# US 2020/0390331 A1 · Rebound tonometer docking station and probe dispenser

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 2020/0390331 A1
- Document ID: US20200390331A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/441,067
- Filed: 2019-06-14
- Published: 2020-12-17
- Earliest claimed: 2019-06-14
- Assignees: Reichert, Inc.
- Applicants: Reichert, Inc.
- Inventors: James M. SCHWEITZER; Russell J. BONAVENTURA; David A. TAYLOR
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20200390331A1

## CPC

- A61B 3/16: for measuring intraocular pressure, e.g. tonometers
- A61B 50/24: Stands (Mayo stands A61B50/15)
- A61B 2050/3013: {having means for automatically ejecting the stored article}
- A61B 2560/0456: Apparatus provided with a docking unit
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A docking station for receiving a hand-held rebound tonometer and a probe container carrying disposable tonometer probes has a docking cavity for receiving a portion of the rebound tonometer and a container receptacle for receiving the probe container. The docking station has an actuation feature arranged to move a cover associated with the probe container from a closed position to an open position as the container is inserted into the container receptacle so that tonometer probes in the container are accessible. The actuation feature may include a projection extending into an entryway leading to the container receptacle for engaging the cover but not the container, such that further insertion of the container moves the cover from the closed to the open position. The docking station may also have a storage recess for receiving an empty probe tube and cap after the probe has been removed from the tube for use.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A docking station for receiving a hand-held rebound tonometer and a probe container carrying tonometer probes, wherein a cover is associated with the container and is movable relative to the container from a closed position in which the tonometer probes are confined in the container and an open position in which the tonometer probes are accessible by a user, the docking station comprising:
a support assembly including a base having an upwardly open docking cavity for receiving a portion of the rebound tonometer and a container receptacle for receiving the probe container;
wherein the support assembly further includes an actuation feature arranged to move the cover from the closed position to the open position as the container is inserted into the container receptacle.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly defines an entryway into which the container and cover are inserted during insertion of the container into the container receptacle, wherein the actuation feature comprises a projection extending into the entryway and arranged to engage the cover but not the container, whereby further insertion of the container into the container receptacle causes the cover to move from the closed position to the open position.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The docking station according to claim 2, herein the cover is caused to slide relative to the container from the closed position to the open position.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The docking station according to claim 2, wherein the projection is an overhanging projection extending downwardly into the entryway.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The docking station according to claim 4, wherein the support assembly further includes a roof attached to the base, wherein the roof covers at least a portion of the entryway.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The docking station according to claim 5, wherein the overhanging projection extends downward from the roof.

### Claim 7 (depends on 5)

The docking station according to claim 5, wherein the container receptacle is partially covered by the roof.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The docking station according to claim 5, wherein the container receptacle is inclined downwardly in an insertion direction of the container.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly further includes a storage recess.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The docking station according to claim 9, wherein the support assembly further includes a roof attached to the base, wherein the roof covers at least a portion of the entryway and the roof includes the storage recess.