US4073577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contact lenses of hydrophilic polymers made by photopolymerization
Assignee: Novartis AG
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Filing: 1976-10-22
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Granted: 1978-02-14
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Expires: 1996-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A contact lens is made from a polymer hydrogel by photopolymerizing a hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate in the absence of a cross-linking agent. The polymer hydrogel can also be formed by photopolymerization carried out in the presence of a catalyst responsive to short-wave light. Heat can also be used in combination with the photopolymerization to assist in formation of the polymer hydrogel contact lens.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Hofer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 08:24
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B1/00; G02B1/04; G02B1/041; G02B1/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
39 words
Contact lens consisting essentially of a hydrogel of a polymer of a single monomer selected from the group consisting of a hydoxyalkyl acrylate and a hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, said single monomer being photopolymerized in the absence of a cross-linking agent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
39 words
Contact lens consisting essentially of a hydrogel of a polymer of a single monomer selected from the group consisting of a hydoxyalkyl acrylate and a hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, said single monomer being photopolymerized in the absence of a cross-linking agent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
Contact lens of claim 1 wherein photopolymerization is carried out in the presence presence of a catalyst responsive to short-wave light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
Contact lens of claim 2 wherein the catalyst is used in a quantity of up to 1.0% by weight, based on the hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
Contact lens of claim 2 wherein the catalyst is a dixanthogenate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Contact lens of claim 1 wherein photopolymerization is carried out by the simultaneous action of short-wave light and heat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
Contact lens of claim 5 wherein photopolymerization is carried out at temperatures of 35° to 80° C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
Contact lens of claim 6 wherein photopolymerization is carried out in the presence of a catalyst responsive to elevated temperatures.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Contact lens of claim 7 wherein the catalyst is used in a quantity of up to 5% by weight, based on the hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
Contact lens of claim 7 wherein the catalyst in an azo compound.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
Contact lens of claim 1 wherein photopolymerization is carried out, first, under the action of short-wave light and, subsequently, by increasing the temperature to 35° to 80° C.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
Process for making a contact lens which consists essentially of forming a polymer hydrogel of a single monomer by photopolymerizing a hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate in the absence of a cross-linking agent and thereafter shaping the polymer hydrogel of said single monomer into a contact lens.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
Process for making a contact lens which consists essentially of forming a polymer hydrogel of a single monomer by photopolymerizing a hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate in the absence of a cross-linking agent and thereafter shaping the polymer hydrogel of said single monomer into a contact lens.
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) | 1981-02-13 | 1981-08-15 | 1982-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-13 | 1985-08-15 | 1986-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-13 | 1989-08-15 | 1990-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |