WO1993006948A1

WO1993006948A1 - A cleansing and sterilization mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO1993006948A1
Application number: PCT/US1992/008720
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terrence R. Langford
Original assignee: Kew Import/Export Inc.
Priority date: 1991-10-08
Filing date: 1992-10-06
Publication date: 1993-04-15
Also published as: AU2781492A; EP0642393A4; CA2120628A1; EP0642393A1; JPH07500428A

Abstract

A cleansing and sterilization mechanism which is usable on contact lenses, surgical instruments, dental tools, and other items which require regular cleansing and sterilization. Using ozone (58) as the cleansing and sterilization medium, the apparatus (50) provides for added guaranty of operation through the use of feedback mechanism (53 and 54) to assure that all the components (55 and 58) are working and that the to-be-cleaned items are exposed to the ozone bath for the specified time. Furthermore, the item is capable of communicating, via phone line (57), to a central unit which monitors the operation and performance of the mechanism (50). Other characteristics of the invention provide for improved sterilization techniques through ease of operation, effectiveness, and such.

Description

A CLEANSING AND STERILIZATION MECHANISM Bac crround of the Invention:

This invention relates generally to cleansing and sterilization of items and more particularly to the cleansin and sterilization of items through the use of ozone.

Although this invention has tremendous applications to variety of items to be cleaned including but not limited to, dental tools, surgical instruments, implants, etc., for an understanding of the problems associated with cleansing and sterilization, the following discussion focusses on the cleansing and sterilization of contact lenses.

The success or tragic failure of contact lens wear is ultimately determined by the care and aseptic handling of the lenses. With over seventeen million contact lens wearers in the United States spending two billion dollars on contact len supplies, a simple one step cleaning and sterilizing process is sought. Both hard and soft lenses currently need daily, o in the case of extended wear contacts, weekly cleaning and antiseptic treatment. By their very nature, being in close relationship with the wearer for extended periods of time, contact lenses are susceptible to both: buildups of protein and lipids from the wearer; and also from contamination from microorganisms. Either of these, buildup or contamination, can have debilitating affects such as reduced vision, scarring of the eye, and even blindness.

Hydrophilic contact lenses, being soft and composed mainly of water, have made the problem of cleaning even more difficult. Physical pressure on the hydrophilic lense may cause rips; strong disinfectants become lodged within the bod of hydrophilic lense itself and then irritate the wearer's ey causing an ulcer.

Without a good cleaning process, both the hard and soft contact lense is susceptible to a wide variety of contaminating microorganisms including: Acanthamoeba,

Pseudomonas organisms, Alcaligenes faecalis, staph, Aureus, and Enterobacter aerogenes. For a thorough understanding of the diseases associated with contact lenses, see: "Pseudomonas aeruginosa Contamination of Hydrophilic Contact Lenses and Solutions", b Milauskas, appearing in Transactions of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otology, vol. 76, March-April 1972, page 511; "Complications Associated with Contact Lens Solutions", by Morgan, appearing in Ophthalmology AAO, vol. 86, June 1979 page 1107; "The Soft Plastic Contact Lenses", by Dastoor, appearing the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, vol. XXI, on page 25; "Microbiological Evaluation of Soft Contact Lens Disinfecting Solutions" by Houlsby et al., appearing in the Journal of the American Optometric Association, vol. 55, Number 3, page 205; and, "Susceptibility of Acanthamoeba to Soft Contact Lense Disinfection Systems", appearing in the Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, April 1986, Vol. 27, page 626.

Additionally, the high water content of hydrophilic contact lenses make them more susceptible to the formation of "jelly bu p" deposits which are composed primarily of lipids and calcium. These lipid formations are usually long and intermediate chain cholesterol esters and triglycerides which are particularly difficult to remove from a soft lense without damaging the lense. A good review of this problem is "Origin and Composition of Lipid Deposits on Soft Contact Lenses" by Hart et al., and appearing in Ophthalmology, April 1986, vol. 93, No. 4, page 495.

The typical method of cleaning, using a saline solution and distilled water approach has not been totally satisfactory. It has been found that this approach does not truly address the contamination problem; indeed, several of the contaminating microorganisms actually thrive in the cleaning environments.

Because of this, the industry has been seeking alternative cleaning approaches which may be used by the wearer, not a laboratory.

One technique proposed is the use of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for the cleaning and disinfecting the lenses. The reason for this popularity is that after disinfecting, the hydrogen peroxide is converted into innocuous by-products which are compatible with ocular physiology. The hydrogen peroxide approach is well described in: "A Comparison of New Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection Systems" by Krezanoski et al. , and appearing in the Journal of the American Optometric Association, vol, 59, No. 3, page 193; "Efficacy of Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection Systems for soft Contact Lenses Contaminated with Fungi", by Penley et al., an appearing in the CLAP Journal, Jan. 1985, vol. 11, no. 1, pag 65; "Reaction to Hydrogen Peroxide in a Contact-Lens Wearer", by Knopf, appearing the American Journal of Ophthalmology, June, 1984, page 796; "Hydrogen Peroxide in Anterior Segment [Physiology: A Literature Review", by Chalmers, appearing in Optometry & Vision Science, page 796; and, "Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization of Hydrophilic Contact Lenses' , by Gasset et al., and appearing in Arch. Ophthalmology, vol, 93, June 1975, page 412. Unfortunately, hydrogen peroxide, at the 3% level or eve the 6% level, is incapable of disinfecting some of the hardie microorganisms. Further, hydrogen peroxide does not have noticeable affect upon the "jelly bumps".

Perhaps the most common treatment is the heat method. I this approach the contact lenses are exposed to a temperature of eighty degrees centigrade for a period ten minutes. This approach is more effective than chemicals against microorganisms but the treatment substantially decreases the life of the contact lenses and is usable only with about half of the present contact lenses. Use of this method depends heavily upon the water content and the type of plastic used i the lenses' construction.

Additionally, proteins and other contaminants that are left in the contact lense (buildup) can substantially produce irritation in the eyes of the user.

It is clear from the foregoing that an efficient and thorough cleaning and sterilizing technique does not exist. Summary of the Invention:

A wide variety of implements, mechanisms, and methods ar utilized by the present invention in order to cure the deficiencies of the current state-of-the-art. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cleansin and sterilization mechanism is created which is usable on contact lenses, surgical instruments, dental tools, and other items which require regular cleansing and sterilization. Using ozone as the cleansing and sterilization medium, the apparatus provides for added guaranty of operation through th use of feedback mechanism to assure that all the components . are working and that the to-be-cleaned items are exposed to the ozone bath for the specified time. Furthermore, the item is capable of communicating, vis phone line, to a central unit which monitors the operation and performance of the mechanism. Fundamentally the present invention consists of a housing having therein an ozone generator, a pump, and a controller. A container holding the items to be sterilized and cleansed is insertable into the housing. The controller assures that both the pump and ozone generator are operating. Via valves in the container, ozone is directed over the to-be-cleaned items forming an ozone bath. After the proper amount of time has elapsed, the controller either shuts down the pump and ozone generator, or the controller redirects the ozone to another container (depending on the embodiment in use) .

The container, with the now sterilized items, is removable from the housing and may be carried with the user or moved to a location where the items will be used (i.e. in an operating theater, moved to the operating table) . The items within the container are kept sterile through the use of self- sealing valves which seal when the container is removed from the housing.

Although the present invention relates to a variety of items, the application of cleansing of contact lenses is one of the major applications. Because of this, the following discussion relates to the present invention's application to this field. An ozone generator creates a bath of ozone and saline. cage or other suitable arrangement, submerges the contact lenses into this bath for a predetermined amount of time. A timer either deactivates the ozone generator at the proper time or alerts the user so that the contact lense should be removed from the bath.

Ozone was discovered in 1840 by Christian Friedrich Schonbein. Ozone is three oxygen atoms bonded together. Unfortunately, ozone has a very short life, usually about twenty minutes. As the ozone breaks down, its natural by products are pure water and stable oxygen.

It is the off-gas ozone which has created the largest concern for health reasons. Standards for the protection of users range in the 0.10 to 0.12 parts per million range. Because of ozone's ability to control bacteria and virus microorganisms, ozone has been used since the 1890's to purify water for drinking. More recently, ozone has been used in swimming pools to reduce the dependency on chemical purification. Production of ozone is typically created by passing air past an ultraviolet light in a sealed chamber. This produces an ozone-rich air which is then pumped into a saline bath. Sterilization using ozone is effective for all ocular pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungus, and most importantly amoebae. The time of actual ozone exposure to the contact lenses is less than or equal to the present method of heat or chemical aseptisizing, usually ten minutes.

Ozone is the second most powerful oxidant known. This means that ozone: is a powerful oxidant for pollutants and organic contaminants; and, is an excellent sterilant for microorganisms. When compared to chorine, ozone has an oxidizing potential 50% greater and can destroy bacteria and viruses up to three thousand times faster.

Ozone is also a strong oxidizing agent which causes small suspended particles to coagulate and precipitate away from the contact lenses. This assists in the cleaning of the contact lenses since removed matter is quickly and effectively removed from the proximity of the contact lense.

Two different levels of the present invention are envisioned: the first is a home-use apparatus for the cleaning of a single pair of contact lenses; the second is an eye care practitioner's office apparatus for the production cleaning of multiple contact lenses.

The invention is particularly powerful for the home use application. In this situation, the main part which fails in the cleansing and contact lenses is the user himself. Typically, the user forgets to cleanse the contact lense and then "swears" to his doctor that the cleansing was done religiously.

In certain countries, especially European countries, the responsibility of assuring that the user does clean the contact lenses falls upon the physician. Because of this, th physician wants to be sure that i) the user is using the device, and ii) the user will return to the physician regularly for follow-up examinations.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention accomplishes these objectives by having a prescribed number of "cleanings/sterilizations" logged onto a memory chip. The user is able to use the device only this many times and then must return to the physician to have the use data reestablished. Furthermore, the physician is able to poll the device, via the phone lines, as to the actual number of uses the user has made of the device.

In operation, the preferred embodiment of the invention:

1) The power is turned on to the unit by the user; ^•

2) The on-board computers checks to see if the pump and ozone generator lamp^" are off;

3) The computer checks to see how many counts are remaining in the memory count-down;

4) Based upon these checks, the computer, a) .If the count is zero, the computer notifies the

via such devices as flashing Light Emitting

Diodes (LEDs) and shuts down the operation, or, b) If the count is under a predetermined warning level (i.e. 10), then the operator is notified via the LEDs and the ozone generator and pump are activated, or, c) If the count is above the warning level, the computer notifies the user via the LEDs and th ozone generator and pump are activated; 5) The computer waits a short period of time (i.e. 300 milliseconds) and checks to see that the pump and light are activated;

6) The computer waits another short period of time

(i.e. 1 second) and checks to see if gas flow is detected [not steps 5 and 6 are safety checks to see if the apparatus is working] ;

7) After the prescribed amount of time (i.e. 19 minutes) the computer shuts off the ozone generator permitting the pump to continue operation to purge the system; and, 8) After the ozone generator is deactivated, the pump operates a short period (i.e. 1 minute) before the computer deactivates the pump.

Studies conducted have found that using an ozone • generator producing 0.02 grams of ozone per hour requires a submersion of 3 minutes for a thorough cleaning.

In an enhanced embodiment, the contact lenses are automatically removed from the ozone bath at the termination of the proper elapsed time and the ozone generator is switched "off". Once removed from the ozone bath, the contact lenses are rinsed with a saline solution, permitting any ozone which may have impregnated the lenses, particularly hydrophilic contact lenses, to break down into harmless elements.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes an ozone generator producing from 0.01 grams to 1 gram of ozone per hour. This is the preferred level since it reduces any health dangers which might occur form air- suspended off-gassed ozone. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize how to construct an ozone generator having this capability.

Those of ordinary skill in the art acknowledge the use o two procedures to produce ozone: ultraviolet radiation; and, corona discharge.

Most ozone generators currently use ultraviolet radiation. These are usually the lowest cost ozone generator on a per unit basis. This decrease in cost is due to the fac that the air does not go through an initial drying process. Newer units being produced utilize a corona discharge technique which dry the air before charging the air with ozone. This drying permits the corona discharge apparatus to produce a higher ozone concentration.

For minimal expenditures of electrical energy, ozone normally is produced from dried air (-60 degrees fahrenheit dew point) in concentrations of one to two percent and from dry oxygen in concentrations of two to four percent. More than eighty percent of the electrical energy applied to the electric discharge field is converted to heat and, if this is not quickly removed from the cell, the heat causes rapid decomposition of the ozone back to oxygen. The rate of this reverse reaction increases rapidly above thirty-five degrees centigrade. Proper cooling of the ozone generator cells is critical to maintaining consistent yields of ozone. For the second type of apparatus, that of a production cleaning device in an eye care practitioner's office, multiple containers are used for cleaning several sets of contact lenses simultaneously (or alternatively for cleaning several sets of surgical instruments or dental tools) . In this application the controller also detects when a container is placed with a slot in the housing and then operates on the multiple containers on a first come-first served approach.

If the ozone generator is sufficiently large, then multiple containers may be cleansed/sterilized simultaneously. For both versions, the air flow is generated by a bellows type low pressure pump. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize other pumps which will serve this function. Also, for all the applications, the containers are automatically sealed upon removal from the housing. This is accomplished by any of several mechanisms well known to those in the art. This feature, of sealing upon removal, permits the transportation of the contact lense, or other such device, without fear of contamination. In the preferred embodiment, when the lid to the container is opened, this opening shifts and indicia so that, later, the user is able to determined that the container has been opened and that the items are no longer considered sterile.

In the production cleaning embodiment, the ozone generator preferably produces 0.01 grams to 5 grams of ozone per hour. Studies have determined that ozone levels of as low as 0.001 grams per hour are effective and that 0.006 grams per hour is an efficient balance between sterilizing affect and energy demands for the generation of the ozone.

One important attribute of the present invention is its ability to provide a variety of levels of "cleaning" . It has been found that by varying the amount of ozone and the amount of elapsed time of exposure, contact lenses may be disinfected, asepticized, or even sterilized. None of the current state of the art devices can achieve these results without damaging the contact lenses or producing harmful effects to the eye.

A plethora of related inventions are also involved with the core preferred embodiment. These inventions expand upon the capability and functionality of the preferred invention. In a variety of situations, the need exists for a "dry" ozone stream. Many instruments and devices either rust or corrode if exposed to a humid or wet environment. To this end, a recognition of Henry's Law where at sufficiently high dilution in a liquid solution, the fugacity of a nondissociating solute becomes proportional to its concentration is important; hence, through the proper manipulation of temperature and pressure, the life of ozone, whether in a liquid such as water or in a gaseous steam, is prolonged.

In the preferred embodiment of a dry ozone stream, a pressurized source of oxygen communicates with the ozone generator. This pressurized oxygen is "dry" in that no water vapor is present. The ozone generator creates ozone from som of the oxygen and communicates an ozone/oxygen gaseous stream. The stream is ideal for treatment of surgical instruments (dental and medical instruments) which would degrade if water was present.

One particularly useful aspect of the present invention is an adapter which is used to communicate the ozone from the ozone generator into a hollow tubing. Within the medical industry, a variety of tubes are used for such applications a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or other such endoscopy examinations. These tubes are generally hollow with two or more openings into which tools for physician viewing or treatment is inserted and communicated to the area of concern. Once used, these tools are contaminated and must be either sterilized or discarded. Sterilization of these tubes is particularly difficult since the tubes are destroyed with intense heat (eliminating the autoclave as a sterilizing mechanism) and chemical treatment does not always probe into every crevice within the tube, leaving contaminated pockets within the tubing.

In the present invention, an adapter is used to directly communicate ozone from the inlet of the container to all but one of the openings in the tube.

As example, assume there are N (N being an integer greater than one) openings in the tube. The adapter communicates with all of the openings except for one of them. Ozone therefore is passed into the tube in such a manner that it must flow through all areas of the tube before it finally escapes from the one opening still open. The ozone which finally passes from the tubing easily sterilizes the outside of the tubing and all portions of the tubing is sterilized since all possible pockets are eliminated. This aspect of the invention creates a device which is able to effectively sterilize tubing. Those of ordinary skil in the art readily recognize that an adapter is also effecti for sterilizing any hollow article having openings. This would include endoscope handles and other non-tubularly shape articles.

Although the preferred embodiment utilizes rigid containers in its application, flexible bags are also used. The flexible bags are constructed of a material which is impermeable to contamination and have two ports, an inlet por and an outlet port. In the preferred embodiment, each port i equipped with a valve which permits attachment/detachment between either the ozone generator or an ozone destruct mechanism. Each valve also automatically seals upon detachment.

Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the valves ar pressure activated. The inlet port is opened only when pressure from the ozone generator exceeds a preselected limit This keeps the contents of the flexible bag sterile until ozone is present.

In a like manner, the outlet port is opened when pressur within the bag exceeds a preselected level. This permits the bag to swell to a point and then release the gas. The induce pressure within the bag keeps the ozone gas under pressure so as to prolong the life of the ozone in the gaseous state or i suspended in a liquid.

In an alternative flexible bag, the bag is equipped with a single opening into which the to-be-sterilized items are placed. A "lid" arrangement is secured to the single opening through a screw-type action. The "lid" has two openings whic are selectively open/closed the sterilizing unit. These two openings act as an inlet and an outlet port.

Note that when a flexible bag is used, either an ozone laden gas or an ozone laden liquid is usable as the sterilizing agent. In either case, gas or liquid, the steriliant is passed through the bag and then through the exi port. Once the sterilization process is completed, the operato removes the bag from the ozone generator and the ozone destruct mechanism and then applies manual pressure on the bag. This "squeezing" of the bag forces excess ozone from th bag through the outlet port's pressure activated valve. In this manner, the bag is shrunk for storage and yet the steril integrity of the bag's interior is maintained.

An adapter, as discussed above, is also usable by connection to the interior portion of the inlet port. This permits hollow tubes and articles i.e. endoscope handles) to be effectively sterilized within the flexible bag.

Although the use of dry ozone gas is preferred in certai situations, a liquid ozonizated bath is also applicable to certain situations. The present invention provides for an efficient method and apparatus to create this ozonizated bath which is designed to optimize the life and effectiveness of the ozone.

A liquid, such as distilled water, is placed in a pressurized reservoir and ozone gas, as described before, is pumped into the reservoir. Excess gas is vented to keep the reservoir at a preselected pressure level. The ozone gas is diffused into the liquid either directly or through a diffuser mechanism well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. ^• Optionally, the reservoir is also chilled to optimize the suspension of the ozone within the liquid.

One the ozonizated liquid is created, it is usable in any of the applications already discussed. The ozonenated liquid is pumped or released into a container having a material to be sterilized and the excess liquid, together with any debris, is carried to an ozone destruct mechanism such as activated charcoal.

The waste liquid and debris is sterile so it may be disposed of safely through traditional waste water systems such as sewer systems. This embodiment is particularly useful for the sterilization of materials where a liquid bathing action is preferred due to added contact, agitation for physical removal of contaminates, or for the water's inherit cleansing action.

Agitating of the liquid medium is beneficial and is accomplished through a variety of methods well known to those in the art. Mechanical agitation forces the water to move against the item and thereby remove debris; sonic agitation also dislodges the debris and also forces the suspended ozone gas into a "fiz-type" of state which further encourages the dislodging of debris.

This embodiment of the invention is particularly useful for the cleansing and sterilization of endoscopes which have biological debris attached to them. As example, the cleansin of material from a laparoscope is greatly facilitated by the agitation action.

In this regard, one aspect of the present invention relates to the treatment of flexible, usually woven, material which have become contaminated with biological wastes. One such application is generated in the medical field associated generally with surgeries; those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various other applications which generate a similar type of waste.

In the surgical application, a large number of sponges, bandages, wipes, and the like are generated. These biologically contaminated waste materials are discarded into receptacle called a "red bag" . The red bags are collected from the various points within the hospital and are typically incinerated. The steps between the operating room and final incineration requires numerous handling by humans which increases the potential of infection to these handlers. Additionally, many hospitals are not licensed to have incinerators.

The present invention is a self-contained mechanism whic is "wheeled" into the operating room (or other suitable place) next to the surgeon. As with the red bag, the surgeon disposes of the waste by throwing it into the self-contained mechanism's drum's top opening. When the operation is completed, the top of the drum is sealed and the mechanism is "wheeled" into another room. The mechanism is attached to electrical power, a liquid source, and a waste water disposal port. The preferred liquid in this application is distilled water, but, those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various other liquids which serve this function. Once so connected, the mechanism is started. Note that at no time, other than the surgeon, is the waste handled by any human.

In operation, the mechanism creates an ozonenated bath a discussed before and mixes this with a detergent which is pumped into the drum. Through an agitating mechanism, the contents of waste, ozonenated liquid, and detergent, are mixe and agitated so that an initial bathing/sterilization action is performed. In the preferred embodiment, the drum is both pressurized and chilled to increase the life of the ozone. In this embodiment, water is used to create a bath. This water is either distilled or is filtered so that a maximum life of the ozone gas is obtained. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize other mediums which can be used in this context. Although the embodiment above discusses the use of

^'detergent with an ozone bath, ozone is also useful to degrade detergent. As such, in one embodiment of the invention, the detergent with water (without ozone) is used as an initial washing action followed by the addition of an ozone bath. This structure provides for not only the cleansing and sterilization, but also a break-down of the detergent rendering it less harmful for the environment.

Once the initial bath is completed, the residue and liquid are removed from the drum, either through simple pumping action or in combination with a spinning action of the drum. Note that the residue is sterilized and can be discharged without concern for biological contamination. Further, the ozone tends to break down the detergent so that it too does not pose any environmental threats. Another bath of ozonenated liquid is performed on the waste fabrics in the drum before the waste is acceptable for disposal, or in certain situations, reuse. This arrangement performs a complete sterilization of t waste material without endangering human operators by requiring any additional handling of The invention, together with various embodiments thereof will be more fully described by the following drawings and their accompanying descriptions.

Drawings in Brief:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a personal use embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a production use embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the operation a personal use embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the ozone generator. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the interactio of the components for the preferred embodiment of the contact lense cleanser/sterilizer.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention utilizing multiple container capability. Figure 7 is a block diagram of the dry ozone aspect of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cutaway view of a flexible bag embodiment of the present invention incorporating an adapter.

Figure 9 is a close-up cut-away view of the preferred pressure release valve as is used in the flexible bag embodiment.

Figures 10A-10E are side views of a flexible bag embodiment in use.

Figure 11 is a block diagram of the creation of ozonenated liquid and its use in sterilization.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the self-contained mechanism showing its application in a surgical application.

Figure 13 is a cut-away view of the preferred self- contained mechanism showing the components thereof. Drawings in Detail:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a personal use embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is intended to be used by the contact wearer to periodically clean and disinfect their own contact lenses at home.

Contact lense cleaner 10 receives its power via electrical cord 18 which utilizes household electrical current. This electrical current is used to power clock 11 and the ozone generator (not shown) . Clock 11 is a countdown type of clock showing the remaining time necessary for proper cleaning the contact lenses.

The contact lenses are placed in cage 13. To facilitate easy placement of the lenses within cage 13, removable top 14 permits access to the interior portion of cage 13. Cage 13, once the contact lenses are placed therein, is lowered, as illustrated by arrow 15, into basin 12 (having saline therein and lid 17 is closed, as illustrated by arrow 16.

The closing of lid 17 causes latch 19A to enter receptacle 19B which signals clock 11 that the contact lenses are suitable placed within basin 12. Clock 11 then activates the ozone generator (not shown) to create a bath of ozone and saline within basin 12.

When the selected amount of time has elapsed, clock 11 deactivates the ozone generator and releases lid 17 by latch 19a. The raising of the lid signals the user that the contact lenses are clean and ready for rinsing and use.

In one embodiment of this invention, cage 13 is removabl and has a protrusion which supports it above basin 12. This permits the enclosed contact lenses to drip dry and also provide a time lapse for any absorbed ozone to convert to its benign by-products before the user again places the contact lenses within their eyes.

It has been found that through control of the amount of ozone and the amount of time of exposure, contact lenses may not only be cleaned but either disinfected, asepticized, or even sterilized. Control of these factors, amount of ozone and elapsed time, depends upon the manufacturer and user to obtain the desired results.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention for production cleaning. This embodiment is wired into the electrical current of the shop and is activated by a simple on/off switch 24.

Once activated, the bath of ozone and saline contained within unit 20 is created and is constantly fed ozone until the work shift is completed or when the task is completed.

A plurality of holders (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, and 21F are used to clean contact lenses in parallel. Each holder, such as holder 21A, maintains the cage holding the contact lenses in the bath. When the appropriate time has elapsed, the holder raises the cage from the bath.

In this example, holders 21A, 21C, 21D, 21E, and 21F all have cages (such as cage 23 for holder 21A) emersed in the bath. Holder 21B has raised indicating to the operator that cage 26 must have its existing contact lenses removed and another set secured therein.

Once the unclean contact lenses are secured within cage 26, the cage is placed in orifice 25 on holder 2IB as indicated by arrow 27. Keeper 28 secures cage 26 in position; the handle of holder 2IB is then pushed down forcing secured cage 26 into bath 22.

Keeper 28 is used in this embodiment to secure cage 26 within holder 21B. In another embodiment of the invention, keeper 28 is timed controlled to prevent removal of cage 26 before an allotted amount of time has elapsed for proper drying of the contact lenses.

Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various mechanisms which will work as timing devices for holders 21A, 21B, etc. such as: electronic clocks linked to the holder; spring timed mechanism; and the like.

This embodiment of the invention also illustrates the mechanism which may be used for the personal cleaning apparatus. A mechanism with a single holder is suitable for use by a single user.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the operation of an embodiment of the invention. Electrical power is supplied vi plug 31 to power switch 32 and timer 30.

Start switch 35 informs timer 30 when the cage holding the contact lenses is properly positioned. Start switch 35 may be a variety of switches well known in the art including the latch switch first illustrated in figure 1, a manually operated switch, or any other well known to those in the art.

Once start switch 35 is activated, timer 30, activates ozone generator 33 via power switch 32. Ozone generator provides ozone to basin 34, with saline therein, until such time as timer 30 deactivates the ozone generator 33 by denyin electrical power through power switch 32.

It is clear from the foregoing that in this embodiment o the invention, timer 30 acts as a controller for the entire operation of the mechanism.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the preferred ozone generator for the invention. Ozone generator 40 receives standard electrical energy 41 being 115 volts at 60 hertz. This electrical energy passes through circuit board 42 and is modified to drive transformer 43 at the prescribed rate as determined by operator adjustment knob 44. Utilizing the operator adjustment know 44, the operator is able to vary the concentration of ozone being produced by ozone generator 40. Leads from transformer 43 feed a cathode 46A and anode 46B positioned within the ozone reaction chamber 45. Ozone reaction chamber 45 is preferably constructed of stainless steel and has a glass dielectric therein.

Air pump 47 draws in outside air 48 into the system and through ozone reaction chamber 45 producing a flow of ozone 49. -

Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize alterations which may be made to the present layout to permit this embodiment to be utilized in a variety of settings and for a variety of ozone demands. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the components for the preferred embodiment of the contact lense cleanser/sterilizer. Main unit 50 receives electrical power (not shown) via a typical house outlet of 110 volt. Microcomputer 52 acts as a controller for the entire unit. By activating relay 1, microcomputer 52 is able to activate pump 55; by activating relay 54, microcomputer is able to activate ballast 56 which energizes the Ultraviolet ozone generator 58.

Air flow from pump 55 is passed through the ozone generator 58 and ozone is created. The ozonizated air flow passes into container 51 via valve 59. Ozone bubbles within the air flow are broken into small bubbles via diffuser 60.

Diffusion of the ozone increases the surface area of the ozon and thereby increases the overall effectiveness.

The diffused ozone air flow passes through chamber 61 where the items to-be-cleaned are placed. Finally, the ozone air flow is exhausted via valve 62.

Both valve 59 and valve 62 seal when container 51 is removed from housing 50. Container 51 keeps the contact lenses, or other items, sterile until container 51 is opened. Microcomputer 52 is able to communicate with a remote computer (not shown) via remote communication link 57. In the preferred embodiment, this remote communication link is a modem type device although those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various other mechanism which will serve ^• this purpose. Memory, located in this embodiment within microcomputer 52, is nonvolatile permitting a constant upgrade of the operational data and also of the time parameters and usage of the device. This information is easily communicated via the remote communication link 57. Additionally, remote communication 57 permits a remote computer, such as in a physician's office, to reset the device permitting the operator to use the device once his allotted amount of uses has been completed. This practice assures the physician that the user is actually using the device and also forces the user to come in for scheduled reexamination to assure that the contact lense is not causing some unforeseen damage to the eye. Microcomputer 52 is able to monitor, via sensors (not shown) the operation of pump 55, ballast 56, ozone generator 58, and that container 51 is securely placed within housing 50. So long as everything is operating within specification microcomputer operates the assemblage until the predetermine amount of time has elapsed.

Should one of the components malfunction, then microcomputer terminates operation and informs the operator the aborted operation. Should the application require, a filter is added to valve 62 to trap excess ozone from entering the atmosphere. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention utilizing multiple container capability.

Housing 70 contains multiple slots 71A, 71B, and 71C. Although this embodiment illustrates three slots, those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize that any number slots is possible.

Into these slots are inserted containers 72A and 72B. Note that slot 71B is empty at the present time. In this embodiment, once a container has had its contents sterilized, it may be removed and stored without contaminating the contents since the valves (not shown) are self-sealing and l 79 is also sealed.

As an added contamination safeguard, indicators 73A and 73B are used to indicate if the contents are sterile or not. The microcomputer (not shown) moves indicator 73B to a "+ " indicating that the sterilization process in complete; openin of the lid moves indicate to a "-" (as shown in 73A. In this fashion, a sterile container is easily identified. Status display 75 is used by the microcomputer to communicate with the operator. Switch 76 permits the operato to activate/deactivate the device.

Communication with remote computers is facilitated via modular jack 77 and phone line 78. Figure 7 is a block diagram of the dry ozone aspect of the present invention.

Oxygen gas is supplied from a pressure vessel, illustrated in this example as a pressurized bottle 63, to ozone generator 40. Ozone generator 40 converts some of the oxygen gas into ozone resulting in an oxygen/ozone mixture being delivered to flexible bag 64. Flexible bag 64 contains an instrument 67 therein which is exposed to the oxygen/ozone gas mixture 68 which circulate within flexible bag 64 and then exits, 69, to ozone destruction mechanism 65 before being exhausted into the atmosphere 66. Ozone destruction mechanism 65 is any one of many well known to those of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to, activated charcoal filters.

In this embodiment, the dry ozone gas so generated is particularly useful for metal instruments and for sharpened instruments where heat would dull their edge.

Flexible bag 64, in this embodiment, is constructed of two sheets of impermeable material, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, which are sealed around the periphery. An inlet port 80A and an outlet port 80B permit the introduction and exhausting, respectively, of ozone gas. Connectors, such as connector 86, press into and seal with ports, permitting ozone to be communicated, as illustrated by arrow 84B.

The ozone stream passes valve 85A, and in this embodiment, pass into adapter 81. Adapter 81 attaches to the interior side of input port 80A. In this illustration, adapter 81 has three connectors, 82A, 82B, and 82C, which connect to three openings in tube 83. Ozone gas is thus forced into each opening to pass through the entirety of the tube 83 and finally exit from end 87 as illustrated by arrow 84A. In this manner, the ozone fully sterilizes the interior of tube 83 and the ozone then proceeds to sterilize the exterior of tubing 83 once it exits.

When pressure within the flexible bag 64 reaches a selected level, valve 85B of outlet port 80B opens permitting the gas to escape as illustrated by arrow 84C. Valve 85B is important in that it maintains pressure within flexible bag 6 so as to increase the life and effectiveness of the ozone, an also assures that no inward flow is permitted through the outlet port 80B; this latter attribute prevents contaminatio of the interior of bag 64.

As those of ordinary skill int he art recognize, the flexible bag, configured with the inlet port and outlet port with associated valves, is applicable to a variety of situations where a steriliant, other than ozone, is used.

In this embodiment, the valves are not pressure activate but seal upon removal of the bag from the ozone generator. Note that when a flexible bag is used, either an ozone laden gas or an ozone laden liquid is usable as the sterilizing agent. In either case, gas or liquid, the steriliant is passed through the bag and then through the exit port.

Figure 9 is a close-up cut-away view of the preferred pressure release valve as is used in the flexible bag embodiment. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various other valves which are useful in this application including a shut-off valve found in various applications. Although figure 9 illustrates an outlet port valve, those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize that by simply turning the valve to face the other direction, the same valve is useable as the inlet port's valve.

Inlet port 8OB is constructed to have shoulders 90 imposed therein. Ball 91 seals the opening between shoulders 90 and is retained by post 92 and spring 93. As pressure within chamber 94, fed from the flexible bag- not shown in this figure, increases, the force exerted on ball 91 increas until such time that the pressure overcomes the force from spring 93 permitting some internal gas to escape until such time that the pressure is reduced to a point where spring 93 may again reseal the valve.

Through proper adjustment in the engineering of spring 9 and the length of post 92, the level of pressure necessary t open the ball 91/shoulder 90 combination is adjusted.

This valve permits the controlled exhausting of gas without any reverse flow which would cause contamination within the flexible bag.

An alternative port arrangement doesn't use pressurized valves but instead relies upon valves which are automatically opened by the ozone generator after ozone steriliant begins t flow and which closes the valves prior to the shut-down of th ozone steriliant. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various mechanisms which accomplish this objective.

Figures 10A-10E are side views of a flexible bag embodiment in practical use. As discussed earlier, ozone generator 40 passes ozone vi input port 80A into the flexible bag causing it to inflate, 100A. One end of the flexible bag is sealed, 101A. Sealing of the bag is accomplished through a variety of methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but no limited to, the formation of a resealing mechanism in which a bead on one edge is securable to a bead locking mechanism. I this embodiment, the sealing is through heat melding of the sides of the flexible bag to each other.

Flexible bag 100B is detached from the ozone generator 40 and is deflated through manual pressure 103. Manual pressure 103 forces gas 102C through the outlet port of bag 100C so that the bag becomes smaller 100D and easier to store and move. Flexible bag 100D is stored and easily handled without losing the sterile integrity of the bag. When the operator is ready to use the contents of bag

100D, the end 101E of the bag 100E is cut off, 101E, resulting in opening 104 from which the sterile instruments are removed. In this manner, the instruments are kept sterile until such time that they are used.

Should the user wish to reuse bag 100E, then by simply placing the contaminated instruments into the bag via opening 104 and resealing the opening, through a heat sealing operation, the bag is reused several times.

Figure 11 ia a block diagram of the creation of ozonenated liquid and its use in sterilization.

In many situations, there is a need for a liquid sterilizing agent. The embodiment of figure 11 creates such source of ozone. By applying ozone gas under pressure 110A t pipe 111, the ozone is forced into bath 114 within reservoir 113. In this embodiment, reservoir 113 is sealed for pressurization and is chilled (not shown) to prolong the life of the suspended ozone within the water. Also, in this embodiment, distilled water is used as the liquid medium, but those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various other liquids which will work in this application.

The gaseous ozone is passed through diffuser 112 into th water and is suspended therein. Excess gas is vented so that pressure within the reservoir is kept within tolerances of th container.

Once the water has been fully charged with ozone, the ozonenated water is passed through connect valve 115A to container 116 for sterilization of the contents. Connect valve 115B permits container 116 to be removed from the ozone destruct mechanism 117.

Spent liquid from the ozone destruct mechanism 117 is discharged to the sewer 118. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the self-contained mechanism showing its application in a surgical application.

This embodiment has applications to operating rooms, dressing stations, maternity rooms, and delivery rooms. Anywhere there is a large volume of biologically contaminated material generated, this embodiment is useful.

Within the operating theater, a large amount of biologically contaminated waste is generated which must be either destroyed or sanitized. This self-contained mechanis permits the surgeon 120 to toss such contaminated material directly into a drum within mechanism 121 via top opening 122 The self-contained mechanism is later wheeled into a roo for treatment.

Figure 13 is a cut-away view of the preferred self- contained mechanism showing the components thereof.

Container 121 has it's drum 133 sealed via lid 131. Lid 131 helps to maintain pressurization of drum 133. Note, no human handling of the contaminated material is required. Mechanism 121 is easily moved from the operating room to another location via wheels 132.

Once so sealed, mechanism 121 is attached to a water source 130A, a waste disposal source 13OB, and an electrical source (not shown) . Activation of the mechanism causes water reservoir 113 to be charged with ozone from ozone generator 40. In the preferred embodiment, reservoir 113 is pressurize and chilled to a selected temperature.

The operator fills a detergent reservoir 137 via fill hole 130C.

In the preferred embodiment, water source 130A flows though filter 140 which removes suspended particles and probides a relatively pure source of water to the mechanism 121. Filter 140 is preferrably constructed of a coconut carbon wilth silver impregnated carbon with cation and anion resins so that maximum filtration is obtained.

Computer 135 controls the timing and operation of the entire mechanisms. Using valve block 136, and piping 138A, 138B, and 138C, the computer directs the following sequential operation:

1) drum 133 is filled with a bath mixture of ozonenated water (reservoir 113) with detergent (detergent reservoir 137) {note, in some embodiments, this step is broken into two components- a detergent bath followed by an ozone bath to sterilize and break¬ down the detergent};

2) motor 134 causes agitator 139 to agitate the liquid mixture and contaminated fabric material within dru 133;

3) the bath and residue from drum 133 is pumped (not shown) from drum 133 to the waste disposal via wast hook-up 13OB;

4) drum 133 is filled with a bath of ozonenated water from reservoir 113;

5) motor 134, via agitator 139, agitates the contents of drum 133; 6) drum 133 is emptied of all liquid and residue.

In one embodiment of the invention, drum 133 is chilled to extend the life of ozone therein and thereby obtain an enhanced sterilizing operation. Additionally, in another embodiment, drum 133 is spun to help dislodge liquid from the fabrics within drum 133.

In this manner, the contaminated fabrics are cleaned and sterilized permitting the now sterilized fabrics to be disposed in any traditional means and even to be susceptible for reuse. Note that the operator of the mechanism is not required to touch, handle, or physically move the contaminated material except while it is contained with the drum. The risk to the operator of becoming ill due to the is reduced to a bare , minimum. It is clear from the foregoing that the present invention provides for new and improved cleaning and sterilization mechanism, and involves the use of numerous inventions.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1 1. A contact lense cleaning system having: a) a housing; b) an ozone generator for producing ozone, said ozone generator located within said housing;

5 c) a contact lense container being insertable into said housing d) a pump for transferring ozone from said ozone generator to sa contact lense container, said pump being located in said housing; e) a switch located on said housing for operator activation; f) means for sensing operation of said ozone generator and 10 generating an ozone operating signal having at least two states; g) means for sensing operation of said pump and generating a pum operating signal having at least two states; and, h) control means for,

1) activating said pump and said ozone generator in ■re response to activation of said switch, and,

2) deactivating said pump and said ozone generator in response to the states of said ozone generating signal and said pump generating signal.

2. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 wherein said control means further includes: a) clock means for determining elapsed time from activation of said pump and said ozone generator; and, b) means for deactivating said pump and said ozone generator when the elapsed time is equal to a predetermined level.

3. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 2 further including means for receipt of electrical power to said lense cleaning system, and wherein said control means further includes: a) means for sensing a power failure to said contact lense cleaning system; and, b) means for initializing said clock means upon restoration of power to said contact lense cleaning system.

4. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 3 further including a non-volatile memory means and wherein said control means includes means for recording, in said memory means, usage data indicative of operation of said contact lense cleaning system.

5. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 4 furthe including communication means for receipt of command data and transmissio of usage data via a telephone line and wherein said control means include means for transmitting said usage data from said memory in response to sa command data.

6. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 5 wherei said memory means further includes use counter data and wherein said control means includes: a) means for, prior to activation of said pump and said ozone generator, comparing said use counter data with said usage data; and, b) means for terminating operation if said usage data equals or exceeds said counter data.

7. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 wherei said contact lense container includes: a) a first valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said first valve for receipt o ozone from said pump; and, b) a second valve being automatically sealed upon removal of sai contact lense container from said housing, said second valve permitting excess ozone within said container to pass into the environment.

8. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 7 wherei said contact lense container includes a sealable opening for putting contact lenses into said contact lense container.

9. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 further including: a) a liquid agent contained in said contact lense container; and, b) a diffuser, located in said contact lense container, for diffusion of said ozone in said liquid agent.

10. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 9 wherein said diffuser includes at least one flat plate diffuser.

1 11. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 where said ozone generator includes an ultraviolet lamp for generation of said ozone.

1 12. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 11 where said ultraviolet lamp is U shaped and further including a chamber encirculing said ultraviolet lamp, said chamber having a first end open f receipt of ambient air from said pump and a second end communicating with

5 said first valve of said contact lense container.

1 13. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 7 furthe including an ozone trap interposed between a second valve of said contact lense container and the environment.

1 14. A contact lense cleaning system having: a) a housing; b) an ozone generator for producing ozone, said ozone generator located within said housing; c) a contact lense container being insertable into said housing; and, d) a pump for transferring ozone from said ozone generator to sai contact lense container, said pump being located in said housing.

15. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 14 furthe including: a) a switch located on said housing for operator activation; b) means for sensing operation of said ozone generator and generating an ozone operating signal having at least two states; c) means for sensing operation of said pump and generating a pump operating signal having at least two states; and, d) control means for,

1) activating said pump and said ozone generator in o response to activation of said switch, and,

16. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 15 where said control means further includes: a) clock means for determining elapsed time from activation of said pump and said ozone generator; and, b) means for deactivating said pump and said ozone generator whe the elapsed time is equal to a predetermined level.

17. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 16 furthe including means for receipt of electrical power to said lense cleaning system, and wherein said control means further includes: a) means for sensing a power to failure to said contact lense cleaning system; and, b) means for initializing said clock means upon restoration of power to said contact lense cleaning system.

18. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 17 furthe including a non-volatile memory means and wherein said control means includes means for recording, in said memory means, usage data indicative of operation of said contact lense cleaning system.

19. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 18 furthe including communication means for receipt of command data and transmission of usage data via a telephone line and wherein said control means includes means for transmitting said usage data from said memory in response to sai command data.

20. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 19 wherei said memory means further includes use counter data and wherein said control means includes: a) means for, prior to activation of said pump and said ozone generator, comparing said use counter data with said usage data; and, b) means for terminating operation if said usage data equals or exceeds said counter data.

21'. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 14 where said contact lense container includes: a) a first valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said first valve for receipt o ozone from said pump; and, b) a second valve being automatically sealed upon removal of sai contact lense container from said housing, said second valve permitting excess ozone within said container to pass into the environment.

22. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 21 wherei said contact lense container includes a sealable opening for putting contact lenses into said contact lense container.

23. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 14 furthe including: a) a liquid agent contained in said contact lense container; and, b) a diffuser, located in said contact lense container, for diffusion of said ozone in said liquid agent.

24. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 23 wherei said diffuser is a flat plate diffuser.

25. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 14 wherei said ozone generator includes an ultraviolet lamp for generation of said ozone.

26. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 25 wherein said ultraviolet lamp is U^" shaped and further including a chamber encirculing said ultraviolet lamp, said chamber having a first end open for receipt of ambient air and a second end communicating with said pump.

27. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 21 further including an ozone trap interposed between said second valve of said contact lense container and the environment.

28. A cleansing and sterilization mechanism comprising: a) a housing having at least two slots therein; b) an ozone generator for producing ozone, said ozone generator located within said housing; c) at least two containers being insertable into the slots of sa housing; d) a pump for transferring ozone from said ozone generator to a selected group of said at least two containers, said pump being located i said housing; β) a switch located on said housing for operator activation; f) sensing means for identifying which of said slots have a container therein and for generating slot occupation data indicative thereof; and, g) control means for, 1) activating said pump and said ozone generator in response to activation of said switch, and 2) for directing, in response to said slot occupation data, ozone to a selected group of said at least two containers.

29. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim further including: a) means for sensing operation of said ozone generator and generating an ozone operating signal having at least two states; b) means for sensing operation of said pump and generating a pu operating signal having at least two states; and, wherein said control means includes means for deactivating said pump and said ozone generator i response to the states of said ozone generating signal and said pump generating signal.

30. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said control means further includes: a) clock means for determining elapsed time of ozone being delivered to each of said slots; and, b) means for discontinuing delivery of ozone to a slot when said slot's elapsed time is equal to a predetermined level.

31. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim further including means for receipt of electrical power to said lense cleaning system, and wherein said control means further includes: a) means for sensing a power failure to said contact lense cleaning system; and, b) means for initializing said clock means upon restoration of power to said contact lense cleaning system.

32. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 3 further including a non-volatile memory means and wherein said control means includes means for recording, in said memory means, usage data indicative of operation of said contact lense cleaning system.

33. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 3 further including communication means for receipt of command data and transmission of usage data via a telephone line and wherein said control means includes means for transmitting said usage data from said memory in response to said command data.

34. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 33 wherein said memory means further includes use counter data and wherein said control means includes: a) means for, prior to activation of said pump and said ozone generator, comparing said use counter data with said usage data; and, b) means for terminating operation if said usage data equals or exceeds said counter data.

35. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 28 wherein each of said at least two containers includes: a) a resealable door for deposit of items to-be-cleaned into said container; and, b) status indicator means having at least two states and being visible to an operator, at least one of said states of said status indicator being in response to opening of said resealable door.

36. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim wherein said control means includes means for changing states of said status indicator.

37. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 3 wherein each of said containers includes: a) a first valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said first valve for receipt of ozone from said pump; and, b) a second valve being automatically sealed upon removal of sai contact lense container from said housing, said second valve permitting excess ozone within said container to pass into the environment.

38. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 2 further including: a) a liquid agent contained in said containers; and, b) a diffuser, located in each of said at least two containers, for diffusion of said ozone in said liquid agent.

39. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 3 wherein the diffuser in each of said at least two containers includes at least one flat plate diffuser.

40. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said ozone generator includes an ultraviolet lamp for generation o said ozone.

41. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 4 wherein said ultraviolet lamp is U shaped and further including a chamber encirculing said ultraviolet lamp, said chamber having a first end open fo receipt of ambient from said pump air and a second end communicating with the first of each of said at least two containers.

42. An ozone generation system comprising: a) means for supplying oxygen gas under pressure; b) a container having therein an article to be exposed to ozone, said container having an inlet port and an outlet port; and, c) an ozone generator receiving oxygen gas from said means for supplying oxygen gas and communicating an oxygen with ozone gas stream to the inlet port of said container.

43. The ozone generation system according to claim 42 wherein said inlet port contains a valve permitting disengagement of said container fr said ozone generator.

44. The ozone generation system according to claim 43 wherein said article to be exposed to ozone includes a hollow tube having N openings therein and further including an adapter attached to an interior side of said inlet port, said adapter communicating said gas stream to N-l of said N openings in said hollow tube.

45. The ozone generating system according to claim 44 wherein the valve in said inlet port includes pressure sensing means for opening said valve in said inlet port when a preselected pressure difference exists between the interior of said container and said ozone generator.

46. The ozone generation system according to claim 44 further including an ozone destruction means for destroying ozone, said ozone destruction means communicating with said outlet port of said container.

47. The ozone generation system according to claim 46 wherein said outlet port includes a valve which seals upon disengagement of said container from said ozone destruction means.

48. The ozone generation system according to claim 47 wherein said valve in said outlet port includes means for releasing gas from said container when pressure within said container reaches a predetermined level.

49. The ozone generation system according to claim 45 wherein said means for supplying oxygen includes a pressure vessel containing a substantially pure source of oxygen under pressure.

50. The ozone generation system according to claim 45 wherein said container is a rigid structure.

51. The ozone generation system according to claim 45 wherein said container is a flexible bag.

52. The ozone generation system according to claim 45further including means for cooling said container to a selected temperature.

53. An ozone generation system comprising: a) means for supplying oxygen gas under pressure; -and, b) an ozone generator receiving oxygen gas from said means for supplying oxygen gas and generating a gaseous stream of oxygen and ozone.

54. The ozone generation system according to claim 53 further including a container having therein an article to be exposed to ozone, said container having an inlet port and an outlet port said inlet port receiving said gaseous stream from said ozone generator.

55. The ozone generation system according to claim 54 further including means for chilling said container to a preselected temperature.

56. The ozone generation system according to claim 55 wherein said inlet port contains a valve which seals upon disengagement of said container from said ozone generator.

57. The ozone generation system according to claim 56 wherein said article to be exposed to ozone includes a hollow article having N openings therein and further including an adapter attached to an interior side of said inlet port, said adapter communicating said gaseous stream to N-l of said N openings in said hollow article.

58. The ozone generating system according to claim 57 wherein the valve in said inlet port includes pressure sensing means for opening said valve in said inlet port when a preselected pressure difference exists between the interior of said container and said ozone generator.

59. The ozone generation system according to claim 57 further including an ozone destruction means for destroying ozone, said ozone destruction means communicating with said outlet port of said container.

60. The ozone generation system according to claim 59 wherein said outlet port includes a valve permitting disengagement of said container from said ozone destruction means.

61. The ozone generation system according to claim 60 wherein said valve in said outlet port includes means for releasing gas from said container when pressure within said container reaches a predetermined level.

62. The ozone generation system according to claim 58 wherein said means for supplying oxygen includes a pressure vessel containing a substantially pure source of oxygen under pressure.

63. The ozone generation system according to claim 58 wherein said container is a rigid structure.

64. The ozone generation system according to claim 58 wherein said container is a flexible bag.

65. An dry gas sterilizing mechanism comprising: a) means for supplying oxygen gas under pressure; b) a container having therein an article to be exposed to ozone, said container having an inlet port and and outlet port, said container maintaining an internal gaseous pressure at a predetermined level; c) an ozone generator receiving oxygen gas from said means for supplying ojqrgen gas and communicating a gaseous stream of oxygen and ozone to the inlet port of said container; and, d) means for maintaining said container at a preselected temperature.

66. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 65 wherein said article to be exposed to ozone includes a hollow tube having N openings therein and further including an adapter attached to an interior side of said inlet port, said adapter communicating said gaseous stream to N-l of said N openings in said hollow tube.

67. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 66 wherei said inlet port contains a valve permitting disengagement between said container from said ozone generator, and further having pressure sensing means for opening said inlet port when a preselected pressure difference exists between the interior of said container and said ozone generator.

68. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 67 furthe including an ozone destruction means for destroying ozone, said ozone destruction means receiving excess gas from said outlet port of said container.

69. The ozone generation system according to claim 67 wherein said outlet port includes a valve permitting disengagement of said container from said ozone destruction means and includes means for releasing gas fr said container when pressure within said container reaches a predetermine level.

70. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 69 wherei said means for supplying oxygen includes a pressure vessel containing a substantially pure source of oxygen under pressure.

71. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 70 wherei said container is a rigid structure.

72. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 70 wherei said container is a flexible bag.

73. An ozonenating system comprising: a) a pressure vessel having a selected liquid therein; b) means for injecting pressurized ozone gas into the liquid withi said pressure vessel; c) a container having an article therein; d) means for communicating a mixture of liquid and ozone gas from said pressure vessel to said container such that said mixture contacts sai article; and, e) means for removing excess mixture from said container.

74. The ozonenating system according to claim 73 further including means for chilling said container and said pressure vessel.

75. The ozonenating system according to claim 74 wherein said mean for removing excess mixture communicates said excess mixture to an ozone destruct mechanism.

76. The ozonenating system according to claim 74 wherein said means for removing excess mixture communicates with a waste water disposal system.

77. The ozonenating system according to claim 74 further including means for diffusing said ozone gas in said selected liquid in said pressur vessel.

78. The ozonenating system according to claim 77wherein said liquid is distilled water.

79. The ozonenating system according to claim 78 further including: a) first valve means for disengaging said container from said pressurized vessel; and, b) second valve means for disengaging said container from said mean for destruct.

80. The ozonenating system according to claim 79 wherein said first and said second valve means seal upon disengagement.

81. The ozonenating system according to claim 80 wherein said first valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from said pressure vessel.

82. The ozonenating system according to claim 80 wherein said second valve means includes means for regulating an outflow rate so as to maintain a selected amount of pressure from said container.

83. The ozonenating system according to claim 80 wherein said article within said container includes a hollow tube having at least N openings and further including an adapter means communicating mixture fro said pressure vessel via said first valve to N-l of said N openings in sa hollow tube.

84. An ozone bath generating system comprising: a) a pressure vessel having a selected liquid material therein; b) means for injecting pressurized ozone gas into the liquid material within said pressure vessel; and, c) means for chilling said pressure vessel.

85. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 84 further including: a) a container having an article therein; b) means for communicating a mixture of liquid material and ozone gas from said pressure vessel to said container; and, e) means for removing excess mixture from said container.

86. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 85 further including means for destroying ozone is said excess mixture.

87. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 86 wherein said means for removing excess mixture communicates with a waste water disposal system.

88. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 85 further including means for diffusing said ozone gas in said liquid material in said pressure vessel.

89. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 88 wherein said liquid material is distilled water.

90. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 89 further including: a) first valve means for disengaging said container from said pressurized vessel; and, b) second valve means for disengaging said container from said mean for destroying ozone.

91. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 90 wherein said first and said second valve means seal upon disengagement.

92. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 91 wherein said first valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from sa pressure vessel.

93. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 91 wherein said second valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from said container.

94. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 91 wherein said article within said container includes a hollow article having at least N openings and further including an adapter means communicating mixture from said pressure vessel via said first valve to N-l of said N openings in said article tube.

95. An sterilizing system comprising: a) a pressure vessel having a selected liquid material therein; b) means for injecting pressurized ozone gas into the liquid material within said pressure vessel; c) a container having an article therein; d) means for communicating said mixture of liquid material and ozon gas from said pressure vessel to said container; e) means for removing excess mixture from said container; and, f) means for chilling said container and said pressure vessel.

96. The sterilizing system according to claim 95 further including means for destroying ozone in said excess mixture from said container.

97. The sterilizing system according to claim 95 wherein said means for removing excess mixture communicates with a waste water disposal system.

98. The sterilizing system according to claim 95 further including means for diffusing said ozone gas in said liquid material within said pressure vessel.

99. The sterilizing system according to claim 98 wherein said liqui material is distilled water.

100. The sterilizing system according to claim 99 further including a) first valve means for disengaging said container from said pressurized vessel; and, b) second valve means for disengaging said container from said mean for destruct.

101. The sterilizing system according to claim 100 wherein said first and said second valve means seal upon disengagement.

102. The sterilizing system according to claim 101 wherein said first valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from said pressure vessel.

103. The sterilizing system according to claim 101 wherein said second valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from said container.

104. The sterilizing system according to claim 101 wherein said article within said container includes a hollow tube having at least N openings and further including an adapter means communicating mixture from said pressure vessel via said first valve to N-l of said N openings in sai hollow tube.

105. A cleansing and sterilization mechanism comprising: a) a drum being water sealed and having a primary entry for deposit of flexible articles; b) means for creating an ozone bath in said drum; and, c) agitation means for agitating said ozone bath and said articles.

106. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 105 wherein said agitation means includes means for generating a sonic vibration in said ozone bath.

107. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

105 wherein said ozone bath is a gaseous mixture of oxygen and ozone.

108. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 105 wherein said ozone bath is a liquid with gaseous ozone suspended therein.

109. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 108 wherein said liquid is water.

110. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 109 further including filter means for filtration of water prior to creation of said ozone bath.

111. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 08 wherein said drum includes means for sealing said primary entry.

112. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 11 further including means for pressurizing said drum.

113. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 12 further including means for discharging liquid from said drum.

114. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 13 further including means for spinning said drum.

115. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 14 further including cooling means for chilling said drum.

116. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

115 further including: a) detergent adding means for depositing detergent into said drum; and, b) control means for,

1) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create first ozone bath,

2) causing said detergent adding means to deposit detergent into said drum, 3) directing said agitation means to agitate the detergent a said first ozone bath mixture,

4) causing said means for discharging to empty said detergen and ozone bath mixture from said drum,

5) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create second ozone bath,

6) causing said agitation means to agitate said second ozone bath, and,

7) simultaneously directing,

A) said means for discharging to empty liquid from sai drum, and,

B) said means for spinning to spin said drum.

117. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 108 further including a reservoir for holding said ozone bath and wherein said means for creating an ozone bath draws said bathing mixture from sai reservoir.

118. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 117 wherein said reservoir is sealed and pressurized.

119. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 118 wherein said cooling means includes means for chilling said reservoir.

120. A biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism comprising: a) means for creating an ozone bath of a selected liquid and suspended ozone gas, said ozone bath surrounding biologically contaiminat materials; and, b) agitation means for mechanically agitating said ozone bath and said biologically contaminated material. 121. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism accordin to claim 120 wherein said agitation means includes means for generating a sonic vibration in said ozone bath.

1 122. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism accordin to claim 120 wherein said selected liquid is water.

1 123. The biologically hazaradous waste treatment mechansim accordin to claim 120 further including filter means for filtration of water prior to creation of said ozone bath.

1 124. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 121 further including a drum for holding said ozone bath and said biologically contaminated material, said drum having, a) a primary entry for deposit of said material; and,

5 b) means for operator sealing said primary entry.

1 125. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 124 further including means for pressurizing said drum.

_ 126. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 125 further including means for discharging liquid from said drum.

127. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 126further including means for spinning said drum.

128. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 127 further including cooling means for chilling said drum to a selected temperture.

129. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism accordin to claim 128 further including: a) detergent adding means for depositing detergent into said drum; and, b) control means for,

1) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create first ozone bath in said drum,

2) causing said detergent adding means to deposit detergent into said drum, 3) directing said agitation means to agitate any contents of said drum,

4) causing said means for discharging to empty the detergent and ozone bath mixture from said drum,

5) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create second ozone bath in said drum,

6) causing said agitation means to agitate said ozone bath, and,

7) simultaneously directing,

A) said means for discharging to empty liquid from sai drum, and,

B) said means for spinning to spin said drum.

130. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 129 further including a reservoir containing a bath mixture of liquid material with ozone gas dispersed therein and wherein said means fo creating an ozone bath draws said bath mixture from said reservoir.

131. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 130 wherein said reservoir is sealed and pressurized.

132. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 131 wherein said cooling means includes means for chilling said reservoir.

133. A biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism comprising: a) means for creating an ozone bath of liquid and suspended ozone gas surrounding material contaminated with biological materials; b) agitation means for mechanically agitating said ozone bath and said material; c) a drum for holding said ozone bath and said material, said drum having,

1) a primary entry for deposit of said material, and,

2) means for sealing said primary entry; d) means for pressurizing said drum; e) detergent adding means for depositing detergent into said drum; and, f) control means for,

1) creating a first mixture of an ozone bath with detergent i said drum via said means for creating an ozone bath and said detergent adding means in said drum,

2) agitating the first mixture in said drum via said agitatin means,

3) discharging said first mixture from said drum, 4) creating a second mixture of an ozone bath via said means for creating an ozone bath in said drum,

5) agitating the second mixture in said drum via said agitating means, and,

6) emptying the second mixture from said drum.

134. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according t claim 133 wherein said agitation means includes means for generating a sonic vibration in said ozone bath.

135. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 133 further including means for spinning said drum and wherein said means for emptying the second mixture includes means for simulteineously, a) discharging liquid from said drum; and, b) spinning said drum via said means for spinning.

136. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 135 further including cooling means for chilling said drum.

137. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according claim 134 further including a reservoir containing a bath mixture of a selected liquid with ozone gas dispersed therein and wherein said means f creating an ozone bath draws said bath mixture from said reservoir.

138. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according claim 137 wherein said reservoir is sealed and pressurized.

139. A method of treating biologically hazardous waste comprising the steps of: a) creating a first mixture of a first selected liquid having gaseous ozone suspended therein with detergent in a drum having biologically contaminated materials therein; b) agitating the first mixture in said drum; c) discharging said first mixture and residue from said drum; d) creating a second mixture of a second selected liquid with gaseous ozone suspended therein in said drum; e) agitating the second mixture in said drum; and, f) emptying the second mixture from said drum.

140. The method of treating biologically hazardous waste according to claim 139 wherein the step of agitating the first mixture includes the step of creating a sonic vibration in said first mixture, and wherein the step of agitating the second mixture incudes the step of creating a sonic vibration in said second mixture.

141. The method of treating biologically hazardous waste according to claim 139 further including the step of spinning said drum during the step of emptying the second mixture from said drum.

142. The method of treating biologically hazardous waste according to claim 139 further including the step of cooling said drum when a mixtur is present in said drum.

143. A flexible bag for sterilizing through application of ozone having an inlet port and an outlet port, said inlet port for receiving ozone from an ozone generator and said outlet port for communication of ozone to an ozone from said flexible bag destruct mechanism.

144. The flexible bag according to claim 143 wherein said inlet po and said outlet port seal upon disengagement.

145. The flexible bag according to claim 143 wherein said inlet po contains an inlet valve permitting disengagement of said flexible bag fro the ozone generator.

146. The flexible bag according to claim 145 wherein said inlet valve includes pressure sensing means for opening said inlet valve when preselected pressure difference exists between the interior of said flexible bag and said ozone generator.

147. The flexible bag according to claim 146 wherein said outlet port includes an outlet valve permitting disengagement of said flexible ba from the ozone destruct mechanism.

148. The flexible bag according to claim 147 wherein said outlet valve includes means for releasing gas from said flexible bag when pressur within said flexible bag reaches a predetermined level.

149_ The flexible bag according to claim 148 wherein a first end of said bag is open for deposit of articles into said flexible bag.

150. The flexible bag according to claim 149 wherein the first end is sealable.

151. The flexible bag according to claim 150 wherein said first end is sealed by heat melding side portions of said flexible bag.

152. The flexible bag according to claim 150 wherein a first side of said first end includes a bead and a second side of said first end includes a bead locking mechanism.

153. A sterilizing bag comprising: a) two flexible side members sealed around a portion of the periphery thereof and forming an envelope therein; b) an inlet port; and, c) an outlet port.

154. The sterilizing bag according to claim 153 wherein said inlet port and said outlet port seal upon disengagement.

155. The sterilizing bag according to claim 153 wherein said inlet port contains an inlet valve mechanism permitting simultaneous disengagement and sealing of said inlet port.

156. The sterilizing bag according to claim 155 wherein valve in said inlet port includes pressure sensing means for opening said inlet valve mechanism when a preselected pressure difference exists between the interior and exterior and of said sterilizing bag.

157. The sterilizing bag according to claim 156 wherein said outlet port includes an outlet valve mechanism permitting simultaneous disengagement and sealing of said outlet port.

158. The sterilizing bag according to claim 157 wherein said outlet valve mechanism includes means for releasing gas from said sterilizing bag when pressure within said sterilizing bag reaches a predetermined level.

159. The sterilizing bag according to claim 158 wherein a first end of said bag is open for deposit of articles.

160. The sterilizing bag according to claim 159 wherein the first end is sealable.

161. The sterilizing bag according to claim 160 wherein said first end is sealed by heat melding said side portions of said sterilizing bag.

162. The sterilizing bag according to claim 160 wherein a first sid of said first end includes a bead and a second side of said first end includes a bead locking mechanism.

163. A sterilizing bag comprising: a) two flexible side members sealed around the periphery thereof an forming an envelope therein; b) an inlet port having an inlet valve mechanism permitting simultaneous disengagement and sealing of said inlet port, and pressure sensing means for opening said inlet valve mechanism when a preselected pressure difference exists across the inlet valve mechanism; and, c) an outlet port having an outlet valve mechanism permitting simultaneous disengagement and sealing of said outlet port, and means for releasing gas from said envelope when pressure within said envelope reaches a predetermined level.

164. The sterilizing bag according to claim 163 wherein a first end of said bag is open for deposit of articles.

165. The sterilizing bag according to claim 164 wherein the first end is sealable.

166. The sterilizing bag according to claim 165 wherein said first end is sealed by heat melding portions of said flexible sides.

167. The sterilizing bag according to claim 165 wherein a first flexible side at said first end includes a bead and a second flexible side at said first end includes a bead locking mechanism.

[received by the International Bureau on 11 March 1993 (11.03.93); original claims 23-26 cancelled; claims 105 and 116 replaced by amended claim 105; claims 120, 124 and 127 replaced by amended claim 120; claims 139 and 141 replaced by amended claim 139; other claims unchanged (28 pages)]

1 1. A contact lense deeming system having: a) a housing; b) an ozone generator for producing ozone, said ozone generator located within said housing;

5 c) a contact lense container being insertable into said housing; d) a pump for transferring ozone from said ozone generator to said contact lense container, said pump being located in said housing; e) a switch located on said housing for operator activation; f) means for sensing operation of .said ozone- generator and 10 generating an ozone operating signal having at least two states; g) means for sensing operation of said pump and generating a pump operating signal having at least two states; and, h) control means for,

1) activating said pump and said ozone generator in 5 response to activation of said switch, and,

1 2. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 wherein said control means further includes: a) clock means for determining elapsed time from activation of said pump and said ozone generator; and, ^D b) means for deactivating said pump and said ozone generator when the elapsed time is equal to a predetermined level.

' 3. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 2 further including means for receipt of electrical power to said lense cleaning system, and wherein said control means further includes: a) means for sensing a power failure to said contact lense ¹ cleaning system; and, b) means for initializing said clock means upon restoration of 4. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 3 further including a non-volatile memory means and wherein said control means includes means for recording, in said memory means, usage data indicative of operation of said contact lense cleaning system.

5. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 4 further including communication means for receipt of command data and transmission of usage data via a telephone line and wherein said control means includes means for transmitting said usage data from said memory in response to said command data.

6. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 5 wherein said memory means further includes use counter data and wherein said control means includes: a) means for, prior to activation of said pump and said ozone generator, comparing said use counter data with said usage data; and, b) means for terminating operation if said usage data equals or exceeds said counter data.

7. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 wherein said contact lense container includes: a) a first valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said first valve for receipt of ozone from said pump; and, b) a second valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said second valve permitting excess ozone within said container to pass into the environment.

8. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 7 wherein said contact lense container includes a sealable opening for putting contact lenses into said contact lense container. 9. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 further including: a) a liquid agent contained in said contact lense container; and, b) a diffuser, located in said contact lense container, for diffusion of said ozone in said liquid agent.

11. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 1 wherein said ozone generator includes an ultraviolet lamp for generation of said ozone.

12. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 11 wherein said ultraviolet lamp is ϋ shaped and further including a chamber encirculing said ultraviolet lamp, said chamber having a first end open for receipt of ambient air from said pump and a second end communicating with said first valve of said contact lense container.

13. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 7 further including an ozone trap interposed between a second valve of ^'said contact lense container and the environment.

14. A contact lense cleaning system having: a) a housing; b) an ozone generator for producing ozone, said ozone generator located within said housing; c) a contact lense container being insertable into said housing; and, d) a pump for transferring ozone from said ozone generator to said contact lense container, said pump being located in said housing. 1 15. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 14 further including: a) a switch located on said housing for operator activation; b) means for sensing operation of said ozone generator and 5 generating an ozone operating signal having at least two states; c) means for sensing operation of said pump and generating a pump operating signal having at least two states; and, d) control means for,

1) activating said pump and said ozone generator in 10 response to activation of said switch, and,

' 16. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 15 wherein said control means further includes: a) clock means for determining elapsed time from activation of said pump and said ozone generator; and, b) means for deactivating said pump and said ozone generator when the elapsed time is equal to a predetermined level.

17. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 16 further including means for receipt of electrical power to said lense cleaning system, and wherein said control means further includes: a) means for sensing a power to failure to said contact lense cleaning system; and, b) means for initializing said clock means upon restoration of power to said contact lense cleaning system.

18. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 17 further including a non-volatile memory means and wherein said control means includes means for recording, in said memory means, usage data indicative of operation of said contact lense cleaning system. ' 19. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 18 further including communication means for receipt of command data and transmission of usage data via a telephone line and wherein said control means includes means for transmitting said usage data from said memory 5 in response to said command data.

1 20. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 19 wherein said memory means further includes use counter data and wherein said control means includes: a) means for, prior to activation of said pump and said ozone 5 generator, comparing said use counter data with said usage data; and, b) means for terminating operation if said usage data equals or exceeds said counter data.

I 21. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 14 wherein said contact lense container includes: a) a first valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said first valve for

¹ receipt of ozone from said pump; and, b) a second valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said second valve permitting excess ozone within said container to pass into the environment.

22. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 21 wherein said contact lense container includes a sealable opening for putting contact lenses into said contact lense container.

23. Cancelled

24. Cancelled

25. Cancelled 1 26. Cancelled

1 27. The contact lense cleaning system according to claim 21 further including an ozone trap interposed between said second valve of said contact lense container and the environment.

' 28. A cleansing and sterilization mechanism comprising: a) a housing having at least two slots therein; b) an ozone generator for producing ozone, said ozone generator located within said housing; c) at least two containers being insertable into the slots of said housing; d) a pump for transferring ozone from said ozone generator to a. selected group of said at least two containers, said pump being located in said housing; 0 e) a switch located on said housing for operator activation; f) sensing means for identifying which of said slots have a container therein and for generating slot occupation data indicative thereof; and, g) control means for, 1) activating said pump and said ozone generator in response to activation of said switch, and

2) for directing, in response to said slot occupation data, ozone to a selected group of said at least two containers.

29. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 28 further including: a) means for sensing operation of said ozone generator and generating an ozone operating signal having at least two states; b) means for sensing operation of said pump and generating a pump operating signal having at least two states; and, wherein said control means includes means for deactivating said pump and said ozone generator in response to the states of said ozone generating signal and said pump generating signal. ' 30. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

29 wherein said control means further includes: a) clock means for determining elapsed time of ozone being delivered to each of said slots; and, 5 b) means for discontinuing delivery of ozone to a slot when said slot's elapsed time is equal to a predetermined level.

1 31. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

30 further including means for receipt of electrical power to said lense cleaning system, and wherein said control means further includes: a) means for sensing a power failure to said contact lense ³ cleaning system; and, b) means for initializing said clock means upon restoration of power to said contact lense cleaning system.

' 32. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

31 further including a non-volatile memory means and wherein said control means includes means for recording, in said memory means, usage data indicative of operation of said contact lense cleaning system.

1 33. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

32 further including communication means for receipt of command data and transmission of usage data via a telephone line and wherein said control means includes means for transmitting said usage data from said memory in response to said command data.

34. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

33 wherein said memory means further includes use counter data and wherein said control means includes: a) means for, prior to activation of said pump and said ozone generator, comparing said use counter data with said usage data; and, b) means for terminating operation if said usage data equals or exceeds said counter data. 35. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 28 wherein each of said at least two containers includes: a) a resealable door for deposit of items to-be-cleaned into said container; and, b) status indicator means having at least two states and being visible to an operator, at least one of said states of said status indicator being in response to opening of said resealable door.

36. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

35 wherein said control means includes means for changing states of said status indicator.

37. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

36 wherein each of said containers includes: a) a first valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said first valve for receipt of ozone from said pump; and, b) a second valve being automatically sealed upon removal of said contact lense container from said housing, said second valve permitting excess ozone within said container to pass into the environment.

38. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 28 further including: a) a liquid agent contained in said containers; and, b) a diffuser, located in each of said at least two containers, for diffusion of said ozone in said liquid agent.

39. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 38 wherein the diffuser in each of said at least two containers includes at least one flat plate diffuser.

40. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 28 wherein said ozone generator includes an ultraviolet lamp for generation of said ozone. 41. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 40 wherein said ultraviolet lamp is U shaped and further including a chamber encirculing said ultraviolet lamp, said chamber having a first end open for receipt of ambient from said pump air and a second end communicating with the first of each of said at least two containers.

43. The ozone generation system according to claim 42 wherein said inlet port contains a valve permitting disengagement of said container from said ozone generator.

46. The ozone generation system according to claim 44 further including an ozone destruction means for destroying ozone, said ozone destruction means communicating with said outlet port of said container. 47. The ozone generation system according to claim 46 wherein said outlet port includes a valve which seals upon disengagement of said container from said ozone destruction means.

53. An ozone generation system comprising: a) means for supplying oxygen gas under pressure; and, b) an ozone generator receiving oxygen gas from said means for supplying oxygen gas and generating a gaseous stream of oxygen and ozone.

54. The ozone generation system according to claim 53 further including a container having therein an article to be exposed to ozone, said container having an inlet port and an outlet port said inlet port receiving said gaseous stream from said ozone generator. 55. The ozone generation system according to claim 54 further including means for chilling said container to a preselected temperature.

61. The ozone generation system according to claim 60 wherein said valve in said outlet port includes means for releasing gas from said container when pressure within said container reaches a predetermined level. 1 62. The ozone generation system according to claim 58 wherein said means for supplying oxygen includes a pressure vessel containing a substantially pure source of oxygen under pressure.

1 63. The ozone generation system according to claim 58 wherein said container is a rigid structure.

1 64. The ozone generation system according to claim 58 wherein said container is a flexible bag.

' 65. An dry gas sterilizing mechanism comprising: a) means for supplying oxygen gas under pressure; b) a container having therein an article to be exposed to ozone, said container having an inlet port and and outlet port, said container maintaining an internal gaseous pressure at a predetermined level; c) an ozone generator receiving oxygen gas from said means for supplying oxygen gas and communicating a gaseous stream of oxygen and ozone to the inlet port of said container; and, d) means for maintaining said container at a preselected 0 temperature.

' 66. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 65 wherein said article to be exposed to ozone includes a hollow tube having N openings therein and further including an adapter attached to an interior side of said inlet port, said adapter communicating said gaseous stream to N-l of said N openings in said hollow tube.

67. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 66 wherein said inlet port contains a valve permitting disengagement between said container from said ozone generator, and further having pressure sensing means for opening said inlet port when a preselected pressure difference exists between the interior of said container and said ozone generator. 68. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 67 further including an ozone destruction means for destroying ozone, said ozone destruction means receiving excess gas from said outlet port of said container.

69. The ozone generation system according to claim 67 wherein said outlet port includes a valve permitting disengagement of said container from said ozone destruction means and includes means for releasing gas from said container when pressure within said container reaches a predetermined level.

70. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 69 wherein said means for supplying oxygen includes a pressure vessel containing a substantially pure source of oxygen under pressure.

71. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 70 wherein said container is a rigid structure.

72. The dry gas sterilizing mechanism according to claim 70 wherein said container is a flexible bag.

73. An ozonenating system comprising: a) a pressure vessel having a selected liquid therein; b) means for injecting pressurized ozone gas into the liquid within said pressure vessel; c) a container having an article therein; d) means for communicating a mixture of liquid and ozone gas from said pressure vessel to said container such that said mixture contacts said article; and, e) means for removing excess mixture from said container.

74. The ozonenating system according to claim 73 further including means for chilling said container and said pressure vessel. 1. 75. The ozonenating system according to claim 74 wherein said means for removing excess mixture communicates said excess mixture to an ozone destruct mechanism.

1 76. The ozonenating system according to claim 74 wherein said means for removing excess mixture communicates with a waste water disposal system.

1 77. The ozonenating system according to claim 74 further including means for diffusing said ozone gas in said selected liquid in said pressure vessel.

1 78. The ozonenating system according to claim 77 wherein said liquid is distilled water.

1 79. The ozonenating system according to claim 78 further including: a) first valve means for disengaging said container from said pressurized vessel; and, 5 b) second valve means for disengaging said container from said means for destruct.

1 80. The ozonenating system according to claim 79 wherein said first and said second valve means seal upon disengagement.

1 ^'81. The ozonenating system according to claim 80 wherein said first valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from said pressure vessel.

' 82. The ozonenating system according to claim 80 wherein said second valve means includes means for regulating an outflow rate so as to maintain a selected amount of pressure from said container. ' 83. The ozonenating system according to claim 80 wherein said article within said, container includes a hollow tube having at least N openings and further including an adapter means communicating mixture from said pressure vessel via said first valve to N-l of said N openings in said hollow tube.

89. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 88 wherein said liquid material is distilled water. 90. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 89 further including: a) first valve means for disengaging said container from said pressurized vessel; and, b) second valve means for disengaging said container from said means for destroying ozone.

92. The ozone bath generating system according to claim 91 wherein said first valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from said pressure vessel.

95. An sterilizing system comprising: a) a pressure vessel having a selected liquid material therein; b) means for injecting pressurized ozone gas into the liquid material within said pressure vessel; c) a container having an article therein; d) means for communicating said mixture of liquid material and ozone gas from said pressure vessel to said container; e) means for removing excess mixture from said container; and, f) means for chilling said container and said pressure vessel. 96. The sterilizing system according to claim 95 further including means for destroying ozone in said excess mixture from said container.

99. The sterilizing system according to claim 98 wherein said liquid material is distilled water.

100. The sterilizing system according to claim 99 further including: a) first valve means for disengaging said container from said pressurized vessel; and, b) second valve means for disengaging said container from said means for destruct.

103. The sterilizing system according to claim 101 wherein said second valve means is opened by a selected amount of pressure from said container. 104.. The sterilizing system according to claim 101 wherein said article within said container includes a hollow tube having at least N openings and further including an adapter means communicating mixture from said pressure vessel via said first valve to N-l of said N openings in said hollow tube.

105. A cleansing and sterilization mechanism comprising: a) a drum being water sealed and having a primary entry for deposit of flexible articles; b) means for creating an ozone bath in said drum; c) agitation means for agitating said ozone bath and said articles; d) detergent adding means for depositing detergent into said drum; and, e) control means for, 1) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create a first ozone bath,

2) causing said detergent adding means to deposit detergent into said drum,

3) directing said agitation means to agitate the detergent and said first ozone bath mixture,

4) causing said means for discharging to empty said detergent and ozone bath mixture from said drum,

5) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create a second ozone bath, 6) causing said agitation means to agitate said second ozone bath, and, 7) simultaneously directing,

A) said means for discharging to empty liquid from said drum, and, B) said means for spinning to spin said drum. 1.06. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 105 wherein said agitation means includes means for generating a sonic vibration in said ozone bath.

107. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 105 wherein said ozone bath is a gaseous mixtμre of oxygen and ozone.

109. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

108 wherein said liquid is water.

110. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

109 further including filter means for filtration of water prior to creation of said ozone bath.

111. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 108 wherein said drum includes means for sealing said primary entry.

112. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

111 further including means for pressurizing said drum.

113. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

112 further including means for discharging liquid from said drum.

116. Cancelled 117. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim 108 further including a reservoir for holding said ozone bath and wherein said means for creating an ozone bath draws said bathing mixture from said reservoir.

118. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

117 wherein said reservoir is sealed and pressurized.

119. The cleansing and sterilization mechanism according to claim

118 wherein said cooling means includes means for chilling said reservoir.

120. A biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism comprising: a) means for creating an ozone bath of a selected liquid and suspended ozone gas, said ozone bath surrounding biologically contaiminated materials; b) agitation means for mechanically agitating said ozone bath and said biologically contaminated material; c) a drum for holding said ozone bath and said biologically contaminated material, said drum having, 1) a primary entry for deposit of said material, and,

2) means for operator sealing said primary entry; and, d) means for spinning said drum.

121. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 120 wherein said agitation means includes means for generating a sonic vibration in said ozone bath.

122. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 120 wherein said selected liquid is water. 123. The biologically hazaradous waste treatment mechansim according to claim 120 further including filter means for filtration of water prior to creation of said ozone bath.

124. Cancelled

125. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 120 further including means for pressurizing said drum.

126. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 125 further including means for discharging liquid from said drum.

127. Cancelled

128. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 120 further including cooling means for chilling said drum to a selected temperture.

129. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 128 further including: a) detergent adding means for depositing detergent into said drum; and, b) control means for,

1) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create a first ozone bath in said drum,

5) directing the means for creating an ozone bath to create a second ozone bath in said drum,

6) causing said agitation means to agitate said ozone bath, and,

7) simultaneously directing,

A) said means for discharging to empty liquid from said drum, and,

B) said means for spinning to spin said drum.

130. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 129 further including a reservoir containing a bath mixture of liquid material with ozone gas dispersed therein and wherein said means for creating an ozone bath draws said bath mixture from said reservoir.

132. The biologically hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 131 wherein said cooling means includes means for chilling said reservoir. 133. A biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism comprising: a) means for creating an ozone bath of liquid and suspended ozone gas surrounding material contaminated with biological materials; b) agitation means for mechanically agitating said ozone bath and said material; c) a drum for holding said ozone bath and said material, said drum having,

1) a primary entry for deposit of said material, and,

1) creating a first mixture of an ozone bath with detergent in said drum via said means for creating an ozone bath and said detergent adding means in said drum,

2) agitating the first mixture in said drum via said agitating means,

5) agitating the second mixture in said drum via said agitating means, and,

6) emptying the second mixture from said drum.

134. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 133 wherein said agitation means includes means for generating a sonic vibration in said ozone bath. 135. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 133 further including means for spinning said drum and wherein said means for emptying the second mixture includes means for simultaneously, a) discharging liquid from said drum; and, b) spinning said drum via said means for spinning.

137. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 134 further including a reservoir containing a bath mixture of a selected liquid with ozone gas dispersed therein and wherein said means for creating an ozone bath draws said bath mixture from said reservoir.

138. The biological hazardous waste treatment mechanism according to claim 137 wherein said reservoir is sealed and pressurized.

139. A method of treating biologically hazardous waste comprising the steps of: a) creating a first mixture of a first selected liquid having gaseous ozone suspended therein with detergent in a drum having biologically contaminated materials therein; b) agitating the first mixture in said drum; c) discharging said first mixture and residue from said drum; d) creating a second mixture of a second selected liquid with gaseous ozone suspended therein in said drum; e) agitating the second mixture in said drum; f) simultaneously,

1) emptying the second mixture from said drum, and,

2) spinning said drum. 140. The method of treating biologically hazardous waste according to claim 139 wherein the step of agitating the first mixture includes the step of creating a sonic vibration in said first mixture, and wherein the step of agitating the second mixture incudes the step of creating a sonic vibration in said second mixture.

141. Cancelled

142. The method of treating biologically hazardous waste according to claim 139 further including the step of cooling said drum when a mixture is present in said drum.

144. The flexible bag according to claim 143 wherein said inlet port and said outlet port seal upon disengagement.

145. The flexible bag according to claim 143 wherein said inlet port contains an inlet valve permitting disengagement of said flexible bag from the ozone generator.

146. The flexible bag according to claim 145 wherein said inlet valve includes pressure sensing means for opening said inlet valve when a preselected pressure difference exists between the interior of said flexible bag and said ozone generator.

147. The flexible bag according to claim 146 wherein said outlet port includes an outlet valve permitting disengagement of said flexible bag from the ozone destruct mechanism. 148. The flexible bag according to claim 147 wherein said outlet valve includes means for releasing gas from said flexible bag when pressure within said flexible bag reaches a predetermined level.

149. The flexible bag according to claim 148 wherein a first end of said bag is open for deposit of articles into said flexible bag.

150. The flexible bag according to claim 149 wherein the first end is sealable.

156. The sterilizing bag according to claim 155 wherein valve in said inlet port includes pressure sensing means for opening said inlet valve mechanism when a preselected pressure difference exists between the interior and exterior and of said sterilizing bag. 157. The sterilizing bag according to claim 156 wherein said outlet port includes an outlet valve mechanism permitting simultaneous disengagement and sealing of said outlet port.

162. The sterilizing bag according to claim 160 wherein a first side of said first end includes a bead and a second side of said first end includes a bead locking mechanism.

163. A sterilizing bag comprising: a) two flexible side members sealed around the periphery thereof and forming an envelope therein; b) an inlet port having an inlet valve mechanism permitting simultaneous disengagement and sealing of said inlet port, and pressure sensing means for opening said inlet valve mechanism when a preselected pressure difference exists across the inlet valve mechanism; and, c) an outlet port having an outlet valve mechanism permitting simultaneous disengagement and sealing of said outlet port, and means for releasing gas from said envelope when pressure within said envelope reaches a predetermined level. 164. The sterilizing bag according to claim 163 wherein a first end of said bag is open for deposit of articles.