Contact Lens Patents (Class 134/901)
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Patent number: 6514438Abstract: A method of extracting residual materials from a polymeric, ophthalmic biomedical device, such as a contact lens, by using a mixture comprised of a primary solvent, such as carbon dioxide, and a polar co-solvent, such as isopropanol. By exposing the device to the co-solvent, the device expands. By pulsing or varying the concentration of the polar co-solvent in the mixture, the lens dimensions vary accordingly. When the lens is extracted while retained in a mold, the changes in lens dimensions causes the lens to be released from the mold.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventors: Madhu Ayyagari, Mahendra P. Nandu, Erik M. Indra, Alan J. Braun
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Patent number: 6453919Abstract: The invention provides for an anti-drip feature for the common contact lens cleaning cup so as to avoid spillage of cleaning solution by providing an overflow container which attaches to the lens cleaning cup to catch spillage.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventor: Kenneth G. Stewart, III
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Patent number: 6440411Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic product comprising, as a colouring agent, the extract of an alga. A preferred class of alga the extract of which is useful in the present invention is blue alga (Spirulina type), more preferred it is Japanese blue alga (Spirulina platensis). The ophthalmic product is preferably a contact lens care product.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Novartis, AGInventors: Anton Scherer, Peter Schwind
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Patent number: 6432217Abstract: A contact lens is disposed in a well containing hydration fluid, such that a concave surface of the lens faces upwardly and the lens is submerged in the hydration fluid, thereby allowing contaminants to leach out of the lens into the hydration fluid. After hydration, a washing fluid is introduced into the well and contaminated hydration fluid is removed from the well so as to replace at least some of the contaminated hydration fluid in the well with the washing fluid in a predetermined fluid-exchange procedure. The washing fluid is introduced into the well so as to be directed against the concave surface of the lens and the contaminated hydration fluid is removed at a removal location remote from where the washing fluid impinges against the lens, such that the action of the introduced washing fluid serves to oppose The predetermined fluid-exchange procedure is monitored so as to establish whether the predetermined fluid-exchange procedure has been correctly performed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Ocular Sciences, IncInventors: William Ronald Stuart Baxter, Jindrich Vosahlo
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Publication number: 20020069896Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for cleaning contact lenses comprising a deformable, non-abrasive material having an enzyme enriched layer for contact with the optical surfaces of the lenses. While in contact with the optical surfaces, the contaminants on the lens surfaces are enzymatically removed. Upon separation of the lenses and the deformable material, substantially all of the enzymes are retained on the deformable material, largely eliminating the need to perform additional operations to inactivate the enzymes or otherwise rid the lenses of residual enzymatic matter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Mark L. Pankow
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Patent number: 6382408Abstract: A container suitable for holding at least one substance for use in a process for cleaning contact lenses using a fluid, includes at least one first and at least one second part assembled to form a sealed cavity for holding the substance, the first and the second parts being formed of a material having an expansion coefficient when embedded in the fluid. The dimensioning of the first and the second parts and the expansion coefficients are chosen so that, subsequent to the expansion of the first and/or the second parts, an opening is defined between the first and the second parts.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Synoptik A/SInventor: Jorgen Bruun-Jensen
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Patent number: 6369112Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biguanide-containing disinfecting solution containing tyloxapol in combination with a poloxamine for stabilizing the biguanide, which is especially useful for contact-lens solutions that provide enhanced disinfecting and enhanced cleaning efficacy. The method of the present invention comprises cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens with the above-described solution.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventor: Erning Xia
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Patent number: 6363953Abstract: A device for cleaning contact lenses, which device comprises a first chamber (1) provided with draining means (3,8), a second chamber (2) adapted to be fluidly communicable with the first chamber (1), a lens holder (20) adapted to be inserted in the first chamber (1) and agitating means (22-28) adapted to agitate the lens holder, wherein the device further comprises a valve (5) adapted to control fluid flow between the first chamber (1) and the draining means (3,8) and between the first (1) and second chambers (2). The valve (5) can be automatically controlled.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Inventor: Charles Philips Ifejika
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Patent number: 6355104Abstract: An apparatus, method and control system involve treating articles in one or more of a plurality of liquid treatment bath chambers. The apparatus includes one or more article raising and lowering devices and a plurality of treatment bath chambers, preferably having separate heaters, temperature and level monitors, filling and draining devices, and devices for keeping treatment bath components in suspension. The method preferably includes treating articles, preferably eyeglass lenses, by supporting the articles on an arm and dipping them into one or more of the plurality of treatment bath chambers, which may separately contain assorted coating liquids such as tint coatings, UV protection coatings, scratch resistance coatings, neutralizing liquids for removing tinting, and rinsing liquids.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Inventor: Louis S. Polster
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Publication number: 20020020437Abstract: Apparatus comprising first and second containers for holding contact lens care compositions and contact lens cases, respectively. The first container defines a chamber adapted to hold contact lens care composition. The second container defines a compartment and is adapted to be removably secured to the first container such that the second container extends outwardly away from the first container with the second container removably secured to the first container. The second container is adapted to accommodated one or more contact lens accessory items in a side-by-side relationship. The contact lens accessory items are preferably selected from the group consisting of a contact lens holder, a supply of enzyme tablets and an information pamphlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: Allergan Sales, Inc.Inventors: John W. Vanden Dries, Rodney J. Terwilliger, William Gordon Beecroft
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Patent number: 6318549Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging and bactericidal treatment device for contact lenses (L), said device being characterized in that it comprises: firstly a housing (1) provided with at least one cavity (10) receiving a support element (11) which has bactericidal action and whose outside face (11a) has curvature matching the curvature of the contact lenses (L); and secondly, at least one lid (2) designed to cover said cavity (10) and whose inside face is provided with at least one socket (20) which is suitable for being engaged in guided manner into said cavity (10), and which receives a wedge element (21) having bactericidal action and whose outside face (21a) has curvature complementary to the curvature of the support element (11) so that it protects and/or decontaminates a contact lens (L) by holding it stationary in said cavity (10) between said support element (11) and said wedge element (21).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Rexam SofabInventors: Jean-Louis Bougamont, Pascal Hennemann, David Leuliet
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Patent number: 6289907Abstract: A device for cleaning soft contact lenses includes a cage having two cavities to loosely receive soft contact lenses therein. The cavities are defined by spaced ribs and provide surfaces approximating the surfaces of the lenses to be contained therein. The cage is positionable within a container which is fluid tight and can be associated with a rotary drive. The drive is oriented to rotate the container in a horizontal axis. The container includes an appropriate fill line allowing filling of one-half of the internal volume of the container with multipurpose liquid or cleaning solution. The rims of the lenses contained within the cage are arranged with the planes of such lenses substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and displaced from that axis to accommodate lifting the lenses repeatedly out of the body of liquid and then fully immersing them.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Richard C. Horian
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Patent number: 6289906Abstract: Apparatus comprising first and second containers for holding contact lens care compositions and contact lens cases, respectively. The first container defines a chamber adapted to hold contact lens care composition and has an outlet. The second container defines a compartment and is adapted to be removably secured to the first container such that the second container extends outwardly away from the first container with the second container removably secured to the first container. A closure assembly is preferably provided and is coupled to the outlet of the first container. The closure assembly includes a passageway in fluid communication with the outlet and is adapted to provide for egress of the contact lens care composition from the chamber. A cap member is adapted to be moved between an open position in which the passageway is open and a closed position in which the passageway is closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Allergan Sales, Inc.Inventors: John W. Vanden Dries, Rodney J. Terwilliger, Jr., William Gordon Beecroft
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Patent number: 6283134Abstract: An apparatus for removing photo-resist. The apparatus comprises carriers for carrying a wafer, hot plates to remove residue solvent on the wafer, a cooling plate to decrease the wafer temperature, an reverse unit to turn over the wafer, a development unit to develop and remove photo-resist on the wafer, a top scrubbing unit to clean a top side of the wafer, and a back scrubbing unit to clean a back side of the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Army Chung, Hsi-Hsin Hong, Chi-Fa Ku
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Patent number: 6258591Abstract: The present invention provides a combined formulation for disinfecting, neutralizing and cleaning a soft contact lens and a method using the same easily, efficiently and safely. The formulation is a one-solution type of combined formulation for disinfecting, neutralizing and cleaning a soft contact lens, which includes a first formulation that contains an iodine-based disinfectant and a proteolytic enzyme and a second formulation that contains a reducing and a foaming agent treated with a delayed release coating, and which contains a nonionic surfactant in at least one of the first and second formulations. A stained soft contact lens can be disinfected, neutralized and cleaned easily by holding it in an aqueous solution colored yellow or brown by iodine molecules and removing it from the aqueous solution after the solution becomes almost colorless.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Ophtecs CorporationInventors: Toyoaki Yoneda, Takashi Fujii, Mika Morita, Takeshi Ohnuma, Hiroshi Tanouchi, Shigeru Nakamura
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Patent number: 6207086Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for hydrating or washing ophthalmic devices, comprising the step of directing to an ophthalmic device having a higher concentration of impurities fluid which has previously been directed to ophthalmic device having a lower concentration of impurities.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Schlagel, Darren S. Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Wallace Anthony Martin
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Patent number: 6193806Abstract: A soft contact lens cleaning device is disclosed which imparts a high amplitude short duration mechanically generated force to the lenses while the lenses are stored within their standard storage case. The shock of the force dislodges protein, film and other buildups which become attached to the lens surface while being worn in the eyes of a user. Embodiments are disclosed comprising leaf, coil and torsional spring members along with a solenoid member.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: Larry F. Reed
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Patent number: 6183705Abstract: A method of cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, including the steps of a) transmitting a ultrasonic energy field toward a pair of contact lenses being suspended in a solution medium in a cleaning cup, causing a cavitation to be produced to remove dirt from the contact lenses; b) keeping the solution medium to be maintained standing still in for about 3-5 minutes for permitting suspended substance to settle to the bottom of the solution medium; c) using heating means to heat the solution medium to about 90° C. for about 15-20 minutes so as to disinfect bacteria and degrade toxic substance carried on the contact lenses; and d) gradually cooling down the temperature of the solution medium to room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1996Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: Ching-Tsai Chang
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Patent number: 6183236Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating is provided for hydrating a lens and extracting residual materials from the lens. The apparatus includes a shaft; multiple arms extending radially from a lower end of the shaft about a central axis in a star-shaped pattern, each arm including a fin extending therebelow such that multiple fins also extend radially with respect to said central axis, wherein the fins including lower outer edges that converge and form a nozzle face. A fluid transport passage extends through the shaft and terminates at an opening in the nozzle face, whereby fluid can be evacuated from the lens through this passage. Preferably, at least one recessed channel is formed in the nozzle face where the fins converge, wherein each of these channels extends from the opening in the nozzle face that forms a terminus of the fluid transport passage to a space between two adjacent fins. The lower outer edges of the fins have an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces forming a convex-shaped nozzle face.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventors: Michael A. Lesczynski, Kevin D. Beebe
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Patent number: 6180393Abstract: A water-soluble, solid contact lens care agent (1) having at least a first (2) and a second (3) compartment containing within the first compartment (2) at least one agent, in particular a protease, for removing or supporting the cleaning of metabolic deposits on a contact lens and within the second compartment (3) at least one agent being capable of neutralizing a contact lens disinfecting solution, characterized in that the first compartment (2) is dissolved faster within the contact lens disinfecting solution than the second compartment (3) and both compartments (2, 3) are simultaneously subjectable to the contact lens disinfecting solution.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Albert Sturm
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Patent number: 6148992Abstract: 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 the hook member laterally projecting from the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Atrion Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Rowland W. Kanner, Stephen P. Lisak
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Patent number: 6096138Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods used as in-the-eye and/or out-of-eye inhibitors of proteinaceous deposits on hydrophilic contact lenses. Compositions of the present invention comprise moderately charged polyquaternium polymers that selectively bind to hydrophilic contact lenses to block the binding of proteinaceous materials. Compositions of the present invention may be used in multipurpose cleaning solutions for contact lenses and can eliminate the need for special enzyme cleaners and the like for removing proteinaceous materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventors: David J. Heiler, Stephen E. Maier, Susan P. Spooner
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Patent number: 6086823Abstract: The flat case comprises a case body (1) comprising at least one wall (2) defining a disinfecting chamber (10) open at one end and intended to take a lens (50) to be disinfected, at least one removable cap (20) intended to be fixed on the open end of the chamber, at least one catalytic element secured to the cap (20) capable of being immersed in the disinfecting solution (10) and comprising a catalyst support and a catalyst (34) and at least one protective element (30) secured to the cap (20) having an end wall (32) provided with passages (33) for the disinfecting solution, forming a barrier between the lens (50) and the catalytic element, and at the same time holding the lens securely.The invention has application to the disinfecting of contact lenses.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Essilor International Compagnie Generale d'OptiqueInventor: Claude Bourset
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Patent number: 6080361Abstract: A system and method for cleaning, disinfecting and storing contact lens in an all-in-one unit is provided. The system employs preservative-free saline solution, a disposable bacteriological filter and a pump to provide a portable and lightweight system. The cleaning and disinfecting steps are completed in a few minutes, after which the system automatically shuts off. The cleaned and disinfected lenses can be stored in the unit overnight without the need for the user to handle the lenses after the system shuts off.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Simcha Borovsky
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Automated method and apparatus for single sided hydration of soft contact lenses in package carriers
Patent number: 6071112Abstract: An automated means for hydrating and packaging a molded hydrophilic contact lens in one of the mold parts used to mold the 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. The hydration carrier is then transported through a plurality of flushing or extraction stations wherein fresh deionized water is introduced into the hydration chambers at each hydration station to flush leachable substances from the hydration chamber. At each flushing station, fresh deionized water is introduced into the hydration chamber to remove previously extracted impurities and the products of hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Olin W. Calvin, Mark E. Schlagel, Darren S. Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Craig W. Walker, Wallace A. Martin, John C. Heaton -
Patent number: 6068798Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating is provided for hydrating a lens and extracting residual materials from the lens. The apparatus includes a shaft; multiple arms extending radially from a lower end of the shaft about a central axis in a star-shaped pattern, each arm including a fin extending therebelow such that multiple fins also extend radially with respect to said central axis, wherein the fins including lower outer edges that converge and form a nozzle face. A fluid transport passage extends through the shaft and terminates at an opening in the nozzle face, whereby fluid can be evacuated from the lens through this passage. Preferably, at least one recessed channel is formed in the nozzle face where the fins converge, wherein each of these channels extends from the opening in the nozzle face that forms a terminus of the fluid transport passage to a space between two adjacent fins. The lower outer edges of the fins have an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces forming a convex-shaped nozzle face.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventors: Michael A. Lesczynski, Kevin D. Beebe
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Automated method and apparatus for single sided hydration of soft contact lenses in package carriers
Patent number: 6012471Abstract: An automated means for hydrating and packaging a molded hydrophilic contact lens in one of the mold parts used to mold the 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. The hydration carrier is then transported through a plurality of flushing or extraction stations wherein fresh deionized water is introduced into the hydration chambers at each hydration station to flush leachable substances from the hydration chamber. At each flushing station, fresh deionized water is introduced into the hydration chamber to remove previously extracted impurities and the products of hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1996Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Olin W. Calvin, Mark E. Schlagel, Darren S. Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Craig W. Walker, Wallace A. Martin, John C. Heaton -
Patent number: 6007771Abstract: Apparatus and methods for holding and cleaning non-permeable contact lenses which includes the application of an electromagnetic field about the contact lenses which are held in a cavity containing a conductive solution and an adsorbent membrane to capture the contaminants being removed from the lenses. Proteins, lipoproteins and other contaminants adhere to the surface of non-permeable lenses. An adsorbent is positioned between the lens and an electric current source so that current flows from the current source through the adsorbent and over the surface of the contact lens so that contaminants on the lens are loosened and migrate to the adsorbent to which they adhere, thus permitting effective removal from the solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventors: Theodore H. Rehmeyer, James R. Shultz
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Patent number: 6000534Abstract: The present invention provides a device for disinfecting and storing a contact lens comprising a container, a lens holding means for supporting a contact lens, a cap for sealably covering the open end of the container and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane fixed to the internal surface of the appliance and positioned to cover all apertures in the appliance to allow oxygen to escape from the device but preventing liquid from escaping from the device when an oxidative disinfectant is used in the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1996Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Allergan Sales, Inc.Inventor: Charles Koomruian, Jr.
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Patent number: 5993755Abstract: A disinfection system and method for contact lenses that ensures that a disinfection liquid maintains its strength until the moment it is used. The system includes a lens case specially adapted to receive a prepackaged disposable container of disinfection liquid, the opening of which is provided with a tear-off seal to be removed immediately before use. The disposable container contains an amount of disinfection liquid suitable for one disinfection procedure for a set of contact lenses. The use of the disposable container system obviates bacterial growth in the container of the lens case.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Thorkild Andersen
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Patent number: 5988191Abstract: A holder for suspending ophthalmic lenses and lens blocks of various diameters from a rod in a lens and block cleaning machine has a frame with a horizontal base member and a pair of upright members extending upwardly, one from each end of the base member. A hanger extending from the upper ends of the upright members is adapted to suspend the frame from the rod. Pairs of pins extend forwardly from the front and rearwardly from the back of the base member along parallel spaced apart first and second axes in a horizontal plane. Arms are pivotally pinned to the upright members for rotation about axes parallel to the first and second axes from lowest positions approximately sixty degrees below horizontal to highest positions approximately sixty degrees above horizontal. Detents prevent rotation of the arms below the lowest position or above the highest position. Torsion springs connected between the upright members and the arms bias arms toward their lowest positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Coburn Optical Industries, Inc.Inventor: Rod Allen Duncan
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Patent number: 5972292Abstract: A lens case for disinfecting, cleaning, or storing contact lenses is described that provides a sealing and venting system for allowing the release of gas while avoiding liquid leakage. The venting means allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal that is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The lens case includes a cap securable to a container barrel and a mating cap. The venting of gas occurs via a tortuous-path mechanism resulting from appropriate surface roughness being produced on at least one of a pair of mating surfaces forming a seal between the cap and the container. In a preferred embodiment, a relatively roughened surface is produced on a cap flange that is in the shape of a circular lip downwardly extending from the inner surface of the cap. The mating surface of the cap flange sealingly presses against the rim portion of the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventor: Gaetano DeMeo
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Patent number: 5950644Abstract: A denture cleaner is provided including a housing adapted to contain a cleaning fluid. Also included is an agitator assembly for forcing the cleaning fluid upwardly when actuated. Next provided is a lid mounted on the housing with clamps for connecting dentures thereto. The lid is removably mounted on the housing thereby cleaning the dentures when the agitator assembly is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Edward N. Brewer
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Patent number: 5919313Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Bahram Asgharian, Ronald P. Quintana, Bor-Shyue Hong
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Patent number: 5919698Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step method for disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses of the type using hydrogen peroxide as the disinfecting agent and a protease as the cleaning agent, comprising the following steps: a) disinfection of the contact lenses in an aqueous disinfecting solution comprising from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. % hydrogen peroxide at a pH not acceptable to the eyes, b) cleaning the contact lenses by subjecting the contact lenses to a protease being inactivated within a period of time at a pH level not acceptable to the eyes, c) neutralization of the hydrogen peroxide in the aqueous disinfecting solution with a microbial catalase being substantially active at pH 3.0 to 7.0, d) adjusting the pH in the aqueous disinfecting solution to a pH level acceptable to the eyes.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1998Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/SInventors: Thomas Lykke Sorensen, Flemming Mark Christensen
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Patent number: 5906216Abstract: A denture cleaning apparatus is provided including a housing including a lower extent and an upper extent. A basket is situated in the upper extent of the housing. An agitator is rotatably mounted within the upper extent of the housing below the basket. Finally, a motor is mounted within the lower extent of the housing and coupled to the agitator for rotating the same only during the receipt of power.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Inventor: Bruce N. Barlet
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Patent number: 5857475Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical component having opposed lens surfaces and an outer peripheral area. The apparatus includes a rotatable holder for supporting and retaining the optical component via the outer peripheral area so that at least a useful optical area of at least one of the opposed surfaces is fully exposed to air when the holder and optical component are rotated. A drive device is provided coupled to the holder for rotatably driving the holder to centrifugally force a liquid from the surface. The method includes the steps of, positioning the optical component within a holder and retaining the optical component in a region of the outer peripheral edge so that at least a useful optical area of one of the surfaces is fully exposed to air, applying a liquid to the exposed surface of the optical component, and spinning the optical component at a high rate of speed to clean and dry the optical component.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Volk Optical, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Volk
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Patent number: 5836323Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Darren Scott Keene, Timothy Patrick Newton, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, David Dolan, Kiyoshi Imai, Katsuaki Yoshida, Svend Christensen, Finn Thrige Andersen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Kaj Bjerre, Junichi Fukuchi, David Byram, Gary Hall
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Patent number: 5817277Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: AllerganInventors: Mary Mowrey-McKee, Kenneth Bliznik, Ralph Stone
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Patent number: 5811466Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Masood Chowhan, Nissanke L. Dassanayake
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Patent number: 5783147Abstract: Apparatus for and method of sterilizing medical and laboratory devices and cleaning contaminants from contact lenses at low voltages, the apparatus including a housing carrying a sterilizing and cleaning well, electrodes, appropriate controls and a power source and the method comprising the steps of positioning a contact lens and an adsorbent so that the adsorbent is disposed between the contact lens and an electric current source, immersing the contact lens, the adsorbent, and the current source in a saline or other appropriate solution, and then applying electric current from the power source through the adsorbent and only over the surface of the contact lens so that contaminants carried by the contact lens migrate to the adsorbent.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Inventors: Theodore H. Rehmeyer, James R. Shultz
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Patent number: 5765579Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating contact lenses and compositions for the same. The present invention includes contacting a lens with an aqueous solution comprising a sulfobetaine compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are individually hydrogen or alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R.sub.4 is an alkyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the subject compounds are used in combination with antimicrobial agents for providing simultaneous disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventors: David J. Heiler, Suzanne F. Groemminger
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Patent number: 5762081Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Darren Scott Keene, Timothy Patrick Newton, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, David Dolan, Kiyoshi Imai, Katsuaki Yoshida, Svend Christensen, Finn Thrige Andersen, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Kaj Bjerre, Junichi Fukuchi, David Byram, Gary Hall
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Patent number: 5759540Abstract: A method and case for disinfection of contact lenses wherein the contact lenses are placed in a double chamber filled with cleaning fluid, for example, hydrogen peroxide, with the case comprising a third chamber or position connected with the double chamber. The third chamber is adapted to take up and hold a tablet containing a neutralization agent such as catalase, so that the hydrogen peroxide in the double chamber is neutralized suitably slowly by admission of the cleaning fluid to dissolve the tablet. By the dissolution of the tablet, oxygen is generated, and an oxygen bubble is formed around the tablet so that the hydrogen peroxide is alternately kept from the tablet and ultimately is admitted access to the tablet. Rather than provide a double chamber, a holder member may be provided for holding the respective contact lenses, with the tablet being accommodated at a lower end of the holder and being exposed to the cleaning fluid when the holder is inserted into the cleaning fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1995Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: Tom Buris Nielsen
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Patent number: 5756045Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: AllerganInventors: Mary Mowrey-McKee, Kenneth Bliznik, Ralph Stone
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Patent number: 5746838Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: AllerganInventor: Stanley W. Huth
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Patent number: 5723096Abstract: In an apparatus for disinfecting contact lenses (19, 20), said contact lenses are immersed in a reaction vessel (1) with a 3% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -solution (21). The contact lenses (19, 20) are placed in a lens holder (13, 14) on a frame (6) which also comprises a catalyst (9) in a compartment (7), to which the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -solution has access. The catalyst (9) neutralizes the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -solution, but said neutralization is delayed at first by the developed oxygen being collected and maintained in contact with the surface of an apertured system of spokes (10; 10a to 10h) of the catalyst (9) in such a manner that the disinfecting effect is improved.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Synoptik A/SInventor: J.o slashed.rgen Bruun-Jensen
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Patent number: 5697495Abstract: A packaging arrangement for the containment of at least one hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically, pursuant to the packaging arrangement, a plurality of disposable hydrophilic contact lenses are contained in a specific number of individual packaging arrangements collectively housed in a box-like container or carton so as to provide a specified or essentially measured supply of contact lenses for use by a consumer over a predetermined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard Wayne Abrams, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Wallace Anthony Martin
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Patent number: 5690866Abstract: An automated method for high speed production rates in the hydration of soft contact lenses. The method includes the use of robotic transfer equipment to transfer contact lens molds containing contact lenses to and from a hydration station and a flushing station.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.Inventors: Finn Thrige Andersen, Kaj Bjerre, Svend Christensen, Darren Scott Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Timothy Patrick Newton, Daniel Tsu-Fang Wang, Michael Francis Widman
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Patent number: RE37558Abstract: A packaging arrangement for the containment of at least one hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically, pursuant to the packaging arrangement, a plurality of disposable hydrophilic contact lenses are contained in a specific number of individual packaging arrangements collectively housed in a box-like container or carton so as to provide a specified or essentially measured supply of contact lenses for use by a consumer over a predetermined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Richard Wayne Abrams, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Wallace Anthony Martin