US3910296A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of removing proteinaceous deposits from contact lenses
Assignee: Allergan America
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Filing: 1974-03-04
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Granted: 1975-10-07
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Expires: 1994-03-04
Abstract
Abstract Proteinaceous material on the surface of contact lenses, especially soft contact lenses, may be removed by contacting the lens for a time sufficient to clean the lens with a substantially isotonic, aqueous solution containing an effective amount of a protease such as papain.
Inventors
- 👤 Hampar L Karageozian
- 👤 Paul Rudko
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:59
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02C; G02C13/00; G02C13/008; A; A61; A61L; A61L12/00; A61L12/08; A61L12/082; C; C11; C11D; C11D3/00; C11D3/0005; C11D3/0078; C11D3/16; C11D3/38; C11D3/386; C11D3/38618
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
44 words
A METHOD FOR REMOVING PROTEINACEOUS DEPOSITS FROM CONTACT LENSES COMPRISING CONTACTING A CONTACT LENS HAVING PROTEINACEOUS DEPOSITS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME SUFFICIENT TO CLEAN THE LENS WITH AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION COMPRISING AN EFFECTIVE CLEANSING AMOUNT OF PROTEASE WHICH IS NON-TOXIC TO THE EYES.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
44 words
A METHOD FOR REMOVING PROTEINACEOUS DEPOSITS FROM CONTACT LENSES COMPRISING CONTACTING A CONTACT LENS HAVING PROTEINACEOUS DEPOSITS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME SUFFICIENT TO CLEAN THE LENS WITH AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION COMPRISING AN EFFECTIVE CLEANSING AMOUNT OF PROTEASE WHICH IS NON-TOXIC TO THE EYES.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solution additionally contains a non-toxic amount of a sulfhydryl group-containing compound sufficient to activate the protease.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the sulfhydryl group-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of cysteine hydrochloride, dithiothreitol, dithioerythritol, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite and thiourea.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the protease is papain.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the contact lens is a soft contact lens.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
47 words
A method for removing proteinaceous deposits from soft contact lenses comprising contacting a soft contact lens having proteinaceous deposits for about 1 minute to about 48 hours with an aqueous solution comprising about 0.01 to about 5 percent of a protease which is non-toxic to the eyes.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
47 words
A method for removing proteinaceous deposits from soft contact lenses comprising contacting a soft contact lens having proteinaceous deposits for about 1 minute to about 48 hours with an aqueous solution comprising about 0.01 to about 5 percent of a protease which is non-toxic to the eyes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the protease is papain.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the aqueous solution is isotonic.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the aqueous solution additionally contains about 0.01 to about 5 percent of a sulfhydryl group-containing compound.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The methoD of claim 9 wherein the sulfhydryl group-containing compound is cysteine hydrochloride.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
40 words
A method for removing proteinaceous deposits from soft contact lenses comprising contacting a soft contact lens having proteinaceous deposits for a time sufficient to clean the lens with an aqueous, isotonic solution comprising about 0.05 to about 1.0 percent papain.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
40 words
A method for removing proteinaceous deposits from soft contact lenses comprising contacting a soft contact lens having proteinaceous deposits for a time sufficient to clean the lens with an aqueous, isotonic solution comprising about 0.05 to about 1.0 percent papain.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the solution additionally contains about 0.05 - 1 percent by weight of cysteine hydrochloride.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |