US20070257066A1 - Pbod System - Google Patents

Pbod System Download PDF

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US20070257066A1
US20070257066A1 US11/578,745 US57874504A US2007257066A1 US 20070257066 A1 US20070257066 A1 US 20070257066A1 US 57874504 A US57874504 A US 57874504A US 2007257066 A1 US2007257066 A1 US 2007257066A1
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pbod
liquid
tube
dose
gas
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US11/578,745
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Louis Coffelt
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/0008Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein
    • A61F9/0026Ophthalmic product dispenser attachments to facilitate positioning near the eye

Definitions

  • a pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and the pbod is assembled on demand.
  • Pbod systems are capable of providing a solution to numerous problems. Obviously, there are many pertinent problems in many various technologies, which are incorporated herein by reference. The pbod may be used in any of these pertinent arts. The following are examples of these pertinent arts and problems.
  • the art of forming pendant drops is well known. And further, there are many arts, which utilize the pendant drop, or droplet. For example, fuel injection, surgery, chemical/biological arts, or eye drops, including many others. And within these arts, a typical range of quantities is in the microliter range. For example, an over-the-counter pendant eye drop is between 15 to 30 microliters. It is also well known, an optimal quantity of liquid for opthalmic medicament applications is in the 5 to 7 microliter range. For example, TIMOLOL (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, N.Y., U.S.). And in light of the high cost of opthalmic medicament, a 3 microliter dose is most likely highly desirable. The prior art clearly shows the art of forming one pendant drop on demand is not capable of reliably attaining these small microliter quantities.
  • Examples of complex dispensing apparatus include, Cohen et al U.S. Pat. No. RE 38,007 discloses a microdispensing opthalmic pump.
  • the systems of Cohen inescapably dispense a plurality of droplets.
  • the systems in Cohen are required to contain several complex moving parts. Where this complex prior system includes springs, balls, moving pistons, and check valves. Therefore, the systems of Cohen are subject to failure, error, repair, or recalibration due to the inescapable inherent frictional forces present in the system.
  • a “pbod” is a “dosdrop”; and a “pbod” is a “microdose” where each of these terms refer to the same structure.
  • the objective of these changes in name is to attain the most suitable name for this pioneering article of manufacture.
  • a pbod refers to “plural body on demand”.
  • a pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one first ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and the pbod is assembled on demand. And the pbod is ejected from the system on demand.
  • the prior pbod systems in WO 02/43845 utilize distinct discrete complex metering apparatus, first, to inject a dose of liquid into the flow channel; and second, insert a syringe needle into the dose of liquid; and third, inject a dose of gas into the liquid via the needle.
  • the dose of gas is formed by inserting the needle into the liquid; and displacing the plunger of the syringe.
  • a motive gas ejects this dose of liquid and dose of gas having the form of one pbod. Where this motive gas may form a portion of the dose of gas.
  • this motive gas does NOT form the complete dose of gas. The prior art does not contemplate any method or or apparatus to attain the results of the present invention.
  • the present pioneering discovery will be greatly appreciated for providing simple, reliable pbod systems, which transport a unitary body of liquid and gas to a target. Where optimal accurate doses of liquid and gas are attainable. Further, provide a pbod system which is capable of allowing the doses to vary over a range of quantities IF desired. Further, provide a pbod system capable of being adapted to be used, for example, in a doctor-patient or self-instill environment; and possibly chemical/biological environment, for example, pipette systems; fuel injection environment, including many other technologies, which rely on this type of fluid and/or gas transportation. The present pioneering discovery will be greatly appreciated for providing reliable pbod systems, which may provide a solution to problems in many various technologies.
  • a pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one first ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and these components of the pbod are assembled on demand. For example, first, the ball of liquid is disjointed from the gas; and second, the ball of liquid encloses the gas.
  • a novel pbod system resides in a pbod system where a complete dose of gas is formed essentially by a motive gas. Where this motive gas is the sole source of this complete dose of gas. And this dose of gas is subsequently the complete dose of gas in one pbod.
  • the present disclosure includes a second discovery.
  • this second discovery is summarized as a pbod capable of being dispensed from any indiscriminate selected initial velocity.
  • a pbod having an initial velocity which is either vertical, horizontal, or any other selected orientation.
  • the present disclosure includes a third discovery.
  • This third discovery is summarized as a succession of identical bubbles formed essentially by a motive gas. Where the spacing of these bubbles appears to be nearly identical. Further, the diameter of these identical bubbles is inversely proportional to the flow speed. For example, a greater flow speed forms smaller bubbles. (i.e. 0.003 cm or 0.03 cm dia.)
  • the present disclosure includes a fourth discovery.
  • This fourth discovery is summarized as a pbod system, which utilizes inherent residual liquid in a discharge tube. This system ejects a pbod from the discharge tube; and a dose of liquid inherently remains in the discharge tube; and this residual liquid inherently forms a plurality of transverse walls; and this residual liquid is used in conjunction with an additional dose of liquid to form a subsequent pbod. For example, a 3 ul dose of liquid is added to 1 ul residual liquid to form a 3 ul pbod.
  • FIG. 1 is a right side perspective sectional view of a pbod dispenser, including: a flexible bottle ( 40 ); a dispensing tip ( 100 A); a liquid ( 50 ); gas ( 60 ); and a pbod ( 70 ).
  • FIG. 2 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip ( 100 A); and bottle ( 40 ).
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of pbod dispensing tip ( 100 A).
  • FIG. 4 is a right side view of structure ( 22 ).
  • FIG. 5 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip ( 100 A); and the axis of tube ( 27 ) is horizontal.
  • FIG. 6 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip ( 100 A); and tip ( 100 A) contains a dose ( 77 ) of liquid ( 50 ).
  • FIG. 7 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip ( 100 A); and tip ( 100 A) contains the dose ( 77 ); and dose ( 77 ) encloses a dose ( 10 ) of gas ( 60 ); and dose ( 10 ) having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles).
  • FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of a prototype R22; and a succession of identical bubbles ( 204 ).
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of a prototype R11; and a pbod ( 70 ).
  • FIG. 1 does not show resin ( 5 ) for clarity; and FIG. 1 does not show resin ( 1 ) for clarity.
  • FIG. 2 does not show portions of cap ( 45 ) for clarity; and does not show portions of cap ( 41 ) for clarity.
  • FIG. 5 does not show portions of tube ( 43 ) for clarity; and a single line is utilized to represent tube ( 43 ).
  • the present pioneering discovery resides in pbod systems. Including, a pbod system where a complete dose of gas is formed essentially by a motive gas. Where this dose of gas is the complete dose of gas in one pbod.
  • the pbod is referred to as a “microdose” in the International Application published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty under No. WO 02/43845, 6 Jun. 2002 ( 06 . 06 . 02 ), Dual Microliter Dosage System.
  • a pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one first ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and these components of the pbod are assembled on demand. For example, first, the liquid is disjointed from the gas, and second, the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas. The pbod is subsequently ejected from the system.
  • Each dose, liquid, gas, motive gas, and additional pertinent parameters must be capable to assemble a pbod on demand. If a pbod is formed, it can be concluded, all pertinent parameters are capable to form one pbod.
  • a pbod exists in two states. First, a non-discrete pbod attached to a surface. Second, a discrete pbod.
  • Objectives of the present invention include, provide a pbod system where a complete dose of gas is formed essentially by a motive gas. Further, provide a pbod system, which is simple, relatively inexpensive, and substantially more reliable over the prior art. Further, provide a pbod system capable of attaining optimal dosages. i.e. opthalmic, fuel-injection, including many others. Further, provide a pbod system, which is not subject to substantial frictional forces, recalibration, or mechanical failure due to frictional forces. i.e. moving pistons.
  • a second discovery includes a pbod capable of being dispensed from any indiscriminate selected initial velocity.
  • a pbod having an initial velocity which is either vertical, horizontal, or any other selected orientation.
  • a third discovery includes a succession of identical bubbles formed essentially by a motive gas. Where the spacing of these bubbles appears to be nearly identical. Further, the diameter of these identical bubbles is inversely proportional to the flow speed. For example, a greater flow speed forms smaller bubbles. For example, a flow speed of [x] forms bubbles of 0.03 cm diameter; and a flow speed of [y] forms bubbles of 0.003 cm diameter; where [y] is greater than [x].
  • a fourth discovery includes a pbod system, which utilizes inherent residual liquid in a discharge tube.
  • this pbod system ejects a pbod from the discharge tube; and second, a dose of liquid inherently remains in the discharge tube; and third, this residual liquid inherently forms a plurality of transverse walls; and this residual liquid is used in conjunction with an additional dose of liquid to form a subsequent pbod. For example, a 3 ul dose of liquid is added to 1 ul residual liquid to form a 3 ul pbod.
  • the present specification contains well known structures having axis of symmetry. Where these structures have a longitudinal axis of symmetry, and a transverse axis of symmetry.
  • the transverse axis of symmetry coincides with a diameter of the tube.
  • the longitudinal axis of symmetry is a line perpendicular to the diameter and intersecting the mid-point of the diameter.
  • axis as used hereinafter means: “the longitudinal axis of symmetry”.
  • transverse as used hereinafter means: “a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry”. For example, in FIG. 2 , a transverse direction is disposed in a horizontal plane relative to the axis of tube ( 27 ).
  • FIG. 1 is a right side perspective sectional view of a pbod dispensing tip ( 100 A). Dispensing tip ( 100 A) is symmetrical, therefore, the left side perspective sectional view is a mirror image of FIG. 1 .
  • the lower end of tip ( 100 A) is a cylindrical shaped tube ( 27 ).
  • Tube ( 27 ) having a flat annular outlet ( 25 ).
  • a conical shaped tube ( 28 ) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube ( 27 ).
  • the upper end of tube ( 28 ) is monolithic with a transverse disc shaped wall.
  • This disc shaped wall having a centrally located opening ( 35 ).
  • tube ( 28 ), the disc shaped wall, and opening ( 35 ) can be a standard VISINE dispensing tip. i.e. over-the-counter eye drops.
  • FIG. 2 shows tube ( 27 ) is attached to tube ( 28 ) by an annular epoxy resin ( 4 ). Resin ( 4 ) forms a leak-tight seal at this point of attachment.
  • FIG. 1 shows the inner diameter surface of tube ( 27 ) and the inner diameter surface of tube ( 28 ) forms a continuous flow channel.
  • the axis of tube ( 27 ) is co-axial with the axis of tube ( 28 ).
  • tube ( 27 ) and tube ( 28 ) are clearly standard methods to form tube ( 27 ) and tube ( 28 ) as a unitary body. Therefore, the lower end of tip ( 100 A) does not show the joints and resin ( 4 ) in FIG. 1 .
  • a cylindrical shaped tube ( 29 ) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube ( 28 ). This attachment is formed by annular epoxy resin ( 4 ). An annular leak-tight seal is formed at this point of attachment. Tube ( 29 ) is co-axial with tube ( 28 ).
  • the lower end of tube ( 29 ) is co-planar with the upper end of tube ( 28 ).
  • a cylindrical shaped tube ( 11 ) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube ( 29 ).
  • the upper flat annular surface 5 of tube ( 11 ) is co-planar with the upper flat annular surface of tube ( 29 ).
  • Tube ( 11 ) is attached to tube ( 29 ) by annular epoxy resin ( 2 ).
  • the boundaries of resin ( 2 ) are limited to the lower flat annular surface of tube ( 11 ).
  • the boundaries of resin ( 2 ) are also limited to the outer surface of tube ( 29 ).
  • FIG. 2 shows a structure ( 22 ) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube ( 29 ). This attachment is formed by epoxy resin ( 1 ). Resin ( 1 ) is located at two places, one at the lower left side of structure ( 22 ), and one at the lower right side of structure ( 22 ) ( FIG. 2 ). The boundaries of resin ( 1 ) are limited to the outer surface of structure ( 22 ). The boundaries of resin ( 1 ) are also limited to the width of structure ( 22 ) indicated by the dimension “N”. The boundaries of resin ( 1 ) are also limited to the upper flat surface of tube ( 11 ), and the upper flat surface of tube ( 29 ).
  • Structure ( 22 ) is formed of two flat rectangular converging walls.
  • FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 show structure ( 22 ) having an inverted V shape.
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of dispensing tip ( 10 A).
  • FIG. 3 does not show resin ( 1 ) for clarity.
  • FIG. 3 shows structure ( 22 ) is centrally located on tube ( 11 ). And the width of structure ( 22 ) is indicated by dimension “N”.
  • FIG. 4 is a right side view of structure ( 22 ).
  • the height of structure ( 22 ) is indicated by dimension “V”.
  • the distance between the lower end of the walls is indicated by dimension “Y”.
  • a tube ( 43 ) is rigidly attached to the lower portion of tube ( 27 ), as shown in FIG. 2 . This attachment is formed by an annular epoxy resin ( 5 ). Resin ( 5 ) provides a leak-tight seal. Outlet ( 25 ) is located near the mid-point of the axial length of tube ( 43 ). Tube ( 43 ) is co-axial with tube ( 27 ).
  • Tube ( 43 ) is rigidly attached to a bottle ( 40 ) as shown in FIG. 2 . This attachment is formed by an annular epoxy resin ( 6 ). Resin ( 6 ) forms a leak-tight seal.
  • the lower end of tube ( 43 ) includes a removeable cap ( 45 ), and a removeable seal ( 44 ).
  • a removeable cap 45
  • a removeable seal 44
  • the cap and tip on a standard VISINE bottle eye drop bottle.
  • Bottle ( 40 ) also includes a removeable cap ( 41 ), and a removeable seal ( 42 ).
  • FIG. 2 shows bottle ( 40 ) contains an appropriate quantity of liquid ( 50 ).
  • the appropriate quantity of liquid ( 50 ) can be determined according to the objectives set forth in the following experiments.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a general embodiment of a pbod dispenser.
  • a pbod dispenser used to self-instill a pbod on the eye.
  • FIG. 1 shows point S is on the left side vertical wall of bottle ( 40 ). And point T is on the right side vertical wall of bottle ( 40 ). Where these points S and point T are the typical points used to dispense a 30 ul pendant drop from a standard VISINE eye drop bottle.
  • Prototype R29 is similar to FIG. 1 .
  • Prototype R29 utilizes a VISINE bottle ( 40 ). Where points S and point T are on the vertical side walls of the VISINE bottle ( 40 ); and the axis of tube ( 27 ) is vertical.
  • dispensing tip ( 100 A) is located near the neck of the VISINE bottle. Where an objective of this location is to avoid damage to the dispensing tip ( 100 A) during collapsing of the bottle walls.
  • FIG. 1 shows an appropriate quantity of liquid ( 50 ) located in the lower portion of bottle ( 40 ).
  • the appropriate quantity of liquid ( 50 ) can be determined according to the objectives set forth in the following experiments. For example, bottle ( 40 ) is rotated such that structure ( 22 ) is immersed in liquid ( 50 ); and bottle ( 40 ) is rotated such that structure ( 22 ) is surrounded by gas ( 60 ).
  • FIG. 1 shows a complete pbod dispensing apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 shows a dynamic state.
  • the pbod dispensing apparatus has ejected a pbod ( 70 ).
  • Pbod ( 70 ) consists essentially of: a dose ( 77 ) of liquid ( 50 ) having the form of one first ball; and a dose ( 10 ) of gas ( 60 ) having the form of a plurality of bubbles ( 75 ); and dose ( 77 ) encloses dose ( 10 ); and dose ( 77 ) and dose ( 10 ) are assembled on demand.
  • This pbod dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 forms a motive gas ( 65 ). Where this motive gas ( 65 ) is the sole source of the dose ( 10 ). Dose ( 10 ) is formed essentially by motive gas ( 65 ). For example, a syringe needle does not exist in this novel pbod system.
  • Pbod ( 70 ) contains three bubbles ( 75 ). Where this quantity of three bubbles ( 75 ) is within the capabilities of the present specification. And these three bubbles ( 75 ) form the complete dose ( 10 ).
  • dose ( 10 ) is 1 ul of gas ( 60 ); therefore, the first bubble ( 75 ) contains 0.3 ul of gas ( 60 ); and the second bubble ( 75 ) contains 0.3 ul of gas ( 60 ); and the third bubble ( 75 ) contains 0.3 ul of gas ( 60 ); and each of these three bubbles ( 75 ) is formed by motive gas ( 65 ).
  • the motive gas ( 65 ) forms the three bubbles ( 75 ). And these three bubbles ( 75 ) form the complete dose ( 10 ) of pbod ( 70 ).
  • FIG. 8 shows a front sectional view of a prototype R22.
  • Prototype R22 is formed of a VISINE bottle ( 200 ); and a VISINE dispensing tip ( 201 ); and a tube ( 202 ).
  • VISINE tip ( 201 ) is located at the typical location on the bottle, which dispenses a 30 ul pendant drop.
  • the VISINE tip ( 201 ) is not altered.
  • the VISINE bottle ( 200 ) is not altered.
  • Tube ( 202 ) is cut to fit into the inner diameter of tip ( 201 ). Where these cuts form an inverted conical shape at the upper end of tube ( 202 ). Tube ( 202 ) is fitted to tip ( 201 ) such that a leak-tight seal is formed.
  • Prototype R22 is utilized to form a succession of identical bubbles ( 204 ).
  • FIG. 8 shows succession ( 204 ) is formed of eight bubbles; and each of these bubbles have identical diameters. For example, for a bubble diameter of 0.007 cm, the variance of the diameter is estimated to be within approximately plus or minus 0.002 cm.
  • FIG. 8 shows a dynamic state. And also shows a selected quantity of liquid ( 207 ) disposed in prototype R22. The upper end of liquid ( 207 ) is indicated by the arcuate line at point ( 211 ).
  • the concise steps, which form the configuration shown in FIG. 8 are set forth in the following experiment E.
  • FIG. 8 does not show the inherent phenomenon, which causes the succession of identical bubbles ( 204 ) to be formed.
  • FIG. 8 shows the succession of identical bubbles ( 204 ) is located near the axis of tube ( 202 ). And liquid ( 207 ) encloses bubbles ( 204 ).
  • Prototype R22 is described further in the following table.
  • FIG. 9 shows a front view of a prototype R11.
  • One of the objectives of prototype R11 is to show a very reliable pbod system.
  • prototype R11 dispenses more than three hundred consecutive pbods; and each pbod contains 7 ul of liquid; and there is no overspray for any trial.
  • prototype R11 utilizes inherent residual liquid located in the discharge tube.
  • FIG. 9 shows the upper end of prototype R11 is a flexible VISINE bottle ( 300 ). Where this VISINE bottle does not contain a dispensing tip.
  • the upper end of a tube ( 301 ) is rigidly attached to the lower end of the neck of the VISINE bottle ( 300 ). Tube ( 301 ) is co-axial with the neck of the VISINE bottle. This attachment is formed by an annular epoxy resin ( 311 ). Resin ( 311 ) forms an annular leak-tight seal.
  • the upper end of a tube ( 302 ) is inserted approximately 0.5 cm into the lower end of tube ( 301 ).
  • the lower end of tube ( 301 ) is indicated by reference numeral ( 310 ).
  • Prototype R11 is utilized to dispense a pbod ( 70 ).
  • the scale of FIG. 9 is not suitable to show the interior structure of pbod ( 70 ); and therefore, a dot is utilized to show pbod ( 70 ).
  • Prototype R11 is described further in the following table. A concise method of utilizing prototype R11 is provided in the following Experiment Q.
  • prototype table PROTOTYPE R29 FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , and FIG. 4 define the configuration of prototype R29
  • the present description of these figures define the configuration of prototype R29
  • the corresponding parts of prototype R29 are further defined in the prototype table PROTOTYPE R29, and prototype R29 is similar to FIG. 1 .
  • the cuts are made according to the following steps:
  • each entire surface is cut with only one continuous motion. For example, while cutting a 0.5 cm diameter tube, the blade traverses a vertical distance of 0.5 cm in one continuous motion.
  • prototype R29 The parts of prototype R29 are assembled according to the following steps, including:
  • tube ( 28 ) placed on the upper end of tube ( 27 ) such that the wire maintains tube ( 28 ) co-axial with tube ( 27 );
  • prototype R29 The parts of prototype R29 are placed by hand at the desired location; and the epoxy resin is applied; and the location of the part is adjusted as necessary using a narrow steel rod and magnifying glass (approximately 3 times power). The dimensions of the prototype are checked after drying.
  • structure ( 22 ) is formed from one flat sheet of PVC; and first, cut to the desired width; and second, bend to two flat parallel walls; and third, cut to the desired height; and fourth, separate the two walls to the desired dimension Y.
  • PROTOTYPE R22 Prototype R22 is previously described and shown in FIG. 8 ; and further described as follows: PART No. DESCRIPTION (200) VISINE bottle; empty; 30 ml (PFIZER, INC.) (201) VISINE dispensing tip (PFIZER, INC.) (202) tube; and each end is flat; 0.317 cm OD; 0.078 cm ID; 6.5 cm length; polyethelene; translucent; the upper end of tube (202) is cut to accomodate the lower end ID of tip (201) such that a leak-tight seal is formed
  • PROTOTYPE R11 Prototype R11 is previously described and shown is FIG. 9 ; and further described as follows: PART No. DESCRIPTION (300) VISINE bottle only(no tip); 30 ml (PFIZER, INC) (302) tube; and each end is flat; 0.18 cm OD; 0.08 cm ID; 3.0 cm length; the upper end OD of tube (302) is cut such that tube (302) can be inserted into tube (301); and such that a leak- tight seal is formed; polyethelene (301) tube; and each end is flat; 0.28 cm OD; 0.13 cm ID; 2.0 cm length; polyethelene (311) JB WELD (JB WELD COMPANY) UPC: 043425826558
  • EXPERIMENT X prototype R29; measure diameter of liquid on test paper.
  • EXPERIMENT U prototype R29; other person executes Experiment X
  • EXPERIMENT M prototype R29; measure mass of pbod
  • EXPERIMENT Q prototype R11; form pbod utilizing residual liquid; and observe diameter of discrete pbod i.e.
  • FIG. 9 EXPERIMENT E: prototype R22; form succession of identical bubbles
  • EXPERIMENT V prototype R29; eject a pbod having a vertical initial velocity i.e.
  • Experiment X is executed according to the following steps [Xa.] to [Xg.] as follows: [Xa.] Holding bottle ( 40 ) in one hand at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger such that structure ( 22 ) is immersed in liquid ( 50 ) (i.e. FIG.
  • an objective of this step includes to confirm that tip ( 100 A) contains liquid ( 50 ); [Xd.] slowly removing the collapsing force at points S and point T; and simultaneously maintain enough compressive force to hold the bottle; and simultaneously rotating bottle ( 40 ) to a dispensing position shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 1 such that gas ( 60 ) surrounds structure ( 22 ); it requires about 1 to 2 seconds to remove the collapsing force; and do not remove the collapsing force rapidly (i.e.
  • step [Xe.] [Xe.] waiting approximately 1 to 2 seconds; and do not wait more than approximately 5 seconds to execute step [Xf.]; [Xf.] collapsing bottle ( 40 ) at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger at approximately 0.5 cm per second, or approximately 0.4 cm per second (i.e. 0.5 cm/ 1 second, or 0.4 cm/1 second); and dispensing a pbod on the test paper; NOTE: outlet ( 25 ) is disposed approximately 9 cm above the test paper for all trials in Experiment X; [Xg.] placing bottle ( 40 ) at a typical rest position for the VISINE bottle (i.e.
  • EXPERIMENT V is executed according to the following steps [Va.] to [Vc.] as follows: [Va.] Holding bottle ( 40 ) at points S and point T, and rotating bottle ( 40 ) such that structure ( 22 ) is immersed in liquid ( 50 ) (i.e. FIG. 1 rotated 90 degrees); [Vb.] rotating bottle ( 40 ) to an inverted position of FIG. 1 (i.e.
  • EXPERIMENT H is executed according to the following steps [Ha.] to [Hc.] as follows: [Ha.] Holding bottle ( 40 ) at points S and point T, and rotating bottle ( 40 ) such that structure ( 22 ) is immersed in liquid ( 50 ) (i.e. FIG.
  • EXPERIMENT H EXPERIMENT L is executed according to the following steps [La.] to [Lc.] as follows: [La.] Holding bottle ( 40 ) at points S and point T such that the axis of tube ( 27 ) is vertical and liquid ( 50 ) is disposed at the lower portion of bottle ( 40 ) as shown in FIG.
  • EXPERIMENT U is executed according to the following steps [Ua.] to [Ud.] as follows: [Ua.] Notifying another person the following steps are an experiment; [Ub.] the present Inventor giving verbal and visual instructions to this other person; where these instructions are to execute Experiment X according to the steps [Xa.] to [Xg.] set forth herein; [Uc.] Inventor observing this other person execute steps [Xa.] to step [Xg.]; [Ud.] Inventor observing, recording, and measuring the results of the trial. End of EXPERIMENT U.
  • EXPERIMENT E is executed according to the following steps [Ea.] to [Ef.] as follows: [Ea.] Removing tip ( 201 ) from bottle ( 200 ) (do not remove tube ( 202 ) from tip ( 201 )); [Eb.] injecting approximately 20 to 60 ul of liquid ( 207 ) in dispensing tip ( 201 ) such that the upper surface ( 211 ) is approximately 0.2 cm above opening ( 35 ); [Ec.] replacing tip ( 201 ) on bottle ( 200 ); [Ed.] rotating bottle ( 200 ) such that the axis of tube ( 202 ) is generally vertical as shown in FIG.
  • EXPERIMENT Q is executed according to the following steps [Qa.] to [Qe.] as follows: [Qa.] Removing tube ( 302 ) from tube ( 301 ); [Qb.] injecting 6.7 ul of liquid into the lower end ( 310 ) of tube ( 301 ) using metered syringe (1 cc/29 guage needle); [Qc.] replacing tube ( 302 ) into tube ( 301 ); and tube ( 302 ) extends approximately 0.5 cm into tube ( 301 ); and maintain an appropriate compressive force at points S and point T such that the dose of liquid remains in a static state (no motion); and the dose of liquid is located at the lower end of tube ( 301 ); [Qd.] rotating bottle ( 300 ) such that the axis of tube ( 302 ) is generally vertical as shown in FIG.
  • This step [Qf.] is as follows: [Qf.] removing tube ( 302 ) from tube ( 301 ); and placing tube ( 302 ) on a horizontal surface; and measuring the location and width of the residual liquid in tube ( 302 ).
  • EXPERIMENT M is executed according to the following steps [Ma.] to [Mc.] as follows: [Ma.] Placing one sheet of test paper on scale; [Mb.] closing all sides of breeze break; and set zero function; [Mc.] dispensing pbod onto test paper according to steps in Experiment X; and recording electronic display of the mass.
  • prototype R29 is not used between 24 July 2004, 8:40 am to 24 July 2004, 10:22 pm; and cap (45) and seal (44) is on neck (43) during this period of rest; TOTAL hours at rest between trial 601 to trial 602: 14 hours. Further, prototype R29 is allowed to rest for periods of between 5 to 10 hours, without cap (45); and dispenses a pbod on the first subsequent trial. 361 0.180-5:33 pm 362 0.180 air 363 0.190 27.7 C.
  • AVERAGE TIME DISTRIBUTION IN EXPERIMENT X The following indicates the approximate average time Inventor utilized to execute the respective steps of Experiment X: Begin, pick up bottle; and rotate bottle such 4 s that outlet (25) is observable: Begin, to collapse bottle; 7 to 10 s and liquid reaches near outlet (25): begin, release collapsing force; 4 to 5 s and axis of tube (27) is vertical: begin, place bottle at rest position; 10 to 12 s and pick up scale and magnifying glass; and measure diameter of liquid: begin place scale and magnifying glass on table; 10 to 12 s writing results in laboratory notebook with ink pen; writing trial No. on test paper and notebook: AVERAGE TOTAL TIME PER TRIAL: 45 seconds
  • the residual liquid in tube (302) is 2 mm length; and located at the upper end of tube (302); and air occupies the lower 28 mm length ).
  • “v” equals the calculated volume of the residual liquid (tube 302).
  • “l” equals 0.5 mm length.
  • Prototype R29 Liquid (50) REFRESH LIQUIGEL (lot No. 30469) (ALLERGAN, INC.) trial Person No. 1: No. results same person 1 steps executed incorrectly/no liquid of 20 Jul. ejected 2004 2 pbod/0.170 in. dia./no overspray 3 steps executed incorrectly/pendant drop 4 steps executed incorrectly/no liquid ejected 11:04- 5 steps executed incorrectly/pendant drop am 6 pbod/0.180 in. dia./no overspray NOTE: this is the same person No. 1 (age 74), which executed Experiment U on 20 Jul.
  • Gas ( 60 ) is air for all trials in all experiments.
  • the present Inventor executes all trials in all experiments, except as noted in Experiment U.
  • Trial No. 1 dispenses a pbod having a narrow parabolic path, where the height is about 5 cm, and the horizontal distance is about 1 cm.
  • Trials No. 2 to 5 are not successful.
  • Trials Nos. 6 and 7 dispense a pbod (similar path to trial No. 1).
  • Trial Nos. 8 to 10 are not successful.
  • Trial No. 11 dispenses a pbod (similar path to trial No. 1); and each pbod contains approximately 3 ul of liquid ( 50 ).
  • Dose ( 77 ) is about 3 ul; and dose ( 10 ) is about 0.7 ul; and each pbod contains approximately three bubbles ( 75 ).
  • FIG. 5 depicts both a dynamic state and a static state
  • liquid ( 50 ) flows from right to left in FIG. 5
  • liquid ( 50 ) stops flowing upon reaching opening ( 35 ) as shown in FIG. 6 i.e. the lower end of dose ( 77 ) is at opening ( 35 ) in FIG. 6
  • the upper portion of tip ( 100 A) contains a dose ( 77 ) of liquid ( 50 ), and a portion of this dose ( 77 ) is disposed between structure ( 22 );
  • a motive gas ( 65 ) imposes this dose ( 77 ) to flow from top to bottom in FIG.
  • FIG. 7 does not show the inherent phenomenon, which causes dose ( 10 ) to be formed.
  • EXPERIMENT E RESULTS prototype R22; liquid ( 207 ) is REFRESH LIQUIGEL (ALLERGAN, INC.): Experiment E forms a succession of identical bubbles ( 204 ). For a collapsing speed of about 0.1 cm per second, the diameter of the bubbles is approximately 0.03 cm, and spaced about 0.09 cm equally distant; and this trial contains about 30 bubbles. Several additional consecutive trials are executed having identical results to the above-described results of Experiment E.
  • bottle ( 200 ) contains air ( 212 ); and second, about sixty microliters of liquid ( 207 ) is disposed in tip ( 201 ) such that the upper surface ( 211 ) is about 0.2 cm above opening ( 35 ); and third, tip ( 201 ) is place on bottle ( 200 ); and fourth, a pressure drop over opening ( 35 ) imposes liquid ( 207 ) to flow down into tube ( 202 ); and fifth, upon near depletion of liquid in tip ( 201 ), a succession of identical bubbles ( 204 ) is formed in the upper portion of tube ( 202 ); liquid ( 207 ) encloses bubbles ( 204 ).
  • EXPERIMENT E RESULTS Variations of prototype R22 have disensed pbods. For example, where the length of tube ( 202 ) is 1 cm or 0.5 cm; and the pbod contains about 7 ul liquid ( 207 ).
  • the present disclosure includes several pioneering discoveries. Including, a complete dose of gas formed essentially by a motive gas; and a pbod formed utilizing inherent residual liquid in a discharge tube; and a pbod ejected from any indiscriminate selected initial velocity; and a succession of identical bubbles capable of forming the complete dose of gas in one pbod.
  • the best mode for carrying out these present discoveries is set forth in the present respective experiments and prototypes.
  • the best mode to form a complete dose of gas is imposing an appropriate motive gas to flow through an appropriate flow channel. Where this motive gas imposes a dose of liquid to flow through the flow channel; and the motive gas forms the complete dose of gas.
  • dispensing tip ( 100 A) which are capable of dispensing a pbod.
  • structure ( 22 ) may have an arch shape.
  • the prototypes in Ser. No. 10/827,901 dispense pbods, and it is contemplated that these alternate embodiments will have successful results in conjuntction with Experiment X.
  • Experiment X and the prototypes of Ser. No. 10/827,901 should have similar results to the above results.
  • the prototypes in Ser. No. 10/827,901 have dispensed 3 ul pbods having initial velocities of 135 degrees, 45 degrees, including other orientations.
  • the dispensing tip can be integrally formed with a lens. Therefore, allowing dose ( 77 ) to be observed in FIG. 6 .
  • dose verification system is summarized as a tube having the characteristic of two distinct different translucencies.
  • the tube containing no liquid will have a first translucency [a]; and the tube containing a liquid will have a second translucency [b].
  • This change in translucency can be attained by the tube having a smooth outer surface; and a rough inner surface. Observing the tube without liquid produces an approximate translucent image; and observing the tube with liquid produces a transparent image.
  • This change in translucency can be enhanced by having a black surface on the far side semi-annular surface of the tube.
  • a dry tube appears to be light gray color; and the tube having liquid appears to be black color. Therefore, this distinct change in color confirms that the liquid is present in the tube.
  • the present figures of the drawing show the tubes having a straight axis.
  • the tubes utilized in the present prototypes have an arcuate shaped axis. This inherent arcuate shape is a result of the method of storage of the tube. i.e. bulk storage on a roll. The radius of this arc is estimated to be about 13 cm.
  • the initial velocity of the pbod in Experiment X is approximately parallel to a gravity vector. Initial velocity meaning the speed and direction immediately below outlet (25).
  • Alternate liquids are capable to form a pbod. Including, water, i.e. AQUAFINA DRINKING WATER, (Bottling Group, LLC), TIMOLOL 0.5% or 0.3%, VISINE, CLEAR EYES.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a particular dispensing position. And in light of the results of Experiments V, H, and L, there are clearly many alternate orientations of the dispenser, which will dispense a pbod. For example, For a 3 ul pbod, FIG. 6 can be rotated by any desired angle, and this rotated-view of FIG. 6 depicts a dispensing position.
  • Experiments show that the most likely source of the overspray in Experiment X is residual liquid ejected immediately after the pbod is ejected. In light of the results of Experiment Q, it is contemplated that variations of prototype R29 will have no overspray. Also, variations of the viscosity of the liquid may eliminate the overspray.

Abstract

The present disclosure includes several pioneering discoveries. Including, a complete dose (10) of gas (60) formed essentially by motive gas (65). Dose (10) having the form of a plurality of bubbles (75). Also, a pbod ejected from any selected initial velocity. Also, a succession of identical bubbles formed essentially by a motive gas. Pbod systems transport a dose of liquid and a dose of gas to a target via pbod (70). Pbod systems may provide a solution to many various problems in many various technologies.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present pioneering discovery resides in pbod systems. A pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and the pbod is assembled on demand.
  • Portions of the present description are previously disclosed in COFFELT, JR. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/827,901 filed 19 Apr. 2004 (19.04.04).
  • Pbod systems are capable of providing a solution to numerous problems. Obviously, there are many pertinent problems in many various technologies, which are incorporated herein by reference. The pbod may be used in any of these pertinent arts. The following are examples of these pertinent arts and problems.
  • The art of forming pendant drops is well known. And further, there are many arts, which utilize the pendant drop, or droplet. For example, fuel injection, surgery, chemical/biological arts, or eye drops, including many others. And within these arts, a typical range of quantities is in the microliter range. For example, an over-the-counter pendant eye drop is between 15 to 30 microliters. It is also well known, an optimal quantity of liquid for opthalmic medicament applications is in the 5 to 7 microliter range. For example, TIMOLOL (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, N.Y., U.S.). And in light of the high cost of opthalmic medicament, a 3 microliter dose is most likely highly desirable. The prior art clearly shows the art of forming one pendant drop on demand is not capable of reliably attaining these small microliter quantities.
  • It is also well known, an additional problem has existed for many years in the prior eye drop systems. Specifically, the requirement of tilting the head back to instill an eye drop. One method, which attempts to solve this problem is dispensing the medicament in a spray (plurality of droplets). However, these jet systems are clearly subject to inaccuracies, recalibration, and failures due to the presence of complex moving parts and substantial frictional forces.
  • Additional prior methods attempt to solve this problem (tilted head). For example, in Basilice, et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,999 Dispensing eye drops is disclosed. The methods of Basilice attempt to solve this problem by utilizing an apparatus designed to dispense the eye drop on the lower eye-lid. However, this method includes an abnormal displacement of the lower eye-lid. Therefore, the systems of Basilice are clearly not optimal.
  • Examples of complex dispensing apparatus include, Cohen et al U.S. Pat. No. RE 38,007 discloses a microdispensing opthalmic pump. The systems of Cohen inescapably dispense a plurality of droplets. The systems in Cohen are required to contain several complex moving parts. Where this complex prior system includes springs, balls, moving pistons, and check valves. Therefore, the systems of Cohen are subject to failure, error, repair, or recalibration due to the inescapable inherent frictional forces present in the system.
  • Further example of complex prior systems include Ershow et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,050 discloses a device for dispensing microdoses (microdrops/drops). For example, BIOMEK.RTM.1000 (BECKMAN) Automated Laboratory Workstation for dispensing cell lines and bacteria.
  • Further attempts to solve these pertinent problems are disclosed in Coffelt, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,297 gasdrop and apparatus for manufacturing gasdrop. The accuracy of dosages in the gasdrop, in the microliter range, is unknown.
  • Excessive fuel emissions is also a well known problem. The emissions of combustion engines clearly must be reduced to a minimum. And it is obvious, if the same quantity of power can be produced from less fuel, the emissions will most likely be less.
  • Pbod systems is a pioneering technology. This technology is disclosed in Coffelt, Jr. International Publication No. WO 02/43845, published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty 6 Jun. 2002, Dual microliter dosage system. In WO 02/43845, the terms “dosdrop” and “microdose” refer to the article of manufacture in the present specification. And in the corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/296,487, filed 22 Nov. 2002, the term “dosdrop” is changed to “pbod” or “hbod”. This name change does not alter the structure disclosed in WO 02/43845. This change merely changes the name associated with the structure.
  • To make clear, the presently disclosed novel pbod systems manufacture the structure disclosed in WO 02/43845. For example, a “pbod” is a “dosdrop”; and a “pbod” is a “microdose” where each of these terms refer to the same structure. And the objective of these changes in name is to attain the most suitable name for this pioneering article of manufacture.
  • The term “pbod” refers to “plural body on demand”. A pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one first ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and the pbod is assembled on demand. And the pbod is ejected from the system on demand.
  • The prior pbod systems in WO 02/43845 utilize distinct discrete complex metering apparatus, first, to inject a dose of liquid into the flow channel; and second, insert a syringe needle into the dose of liquid; and third, inject a dose of gas into the liquid via the needle. The dose of gas is formed by inserting the needle into the liquid; and displacing the plunger of the syringe.
  • Subsequently, a motive gas ejects this dose of liquid and dose of gas having the form of one pbod. Where this motive gas may form a portion of the dose of gas. However the prior art motive gas does NOT form the complete dose of gas. The prior art does not contemplate any method or or apparatus to attain the results of the present invention.
  • Problems in these prior art pbod systems include the requirement of complex metering apparatus. Which inherently creates a relatively high probability for error and reduced reliability. It is well known, systems with moving parts are subject to error and failure due to frictional forces. And therefore, these complex pbod systems are subject to recalibration or repair. Further, the cost of manufacturing these prior pbod systems is relatively excessive.
  • Additional problems in the prior pbod systems include the problems associated with dispensing small microliter bubbles into a liquid. For example, experiments show, under normal conditions of the systems in WO 02/43845, the probability of ejecting a limited plurality of 0.07 microliter bubbles on demand from a syringe needle is very near zero. Therefore, this problem imposes quantitive limitations on the prior art pbod systems.
  • Additional problems in this prior art pbod system include, the system is not optimal to be used in a doctor-patient environment. And further, this prior art pbod system is not optimal for a person to self-instill a pbod to the eye. For example, a pbod dispensed on the eye for dryness relief.
  • INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
  • In light of all of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art pbod systems, and the numerous well known problems and failed attempts in all pertinent technologies, there is clearly a need for a simple inexpensive system, which will reliably dispense optimal doses of liquid on demand to a target. For example, it is well known, there are numerous attempts over a period of many years, which have failed to dispense small microliter doses in a unitary body. For example, the pendant drop.
  • Therefore, the present pioneering discovery will be greatly appreciated for providing simple, reliable pbod systems, which transport a unitary body of liquid and gas to a target. Where optimal accurate doses of liquid and gas are attainable. Further, provide a pbod system which is capable of allowing the doses to vary over a range of quantities IF desired. Further, provide a pbod system capable of being adapted to be used, for example, in a doctor-patient or self-instill environment; and possibly chemical/biological environment, for example, pipette systems; fuel injection environment, including many other technologies, which rely on this type of fluid and/or gas transportation. The present pioneering discovery will be greatly appreciated for providing reliable pbod systems, which may provide a solution to problems in many various technologies.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present pioneering discovery resides in pbod systems. A pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one first ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and these components of the pbod are assembled on demand. For example, first, the ball of liquid is disjointed from the gas; and second, the ball of liquid encloses the gas.
  • A novel pbod system resides in a pbod system where a complete dose of gas is formed essentially by a motive gas. Where this motive gas is the sole source of this complete dose of gas. And this dose of gas is subsequently the complete dose of gas in one pbod.
  • The present disclosure includes a second discovery. Where this second discovery is summarized as a pbod capable of being dispensed from any indiscriminate selected initial velocity. For example, a pbod having an initial velocity, which is either vertical, horizontal, or any other selected orientation.
  • The present disclosure includes a third discovery. This third discovery is summarized as a succession of identical bubbles formed essentially by a motive gas. Where the spacing of these bubbles appears to be nearly identical. Further, the diameter of these identical bubbles is inversely proportional to the flow speed. For example, a greater flow speed forms smaller bubbles. (i.e. 0.003 cm or 0.03 cm dia.)
  • The present disclosure includes a fourth discovery. This fourth discovery is summarized as a pbod system, which utilizes inherent residual liquid in a discharge tube. This system ejects a pbod from the discharge tube; and a dose of liquid inherently remains in the discharge tube; and this residual liquid inherently forms a plurality of transverse walls; and this residual liquid is used in conjunction with an additional dose of liquid to form a subsequent pbod. For example, a 3 ul dose of liquid is added to 1 ul residual liquid to form a 3 ul pbod.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
  • The present invention is further described by reference to the appended drawings taken in conjunction with the following description wherein identical or corresponding parts are identified by the same reference character throughout the several views of the drawing where:
  • FIG. 1 is a right side perspective sectional view of a pbod dispenser, including: a flexible bottle (40); a dispensing tip (100A); a liquid (50); gas (60); and a pbod (70).
  • FIG. 2 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip (100A); and bottle (40).
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of pbod dispensing tip (100A).
  • FIG. 4 is a right side view of structure (22).
  • FIG. 5 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip (100A); and the axis of tube (27) is horizontal.
  • FIG. 6 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip (100A); and tip (100A) contains a dose (77) of liquid (50).
  • FIG. 7 is a right side sectional view of pbod dispensing tip (100A); and tip (100A) contains the dose (77); and dose (77) encloses a dose (10) of gas (60); and dose (10) having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles).
  • FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of a prototype R22; and a succession of identical bubbles (204).
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of a prototype R11; and a pbod (70).
  • NOTE: the diameter of pbod dispensing tip (100A) is exagerated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to show detail.
  • NOTE: FIG. 1 does not show resin (5) for clarity; and FIG. 1 does not show resin (1) for clarity.
  • NOTE: FIG. 2 does not show portions of cap (45) for clarity; and does not show portions of cap (41) for clarity.
  • NOTE: FIG. 5 does not show portions of tube (43) for clarity; and a single line is utilized to represent tube (43).
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present pioneering discovery resides in pbod systems. Including, a pbod system where a complete dose of gas is formed essentially by a motive gas. Where this dose of gas is the complete dose of gas in one pbod.
  • The pbod is referred to as a “microdose” in the International Application published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty under No. WO 02/43845, 6 Jun. 2002 (06.06.02), Dual Microliter Dosage System.
  • The structure of the microdose in WO 02/43845 is the same structure disclosed in the present specification. Where this structure is presently identified by the term “pbod”. The name is changed to attain the most suitable name for this pioneering article of manufacture.
  • A pbod consists essentially of: a dose of liquid having the form of one first ball; and a dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls (bubbles); and the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas; and these components of the pbod are assembled on demand. For example, first, the liquid is disjointed from the gas, and second, the ball of liquid encloses the balls of gas. The pbod is subsequently ejected from the system.
  • Each dose, liquid, gas, motive gas, and additional pertinent parameters must be capable to assemble a pbod on demand. If a pbod is formed, it can be concluded, all pertinent parameters are capable to form one pbod.
  • A pbod exists in two states. First, a non-discrete pbod attached to a surface. Second, a discrete pbod.
  • Objectives of the present invention include, provide a pbod system where a complete dose of gas is formed essentially by a motive gas. Further, provide a pbod system, which is simple, relatively inexpensive, and substantially more reliable over the prior art. Further, provide a pbod system capable of attaining optimal dosages. i.e. opthalmic, fuel-injection, including many others. Further, provide a pbod system, which is not subject to substantial frictional forces, recalibration, or mechanical failure due to frictional forces. i.e. moving pistons.
  • A second discovery includes a pbod capable of being dispensed from any indiscriminate selected initial velocity. For example, a pbod having an initial velocity, which is either vertical, horizontal, or any other selected orientation.
  • A third discovery includes a succession of identical bubbles formed essentially by a motive gas. Where the spacing of these bubbles appears to be nearly identical. Further, the diameter of these identical bubbles is inversely proportional to the flow speed. For example, a greater flow speed forms smaller bubbles. For example, a flow speed of [x] forms bubbles of 0.03 cm diameter; and a flow speed of [y] forms bubbles of 0.003 cm diameter; where [y] is greater than [x].
  • A fourth discovery includes a pbod system, which utilizes inherent residual liquid in a discharge tube. First, this pbod system ejects a pbod from the discharge tube; and second, a dose of liquid inherently remains in the discharge tube; and third, this residual liquid inherently forms a plurality of transverse walls; and this residual liquid is used in conjunction with an additional dose of liquid to form a subsequent pbod. For example, a 3 ul dose of liquid is added to 1 ul residual liquid to form a 3 ul pbod.
  • Meaning of TERMS: The present specification contains well known structures having axis of symmetry. Where these structures have a longitudinal axis of symmetry, and a transverse axis of symmetry.
  • For example, in a cylindrical shaped tube, the transverse axis of symmetry coincides with a diameter of the tube. And the longitudinal axis of symmetry is a line perpendicular to the diameter and intersecting the mid-point of the diameter.
  • The following embodiments are described with reference to the longitudinal axis of symmetry. For example, in FIG. 2 the longitudinal axis of symmetry of tube (27) is vertical.
  • The term “axis” as used hereinafter means: “the longitudinal axis of symmetry”.
  • The term “transverse” as used hereinafter means: “a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry”. For example, in FIG. 2, a transverse direction is disposed in a horizontal plane relative to the axis of tube (27). Units of MEASURE: milligrams=mg; microliters=ul centimeters=cm; millimeters mm; milliliters=ml grams=g; cubic centimeters=cc
  • The present invention is hereinafter described with reference to the appended drawings where identical or corresponding parts are identified by the same reference character throughout the several views of the drawing.
  • The following is a description of general embodiments. And more specific embodiments of the appended figures are provided by the following prototypes.
  • FIG. 1 is a right side perspective sectional view of a pbod dispensing tip (100A). Dispensing tip (100A) is symmetrical, therefore, the left side perspective sectional view is a mirror image of FIG. 1.
  • The lower end of tip (100A) is a cylindrical shaped tube (27). Tube (27) having a flat annular outlet (25).
  • A conical shaped tube (28) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube (27). The upper end of tube (28) is monolithic with a transverse disc shaped wall. This disc shaped wall having a centrally located opening (35). For example, tube (28), the disc shaped wall, and opening (35) can be a standard VISINE dispensing tip. i.e. over-the-counter eye drops.
  • FIG. 2 shows tube (27) is attached to tube (28) by an annular epoxy resin (4). Resin (4) forms a leak-tight seal at this point of attachment.
  • FIG. 1 shows the inner diameter surface of tube (27) and the inner diameter surface of tube (28) forms a continuous flow channel. The axis of tube (27) is co-axial with the axis of tube (28).
  • There are clearly standard methods to form tube (27) and tube (28) as a unitary body. Therefore, the lower end of tip (100A) does not show the joints and resin (4) in FIG. 1.
  • A cylindrical shaped tube (29) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube (28). This attachment is formed by annular epoxy resin (4). An annular leak-tight seal is formed at this point of attachment. Tube (29) is co-axial with tube (28).
  • The lower end of tube (29) is co-planar with the upper end of tube (28).
  • A cylindrical shaped tube (11) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube (29). The upper flat annular surface 5 of tube (11) is co-planar with the upper flat annular surface of tube (29). Tube (11) is attached to tube (29) by annular epoxy resin (2). The boundaries of resin (2) are limited to the lower flat annular surface of tube (11). The boundaries of resin (2) are also limited to the outer surface of tube (29).
  • FIG. 2 shows a structure (22) is rigidly attached to the upper end of tube (29). This attachment is formed by epoxy resin (1). Resin (1) is located at two places, one at the lower left side of structure (22), and one at the lower right side of structure (22) (FIG. 2). The boundaries of resin (1) are limited to the outer surface of structure (22). The boundaries of resin (1) are also limited to the width of structure (22) indicated by the dimension “N”. The boundaries of resin (1) are also limited to the upper flat surface of tube (11), and the upper flat surface of tube (29).
  • Structure (22) is formed of two flat rectangular converging walls. FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 show structure (22) having an inverted V shape.
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of dispensing tip (10A). FIG. 3 does not show resin (1) for clarity. FIG. 3 shows structure (22) is centrally located on tube (11). And the width of structure (22) is indicated by dimension “N”.
  • FIG. 4 is a right side view of structure (22). The height of structure (22) is indicated by dimension “V”. And the distance between the lower end of the walls is indicated by dimension “Y”.
  • A tube (43) is rigidly attached to the lower portion of tube (27), as shown in FIG. 2. This attachment is formed by an annular epoxy resin (5). Resin (5) provides a leak-tight seal. Outlet (25) is located near the mid-point of the axial length of tube (43). Tube (43) is co-axial with tube (27).
  • Tube (43) is rigidly attached to a bottle (40) as shown in FIG. 2. This attachment is formed by an annular epoxy resin (6). Resin (6) forms a leak-tight seal.
  • The lower end of tube (43) includes a removeable cap (45), and a removeable seal (44). There are clearly many standard methods to form a cap and seal. For example, the cap and tip on a standard VISINE bottle (eye drop bottle). Bottle (40) also includes a removeable cap (41), and a removeable seal (42).
  • FIG. 2 shows bottle (40) contains an appropriate quantity of liquid (50). Where the appropriate quantity of liquid (50) can be determined according to the objectives set forth in the following experiments.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a general embodiment of a pbod dispenser. For example, a pbod dispenser used to self-instill a pbod on the eye.
  • FIG. 1 shows point S is on the left side vertical wall of bottle (40). And point T is on the right side vertical wall of bottle (40). Where these points S and point T are the typical points used to dispense a 30 ul pendant drop from a standard VISINE eye drop bottle.
  • Prototype R29 is similar to FIG. 1. Prototype R29 utilizes a VISINE bottle (40). Where points S and point T are on the vertical side walls of the VISINE bottle (40); and the axis of tube (27) is vertical.
  • TO make clear: for prototype R29: the applied collapsing force (at points S and T) is horizontal; and the axis of tube (27) is vertical.
  • For prototype R29: dispensing tip (100A) is located near the neck of the VISINE bottle. Where an objective of this location is to avoid damage to the dispensing tip (100A) during collapsing of the bottle walls.
  • FIG. 1 shows an appropriate quantity of liquid (50) located in the lower portion of bottle (40). Where the appropriate quantity of liquid (50) can be determined according to the objectives set forth in the following experiments. For example, bottle (40) is rotated such that structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50); and bottle (40) is rotated such that structure (22) is surrounded by gas (60).
  • FIG. 1 shows a complete pbod dispensing apparatus. FIG. 1 shows a dynamic state. The pbod dispensing apparatus has ejected a pbod (70). Pbod (70) consists essentially of: a dose (77) of liquid (50) having the form of one first ball; and a dose (10) of gas (60) having the form of a plurality of bubbles (75); and dose (77) encloses dose (10); and dose (77) and dose (10) are assembled on demand.
  • This pbod dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 forms a motive gas (65). Where this motive gas (65) is the sole source of the dose (10). Dose (10) is formed essentially by motive gas (65). For example, a syringe needle does not exist in this novel pbod system.
  • Pbod (70) contains three bubbles (75). Where this quantity of three bubbles (75) is within the capabilities of the present specification. And these three bubbles (75) form the complete dose (10). For example, dose (10) is 1 ul of gas (60); therefore, the first bubble (75) contains 0.3 ul of gas (60); and the second bubble (75) contains 0.3 ul of gas (60); and the third bubble (75) contains 0.3 ul of gas (60); and each of these three bubbles (75) is formed by motive gas (65). The motive gas (65) forms the three bubbles (75). And these three bubbles (75) form the complete dose (10) of pbod (70).
  • Methods to form pbod (70) are provided in the following experiments.
  • FIG. 8 shows a front sectional view of a prototype R22. Prototype R22 is formed of a VISINE bottle (200); and a VISINE dispensing tip (201); and a tube (202).
  • VISINE tip (201) is located at the typical location on the bottle, which dispenses a 30 ul pendant drop. The VISINE tip (201)is not altered. The VISINE bottle (200) is not altered.
  • The upper end of tube (202) is cut to fit into the inner diameter of tip (201). Where these cuts form an inverted conical shape at the upper end of tube (202). Tube (202) is fitted to tip (201) such that a leak-tight seal is formed.
  • Prototype R22 is utilized to form a succession of identical bubbles (204). FIG. 8 shows succession (204) is formed of eight bubbles; and each of these bubbles have identical diameters. For example, for a bubble diameter of 0.007 cm, the variance of the diameter is estimated to be within approximately plus or minus 0.002 cm.
  • FIG. 8 shows a dynamic state. And also shows a selected quantity of liquid (207) disposed in prototype R22. The upper end of liquid (207) is indicated by the arcuate line at point (211). The concise steps, which form the configuration shown in FIG. 8 are set forth in the following experiment E. FIG. 8 does not show the inherent phenomenon, which causes the succession of identical bubbles (204) to be formed.
  • FIG. 8 shows the succession of identical bubbles (204) is located near the axis of tube (202). And liquid (207) encloses bubbles (204).
  • Prototype R22 is described further in the following table.
  • FIG. 9 shows a front view of a prototype R11. One of the objectives of prototype R11 is to show a very reliable pbod system. For example, prototype R11 dispenses more than three hundred consecutive pbods; and each pbod contains 7 ul of liquid; and there is no overspray for any trial. Where prototype R11 utilizes inherent residual liquid located in the discharge tube.
  • FIG. 9 shows the upper end of prototype R11 is a flexible VISINE bottle (300). Where this VISINE bottle does not contain a dispensing tip. The upper end of a tube (301) is rigidly attached to the lower end of the neck of the VISINE bottle (300). Tube (301) is co-axial with the neck of the VISINE bottle. This attachment is formed by an annular epoxy resin (311). Resin (311) forms an annular leak-tight seal.
  • The upper end of a tube (302) is inserted approximately 0.5 cm into the lower end of tube (301). The lower end of tube (301) is indicated by reference numeral (310).
  • Prototype R11 is utilized to dispense a pbod (70). The scale of FIG. 9 is not suitable to show the interior structure of pbod (70); and therefore, a dot is utilized to show pbod (70).
  • Prototype R11 is described further in the following table. A concise method of utilizing prototype R11 is provided in the following Experiment Q.
  • The following prototypes are particular embodiments of the appended figures of the drawing. Where the present description of these figures, and the following description in the prototype table define the structure of the prototype. Each prototype table contains a list of the pertinent figures of the drawing. For example, in prototype table PROTOTYPE R29, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 define the configuration of prototype R29, and the present description of these figures define the configuration of prototype R29, and the corresponding parts of prototype R29 are further defined in the prototype table PROTOTYPE R29, and prototype R29 is similar to FIG. 1.
  • All prototypes presented herein are made by the present Inventor. All prototypes are made by hand. Also, only one prototype of each model No. exists. For example, only one prototype R29 exists.
  • All cuts in all prototypes are made with a STANLEY knife (pencil style handle) with blade model No. 11-411 UPC No. 076174114119.
  • The cuts are made according to the following steps:
  • First, placing one sheet of paper (20 lb) on a rigid solid horizontal wooden table;
  • second, placing the part on the sheet of paper;
  • third, placing the cutting edge of the blade on the surface of the part; and the cutting edge of the blade resides approximately horizontal; and the cutting edge of the blade remains approximately horizontal throughout the entire cut;
  • fourth, slowly increasing the force on the handle in one vertical direction until cutting begins; and maintaining an approximate constant speed throughout the entire cut; and
  • maintaining only one vertical direction of cutting throughout the entire cut.
  • NOTE: each entire surface is cut with only one continuous motion. For example, while cutting a 0.5 cm diameter tube, the blade traverses a vertical distance of 0.5 cm in one continuous motion.
  • The parts of prototype R29 are assembled according to the following steps, including:
  • First, cutting all parts to the desired dimension;
  • second, inserting a smooth solid copper wire into the outlet end of tube (27), such that the end of the wire extends approximately 0.8 cm beyond the upper end of tube (27); and the OD of the wire matches the ID of tube (27) to a slip-fit (i.e. the OD of the wire is approximately 0.02 cm less than the ID of tube (27);
  • third, placing tube (28) on the upper end of tube (27) such that the wire maintains tube (28) co-axial with tube (27);
  • fourth, applying the lower portion of annular resin (4) as shown in FIG. 2, and allow to dry for 5 hours;
  • fifth, placing tube (29) on tube (28) as shown in FIG. 2; and applying annular resin (4) and allow to dry for 5 hours;
  • sixth, placing tube (11) on the upper end of tube (29) as shown in FIG. 2; and applying resin (2) as shown in FIG. 2;
  • seventh, placing structure (22) on the upper end of tube (29) and applying resin (1) as shown in FIG. 2;
  • eighth, while holding only tube (27), removing the copper wire from tube (27) (objective is to not break seal of resin (4));
  • ninth, attaching tube (27) to tube (43) with resin (5) as shown in FIG. 2, and allow to dry for 5 hours;
  • tenth, attaching tube (43) to bottle (40) as shown in FIG. 2; and allow to dry for 8 hours; and the axis of tube (27) is perpendicular and co-planar with the axis of the neck of the VISINE bottle (40); and dispensing tip (100A) is located near the neck of the VISINE bottle (40).
  • The parts of prototype R29 are placed by hand at the desired location; and the epoxy resin is applied; and the location of the part is adjusted as necessary using a narrow steel rod and magnifying glass (approximately 3 times power). The dimensions of the prototype are checked after drying.
  • For prototype R29: structure (22) is formed from one flat sheet of PVC; and first, cut to the desired width; and second, bend to two flat parallel walls; and third, cut to the desired height; and fourth, separate the two walls to the desired dimension Y.
  • The present figures of the drawing depict the configuration of the present prototypes. These figures are an approximate scaled version of the actual prototype. Therefore, IF necessary, these figures of the drawing can be utilized to determine the location of a part. Also, parts of the prototypes may be not shown for clarity.
  • Obviously, the appended figures of the drawing do not show the inherent results of the above-described method of forming the present prototypes. For example, resultant surface roughness of a cut surface, edge sharpness of a cut surface, or very small gaps between surfaces (i.e. approximately 0.002 cm, or approximately 0.01 cm). All inherent features, which result from the method of making the present prototypes described herein (made by hand) form a part of the present disclosure.
    PROTOTYPE R29
    Prototype R29 is previously described and shown in FIG. 2,
    FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and similar to FIG. 1; and further described
    as follows:
    PART No. DESCRIPTION
    (22) converging rectangular flat walls; inverted V
    shape; transparent PVC; dimension N = 0.13 cm;
    dimension V = 0.23 cm; dimension Y = 0.10 cm;
    0.025 cm thick; from the bubble wrap packaging
    from JB WELD (JB WELD COMPANY)
    UPC: 043425826558
    (11) tube; and each end is flat; material: TEFLON;
    0.317 cm OD; 0.165 cm ID; 0.13 cm axial length;
    (SPECTRUM CHROMATOGRAPHY)
    (29) tube; and each end is flat; material: TEFLON;
    0.158 cm OD; 0.078 cm ID; 0.69 cm axial length;
    (SPECTRUM CHROMATOGRAPHY)
    (28) dispensing tip from VISINE; 0.16 cm upper end OD;
    0.08 cm lower end ID; 0.35 cm axial length;
    opening (35) is 0.02 cm diameter; from lot No.
    0103611/expire OCTOBER 2005; material is unknown/
    similar to polyethelene (PFIZER, INC.);
    0.04 cm upper end ID UPC: 074300008035
    (27) tube; and each end is flat; material: TEFLON;
    0.158 cm OD; 0.078 cm ID; 0.64 cm axial length;
    (SPECTRUM CHROMATOGRAPHY)
    (1)(2)(4) JB WELD (JB WELD COMPANY) UPC: 043425826558
    (5)(6)
    (40) VISINE bottle; 15 ml (PFIZER, INC.)
    (41) VISINE cap; from 15 ml VISINE bottle(PFIZER, INC)
    (43) neck of VISINE bottle; 15 ml; approximately
    0.9 cm ID; 1.3 cm axial length; tube shape
    (42) VISINE dispensing tip (PFIZER, INC.)
    (44) annular seal; from portion of VISINE dispensing
    tip; 1.0 cm OD; 0.9 cm ID; and 0.2 cm length
    (PFIZER, INC.)
    (45) VISINE cap; from 15 ml VISINE bottle(PFIZER, INC)

    NOTE:

    resin (1) is 0.1 cm wide; 0.13 length; 0.08 cm height; and is located at two places; and the 0.13 cm length of resin (1) coincides with the dimension N of structure (22).
  • PROTOTYPE R22
    Prototype R22 is previously described and shown in FIG. 8;
    and further described as follows:
    PART No. DESCRIPTION
    (200) VISINE bottle; empty; 30 ml (PFIZER, INC.)
    (201) VISINE dispensing tip (PFIZER, INC.)
    (202) tube; and each end is flat; 0.317 cm OD;
    0.078 cm ID; 6.5 cm length; polyethelene;
    translucent; the upper end of tube (202) is
    cut to accomodate the lower end ID of tip (201)
    such that a leak-tight seal is formed
  • PROTOTYPE R11
    Prototype R11 is previously described and shown is FIG. 9;
    and further described as follows:
    PART No. DESCRIPTION
    (300) VISINE bottle only(no tip); 30 ml (PFIZER, INC)
    (302) tube; and each end is flat; 0.18 cm OD;
    0.08 cm ID; 3.0 cm length; the upper end OD of
    tube (302) is cut such that tube (302) can be
    inserted into tube (301); and such that a leak-
    tight seal is formed; polyethelene
    (301) tube; and each end is flat; 0.28 cm OD;
    0.13 cm ID; 2.0 cm length; polyethelene
    (311) JB WELD (JB WELD COMPANY) UPC: 043425826558
  • The following table is a list of the experiments, the prototype utilized in the experiment, and a summary of an objective of the experiment:
    SUMMARY OF EXPERIMENTS
    EXPERIMENT X: prototype R29; measure diameter of liquid on
    test paper.
    EXPERIMENT U: prototype R29; other person executes
    Experiment X
    EXPERIMENT M: prototype R29; measure mass of pbod
    EXPERIMENT Q: prototype R11; form pbod utilizing residual
    liquid; and observe diameter
    of discrete pbod i.e. FIG. 9
    EXPERIMENT E: prototype R22; form succession of identical
    bubbles
    EXPERIMENT V: prototype R29; eject a pbod having a vertical
    initial velocity i.e. a direction
    opposite to a gravity vector
    EXPERIMENT H: prototype R29; eject a pbod having a horizontal
    initial velocity
    EXPERIMENT L: prototype R29; eject a pbod having a 45 degree
    initial velocity; and a 135
    degree initial velocity

    Experiment X is executed according to the following steps [Xa.] to [Xg.] as follows:
    [Xa.] Holding bottle (40) in one hand at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger such that structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50) (i.e. FIG. 1 rotated 90 degrees); and also such that outlet (25) is clearly observable;
    [Xb.] observing bottle (40) to confirm structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50);
    [Xc.] slowly collapsing bottle (40) at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger approximately 0.5 cm such that liquid (50) is visible at outlet (25); and the end of liquid (50) is located at or near the outlet (25) as shown in FIG. 5 (i.e. 0.05 cm is near the outlet; and 0.07 cm beyond the outlet is near the outlet); an objective of this step includes to confirm that tip (100A) contains liquid (50);
    [Xd.] slowly removing the collapsing force at points S and point T; and simultaneously maintain enough compressive force to hold the bottle; and simultaneously rotating bottle (40) to a dispensing position shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 1 such that gas (60) surrounds structure (22); it requires about 1 to 2 seconds to remove the collapsing force; and do not remove the collapsing force rapidly (i.e. within 30 ms is rapidly);
    [Xe.] waiting approximately 1 to 2 seconds; and do not wait more than approximately 5 seconds to execute step [Xf.];
    [Xf.] collapsing bottle (40) at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger at approximately 0.5 cm per second, or approximately 0.4 cm per second (i.e. 0.5 cm/1 second, or 0.4 cm/1 second); and dispensing a pbod on the test paper;
    NOTE: outlet (25) is disposed approximately 9 cm above the test paper for all trials in Experiment X;
    [Xg.] placing bottle (40) at a typical rest position for the VISINE bottle (i.e. the axis of tube (27) is horizontal); and measuring the outer diameter of the liquid on the test paper; and recording data. End of EXPERIMENT X.
    EXPERIMENT V is executed according to the following steps [Va.] to [Vc.] as follows:
    [Va.] Holding bottle (40) at points S and point T, and rotating bottle (40) such that structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50) (i.e. FIG. 1 rotated 90 degrees);
    [Vb.] rotating bottle (40) to an inverted position of FIG. 1 (i.e. the initial velocity of the pbod is in the opposite direction of a gravity vector);
    [Vc.] collapsing bottle (40) at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger at approximately 0.5 cm per second, or approximately 0.4 cm per second; and observing results; and recording results. End of EXPERIMENT V.
    EXPERIMENT H is executed according to the following steps [Ha.] to [Hc.] as follows:
    [Ha.] Holding bottle (40) at points S and point T, and rotating bottle (40) such that structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50) (i.e. FIG. 1 rotated 90 degrees);
    [Hb.] rotating bottle (40) such that the axis of tube (27) is horizontal and structure (22) is surrounded by gas (60);
    [Hc.] collapsing bottle (40) at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger at approximately 0.5 cm per second, or approximately 0.4 cm per second; and observing results; and recording data. End of EXPERIMENT H.
    EXPERIMENT L is executed according to the following steps [La.] to [Lc.] as follows:
    [La.] Holding bottle (40) at points S and point T such that the axis of tube (27) is vertical and liquid (50) is disposed at the lower portion of bottle (40) as shown in FIG. 1; and subsequently rotating bottle (40) such that structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50) (i.e. FIG. 1 rotated 90 degrees);
    [Lb.] rotating bottle (40) to 45 degrees from the position of FIG. 1 (i.e. the initial velocity of the pbod is 45 degrees from a gravity vector);
    [Lc.] collapsing bottle (40) at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger at approximately 0.5 cm per second, or approximately 0.4 cm per second; and observing results; and recording data. End of EXPERIMENT L.
    EXPERIMENT U is executed according to the following steps [Ua.] to [Ud.] as follows:
    [Ua.] Notifying another person the following steps are an experiment;
    [Ub.] the present Inventor giving verbal and visual instructions to this other person; where these instructions are to execute Experiment X according to the steps [Xa.] to [Xg.] set forth herein;
    [Uc.] Inventor observing this other person execute steps [Xa.] to step [Xg.];
    [Ud.] Inventor observing, recording, and measuring the results of the trial. End of EXPERIMENT U.
    EXPERIMENT E is executed according to the following steps [Ea.] to [Ef.] as follows:
    [Ea.] Removing tip (201) from bottle (200) (do not remove tube (202) from tip (201));
    [Eb.] injecting approximately 20 to 60 ul of liquid (207) in dispensing tip (201) such that the upper surface (211) is approximately 0.2 cm above opening (35);
    [Ec.] replacing tip (201) on bottle (200);
    [Ed.] rotating bottle (200) such that the axis of tube (202) is generally vertical as shown in FIG. 8;
    [Ee.] collapsing bottle (200) at points S and point T at an approximate constant speed of 0.1 cm per second, or 0.4 cm per second (collapse with thumb and forefinger);
    [Ef.] observing the upper end of tube (202). End of EXPERIMENT E.
    EXPERIMENT Q is executed according to the following steps [Qa.] to [Qe.] as follows:
    [Qa.] Removing tube (302) from tube (301);
    [Qb.] injecting 6.7 ul of liquid into the lower end (310) of tube (301) using metered syringe (1 cc/29 guage needle);
    [Qc.] replacing tube (302) into tube (301); and tube (302) extends approximately 0.5 cm into tube (301); and maintain an appropriate compressive force at points S and point T such that the dose of liquid remains in a static state (no motion); and the dose of liquid is located at the lower end of tube (301);
    [Qd.] rotating bottle (300) such that the axis of tube (302) is generally vertical as shown in FIG. 9;
    [Qe.] collapsing bottle (300) at points S and point T with the thumb and forefinger at approximate constant speed of approximately 0.1 cm per second to approximately 0.3 cm per second, and a total distance of approximately 0.5 cm; and observing the discrete pbod (i.e. pbod (70) in FIG. 9).
    NOTE: The residual liquid in tube (302) is not removed; and the residual liquid in tube (301) is not removed. Tube (301) and tube (302) contain residual liquid at the end of step [Qe.].
    NOTE: An additional step [Qf.] is added for trials Nos. 12 to 39. This step [Qf.] is as follows:
    [Qf.] removing tube (302) from tube (301); and placing tube (302) on a horizontal surface; and measuring the location and width of the residual liquid in tube (302).
    End of EXPERIMENT Q.
    EXPERIMENT M is executed according to the following steps [Ma.] to [Mc.] as follows:
    [Ma.] Placing one sheet of test paper on scale;
    [Mb.] closing all sides of breeze break; and set zero function;
    [Mc.] dispensing pbod onto test paper according to steps in Experiment X; and recording electronic display of the mass.
  • End of EXPERIMENT M.
    TABLE X
    R29 L Experiment X prototype R29
    Liquid (50) = REFRESH LIQUIGEL (lot No. 30469)
    (ALLERGAN, INC.) (expire: Mar 06)
    TRIAL O D (in)
    19 July 2004 (19.07.04)
     1 0.170-7:07 am
     2 0.180 air
     3 0.170 27.5 C.
     4 0.170
     5 0.170
     6 0.170
     7 0.160
     8 0.170-7:13 am
     9 1x 0.170
     10 0.170
     11 0.150
     12 0.170
     13 0.170
     14 0.160
     15 0.180
     16 0.170-7:19 am
     17 0.180
     18 0.180
     19 0.180
     20 0.180
     21 0.180
     22 0.190
     23 0.170
     24 0.170
     25 0.160
     26 0.180
     27 0.170
     28 0.160
     29 0.160
     30 0.180
     31 0.170
     32 0.170
     33 0.170
     34 0.160
     35 0.170
     36 0.180
     37 0.160
     38 0.160
     39 0.160
     40 0.170
     41 0.180
     42 0.160
     43 0.160
     44 0.160
     45 0.170
     46 0.150
     47 0.180
     48 0.170
     49 0.150
     50 0.170
     51 0.180
     52 1x 0.150
     53 0.150
     54 0.180
     55 0.170
     56 0.170
     57 0.180
     58 0.170
     59 0.150
     60 0.180
     61 0.160
     62 0.160
     63 0.160
     64 0.170
     65 0.170
     66 0.170
     67 0.170
     68 1x 0.160
     69 0.170
     70 0.160
     71 0.160-7:59 am
     72 0.180
     73 0.170
     74 0.170
     75 0.170
     76 0.150
     77 0.170
     78 0.170-8:05 am
     79 0.170
     80 2x 0.180
     81 0.180
     82 0.150
     83 0.150
     84 0.160
     85 0.160
    8:11 am-  86 0.180
     87 0.180
     88 0.170
     89 0.180
     90 0.170
     91 0.160
     92 0.180
     93 0.170
     94 0.170
     95 0.160
     96 0.150
     97 0.170
    air  98 0.170
    28.0 C.  99 0.170
    8:22 am- 100 0.180
    19 July 101 0.190
    2004 102 0.180
    103 0.180
    104 0.180
    105 0.170
    106 0.180
    107 0.180
    108 1x 0.170
    109 0.180
    110 0.180
    111 0.180
    112 0.170
    113 0.180
    114 0.170
    115 0.180
    116 0.170
    117 0.170
    118 0.180
    119 2x 0.180
    120 0.170
    NOTE: Approximately 5 trials per 100 trials do not appear to
    have any bubbles; the bubbles may be small and not observable, or
    the bubbles burst prior to observing on test paper. All pbods in
    these trials for this Experiment X contain approximately 3 to 5
    bubbles having a diameter of approximately 0.02 cm diameter,
    except as noted above.
    121 0.170
    122 0.170
    123 0.170
    124 0.170
    125 0.170
    126 0.160
    127 0.160
    128 0.150
    129 0.170
    130 0.180-5:10 pm
    131 0.170 air
    132 0.160 29.0 C.
    133 0.160
    134 0.170
    135 0.180
    136 0.180
    137 0.180
    138 0.170
    139 0.180
    140 0.170
    141 0.180
    142 1x 0.160
    143 0.190
    144 0.180
    145 1x 0.180
    146 1x 0.180
    147 0.180
    148 0.180
    149 0.180
    150 0.180-5:24 pm
    151 0.170
    152 0.170
    153 0.190
    154 0.160
    155 0.170
    156 0.170
    157 0.170
    158 0.180
    159 0.180
    160 0.170-5:32 pm
    161 0.180
    162 0.170
    163 0.190
    164 0.170
    165 0.160
    166 0.160
    167 0.180
    168 0.170
    169 0.170
    170 0.180-5:39 pm
    171 0.190
    172 0.160
    173 0.180
    174 0.160
    175 0.150
    176 0.180
    177 0.180
    178 0.180
    179 0.180
    180 0.180
    181 0.170
    182 0.160
    183 0.170
    184 0.170
    185 0.170
    186 0.170
    187 0.160
    188 0.170
    189 0.170
    190 0.170
    191 0.180
    192 0.180
    193 0.160
    194 0.160
    195 0.160
    196 0.160
    197 0.160
    198 0.140
    199 0.160
    200 0.170-6:02 pm
    11:00 pm- 201 0.170
    202 0.180
    11:02 pm- 203 0.170
    6:51 am- 204 0.180
    21 July 205 0.170
    2004 206 0.170
    207 0.180
    208 0.170
    209 0.180
    210 0.180
    211 0.180
    212 0.180
    213 0.180
    214 0.180
    215 1x 0.150
    216 0.180
    217 0.170
    218 0.180
    219 0.190
    220 0.180
    221 0.180
    222 0.180
    223 0.180
    224 0.180
    225 0.180
    226 0.180
    227 0.180
    228 0.180
    229 0.180
    7:10 am- 230 0.180
    7:20 am- 231 0.190
    air 232 0.170
    27.5 C. 233 0.170
    234 0.160
    235 0.170
    236 0.180
    237 0.170
    238 0.170
    239 0.180
    240 0.180
    NOTE: prototype R29 is not used between 21 July 2004, 10:30 pm
    to 24 July 2004, 8:40 am; and cap (45) and seal (44) is on neck (43)
    during this period of rest; TOTAL hours at rest between trial 600
    to trial 601: 58 hours.
    21 July 2004 (21.07.04)
    241 0.180
    242 0.180-7:28 am
    243 0.160
    244 0.170
    245 0.180
    246 0.180
    247 0.180
    248 0.180
    249 0.160
    250 0.160-7:33 am
    251 0.170-9:28 am
    252 0.180 air
    253 1x 0.170 27.8 C.
    254 0.150
    255 0.180
    256 0.170
    257 0.170
    258 0.180
    259 0.170
    260 0.170
    261 0.170
    262 0.170-9:36 am
    263 0.190-9:39 am
    264 1x 0.180
    265 0.160
    266 0.190
    267 0.180
    268 0.170
    269 0.180
    270 0.170
    271 0.180-9:46 am
    272 0.180-9:49 am
    273 0.180
    274 0.170
    275 0.180
    276 0.180
    277 0.150
    278 0.180
    279 0.180
    280 0.180
    281 0.180
    282 0.180
    283 0.170-9:56 am
    284 0.180
    285 0.160
    286 0.170
    287 0.170
    288 2x 0.170
    289 2x 0.160
    290 0.180-10:02 am
    291 0.190
    292 0.180
    293 0.180
    294 0.180
    295 0.180
    296 0.180
    297 0.170
    298 1x 0.170
    299 0.190
    300 0.180-10:10 am
    301 0.190-4:35 pm
    302 0.180
    303 0.180
    304 0.190
    305 0.160
    306 0.180
    307 0.180
    308 0.170
    309 0.170
    310 0.170
    311 0.180
    312 0.170
    313 0.170
    314 0.180
    315 0.170
    316 1x 0.160
    317 0.180
    318 0.180
    319 0.160
    4:49 pm- 320 0.180
    321 0.180
    322 0.180
    323 0.180
    324 0.160
    325 0.170
    326 0.160
    327 0.160
    328 0.180
    329 0.170
    330 0.180
    331 1x 0.180
    332 0.180
    4:58 pm- 333 0.180
    334 0.180
    335 0.170
    336 0.180
    337 0.150
    338 0.180
    339 0.160
    340 1x 0.160
    341 0.150
    342 0.180
    343 0.170
    344 0.170
    345 1x 0.170
    346 0.180
    347 0.180
    348 0.170
    349 0.180
    5:11 pm- 350 1x 0.180
    351 0.180
    352 0.170
    353 0.150
    354 0.160
    355 0.180
    356 0.180
    21 July 357 0.160
    air 358 0.190
    30.0 C. 359 0.160
    5:17 pm- 360 0.160
    NOTE: prototype R29 is not used between 24 July 2004, 8:40 am to
    24 July 2004, 10:22 pm; and cap (45) and seal (44) is on neck (43)
    during this period of rest; TOTAL hours at rest between trial 601
    to trial 602: 14 hours. Further, prototype R29 is allowed to rest
    for periods of between 5 to 10 hours, without cap (45); and
    dispenses a pbod on the first subsequent trial.
    361 0.180-5:33 pm
    362 0.180 air
    363 0.190 27.7 C.
    364 0.180
    365 0.160
    366 0.180
    367 1x 0.160
    368 0.180
    369 0.190
    370 0.190
    371 0.180
    372 0.190
    373 0.170
    374 0.150
    375 0.170
    376 0.170
    377 2x 0.180
    378 0.170 air
    379 0.180 28.0 C.
    380 0.180-5:46 pm
    381 1x 0.200
    382 0.180
    383 0.180
    384 0.180
    385 0.180
    386 0.180
    387 0.180
    388 0.180
    389 1x 0.190
    390 0.190-5:52 pm
    391 0.160
    392 0.180
    393 0.160
    394 0.190
    395 0.160
    396 0.170
    397 0.180
    398 0.180 air
    399 0.170 29.1 C.
    400 0.180-5:58 pm
    401 0.180-6:37 pm
    402 0.180
    403 0.190
    404 0.180
    405 0.180
    406 0.180
    407 0.180
    408 0.170
    409 0.190
    410 0.170
    411 0.190
    412 0.180
    413 0.180
    414 0.160
    415 1x 0.170
    416 0.180
    417 0.170
    418 2x 0.160
    419 0.180
    420 0.180-6:49 pm
    421 0.190 air
    422 0.170 27.5 C.
    423 0.170
    424 0.170
    425 0.160
    426 0.170
    427 0.170
    428 0.160
    429 0.140
    430 0.170-6:57 pm
    431 0.180-6:59 pm
    432 0.180
    433 0.170
    434 0.150
    435 0.150
    436 0.160
    437 0.170
    438 1x 0.140
    439 1x 0.170
    440 0.170
    441 0.160
    442 0.150
    443 0.170
    444 0.160
    445 0.170
    446 0.150
    447 0.180
    448 0.170
    449 0.170
    450 0.150-7:11 pm
    451 0.160
    452 0.160
    453 0.160
    454 0.180
    455 0.170
    456 0.160
    457 0.180
    458 0.170
    459 0.160
    7:19 pm- 460 0.160
    461 0.180
    462 0.170
    463 0.150
    464 0.160
    465 0.160
    466 0.160
    467 0.180
    468 0.160
    469 0.160
    470-7:25 0.160
    471 pm 0.160
    472 0.160
    473 0.150
    474 1x 0.170
    475 0.160
    476 0.170
    477 0.160
    478 0.150
    479 1x 0.170
    480 0.170
    481 0.160
    482 0.150
    483 0.150
    484 0.150
    7:34 pm- 485 0.160
    486 0.150
    487 0.150
    488 0.160
    489 0.180
    490 1x 0.160
    491 0.160
    492 0.150
    493 0.160
    494 0.160
    495 0.160
    496 0.160
    497 0.150
    498 0.170
    499 0.140
    7:45 pm- 500 0.170
    9:11 pm- 501 0.160
    air 502 0.160
    28.5 C. 503 0.150
    504 0.150
    505 0.150
    506 0.170
    507 0.160
    508 0.170
    509 0.150
    510 0.150
    511 1x 0.150
    512 0.160
    513 0.150
    514 0.150
    515 0.170
    516 1x 0.130
    517 1x 0.160
    518 2x 0.150
    519 0.140
    520 0.140-air
    521 0.170 28.8 C.
    522 0.160
    523 0.150
    524 0.170
    525 0.140
    526 0.170
    527 1x 0.170
    528 0.180
    529 0.170
    530 0.170
    531 0.160-9:31 pm
    532 0.180
    533 1x 0.160
    534 0.160
    535 0.160
    536 0.170
    537 0.170
    538 1x 0.150
    539 2x 0.170
    540 0.160
    541 0.180
    542 1x 0.120
    543 1x 0.170
    544 0.160
    545 0.160
    546 0.150
    547 0.170
    548 0.160
    549 0.160
    9:43 pm- 550 0.170
    551 0.160
    552 0.170
    553 0.160
    554 0.160
    555 0.170
    556 0.160
    557 0.170
    558 0.150
    559 0.160
    560-9:50 0.170
    561 pm 0.160
    562 0.150
    563 0.170
    564 1x 0.160
    565 0.160
    566 0.170
    567 0.170
    568 0.170
    569 0.160
    9:58 pm- 570 0.160
    571 0.170
    572 0.160
    573 0.140
    574 0.150
    10:03 pm- 575 0.160
    576 0.160
    577 0.170
    578 0.180
    579 0.150
    580 0.160
    10:18 pm- 581 0.180
    582 0.180
    583 0.160
    584 0.170
    585 0.180
    586 0.160
    587 0.190
    588 0.160
    589 0.180
    10:23 pm- 590 0.180
    10:25 pm- 591 0.190
    592 0.170
    593 0.160
    594 0.180
    595 1x 0.150
    596 1x 0.160
    air 597 0.160
    28.0 C. 598 1x 0.170
    21 July 599 0.170
    10:30 pm- 600 1x 0.170
    8:40 am- 601 0.180
    24 July
    10:22 pm- 602 0.180
    24 July 603 0.170
    air 604 0.150
    29.0 C. 605 0.160
    606 0.160
    607 0.150
    608 0.160
    10:27 pm- 609 0.170
    10:29 pm- 610 0.170
    11:26 pm- 611 0.160
    air 612 1x 0.170
    28.7 C. 613 0.170
    614 0.150
    615 0.130
    616 0.160
    617 1x 0.160
    618 0.170
    619 0.160
    11:33 pm- 620 0.160
    24 July
    NOTE: explanation of table data: The entry indicated below means:
    the air temperature is 28.0 C. at 10:30 pm on 21 July 2004;
    and trial No. 600 is executed at 10:30 pm on 21 July 2004; and
    the diameter of liquid on test paper is 0.170
    inches; and there is one overspray drop
    (or hollow body), which is 0.008 inches diameter.
    air
    28.0 C.
    21 July
    10:30 pm-600 1x 0.170
    R29 L Experiment X prototype R29
    Liquid (50) = REFRESH LIQUIGEL (lot No. 30469)
    Trials Nos. 621 to 670 dispense pbods having a dia. Between 0.150 to
    0.180; and four occurrence of overspray.
    Trial O D
    671 0.200-11:33 am
    672 0.180 air
    673 0.180 27.0 C.
    674 0.170
    675 0.180
    676 0.160
    677 0.180
    678 0.150
    679 0.170
    680 0.160-11:38 am 15 Aug 2004
    SUMMARY OF TABLE X R29 L DATA
    D = measured diameter of liquid on test paper, in inches;
    O = overspray; 1x = one drop; 2x = 2 drops, etc.;
    no entry = no overspray
    TOTAL TRIALS: 620
    TOTAL CONSECUTIVE SUCCESSFUL TRIALS: 620
    maximum dia./v = 0.200/8 ul
    minimum dia./v = 0.120/4.5 ul
    standard deviation (volume): 0.5
    average diameter
    on test paper: 0.169
    average volume: 6.5 ul
    volume/quantity of occurrence
    8.0 ul = 1
    7.5 ul = 27
    7.0 ul = 196
    6.5 ul = 191
    6.0 ul = 140
    5.6 ul = 54
    5.3 ul = 8
    5.0 ul = 2
    4.5 ul = 1
    Total trials = 620
    total trials with overspray: 48
    NOTE: these volumetric quantities
    are estimates based on
    experimental data.
    NOTE: CONSECUTIVE meaning: there are no attempts to dispense a
    pbod during the above-noted periods of rest between trials.
    IMPORTANT NOTE: ten occurrence of overspray is observed to be a
    hollow body (i.e. one ball of liquid encloses one ball of air).
    All occurrence of overspray is measured to be approximately 0.008
    inches diameter. In light of the results of Experiment Q, it is
    contemplated that a possible source of the overspray is residual liquid
    is ejected immediately after the pbod is ejected.
  • AVERAGE TIME DISTRIBUTION IN EXPERIMENT X
    The following indicates the approximate average time Inventor
    utilized to execute the respective steps of Experiment X:
    Begin, pick up bottle; and rotate bottle such 4 s
    that outlet (25) is observable:
    Begin, to collapse bottle; 7 to 10 s
    and liquid reaches near outlet (25):
    begin, release collapsing force; 4 to 5 s
    and axis of tube (27) is vertical:
    begin, place bottle at rest position; 10 to 12 s
    and pick up scale and magnifying glass;
    and measure diameter of liquid:
    begin place scale and magnifying glass on table; 10 to 12 s
    writing results in laboratory notebook with ink
    pen; writing trial No. on test paper and notebook:
    AVERAGE TOTAL TIME PER TRIAL: 45 seconds
  • TABLE U R29 L
    Experiment U
    20 Jul. 2004 (20.07.04) Liquid (50):
    REFRESH LIQUIGEL prototype R29
    Person No. 1: age at time of trial: 74 years
    general health:  4
    eye glasses: yes bi-focal
    RESULTS person No. 1: trial No. 1: successfully dispensed pbod having 0.180 in.
    dia. on test paper. This person requires relatively
    more detailed instructions. i.e. this person has
    difficulty understanding instructions. This person
    made the following comment: I believe I am capable
    to utilize prototype R29 to instill a pbod on my eye.
    Person No. 2: age at time of trial: 11 years
    general health: 10
    eye glasses: no
    RESULTS person No. 2: trial No. 1: 0.170 in.
    trial No. 2: 0.180 in.
    trial No. 3: 0.180 in.
    person No. 3: age at time of trial: 60 years
    general health:  8
    eye glasses: yes tri-focals
    RESULTS person No. 3: trial No.
     1 0.190
     2 0.100
     3 0.200
     4 0.200
     5 0.210
     6 0.200
     7 0.200
     8 0.200
     9 0.200
    10 0.200
    11 0.230
  • TABLE Q R11 L
    13 FEB. 2004 (Feb. 02, 2004)
    EXPERIMENT Q PROTOTYPE R11
    Liquid (50) = REFRESH LIQUIGEL (ALLERGAN) = 7 ul
    UPC: 300239205307
    Trial Nos. 1 to 10 successfully dispense a pbod, each having an
    estimated diameter of 3.0 mm; and no overspray occurs.
    Figure US20070257066A1-20071108-C00001
    Trial No. D (mm) Trial No. D (mm) Trial No. D (mm)
    40 3.0-air 96 3.0 152 3.0
    41 3.0 26.7° C. 97 3.0 153 3.0
    42 3.0 98 3.0 154 3.0
    43 3.0-9:30 pm 99 3.0 155 3.0
    44 3.0 13 FEB 6:06 pm-100 3.0 156 3.0
    45 3.0 2004 101 3.0-9:54 am 157 3.0
    46 3.0 102 3.0 16 FEB 158 3.0
    47 3.0 103 3.0 2004 159 3.0
    48 3.0 104 3.0 160 3.0
    49 3.0 105 3.0 161 3.0
    50 3.0 106 3.0 162 3.0
    51 3.0 107 3.0 163 3.0
    52 3.0-11:44 am 108 3.0 164 3.0
    53 3.0 14 FEB 109 3.0 165 3.0
    54 3.0 2004 110 3.0 166 3.0
    55 3.0 111 3.0 167 3.0
    56 3.0 112 3.0 168 3.0
    57 3.0 113 3.0 169 3.0
    58 3.0 114 3.0 11:05 am-170 3.0
    59 3.0 115 3.0 171 3.0
    60 3.0 116 3.0 172 3.0
    61 3.0 117 3.0 173 3.0
    62 3.0 118 3.0 174 3.0
    63 3.0 119 3.0 175 3.0
    64 3.0 120 3.0 176 3.0
    65 3.0 121 3.0 177 3.0
    66 3.0-12:13 pm 122 3.0 178 3.0
    67 3.0 123 3.0 179 3.0
    68 3.0 124 3.0 180 3.0
    69 3.0 125 3.0 181 3.0
    70 3.0 126 3.0 182 3.0
    71 3.0 127 3.0 183 3.0
    72 3.0 128 3.0 184 3.0
    73 3.0 129 3.0 185 3.0
    74 3.0 130 3.0 186 3.0
    75 3.0 131 3.0 187 3.0
    76 3.0 air 132 3.0 188 3.0
    77 3.0 24.5° C. 10:16 am-133 3.0 189 3.0
    78 3.0 15 FEB 134 3.0 190 3.0
    79 3.0 2004 135 3.0 191 3.0
    80 3.0-5:37 pm 136 3.0 192 3.0
    81 3.0 137 3.0 193 3.0
    82 3.0 138 3.0 194 3.0
    83 3.0 139 3.0 195 3.0
    84 3.0 140 3.0 196 3.0
    85 3.0 141 3.0 197 3.0
    86 3.0 142 3.0 198 3.0
    87 3.0 143 3.0 199 3.0
    88 3.0 144 3.0 200 3.0
    89 3.0 145 3.0 201 3.0
    90 3.0 146 3.0 203 3.0
    91 3.0 147 3.0 11:26 am-204 3.0
    92 3.0 148 3.0
    93 3.0 149 3.0
    94 3.0 150 3.0
    95 3.0 151 3.0

    EXPLANATION OF TABLE Q R11 L DATA

    Quantity of liquid (50) injected into tube (301) is 7 ul;

    D = estimated diameter of discrete pbod in millimeters (mm);

    v = volume of residue in tube (302) in microliters.

    NOTE:

    overspray does NOT occur for any trials in Experiment Q, therefore, this item is omitted in the following tables.

    NOTE:

    trials Nos. 12 to 39 indicate the location and length of the residual liquid in tube (302). Dash (-) = air; “x” = liquid. The table contains a series of dashes (-) and “x” There is a total of thirty characters for each line (i.e. trial No. 13 contains 28 dashes and 2 “x”). Each character represents 1 mm length of tube (302). Tube (302) is 30 mm length, therefore 30 characters per line. Therefore, each character represents the
    # respective location (i.e. in trial 13, the residual liquid in tube (302) is 2 mm length; and located at the upper end of tube (302); and air occupies the lower 28 mm length ). “v” equals the calculated volume of the residual liquid (tube 302). In trial No. 22, “l” equals 0.5 mm length.
  • TABLE U R29 L
    Experiment U
    15 Aug. 2004 (15.08.04) Prototype R29
    Liquid (50) = REFRESH LIQUIGEL
    (lot No. 30469) (ALLERGAN, INC.)
    trial
    Person No. 1: No. results
    same person 1 steps executed incorrectly/no liquid
    of 20 Jul. ejected
    2004 2 pbod/0.170 in. dia./no overspray
    3 steps executed incorrectly/pendant drop
    4 steps executed incorrectly/no liquid
    ejected
    11:04- 5 steps executed incorrectly/pendant drop
    am 6 pbod/0.180 in. dia./no overspray

    NOTE:

    this is the same person No. 1 (age 74), which executed Experiment U on 20 Jul. 2004; the general health of this person is now rated at 3; on 15 August, this person has a broken left wrist, which was broken about 30 Jul. 2004; wearing a cast; having moderate continuous pain; using EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL for pain; reluctant to execute experiment; required complete instructions of the experimental steps; is unable to remember the appropriate experimental
    # steps; used right hand to execute experiment.
  • TABLE X R29 L
    Experiment X
    Liquid (50) = REFRESH LIQUIGEL (lot No. 30469) prototype R29
    Trials Nos. 621 to 670 dispense pbods having a dia. Between 0.150 to
    0.180; and four occurrence of overspray.
    Trial 0 D
    671 0.200-11:33 am
    672 0.180 air
    673 0.180 27.0 C
    674 0.170
    675 0.180
    676 0.160
    677 0.180
    678 0.150
    679 0.170
    680 0.160-11:38 am 15 Aug. 2004
  • The above tables of empirical data are labeled according to the experiment, the prototype utilized in the experiment, and the liquid (50) utilized in the experiment. For example, TABLE X R29 L is Experiment X, prototype R29, and liquid (50) is REFRESH LIQUIGEL.
  • Gas (60) is air for all trials in all experiments. The present Inventor executes all trials in all experiments, except as noted in Experiment U.
  • EXPERIMENT V RESULTS: prototype R29; liquid (50)=REFRESH LIQUIGEL; vertical orientation (opposite direction of a gravity vector): Trial No. 1 dispenses a pbod having a narrow parabolic path, where the height is about 5 cm, and the horizontal distance is about 1 cm. Trials No. 2 to 5 are not successful. Trials Nos. 6 and 7 dispense a pbod (similar path to trial No. 1). Trial Nos. 8 to 10 are not successful. Trial No. 11 dispenses a pbod (similar path to trial No. 1); and each pbod contains approximately 3 ul of liquid (50). Dose (77) is about 3 ul; and dose (10) is about 0.7 ul; and each pbod contains approximately three bubbles (75).
  • EXPERIMENT H RESULTS: prototype R29; liquid (50)=REFRESH LIQUIGEL: horizontal orientation: Trial No. 1 dispenses a pbod a horizontal distance of about 7 cm; Trials Nos. 2 to 4 are not successful. Trials Nos. 5 and 6 dispense a pbod a horizontal distance of about 4 cm. Trials Nos. 7 to 10 are not successful. And each pbod contains approximately 3 ul of liquid (50). Dose (77) is about 3 ul; and dose (10) is about 0.7 ul; and each pbod contains approximately three bubbles (75).
  • EXPERIMENT L RESULTS: prototype R29; liquid (50)=REFRESH LIQUIGEL: 45 degree orientation: Trial No. 1 is not successful. Trial No. 2 and 3 dispenses a pbod having a parabolic path. Trial Nos. 4 to 7 are not successful. Trial Nos. 8 and 9 dispense a pbod having a parabolic path; and each pbod contains approximately 3 ul of liquid (50). Dose (77) is about 3 ul; and dose (10) is about 0.7 ul; and each pbod contains approximately three bubbles (75).
  • The following is a summary of the events, which occur in Experiment X. Including, first the bottle (40) is in a position similar as shown in FIG. 1, and dispensing tip (100A) does not have cap (45); and cap (42) and seal (41) form a leak-tight seal; second, bottle (40) is rotated to a position shown in FIG. 5 such that structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50); and third, liquid (50) flows from left to right in FIG. 5; and fourth, liquid (50) stops flowing upon reaching outlet (25) as shown in FIG. 5 (i.e. FIG. 5 depicts both a dynamic state and a static state); fifth, liquid (50) flows from right to left in FIG. 5; and sixth, liquid (50) stops flowing upon reaching opening (35) as shown in FIG. 6 (i.e. the lower end of dose (77) is at opening (35) in FIG. 6), and the upper portion of tip (100A) contains a dose (77) of liquid (50), and a portion of this dose (77) is disposed between structure (22); seventh, a motive gas (65) imposes this dose (77) to flow from top to bottom in FIG. 7 as shown by the vertical arrow; eighth, motive gas (65) forms a dose (10) of gas (60), and dose (77) encloses this dose (10), and dose (10) has the form of a plurality of bubbles (75), and this dose (10) is the complete dose of gas in pbod (70). FIG. 7 does not show the inherent phenomenon, which causes dose (10) to be formed.
  • The following is a summary of the events, which occur in Experiment V. Including, first, structure (22) is surrounded by air; and second, structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50) for a period of approximately 2 to 3 seconds; and third, a dose of liquid (50) inherently flows between the two flat walls of structure (22) (i.e. capilary); and fourth, the bottle is rotated such that structure (22) is surrounded by gas (60); and fifth, a motive gas (65) forms a dose (10)of gas (60), and this dose (10) has the form of a plurality of bubbles (75), and this dose (10) is the complete dose of gas in one pbod (70).
  • The events in Experiment H, and Experiment L are similar to the above-described events of Experiment V.
  • EXPERIMENT E RESULTS: prototype R22; liquid (207) is REFRESH LIQUIGEL (ALLERGAN, INC.): Experiment E forms a succession of identical bubbles (204). For a collapsing speed of about 0.1 cm per second, the diameter of the bubbles is approximately 0.03 cm, and spaced about 0.09 cm equally distant; and this trial contains about 30 bubbles. Several additional consecutive trials are executed having identical results to the above-described results of Experiment E.
  • (Experiment E results) For a collapsing speed of about 0.4 cm per second, the bubbles are about 0.007 cm diameter, and spaced about 0.04 cm equally distant, and this trial contains about 70 bubbles (seventy). Several additional consecutive trials are executed having identical results to the above-describes results.
  • To summarize the events in Experiment E, including, first, bottle (200) contains air (212); and second, about sixty microliters of liquid (207) is disposed in tip (201) such that the upper surface (211) is about 0.2 cm above opening (35); and third, tip (201) is place on bottle (200); and fourth, a pressure drop over opening (35) imposes liquid (207) to flow down into tube (202); and fifth, upon near depletion of liquid in tip (201), a succession of identical bubbles (204) is formed in the upper portion of tube (202); liquid (207) encloses bubbles (204).
  • EXPERIMENT E RESULTS: Variations of prototype R22 have disensed pbods. For example, where the length of tube (202) is 1 cm or 0.5 cm; and the pbod contains about 7 ul liquid (207).
  • Manufactures
  • A & D ENGINEERING, Milpitas, Calif. 95035, U.S.
  • ALLERGAN, INC., Irvine, Calif. 92612, U.S.
  • BECTON DICKINSON, Franklin Lakes, N.J. 07417, U.S.
  • BOTTLING GROUP, LLC, Riverside, Calif. 92606, U.S.
  • JB WELD COMPANY, Sulphur Springs, Tex. 75483, U.S.
  • L.S. STARRETT, Athol, Mass., U.S.
  • PFIZER INC CONSUMER HEALTHCARE, Morris Plains, N.J., 07950, U.S.
  • SPECTRUM CHROMOTOGRAPHY, Houston, Tex. 77073, U.S.
  • SPERLE SCALES, INC, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. 90670 U.S.
  • STANLEY TOOLS, New Britain, Conn. 06053, U.S.
  • BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
  • The present disclosure includes several pioneering discoveries. Including, a complete dose of gas formed essentially by a motive gas; and a pbod formed utilizing inherent residual liquid in a discharge tube; and a pbod ejected from any indiscriminate selected initial velocity; and a succession of identical bubbles capable of forming the complete dose of gas in one pbod.
  • The best mode for carrying out these present discoveries is set forth in the present respective experiments and prototypes. The best mode to form a complete dose of gas is imposing an appropriate motive gas to flow through an appropriate flow channel. Where this motive gas imposes a dose of liquid to flow through the flow channel; and the motive gas forms the complete dose of gas.
  • Alternate Embodiments
  • There are many variations of dispensing tip (100A), which are capable of dispensing a pbod. Several of these embodiments are set forth in Coffelt, Jr. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/827,901 filed 19 Apr. 2004 (19.04.04). For example, structure (22) may have an arch shape. The prototypes in Ser. No. 10/827,901 dispense pbods, and it is contemplated that these alternate embodiments will have successful results in conjuntction with Experiment X. Experiment X and the prototypes of Ser. No. 10/827,901 should have similar results to the above results. The prototypes in Ser. No. 10/827,901 have dispensed 3 ul pbods having initial velocities of 135 degrees, 45 degrees, including other orientations.
  • There are clearly many well known methods to verify the location of dose (77) in FIG. 6. And also, many well known methods to verify the quantity of dose (77).
  • For example, the dispensing tip can be integrally formed with a lens. Therefore, allowing dose (77) to be observed in FIG. 6. This observation of dose (77) can be enhanced by utilizing a dose verification system. This dose verification system is summarized as a tube having the characteristic of two distinct different translucencies. The tube containing no liquid will have a first translucency [a]; and the tube containing a liquid will have a second translucency [b]. This change in translucency can be attained by the tube having a smooth outer surface; and a rough inner surface. Observing the tube without liquid produces an approximate translucent image; and observing the tube with liquid produces a transparent image. This change in translucency can be enhanced by having a black surface on the far side semi-annular surface of the tube. For this example, a dry tube appears to be light gray color; and the tube having liquid appears to be black color. Therefore, this distinct change in color confirms that the liquid is present in the tube.
  • The present figures of the drawing show the tubes having a straight axis. The tubes utilized in the present prototypes have an arcuate shaped axis. This inherent arcuate shape is a result of the method of storage of the tube. i.e. bulk storage on a roll. The radius of this arc is estimated to be about 13 cm. NOTE: The initial velocity of the pbod in Experiment X is approximately parallel to a gravity vector. Initial velocity meaning the speed and direction immediately below outlet (25).
  • Alternate liquids are capable to form a pbod. Including, water, i.e. AQUAFINA DRINKING WATER, (Bottling Group, LLC), TIMOLOL 0.5% or 0.3%, VISINE, CLEAR EYES.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a particular dispensing position. And in light of the results of Experiments V, H, and L, there are clearly many alternate orientations of the dispenser, which will dispense a pbod. For example, For a 3 ul pbod, FIG. 6 can be rotated by any desired angle, and this rotated-view of FIG. 6 depicts a dispensing position.
  • Experiments show that the most likely source of the overspray in Experiment X is residual liquid ejected immediately after the pbod is ejected. In light of the results of Experiment Q, it is contemplated that variations of prototype R29 will have no overspray. Also, variations of the viscosity of the liquid may eliminate the overspray.
  • The present specification contains specific embodiments of apparatus utilized to form the present novel pbod systems, and these embodiments are presented for example only. And there are many alternate configurations, which are capable of forming the present novel pbod systems. Where these alternate configurations can be empericaly determined. For example, alternate attachment means, which do not form chemical reactions with liquid (50); alternate shapes; alternate dimensions; alternate material i.e. glass; alternate liquid (50); alternate viscosities of liquid (50); alternate gas (60) i.e. Hydrogen or Helium, motor fuel i.e. commonly referred to as nitrous oxide; alternate doses of liquid (50) i.e. 1 ul, 2 ul, or 3 ul including others; alternate ranges of dose (77); alternate quantity of dose (10); alternate collapsing speeds; alternate collapsing distance of the bottle walls; alternate rest positions i.e. a rest position where structure (22) is immersed in liquid (50); and alternate configurations of the bottle (40).
  • The present specification contains specific embodiments of the present novel pbod systems, and these specific embodiments are provided for example only. Further, the present inventions are clearly pioneering discoveries, and the present inventions are not limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein, and only such limitations should be imposed as are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (7)

1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. A pbod system comprising:
a complete dose of gas composed essentially by a motive gas;
said dose of gas composing a plurality of balls;
said dose of gas is the complete dose of gas in one pbod.
4. A method of dispensing a liquid comprising the steps of:
a motive gas ejecting only one ball of liquid, where the quantity of said liquid is a dose; and said motive gas composing a complete dose of gas, where said complete dose of gas has the form of a plurality of balls; and said ball of liquid encloses said complete dose of gas.
5. The method of dispensing a liquid according to claim 4 wherein, said ball of liquid is ejected from an aperture; and said ball of liquid having a direction of motion, which is not in the direction of an Earth gravity vector; and said direction of motion exists on an interval between an instant after said ejection and an instant prior to said ball of liquid contacts a target.
6. An on demand method of dispensing 4 to 8 micro liters of liquid comprising the steps of: ejecting 4 to 8 micro liters of liquid on each selected instant, wherein said ejected liquid has the form of only one unitary body.
7. The on demand method of dispensing 4 to 8 micro liters of liquid according to claim 6 further including, a motive gas ejecting said liquid; and said motive gas composing a complete dose of gas; and said complete dose of gas having the form of a plurality of balls; and said ejected liquid encloses said complete dose of gas.
US11/578,745 2004-08-16 2004-08-16 Pbod System Abandoned US20070257066A1 (en)

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PCT/US2004/026528 WO2004110128A2 (en) 2004-08-16 2004-08-16 Pbod system (plural body on demand)

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Citations (4)

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US4279632A (en) * 1979-05-08 1981-07-21 Nasa Method and apparatus for producing concentric hollow spheres
US4643854A (en) * 1982-04-26 1987-02-17 California Institute Of Technology Shell forming system
US4671909A (en) * 1978-09-21 1987-06-09 Torobin Leonard B Method for making hollow porous microspheres
US6206297B1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2001-03-27 Louis Arthur Coffelt, Jr. Apparatus and method for manufacturing a gasdrop

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4960351A (en) * 1982-04-26 1990-10-02 California Institute Of Technology Shell forming system
US6418177B1 (en) * 1984-08-09 2002-07-09 John E Stauffer Fuel pellets for thermonuclear reactions

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4671909A (en) * 1978-09-21 1987-06-09 Torobin Leonard B Method for making hollow porous microspheres
US4279632A (en) * 1979-05-08 1981-07-21 Nasa Method and apparatus for producing concentric hollow spheres
US4643854A (en) * 1982-04-26 1987-02-17 California Institute Of Technology Shell forming system
US6206297B1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2001-03-27 Louis Arthur Coffelt, Jr. Apparatus and method for manufacturing a gasdrop

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WO2004110128A2 (en) 2004-12-23
WO2004110128A3 (en) 2005-09-09

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