Method for sterilizing contact lenses

• US 4,671,935 A
• Filed: 05/03/1985
• Issued: 06/09/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Colorado (University of Colorado System)
• Original Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Colorado (University of Colorado System)
• Inventors: Bulard, Ronald A., Rohrer, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): WYSE, THOMAS G
• Application Number:
  US06/730,381
• Time in Patent Office: 767 Days
• Field of Search: 422/21, 422/22, 422/121, 210/748
• US Class Current: 422/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 12/066 Microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0011 using physical methods
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/12 Microwaves

Abstract

Method and apparatus for sterilizing contact lenses wherein the lenses are moved in a circular orbit within a microwave oven through variations of energy levels in the microwave field in the oven, with the orbit of movement being spaced from the floor of the oven.

Claims

1. A method of sterilizing a contact lens, comprising the steps of:

placing the lens in a microwave oven having a floor;

generating microwaves in the oven, and

moving the lens in a generally circular orbit within the oven in spaced relation from the floor of the oven until the lens is sterilized.

2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the steps of placing the lens in the microwave and moving the lens in the circular orbit are characterized further to include the steps of:

supporting the lens in a container which is transparent to microwaves; and

moving the container in said circular orbit.

3. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the lens is maintained with its convex side up while being moved in the circular orbit.

4. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the circular orbit is on a horizontal plane.