Hydrogel oxygen generator with improved fluid flow

• US 4,401,371 A
• Filed: 10/25/1980
• Issued: 08/30/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Charles W. Neefe
• Original Assignee: Charles W. Neefe
• Inventors: Neefe, Charles W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Corbin, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sugarman, Scott J.
• Application Number:
  US06/098,669
• Time in Patent Office: 1,039 Days
• Field of Search: 351/160 H, 351/160 R
• US Class Current: 351/160.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0017 implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00076 enabling passage of fluids, e.g. oxygen, tears, between the area under the lens and the lens exterior
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/04 Contact lenses for the eyes disinfection or sterilisation of contact lenses A61L12/00

Abstract

A contact lens concave-convex in form made of a transparent, optically clear hydrogel polymer containing micro-photoelectrolysis elements to produce hydrogen and oxygen by the electrolysis of water and capillary tubes within the hydrogel polymer to remove the hydrogen and oxygen from the lens and supplying water for electrolysis.

Claims

1. An oxygen and hydrogen generator comprising a water containing polymer having a plurality of photosensitive particles imbedded within the polymer which produce both hydrogen and oxygen by the photoelectrolysis of water when the photosensitive particles are excited by being exposed to light, said polymer having a plurality of open ended tubes extending into the polymer structure whereby the generated oxygen and hydrogen may pass within the tubes to the polymer surface.

2. A generator as in claim 1 wherein the polymer surface has a negative charge.

3. A generator as in claim 1 wherein the polymer surface is hydrophilic.

4. A generator as in claim 1 wherein the polymer surface is hydrophobic.

5. A generator as in claim 1 which is shaped into a contact lens and provides oxygen to the cornea of the eye.

6. A generator as in claim 1 wherein the generated oxygen is collected.