JPS6168051A - Contact lens ultrasonic washing and sterilization apparatus capable of being used as clock or timer simultaneously - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to cleaning or disinfecting contact lenses. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus in which cleaning or sterilizing or disinfecting a lens is accomplished by immersing the lens in a sterilizing or antiseptic solution and applying ultrasonic vibrations to the lens.

To avoid eye contamination, it is highly desirable to thoroughly clean and sterilize or disinfect contacts and lenses on a regular basis. In this system, the lens is immersed in a cleaning or sterilizing liquid and the liquid is heated.

However, such systems are not satisfactory in practice.

The use of ultrasonic vibrations for assistance has also been proposed, but typically the equipment used is large and complex. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a relatively simple and easily portable device for carrying out this type of cleaning or sterilization or disinfection of contacts, lenses.

The present invention includes at least one cavity for containing the contact lens together with a sterilizing or disinfecting or cleaning solution, and an ultrasonic transducer for applying ultrasonic vibrations to the liquid contained in the cavity and to the lens. , including a dual ferrite core transformer feedback circuit for stabilizing the cospecies layer wavenumber of the ultrasonic transducer, an oscillation means for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and a predetermined oscillation means. A contact lens cleaning or sterilizing or disinfecting device is provided comprising a timer whose operation is controlled from the excavation means for energizing for a specified period of time.

Such devices operate relatively efficiently and can be powered by a simple battery supply. Therefore, it does not require the use of mains power.

The efficiency of this operation is improved through the use of a dual ferrite core transformer feedback circuit. Therefore,
As a device, it is quite compact and has excellent portability.

Furthermore, the use of a dual seven-hole light core transformer feedback circuit ensures a relatively stable resonant frequency for the ultrasound transducer, regardless of variations in the amount or size and type of lenses within the cavity. Furthermore, variations in the type of sterilizing fluid, supply voltage and temperature do not significantly affect its resonance frequency. For this purpose, the co-picture wave number is always sufficiently constant with respect to the frequency used to control the operation of the associated timer used to predetermine the operating period. It is thus important to ensure that the lens is given a sufficient length of cleaning but not subjected to ultrasonic vibrations for an excessive period of time, otherwise the lens may be damaged or its quality compromised. Sometimes it happens.

Furthermore, this device is very effective in sterilizing lenses because the vibrational frequency within the cavity is resonant and constant, which promotes killing and removal of bacteria.

In the device of the invention it is possible to use a sterilizing solution which has a simultaneous sterilizing effect on the lens as well as a cleaning effect under ultrasonic vibrations. This is in contrast to conventional devices that use heat or simply chemicals to step the lens and do not have the cleaning effect of ultrasonic vibrations.

An example of a device according to the invention for cleaning or disinfecting or sterilizing lenses will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, device 10 has a housing 12 with a cavity 14 defined therein.

The cavity 14 is dish-shaped, best seen in FIG. 2, and it accommodates a contact lens for cleaning or sterilization and is covered with a removable screw-on cap 16. Cavity 14 has a flat base 18 on the underside of which an ultrasound transducer 20 is mounted.

Since the housing 12 is made compact and portable, it can be carried in a pocket. The device contains within the housing its own power source 2,2 in the form of a dry battery. A manually actuated switch 24 for controlling operation is also provided with an indicator light 26 to indicate when the device is operating.

The housing is provided with electronic circuitry 3o for operating the transducer, the circuitry ft 30 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 being shown in more detail in FIG. Circuit arrangement 3o includes a dual ferrite core transformer feedback generator circuit 32 whose seven outputs drive transducer 20. The output from circuit 32 is input to timer circuit 34. mosquito(
The timing of this circuit 34 is then controlled by the rooting frequency from the oscillator circuit. This timer is powered by 2
The operation of the circuit 32 is controlled by a cut-off switch 38 which controls the circuit 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a user places a contact lens and a sterilizing or disinfecting solution into cavity 14 and closes it with cap 16. Therefore, the user
When activated, the ultrasonic vibrations applied to the cavity by transducer 20 clean the lens. When the timer 34 reaches the preset time, the disconnect switch 38 disconnects the power supply 22 to the circuit 32, terminating the cleaning and disinfection. Thereafter, the user removes the cleaned lens from its cavity 14.

As best seen in FIG. 4, oscillator circuit 32 includes two ferrite core transformers T1 and T2. The excavation loop is condensed. The output of the secondary coil S1 of the transformer is used in a push-pull amplifier circuit, also consisting of transistors Q2 and Q3, which drives the primary coil P2 of the transformer T2. Secondary coil S2 of transformer T2
Transducer 20ft: Drive.

Feedback is applied to transformers TI and TI along line 39 to transistor Q1 to ensure that the entire circuit 32 fires together and coils S3 and S4 couple the two transformers together. T2 secondary coils S3 and S4
respectively supplied by Also, its resonant frequency is
This known arrangement remains approximately constant regardless of changes in transducer 20. Thus, the transducer will depend on factors such as the amount of liquid placed in cavity 14 and the size and type of contact lens, as well as the temperature and type of liquid.

Despite this, the feedback in the circuit 32 ensures that the entire circuit remains in resonance and, despite such fluctuations, its co-width wavenumber remains e.g.
As it is below 0Hz, it is not affected much.

This circuit is extremely efficient in its use of electrical power, so that effective ultrasonic power to the cavity 14 is provided by a power source 22 consisting of a dry battery.

Because the oscillation frequency of circuit 32 is substantially constant, it can be used to control the operating period of device 10. Thus, capacitor C4 and primary coil P1 of transformer T1
The output from the excavation loop formed by is provided along line 50 to counter circuit 34 via resistor R14.

Counter circuit 34 consists of integrated circuits ICI, IC2 and IC3. Zener diode 21 limits the pulse height of the excavation circuit.

Integrated circuits ICI and IC2 are counters that act as continuous dividers of the excavation pulses from the excavator. There are enough division stages so that integrated circuit IC2 will be able to operate circuit I after a predetermined time, say 9 minutes.
Varying outputs can be provided to bins 52 and 53 leading to C3.

Since the integrated circuit IC3 includes logic gates, the circuit 3
When 0 is first activated, integrated circuit IC3 is connected to line 5.
4, and its output goes into the pace of transistor Q4, making it conductive. As a result, coil 60 of relay RY is activated. This awaits the effect of holding the switch contacts 62 of relays R, Y closed, so that the entire circuit 30 continues to be powered from the power supply 22 via the positive line 66. However, integrated circuit IC
2 provides modified outputs on bins 52 and 53, the output to integrated circuit IC3 is the output of transistor Q4'? : disabling, resulting in switch contact 64 opening and disabling the entire circuit 30.

A manually actuated switch 24 is provided in parallel with the switch contact 62. This manual switch 24 normally has an off position, as can be seen from the figure. Thus, when a user wishes to use the device, the user temporarily closes the manual switch to bypass switch contact 62. -C, the entire circuit 30 is activated via line 66. The excavation circuit 32 starts oscillating and the timer circuit 34 is reset, which causes the transistor Q4 to go high (conducting).As a result, the relay R,
Since the Y switch contact 62 is closed, even if the user releases the manual switch 24, the circuit remains in the timer circuit 34.
is placed under operating conditions while it continues to count.

A disconnect safety switch 68 is provided in series with manual switch 24, which acts as a safety device.

Another output from integrated circuit fc3 on line 70 is supplied through resistor R5 to transistor Q5 in series with the light emitting diode forming indicator light 26. This output on line 70 is connected to transistor Q5.
Similarly to the case of Y transistor Q4, it is made conductive at the same time.

Also, since transistor Q5 remains conductive while the circuit is operating, light emitting diode 26 continues to be illuminated. However, when integrated circuit IC2 provides a modified output on bins 52 and 53, the output from integrated circuit IC3 along line 70 disables transistor Q5, causing indicator light 26 to go out.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cutaway plan view of the device according to the invention, and FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the electronic components in the device; ,
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B--B in FIG. 10... Device shown generically 14... Blank space 20
... Ultrasonic transducer 32 ... Oscillator circuit 34 ... Timer circuit procedure Sleeve correction Tatami September 21, 1982 2. Name of invention Contact lens cleaning device (corrected on the same date) 3. Amendment Relationship with cases involving patent applicants Address Name 13″′-Metate′ Cuff′:,z
ll Mite 7 To 4, Agent 7, Contents of amendment fil The title of the invention is amended to "Contact and lens cleaning device." (2) The entire text of the specification is amended as per the attached revised specification0 (3) Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the original specification are amended as shown in the attached drawings0 (4 ) Add Figure 6 of the drawings. Amended Description 1, Name of the Invention Contact and Lens Cleaning Apparatus 2, Claims (1) A contact and lens cleaning and disinfection apparatus comprising at least one contact and lens together with an aqueous non-chemical sterilizing solution. at least one void α for
4; at least one ultrasonic transducer for applying ultrasonic vibrations to the solution and the lens contained in the cavity I; oscillation means (32) for driving an ultrasonic transformer comprising a transformer feedback circuit using one or more magnetic cores with magnetic permeability and low core losses, and a predetermined energization of said excavation means. a timer (2) for controlling over a period of time; (2) said transformer feedback circuit is a dual ferrite, core transformer feedback circuit; The device according to claim 1. (3) The timer (b) is driven in its operation by receiving input from the oscillation means C33! The device according to item 1 or 2. (4) The cavity I is provided with a cap (16
1 - and the lens itself is removable together with the transducer after its cleaning and sterilization or disinfection and before its use, the housing of the device is also removable together with said transducer. The device according to any one of items 1 to 3. (5) one or more power transistors (Q2
．． Q3) is used to drive the transducer and heat transfer means are provided for transferring the heat generated during operation to the solution within said cavity side. A device according to any one of the preceding claims. 3. Detailed Description of the Invention This invention relates to cleaning and disinfection of contacts and lenses.
It is something that In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus in which cleaning and disinfection of a lens is performed by immersing the lens in an aqueous, non-chemical sterilizing solution and exposing it to ultrasound imaging. Contacts to avoid eye infection and irritation. It is highly desirable that lenses be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. In this system, the lens is immersed in a cleaning or disinfecting liquid and the liquid is heated, but this method is quite inconvenient in practice. The use of ultrasound imaging to aid in cleaning has also been proposed, but conventional devices have generally been large and complex. Typically, the lens is first subjected to ultrasonic vibrations to loosen impurity deposits and then disinfected in a second step through heating in a chemical disinfectant solution. Heating in the presence of disinfectants has the disadvantage of accelerating the coagulation of proteins on the lens coating, reducing its clarity over time. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved, relatively simple and portable device for carrying out this type of cleaning and disinfection of contacts and lenses without the use of chemical sterilization agents. There is something to do. According to the present invention, at least one cavity for containing an aqueous non-chemical sterilizing agent solution and at least one contact lens, and a liquid contained in the cavity and a superconductor for containing the lens. transformer feedback using at least one ultrasonic transducer for applying sonic vibrations and one or more magnetic cores of high magnetic permeability and low iron loss to stabilize the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer means; A contact, lens cleaning and disinfection device is provided having an oscillating means for driving its ultrasonic transducer including a circuit, and a timer for controlling energization of the oscillating means for a predetermined period of time. . Since such devices operate relatively efficiently, a simple DC battery source can be used to power them. Therefore, there is no need to use power from the power line. This operating efficiency is achieved through the use of a transformer feedback circuit - for example, a dual, ferrite, core transformer feedback circuit. Therefore, the device is quite compact and portable. Additionally, the use of a transformer feedback circuit ensures a relatively stable resonant frequency for the ultrasound transducer regardless of variations in the amount and size and type of lenses placed within the cavity. Also, variations in liquid type, supply voltage, and temperature do not significantly affect its resonant frequency. For this reason, the co-boiler frequency is always essentially constant, so that the operating time of the device is controlled by a simple electric timer without the need for any compensation means. Thus, the timer therein can be a simple crystal-controlled timer circuit. Alternatively, the resonant frequency is stable enough to be used to drive the operation of an interlockable timer used to predetermine the operating period. According to one embodiment, the operating time is at least 25
minutes, preferably 30 to 40 minutes, and the fluid and lens are heated from room temperature to about 65° C. within 15 to 20 minutes during the application of the ultrasonic energy. There is no need to separately heat the fluid therein. However, according to one preferred embodiment:
The liquid is heated using waste heat obtained from one or more power transistors used to drive the transducer. This is easily accomplished by conducting heat from such a transistor into the cavity by heat-conducting means such as a metal strip touching the outer wall of the cavity and contacting the transistor therein. . This has the important advantage of saving energy as the operating time is reduced. In other embodiments, the run time may be relatively short, for example 10-15 minutes, and the temperature of the liquid may be maintained below 35°C. Of course, if necessary, power and waste heat from the transistors may be used to heat the liquid. This device is very effective in disinfecting lenses because the imaging frequency in the cavity is at a certain resonant frequency that is effective in killing and eliminating bacteria. As a standard, the imaging frequency is in the range of 35-40 degrees. The device of this invention uses a warm, simple saline solution that is readily available. No special solutions or fluids are required. Thus, it is necessary to use chemical disinfectants that have the important advantage of avoiding the risk of introducing chemicals into the eye that are harmful, unpleasant, or cause allergic symptoms to the user. There is no. This can solidify and deteriorate the lens coating due to the long heating time required, and the heat used to disinfect the lens or the lens without the cleaning effect of ultrasonic vibrations. This is in sharp contrast to conventional devices that use disinfectant chemicals. An important advantage of this invention is that the lens is cleaned and sterilized in one step, so the device is simple to use. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The enclosure 510 includes a housing 12 having a cavity 14 formed therein. This cavity 14 is best shown in FIG. 2 and is dish-shaped and is intended to hold a pair of contact lenses for cleaning and disinfection. 14 is covered by a removable screw-on cap 16 and has a flat base I8 on the underside of which one or more ultrasound transducers 20 are mounted.
is provided. Housing 12 is constructed with compact dimensions so that it can be carried in a pocket. However, the fifth
In an alternative embodiment shown in the figures, the cavity 14 and the screw cap 16 can be removed as a unit from the rest of the housing 2. Thus--the cavity and the transducer 20 are enclosed in an outer dished portion 21 that fits slidingly into a corresponding opening in the housing 12. transducer 20
It is also surrounded by a V-shaped dish-shaped portion 21m for protection. An electrical connector 22 is provided for electrical connection to transducer 20. There are three female sockets on the underside of the transducer 20, and three upright male overhanging pins are provided on the housing 120 base 12a. 4 and cap 16 are in place on housing I2, the necessary electrical connections to the transducer have now been established. The device contains its own power source 23 in the form of a dry cell battery within the housing. Additionally, a manual switch 24 for controlling operation is provided along with an indicator light 26 to indicate that the device is in operation. The housing is provided with an electronic circuit device 30 for operating the transducer, the circuit device 13
0 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 and in detail in FIG. Circuit arrangement 3° includes a dual, ferrite, core transformer feedback oscillator circuit 32, the output of which is connected to drive transducer 20. Such a circuit is an example of a transformer feedback circuit using a magnetic core with high magnetic permeability and low iron losses. Further, the output of the circuit 32 is also given to a timer 34. Thus, the timing of timer 34 is controlled by the oscillation frequency of oscillation circuit 32. The output of the timer 34 controls the operation of the oscillation circuit 32 via an automatic cutoff switch 38 that controls the power supply 23. Preferably, circuit arrangement 30 operates at a frequency of 35-40 KHz. Here, its operation will be explained with reference to FIG. After filling the cavity 14 with contacts, lenses, and saline bath solution, the user closes the cavity 14 with the cap 16 and then starts the oscillation circuit 32. The contacts and lenses within cavity 14 are cleaned and disinfected by ultrasonic vibrations provided by transducer 20. When the timer 34 reaches a preset time, the disconnect switch 38 automatically disconnects the power supply 23 to the oscillator circuit 32, terminating its operation. At that point, the user will remove the cleaned lens from cavity 14. As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the oscillation circuit 32 is
It includes two transformers T1 and T2 with ferrite cores. The excavation loop is formed by capacitor C4 and the primary coil P1 of transformer T1, and the circuit is driven by transistor Q1. Transformer T1
The output at the secondary coil S1 of is the power driving the primary coil P2 of the transformer T2, transistors Q2 and Q3.
It is used in a bush pull amplifier circuit consisting of. Secondary coil S2 of transformer T2 drives transducer 20. Feedback is provided by transformer T and secondary coils S3 and S4 of T2 to ensure that the entire circuit 32 oscillates in resonance and that coils S3 and S4 couple the two transformers together. , along line 39 to transistor Q1. Also, its resonant frequency remains fairly constant with this known arrangement regardless of changes in transducer 20. Thus, the transducer is influenced by factors such as the amount of liquid placed in cavity 14, the size and type of contact, lens, and the temperature and type of Qg. Nevertheless, the feedback in circuit 32 ensures that the entire circuit remains in resonance, and despite such changes, the 70 common frequency is only marginally affected within e.g. 500 Hz. . Since this circuit is very efficient in its use of power, the effective ultrasonic power to the cavity 4 is provided by a power source 23 consisting of a battery. Since the oscillation frequency of circuit 32 is substantially constant, it is also used to control the period of operation of device 10. Thus, the output is on line 50 from the oscillating loop formed by capacitor C4 and primary coil P1 of transformer T1.
taken out along. It is supplied to the counter circuit 34 via the resistor R,1. The counter circuit 34 includes integrated circuits TC1, IC2 and IC.
Contains 3. Zener diode 21 limits the height of its output pulse. Integrated circuits C1 and IC2 are counters that act as a subsequent divider for the oscillation pulses from the oscillator circuit. There are enough division stages so integrated circuit TC2
after a preselected period of time, e.g. 9 minutes,
At pins 52 and 53 a converted output will be provided to integrated circuit IC3. Integrated circuit IC3 includes a logic gate, and when circuit 30 is first activated, circuit IC3 outputs along line 54, the output of which is applied to the base of transistor Q4, rendering it conductive. . As a result, the relay coil 60 of the relay RY in series with the collector of the transistor Q4 is activated. this is,
By holding the switch contact 62 of relay RY, the entire circuit 30 remains activated via the positive line 66 leading to the power supply 23. However, integrated circuit IC
2 provides its altered output on pins 52 and 53, the output to integrated circuit TC3 acts on circuit IC3,
Transistor Q4 is rendered non-conductive. As a result, one switch contact 62 is opened and the entire circuit 3o is placed inactive. A manual switch 24 is provided in parallel with the switch contact 62. As can be seen from the figure, the manual switch 24 is normally in the open position fK. Thus, when the user wishes to activate the device, the user temporarily closes manual switch 24 to bypass switch contact 62 and activates the entire circuit 30 via line 66. When the oscillation circuit 32 starts, the timer circuit 34 is reset, so
Transistor Q4 becomes highly conductive. Therefore, since switch contacts 62 of relays R and Y are closed, even if the user releases switch 24, the circuit remains closed to timer circuit 34.
continues the opening operation that continues counting. A cutoff switch 68 provided in series with the manual switch 24 functions as a safety measure. Another output from integrated circuit TC3 is supplied through line 70 and resistor R5 to the pace of transistor Q5 in series with the light emitting diode forming indicator lamp 26. This output along line 70 is connected to transistor Q4.
Similarly, and at the same time, transistor Q5'? It will be conductive. Therefore, the circuit maintains transistor Q5 conductive and continues to illuminate light emitting diode 26. However, when integrated circuit IC2 applies its altered edge to pins 52 and 53, the output from integrated circuit IC3 along line 70 places transistor Q5 in a non-conducting state and turns off indicator lamp 26. According to a modified embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6, waste heat from transistors Q2 and Q3 is used to heat the liquid in cavity 14. This is blank space 1
This is achieved by a strip 50 of thermally conductive metal attached to each transistor pressure bearing against the underside pressure of the four flat spaces 18. In this way, the waste heat is used more quickly to heat the liquid in the cavity, thereby reducing its operating time. This means that if the liquid there is brought to a relatively high temperature of, say, 65°C,
This becomes extremely important when you want to heat the togi in 0 minutes. Using ultrasonic energy alone to raise the internal temperature of the fluid and lens to such a high temperature would be too long and would degrade the quality of the lens. Also, power, transistor Q
Since Q2 and Q3 provide sufficient waste heat, this is highly preferred for use in that embodiment. A contact lens cleaning and disinfection device in which the contact lens is cleaned with an aqueous, non-chemical sterilizing solution, such as a saline solution. The ultrasonic transducer ■ gives vibration to the cavity α. The oscillator that drives the transducer includes a transformer feedback circuit using one or more magnetic cores with high magnetic permeability and low iron losses to provide a stable co-optation frequency. The timer is driven based on the common imaging frequency. In one embodiment, a cavity A4 and a sealing cap (161) are provided so that the lens can be removed together with the transducer from the rest of the housing of the device so that it can be conveniently transported after its cleaning and before its use. According to another embodiment, the waste heat from the power transistors (Q2, Q3) is used to heat the cleaning solution in the cavity. 4. Brief description of the drawings FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway plan view of the device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the device according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the electronic components in the device; Yes; FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of a modified device; FIG. 6 is an enlarged detailed sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of a further modified device. ......Housing (141...Vacancy (field)...Cap (2υ...Ultrasonic transducer 3z...
...Oscillation means (b) ...Timer 5C ... Heat conduction means Agent Patent attorney Takayoshi Hayashi □1, =
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Claims (1)

[Claims] at least one cavity containing a contact lens with a sterilizing and disinfecting or cleaning liquid; an ultrasonic transducer for applying ultrasonic vibrations to the liquid and the lens contained in the cavity; and the ultrasonic transducer. oscillator means for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and energizing the oscillator means for a predetermined period of time; 1. An apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning and sterilization of contact lenses which can be used simultaneously as a clock or a timer, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a timer whose operation is controlled by the oscillation means.