US4614549A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for enzymatic cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses
Assignee: Bausch and Lomb Inc
•
Filing: 1985-01-09
•
Granted: 1986-09-30
•
Expires: 2005-01-09
Abstract
Abstract Contact lenses are both cleaned and disinfected in aqueous solutions of proteolytic enzyme in a single-step by heating to a temperature of between 60° and 100° C. The cleaning and disinfecting process which may be conducted in one hour or less performs favorably against conventional methods wherein cleaning and disinfecting are conducted separately over a time period of up to twelve hours.
Inventors
- 👤 Lai Ogunbiyi
- 👤 Thomas M. Riedhammer
- 👤 Francis X. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:40
CPC Classifications
C; C11; C11D; C11D3/00; C11D3/16; C11D3/38; C11D3/386; C11D3/38609; A; A61; A61L; A61L12/00; A61L12/02; A61L12/04; C11D3/0005; C11D3/0078
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a proteolytic enzyme dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a proteolytic enzyme dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the period of time for which the solution and lenses are heated to an elevated temperature is 20 minutes or less.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the period of time for which the solution and lenses are heated to an elevated temperature is between 5 minutes and 15 minutes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the enzyme solution contains papain.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the enzyme solution contains pancreatin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the contact lenses are soft contact lenses.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, and (3) deactivating the enzyme, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a protease dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses and denature the protease.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, and (3) deactivating the enzyme, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a protease dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses and denature the protease.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the period of time for which the solution and lenses are heated to an elevated temperature is 20 minutes or less.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the period of time for which the solution and lenses are heated to an elevated temperature is between 5 minutes and 15 minutes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the enzyme solution contains papain.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the enzyme solution contains pancreatin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the protease-containing solution includes amylase.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 12 wherein the amylase is a microbial amylase.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the protease is derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the protease is derived from B. subtilis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the elevated temperature is more than 60° C. and less than 85° C.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the elevated temperature is between 65° C. and 75° C.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the contact lenses are of the extended-wear type having a water content of at least 55% by weight.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the solution is substantially isotonic with lacrimal fluids.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the heating of the lenses and solution to an elevated temperature is followed by cooling of the solution and lenses.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
86 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
86 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
89 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using an activator-free microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in an activator-free solution comprising an activator-free microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
89 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using an activator-free microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in an activator-free solution comprising an activator-free microbial-derived proteolytic enzyme dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
106 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
106 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
109 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in an activator-free solution comprising an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
109 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in an activator-free solution comprising an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from a Bacillus or Streptomyces bacteria or an Aspergillus mold dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
92 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
92 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using a proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in a solution comprising a proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
95 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in an activator-free solution comprising an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
95 words
A single step method for simultaneously (1) cleaning contact lenses of proteinaceous and other deposits using an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis in aqueous solution, and (2) disinfecting the contact lenses, comprising placing the lenses in an activator-free solution comprising an activator-free proteolytic enzyme derived from B. subtilis dissolved in water at about room temperature and then heating the solution and lenses to an elevated temperature of more than 60° C. and less than 100° C. for a period of time of 60 minutes or less, sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-09-29 | 1990-03-31 | 1990-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-29 | 1994-03-31 | 1994-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-29 | 1998-03-31 | 1998-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |