Title of Invention	"DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR A LIQUID PRODUCT"
Abstract	Dispensing apparatus for a liquid product contained in a receptacle (4), having a feed nozzle (4a), said apparatus having an assembly housing (2) or a frame (3) for receiving a mechanism actuated by exerting a pressure (F) on an actuator (30) to draw from the receptacle (4) through the orifice (11a) of a dosing chamber (11) a determined quantity of said liquid by a plunger (10) compressing a return spring (14), and to then eject said liquid to the exterior, wherein the mechanism having an element that is mobile in rotation (50) or translation (51) via the action of the actuator (30), said mobile element (50, 51) to remain in a first position at the start or rest of the actuator's (30) travel, then to act on a control member for the plunger (10) to fill the dosing chamber (11) with said liquid and to compress the return spring (14) of said plunger (10), and, at the end of travel, to then pass into a second position placing said dosing chamber (11) in communication with the exterior by the same orifice (11a) as that allowing the liquid to be drawn and, releasing the return spring (14) of the plunger (10), to drive the liquid from the chamber (11) through a through passage (7) of the housing (2) or the frame (3).

Title of Invention

"DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR A LIQUID PRODUCT"

Abstract

Dispensing apparatus for a liquid product contained in a receptacle (4), having a feed nozzle (4a), said apparatus having an assembly housing (2) or a frame (3) for receiving a mechanism actuated by exerting a pressure (F) on an actuator (30) to draw from the receptacle (4) through the orifice (11a) of a dosing chamber (11) a determined quantity of said liquid by a plunger (10) compressing a return spring (14), and to then eject said liquid to the exterior, wherein the mechanism having an element that is mobile in rotation (50) or translation (51) via the action of the actuator (30), said mobile element (50, 51) to remain in a first position at the start or rest of the actuator's (30) travel, then to act on a control member for the plunger (10) to fill the dosing chamber (11) with said liquid and to compress the return spring (14) of said plunger (10), and, at the end of travel, to then pass into a second position placing said dosing chamber (11) in communication with the exterior by the same orifice (11a) as that allowing the liquid to be drawn and, releasing the return spring (14) of the plunger (10), to drive the liquid from the chamber (11) through a through passage (7) of the housing (2) or the frame (3).

Full Text	The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for a liquid product Although the principles of the present invention may have utility in many areas for convenience it will be described mainly in connection with liquid treatment of eyes. Typically the medical preparation has to be delivered in a fairly well defined volume to assure a specified dose to be delivered or absorbed. A large surplus cannot be allowed due to improper systemic physiological effects from absorbency In non-target tissues or drainage of excess amounts through the tear channel into the throat cavity or the inconveniences caused by overflow on face and clothes. Also price considerations apply for expensive medications. As an example, the treatment of glaucoma requires frequent daily admifiTstrations of e.g. prostaglandins, beta-blockers or other expensive active ingredients, all having other then the desired pressure relieving action when absorbed by other body tissues than the eye. Small volume dosing Is negatively affected by even small uncontrolled or dead spaces in delivery equipments used. Moreover, medical preparation components may be sensitive to degradation or absorption at prolonged exposure to materials and extended surfaces present in delivery devices. Similar considerations apply for sterility preservation. With regard to stream quality, proper administration of small amounts is complicated by the fact that the active ingredients cannot enter the eye but through the limited area of the cornea. It Is also necessary that the entire dose can be delivered before the triggered blink reflex closes the eyelid. A large number of devices are already known for applying a determined quantity of a liquid medicinal product onto a part of the body, such as an ophthalmic solution on the surface of the eye. These devices generally rely on the principle of a syringe which can be either pre-filled with a determined quantity of liquid, or graduated to suck up saW quantity of liquid contained in a separate bottle, or connected to a fixed receptacle in pemnanent communication with the dosing chamber of the syringe, as is described for example in one of the embodiments of US Patent No. 4,623,337. It will be observed that pemnanently feeding the dosing chamber from the receptacle via gravity means that neither the precision of the quantity of liquid to be ejected, nor the sterility thereof can be guaranteed. In these devices, the pressure exerted on the plunger, manually or automatically, is generally exerted in the same direction as that of the liquid jet, as is described for example in International Patent Application No. WO 92/20455. The direction of the jet can sometimes be deviated by bent conduits, but it is then difficult to control the force with which the jet reaches its target. A device of this kind is like, for example, that disclosed in French Patent No. FR 2 647 757 for food products or cosmetics in liquid or paste-like form, for which respecting a given ejection pressure is of no importance. In the case of a an ophthalmic solution, it is, however, very important not only to control very precisely the dose to be ejected for obvious reasons of safety and efficacy of the treatment, but also in order to be able to control the impact pressure of the liquid jet on the eye, which certain devices attempt to achieve by using an eyepiece or a spacing member applied to the periphery of the target to impose a fixed distance with respect to the liquid ejection orifice, as is disclosed for example in US Patent Nos. 4,623,337 and 5,836,911. It will be observed however that these devices do not always allow the impact force of the liquid jet to be reproduced when the pressure is exerted directly on the plunger manually. Thus, the dispensing apparatuses of the prior art provide individual solutions to particular problems, but none of them allows all of the aforementioned problems to be simultaneously resolved. The object of the present invention is thus to provide a dispensing method and device capable of avoiding the problems discussed above. More particulariy an object is to provide a method and device system capable of ejecting, e.g. with a new design of the plunger head leaving practically no ullage, a precise dose of liquid, such as an ophthalmic solution, with an adjustable impact pressure on the target and the dose and impact pressure being independent of the way in which the pressure is exerted on the actuator. The apparatus according to the invention Includes a mechanism allowing sterility conditions to be improved, given that the receptacle is only in communication with the dosing chamber except for a brief moment during ejection when it is placed in communication with the external environment for a few tenths of a second, during which time the pressure equilibrium is achieved by replacing the sucked up liquid with air. In addition the system allows uncontrolled and adead spaces to be kept to a minimum. The apparatus is further very easy to use in particular for an ophthalmic solution. These and other objects are reached by the characteristics set forth in the appended patent claims. The movement of the actuator is preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of ejection of the liquid, such that the pressure exerted on the actuator cannot modify the distance with respect to the target, for example the eye in the case of an dispensing ophthalmic solution. ' According to a first embodiment, the mobile element"is formed by a drum provided, on its flanks, with studs rotatably mounted in the two shells of the housing, and housing in its diametral part an assembly formed by the dosing chamber, the plunger and the retum spring. At the start of pressure on the actuator, the drum occupies a first filling position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber is opposite the receptacle feed nozzle. By continuing to press on the actuator, the dmm rotates through an angle a to occupy a second ejection position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber is opposite the through passage of the housing. In a second embodiment, the dosing chamber is formed in a unit secured to the frame, and the mobile element is formed by a mobile valve, held in the rest position by a retum spring. At the start of pressure on the actuator, the valve occupies a first position for filling the dosing chamber through a channel formed in the thickness of said valve placing the orifice of the dosing chamber in communication with the receptacle nozzle. By continuing to press on the actuator the valve is brought into a second ejection position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber is placed in communication with the exterior through a hole of the valve located opposite the through passage of the frame. In both embodiments, the actuator is returned to the rest position by resilient retum means, wound by the travel of the plunger during the filling and ejection phases. In these two embodiments, in order to further increase the conditions of sterility, the actuator can include a panel blocking the through passage of the housing or frame from the exterior in the rest position, said panel including an orifice brought to face said through passage in the ejection position. Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more cleariy upon reading embodiment examples, given purely by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which: - figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention without the external coven - Rgure 2 shows a cross-section of the apparatus of Figure 1, along the arrows 11-11 parallel to the base of the apparatus; - Rgure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Rgure 1; - Rgure 4 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in which one shell of the housing and the drum have been removed; - Rgure 5 shows a cross-section along the line V-V of Figure 2, of the mechanism assembly in the rest position; - Figure 6 corresponds to the suction phase of a determined quantity of liquid to be ejected; - Figure 7 corresponds to the rotation ofjhe drum to the ejection position; - Figure 8 corresponds to the liquid ejection phase; - Figure 9 shows a position of the drum during the retum to its rest position; - Figures 5A to 9A show the different positions of the drive members in the phases corresponding to Figures 5 to 9; - Figure 10 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the invention; - Figure 11 is a cross-section in the plane of symmetry of the apparatus shown in Figure 10 in the rest position; - Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 10; - Rgures 12A and 12C are enlarged diagrams of two elements of the mechanism from another angle; - Rgure 12B is a cross-section of another element of the mechanism; - Figure 13 corresponds to the suction phase of a detemnined quantity of liquid; - Rgure 13A is an enlarged diagram of the valve during the liquid suction phase; - Rgure 14 shows the phase during which the valve passes into the liquid ejection phase; - Figure 14A is an enlarged diagram of the valve during the liquid ejection phase; - Figure 15 shows the liquid ejection phase; - Figures 16, 17,18 show the return of the apparatus to the rest position; and - Rgures 19,19A and 20 respectively show in the rest position and at the end of ejection a variant illustrated with the second embodiment. In Figure 1, Figures 1 and 10 show, in perspective, two embodiment examples of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention. In Rgure 1, the apparatus includes an external cover 1 marking the mechanism of a second embodiment which will be described hereinafter where the external cover has been removed, one can see that externally the apparatus includes a housing 2 formed of two shells 2a, 2b assembled by a screw 2c after positioning the contact surfaces by means of pins 2d visible In the exploded view of Figure 3, to which reference will also be made In the description hereinafter. The liquid, which will have to be ejected from the apparatus In the direction of double arrow L, is contained in a receptacle 4 which, in this example, is a bottle ending in a feed nozzle 4a. Bottle 4 is secured to the apparatus by means df an adjustable clamp 5, to shells 2a, 2b by means of screws 5a. In Figure 1, it can also be seen that actuator 30, the actuation of wfiich by a force F is effected in a substantially perpendicular direction to the direction of ejection of the liquid. In this embodiment, the actuator take the fonn of a push butt6n and is generally U-shaped with a head 32 extended by two branches 34a, 34b, the construction and functions of which will be de-scribed hereinafter. Reference will also now be made to Figure 4, in which external cover 1 has been l The drum also Includes a slit 58 In which two lateral arms 22a, 22b of a staple 20 are engaged, said staple being snapped into groove 13a of rod 13, by compressing a spring 14 mounted on rod 13 of plunger 10, when said staple 20 is moved, from the bottom of slit 58 to the edge of dmm 50. The movement of staple 20 is achieved by a double lever 24, articulated in Its median part in shells 2a, 2b, each lever including an ami 26a pressing on each lateral arm 22a, 22b of staple 20. Each arm 26a of double lever 24 also includes a snug 28, allowing a safety catch 62 to be manoeuvred. In proximity to slit 58, drum 50 also includes a notch 64 in which safety catch 62 will be engaged, the function of said catch being described hereinafter within the scope of the description of the wori On each of studs 54a, 54b of drum 50 there is mounted a pinion 60, each pinion including along its axis two pins 61 a, 61 b, more cleariy visible in enlarged figure 3A. When a pinion 60 is mounted on a stud 54a, 54b of the drum, pins 61a, 61 b are engaged in holes 66a, 66b, such that, when pinion 60 is driven in rotation, it has a small angle of shake during which drum 50 is not driven in rotation. In Figure 4, it can be seen that pinions 60 mesh with the toothings, on the one hand, of actuator 30, and of a return member 40 on the other hand. As indicated at the beginning, the actuator includes symmetrical branches 34a, 34b, the spacing of which substantially corresponds to the width of the drum. Each branch 34a, 34b is formed of an external part ending in a stop member 36, for manoeuvring arms 26b of lever 24, and of an internal part formed by a straight rack 38 extending on either side of stop member 36 In the longitudinal direction of branches 34a, 34b. Return member 40 is formed by a double pivoting rack including two branches 40a, 40b connected by a bridge 42, the pivoting rack being articulated in shells 2a, 2b of housing 2. A return spring 46 allows the double rack to be kept in the low position when there is no pressure exerted on actuator 30 and to retum it to this position when the actuator is released after having exerted pressure on the latter. Finally, it can be seen that the Inner surfaces of shells 2a, 2b each include a cam 6 having the shape of an arcuate rib. The end 22a, 22b of the lateral arms of staple 20 are capable of sliding on the external contour of rib 6 in order to keep spring 14 compressed during the rotation of drum 50 between the filling position and the ejection position. In the example illustrated cam 6 extends over an angle of approximately 120°. The parts which have just been described, essentially with reference to the exploded view of Figure 3, appear at least partially in the cross-section of figure 2 where the mechanism is shown with its external cover 1 and a sliding member 8 for adjusting the distance between the ejection orifice and an eyepiece 8a located at its end. Sliding member 8 and eyepiece 8a are shown in two end positions in Figure 4. Rgure 3 also shows the cross-section line V-V corresponding to Rgures 5 to 9 which will now enable the operation of the mechanism to be explained. The operation of this first embodiment is now described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. Rest position (Figures 5 and 5A) No pressure is exerted on actuator 30. Safety catch 62 is engaged in notch 64 of drum 50 and the orifice of dosing chamber 11 is opposite the nozzle of receptacle 4. Spring 46 rests on retum rack 40, keeping pins 61a, 61b in the low position in holes 66a, 66b. The two ends of lever 24 are abutting respectively against stop member 36 and staple 20. As the plunger head is pressed against the bottom of the dosing chamber, receptacle 4 is perfectly insulated from the external environment, and leaves no ullage. Dosing chamber filling position (Figures 6 and 6A) By exerting a pressure F on actuator 30, stop member 36 tips lever 24, and rack 38 drives pinion 60 to a high position in which pins 61a, 61b do not drive drum 50. In this step lever 24 pulls plunger 10 thus sucking up the liquid from bottle 4 to fill the dosing chamber to a position where staple 20 is placed behind cam 6. At this moment snug 28 of lever 24 pushes back safety catch 62 releasing drum 50. In this phase, spring 46 starts to be compressed. Passage into the election position (figure 7 and 7A) By continuing to exert pressure F on actuator 30, rack 38 drives pinion 60 which itself rotates drum 50, by means of pins 61a, 61b which rest on one end of holes 66a, 66b. During this rotation, staple 20 follows via Its lateral arms the external contour of the rib forming cam 6. figure 7 shows the position just preceding ejection, office 11 a of dosing chamber 11 being substantially on the axis of ejection. Rack 40 then exerts maximum compression on spring 46. The election position (Figures 8 and 8A) By exerting an additional pressure, the lateral arms of staple 20 go beyond the end of cam 6 so that the staple Is no longer held. Retum spring 14 of plunger 10 then pushes the plunger head to the end of dosing chamber 11 to eject the liquid. In this phase it will be observed that the pressure with which the liquid Is ejected depends solely upon the characteristics chosen for spring 14, and In no way upon those of return spring 46, nor the manner In which the user exerts force F. It will also be obsenved that, if the user does not reach this ejection position by releasing pressure F during filling or rotation of the drum, the dosing chamber is re-tumed to Its Initial position and the unused product Is re-injected into the receptacle. This constitutes a certain advantage when the product Is a medicinal one whose price is generally high. Return to the rest position (Figures 9 and 9A) By releasing the pressure after ejecting the liquid, return spring 46 tips rack 40 in the opposite direction driving dmm 50 via pinion 60 whose pins 61, 61b are stopped at the other end of holes 66a, 66b. At the end of rotation, drum 50 again occupies the position shown in Figure 5. The apparatus is again in position for a new use. With reference now to Figures 10 to 18, a second embodiment will be described hereinafter, in which the mobile element is formed by a valve 51, able to be moved by the action of the actuator, along the same direction as the latter, to place, in a first phase, the receptacle containing the liquid in communication with the dosing chamber, then, in the second phase, in communication with the exterior. The side view of Figure 10 shows a dispensing apparatus with the same external appearance as the previously described apparatus, and wherein the entire mechanism is masked by extemal cover 1, leaving only actuator 30 visible, itself including an extemal cover 30a, bottle 4 forming the receptacle containing a liquid, for example an ophthalmic solution, and slide 8 with its eyepiece 8a, The actual mechanism will now be described, referring essentially to Rgures 11 and 12. It can be seen that the mechanism is assembled by means of frame 3 for receiving a unit 9 in which the dosing chamber is formed, more cleariy visible In Figure 13A. Actuator 30 Includes, perpendicular to its head 32, a plate 31 provided with an aperture 31a, and perpendicular to said plate a thick rib 33 including a snap-fitting groove 33a for a tipping element 41, having a reverse L shape, an enlarged perspective of which is shown in Figure 12A. L-shaped element 41 forms the control member which acts, in a first movement phase of actuator 30, on means for actuating plunger 10 against the action of a return spring 14, and in a second phase on a valve 51 able to move in the same direction as actuator 30, against the action of return springs 53a, 53b disposed between said valve 51 and frame 3. As can be seen more deariy in enlarged Rgure 12A, L-shaped tipping element 41 includes a recess 41a, for receiving one end of a helical spring 47 and the other end of which is held abutting against thick rib 33 by means of a spacer 47a. Spring 47 is intended to hold element 41 abutting against a face of plate 31 during the active phase of actuator 30, then to be compressed during the retum to the rest phase to allow said element 41 to tip and move aside behind the control member of plunger 10. The junction between the small branch 43 and large branch 45 includes on each of its edges pivots 45a allowing rib 33 to snap fit into groove 33a. Large branch 45 includes, in its substantially median part, an aperture 45b opposite aperture 31a of plate 31. At its base, branch 45 includes a corner shape 35 defining on the exterior an inclined plane 35a and in the interior two inclined ramps 35b parallel to inclined plane 35a and the width of which is substantially the same as the length of pivots 45a. Valve 51, which can move in sliding channels 19 of unit 9 is described in more detail with reference to enlarged Figures 12C and I5A. It is formed of a parallelepiped body including two edges 51a in which two grooyes 51b are formed, allowing sliding on slide ways 19 of unit 9. Its base includes an edge which includes small circular recesses 55a, 55b directed downwards to position return springs 53a, 53b. The surface delimited by the two edges 51a and pressed against the surface opposite unit 9, includes at its centre an aperture 57 and a channel 59 whose ends 59a, 59b are located on either side of aperture 57 in the plane of symmetry of valve 51. Aperture 57 is surrounded by an inner O ring joint 69a and channel 59 by an outer O ring joint 69b, these joints 69a, 69b assuring sealing during movement of the valve. The longitudinal cross-section of Rgure 13A shows the filling position in which nozzle 4a of receptacle 4 is placed in communication with orifice 11a of dosing chamber 11, by ends 59a, 59b of channel 59, which preferably has the shape of the arc of a circle. Figure 14A shows the ejection position in which aperture 57 of the valve is brought opposite orifice 11a of dosing chamber 11, nozzle 4a then be blocked by the surface of valve 51. The actuating means for plunger 10, shown in cross-section in Rgure 12B is formed by a clamp 21 including two large arms 23a, 23b ending In two lugs 29a, 29b the spacing of which substantially corresponds to the width of unit 9. The large arms 23a, 23b are connected by a base 27 including a hole 27a for securing rod 13 of plunger 10 and a recess 27b for positioning return spring 14. Lugs 29a, 29b each include two chamfers 25a, 25b having substantially the same inclination as inclined planes 35a, 35b of L-shaped tipping element 41. As will be explained hereinafter for the operation of the device, chamfers 25a, 25b each co-operate with inclined planes 35a. 35b, In a first phase, to act on plunger 10 filling dosing chamber 11 and, in the second phase, to allow the device to return to the rest position. The cross-section of Figure 12B also shows a new design of plunger head 12 providing both greater precision In the suction/ejection of a determined quantity of liquid, and safety as regards contaminating elements able to come from the exterior through the sliding cylinder of the plunger. Plunger head 12 is formed of two parts 16, 17 assembled by an assembling member 18 having the form of a rod provided with a head 18a and a collar. The first part 16 has the shape of an inverted double cone 16a, 16b through which assembling member 18 passes, to secure it in rod 13, on the side of cone 16a. This first part 16 is made of a hard plastic material, such as polypropylene (OP) or polyethylene (PE). The second part 17 is formed by a sealing gasket 17, made of a flexible plastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicon, disposed in the second inverted cone 16b to fit into head 18a of pin 18. The extemal part of gasket 17 has a hemispheric shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the bottom wall of the dosing chamber, as can be seen in Figures 13A and 14A. This • design allows no ullage to be left during ejection* of the liquid, and thus a precise quantity of liquid to be ejected, which is particularly important for medicinal products, and particularly ophthalmic solutions. The lips '{not referenced) of inverted double cones 16a, 16b enable external polluting agents to be confined at the depression of their junction. Plunger 10 which has just been described, for this second embodiment is also that found in the first embodiment described hereinbefore. It is clear that this plunger constitutes a preferred embodiment allowing the objectives of precision and sterility to be achieved for the dispensing apparatus according to the invention, but other types of plunger can be used without departing from the scope of the mechanisms which have just been described, and the operation of which is explained in more detail with reference to figure 13 to 18. Riling position (Figures 13 and 13A) From the rest position shown in Figure 11, exerting a pressure F on the head of actuator 30, the Inclined plane 35a of L-shaped tipping element 41 slides the corresponding chamfer 25a of clamp 21, pushing back plunger 10 and compressing spring 14. In this position the base 4a of the receptacle is in communication with the orifice of dosing chamber 11 via channel 59 and enables dosing chamber 11 to be filled. Passage into the ejection position (Figures 14 and 14A) By continuing to exert pressure F, the ends 43a of small arm 43 of the L-shaped tipping element press on valve 51, compressing return springs 53a, 53b to move said valve 51 to a position in which its aperture 57 Is opposite orifice 11a of dosing chamber 11. In this phase, the plunger spring remains compressed. Election position (Figure 15) By continuing to press on the actuator, L-shaped element 41 releases clamp 21, and allows the liquid to be ejected via the action of return spring 14. As indicated in the first embodiment, if the action on the actuator is interrupted, the quantity of liquid present in the chamber is re-injected into the receptacle. Retum to the rest position (Figures 16. 17 and 18) By releasing the pressure on the actuator, in a first phase (FIG.16) the second inclined plane 35b of L-shaped element 41 is positioned behind the corresponding inclined plane 25b of clamp 21. In a second phase (FIG. 17), L-shaped element 41 tips compressing spring 47, and in a second phase (FIG. 18), L-shaped element 41 is returned to its initial position by spring 47. This return to the rest position is actuated by springs 49 compressed via the action of the actuator. Figures 19,19A and 20 show a variant of a second embodiment wherein a modified element is also applicable to the first embodiment. in Figure 19, which shows the apparatus in the rest position, it can be seen that actuator 30 is extended in the direction in which pressure F is exerted by a panel 39 insulating through passage 7 from the external environment when the apparatus Is not being used. Panel 39 is provided with an aperture 37 which is placed opposite through passage 7 when the ejection position is reached, as shown in figure 20. This variant allows conditions of sterility to be increased, even If in the first embodiment the flank of the dmm already forms, in the rest position, a first means for insulating the whole of the apparatus from the extemal environment. Figure 19 also shows variants relative to the second embodiment whose object is to make the apparatus according to the invention more economical. The two actuator retum springs 49a, 49b are replaced by a single spring 49 disposed between the inner face of actuator 30 and unit 9 of frame 3. It can also be seen that the body of actuator 30, its extemal cover 30a and panel 39 are made in a single piece. The same is tme of plunger 10 as regards clamp 21 and rod 13. Again with reference to Figure 19A, it can also be seen that L-shaped tipping element 41 has been modified and simplified, while fulfilling the same function, with, however, slightly different kinematics. Small branch 43 has been thinned so as to have sufficient flexibility to allow the L-shaped element to more aside upon return to the rest position; spring 47 has thus been omitted. It can also be seen that L-shaped tipping element 41 no longer Includes pivots 45a, 45b. Said tipping element 41 is driven in translation by actuator 30 by having the end of its small arm 43 gripped in an extension 48 of the actuator, whereas the large arm 45, which still has a comer shaped end 35 with the two inclined planes 35a, 35b, slides over a vertical wall 15 of unit 9 when a pressure F is exerted on actuator 30. It is clear that the devices described are arranged for multi-dose applicaitons, i.e. applications in which doses are repeatedly drawn from a supply and repeatedly ejected. It Is also clear that the devices are exemplified with features suitable for eye treatment applications. Typical parameters for this application will be given below although the invention shall not be regarded as limited to this application or any such exemplified parameter. A typical single dose volume for delivery to the eye can be less than 100 microliter, preferably less than 50 microliter, preferably less than 25 microliter, preferably less than 15 and most preferably less than 10 microliter. Generally the volume is at least 1, preferably at least 2 and most preferably at least 3 microliter. The liquid receptacle or supply line preferably has the capacity to deliver a plurality of such doses. A suitable speed for the stream of drops or jet ejected should be a balance between on one hand enough linear momentum to traverse an air gap between opening and target, without gravity assistance, and to travel fast enough not be obstructed by blinking and on the other hand not so fast as to cause inconvenient sensible Impact on the eye. The ideal speed is to some extent dependent on the drop size used but as a general rule the drops should be able to traverse at least 1 cm, preferably at least 3 and most preferably at least 5 cm through air by own momentum, incorporating reasonable distances between opening and target. A suitable lower speed limit when lea\rtng the opening is 1, m/s, preferably at least 5 m/s and most preferably at least 10 m/s. Generally the speed is lower than 200 m/s and preferably lower than 100 m/s. A suitable drop size so defined should be sufficient not to be retarded too quickly and not to be easily redirected, e.g. to be inhaled, and preferably has a minimum diameter of 20 micron, preferably not less than 50 micron and most preferably at least 100 microns. Normally the size is less than 2000 micron and preferably less than 1500 micron. The stream may take the form of a shower or spray of atomized liquid droplets but preferably the stream is narrow and fairly coherent although even such a stream tend to break up into individual droplets after a certain time of distance. The above given values are intended to relate to spherical droplets and for multiple droplets to the weight average of particle diameters. A coherent stream tends to break up into droplets of a diameter of roughly double the diameter of the stream. Accordingly suitable opening diameters for the containers are about half the above given drop diameters or roughly between 10 and 1000 microns, preferably between 20 and 800 microns. The above considerations are fairly independent of liquid viscosity and tend to apply both for solutions and ointments. It is desirable that the whole dose can be delivered in a time shorter than the blink reflex time, i.e. in a time shorter than about 150 ms, preferably shorter than 100 ms and most preferably shorter than 75 ms. We Claim: 1. Dispensing apparatus for a liquid product contained in a receptacle (4), having a feed nozzle (4a), said apparatus having an assembly housing (2) or a frame (3) for receiving a mechanism actuated by exerting a pressure (F) on an actuator (30) to draw from the receptacle (4) through the orifice (11a) of a dosing chamber (11) a determined quantity of said liquid by a plunger (10) compressing a return spring (14), and to then eject said liquid to the exterior, wherein the mechanism having an element that is mobile in rotation (50) or translation (51) via the action of the actuator (30), said mobile element (50, 51) to remain in a first position at the start or rest of the actuator's (30) travel, then to act on a control member for the plunger (10) to fill the dosing chamber (11) with said liquid and to compress the return spring (14) of said plunger (10), and, at the end of travel, to then pass into a second position placing said dosing chamber (11) in communication with the exterior by the same orifice (11a) as that allowing the liquid to be drawn and, releasing the return spring (14) of the plunger (10), to drive the liquid from the chamber (11) through a through passage (7) of the housing (2) or the frame (3). 2. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (30) having a panel (39) blocking the through passage (7) of the housing (2) or frame (3) in the rest position, said panel (39) having an opening (37) that faces said passage (7) in the ejection position. 3. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile element is formed by a drum (50) provided on its flanks (52a, 52b) with studs (54a, 54b) rotatably mounted in the housing (2) or frame (3), in its diametral part, an assembly formed by the dosing chamber (11), the plunger (10) and the return spring (14), said drum (50) occupy a first filling position in which the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11) is facing the feed nozzle (4a) of the receptacle (4), and after a rotation through an angle (a), to occupy a second ejection position in which said orifice (Ha) of the dosing chamber (11) is facing the through passage (7) of the housing (2). 4. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 3, wherein each rotation stud (54a, 54b) of the drum (50) having a loose pinion (60) whose shake is limited by two pins (61a, 61b) secured to said pinion (60) and engaged in elongated bean-shaped holes (66a, 66b) of the drum (50), and wherein the actuator (30) is U shaped surrounding the drum (50), each arm (34a, 34b) having both a stop member (36) and a straight rack (38) meshing with the pinion (60), said stop member (36) to actuate, in a first movement phase of the actuator (30), a lever (24) articulated in its median part in the housing (2) and the end of which is to move a control member (20) for the plunger (10) for filling the dosing chamber (11), and said straight rack (38) to drive, in a second movement phase of the actuator (30), the pinion (60) and the drum (50) to make it rotate through the angle (a). 5. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the housing (2) in which a safety catch (62) is pivoted and engaged in a notch (64) of the drum (50), to immobilize said drum while the dosing chamber (11) is being filled, said catch (62) then being releasable from the notch (64) by a snug (28) of the lever (24) to allow the drum (50) to rotate until said drum reaches the liquid ejection position. 6. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plunger control member is formed by a staple (20) secured to the end of the plunger (10), having the return spring (14) and having laterally two branches (22a, 22b), the ends of which follow, once filling is complete, the external contour of a circular cam (6), formed in the housing (2) or frame (3), during rotation of the drum (50) from the filling position to the ejection position in which the staple (20) is released from the cam (6) allowing the return spring (14) to push the plunger (10). 7. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dosing chamber (11) is formed in a unit (9) secured to the housing (2) or frame (3), and the mobile element is formed by a valve (51) that is movable by the actuator (30) against the return force of springs (53A, 53B) from a first filling position through a passage (59) formed in the thickness of said valve (51) and connecting the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11) and the nozzle (4a) of the receptacle (4), to a second ejection position in which the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11) is placed in communication with the exterior through a hole (57) in the valve facing the through passage (7) of the housing (2) or frame (3). 8. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuator (30) having, parallel to its direction of movement, a plate (31) provided with an opening (31a) and against which a reverse L-shaped part is mounted so as to tip, the large arm (45) of said part being provided with an opening (45b) facing the opening (31a) of the plate (31) and including on each side of its base, a first inclined plane (35a) to actuate, in a first movement phase of the actuator (30), the plunger control member for filling the dosing chamber (11), and the end of the small arm (43) of said part to act, in a second movement phase of the actuator, on the valve (51) to bring said valve into a position where the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11), the openings (57, 31a) of the valve (51) and the plate (31) and the through passage (7) of the housing (2) are aligned to allow the liquid to be ejected. 9. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 8, wherein, during the first and second movement phases of the actuator (30), the large arm (45) of the reverse L-shaped part (41) is held pressed against the plate (31) by a spring (47) between the head (32) of the actuator (30) and the small arm (45) of said part. 10. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plunger control member having a clamp (21), the base of which allow the plunger (10) to be fixed, the return spring (14) to be held, and two branches (23a, 23b), ending in two lugs (29a, 29b), each provided two chambers (25a, 25b) parallel to the inclined plane (35a) of the L-shaped tipping part (41), to be connected. 11. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 8, wherein the reverse L-shaped tipping part having on each of its edges a second inclined plane (35b) parallel to the first inclined plane (35a) allow said part to move aside by tipping against the chambers (25a, 25b) of the clamp (21) when the actuator (30) is returned to the rest position. 12. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the unit (9) having vertically a wall (15) against which a reverse L-shaped part can slide or tip, the large arm (45) of said part being provided with an opening (45b) and the small arm (43) being flexible and gripped at its end in an extension (48) of the actuator, said L-shaped part including on each side of its base, a first inclined plane (35a) to actuate, in a first movement phase of the actuator (30), the plunger control member for filing the dosing chamber (11), and the end of the small arm (43) of said part to act, in a second movement phase of the actuator, on the valve (51) to bring said valve into a position where the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11), the openings (57, 31a) of the valve (51) and the plate (31) and the through passage (7) of the housing (2) are aligned to allow the liquid to be ejected. 13. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle (4) is formed by a bottle fixed in the housing (2) or the frame (3). 14. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (2) or the frame (3) having a sliding element (8) allowing the distance between the point of ejection of the liquid and the point of impact on a target to be adjusted. 15. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid is an ophthalmic product and the target is a patient's eye. 16. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger (10) has a head formed by a reversed double cone (1) made of a rigid material (16a), one end of which is fixed onto the rod (13) of the plunger (10), and the other end of which, forming the plunger head [16b), is fitted with a flexible material with a rounded end. 17. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bottom of the dosing chamber (11) has a complementary shape to the end of the plunger head. 18. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the same actuator to be used for the actions from the rest position to ejection. 19. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is to perform a continuous movement. 20. A dispensing apparatus for a liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein i) the mechanism having a mobile element movable with respect to the housing or frame between at least a first position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber and the feed nozzle or opening are in flow communication and a second position in which the orifice and the through passage are in flow communication, and ii) the mechanism is to allow aspiration of said liquid through the orifice when the mobile element is in the first position and ejection of said liquid through the orifice when the mobile element is in the second position. 21. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile element is to move or carry the dosing chamber between a filling position, when the mobile element is in the first position, and an ejection position, when the mobile element is in the second position. 22. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 21, wherein the dosing chamber having a cylindrical barrel, defining a concentric barrel axis. 23. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 22, wherein the mobile element is to move or carry the dosing chamber in a rotational movement around a rotation axis different from the barrel axis. 24. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 23, wherein the rotation axis is perpendicular to the barrel axis. 25. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile element having a valve (51), having a passage (59) and a hole (57) or the through passage (7), the passage connect the nozzle or opening with the orifice when the mobile element is in the first position and to align the orifice with the hole or the through passage when the mobile element is in the second position. 26. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 25, wherein the passage shut off when the mobile element is in the second position. 27. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 26, wherein the passage is shut off in both ends. 28. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 25, wherein the dosing chamber is fixed with respect to the housing or frame. 29. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism perform in sequence the aspiration of liquid in the first position, the movement of the mobile element to the second position, and the ejection of liquid in the second position. 30. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 29, wherein the mechanism perform the aspiration by retraction of a pump member against a return spring and to perform the ejection by release of the return spring. 31. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 29, wherein the mechanism return to the start or rest position after liquid ejection. 32. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 31, wherein the mechanism return to the start or rest position also before liquid ejection. 33. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 32, wherein the mechanism reinject the aspirated liquid in the receptacle (4) if the return takes place before ejection. 34. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 31, wherein a return member (40) bias the mechanism towards the start or rest position. 35. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one actuator is included to operate the mechanism. 36. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 35, wherein the actuator maneuvered by application of manual force (F). 37. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 35, wherein the actuator to perform a continuous movement during which the mechanism performs at least the aspiration step and the movement of the mobile element between the first position and the second position. 38. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 37, wherein the continuous movement also having the ejection step for the mechanism. 39. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 38, wherein the actuator gives a tactile feed-back immediately before the ejection step in the continuous movement. 40. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 21, wherein the dosing chamber having a cyclindrical barrel, defining a concentric barrel axis and having a constant cross-section area perpendicular to the barrel axis, and a plunger inserted in the barrel and being movable along the barrel axis. 41. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 40, wherein the orifice has a smaller cross-section area than the barrel. 42. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 41, wherein the length of the orifice in the liquid flow direction is shorter than the plunger movement during aspiration and/or ejection. 43. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 42, wherein the orifice length to plunger movement length is less than 1:5. 44. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orifice is to create a liquid spray. 45. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orifice creates a coherent stream. 46. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the second position, the orifice eject liquid directly into the air. 47. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 46, wherein the through passage is wider than the width of the orifice. 48. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 47, wherein any apparatus part in front of the orifice is wider than the orifice. 49. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 42, wherein the orifice length to plunger movement length is less that 1:10. 50. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 42, wherein the orifice length to plunger movement length is less than 1:20.

Full Text

The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for a liquid product
Although the principles of the present invention may have utility in many areas for convenience it will be described mainly in connection with liquid treatment of eyes. Typically the medical preparation has to be delivered in a fairly well defined volume to assure a specified dose to be delivered or absorbed. A large surplus cannot be allowed due to improper systemic physiological effects from absorbency In non-target tissues or drainage of excess amounts through the tear channel into the throat cavity or the inconveniences caused by overflow on face and clothes. Also price considerations apply for expensive medications. As an example, the treatment of glaucoma requires frequent daily admifiTstrations of e.g. prostaglandins, beta-blockers or other expensive active ingredients, all having other then the desired pressure relieving action when absorbed by other body tissues than the eye. Small volume dosing Is negatively affected by even small uncontrolled or dead spaces in delivery equipments used. Moreover, medical preparation components may be sensitive to degradation or absorption at prolonged exposure to materials and extended surfaces present in delivery devices. Similar considerations apply for sterility preservation. With regard to stream quality, proper administration of small amounts is complicated by the fact that the active ingredients cannot enter the eye but through the limited area of the cornea. It Is also necessary that the entire dose can be delivered before the triggered blink reflex closes the eyelid.
A large number of devices are already known for applying a determined quantity of a liquid medicinal product onto a part of the body, such as an ophthalmic solution on the surface of the eye. These devices generally rely on the principle of a syringe which can be either pre-filled with a determined quantity of liquid, or graduated to suck up saW quantity of liquid contained in a separate bottle, or connected to a fixed receptacle in pemnanent communication with the dosing chamber of the syringe, as is described for example in one of the embodiments of US Patent No. 4,623,337. It will be observed that pemnanently feeding the dosing chamber from the receptacle via gravity means that neither the precision of the quantity of liquid to be ejected, nor the sterility thereof can be guaranteed. In these devices, the pressure exerted on the plunger, manually or automatically, is generally exerted in the same direction as that of the liquid jet, as is described for example in International Patent Application No. WO 92/20455.
The direction of the jet can sometimes be deviated by bent conduits, but it is then difficult to control the force with which the jet reaches its target. A device of this kind is like, for example, that disclosed in French Patent No. FR 2 647 757 for food products or cosmetics in liquid or paste-like form, for which respecting a given ejection pressure is of no importance.
In the case of a an ophthalmic solution, it is, however, very important not only to control very precisely the dose to be ejected for obvious reasons of safety and efficacy of the treatment, but also in order to be able to control the impact pressure of the liquid jet on the eye, which certain devices attempt to achieve by using an eyepiece or a spacing member applied to the periphery of the target to impose a fixed distance with respect to the liquid ejection orifice, as is disclosed for example in US Patent Nos. 4,623,337 and 5,836,911. It will be observed however that these devices do not always allow the impact force of the liquid jet to be reproduced when the pressure is exerted directly on the plunger manually.
Thus, the dispensing apparatuses of the prior art provide individual solutions to particular problems, but none of them allows all of the aforementioned problems to be simultaneously resolved.
The object of the present invention is thus to provide a dispensing method and device capable of avoiding the problems discussed above. More particulariy an object is to provide a method and device system capable of ejecting, e.g. with a new design of the plunger head leaving practically no ullage, a precise dose of liquid, such as an ophthalmic solution, with an adjustable impact pressure on the target and the dose and impact pressure being independent of the way in which the pressure is exerted on the actuator. The apparatus according to the invention Includes a mechanism allowing sterility conditions to be improved, given that the receptacle is only in communication with the dosing chamber except for a brief moment during ejection when it is placed in communication with the external environment for a few tenths of a second, during which time the pressure equilibrium is achieved by replacing the sucked up liquid with air. In addition the system allows uncontrolled and adead spaces to be kept to a minimum. The apparatus is further very easy to use in particular for an ophthalmic solution.
These and other objects are reached by the characteristics set forth in the appended patent claims.
The movement of the actuator is preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of ejection of the liquid, such that the pressure exerted on the actuator cannot modify the distance with respect to the target, for example the eye in the case of an dispensing ophthalmic solution.
' According to a first embodiment, the mobile element"is formed by a drum provided, on its flanks, with studs rotatably mounted in the two shells of the housing, and housing in its diametral part an assembly formed by the dosing chamber, the plunger and the retum spring.
At the start of pressure on the actuator, the drum occupies a first filling position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber is opposite the receptacle feed nozzle. By continuing to press on the actuator, the dmm rotates through an angle a to occupy a second ejection position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber is opposite the through passage of the housing.
In a second embodiment, the dosing chamber is formed in a unit secured to the frame, and the mobile element is formed by a mobile valve, held in the rest position by a retum spring. At the start of pressure on the actuator, the valve occupies a first position for filling the dosing chamber through a channel formed in the thickness of said valve placing the orifice of the dosing chamber in communication with the receptacle nozzle. By continuing to press on the actuator the valve is brought into a second ejection position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber is placed in communication with the exterior through a hole of the valve located opposite the through passage of the frame.
In both embodiments, the actuator is returned to the rest position by resilient retum means, wound by the travel of the plunger during the filling and ejection phases. In these two embodiments, in order to further increase the conditions of sterility, the actuator can include a panel blocking the through passage of the housing or frame from the exterior in the rest position, said panel including an orifice brought to face said through passage in the ejection position.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more cleariy upon reading embodiment examples, given purely by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:
- figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention without the external coven
- Rgure 2 shows a cross-section of the apparatus of Figure 1, along the arrows 11-11 parallel to the base of the apparatus;
- Rgure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Rgure 1;
- Rgure 4 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in which one shell of the housing and the drum have been removed;
- Rgure 5 shows a cross-section along the line V-V of Figure 2, of the mechanism assembly in the rest position;
- Figure 6 corresponds to the suction phase of a determined quantity of liquid
to be ejected;
- Figure 7 corresponds to the rotation ofjhe drum to the ejection position;
- Figure 8 corresponds to the liquid ejection phase;
- Figure 9 shows a position of the drum during the retum to its rest position;
- Figures 5A to 9A show the different positions of the drive members in the
phases corresponding to Figures 5 to 9;
- Figure 10 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 11 is a cross-section in the plane of symmetry of the apparatus shown in Figure 10 in the rest position;
- Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 10;
- Rgures 12A and 12C are enlarged diagrams of two elements of the mechanism from another angle;
- Rgure 12B is a cross-section of another element of the mechanism;
- Figure 13 corresponds to the suction phase of a detemnined quantity of liquid;
- Rgure 13A is an enlarged diagram of the valve during the liquid suction phase;
- Rgure 14 shows the phase during which the valve passes into the liquid ejection phase;
- Figure 14A is an enlarged diagram of the valve during the liquid ejection phase;
- Figure 15 shows the liquid ejection phase;
- Figures 16, 17,18 show the return of the apparatus to the rest position; and
- Rgures 19,19A and 20 respectively show in the rest position and at the end of ejection a variant illustrated with the second embodiment.
In Figure 1, Figures 1 and 10 show, in perspective, two embodiment examples of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention. In Rgure 1, the apparatus includes an external cover 1 marking the mechanism of a second embodiment which will be described hereinafter where the external cover has been removed, one can see that externally the apparatus includes a housing 2 formed of two shells 2a, 2b assembled by a screw 2c after positioning the contact surfaces by means of pins 2d visible In the exploded view of Figure 3, to which reference will also be made In the description hereinafter. The liquid, which will have to be ejected from the apparatus In the direction of double arrow L, is contained in a receptacle 4 which, in this example, is a bottle ending in a feed nozzle 4a. Bottle 4 is secured to the apparatus by means df an adjustable clamp 5, to shells 2a, 2b by means of screws 5a. In Figure 1, it can also be
seen that actuator 30, the actuation of wfiich by a force F is effected in a substantially perpendicular direction to the direction of ejection of the liquid. In this embodiment, the actuator take the fonn of a push butt6n and is generally U-shaped with a head 32 extended by two branches 34a, 34b, the construction and functions of which will be de-scribed hereinafter.
Reference will also now be made to Figure 4, in which external cover 1 has been l The drum also Includes a slit 58 In which two lateral arms 22a, 22b of a staple 20 are engaged, said staple being snapped into groove 13a of rod 13, by compressing a spring 14 mounted on rod 13 of plunger 10, when said staple 20 is moved, from the bottom of slit 58 to the edge of dmm 50. The movement of staple 20 is achieved by a double lever 24, articulated in Its median part in shells 2a, 2b, each lever including an ami 26a pressing on each lateral arm 22a, 22b of staple 20. Each arm 26a of double lever 24 also includes a snug 28, allowing a safety catch 62 to be manoeuvred.
In proximity to slit 58, drum 50 also includes a notch 64 in which safety catch 62 will be engaged, the function of said catch being described hereinafter within the scope of the description of the wori On each of studs 54a, 54b of drum 50 there is mounted a pinion 60, each pinion including along its axis two pins 61 a, 61 b, more cleariy visible in enlarged figure 3A. When a pinion 60 is mounted on a stud 54a, 54b of the drum, pins 61a, 61 b are engaged in holes 66a, 66b, such that, when pinion 60 is driven in rotation, it has a small angle of shake during which drum 50 is not driven in rotation.
In Figure 4, it can be seen that pinions 60 mesh with the toothings, on the one hand, of actuator 30, and of a return member 40 on the other hand.
As indicated at the beginning, the actuator includes symmetrical branches 34a, 34b, the spacing of which substantially corresponds to the width of the drum. Each branch 34a, 34b is formed of an external part ending in a stop member 36, for manoeuvring arms 26b of lever 24, and of an internal part formed by a straight rack 38 extending on either side of stop member 36 In the longitudinal direction of branches 34a, 34b.
Return member 40 is formed by a double pivoting rack including two branches 40a, 40b connected by a bridge 42, the pivoting rack being articulated in shells 2a, 2b of housing 2. A return spring 46 allows the double rack to be kept in the low position when there is no pressure exerted on actuator 30 and to retum it to this position when the actuator is released after having exerted pressure on the latter.
Finally, it can be seen that the Inner surfaces of shells 2a, 2b each include a cam 6 having the shape of an arcuate rib. The end 22a, 22b of the lateral arms of staple 20 are capable of sliding on the external contour of rib 6 in order to keep spring 14 compressed during the rotation of drum 50 between the filling position and the ejection position. In the example illustrated cam 6 extends over an angle of approximately 120°.
The parts which have just been described, essentially with reference to the exploded view of Figure 3, appear at least partially in the cross-section of figure 2 where the mechanism is shown with its external cover 1 and a sliding member 8 for adjusting the distance between the ejection orifice and an eyepiece 8a located at its end. Sliding member 8 and eyepiece 8a are shown in two end positions in Figure 4. Rgure 3 also shows the cross-section line V-V corresponding to Rgures 5 to 9 which will now enable the operation of the mechanism to be explained.
The operation of this first embodiment is now described with reference to Figures 5 to 9.
Rest position (Figures 5 and 5A)
No pressure is exerted on actuator 30. Safety catch 62 is engaged in notch 64 of drum 50 and the orifice of dosing chamber 11 is opposite the nozzle of receptacle 4. Spring 46 rests on retum rack 40, keeping pins 61a, 61b in the low position in holes 66a, 66b. The two ends of lever 24 are abutting respectively against stop member 36 and staple 20. As the plunger head is pressed against the bottom of the dosing chamber, receptacle 4 is perfectly insulated from the external environment, and leaves no ullage.
Dosing chamber filling position (Figures 6 and 6A)
By exerting a pressure F on actuator 30, stop member 36 tips lever 24, and rack 38 drives pinion 60 to a high position in which pins 61a, 61b do not drive drum 50. In this step lever 24 pulls plunger 10 thus sucking up the liquid from bottle 4 to fill the dosing chamber to a position where staple 20 is placed behind cam 6. At this moment snug 28 of lever 24 pushes back safety catch 62 releasing drum 50. In this phase, spring 46 starts to be compressed.
Passage into the election position (figure 7 and 7A)
By continuing to exert pressure F on actuator 30, rack 38 drives pinion 60 which itself rotates drum 50, by means of pins 61a, 61b which rest on one end of holes 66a, 66b. During this rotation, staple 20 follows via Its lateral arms the external contour of the rib forming cam 6. figure 7 shows the position just preceding ejection, office 11 a of dosing chamber 11 being substantially on the axis of ejection. Rack 40 then exerts maximum compression on spring 46.
The election position (Figures 8 and 8A)
By exerting an additional pressure, the lateral arms of staple 20 go beyond the end of cam 6 so that the staple Is no longer held. Retum spring 14 of plunger 10 then pushes the plunger head to the end of dosing chamber 11 to eject the liquid. In this phase it will be observed that the pressure with which the liquid Is ejected depends solely upon the characteristics chosen for spring 14, and In no way upon those of return spring 46, nor the manner In which the user exerts force F.
It will also be obsenved that, if the user does not reach this ejection position by releasing pressure F during filling or rotation of the drum, the dosing chamber is re-tumed to Its Initial position and the unused product Is re-injected into the receptacle. This constitutes a certain advantage when the product Is a medicinal one whose price is generally high.
Return to the rest position (Figures 9 and 9A)
By releasing the pressure after ejecting the liquid, return spring 46 tips rack 40 in the opposite direction driving dmm 50 via pinion 60 whose pins 61, 61b are stopped
at the other end of holes 66a, 66b. At the end of rotation, drum 50 again occupies the position shown in Figure 5. The apparatus is again in position for a new use.
With reference now to Figures 10 to 18, a second embodiment will be described hereinafter, in which the mobile element is formed by a valve 51, able to be moved by the action of the actuator, along the same direction as the latter, to place, in a first phase, the receptacle containing the liquid in communication with the dosing chamber, then, in the second phase, in communication with the exterior.
The side view of Figure 10 shows a dispensing apparatus with the same external appearance as the previously described apparatus, and wherein the entire mechanism is masked by extemal cover 1, leaving only actuator 30 visible, itself including an extemal cover 30a, bottle 4 forming the receptacle containing a liquid, for example an ophthalmic solution, and slide 8 with its eyepiece 8a,
The actual mechanism will now be described, referring essentially to Rgures 11 and 12. It can be seen that the mechanism is assembled by means of frame 3 for receiving a unit 9 in which the dosing chamber is formed, more cleariy visible In Figure 13A. Actuator 30 Includes, perpendicular to its head 32, a plate 31 provided with an aperture 31a, and perpendicular to said plate a thick rib 33 including a snap-fitting groove 33a for a tipping element 41, having a reverse L shape, an enlarged perspective of which is shown in Figure 12A. L-shaped element 41 forms the control member which acts, in a first movement phase of actuator 30, on means for actuating plunger 10 against the action of a return spring 14, and in a second phase on a valve 51 able to move in the same direction as actuator 30, against the action of return springs 53a, 53b disposed between said valve 51 and frame 3. As can be seen more deariy in enlarged Rgure 12A, L-shaped tipping element 41 includes a recess 41a, for receiving one end of a helical spring 47 and the other end of which is held abutting against thick rib 33 by means of a spacer 47a.
Spring 47 is intended to hold element 41 abutting against a face of plate 31 during the active phase of actuator 30, then to be compressed during the retum to the rest phase to allow said element 41 to tip and move aside behind the control member of plunger 10. The junction between the small branch 43 and large branch 45 includes on each of its edges pivots 45a allowing rib 33 to snap fit into groove 33a. Large branch 45 includes, in its substantially median part, an aperture 45b opposite aperture 31a of plate 31. At its base, branch 45 includes a corner shape 35 defining on the exterior an inclined plane 35a and in the interior two inclined ramps 35b parallel to inclined plane 35a and the width of which is substantially the same as the length of pivots 45a.

Valve 51, which can move in sliding channels 19 of unit 9 is described in more detail with reference to enlarged Figures 12C and I5A. It is formed of a parallelepiped body including two edges 51a in which two grooyes 51b are formed, allowing sliding on slide ways 19 of unit 9. Its base includes an edge which includes small circular recesses 55a, 55b directed downwards to position return springs 53a, 53b.
The surface delimited by the two edges 51a and pressed against the surface opposite unit 9, includes at its centre an aperture 57 and a channel 59 whose ends 59a, 59b are located on either side of aperture 57 in the plane of symmetry of valve 51. Aperture 57 is surrounded by an inner O ring joint 69a and channel 59 by an outer O ring joint 69b, these joints 69a, 69b assuring sealing during movement of the valve. The longitudinal cross-section of Rgure 13A shows the filling position in which nozzle 4a of receptacle 4 is placed in communication with orifice 11a of dosing chamber 11, by ends 59a, 59b of channel 59, which preferably has the shape of the arc of a circle. Figure 14A shows the ejection position in which aperture 57 of the valve is brought opposite orifice 11a of dosing chamber 11, nozzle 4a then be blocked by the surface of valve 51.
The actuating means for plunger 10, shown in cross-section in Rgure 12B is formed by a clamp 21 including two large arms 23a, 23b ending In two lugs 29a, 29b the spacing of which substantially corresponds to the width of unit 9. The large arms 23a, 23b are connected by a base 27 including a hole 27a for securing rod 13 of plunger 10 and a recess 27b for positioning return spring 14. Lugs 29a, 29b each include two chamfers 25a, 25b having substantially the same inclination as inclined planes 35a, 35b of L-shaped tipping element 41. As will be explained hereinafter for the operation of the device, chamfers 25a, 25b each co-operate with inclined planes 35a. 35b, In a first phase, to act on plunger 10 filling dosing chamber 11 and, in the second phase, to allow the device to return to the rest position.
The cross-section of Figure 12B also shows a new design of plunger head 12 providing both greater precision In the suction/ejection of a determined quantity of liquid, and safety as regards contaminating elements able to come from the exterior through the sliding cylinder of the plunger. Plunger head 12 is formed of two parts 16, 17 assembled by an assembling member 18 having the form of a rod provided with a head 18a and a collar. The first part 16 has the shape of an inverted double cone 16a, 16b through which assembling member 18 passes, to secure it in rod 13, on the side of cone 16a. This first part 16 is made of a hard plastic material, such as polypropylene (OP) or polyethylene (PE). The second part 17 is formed by a sealing gasket 17, made of a flexible plastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicon, disposed in the second inverted cone 16b to fit into head 18a of pin 18. The extemal
part of gasket 17 has a hemispheric shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the bottom wall of the dosing chamber, as can be seen in Figures 13A and 14A. This • design allows no ullage to be left during ejection* of the liquid, and thus a precise quantity of liquid to be ejected, which is particularly important for medicinal products, and particularly ophthalmic solutions. The lips '{not referenced) of inverted double cones 16a, 16b enable external polluting agents to be confined at the depression of their junction.
Plunger 10 which has just been described, for this second embodiment is also that found in the first embodiment described hereinbefore. It is clear that this plunger constitutes a preferred embodiment allowing the objectives of precision and sterility to be achieved for the dispensing apparatus according to the invention, but other types of plunger can be used without departing from the scope of the mechanisms which have just been described, and the operation of which is explained in more detail with reference to figure 13 to 18.
Riling position (Figures 13 and 13A)
From the rest position shown in Figure 11, exerting a pressure F on the head of actuator 30, the Inclined plane 35a of L-shaped tipping element 41 slides the corresponding chamfer 25a of clamp 21, pushing back plunger 10 and compressing spring 14. In this position the base 4a of the receptacle is in communication with the orifice of dosing chamber 11 via channel 59 and enables dosing chamber 11 to be filled.
Passage into the ejection position (Figures 14 and 14A)
By continuing to exert pressure F, the ends 43a of small arm 43 of the L-shaped tipping element press on valve 51, compressing return springs 53a, 53b to move said valve 51 to a position in which its aperture 57 Is opposite orifice 11a of dosing chamber 11. In this phase, the plunger spring remains compressed.
Election position (Figure 15)
By continuing to press on the actuator, L-shaped element 41 releases clamp 21, and allows the liquid to be ejected via the action of return spring 14.
As indicated in the first embodiment, if the action on the actuator is interrupted, the quantity of liquid present in the chamber is re-injected into the receptacle.
Retum to the rest position (Figures 16. 17 and 18)
By releasing the pressure on the actuator, in a first phase (FIG.16) the second inclined plane 35b of L-shaped element 41 is positioned behind the corresponding inclined plane 25b of clamp 21. In a second phase (FIG. 17), L-shaped element 41 tips compressing spring 47, and in a second phase (FIG. 18), L-shaped element 41 is returned to its initial position by spring 47. This return to the rest position is actuated by springs 49 compressed via the action of the actuator.
Figures 19,19A and 20 show a variant of a second embodiment wherein a modified element is also applicable to the first embodiment.
in Figure 19, which shows the apparatus in the rest position, it can be seen that actuator 30 is extended in the direction in which pressure F is exerted by a panel 39 insulating through passage 7 from the external environment when the apparatus Is not being used. Panel 39 is provided with an aperture 37 which is placed opposite through passage 7 when the ejection position is reached, as shown in figure 20. This variant allows conditions of sterility to be increased, even If in the first embodiment the flank of the dmm already forms, in the rest position, a first means for insulating the whole of the apparatus from the extemal environment.
Figure 19 also shows variants relative to the second embodiment whose object is to make the apparatus according to the invention more economical.
The two actuator retum springs 49a, 49b are replaced by a single spring 49 disposed between the inner face of actuator 30 and unit 9 of frame 3.
It can also be seen that the body of actuator 30, its extemal cover 30a and panel 39 are made in a single piece. The same is tme of plunger 10 as regards clamp 21 and rod 13.
Again with reference to Figure 19A, it can also be seen that L-shaped tipping element 41 has been modified and simplified, while fulfilling the same function, with, however, slightly different kinematics. Small branch 43 has been thinned so as to have sufficient flexibility to allow the L-shaped element to more aside upon return to the rest position; spring 47 has thus been omitted. It can also be seen that L-shaped tipping element 41 no longer Includes pivots 45a, 45b. Said tipping element 41 is driven in translation by actuator 30 by having the end of its small arm 43 gripped in an extension 48 of the actuator, whereas the large arm 45, which still has a comer shaped end 35 with the two inclined planes 35a, 35b, slides over a vertical wall 15 of unit 9 when a pressure F is exerted on actuator 30.
It is clear that the devices described are arranged for multi-dose applicaitons, i.e. applications in which doses are repeatedly drawn from a supply and repeatedly ejected. It Is also clear that the devices are exemplified with features suitable for eye treatment applications. Typical parameters for this application will be given below although the invention shall not be regarded as limited to this application or any such exemplified parameter. A typical single dose volume for delivery to the eye can be less than 100 microliter, preferably less than 50 microliter, preferably less than 25 microliter, preferably less than 15 and most preferably less than 10 microliter. Generally the volume is at least 1, preferably at least 2 and most preferably at least 3 microliter. The liquid receptacle or supply line preferably has the capacity to deliver a plurality of such doses. A suitable speed for the stream of drops or jet ejected should be a balance between on one hand enough linear momentum to traverse an air gap between opening and target, without gravity assistance, and to travel fast enough not be obstructed by blinking and on the other hand not so fast as to cause inconvenient sensible Impact on the eye. The ideal speed is to some extent dependent on the drop size used but as a general rule the drops should be able to traverse at least 1 cm, preferably at least 3 and most preferably at least 5 cm through air by own momentum, incorporating reasonable distances between opening and target. A suitable lower speed limit when lea\rtng the opening is 1, m/s, preferably at least 5 m/s and most preferably at least 10 m/s. Generally the speed is lower than 200 m/s and preferably lower than 100 m/s. A suitable drop size so defined should be sufficient not to be retarded too quickly and not to be easily redirected, e.g. to be inhaled, and preferably has a minimum diameter of 20 micron, preferably not less than 50 micron and most preferably at least 100 microns. Normally the size is less than 2000 micron and preferably less than 1500 micron. The stream may take the form of a shower or spray of atomized liquid droplets but preferably the stream is narrow and fairly coherent although even such a stream tend to break up into individual droplets after a certain time of distance. The above given values are intended to relate to spherical droplets and for multiple droplets to the weight average of particle diameters. A coherent stream tends to break up into droplets of a diameter of roughly double the diameter of the stream. Accordingly suitable opening diameters for the containers are about half the above given drop diameters or roughly between 10 and 1000 microns, preferably between 20 and 800 microns. The above considerations are fairly independent of liquid viscosity and tend to apply both for solutions and ointments. It is desirable that the whole dose can be delivered in a time shorter than the blink reflex time, i.e. in a time shorter than about 150 ms, preferably shorter than 100 ms and most preferably shorter than 75 ms.

We Claim:
1. Dispensing apparatus for a liquid product contained in a receptacle (4), having a feed nozzle (4a), said apparatus having an assembly housing (2) or a frame (3) for receiving a mechanism actuated by exerting a pressure (F) on an actuator (30) to draw from the receptacle (4) through the orifice (11a) of a dosing chamber (11) a determined quantity of said liquid by a plunger (10) compressing a return spring (14), and to then eject said liquid to the exterior, wherein the mechanism having an element that is mobile in rotation (50) or translation (51) via the action of the actuator (30), said mobile element (50, 51) to remain in a first position at the start or rest of the actuator's (30) travel, then to act on a control member for the plunger (10) to fill the dosing chamber (11) with said liquid and to compress the return spring (14) of said plunger (10), and, at the end of travel, to then pass into a second position placing said dosing chamber (11) in communication with the exterior by the same orifice (11a) as that allowing the liquid to be drawn and, releasing the return spring (14) of the plunger (10), to drive the liquid from the chamber (11) through a through passage (7) of the housing (2) or the frame (3).
2. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (30) having a panel (39) blocking the through passage (7) of the housing (2) or frame (3) in the rest position, said panel (39) having an opening (37) that faces said passage (7) in the ejection position.
3. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile element is formed by a drum (50) provided on its flanks (52a, 52b) with studs (54a, 54b) rotatably mounted in the housing (2) or frame (3), in its diametral part, an assembly formed by the dosing chamber (11), the plunger (10) and the return spring (14),
said drum (50) occupy a first filling position in which the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11) is facing the feed nozzle (4a) of the receptacle (4), and after a rotation through an angle (a), to occupy a second ejection position in which said orifice (Ha) of the dosing chamber (11) is facing the through passage (7) of the housing (2).
4. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 3, wherein each rotation stud (54a, 54b) of the drum (50) having a loose pinion (60) whose shake is limited by two pins (61a, 61b) secured to said pinion (60) and engaged in elongated bean-shaped holes (66a, 66b) of the drum (50), and wherein the actuator (30) is U shaped surrounding the drum (50), each arm (34a, 34b) having both a stop member (36) and a straight rack (38) meshing with the pinion (60), said stop member (36) to actuate, in a first movement phase of the actuator (30), a lever (24) articulated in its median part in the housing (2) and the end of which is to move a control member (20) for the plunger (10) for filling the dosing chamber (11), and said straight rack (38) to drive, in a second movement phase of the actuator (30), the pinion (60) and the drum (50) to make it rotate through the angle (a).
5. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the housing (2) in which a safety catch (62) is pivoted and engaged in a notch (64) of the drum (50), to immobilize said drum while the dosing chamber (11) is being filled, said catch (62) then being releasable from the notch (64) by a snug (28) of the lever (24) to allow the drum (50) to rotate until said drum reaches the liquid ejection position.
6. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plunger control member is formed by a staple (20) secured to the end of the plunger (10), having the return spring (14) and having laterally two branches (22a, 22b), the ends of which follow, once filling is complete, the external contour of a circular cam (6), formed in the housing (2) or frame (3), during rotation of the drum (50)
from the filling position to the ejection position in which the staple (20) is released from the cam (6) allowing the return spring (14) to push the plunger (10).
7. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dosing chamber (11) is formed in a unit (9) secured to the housing (2) or frame (3), and the mobile element is formed by a valve (51) that is movable by the actuator (30) against the return force of springs (53A, 53B) from a first filling position through a passage (59) formed in the thickness of said valve (51) and connecting the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11) and the nozzle (4a) of the receptacle (4), to a second ejection position in which the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11) is placed in communication with the exterior through a hole (57) in the valve facing the through passage (7) of the housing (2) or frame (3).
8. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuator (30) having, parallel to its direction of movement, a plate (31) provided with an opening (31a) and against which a reverse L-shaped part is mounted so as to tip, the large arm (45) of said part being provided with an opening (45b) facing the opening (31a) of the plate (31) and including on each side of its base, a first inclined plane (35a) to actuate, in a first movement phase of the actuator (30), the plunger control member for filling the dosing chamber (11), and the end of the small arm (43) of said part to act, in a second movement phase of the actuator, on the valve (51) to bring said valve into a position where the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11), the openings (57, 31a) of the valve (51) and the plate (31) and the through passage (7) of the housing (2) are aligned to allow the liquid to be ejected.
9. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 8,
wherein, during the first and second movement phases of the actuator
(30), the large arm (45) of the reverse L-shaped part (41) is held
pressed against the plate (31) by a spring (47) between the head (32) of
the actuator (30) and the small arm (45) of said part.
10. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plunger control member having a clamp (21), the base of which allow the plunger (10) to be fixed, the return spring (14) to be held, and two branches (23a, 23b), ending in two lugs (29a, 29b), each provided two chambers (25a, 25b) parallel to the inclined plane (35a) of the L-shaped tipping part (41), to be connected.
11. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 8, wherein the reverse L-shaped tipping part having on each of its edges a second inclined plane (35b) parallel to the first inclined plane (35a) allow said part to move aside by tipping against the chambers (25a, 25b) of the clamp (21) when the actuator (30) is returned to the rest position.
12. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the unit (9) having vertically a wall (15) against which a reverse L-shaped part can slide or tip, the large arm (45) of said part being provided with an opening (45b) and the small arm (43) being flexible and gripped at its end in an extension (48) of the actuator, said L-shaped part including on each side of its base, a first inclined plane (35a) to actuate, in a first movement phase of the actuator (30), the plunger control member for filing the dosing chamber (11), and the end of the small arm (43) of said part to act, in a second movement phase of the actuator, on the valve (51) to bring said valve into a position where the orifice (11a) of the dosing chamber (11), the openings (57, 31a) of the valve (51) and the plate (31) and the through passage (7) of the housing (2) are aligned to allow the liquid to be ejected.
13. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle (4) is formed by a bottle fixed in the housing (2) or the frame (3).
14. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (2) or the frame (3) having a sliding element (8) allowing the distance between the point of ejection of the liquid and the point of impact on a target to be adjusted.
15. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid is an ophthalmic product and the target is a patient's eye.
16. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger (10) has a head formed by a reversed double cone (1) made of a rigid material (16a), one end of which is fixed onto the rod (13) of the plunger (10), and the other end of which, forming the plunger head [16b), is fitted with a flexible material with a rounded end.
17. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bottom of the dosing chamber (11) has a complementary shape to the end of the plunger head.
18. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the same actuator to be used for the actions from the rest position to ejection.
19. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is to perform a continuous movement.

20. A dispensing apparatus for a liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein i) the mechanism having a mobile element movable with respect to the housing or frame between at least a first position in which the orifice of the dosing chamber and the feed nozzle or opening are in flow communication and a second position in which the orifice and the through passage are in flow communication, and ii) the mechanism is to allow aspiration of said liquid through the orifice when the mobile element is in the first position and ejection of said liquid through the orifice when the mobile element is in the second position.
21. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile element is to move or carry the dosing chamber between a filling position, when the mobile element is in the first position, and an ejection position, when the mobile element is in the second position.
22. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 21, wherein the dosing chamber having a cylindrical barrel, defining a concentric barrel axis.
23. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 22, wherein the mobile element is to move or carry the dosing chamber in a rotational movement around a rotation axis different from the barrel axis.
24. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 23, wherein the rotation axis is perpendicular to the barrel axis.
25. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile element having a valve (51), having a passage (59) and a hole (57) or the through passage (7), the passage connect the
nozzle or opening with the orifice when the mobile element is in the first position and to align the orifice with the hole or the through passage when the mobile element is in the second position.
26. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 25, wherein the passage shut off when the mobile element is in the second position.
27. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 26, wherein the passage is shut off in both ends.
28. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 25, wherein the dosing chamber is fixed with respect to the housing or frame.
29. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism perform in sequence the aspiration of liquid in the first position, the movement of the mobile element to the second position, and the ejection of liquid in the second position.
30. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 29, wherein the mechanism perform the aspiration by retraction of a pump member against a return spring and to perform the ejection by release of the return spring.
31. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 29, wherein the mechanism return to the start or rest position after liquid ejection.
32. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 31, wherein the mechanism return to the start or rest position also before liquid ejection.
33. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 32, wherein the mechanism reinject the aspirated liquid in the receptacle (4) if the return takes place before ejection.
34. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 31, wherein a return member (40) bias the mechanism towards the start or rest position.
35. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one actuator is included to operate the mechanism.
36. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 35, wherein the actuator maneuvered by application of manual force (F).
37. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 35, wherein the actuator to perform a continuous movement during which the mechanism performs at least the aspiration step and the movement of the mobile element between the first position and the second position.
38. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 37, wherein the continuous movement also having the ejection step for the mechanism.
39. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 38, wherein the actuator gives a tactile feed-back immediately before the ejection step in the continuous movement.
40. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 21, wherein the dosing chamber having a cyclindrical barrel, defining a concentric barrel axis and having a constant cross-section area perpendicular to the barrel axis, and a plunger inserted in the barrel and being movable along the barrel axis.
41. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 40, wherein the orifice has a smaller cross-section area than the barrel.
42. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 41, wherein the length of the orifice in the liquid flow direction is shorter than the plunger movement during aspiration and/or ejection.
43. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 42, wherein the orifice length to plunger movement length is less than 1:5.
44. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orifice is to create a liquid spray.
45. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orifice creates a coherent stream.
46. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the second position, the orifice eject liquid directly into the air.
47. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 46, wherein the through passage is wider than the width of the orifice.
48. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 47, wherein any apparatus part in front of the orifice is wider than the orifice.
49. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 42, wherein the orifice length to plunger movement length is less that 1:10.
50. Dispensing Apparatus for liquid product as claimed in claim 42, wherein the orifice length to plunger movement length is less than 1:20.

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Patent Number

250382

Indian Patent Application Number

1076/DELNP/2005

PG Journal Number

01/2012

Publication Date

06-Jan-2012

Grant Date

30-Dec-2011

Date of Filing

18-Mar-2005

Name of Patentee

PFIZER HEALTH AB

Applicant Address

S-112 87, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	HANS HIMBERT	TACITUSVAGEN 28, S-168 56, BROMMA, SWEDEN.
2	CHRISTIAN PECLAT	RUE DU VULLY 25, CH-2000 NWUCHATEL, SWITZERLAND.
3	BOHDAN PAVLU	TERASSVAGEN, 3, SE-131 41, NACKA, SWEDEN.
4	EMMANUEL GREMION	GESELLSCHAFSSTRASSE 21, CH-3012 BERN, SWITZERLAND
5	ALAIN SAURER	RUE PIERRE-A-MAZEL 50, CH-2000, NEUCHATEL, SWITZERLAND
6	JOEL FONTANNAZ	SPORTWEG 25, CH-3097 LIEBEFELD, SWITZERLAND.

PCT International Classification Number

B05B 11/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/SE2003/001326

PCT International Filing date

2003-08-27

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	0202800-9	2002-09-23	Sweden