The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 30, 1991
Filed:
Nov. 07, 1989
Robert N Weinreb, Rancho Santa Fe, CA (US);
Jerzy J Lewak, Del Mar, CA (US);
Andreas W Dreher, San Diego, CA (US);
Acumetric, Inc., San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
An electronic apparatus for counting and recording a number of drops of fluid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured as a molded receptacle housing for receiving a commercially available eyedrop bottle in which the cap has been replaced by the housing. The invention includes a detection means that detects the separation of drops from a fluid supply bottle, and counts and records the number of such drops in a preset time period. Optionally, a real-time clock time stamps the stream of drop count data so that the absolute time period during which drops are released is also ascertained and recorded. Optionally, a reminder signal or indication is given to a patient as to the dosage and appropriate time for each eyedrop administration, or an alarm is given if over or under medication is occurring. An alternative application is disclosed in which the drop detection and counting features of the invention are used in a feedback loop to control the flow of fluid in a drop metering system.