METERED DOSE TOPICAL APPLICATOR
A topical applicator of the propel/repel type includes a reservoir, an attachable applicator cap, and a metered dosing system. The reservoir is suitable for mixing a topical formulation of multiple constituents using an electronic mortar and pestle and is closed using the applicator cap. Alternatively, the reservoir may be prefilled with a ready-to-use cream and medicament formulation, then sealed with a removable seal. The topical applicator can include a fast purge feature that overrides the metered dosing system to facilitate removal of air from the reservoir. The topical applicator can also include a one-way ratcheting feature to prevent reverse movement (repel) of the metered dosing system. Metered doses can be dispensed through holes in the applicator cap by rotating a knob, which has detent positions that correspond to discrete doses, and which provides audible and tactile feedback.
1 - 46 . (canceled)
47 . A method of preparing a topical applicator, including:
introducing topical formulation constituents into an empty topical applicator container with a movable elevator, and a knob to move the elevator;
attaching the topical applicator to a mixing apparatus;
mixing the topical formulation constituents into a topical formulation by the mixing apparatus;
removing the topical applicator container and movable elevator with the topical formulation constituents mixed; and
applying a dispense cap having a skin engagement surface with a plurality of dispense apertures to the topical applicator to thereby enclose the topical formulation.
48 . The method of claim 47 further comprising manually pushing the elevator toward the applicator cap without rotating a nut to purge air from the topical applicator container.
49 . The method of claim 47 , further comprising applying a prescription label to the applicator.
50 . The method of claim 47 , further comprising packaging the applicator in a sealed prescription envelope with instructions for use.
51 . The method of claim 47 , wherein all of the steps are performed at a single location.
52 . The method of claim 47 further comprising applying a cover to the dispense cap.
53 . The method of claim 47 further comprising purging air in a reservoir containing the topical formulation.
54 . The method of claim 48 , further comprising providing the topical applicator to an end user after the air is purged.
55 - 56 . (canceled)
57 . A method of distributing pharmaceutical formulations in a dispense container, the method comprising:
receiving at a compounding facility a plurality of dispense containers having elevators movable by rotatable knobs;
receiving at the compounding facility medicaments for adding to the dispense containers;
adding at least one medicament to a reservoir of one of the dispense container at the compounding facility;
mixing at the compounding facility the at least one medicament in the reservoir of the dispense container by a mixer with a motor powered paddle;
adding a dispense cap to the dispense container, the dispense cap having a dome shaped or flat dispense skin engaging surface with a plurality of apertures;
adding a cover to the dispense cap;
providing the dispense container with the mixed at least one medicament, the dispense cap, and the cover to an end user.
58 . The method of claim 57 , further comprising receiving at the compounder the plurality of dispense containers with the containers already filled with a base material.
59 . The method of claim 57 , further comprising adding a base material to the reservoir of the one of the dispense container.
60 . The method of claim 57 , further comprising adding a plurality of medicaments to the reservoir before the mixing.
61 . The method of claim 57 , further comprising adding a prescription label to an exterior of the dispense container and packaging the dispense container in an envelope.
62 . A method of preparing and using a topical applicator, including:
introducing topical formulation constituents into an empty topical applicator,
attaching the topical applicator to a mixing apparatus,
mixing the topical formulation constituents into a topical formulation,
removing the topical applicator from the mixing apparatus,
applying an applicator cap to the topical applicator to capture the topical formulation, the applicator cap having a plurality of apertures and a dome shaped or a flat skin engaging surface.
63 . The method of claim 62 further comprising purging air from topical applicator.
64 . The method of claim 62 further comprising adding a cover over the applicator cap.
65 . The method of claim 62 further comprising attaching a threaded lid with a shaft and paddle attached thereto to the topical applicator before attaching the topical applicator to the mixing apparatus.
66 . The method of claim 65 further including attaching the shaft to the mixing machine.
67 . The method of claim 62 , further comprising adding a cover to the applicator cap.
68 . The method of claim 67 further comprising putting a prescription label on the topical applicator.
69 - 75 . (canceled)