US4671935A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for sterilizing contact lenses
Assignee: University of Oklahoma
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Filing: 1985-05-03
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Granted: 1987-06-09
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Expires: 2005-05-03
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael D. Rohrer
- 👤 Ronald A. Bulard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/02; A61L12/00; A61L12/02; A61L12/06; A61L12/066; A61L2/08; A61L2/12; A61L2103/00; A61L2103/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
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.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
52 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
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.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the lens is maintained with its convex side up while being moved in the circular orbit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the circular orbit is on a horizontal plane.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1990-06-08 | 1990-12-08 | 1991-06-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-06-08 | 1994-12-08 | 1995-06-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-06-08 | 1998-12-08 | 1999-06-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |