Abstract: An electrically energized heater is provided which has particular application as a dry disinfecting and sterilizing device for items such as soft lenses, dental handpieces, baby bottles, or the like, which cannot be placed in sterilizing solutions, and which cannot be subjected to excessive temperatures. The unit includes a housing, and a heat conductive substance such as wax, oil, or both, contained in the housing and used as a uniform heat transfer medium between electrical heating elements in the housing and the surface of a well which also is supported in the housing.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for a heating unit, which heating unit may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting means, and which includes wax as a heat transfer medium, as a temperature stabilization means, and as a heat storage medium. In accordance with the present invention, an indicator assembly for such a heating unit is provided, and which indicates to the user when the unit is energized, when the unit has reached its proper operating temperature, and when the unit has completed a heating, disinfecting cycle. The indicator assembly of the invention is in the form of a hollow plug which extends into the interior of the heating unit, and which itself is filled with wax. The plug has an indicator disc, which may be of a bright color such as red, attached to its bottom to be visible through the wax in the plug and through the transparent cover of the plug only when the wax within the plug is in a transparent molten state.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for a heating unit which may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting unit and which embodies an exterior construction entirely of thermoplastic material. Wax contained in the unit is used as a heat transfer medium, as a temperature stabilization means, as a heat sotrage medium, and, in accordance with the present invention, as a unique indicator system which enables the user to confirm when the unit has reached the proper operating temperature. The heating unit to be described, is specifically constructed to produce or aid in disinfecting so-called soft contact lenses intended for wearing in contact with the eye. The unit is more generally applicable, and may be used to advantage, when a low cost heating unit is desired which will raise the temperature of an object or a material to a given temperature, maintain it at or above the given temperature for a given time period, and then allow it to cool down and return to an ambient temperature condition.