Contact lens sterilizer apparatus
US4207287A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L12/084
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method for sterilizing soft contact lenses and the like using methoxymethane while the lenses are in a liquid-wetted state. Methoxymethane on the water-wet surface for a sufficient time kills the microorganisms (bacteria, molds and yeasts) that invade and are entrapped in the pores and irregular surfaces of the hydrophilic materials from which such soft contact lenses are made. An easily portable apparatus for applying this sterilization technique to the lenses is also disclosed. It includes a lens holder that can be held in a chamber that can be pressure-isolated to receive the methoxymethane gas from portable sources. In one form, an indicator shows that the lenses are under sterilization pressure. This novel arrangement dispenses with the inconvenience of using prolonged steaming, or questionable sterilization in disinfecting fluids which may affect the composition of the soft contact lens.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.