US4782946A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Soft contact lens hydration device and kit
Assignee: HYDRON Ltd BROADWALK HOUSE
•
Filing: 1987-09-17
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Granted: 1988-11-08
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Expires: 2007-09-17
Abstract
Abstract A hydration device and kit are provided for effecting the hydration of a dehydrated soft contact lens resident within the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin M. Pollak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:45
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45C; A45C11/00; A45C11/005; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S134/00; Y10S134/901; Y10S425/00; Y10S425/808
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
43 words
A hydration device comprising an enclosure possessing means for permitting contact of a dehydrated contact lens in resident association with a mold element in which the lens was formed with hydration liquid, said device containing at least one such combined lens/mold element assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
43 words
A hydration device comprising an enclosure possessing means for permitting contact of a dehydrated contact lens in resident association with a mold element in which the lens was formed with hydration liquid, said device containing at least one such combined lens/mold element assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The hydration device of claim 1 wherein the enclosure is defined by upper and lower interengaging members either or both of which possess one or more passages for admitting hydration liquid therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The hydration device of claim 1 wherein the dehydrated contact lens is resident within the cavity of a mold element employed in a centrifugal lens casting procedure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
110 words
A kit for effecting the hydration of a dehydrated contact lens and the separation of the lens from the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed which comprises: (a) at least one lens hydration device possessing an enclosure capable of containing at least one dehydrated contact lens in resident association with the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed, said device possessing means for permitting contact of said lens with hydration liquid; (b) at least one dehydrated contact lens in resident association with the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed; and, (c) a quantity of hydration liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
110 words
A kit for effecting the hydration of a dehydrated contact lens and the separation of the lens from the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed which comprises: (a) at least one lens hydration device possessing an enclosure capable of containing at least one dehydrated contact lens in resident association with the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed, said device possessing means for permitting contact of said lens with hydration liquid; (b) at least one dehydrated contact lens in resident association with the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed; and, (c) a quantity of hydration liquid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The kit of claim 4 wherein the dehydrated contact lens is resident within the cavity of a mold element employed in a centrifugal lens casting procedure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The kit of claim 4 wherein the enclosure of the hydration device is defined by upper and lower interengaging members either or both of which possess one or more passages for admitting hydration liquid therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The kit of claim 4 wherein a plurality of such combined dehydrated lens/mold element assemblies and hydration devices are provided.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The kit of claim 7 wherein the combined dehydrated lens/mold element assemblies are stored within a tubular container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The kit of claim 7 wherein one or more combined dehydrated lens/mold element assemblies are packaged in a packet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The kit of claim 7 wherein one or more combined dehydrated lens/mold element assemblies are packaged in individually separable packets formed as part of a sheet or strip of said packets.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The kit of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of an exterior surface of the hydration devices is capable of receiving lens-identifying indicia applied thereto.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The kit of claim 4 further comprising one or more vessels for holding hydration liquid and/or other lens treating composition(s).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The kit of claim 4 further comprising means for gripping the contact lens.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The kit of claim 13 wherein the gripping means is a set of soft-tipped tweezers.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The kit of claim 4 comprising at least one additional material or composition for treating the contact lens.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The kit of claim 15 wherein said additional material or composition is one for cleaning, sterilizing, preserving, storing, removing peroxide, or performing any combination of the aforesaid operations.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The kit of claim 4 further comprising a packaging unit for receiving the kit components.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The kit of claim 17 wherein the packaging unit is an impact-absorbing material or construction containing recesses for the kit components.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The kit of claim 18 wherein the impact-absorbing material is a polyolefin foam or a styrenic polymer foam.
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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) | 1991-11-08 | 1992-05-09 | 1992-11-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-11-08 | 1996-05-09 | 1996-11-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-11-08 | 2000-05-09 | 2000-11-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |