1292326 九、發明說明： 相_關申諳案 此申請案宣告擁有雇年3月i日中請而名 線内蒸汽消毒器」之美國臨時專利申請^ 60/360,904號的優先權。 ” 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明大體上是關於隱形眼鏡製造技術，特別是 關於眼科隱形眼鏡製造系統之新穎的線内消毒器 1〇 *托盤及胁更纽執行包裝式隱形喊的線内消毒1292326 IX. INSTRUCTIONS: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to contact lens manufacturing techniques, and more particularly to a novel in-line sterilizer for an ophthalmic contact lens manufacturing system, in which a tray and a threat are executed in a line of invisible shouting. disinfection
敢後包褒。 控制系統」 眼科透鏡生 及供消費者使用的 生產線追蹤與品質 之示範性先前技術 。讀者可以參考名稱為「 」的美國專利5,555,504號 鏡生產純裝控制純的說明。 關於透㈣毒，在水溶㈣之所製造_科透鏡 1292326 10 15 20 密封於泡沫式包裝中且在蒸汽消毒器中消毒。包敦式 隱形眼鏡的說明例及它們的消毒技術描述於美國專利 5,488,815與5,577,367號。特別地’在共同擁有之已 公告的美國專利5,488,815號中揭示一種褒置，其考虎 使用一種輸送器系統以輸送複數托盤，各托盤中可^ 容納特定數量之交錯成對的泡沫式包裝陣列，其循序 折疊在成對交錯的位置，然後經由中間的傳送輪送器 輸送進入個別金屬托盤，以充填於後者（其設置成特定 的列與行）的空間中。然後，金屬托盤（其放入豎立的 位置，以便能夠從梭式輪送器接收交錯成對的泡沫式 包裝陣列）在充填時傾斜回到正常的水平方向，且依生 產的需求而定，如果需要的話，接著，多達三個這種 陣列充填式金屬托盤可以垂直堆疊或重疊，且以一系 列這種堆疊式托盤的方式輪送。一輸送器適於將内含 泡沫式包裝陣列的金屬托盤輸送進入消毒室，諸如壓 ^鋼’其中泡沫式包裝陣列被集體消毒。已經完成消 毒循環以後，執行次級包妹序，其巾托盤與已消毒 的泡沫式包裝陣列由另—輸送器朝向未裝載的配置 U中托盤未堆疊）與侧托盤運輸，然後循序s立。 ”盤的内含物能夠傳送至未裝载的梭式輸送 ▼ ’八則便利於特定數量之交錯成對的泡沫式包裝陣 ϋ連續前進至裝㈣，裝箱_具有端部敞開的紙板 相，可以接受泡沫式包裝陣列。 障列ill技術的消毒設備與技術之中心是泡沐式包裝 现必須自製造線傳送至消毒器，其位在與製造 25 Z6 站離線的分離區域中。於是，… 在離線區域混合消毒與未該過程之一主要問題是 問題包括外部材料處理妒備勢的產品的可能性。其他 添加的過程内產品庫存:、額外的製造地板空間及 求提供-種用於隱形眼鏡=⑶在本發明以前已經需 設備’其免除對於卸載_;、包備的線内消毒 此外，這此先前=2鏡產品消毒的需求。 之相當遲的階段砂:欠級包^料雜在製造過程 泡沐式包褒於紙板箱中㈣^安/= 票，透鏡 裝備的性質，，材料，先進技:涉及之 =過程又不能適當敝包，纽產能減少， 口為必須捨純裝。此現象目前使已料的包裝不可 以在次級包裝過程中立刻包裝，例如，包裝至紙板箱 乂便運輸。為了解決「乾炼」問題，典型上需要超過 1小時之較長的消毒過程循環時間，以達成包裝的乾 燥程度，以供次級包裝。所以，在本發明以前已需求 提供一種用於隱形眼鏡製造的線内消毒設備與包裝設 備，其確保接受消毒過程的包裝滿足乾燥的需求，以 致於它們可以在後續的包裝步驟中立刻安置於紙板箱 中。極度希望提供一種自動隱形眼鏡製造設備，其係 一種線内消毒機，可以消毒眼科透鏡包裝，不需要自 生產線卸載產品。 此外，在先前嘗試隔離消毒與未消毒產品的人工 程序時，極度希望提供一種自動隱形眼鏡製造没備， 其係一種線内消毒機，本身玎以防止消毒與未消毒產 1292326 品滿合。極度希望提供-種自動隱形眼鏡製造設備， 其係，種線内消毒機’可以消毒眼科透鏡包裝，不需 要自生產線知載產品，且是改良的設計，能夠消毒目 前系統可以達成之大1含有托盤的包裝，於是增加每 5 單位體積的產旎。極度希望為自動隱形眼鏡製造過程 提供一種新穎托盤，用於支撐隱形眼鏡包裝的堆疊， 以在線内消毒機中輸送，線内消毒機使用一種溫度與 蒸汽加壓消毒過程，其方式是俾使以更快速的方式消 毒已包裝的透鏡，包裝實際上不受損於濕氣，使得可 10 接受的包裝能夠立刻行進至後續的包裝站。極度希望 為自動隱形眼鏡製造過程提供一種新穎托盤與托盤堆 受結構其承載泡沫式包裝的巢狀陣列以便同時消 毒，且是耐用的，可以忍受消毒器中的蒸汽與溫度狀 況。 15 [發明内容】 因此’本發明之一目的是提供一種用於消毒含有 隱形眼鏡的包裝之線内消毒設備，不需要自製造線卸 載包裝。本發明之另一目的是提供一種用於承載線内 20 消毒設備中之含有隱形眼鏡的包裝之新穎托盤結構， 其能夠增加每單位體積的產能。 本發明之另一目的是提供一種用於消毒新穎線内 消毒設備中之含有隱形眼鏡的包裝之新穎過程，其需 要較少的消毒時間。本發明之另一目的是提供一種用 25 於承載新穎線内消毒設備中之隱形眼鏡包裝之新穎托 1292326 盤結構，其在最佳的時機、溫度與壓力狀況下執行消 毒，俾使消毒過程在緊鄰於消毒以後之次級包裝以前 提供適當乾燥的包裝。 本發明之另一目的是提供一種控制系統與方法， 5 用於維持與在新穎運輸結構上輸送以便在新穎消毒設 備中消毒之隱形眼鏡包裝的追蹤有關的資訊。本發明 之另一目的是提供一種線内消毒設備，用於消毒在線 内消毒設備中之含有隱形眼鏡的包裝，其設計成為本 身可以防止消毒與未消毒產品的混合。關於軟式隱形 10 眼鏡生產，依據本發明之一特點，提供一種消毒系統 與方法，用於自動運輸複數待消毒之含有軟式隱形眼 鏡的軟式隱形眼鏡包裝通過線内設備，不需要自製造 線卸載包裝，而是將它們安置於新穎的消毒托盤中， 以便在最佳的溫度與時間狀況下運輸通過消毒器，能 15 夠增加產能，其中確保該包裝的乾燥度，以致於包裝 可以立刻行進，以供另外的次級包裝。 有利地，眼科透鏡包裝消毒器之整合於製造線中 提供消毒與未消毒產品的實質分離。結果，產品不能 夠行經消毒包裝區域而不通過消毒器。整合也允許藉 20 由機器控制器完整追蹤通過透鏡機的產品，確保產品 必須在卸載至次級包裝區域以前通過完整的消毒循 環。 【實施方式】 25 本發明包括一種用於消毒眼科透鏡包裝之設備， I292326 包含： 肩毋至又计成為容納複數眼科透鏡包裝， 一裝置’用於運輪該眼科透鏡包裝至該消毒室； 一裝置，用於當該眼科透鏡包裝容納於該消毒室 時’使複數眼科透鏡包裂接受適當的消毒循環； 其中該消毒室配置成為鄰近於眼科透鏡製造線之 初級處理站與次級包裝站。 此處使用的術語「眼科透鏡」包含(但不限於)硬式 隱形眼鏡、軟式隱形眼鏡、剛性氣體可透過的隱形眼 鏡、眼内透鏡與用於眼鏡的透鏡。在本發明中檢驗的 眼科透鏡可以含有或不含有視力矯正。較佳的透鏡是 具有或不具有視力矯正的軟式隱形眼鏡。軟式隱形眼 鏡可以由傳統水凝膠製成，且大體上由單體製備，單 體包含(但不限於）甲基丙烯酸羥乙酯（HEMA)、乙烯鼠 咯酮、甘油甲基丙烯酸酯、甲基丙烯酸與酸酯；或矽 氧燒水凝膠。軟式隱形眼鏡的例子包含(但不限於)在 美國專利5,998,498號、2000年8月30日申請的美國 專利申請案09/532,943號（係美國專利申請案 〇9/532,943號的部分追續案）、2001年9月20曰申請 的美國專利申請案〇9/957,299號、美國專利6,〇87,415 號、美國專利5,760,100號、美國專利5,776,999號、 美國專利5,789,461號、美國專利5,849,811號、美國 專利5,965,631號、2001年9月10日申請而名稱為「含 有内部濕潤劑的生物醫療裝置」的美國專利申請案 6〇/318,536號及2002年9月6日申請而名稱相同^它 1292326 的非臨時對應案中製備的etafilcon A、genfilcon A、 lenefilcon A、polymacon' acquafilcon A、balaftlcon A、 lotrafilcon A與矽氧烷水凝膠。這些專利及此申請案中 揭示的所有其他專利全部附於此供參考。 已知用於製造眼科透鏡的很多過程，包括製造軟 式隱形眼鏡的各種過程。雖然本發明可以全面應用於 全部眼科透鏡過程，現在將在軟式隱形眼鏡的上下文 中說明較佳實例及它的相關製造線站，可以了解，本 發明不限於此透鏡。 此處使用的片語「眼科透鏡包裝」意指用於個人 眼科透鏡的主要包裝，或更通稱為泡沫式包裝。該包 裝的例子包含（但不限於）美國專利4,691，820 ; 5,054,610 5,337,888 5,375,698 5,409，104 ； 5,467,868 5,515,964 5,609,246 5,695,049 ； 15 5,697,495 5,704,468 5,711,416 5,722,536 ； 5,573,108 5,823,327 5,704,468 5,983,608 ; 6,029,808 ; 6,044,966 ;及 6,401，915 與 2002 年 12 月 23日申請而名稱為「含有添加物的隱形眼鏡包裝」的 美國專利申請案60/436，109號及2002年1月26曰申 請而名稱為「隱形眼鏡包裝」的美國專利申請案 10/183，133號中揭示的包裝。前述專利與專利申請案 全部附於此供參考。 此處使用的術語「消毒室」意指用於消毒眼科透 鏡包裝的封閉件。該室可以自動或人工方式開啟，以 允許該包裝進入及離開。此外，該室必須構建成為允 11 25 1292326 許藉由很多方法中的任何方法加熱或冷卻（或二者兼 用!、，該方法，含(但不限於)乾燥熱、蒸汽熱、護罩式 冷卻等。該室的溫度修改將其中包含的眼科透鏡包裝 消毒。此處使用的術語「用於運輸的裝置」包含(但不 限於)輸送帶、滑輪與用於沿著製造線移動物品的其他 機械化系統。在較佳實施例中，用於運輸的裝置包括 「消毒托盤」。該消毒托盤具有將該托盤分割的外壁與 内壁，以便，夠在最有效較向容納複數眼科透鏡包 裝，用於消毒該包裳。用於消毒該包裝的較佳定向是 垂直容納該包裝，如圖5所示。此處使用的「用於接 受的裝置」包含(但不限於）壓力、熱與蒸汽來源及調 節器。 此處使用的「初級處理站」包含(但不限於）眼科逸 鏡製造線的任何站，諸如透鏡形成、水合、檢驗等。 此處理站的特例揭示於名稱為「用於滿足拋棄式隱形 眼鏡處方的裝置與方法」的美國專利4,958,280號，其 全部附於此供參考。在本發明的較佳實施例中，初级 處理站包括下列諸項中的任一項或任何組合：用於以 眼科透鏡包裝裝載該消毒托盤的裝置、用於傳送已装 載的消毒托盤至消毒室的裝置、用於卸載該消毒工作 托盤的裝置及用於傳送已消毒的眼科透鏡包裝至該第 二包裝站的裝置。 此處使用的術語「消毒循環」意指使該包裝處於 不同的溫度與壓力，以消毒該包裝及其中包含的眼科 透鏡。此處使用的「次級包裝」包含(但不限於）紙板 12 25 1292326 相收縮包覆或將個別包裝的眼科透鏡封閉於複數容 器中的其他大、+ w々去。此次級包裝的例子揭示於美國專利 5 10 15 20 詳ms #全部附於此供參考。參考下列圖，更 、本發明的實施例之一例。 參考圖1 4 ^ ，其顯示隱形眼鏡生產設備之一部分10 為」热項硯圖，其包括一處理站，處理站設計成 ί:二ί及加強包裝在個別泡沫式包裝中含有的水 i能夠將造的眼科透鏡；及一處理站，其設計成 術：知者？迅速消毒且增加產能。較佳地’如此技 個別开> 成的眼科隱形眼鏡放入含有水溶 液的個別塑膠「泡沫式」包裝。 ;_的泡味式包裝可移除地接合至-L多L: 包含—例如(未顯示)-三泡沫式包裝的泡沫 =:]。於是’所形成的眼科崎入陣列的ί Π衣’且依據此技術習知中的技術而密封。复 ΐ載站密封的泡珠式包料列22傳送至; 二以’它們在該處裝人—新穎消毒器托盤(未續 :)及此之將更詳細說明。在較佳實施例中，二個所二 站^^’以―_轉動及第二㈣放在另 g 交錯的特徵。配合以交錯方式 十： =娜顧示)-其用於承接在托盤裝栽 裝-指引-賴料托解元(未_)，纽計成^ 13 25 1292326 接及支#輯Μ裝，以便輸送 佳地，在托盤裝載站20，新穎線内消器、。較 指引及定向，使抓取機構28能夠自:二现被適當 錯成對的料切舰人軸 &傳送各交 的穴。較佳地’當抓取機構:取==指引 它們:直放入_(1)列(其包含設計成:以 狀對的五托盤穴）時，托盤轉於水 承接巢 數交錯成對的泡沫式陣列所充填 二”次，複 10 15 20 帶驅動的輸送器在（例如）標示為” A，^ 制式 進，疊站25,在該處形成二向； ::中，九托盤(各由複數交錯成對的泡沐式包裝= $互相上下堆4,且在標示為，，Β”的方向自動= ^緊鄰的線内消毒器50’它們在該處接受有效的二 熟消毒過程’在此將更詳細解釋。與允許堆疊之 消毒托盤設計結合之線内消毒站50的設計能夠掸力、 迄今為止無法達成的透鏡消毒產能位準。此外， ，内消毒器的設計可以實施新消毒過程參數，其確保 每〜泡沫式包裝陣列的乾燥度，此對於後續的自動二^ 級包裝而言是重要的。此外，如圖1所示，在消毒循 %完成以後，包含已消毒的泡沫式包裝陣列之托盤堆 足在標示為’’C的方向自動輸送至緊鄰的托盤解除堆 疊站60，托盤在該處以基本上相反的過程一一解除堆 疊。然後，個別解除堆疊的托盤在標示為” D”的方向自 動輪送至卸载站70,在該處撿取各托盤的泡沫式包 裝，以便傳送至次級包裝站，在此站將它們適當放入 25 1292326 紙板相，成為次級包裝程序的一部分。 圖2疋線内消毒器站的侧視圖，線内消毒器站包 括托盤堆叠站25、新穎消毒機及托盤解除堆疊站。如 圖2所示，托盤堆疊站25如下而操作：複數交錯成對 5 的泡沫式陣列所充填之第一消毒器托盤100在托盤載 ，二60上自粍盤裝載站自動輸送。此托盤載具用於以 每=(1)列的方式指引通過托盤裝載過程的托盤，然 後指引至堆疊位置。在精密的程式控制下，堆疊器缸 170被引動’在標示為”G”的方向使承載托盤1〇〇的托 1〇 盤載具^升至輸送器18〇(例如，帶驅動式滾輪或類似 的輸达IMU綱位準上方，消翻托盤在該處由扣鎖 機構Π5扣鎖及固持於定位。扣鎖由一氣缸引動，氣 缸由空氣開啟，且由彈簧力關閉。彈簧力允許托盤推 過扣鎖及在托盤上關閉，以將它固持於定位。然後， 15 缸被引動’將托盤載具⑽拉回，以取得包括複數交 錯成對的泡沫式陣列之次一托盤。在第二次重覆時， 過程重複，且托盤載具上升，以可堆疊的方式將托盤 堆疊放在下方。扣鎖機構被引動，以_第二托盤， 而第一托盤以堆疊的構造堆在其上，此處將針對圖8 2〇 ^。在預定數目的重覆以後，例如，在較佳實施例 中疋;^(9)，扣鎖機構正在固持九消毒器托盤2〇〇的巢 狀堆璺。扣鎖最後被釋放，而消毒器托盤的堆疊2〇〇 變成由輸送H 180支撐，輸送II⑽被_，以在裝 載方向將堆疊輸送至線内消毒機5〇中，如圖2所示。 25 &佳地肖毒器包括—摩托化的滾輪輸送器195，其 15 1292326 與輸送器180同步。此允許托盤堆疊載入消毒器。在 消毒以後’堆疊卸載至解除堆疊站6〇的輸送器ι81， 在解除堆疊站60，堆疊200的頂托盤1〇〇傳送至另一 托盤載具161。交錯的泡沫式包裝陣列是使用裝載托 5 盤的類似抓取機構(如配合圖1說明者）卸載。 圖8是夾持圖2的托盤堆疊站25之托盤堆疊的扣 鎖機構175側視圖。如圖8所示，在彈簧控制下的扣 鎖指175a、b由延伸時的堆疊缸（圖2)引動，以套疊在 托盤底部之其次的連續托盤1〇1。堆疊藉由托盤載具 _ 1〇 ，堆疊缸而上升促使扣鎖指脫離第一托盤，且抓取堆 豐中之其次的上移托盤，在該處，扣鎖指再次嚙合托 盤100之每一侧的周緣脊部分1〇7。雖然未顯示於圖 8，但疋在標不為”G”的方向上移時，彈簧被引動，以 致於扣鎖指終究嚙合最底部的托盤1〇1之每一侧的個 15 別脊部分107，以支撐其上的堆疊。 主圖6繪示線内消毒機的前視圖，圖6顯示線内消 骨機正在接收輸送器上的托盤2〇〇堆疊。更特別地， 如圖5與6所示，輸送器195(諸如設在消毒器中的滾 輪型輸送器）互動式坐落於消毒器中，在與托盤堆疊站 2〇 之輸送器180相同的高度” h”，以致於托盤堆疊200可 以直接運輸至消毒室53的界限内。在傳送以前，於程 式的控制下，消毒器的門開啟，例如，垂直門可以被 ，回。堆豐係自消毒器中的輸送器18〇至195同步輸 运。在裳載消毒H以後，n關且消毒循環開始。 如圖6與7所tf ’在較佳實施例中，消毒器5〇是 16 1292326 5 10 15 20 具有二門56的護罩式壓力室53，而護罩307環繞室 53，以在消毒循環期間提供額外的熱，如圖7所示。 在一實施例中，線内消毒室的尺寸約為650公厘高， 450公厘I及650公厘深，於是提供小於一立方公尺 (lm3)的體積（其使用本發明的新穎消毒托盤）所提供之 每單位室體積的容量比先前技術型約大三(3)倍。較佳 地，消毒機是完整的系統，具有機械/電機過程元件、 一内部消毒器托盤輸送器195及控制系統。消毒器5〇 整合於製造機中，使每單位體積之產能提高很多。如 將更詳細解釋者，此產能/體積是藉由實施所使用的新 穎消毒托盤而達成。滿足所需的「乾燥度」標準是由 >肖毒斋的设计、新穎托盤的使用及在消毒循環期間實 施的消毒過程參數達成，如將解釋者。 此外，本發明包括一種消毒眼科透鏡包裝之方 法，包含 運輸複數該眼科透鏡包裝至一消毒室； 使該複數眼科透鏡包裝在該消毒室内接受至少一 消毒循環； 其中該消毒室配置成為鄰近於一眼科透鏡製造線 的初級處理站與次級包裝站。 術語眼科透鏡、包裝、消毒室、初級處㈣、消 毒循環與次級包裝站全部具有它們的前述意義及較佳 的範圍。本發明之-實施例（其_但不限制）揭示於 下0 25 圖 7是管路與配置圖 繪不用於執行依據本發明 17 1292326 之蒸)飞消毒的主要裝置與控制。如圖7所示及此處更 詳細解釋者，在強化的可程式邏輯控制系統(pLC)或相 同的等效控制裝置99之程式化控制與監督下，能夠進 行迅速與有效的透鏡包敦消毒過程。在稱為預熱相的 5 帛—消毒循環中’功能是只以乾燥熱將產品斑内室預 熱’以便防止蒸汽凝結於產品上。此過程涉料步驟 包括.啟動圖7中標示為302的風扇馬達；在所述的 實施例中，以2力分鐘的預設值啟動預熱序列計時器。 在次一步驟中，圖7中標示為3〇4的護罩式蒸汽閥開 10 啟，且检制一護罩式壓力開關308設定點，其在所述 的實施例中是在（例如）約2 〇巴的開關設定點值。然 後，引動空氣閥310與排洩閥32〇，以控制在空氣= 壓設定點之室的空氣壓力，而有小百分比的&示限 制。在、實施例中，空氣過壓設定點值是在+1.05巴的 15 飽和蒸气壓力，且設定在(例如）+/-0.2巴的過壓警示限 制内。鴦預熱序列計時器到達預設值時，過輕前進至 次相。 在轉為消毒循環熱負載相的第二消毒循環中，功 能是以蒸汽與乾燥熱將產品加熱至消毒溫度。步驟涉 2〇 及開啟〜護罩式蒸汽閥304,及設定護罩式壓力開關 至約2·〇巴的設定點值。然後，引動一或更多空氣閥 與排洩間310、320，以控制在空氣過壓設定點的室壓 力於警示限制的+/_百分比内。在一實施例中，空氣過 麼β又疋點值是在+ 1.05巴的飽和蒸汽壓力，且設^在 % (例如）+/、0·2巴的過壓警示限制内。圖7中標示為3〇5 1292326 的蒸汽控制閥開啟，以達成溫度設定點值加上過量。 在所述之一實施例中，溫度設定點值是124.0°C，而過 量值是約〇.6°C。當最小室溫到達溫度設定點值減過量 值（123.4°C)時，一預設值為1.0分鐘的暴露啟動延遲 5 計時器開始計數，且當暴露啟動計時器到達1.0分鐘 時，過程前進至次相。 在稱為消毒循環暴露相的第三消毒循環中，功能 是使在消毒溫度的產品保持最小消毒時間。在到達先 前段落的1.0分鐘時間周期以後，暴露序列計時器開 ίο 始計時，其預設至18.0分鐘的暴露時間值。然後，引 動一或更多空氣閥310，以控制在空氣過壓設定點的 室壓力於警示限制的+/-百分比内。在一實施例中，空 氣過壓設定點值是在1.05巴的飽和蒸汽壓力，且設定 在(例如）+/-02巴的過壓警示限制内。然後，蒸汽控制 15 閥305開啟至設定點值，其在實施例中是124.0°C。在 較佳實施例中，全部溫度維持為不比暴露溫度設定點 多1°C以上。然後，護罩式蒸汽閥304關閉。當暴露計 時器到達預設值時，循環前進至次相。 在稱為消毒循環空氣冷卻相的第四消毒循環中， 20 功能是以流入室中的空氣冷卻包裝產品，以移除蒸 汽。在此相中，一空氣冷卻相序列計時器開始計時， 其預設值是約4.0分鐘。然後，引動一或更多空氣閥 與排洩閥310、320，以控制在空氣過壓設定點的室壓 力於警示限制的+/-百分比内。在一實施例中，空氣過 25 壓型式是斜坡控制；斜坡設定點設定為_0.04巴/分鐘； 19 1292326 且，且過壓警示限制值：+/-0.2巴。然後，蒸汽閥305 關閉；且當空氣冷卻計時器到達預設值時，循環前進 至次相。 在稱為消毒循環水冷卻負載相的第五消毒循環 5 中，功能是以流入圖7中標示為315之内部熱交換室 中的水冷卻產品，以凝結剩餘的蒸汽，及將產品冷卻 至最後溫度，以卸載至次級包裝區域。首先，引動一 或更多空氣閥與排洩閥310、320，以控制在空氣過壓 設定點的室壓力於警示限制的+/-百分比内。在一實施 1〇 例中，空氣過壓型式是斜坡控制；斜坡設定點設定為 -0.04巴/分鐘；且過壓警示限制值為+/-0.2巴。然後， 水閥325開啟，以充填内部熱交換器315。當最小室 溫到達第二冷卻相設定點時，循環前進至排放相。在 一實施例中，水冷卻負載相設定點值等於65.0°C。 15 在稱為消毒循環排放相的第六消毒循環中，室排 洩閥320開啟而空氣閥310關閉。水閥325開啟。當 室壓到達設定點值時，循環前進至循環相的末尾。在 一實施例中，排放相設定點值是0.1巴。消毒循環現 在完成。 20 在較佳實施例中，已知消毒室的設計與使用的過 程參數，則總消毒循環時間約是四十（40)分鐘，其相 當戲劇性地改進先前技術的消毒裝備之消毒循環時 間。 現在參考圖3(a)，其繪示新穎塑膠托盤單元100， 25 用於承載泡沫式包裝陣列（其承載眼科透鏡）的巢狀堆 1292326 疊，以輸入至消毒機。托盤100之一部分l〇〇a的詳細 封閉圖繪示於圖3(b)。在圖3(a)顯示的塑膠托盤1〇〇 之頂視圖中，托盤包括一圍繞托盤周緣的外壁102， 以及四内分割壁104a-104d，其形成五托盤行 5 110a-110e。如圖4(a)所示，其繪示沿著圖3(a)所示的 線”E-E”所作之新穎托盤1〇〇之侧剖視圖；穴 120a，120b，...，120v顯示成為由其間所形成的分割壁 115分離。當托盤1〇〇被指引以在泡沫式包裝裝載站 2〇裝載時（圖1)，托盤朝向水平，而分割壁115向上延 ίο 伸。於是，如圖5所示，交錯成對的泡沫式陣列150 可以由分割壁115以所繪示的方式容易地放在互相分 離的個別穴120中，且由塑膠托盤底部1〇1支撐。應 該了解，依據本發明之用於消毒的巢狀包裝陣列所構 成的交錯實質上類似於最終將在後續的次級包裝站 15 (未顯示）包裝於紙板箱中之交錯的巢狀包裝陣列之構 造0 回頭參考圖4(a)，沿著各塑膠托盤1〇〇的周緣是 外壁102，其顯示成為延伸於分割壁115的高度上方。 如圖4(b)所示，其繪示沿著圖3(a)所示的托盤1〇〇的 20 線’所作之一部分新穎托盤1〇〇前剖視圖，外壁 102的頂部分103包括一凹入或「唇」部分1〇6，其較 佳為形成一圍繞在托盤的大致上全部周緣之内架，且 設$成為堆疊式嚙合於待堆疊在其上之次一托盤的底 邠刀。於是，托盤的底部分1〇1設計成為容易堆疊安 25 置於各托盤的周緣凹入部分10ό，以便能夠在托盤堆 21 10 15 20 1292326 將托盤套疊。圖3(b)又顯示開D ω 托盤100的底部中处# ，八形成於 式包裝陣列。此外至密封的泡珠 緣脊或凸緣部分107==:卜壁具有-周 盤堆疊站的期間支撐托盤，如配合圖曰8 =者以， 二==:!:成為靡少ΐ =只設計成為;有強度:切托 =:’技盤是射出成型的塑膠，諸如通用電器製： 的聚酯硫亞氨Ultem®品牌。 回頭參考圖3⑻、3(_ 5,如所述 =壁购彻之間的托㈣〇之每一行二=包 分割壁U5,其在圖5、3(a)、3(b)顯示的實 施例中總共有二十一（2i)分割壁。在每—對分判壁 U5a、b之間形成穴12〇,用於保存個別的泡沐式包裝 陣列（未顯示）。在此實施例中，二十内分割壁形成二 十二(22)穴，各穴120用於在供消毒的適當定向承載 巢狀成對交錯的包裝（其承載3包裝陣列）。於是，在 —較佳實施例中，有110穴形成於托盤中，每一穴容 納總數為六的透鏡包裝（各具有交錯成對的二泡珠式 包裝）。於是，每托盤承載的包裝數量總計是660。在 較佳實施例中，單一托盤能夠承载九托盤堆疊，則吁 以輸送以在新穎消毒室中同時消毒的泡沫式2裝總數 到達約5,940。又一優點是模製的塑膠托盤提供比金屬 22 25 1292326 托盤（例如）輕的額外利益，導致更容易輸送進入與離 開消毒器。金屬托盤堆疊的重量大約是二(2)倍的重 量’其需要較大的馬達、滾輪及更耐用的系統，以輸 送堆疊。 消毒器之線内整合於眼科透鏡製造設備的其餘部 分（其使得能夠消毒及包裝而不會使產品流中斷）可以 在消毒與未消毒的包裝區域之間提供實體屏障。即， 產品不能行經消毒的包裝區域而不通過消毒器。此 外，設計導致連續不中斷的處理，而當含有眼科透鏡 的新托盤堆疊自堆疊站輸入至消毒室時，剛剛已消毒 的先前托盤堆疊自室輸出。此外，整合也允許藉由機 器控制器完整追蹤通過透鏡機器的產品，確保產品在 卸載至次級包裝區域以前必須通過完整的消毒循環。 消毒器控制系統99(圖7)之整合於透鏡機器控制系統 又提供通過包裝與消毒過程之產品的完整追蹤。 線内消毒器設計的另一優點是每單位體積之消毒 室之較高的輸出。此能力使得用於消毒與過程内之產 品庫存所需要的地板空間減少。消毒過程時間與堆疊 消毒托盤的使用提供此能力。過程也提供消毒以後的 乾燥包裝，此是消毒以後之產°口的立即包裝所需者。 又，本發明包括一消毒托盤，用於輪送眼科透鏡 包裝陣列（其各包括至少一浸在消毒水溶液中的眼科 透鏡)通過一在製造線中的消毒室，用於在次級包裝以 刚消毒該包裝，該消毒托盤包含一外壁，其環繞該托 盤的周緣，且具有很多在其間形成行的内分割壁，各 23 1292326 分割壁包含複數穴，用於以巢狀構造支持複數包裝， 該穴用於在消毒室中消毒的最佳定向支持複數包裝， 其中該托盤設計成為具有強度以Μ㈣㈣的重 量，及忍受蒸汽消毒的溫度與壓力。在本發明的較佳 5 冑知例中’該肖母托盤由重量輕的塑膠材料製成。在 本發明的另一實施例中，該消毒耗盤包含在該托盤的 周緣壁上或下方或上下方二者的開口，以便用最佳方 式加熱或冷卻包含於其内的該包裝。又，本發明包 1〇 一眼科透鏡製造線，包含： 一第一站，用於連續裝載包裝的眼科透鏡陣 入塑膠托盤貯藏器中所形成的個別穴； 一第二站，用於連續堆疊複數塑膠托盤貯藏器， 其各裝有一包裝的眼科透鏡陣列； 15 、 一第三站，包含一消毒室，其設計成為容許同時 消毒複數眼科透鏡包裝； 、 輸送裝ί用於自該第二站同步輸送已裳戟的 塑膠托盤貯藏器之該堆疊至該第三站，用於消毒包含 於該塑膠托盤中的眼科透鏡； 5 2〇 其中該第三站的消毒室配置成為鄰近於該第二 站，以便能夠連、績消毒該眼科透鏡包裝，不會中斷診 製造線。 雖然已經配合較佳實施例說明本發明，但是不企 圖限制本發明的範疇於所提出的特殊形式，相反地， Μ 企圖涵蓋可以包含在由附屬申請專利範圍界定之本發 明的精神與範轉内之此替代物、修改與等效物。 24 I292326 【圖式簡單說明】 圖1是透鏡生產裝置之一部分的觀念性頂平視 ® 包括依據發明之原則的涉及將含有泡沫式包裝的 眼^科透鏡裝載於新穎托盤單元中之各站及它們的線内 消毒； 圖2是線内消毒站50的側視圖，包括托盤堆疊、 新穎消毒機及托盤解除堆疊站； 10 15 20 圖3(a)是依據本發明的原則之新穎托盤單元頂平 視圖； 圖3(b)是圖3(a)繪示的托盤100之圈示部分100a 的詳細封閉圖； 圖4(a)是沿著圖3(a)繪示的托盤1〇〇之線”e-E，，所 作之新穎托盤100側剖視圖； 圖4(b)是沿著圖3(a)繪示的托盤1〇〇之線”戶斤 作之一部分新穎托盤100前剖視圖； 圖5繪示配置於新穎托盤1〇〇的個別穴12〇中之 交錯成對的泡沫式陣列150 ; 圖6繪示線内消毒機的前視圖，所示者是正 輸送器接收托盤堆疊； + ’纷示用於執行依據本發日> 之蒸汽消毒的裝置與操作參數；及 圖8是夾持圖2之托盤堆疊站25的托盤堆 鎖機構17 5侧視圖。 25 25 1292326 【主要元件符號說明】 元件代號 名稱 10 隱形眼鏡生產設備 20 裝載站 22 泡沫式包裝陣列 25 托盤堆疊站 28 抓取機構 50 線内消毒站 53 消毒室 53 護罩式壓力室 56 門 60 托盤解除堆疊站 70 卸載站 99 控制裝置 100 托盤 100 塑膠托盤單元 100a 托盤100之一部分 101 托盤 102 外壁 103 頂部分 104a-104d 内分割壁 106 凹入或「唇」部分 107 周緣脊部分 109 開口 26 1292326 110a-110e 托盤行 115 分割壁 115a、b 分割壁 120 穴 120a，120b...l20v 穴 150 泡沫式陣列 160 托盤載具 161 托盤載具 170 堆疊器缸 175 扣鎖機構 175a > b 扣鎖指 180 輸送器 181 輸送器 195 滾輪輸送器 200 消毒器托盤 200 堆疊 302 風扇馬達 304 護罩式蒸汽閥 305 蒸汽控制閥 307 護罩 308 護罩式壓力開關 310 空氣閥 315 内部熱交換室 320 排洩閥 325 水閥 27 1292326 A 方向 B 方向 C 方向 D 方向 E-E 線 F_F 線 G 方向 h 高度 28Dare to be burdened. Control Systems” Ophthalmic Lens and an exemplary prior art for line tracking and quality for consumer use. Readers can refer to the US Patent No. 5,555,504 entitled "" for the pure control of pure control. About transdermal (tetra) poison, manufactured in water soluble (four) _ lens 1292326 10 15 20 sealed in a foam package and sterilized in a steam sterilizer. Illustrative examples of the packaged contact lenses and their sterilization techniques are described in U.S. Patents 5,488,815 and 5,577,367. In particular, a device is disclosed in the co-owned U.S. Patent No. 5,488,815, which uses a conveyor system to transport a plurality of trays in which a plurality of interlaced foam packaging arrays can be accommodated in each tray. It is sequentially folded in pairs in a staggered position and then transported through an intermediate transfer carousel into individual metal trays to fill the space of the latter (which is arranged in a particular column and row). The metal trays, which are placed in an upright position so that they can receive an array of staggered pairs of foamed packages from the shuttle, are tilted back to normal horizontal orientation during filling, and depending on the needs of the production, if If desired, then up to three such array-filled metal trays can be stacked or stacked vertically and rotated in a series of such stacked trays. A conveyor is adapted to convey a metal tray containing a foam package array into a sterilization chamber, such as a steel plate wherein the foam package array is collectively sterilized. After the sterilization cycle has been completed, the sub-package sequence is executed, the towel tray and the sterilized foam packaging array are transported from the other conveyor to the unloaded configuration U, the trays are not stacked, and the side trays are transported, and then sequentially. "The contents of the disc can be transferred to the unloaded shuttle conveyor ▼ 'eight to facilitate a specific number of staggered pairs of foam-packed clumps to continuously advance to the load (four), boxing _ cardboard phase with open ends The foam packaging array can be accepted. The center of the disinfection equipment and technology of the barrier ill technology is that the foam packaging must now be transferred from the manufacturing line to the sterilizer, which is located in the separate area from the manufacturing 25 Z6 station offline. ... The main problem with mixing disinfection in the off-line area is that the problem includes the possibility of external material handling of the prepared product. Other added in-process product inventory: additional floor space and supply - for Contact lenses = (3) Prior to the present invention, equipment was required to be 'exempted for unloading _;, in-line disinfection of the package. In addition, this prior = 2 mirror product disinfection requirements. The relatively late stage sand: under-grade package Miscellaneous in the manufacturing process, foaming in the cardboard box (four) ^ An / = ticket, the nature of the lens equipment, materials, advanced technology: involved = the process can not be properly wrapped, the production capacity of the new is reduced, the mouth is bound This phenomenon currently makes it impossible for the package to be packaged immediately in the secondary packaging process, for example, after being packaged in a cardboard box for transportation. In order to solve the problem of "drying", it usually takes more than one hour. The sterilization process cycle time to achieve a dryness of the package for secondary packaging. Therefore, it has been previously desired in the present invention to provide an in-line sterilization apparatus and packaging apparatus for contact lens manufacturing that ensures that the packaging undergoing the sterilization process meets the need for drying so that they can be placed on the cardboard immediately in subsequent packaging steps. In the box. It is highly desirable to provide an automatic contact lens manufacturing apparatus that is an in-line sterilizer that can sterilize ophthalmic lens packaging without the need to unload the product from the production line. In addition, in the previous attempts to isolate sterile and non-sterile products, it was highly desirable to provide an automatic contact lens manufacturing device that was an in-line sterilizer that itself was designed to prevent disinfection and unsanitary product 1292326. It is highly desirable to provide an automatic contact lens manufacturing equipment, which is a kind of in-line disinfection machine that can disinfect ophthalmic lens packaging, does not require self-production line to know the product, and is an improved design that can disinfect the current system can achieve a large 1 The packaging of the trays increases the calving of every 5 units. It is highly desirable to provide a novel tray for the automated contact lens manufacturing process for supporting the stack of contact lens packages for transport in an in-line sterilizer that uses a temperature and steam pressure sterilization process in a manner that is The packaged lens is sterilized in a faster manner, and the package is virtually not damaged by moisture, allowing the package that can be accepted to travel immediately to the subsequent packaging station. It is highly desirable to provide a novel tray and tray stack for the automated contact lens manufacturing process that is nested in a foam-like package for simultaneous sterilization and is durable and can withstand the steam and temperature conditions in the sterilizer. 15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an in-line sterilization apparatus for disinfecting a package containing a contact lens that does not require a self-manufacturing line unloading package. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel tray structure for carrying a contact lens-containing package in an in-line 20 sterilization apparatus that is capable of increasing throughput per unit volume. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel process for disinfecting a contact lens containing package in a novel in-line disinfection device that requires less sterilization time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel tray 1292326 tray structure for carrying a contact lens package in a novel in-line sterilization apparatus that performs sterilization at optimal timing, temperature and pressure conditions, so that the sterilization process is A properly dried package is provided immediately prior to sub-packaging after sterilization. Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system and method for maintaining information relating to tracking of a contact lens package that is transported on a novel transport structure for sterilization in a novel disinfecting device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an in-line disinfection apparatus for disinfecting a contact lens-containing package in an in-line disinfection apparatus that is designed to prevent mixing of the disinfected and unsterilized product itself. Regarding the production of soft stealth 10 glasses, according to one feature of the present invention, a disinfection system and method are provided for automatically transporting a plurality of soft contact lens packages containing soft contact lenses to be sterilized through an in-line device without unloading the package from the manufacturing line. Instead, they are placed in a novel disinfection tray to transport through the sterilizer under optimal temperature and time conditions, which can increase the capacity, ensuring the dryness of the package so that the package can travel immediately, For additional secondary packaging. Advantageously, the integration of the ophthalmic lens package sterilizer in the manufacturing line provides for substantial separation of the sterilized and unsterilized product. As a result, the product cannot pass through the sterilized packaging area without passing through the sterilizer. Integration also allows for a complete tracking of the product passing through the lens machine by the machine controller, ensuring that the product must pass a complete disinfection cycle before being unloaded to the secondary packaging area. [Embodiment] 25 The present invention includes an apparatus for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens package, and the I292326 comprises: a shoulder to a plurality of ophthalmic lens packages, and a device for transporting the ophthalmic lens package to the sterilization chamber; Means for emulsifying the plurality of ophthalmic lenses to receive a suitable sterilization cycle when the ophthalmic lens package is contained in the sterilization chamber; wherein the sterilization chamber is configured to be adjacent to the primary processing station and the secondary packaging station of the ophthalmic lens manufacturing line. The term "ophthalmic lens" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, rigid contact lenses, soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses, intraocular lenses, and lenses for eyeglasses. The ophthalmic lens examined in the present invention may or may not contain vision correction. Preferred lenses are soft contact lenses with or without vision correction. Soft contact lenses can be made from conventional hydrogels and are generally prepared from monomers including, but not limited to, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), vinyl ragrone, glycerol methacrylate, Acrylic acid and acid ester; or oxime fired hydrogel. Examples of soft contact lenses include, but are not limited to, U.S. Patent No. 5,998,498, issued to Aug. 30, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 9/957,299, filed on Sep. 20, 2001, U.S. Patent No. 6, </ RTI> </ RTI> </ RTI> </ RTI> </ RTI> </ RTI> </ RTI> </ RTI> </ RTI> U.S. Patent No. 5,760,100, U.S. Patent No. 5,776,999, U.S. Patent No. 5,789,461, U.S. Patent No. 5,849,811, U.S. Patent No. 5,965,. U.S. Patent Application No. 6/318,536, filed on September 10, 2001, entitled "Biomedical Device Containing Internal Wetting Agents" and September 6, 2002, with the same name ^ it 1292326 The etafilcon A, genfilcon A, lenefilcon A, polymacon' acquafilcon A, balaftlcon A, lotrafilcon A and decane hydrogels prepared in the case. These patents and all other patents disclosed in this application are hereby incorporated by reference. Many processes for making ophthalmic lenses are known, including various processes for making soft contact lenses. While the present invention is fully applicable to all ophthalmic lens processes, a preferred embodiment and its associated manufacturing line station will now be described in the context of a soft contact lens, it being understood that the invention is not limited to this lens. The phrase "ophthalmic lens package" as used herein means the primary package for a personal ophthalmic lens, or more generally referred to as a foam package. Examples of such packages include, but are not limited to, U.S. Patents 4,691,820; 5,054,610 5,337,888 5,375,698 5,409,104; 5,467,868 5,515,964 5,609,246 5,695,049; 15 5,697,495 5,704,468 5,711,416 5,722,536; 5,573,108 5,823,327 5,704,468 5,983,608; 6,029,808; 6,044,966; and 6,401,915 and 2002 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/436,109, filed on Dec. 23, entitled <RTIgt;</RTI> The package disclosed in /183,133. The aforementioned patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The term "disinfection chamber" as used herein means a closure for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens package. The chamber can be opened automatically or manually to allow the package to enter and exit. In addition, the chamber must be constructed to allow 11 25 1292326 to be heated or cooled by any of a number of methods (or both!), including, but not limited to, drying heat, steam heat, shroud cooling Etc. The temperature modification of the chamber sterilizes the ophthalmic lens package contained therein. The term "device for transport" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, conveyor belts, pulleys, and other mechanizations for moving articles along the manufacturing line. In a preferred embodiment, the means for transporting includes a "sterilization tray." The sterilization tray has an outer wall and an inner wall that divide the tray so as to accommodate the most effective ophthalmic lens package for sterilization. The preferred orientation for sterilizing the package is to accommodate the package vertically, as shown in Figure 5. The "means for receiving" used herein includes, but is not limited to, pressure, heat and steam sources and conditioning. The "primary processing station" used herein includes, but is not limited to, any station of the ophthalmoscope manufacturing line, such as lens formation, hydration, inspection, etc. The special case of this processing station reveals In U.S. Patent No. 4,958,280, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in Any one or any combination of: means for loading the sterilization tray in an ophthalmic lens package, means for transporting the loaded sterilization tray to the sterilization chamber, means for unloading the sterilization work tray, and for delivering the disinfected tray The ophthalmic lens is packaged to the device of the second packaging station. The term "disinfection cycle" as used herein means that the package is subjected to different temperatures and pressures to sterilize the package and the ophthalmic lens contained therein. "Packages" include, but are not limited to, cardboard 12 25 1292326 shrink-wrapped or other large, + w々 enclosing individual packaged ophthalmic lenses in a plurality of containers. An example of such a secondary package is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5 10 15 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following is a reference to the following figures, and an example of an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1 4 ^, it shows the production of contact lenses. One of the parts 10 is a "hot item" which includes a processing station designed to enhance the packaging of ophthalmic lenses that can be made in water in individual foam packages; and a processing station. It is designed to be a skilled person: quickly disinfecting and increasing productivity. Preferably, the ophthalmic contact lenses are made into individual plastic "foam" packages containing aqueous solutions. Removably joined to -L multiple L: contains - for example (not shown) - three foamed packaged foam =:]. Then 'formed ophthalmology into the array of Π" and according to the prior art Technically sealed. The blister-packed bead-type packs 22 are transferred to; the second is 'they are loaded there--a novel sterilizer tray (not continued) and will be described in more detail below. In the preferred embodiment, the two stations are mounted with a "-" rotation and a second (four) interlaced feature. Cooperate in an interlaced manner: 10: = Gu Gu Shi) - It is used to undertake the loading and unloading in the tray - guide - relying on the solution (not _), New gauge into ^ 13 25 1292326 Good delivery, at the pallet loading station 20, a new line of internals. Compared with the guidance and orientation, the grasping mechanism 28 can transmit the points of each of the intersections of the ship and the ship. Preferably 'when the gripping mechanism: take == direct them: straight into the _(1) column (which consists of a five-plot hole designed to be in the shape of a pair), the tray is turned into a pair of water-to-water nesting pairs The foam array is filled two times, and the 10 15 20 belt driven conveyor is marked, for example, as "A, ^ system, stack 25, where two directions are formed; ::, nine trays (each Bulk-packed by a plurality of interlaced pairs = $ stacked on top of each other 4, and in the direction labeled ", Β" automatically = ^ in-line sterilizer 50' where they receive an effective two-cooking disinfection process' This will be explained in more detail. The design of the in-line disinfection station 50, which allows the combination of the stacked sterilization tray designs, is capable of achieving the lens disinfection level that has not been achieved to date. In addition, the internal sterilizer can be designed to perform new disinfection. Process parameters that ensure the dryness of each ~foam package array, which is important for subsequent automated secondary packaging. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, after the disinfection cycle is completed, the sterilized foam is included Pallet stacks of the packaging array are labeled 'C Automatically transporting to the immediately adjacent tray release stacking station 60 where the trays are unstacked in a substantially reversed process. Then, the individually unstacked trays are automatically rotated to the unloading station 70 in the direction labeled "D", at The container draws the foam packaging of each tray for transfer to the secondary packaging station where it is properly placed into the 25 1292326 cardboard phase as part of the secondary packaging process. Figure 2 Side of the sterilizer station in the line View, the in-line sterilizer station includes a tray stacking station 25, a novel sterilizer, and a tray unstacking station. As shown in Figure 2, the tray stacking station 25 operates as follows: a plurality of foamed arrays of interlaced pairs of 5 are filled first The sterilizer tray 100 is automatically transported from the pallet loading station on the tray 60. The pallet carrier is used to guide the trays through the pallet loading process in every = (1) column and then to the stacking position. Under the control of the program, the stacker cylinder 170 is pulsed 'in the direction marked "G" to raise the tray carrier of the carrier tray 1 to the conveyor 18 (for example, a belt driven roller or the like) The delivery is directly above the IMU profile, where the knockout tray is locked and held in position by the latching mechanism Π5. The latch is actuated by a cylinder, the cylinder is opened by air and closed by a spring force. The spring force allows the tray to be pushed The buckle is latched and closed on the tray to hold it in place. Then, the 15 cylinder is actuated to pull the tray carrier (10) back to obtain a second tray comprising a plurality of interlaced foam arrays. On the second iteration, the process repeats and the pallet carrier rises, stacking the trays in a stackable manner. The lock mechanism is slid to the second tray, and the first tray is stacked on top of it in a stacked configuration Here, it will be directed to Fig. 8 〇. After a predetermined number of repetitions, for example, in the preferred embodiment ^; ^ (9), the buckle mechanism is holding the nest of the nine sterilizer trays 2 Hey. The buckle is finally released, and the stack 2 of the sterilizer tray becomes supported by the transport H 180, and the transport II (10) is transported to transport the stack to the in-line sterilizer 5 在 in the loading direction, as shown in FIG. 2 . The 25 & Canon's Poison Detector includes a motorized roller conveyor 195 that is 15 1292326 in synchronism with the conveyor 180. This allows the tray stack to be loaded into the sterilizer. After the sterilization, the stacker is unloaded to the unloading station 6A, and at the stacking station 60, the top tray 1 of the stack 200 is transferred to the other tray carrier 161. The staggered foam package array is unloaded using a similar gripping mechanism (as illustrated in conjunction with Figure 1) of the loading tray. Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the latch mechanism 175 of the tray stack holding the tray stacking station 25 of Figure 2 . As shown in Fig. 8, the snap fingers 175a, b under the control of the spring are urged by the stacking cylinder (Fig. 2) when extended to nest the next continuous tray 1〇1 at the bottom of the tray. Stacking by the pallet carrier _ 1 〇, the stacking cylinder rises to cause the buckle finger to disengage from the first tray, and grabs the next up tray in the stack, where the buckle fingers re-engage each of the trays 100 The peripheral ridge portion of the side is 1〇7. Although not shown in Fig. 8, when the 疋 is moved up in the direction of "G", the spring is illuminated, so that the shackle finally engages the 15 ridge portions on each side of the bottommost tray 1〇1. 107 to support the stack on it. Main Figure 6 shows a front view of the in-line sterilizer, and Figure 6 shows the inline boring machine being receiving a stack of trays 2 on the conveyor. More specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the conveyor 195 (such as a roller conveyor disposed in the sterilizer) is interactively located in the sterilizer at the same height as the conveyor 180 of the pallet stacking station 2 "h", so that the tray stack 200 can be transported directly into the boundaries of the sterilization chamber 53. Before the transfer, under the control of the program, the door of the sterilizer is opened, for example, the vertical door can be turned back. The stack is transported synchronously from the conveyors 18〇 to 195 in the sterilizer. After the disinfection H is carried out, the n is closed and the sterilization cycle begins. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the preferred embodiment, the sterilizer 5 is 16 1292326 5 10 15 20 with a shrouded pressure chamber 53 having two doors 56, while the shroud 307 surrounds the chamber 53 for during the sterilization cycle. Provides extra heat, as shown in Figure 7. In one embodiment, the in-line sterilization chamber has a size of about 650 mm high, 450 mm I and 650 mm deep, thus providing a volume of less than one cubic meter (lm3) (using the novel sterilization tray of the present invention) The capacity per unit volume provided is approximately three (3) times greater than prior art types. Preferably, the sterilizer is a complete system having mechanical/motor process components, an internal sterilizer tray conveyor 195 and a control system. The sterilizer 5〇 is integrated into the manufacturing machine to increase the capacity per unit volume. As will be explained in more detail, this capacity/volume is achieved by implementing a new sterilization tray. Meeting the required "dryness" criteria is achieved by > Xiao Du Zhai's design, the use of novel trays, and the parameters of the sterilization process implemented during the sterilization cycle, as will be explained. Furthermore, the present invention includes a method of sterilizing an ophthalmic lens package comprising transporting the plurality of ophthalmic lens packages to a sterilization chamber; packaging the plurality of ophthalmic lenses in the sterilization chamber for at least one sterilization cycle; wherein the sterilization chamber is configured to be adjacent to one Primary processing station and secondary packaging station for ophthalmic lens manufacturing lines. The terms ophthalmic lens, packaging, sterilization chamber, primary (4), sterilization cycle, and secondary packaging stations all have their aforementioned meanings and preferred ranges. The present invention - which is, but not limited to, is disclosed in the following paragraphs. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the main apparatus and controls for the flow sterilization of the steam according to the present invention 17 1292326. As shown in Figure 7 and explained in more detail herein, rapid and efficient lens sterilizing is possible under the stylized control and supervision of an enhanced programmable logic control system (pLC) or the same equivalent control device 99. process. In a 5 帛-disinfection cycle called a preheating phase, the function is to preheat the interior of the product spot with only dry heat to prevent condensation of the vapor on the product. This process involves the steps involved. The fan motor, designated 302 in Figure 7, is activated; in the illustrated embodiment, the warm-up sequence timer is started with a preset value of 2 minutes. In the next step, the shroud type steam valve labeled 3〇4 in Fig. 7 is opened and a shroud type pressure switch 308 set point is detected, which in the illustrated embodiment is, for example, A switch setpoint value of approximately 2 〇巴. The air valve 310 and the drain valve 32 are then actuated to control the air pressure in the chamber at the air = pressure set point with a small percentage & limit. In the embodiment, the air overvoltage set point value is +1. 05 bar of 15 saturated vapor pressure, and set at (for example) +/- 0. 2 bar overvoltage warning limit.鸯 When the warm-up sequence timer reaches the preset value, the light progresses to the next phase. In the second sterilization cycle, which is converted to a hot duty phase of the sterilization cycle, the function is to heat the product to the sterilization temperature with steam and dry heat. The procedure involves 2〇 and opening the hood-type steam valve 304, and setting the shield-type pressure switch to a set point value of about 2 〇. One or more air valves and drains 310, 320 are then actuated to control the chamber pressure at the air overpressure set point within a +/% percentage of the warning limit. In one embodiment, the air β β 疋 point value is at + 1. The saturated steam pressure of 05 bar is set within the overpressure warning limit of % (for example) +/, 0·2 bar. The steam control valve labeled 3〇5 1292326 in Figure 7 is opened to achieve a temperature set point plus an excess. In one embodiment, the temperature set point value is 124. 0 ° C, and the excess is about 〇. 6 ° C. When the minimum room temperature reaches the temperature set point value minus the excess value (123. At 4 ° C), a preset value of 1. 0 minute exposure start delay 5 The timer starts counting and when the exposure start timer reaches 1. At 0 minutes, the process proceeds to the secondary phase. In a third sterilization cycle called the disinfection cycle exposed phase, the function is to maintain a minimum disinfection time for the product at the sterilization temperature. Upon reaching the previous paragraph 1. After the 0 minute time period, the exposure sequence timer is turned on, starting at 18. 0 minute exposure time value. One or more air valves 310 are then actuated to control the chamber pressure at the air overpressure set point within +/- percent of the warning limit. In one embodiment, the air overvoltage set point value is at 1. The saturated steam pressure of 05 bar is set within an overpressure warning limit of, for example, +/- 02 bar. The steam control 15 valve 305 is then opened to a set point value, which in the embodiment is 124. 0 ° C. In the preferred embodiment, the overall temperature is maintained no more than 1 ° C above the exposure temperature set point. The shroud steam valve 304 is then closed. When the exposure timer reaches the preset value, the loop advances to the secondary phase. In a fourth sterilization cycle known as a sterile circulating air cooled phase, the 20 function is to cool the packaged product with air in the influent chamber to remove steam. In this phase, an air-cooled phase sequence timer begins to count, with a preset value of about 4. 0 minutes. One or more air and drain valves 310, 320 are then actuated to control the chamber pressure at the air overpressure set point within +/- percent of the warning limit. In one embodiment, the air over 25 mode is ramp control; the ramp set point is set to _0. 04 bar / minute; 19 1292326 and, overvoltage warning limit value: +/-0. 2 bar. The steam valve 305 is then closed; and when the air cooling timer reaches a preset value, the cycle proceeds to the secondary phase. In a fifth sterilization cycle 5, referred to as a sterile circulating water cooled load phase, the function is to cool the product into the internal heat exchange chamber labeled 315 in Figure 7 to condense the remaining steam and to cool the product to the end. Temperature to unload to the secondary packaging area. First, one or more air and drain valves 310, 320 are actuated to control the chamber pressure at the air overpressure set point within +/- percent of the warning limit. In an implementation example, the air overpressure pattern is ramp control; the ramp setpoint is set to -0. 04 bar / minute; and the overvoltage warning limit is +/-0. 2 bar. The water valve 325 is then opened to fill the internal heat exchanger 315. When the minimum chamber temperature reaches the second cooling phase set point, the cycle proceeds to the exhaust phase. In one embodiment, the water cooled load phase set point value is equal to 65. 0 ° C. 15 In a sixth sterilization cycle known as a disinfecting cycle discharge phase, the chamber drain valve 320 is open and the air valve 310 is closed. The water valve 325 is open. When the chamber pressure reaches the set point value, the cycle advances to the end of the cycle phase. In one embodiment, the discharge phase set point value is zero. 1 bar. The disinfection cycle is now complete. In the preferred embodiment, the design and process parameters of the sterilization chamber are known, and the total sterilization cycle time is about forty (40) minutes, which substantially dramatically improves the sterilization cycle time of prior art sterilization equipment. Referring now to Figure 3(a), a novel plastic tray unit 100, 25 is shown for carrying a stack of nested stacks 1292326 of a foam packaging array (which carries an ophthalmic lens) for input to a sterilizer. A detailed closed view of one portion 10a of the tray 100 is shown in Figure 3(b). In the top view of the plastic tray 1A shown in Fig. 3(a), the tray includes an outer wall 102 surrounding the periphery of the tray, and four inner dividing walls 104a-104d which form five tray rows 5 110a-110e. As shown in Fig. 4(a), a side cross-sectional view of the novel tray 1A taken along the line "E-E" shown in Fig. 3(a) is shown; the holes 120a, 120b, . . The 120v display is separated by the partition wall 115 formed therebetween. When the tray 1 is guided to be loaded at the foam package loading station (Fig. 1), the tray is oriented horizontally and the dividing wall 115 is extended upward. Thus, as shown in Fig. 5, the staggered pair of foam arrays 150 can be easily placed in the separated individual pockets 120 by the dividing wall 115 in the manner depicted and supported by the plastic tray bottom 1〇1. It will be appreciated that the nesting of the array of nested packages for sterilization in accordance with the present invention is substantially similar to the interlaced nested array of packages that will ultimately be packaged in a subsequent secondary packaging station 15 (not shown) in a carton. Structure 0 Referring back to FIG. 4(a), the periphery of each plastic tray 1 is an outer wall 102 which is shown to extend above the height of the partition wall 115. As shown in FIG. 4(b), a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the novel tray 1 along the 20-line ' of the tray 1' shown in FIG. 3(a) is shown, and the top portion 103 of the outer wall 102 includes a concave portion. The "lip" portion 1 is preferably formed to form an inner frame that surrounds substantially all of the circumference of the tray, and is configured to be a bottom boring tool that is stacked to engage the next tray to be stacked thereon. Thus, the bottom portion 1〇1 of the tray is designed to be easily stacked and placed on the peripheral concave portion 10 of each tray so that the tray can be nested in the tray stack 21 10 15 20 1292326. Fig. 3(b) again shows the bottom # in the bottom of the open D ω tray 100, which is formed in the array of packaging. In addition to the sealed bead edge ridge or flange portion 107 ==: the wall has a period of support for the tray stacking station, such as the matching figure = 8 =, ===:!: become less ΐ = only Designed to be; strength: Cutto =: 'Technology disc is injection molded plastic, such as the general-purpose electrical: polyester thiocarbazone Ultem® brand. Referring back to Figures 3(8), 3(_5, each row 2 of the bracket (four) 如 between the wall and the wall = the partition wall U5, which is shown in Figures 5, 3(a), 3(b) In the example, there are a total of twenty-one (2i) dividing walls. A hole 12 is formed between each of the sub-dividing walls U5a, b for holding individual bubble-package arrays (not shown). In this embodiment The twenty-segment dividing wall forms twenty-two (22) holes, and each of the holes 120 is used to carry a nested paired interlaced package (which carries a three-package array) in an appropriate orientation for sterilization. Thus, in the preferred embodiment In the middle, there are 110 holes formed in the tray, each hole accommodating a total of six lens packages (each having two pairs of double-bubble packages). Thus, the total number of packages carried per tray is 660. In the preferred implementation In the example, a single tray can carry a nine-tray stack, and the total number of foamed 2 packs that are delivered for simultaneous sterilization in a new sterilization chamber reaches about 5,940. Yet another advantage is that the molded plastic tray provides a tray that is more than metal 22 25 1292326 ( For example) light extra benefits that make it easier to transport into and out of the sterilizer. Metal The weight of the disc stack is approximately two (2) times the weight 'it requires a larger motor, roller and a more durable system to transport the stack. The line of the sterilizer is integrated into the rest of the ophthalmic lens manufacturing equipment (which enables Disinfection and packaging without disrupting the flow of the product) provides a physical barrier between the sterilized and unsterilized packaging areas. That is, the product cannot pass through the sterilized packaging area without passing through the sterilizer. In addition, the design results in continuous uninterrupted processing. When a new pallet stack containing ophthalmic lenses is input from the stacking station to the sterilization chamber, the previously sterilized trays are stacked from the chamber output. In addition, the integration allows the machine controller to completely track the products passing through the lens machine, ensuring that the product is The complete disinfection cycle must be carried out before unloading to the secondary packaging area. The integration of the sterilizer control system 99 (Fig. 7) in the lens machine control system provides complete tracking of the product through the packaging and disinfection process. One advantage is the higher output per unit volume of the sterilization chamber. This capability allows for disinfection and The amount of floor space required for in-process product inventory is reduced. The disinfection process time and the use of stacked disinfection trays provide this capability. The process also provides dry packaging after sterilization, which is required for immediate packaging after disinfection. The present invention includes a sterilization tray for use in a wheeled ophthalmic lens package array (each comprising at least one ophthalmic lens immersed in a sterile aqueous solution) through a sterilization chamber in a manufacturing line for sterilization in a secondary package The package includes an outer wall surrounding the periphery of the tray and having a plurality of inner dividing walls forming a row therebetween, each of the 23 1292326 dividing walls including a plurality of holes for supporting the plurality of packages in a nest configuration The best orientation support for packaging in a sterilization chamber supports a plurality of packages, wherein the tray is designed to have a strength of Μ (4) (iv) and to withstand the temperature and pressure of steam sterilization. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the shawl tray is made of a lightweight plastic material. In another embodiment of the invention, the sterilizing consumable includes openings in either or below or above the peripheral wall of the tray to optimally heat or cool the package contained therein. Moreover, the present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens manufacturing line comprising: a first station for continuously loading a packaged ophthalmic lens into an individual hole formed in a plastic tray receptacle; and a second station for continuous stacking a plurality of plastic tray receptacles each having a packaged ophthalmic lens array; 15 a third station comprising a sterilization chamber designed to permit simultaneous sterilization of a plurality of ophthalmic lens packages; and a transport device for use from the second station Simultaneously conveying the stack of the plastic tray storage device to the third station for disinfecting the ophthalmic lens contained in the plastic tray; 5 2 wherein the disinfection chamber of the third station is disposed adjacent to the second Station, in order to be able to disinfect and disinfect the ophthalmic lens package without interrupting the diagnostic manufacturing line. The present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in the particular form of the invention, and the invention is intended to cover the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. This alternative, modification, and equivalent. 24 I292326 [Simple description of the drawings] Figure 1 is a conceptual top view of a part of a lens production device. Included in accordance with the principles of the invention, the stations involved in loading the ophthalmic lens containing the foam package in the novel tray unit and Figure 2 is a side view of the in-line disinfection station 50, including the tray stack, the novel sterilizer, and the tray unstacking station; 10 15 20 Figure 3 (a) is a novel tray unit top in accordance with the principles of the present invention Figure 3 (b) is a detailed closed view of the circled portion 100a of the tray 100 shown in Figure 3 (a); Figure 4 (a) is a tray 1 shown along Figure 3 (a) Line "eE", a side cross-sectional view of the novel tray 100; Figure 4 (b) is a front cross-sectional view of the novel tray 100 of the line of the tray 1" shown in Figure 3 (a); Figure 5 An interlaced array of foamed arrays 150 disposed in individual pockets 12 of the novel tray 1; Figure 6 depicts a front view of the in-line sterilizer, shown as a stack of positive conveyor receiving trays; Apparatus and operating parameters for performing steam sterilization according to the present day>; and Figure 8 is a clip A side view of the tray stacking mechanism 17 5 of the tray stacking station 25 of Fig. 2 is shown. 25 25 1292326 [Explanation of main component symbols] Component code name 10 Contact lens production equipment 20 Loading station 22 Foam packaging array 25 Pallet stacking station 28 Grabping mechanism 50 In-line disinfection station 53 Disinfection chamber 53 Shrouded pressure chamber 56 Door 60 Tray Unstacking Station 70 Unloading Station 99 Control Device 100 Tray 100 Plastic Tray Unit 100a One Part 101 of Tray 100 Tray 102 Outer Wall 103 Top Part 104a-104d Inner Partition Wall 106 Recessed or "Lip" Portion 107 Peripheral Ridge Section 109 Opening 26 1292326 110a-110e tray row 115 dividing wall 115a, b dividing wall 120 holes 120a, 120b. . . L20v hole 150 foam array 160 pallet carrier 161 pallet carrier 170 stacker cylinder 175 buckle mechanism 175a > b buckle finger 180 conveyor 181 conveyor 195 roller conveyor 200 sterilizer tray 200 stack 302 fan motor 304 Cover Steam Valve 305 Steam Control Valve 307 Shield 308 Shield Pressure Switch 310 Air Valve 315 Internal Heat Exchange Chamber 320 Drain Valve 325 Water Valve 27 1292326 A Direction B Direction C Direction D Direction EE Line F_F Line G Direction h Height 28