Abstract: A new structure of contact lens cleaner provides a rotary structure which can be easily manufactured and assembled. It also provides a safe one-way air exhausting chamber which can prevent the cleaner from explosion and make it safe to the user, and it further provides a platinum reactor which is a structure easy to be set in the cleaner and easy for the user to mount or dismount it.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention, which relates to post hydration processing of contact lenses and the packages into which the lenses are placed, includes several assemblies which are ideally suited to performing the various steps which are associated with post hydration processing.

Abstract: An automated means for hydrating a molded hydrophilic contact lens is provided in which a first robotic assembly removes a plurality of contact lens molds from a production line carrier, each of the lens molds having a contact lens adhered therein. The first robotic assembly transports the molds to a first staging area where the lens molds are sandwiched between a lens mold carrier and a top chamber plate to form a first hydration carrier. A first rotary transfer device then hands the first hydration carrier to a second robotic assembly which immerses the first hydration carrier in a hydration bath to hydrate the lens and to release the lens from the lens mold. While the lens is immersed in the hydration bath, each lens is transferred from its respective mold to a lens transfer means found within the top chamber plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing a liquid from a container having a bowl and a flange, the bowl holding the liquid and containing a hydrophilic ophthalmic lens, wherein there is provided a nozzle with a central face and a shoulder around the periphery of the face. The shoulder has a sealing means which is sized to fit on the flange of the container, where it forms a sealed volume above the container bowl, this volume including the volume of the bowl itself. The central face has through it at least one fluid entrance passage and at least one fluid exit passage arranged so that the flow is distributed substantially symmetric about the center axis of the lens so that when the purging fluid is introduced into the sealed volume, there is no migration of the lens. There is connected to the entrance passage a source of purging fluid that has a pressure and flow sufficient to remove substantially all the liquid through the exit passage.

Abstract: Enzyme compositions and methods employing enzyme compositions are disclosed which are useful for cleaning contact lenses. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises an enzyme component effective when released in a liquid medium to remove debris from a contact lens located in the liquid medium; and an activity regulating component effective when released in the liquid medium to deactivate the enzyme component located in the liquid medium. This composition is preferably structured so that the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium before the activity regulating component is so released. The period of time between the release of the enzyme component and the activity regulating component is sufficient to allow the enzyme component to effectively remove debris from a contact lens which is introduced into the liquid medium before or at the same time the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium.

Abstract: A process for producing a sterile article in a sealed container during a continuous production process. In a preferred embodiment, a contact lens is immersed in an ozone-containing solution within a container during a continuous lens packaging process, and the lens and container are subsequently subjected to ultraviolet radiation. This process sterilizes the contact lens and lens container in order to maintain the contact lens in a sterile environment during shipping, handling, and storage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing a liquid from a container having a bowl and a flange, the bowl holding the liquid and containing a hydrophilic ophthalmic lens, wherein there is provided a nozzle with a central face and a shoulder around the periphery of the face. The shoulder has a sealing means which is sized to fit on the flange of the container, where it forms a sealed volume above the container bowl, this volume including the volume of the bowl itself. The central face has through it at lease one fluid entrance passage and at least one fluid exit passage arranged so that the flow is distributed substantially symmetric about the center axis of the lens. The apparatus includes a lens retainer which resiliently urges the lens into engagement with the bowl so that when the purging fluid is introduced into the sealed volume, there is no migration of the lens.

Abstract: The blister pack comprises a base portion and a cover layer. The base portion comprises a hollow chamber that contains a soft hydrophilic contact lens and a sterile aqueous preserving solution, and a substantially flat flange that extends right round the outside of the hollow chamber. The cover layer is releasably sealed to the flange in a sealing zone that extends right round the circumference of the hollow chamber. The flange comprises a grip region that extends from one side of the hollow chamber beyond the sealing zone and is covered by a corresponding grip region of the cover layer but is not sealed thereto.

Abstract: A disinfection apparatus including a container; a cap having an article-retainer, a and a catalytic element-retainer means affixed thereto; and a catalytic element. The disinfection apparatus has particular utility in the disinfection of contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide solutions. Also disclosed are venting and sealing components, catalytic elements, molded article-retaining assemblies, and catalytic element formation methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for disinfecting a contact lens are disclosed. The apparatus includes a color indicator element comprising an iodine component substantially irreversibly bonded to a solid material, preferably an anion exchange resin. The color indicator element is located in an oxidative disinfectant-containing liquid medium. This color indicator element provides a color indication of the presence of the oxidative disinfectant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, in the liquid medium, and preferably a different color indication of the substantial absence of the oxidative disinfectant in the liquid medium.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for cleaning contact lenses comprises three liquid containers removably mounted one above another on a support. Each container has a liquid inlet and the two upper containers each have a liquid outlet, controlled by a valve in communication with the inlet of the container below it. In use, contact lenses are initially immersed in sterilizing solution in the middle container, and the upper container contains neutralizing solution. After a preset interval, a timed valve control device on the support operates the valves in sequence to discharge the sterilizing solution from the middle container into the lower container, and replace it with sterilizing solution from the upper container.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalases obtained from a strain of Scytalidium thermophilum or Humicola insolens which retains at least 75% residual activity after 20 minutes at 70.degree. C. and a pH in the range of 9.0-10.5 in the presence of 40 mM polyvinyl pyrrolidone and methods for producing and using same.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens disinfection apparatus, including a container and a mating cap, she apparatus having an improved seal and vent means for venting gas generated within the apparatus. The vent means is an integral part of the disinfection apparatus which allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal which is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The seal is defined by the interference mating of a flexible periphery on a container with a rigid mating rim on a cap. The apparatus is particularly useful in the disinfection of contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide in which the excess peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a colostrum or breast milk of human or mammalian origin, to inhibit the accumulation of proteins at the surface of natural or synthetic polymers in contact with biological systems capable of containing proteins. A useful application is in the care of contract lenses.

Abstract: A contact lens holding device for use in a disinfecting system having a single-molded piece, the piece having a dividing portion having first and second surfaces, a first basket portion integrally attached to and capable of folding into closable engagement with the first surface of the dividing portion to form a first lens enclosure, and a second basket portion integrally attached to and capable of folding into closable engagement with the second surface of the dividing portion to form a second lens enclosure, the dividing portion, first basket portion and second basket portion lying on a substantially single plane when in unfolded configuration.

Abstract: A case for use in disinfecting soft contact lenses including a pair of lens-receiving compartments formed by a first pair of substantially dome-shaped members mounted on a first cover member and a second pair of substantially dome-shaped members mounted on a second cover member. The dome-shaped members shield the interior of the lens-receiving compartments from microwave radiation when the case is used in a heat disinfecting process in which microwave radiation is utilized. The dome-shaped members of the first and second pairs are adapted to be brought into contiguous relationship to thereby form the pair of compartments.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: A device and method for high speed production rates in the hydration of soft contact lenses. Such device and method includes the use robotic transfer equipment to transfer contact lens molds containing contact lenses to and from a hydration station and a flushing station.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens package for inspection, sterilization, and delivery of the lens having a substantial planar first surface with a concave bowl, the bowl having a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the lens placed inside the bowl allowing the lens to center and settle in the middle of the bowl. About the bowl is an annular sealing area, preferably a planar annulus raised above the first planar surface away from the bowl, circumferentially about the circular boundary of the first planar surface and the concave bowl. The package is hermetically sealed along the sealing area with a sealing sheet substantially parallel with the first planar surface and covering the concave bowl. The package is constructed of a non-nucleated polymer so that when water is placed in the bowl, the polymer surface is sufficiently wettable to substantially flatten the water meniscus in the center and thereby eliminate associated optical aberrations, permitting undistorted in-package inspection.

Abstract: A contact lens cleaning apparatus having a clockwork controlled by a rotary knob to turn a ratchet wheel against a pawl, causing the lens cage to oscillate in the cleaning solution in the container, wherein the lens cage consists of two symmetrical semispherical gratings hinged together and retained in the closed position by a fastener for carrying the left eye contact lens and the right eye contact lens respectively.

Abstract: A contact lens case including a pair of container caps with timing mechanism for indicating when to perform a certain activity. These timing-keeping container caps comprising a cover and flange, one of which is rotatable to reference calendar days, month names or other time-related indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for inhibiting the uptake of proteins and reducing the formation of lysozyme deposits on the outer surface and inner bulk matrix of hydrophilic contact lenses. The method comprises contacting a contact lens with a positively charged chemical which imparts a tint to the lens.

Abstract: A packet including substance and of a construction by which a lens may be encased and by which the application of treatment procedures to the lens is facilitated. The packet is useful in protecting the lens from possible damage during the period when the lens is separated from the cornea and is being treated. The packet is useful in a lens decontamination system that includes also a cleaning assembly in which the lens as encased within the packet is decontaminated. The packet includes surfaces positionable to contact the packet and through which electrical charges are transmitted to the lens. Under the influence of the electrical charges, contaminants are drawn off of and from below the surface of the lens.

Abstract: A separable receptacle for receiving contact lenses includes a left part and a right part in both of which a recess is defined and the left and right parts are engaged by an engaging device. The engaging means includes a first plate projecting from the left part and a second plate projecting from the right part and at least one protrusion/tubular element projecting from the first plate and a corresponding tubular element/protrusion projecting from the second plate wherein the tubular element has a receiving hole defined therein for secure engagement to the corresponding projection.

Abstract: A method is provided for the sterilization or disinfection of an object in need of such treatment. The object is immersed in a sterilizing or disinfecting solution containing an antimicrobial effective amount of at least one cationic or at least one anionic antimicrobial agent in the presence of a scavenger element containing a scavenger material which is a cationic exchange resin or an anionic exchange resin. Over a period of time, the scavenger element removes from the solution the cationic or anionic antimicrobial agent at a rate which permits sterilization or disinfection of the object and which prevents undesirable build-up of the antimicrobial agent in or on the object. The object is allowed to remain in the solution for a time sufficient for the scavenger element to remove a sufficient amount of the antimicrobial agent to render the object safe for use for its intended purpose and the object is then removed from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: A contact lens package made from one of the mold parts used to mold a contact lens, the lens being packaged in a storage cavity separate from a molding surface of the mold part.

Abstract: A contact lens case includes a cup adapted to receive a quantity of disinfecting or cleaning solution and a cap removably closing the opening mouth of the cup. A lens support structure is associated with the cap and holds a pair of lenses within the cup. The lens support structure includes a base plate which supports one of a pair of the lenses on each side thereof and basket means pivotally connected to the base plate for enclosing the lenses in overlying position and maintaining the lenses on the base plate. A latch structure releasably maintains the basket means in the overlying position, and includes a flexible, integral extension peripherally formed on each basket means and is releasably retained in the overlying position by snap-fit against a hook member. Preferably, a pair of the flexible extensions are formed as vertically aligned and thinned tabs on opposing edges of each basket, which are snap-fit against a corresponding pair of hooks formed on each side of the lens support structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes a vessel at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, disinfecting solution receivable within the vessel, a device for irradiating the disinfecting solution within the vessel with microwave electromagnetic radiation, and shielding apparatus for defining a radiation shielded interior portion within the vessel receivable of contact lenses and disinfecting solution, and an unshielded interior portion within the vessel which is in fluid communication with the shielded portion.

Abstract: A case for carrying and disinfecting contact lenses has a reservoir portion for holding a lens and solution, a plurality of projections extending from the reservoir floor upon which the lens may be positioned, and, a basket portion hingedly attached to the case and capable of being folded over the projections to hold the lens in place within the reservoir. A cap is provided for sealing the reservoir.

Abstract: A container for contact lenses and for a supply of contact lens fluid has a base body with a receptacle for a removable contact lens etui, a fluid chamber for the contact lens fluid, which partially encloses the receptacle, and a metering connector fastened on the fluid chamber. A contact lens etui housed in the receptacle can be readily taken out of the container and separately taken along.

Abstract: A plastic contact lens case serves to keep contact lenses in fluid and comprises a lower member, a movable cover, and an intermediate plate which is pivotably arranged therebetween. The lower member is provided with two receptacles for a pair of contact lenses. The receptacles are provided with circumferential annular grooves and sealing rings inserted therein. In the closed state of the contact lens case, the intermediate plate sealingly contacts the sealing rings of the lower member. The result of these features is a contact lens case of an especially compact construction, it accommodates delicate contact lenses and simultaneously ensures that no fluid escapes from the filled receptacles.

Abstract: A system by which contaminants from and below the surface of contact lenses may be electrokinetically removed. The system includes a protective encasement packet in which a lens is safely protected upon its removal from the eye, through the cleaning procedure, and until the lens is returned to the eye. The system includes also a cleaning assembly in which the lens as encased within the packet is decontaminated. The cleaning assembly includes surfaces positionable to contact the packet and from which electrical charges are transmitted to the lens. Under the influence of the electrical charges, contaminants are drawn off of and from below the surface of the lens.

Abstract: A case for disinfecting, cleaning or storing contact lenses is described that provides a venting system for discharging gas therefrom without significant liquid discharge. The case includes a cap securable to a container, having an inner surface including a hollow pedestal with its open distal end extending into the container. The end of the pedestal adjacent the inner cap surface encompasses an aperture through said cap for venting and discharging of gas to the environment. A gas and liquid impermeable gasket fits inside the hollow end of the pedestal adjacent the aperture area, permitting venting of gas but not liquid through the adjacent aperture. A support for holding and positioning contact lenses in the container includes a post that is fitted into the distal end of the hollow pedestal, wherein the pedestal and post are provided with a channel therethrough to permit gas to escape from the container through the gasket and adjacent aperture.

Abstract: A contact lens treatment apparatus for polishing and cleaning a pair of contact lenses. The apparatus utilizes a pair of polishing probes to clean each contact lens within a liquid bath. A motor rotates the polishing probes and a fluid reservoir supplies a solution to the lenses. The polishing probes include a cleaning solution measuring and dispensing system integrally formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and composition for removing exogenous mucin and protein-mucin deposits from hydrophilic contact lenses.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a contact lens is disclosed and comprises placing the contact lens to be disinfected into a liquid electrolyte containing chlorine dioxide precursor, e.g., stabilized chlorine dioxide, and forming a disinfecting amount of chlorine dioxide in the liquid electrolyte by passing an electric current through the liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in the sterilization of contact lenses or the like, wherein lenses are disposed within a sterilizing solution contained within a reaction vessel, which sterilizing solution is capable of being decomposed through contact with a catalytic agent. The apparatus comprises a reaction vessel capable of containing a sterilizing solution and comprising a container portion, a cover and structure for supporting an article in contact with sterilizing solution in the container. Further structure is provided for mounting a catalytic agent on the supporting structure such that the catalytic agent is removable for replacement by a user as the catalytic agent becomes exhausted in use.

Abstract: A storage container includes a base housing having first and second containers mounted to the housing. The base housing includes a cavity therewithin, having a rotatable dial projecting through a first side wall of the housing. The dial includes sequential digits visible through a window in a top wall of the housing, wherein sequential days are counted relative to contact lenses, and particularly disposable contact lenses stored within the first and second containers.

Abstract: Contact lenses are disinfected in a method including treating the contact lenses with an aqueous system of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst, and heating the system in order to accelerate decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the system is approximately 3-4% and the heating promotes decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide to a concentration of 50 parts per million or less within six hours following initial contact of catalyst with the system. The catalytic decomposition can be performed in a conventional lens sterilization vessel which is inserted within a heated receptacle to heat the reaction vessel and the contained sterilization system. The heated receptacle controls the temperature of the inserted vessel and sterilization system within a range of approximately 60.degree.-80.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disinfecting a contact lens comprise a container having an inner surface and being sized to hold a contact lens to be disinfected and a liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide; a substrate located in the container; and a metal component deposited from a vapor medium on the substrate. The metal component is present in an amount effective to promote the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the container.

Abstract: A contact lens care device and method for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. The invention utilizes both principles of electrophoresis and electrolysis. The device uses a halide-containing electrolytic buffer solution for disinfecting and cleaning. A halogen concentration is generated electrolytically from the halide in the contact lens containing well by the generation of an electrical field between the two electrodes disposed in the well. The field is maintained for a time sufficient to generate a concentration of halogen which can disinfect the lens. The lens is cleaned electrophoretically at the same time. Then, the conversion of the halide to halogen is reversed to remove the halogen from the contact lens containing well. This is done by generating an electrical field between the well electrodes and another electrode located in a reservoir connected to the well by a narrow channel or inert divider.

Abstract: An appliance for disinfecting contact lenses or the like wherein the lenses are disposed within a disinfecting solution which liberates the gas during the disinfecting action, includes a container body for immersion of the lenses within the disinfecting solution and a removable cap closing the container body. The appliance further includes a normally closed vent conduit for passage of the pressurized affluent gas from the container body through the cap, and within the vent conduit is a check valve including a disc member having a slit therethrough which opens for vent discharge of the gas with sufficient pressure on the disc exerted by the gas during passage through the vent conduit, after which the slit recloses to vent any subsequent leakage of the solution therethrough.

Abstract: A device for cleaning extended wear soft contact lenses using liquid cleaning media is provided having a closed vessel for containing the liquid at a suitable level to wash the lenses which are rotated about a vertical axis in an upright position across the path of rotation with a swirling action imparted to the liquid with limited turbulence resulting in a gentle effective cleaning action.

Abstract: A soft contact lens cleaner for cleaning soft contact lenses by stirring a soft contact lens cleaning solution. The cleaner includes a container which contains a soft contact lens cleaning solution, a container cap covered on the container, a rotary cap covered on the container cap to rotate a rotary plug cap, a lens holder assembly suspended from the rotary plug cap by a suspension frame inside the container. Soft cushions and gloves with raised grains are received in chambers inside the lens holder assembly and rotated by the rotary plug cap to stir the soft contact lens cleaning solution in washing and sterilizing the soft contact lenses in the lens holder assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid medium containing dissolved chlorine dioxide comprises a reservoir which defines a receptacle adapted for holding a precursor liquid medium having chlorine dioxide precursor dissolved therein and a tip assembly into which the precursor liquid medium passes after the precursor liquid exits the receptacle. The tip assembly comprises a chamber in which is located a promoter component effective to promote the generation of chlorine dioxide from the chlorine dioxide precursor in the liquid medium present in the chamber, an outlet providing a path for the liquid medium containing dissolved chlorine dioxide to exit the chamber, and an isolation assembly acting to effectively separate the precursor liquid medium in the reservoir from the promoter when it is desired that the precursor liquid medium from the reservoir be separated from the catalyst.