to select the different physical characteristics of the user of equipment from set, (i) to keep distributor in the opening and by pedestal Be located on the bridge of the nose of user, the nozzle tip of distributor and the eyes of user made to separate about 10mm, and (ii) when equipment such as When this positioning, a drop of liquid is successfully transported to ocular surface from nozzle.

27. a kind of system for being configured as keeping liquid distributor, the system include:

Retainer part has opening, which is configured as supporting liquid distributor with holding and fixing, and distributor has spray Mouth；

And

Body extension, body extension are attached to retainer part and stretch out from retainer part and be configured in operation For contact user with user separate at a distance from support distributor,

The wherein variable dimension of system, to adapt to the difference of the anatomical structure of the user of system and the distributor of different length.

28. system as claimed in claim 27, comprising:

First equipment, the first equipment include the body extension, which includes:

Pedestal, has top side and bottom side, which has the first cardinal extremity and the second cardinal extremity；And

Arm, arm extend from the top side of pedestal along first axle, and at the first end of arm with pass through the first cardinal extremity and the Arm is attached to pedestal at the separated point of first plane of two cardinal extremities；

The equipment further include:

Retainer part has the opening being formed therethrough which, which has relative to the inclined second axis of first axle, should Cross section of the opening in the second plane transverse to second axis is cross section that (i) includes right angle and (ii) as wherein One of the cross section of limited opening curve.

29. system as claimed in claim 28 further includes the second equipment, which is substantially structurally equivalent to One equipment, and in addition also include data record unit on the arm of the second equipment, which includes to have visual field (FOV) optical system, the visual field are defined as covering and the tip including nozzle when distributor is maintained at opening.