Method and system for asepticizing contact lenses and storing device

Patent 5120499 Issued on June 9, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 11, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Method and apparatus for sterilizing and storing contact lenses Patent #: 4063890
Issued on: 12/20/1977
Inventor: Baron

Inventor

Baron, Neville A.

Assignee

U. V. Black Box Corporation

Application

No. 463451 filed on 01/11/1990

US Classes:

422/24, Ultraviolet250/455.11, Source and object encasement (e.g., sterilizers)250/492.1, IRRADIATION OF OBJECTS OR MATERIAL250/504RUltraviolet or infrared source

Examiners

Primary: Warden, Robert J.
Assistant: Alexander, Lyle A.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Howson & Howson

International Class

A61L 002/10

Abstract

Light-transmitting contact lenses of Polymethylacrylate, Gas Permeable of Hydrogel materials may be immersed in an aqueous liquid medium contained in a storing and processing device, all of which are substantially transparent to the ultraviolet radiation spectrum. The lenses, liquid medium and storing device are all irradiated with ultraviolet radiation in a preselected frequency range, while simultaneously being subjected to ultrasonic frequency vibrations to thereby cause asepticization of lenses, liquid medium and storing device. The ultraviolet irradiation and ultrasonic vibrations are insufficient to cause detrimental molecular modification to the lenses or storing device, but does cause the formation of oxidation free radicals in the liquid medium. The unique combination of ultraviolet irradiation and ultrasonic vibration in the presence of the liquid medium containing oxidation free radicals cause rapid destruction of all microorganisms associated with the lenses, liquid medium and storing device.

Other References

Gritz et al. "Ultraviolet Radiation for the Sterilization of Contact Lenses", The CLAO Journal, Oct. 1990, vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 294-298
Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 26th Ed., (Phila., W. B. Saunders Co.:1985), p. 1419
Reference Data for Radio Engineers, 6th Ed., (Indianapolis, H. W. Sams & Co. Inc.:1975), Chapter 22, p. 22-1
IES Lighting Handbook 1981 Appli. vol. ("Nonvisual Effects of Radiant Energy",), pp. 19-14 to 19-16, 19-39
E. W. Nester, et al., Microbiology, 3rd ed., (Philadelphia, Saunders College Publ.:1983), pp. 145.146
F. Jay, IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical & Electronics Terms 2nd Ed., (The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, Inc. New York, NY:1977), p. 752
Essentials of Medical Microbiology, 2nd ed., (Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Co:1982), p. 126
Fink Standard Handbook for Electrical Engineers, 10th ed., New York, NY, McGraw-Hill Book Co.:1968), pp. 26-38, 26-39
Gritz, et al., Ultraviolet Radiation for the Sterilization of Contact Lenses, Dept. of Ophthalmology, U. of S. California School of Medicine, p. 1-14
Aquasteril Literature (undated)-9 page