Title of Invention

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING OR HYDRATION OF OPHTHALMIC DEVICE

Abstract A hydrating or washing apparatus for ophthalmic devices comprising: a)injecting means for applying a fluid to an ophthalmic device, the ophthalmic device being supported by a device-supporting member, and b) heating means for said injecting means which heats said injecting means when the injecting means is not applying a fluid to said ophthalmic device to maintain said injecting means at a predetermined temperature.
Full Text This application is a continuation-in part of Shlagel et
al., US Serial No. 09/252,307, filed February 18, 1999, having
the same title and incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus
for washing or hydration of ophthalmic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The molding of hydrophilic contact lenses is known.
Various processes are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,495,313,
to Larsen; U.S. Patent No. 4,640,489 to Larsen, et al. ; U.S.
Patent No. 4,680,336 to Larsen et al.; U.S. Patent No.
4,889,664 to Larsen et al. ; and U.S. Patent No. 5,039,459 to
Larsen et al., all of which are assigned to the assignee of
the present invention.
These prior art references disclose a contact lens
production process wherein each lens is formed by molding a
reactive mixture in a lens mold, typically between a front
curve (lower mold section) and back curve (upper mold
section). The monomer injected in the molds is polymerized,
thus forming a lens. The lens is typically subjected to a
hydration bath, and then to multiple leaching steps which
remove processing chemicals (leachable diluents and monomers)
from the lens. Multiple lenses are immersed in the hydration
bath, which removes the lenses from the front curve mold.
Once demolded, the lenses are advanced into a multi-step
washing phase and then the lenses, while still wet, are
removed from the washing phase and are packaged for consumer
use.
In the earlier manufacturing processes for making contact
lenses, the steps of hydration and diluent removal took place
in large tanks. Hundreds of contact lenses were put in each
tank and moved around the tank and then removed. By in-flow
and out-flow streams, the tanks would be kept at a specified
equilibrium level of diluent. There were several tanks with
decreasing levels of diluent in which the contact lenses were
soaked in sequence until they reached the equilibrium level of
diluent. The contact lenses would be moved from one tank to
the next until the level of diluent was below or at an
acceptable level. Occasionally the tanks would be emptied for
cleaning, and then refilled with clean water.
U.S. Patents Nos. 5, 080, 839 and 5,094,609 disclose,
respectively, a process for hydrating and washing contact
lenses and a chamber for washing the contact lenses formed
with a monomer or monomer mixtures of the type disclosed in
the foregoing patents. The process disclosed in these patents
was a significant advance; however, the transfer of lenses
from the hydration phase to the washing step and the
associated handling of the lenses resulted in the loss of some
lenses. Plus, washing required large amounts of water and
occurred in multiple soaking steps. The chamber holding the
contact lens was filled with water, then after the contact
lens and H2O reached equilibrium, the chamber was emptied and
the steps were repeated.
As should be apparent, it would be desirable to make the
hydration step more efficient, that is, to subject as many
lenses as possible to hydration in the most efficient manner,
using the least water possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, a hydration and/or
washing, e-.-g. diluent removal, apparatus and process is
disclosed in which a plurality of device-supporting members
are provided preferably having one or more cavities each for
containing an ophthalmic device, such as a contact lens and/or
lens mold and/or reusable lens mold, and/or intraocular lens.
The ophthalmic devices are arranged so that the hydration or
cleansing fluid flows or is directed from contacting cleaner
ophthalmic devices to contacting dirtier ophthalmic devices.
The device-supporting members can be arranged in any
configuration so that the hydration or cleansing fluid
contacts cleaner and then dirtier ophthalmic devices. The
device-supporting members can be arranged vertically: in-line
like a column or like a stair-case, horizontally, helically or
combinations of the above. For example, the fluid could flow
horizontally from ophthalmic device to ophthalmic device on a
first level of one or more device-supporting members arranged
horizontally and then flow vertically down and across to a
second level of one or more device-supporting members located
beneath the first level, and then flow to a third level, etc.
Alternatively, ophthalmic devices can be moved within a column
in which the water falls like rain, or in a horizontal pipe
through which a stream of fluid is pumped. Preferably the
arrangement is at least partially vertical so that the
hydration or cleansing fluid moves under gravity and does not
have to be pumped. The hydration or cleansing fluid can be
directed to move in a single stream from the cleanest
ophthalmic device to the dirtiest ophthalmic device in the
apparatus. Alternatively, the fluid can be directed to move
in multiple streams from one or more of the cleanest
ophthalmic devices to one or more of the dirtiest ophthalmic
devices in the apparatus. The flow of fluid can be across
ophthalmic devices and device-supporting members or it can be
through or both across and through the device-supporting
members. Preferably, multiple streams of the hydration or
cleansing fluid can be directed to flow onto and across only
ophthalmic devices in particular locations from clean to dirty
ophthalmic devices in the apparatus. Preferably, the fluid
flows across the device-supporting members. If desired,
additional fluid can be injected at one or more locations in
the apparatus. The cleanest ophthalmic devices from the
apparatus are removed at or near, that is in the vicinity of
the input of clean hydration or cleansing fluid into the
apparatus, and dirty ophthalmic devices are inserted into the
apparatus preferably just before or in the vicinity of where
the dirtiest hydration or cleansing fluid exits the apparatus.
The preferred hydration and/or washing apparatus and
process comprises trays as the device-supporting members.
However, the device-supporting members can have any
configuration, which provides protection for and maintains the
ophthalmic device but allows fluid to flow to, and around or
over the ophthalmic device in or on the device-supporting
member, and then allows the fluid to flow out of the device-
supporting member. Other examples of device-supporting
members include a plastic cage, bowl, or the hydration and
washing chambers for contact lenses used and disclosed in the
prior art. It is further preferred that the device-supporting
member can be easily moved through the apparatus
countercurrent to the flow of the fluid. In the preferred
embodiment, the device-supporting member is a lens supporting
member, and the preferred lens supporting member is a tray.
The preferred trays have a plurality of cavities each for
containing an ophthalmic device, and preferably for containing
a front curve mold with a contact lens in the mold. The
following description will focus on the preferred embodiment
involving the washing and hydration of contact lenses;
however, other devices, particularly other ophthalmic devices
may be substituted for the contact lenses in the description.
In the preferred embodiment, the trays are stacked
vertically with the cavities (and lenses) in columns. The
hydration or cleansing fluid, for example, de-ionized (DI)
water, is injected or otherwise introduced into each of the
cavities of the leading or upper tray. The fluid injected in
each cavity flows downwardly through the stack of cavities of
the column to wash over the lenses preferably in the front
curve molds in the trays below the point where the fluid is
injected. If desired, additional fluid also can be injected
at one or more lower trays in the stack. In using the
apparatus, a tray is inserted at the stack bottom, the stack
is raised, and the uppermost tray in the stack is removed.
The addition and removal of trays to the stack is carried out
in a step-wise manner.
As lenses (in the trays) move upwardly in the stack, they
encounter increasingly purer (less contaminated) hydration or
cleansing fluid. The more contaminated fluid contacts the
lenses at lower positions in the stack, but is still able to
remove contaminants.
There is a counter-current effect, that is, the fluid
flows downwardly in the apparatus and the trays with lenses
move progressively upward. A vertical configuration is
preferred, because the fluid flows down; however, other
configurations, including horizontal, in which the fluid is
pumped can be used. As the fluid flows from cleaner to
dirtier lenses, it picks up the impurities from the lenses.
As the lenses move toward the inlet of clean fluid, they have
fewer impurities. Preferably, the concentration of impurities
in the fluid is always less than the concentration of
impurities in the lenses which it is contacting.
According to one aspect of the invention, a method for
hydrating or washing ophthalmic devices includes" the steps of
applying to an ophthalmic device, which has a higher
concentration of impurities, a fluxd which has previously been
applied to ophthalmic devices having a lower concentration of
impurities, said fluid having previously been applied to
. ophthalmic devices having an even lower concentration of
impurities. At least a portion of the same fluid preferably
is applied to at least 10, more preferably at least 25
ophthalmic devices, most preferably more than 35, e.g. contact
, lenses, which have substantially sequentially increasing
amounts of impurities. For example, lenses having high
concentrations of impurities can be lenses having greater than
10,000 ppm, or even greater than 100,000 ppm diluent or other
impurities in the lens, and lenses having low concentrations
of impurities can be lenses having less than 10 ppm, more
preferably less than 1 ppm diluent or other impurities in the
lens. Preferably the same fluid, or at least a portion of the
same fluid, which is applied to contact lenses having a low
concentration of impurities is later applied to contact lenses
having a high concentration of impurities. Preferably the
contact lenses move countercurrently to the fluid, and/or
(preferably and) the fluid moves countercurrently to the
lenses. Preferably, the flow of the fluid is directed from
lenses having lower concentrations of impurities to lenses
having higher concentrations of impurities, such that the
amount of impurities .in the fluid increases as the fluid is
directed at contact lenses having increasing amounts of
impurities. It is preferred that the concentration of
impurities in the fluid is such that, a concentration gradient
between the level of impurities in the fluid and the lenses is
substantially maintained, such that impurities substantially
continuously or successively, for example, in stages e.g. at
the different levels in the stack, move into the fluid from
the cleaner contact lenses and then from the contact lenses
having increasingly higher levels of impurities. Preferably
the impurities move substantially continuously from the
contact lenses into the fluid. The contact lenses enter the
apparatus of this invention with a high concentration of
impurities and are preferably subjected to increasingly
cleaner fluid as the contact lenses become increasingly
cleaner. The lenses having the lowest concentration of
impurities of any lenses contacting any fluid in this method,
have clean, preferably the cleanest, fluid directed at them.
In the preferred embodiment the lenses move in stages and the
fluid flows continuously or semi-continuously, e.g. in pulses
of fluid, counter currently relative to the movement of the
lenses; however, the lenses could also move continuously or
semi-continuously countercurrently relative to the movement of
the fluid, or both. In this method, the lenses are preferably
contained in lens supporting members. In the preferred
embodiment, the lenses are in trays, with the trays arranged
in a vertical stack. Preferably there are multiple lenses in
each tray; however, the trays can be made to hold individual
lenses. The concentration of impurities in the lenses in the
vertically arranged trays decreases as the lenses advance
toward the top of the stack. The fluid is clean at the top of
the stack and exits at the bottom of the stack with a high
concentration of impurities.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention a
hydrating or washing method includes the steps of vertically
arranging, e.g. stacking, a plurality of device-supporting
members each having at least one a cavity containing an
ophthalmic device, and injecting a fluid into the cavity or
cavities of an upper device-supporting member, the fluid
flowing downwardly through the cavities. In the preferred
form, the downward flow of fluid is directed to a lens
contained in the cavity of a lower tray in a stack of trays.
Also, the trays can be aligned above one another to define a
flow path therebetween.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
device-supporting member for use in a washing or hydration
apparatus is provided which comprises a cavity. The preferred
device-supporting member comprises a support and cavity
insert, preferably multiple cavity inserts which fit into the
support. The benefit of this configuration is that the cavity
inserts can be easily replaced in the support if one of them
breaks which limits the loss and expense if there is damage to
a device-supporting member. Alternatively, the entire device-
supporting member and/or the inserts could ,be injection
molded, which also limits the loss and expense if there is
damage to a device-supporting member as compared to a machined
plastic or formed metal device-supporting member or cavity
insert.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
apparatus for hydrating or washing contact lenses includes a
means for applying fluid to a lens having a low concentration
of impurities, and a means for directing the applied fluid to
further lenses which have a comparatively higher concentration
of impurities.
According to a still further aspect of the invention, a
hydrating or washing apparatus for contact lenses includes a
plurality of trays each containing a lens, wherein the trays
are vertically stacked, with the cavities arranged in a
vertical column. Each cavity has an opening which permits
fluid to flow to the cavity of a next lower tray in the stack
to thereby wash the lens therein. The apparatus further has
an injection passage into which the fluid is injected into the
cavity to thereby flow into the opening and to the cavities of
lower trays in the vertical column.
Alternatively and more preferably, the apparatus
comprises means for intermittently injecting fluid into said
apparatus; and means for heating the injecting means to
provide a consistent fluid temperature within a pre-determined
specified range. In the preferred embodiment a fluid is
injected, more preferably via pulses into the uppermost tray
onto the ophthalmic device by an extraction head (the
injecting means) that comprises a nozzle, which will be
described below. Further, the extraction head comprises
heating means to insure that the temperature of the fluid to
be injected remains constant and does not change between
pulses. In the preferred embodiment the heating means is a
flow-through extraction head. Maintaining the fluid at a high
temperature, preferably close to the highest temperature that
the ophthalmic devices can be subjected to without causing
damage to the ophthalmic devices provides for increased
removal of impurities from the ophthalmic devices as compared
to the result if a fluid at a lower temperature is used. The
injecting means with heating means is also beneficial for when
there are interruptions in the operation of the apparatus due
to jams or other maintenance needs in the manufacturing line
for ophthalmic devices which requires that the injection of
fluid onto ophthalmic devices be temporarily stopped.
Further features and aspects of the invention can be
appreciated from the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a novel
method and apparatus for hydration and/or removal of
impurities from ophthalmic devices.
A further object is to provide a contact lens hydration
and/or washing method and apparatus in which the lenses are
stacked vertically in trays which are moved upwardly, and a
fluid flows downwardly in the tray stack to successively wash
the lenses in the lower trays of the stack. The fluid may be
introduced at the top of the stack or fresh fluid or a
different fluid composition may be introduced at various
points in the process and method.
An additional object is to provide a method and apparatus
for efficiently washing ophthalmic devices in an apparatus in
which the fluid cascades downwardly over the ophthalmic
device.
Yet a further object, is to hydrate and wash ophthalmic
devices stacked vertically in a column using the same fluid.
Still a further object is to reduce the amount of water
consumed during a hydration and/or washing phase.
Yet another object is to increase the rate of diffusion
during a hydration and/or washing phase. One method to
increase the rate of diffusion is to keep the fluid
consistently hot at the injection point.
Still another object is to reduce the amount of lens
handling as the lenses are brought to and removed from the
hydration phase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE/DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the following
specification and annexed drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is an elevational end view of a portion of a
hydration apparatus according to the invention, with the end
wall partially broken away to reveal a sectional view of a
plurality of lens supporting trays therein;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a portion of a tray which is
conveyed through the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a top chamber insert which
may be used in the present invention, taken along line 3-3 of
Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig.
3; and
Fig. 5 is a side view of the top chamber insert.
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a portion of an additional
embodiment of a device-supporting member that is conveyed
through the hydration or washing apparatus.
Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the device-supporting
member shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a top view of the support of the device-
supporting member shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 9 is the top view of the cavity insert of the
device-supporting member shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 10 is a side view of the cavity insert of the
device-supporting member shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a hydration apparatus
showing the system of fluid flow within the hydration or
washing apparatus.
Fig. 12 is a side view of the preferred flow-through
extraeflorfhead shown in Fig. 11 showing the layered manifold.
Fig. 13 is a bottom view of a flow-through extraction
head and bottom view of layer 15D of the layered manifold
shown in Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a bottom view of layer 15C of the layered
manifold shown in Fig. 12.
Fig. 15 is a bottom view of layer 15B of the layered
manifold shown in Fig. 12.
Fig. 16 is a bottom view of layer 15A of the layered
manifold shown in Fig. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Fig. 1, the hydration apparatus 10 has a
frame 12 within" which are stacked vertically a plurality of
device-supporting members, preferably trays 20 made of a
suitable material, such as plastic. Three such trays 20-1,
2 0-2, 20-n are illustratively shown. In a typical
application, there can be as many trays as needed, preferably
between thirty and fifty trays, more preferably forty trays
stacked one above or on top of another.
Fig. 2 shows a sectional, top view of a portion of one of
the trays 20. The tray 20 is divided into an array of
effective cavities 29, preferably 2x8, i.e., two wide and
eight long, more preferably 4x8. These cavities may be bored
through a solid plastic tray material, or molded into a
plastic tray by injection-molding the tray. Alternatively,
the tray having cavities may comprise machined, cast, or
otherwise formed metal. Each cavity 29 in the tray 20 is
preferably generally funnel-shaped through the tray with a
wider opening where the lens 24 is held on one surface of the
tray and a narrower opening on a second surface of the tray.
The second surface of the tray is preferably provided with
means for trapping a second lens when a second tray having a
second lens is placed adjacent to, that is below, the first
tray.
In one preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 5, a
lens support 25 of plastic or other suitable material is
supported by (that is, placed in, attached to, or is an
integral part of the tray) the tray within each cavity 29 of
the tray 20. The preferred lens support 25 is a separate
piece which fits into the top of the cavity 29. The lens
support 25 is a circular aperture, or concave recess which
supports a front curve mold 22 into which a lens 24 may be
disposed. Alternatively, the lens can be supported in the
lens support 25 without the front curve mold 22. In such an
embodiment, the lens support 25 could have an alternative
shape such as a bowl or cage.
A flow port 31 having a wide mouth provides access to a
narrower fluid injection passage 32 which connects to the
central portion 28 of the cavity 29, preferably below the lens
support 25. The fluid injection passage 32 is preferably
cylindrical in shape. A filter screen 36 is disposed within
the cavity 29 in register with and below the lens support 25.
The filter screen 36 catches any debris that may wash off the
lens or front curve mold 22 to prevent blockage of the orifice
46 in the top chamber insert 38. The screen 3 6 is optional,
depending upon the likelihood of undesired, removable pieces
of material being present on the ophthalmic devices to be
removed when washed or hydrated by the fluid. The bottom end
of one cavity 29 communicates with top chamber insert 38. The
top chamber insert 38 is preferably a separately machined or
molded piece which is attached to the bottom of each cavity
29. In the preferred embodiment in a vertical stack of trays,
the top chamber insert 38 of each tray, except the lowermost
tray, is located adjacent to, that is, above each lens support
25 carried by the tray directly below the top chamber insert
38.
As shown in Figs. 3-5, the top chamber insert 38
comprises an annular" ring 50 from which extends a plurality of
spaced fingers 42 defining openings 48. During the hydration
process the top chamber insert 38 is located directly over the
front curve mold 22 and lens 24. Preferably the clearance
between the spaced fingers of the annular ring and the front
curve mold or other ophthalmic device in the tray below is 0.5
mm which is close enough to trap the lens and prevent the lens
from fitting between the annular ring and the front curve, but
enough space to allow impurities to be flushed off the lens.
The top chamber insert 3 8 has a preferably convex central area
44. The top chamber insert 38 further comprises a tapered
channel 47, and a central orifice 46 which direct fluid to the
lens 24 in the tray 20 below. The fluid flows out of the
central orifice 46 over the lens 24 through the openings 48
between the spaced fingers 42 and into the passages 21
adjacent to and below the lens 24. The chamber insert 38
prevents the lens 24 from being washed out of the front curve
mold 22 and lens support 25 while directing the flow of fluid,
and thereby protects the lens 24 and the front curve mold 22.
The trays are preferably stacked one above the other to
form one or more vertical columns of lens cavities.
Preferably, each cavity 29 of a tray 20 is physically isolated
from the other cavities 29 of the same tray 20. Preferably
the fluid flows in each vertical column of cavities from the
top tray to the bottom tray. That is, for example, fluid
injected into the cavity 2 9 via the flow port 31 and the
injection passage 32 of the top tray 20-1 flows down in the
column of cavities following the flow path shown by the arrows
F in each cavity 29 of trays 20-1, 20-2 and 20-n.
Alternatively or in addition to, fluid may be introduced to
the cavities of the top tray 20-1 onto the lens or via flow
passages 21. An embodiment of an injecting means which
provides for the injection of fluid directly onto the lens in
the uppermost device-supporting member will be further
described in reference to Figs. 11 through 14.
The fluid is directed to and flows generally downwardly
from passages 21 and/or 32 into the cavity 29. As shown by F,
the fluid flows through the central portion 28, through the
tapered channel 47 and the central orifice 46 of the top
chamber insert 38 to the lens 24, which may be seated in the
front curve mold 22, within the lens support 25. The convex
central area 44 of the top chamber insert 38 maintains both
lens shape and lens position during the process. The central
orifice 46 of the top chamber insert 38 is in register with
the lens 24 in the cavity 29 of each lower tray 20 in the
vertical column of trays. The fluid flows onto, over, and
around the lens 24, over the front curve mold 22 (if present),
through one or more openings 48 in the top chamber insert 38
of the tray 20 above, through flow passage 21, across the
filter screen 36 through the central portion 28 of the cavity
29 and to and through the top chamber insert 38 of each cavity
29. As shown in Fig. 1, preferably the fluid flows out of the
cavity 29, that is, through the central orifice 46 in a
direction that is generally normal to the middle of the
surface 19 of the ophthalmic device. Further, preferably the
fluid strikes the ophthalmic device in the middle of the
surface 19 of the ophthalmic device. As shown, the surface 19
is the back curve surface of a contact lens 24 .
in the preferred embodiment, there is no cross-flow of
fluid between the cavities 29 of a tray 20, this being
prevented by design of the cavities in the tray. In the
preferred embodiment, the fluid introduced into any cavity
flows into the next cavity which is located directly beneath
it in the stack.
Figs. 6 through 10 show the preferred device-supporting
member of this invention, and like those shown in Figs. 1-5,
the device-supporting members may be used in alternative
hydration or washing apparatuses, which have been described in
the prior art and would be known to a persons of ordinary
skill in the art; however, the most preferred hydration or
washing apparatus is the one described herein and shown in
Figs. 1 and 11. The device-supporting member is preferably a
tray 20 which comprises a support 600 and one or more cavity
inserts 610 that contain one or more cavities 29, preferably
two to ten cavities, more preferably two to eight cavities,
most preferably four cavities per cavity insert 610. The
support 600 preferably comprises any non-corrosive metal that
is cast, machined, stamped, or otherwise formed, such as
stainless steel, monel, inconel, and anodized aluminum.
Additionally the support may comprise molded, e.g. injection-
molded, or machined plastic such as polyphenylene oxide,
polyphenylene ether, e.g. NORYL® made by GE Plastics,
poly (oxy-1, 4 - phenyl eneoxy-1, 4 -phenylenecarbonyl -1,4 -phenylene)
(PEEK) or other strong polymeric material. Additional
materials are listed below.
The support 600 preferably is cast, machined, stamped or
otherwise formed to provide voids 602 for the receipt of the
cavity inserts 510. The support 600 shown in Fig. 8 comprises
frames 601 defining voids 602 for receipt of the cavity
inserts 610. In its simplest form the support is a single
piece into which the voids 6 02 are formed. Preferably the
support 60 0 provides a 2x4 array of the voids 602 for receipt
of a 2x4 array of the cavity inserts; however, any number of
voids may be formed as long as the support is strong enough to
support the cavity inserts 610, and the number of voids also
depends upon the size of the cavity inserts to be carried.
Preferably from 8 to 64, more preferably 12 to 48 and most
preferably 12 to 36 ophthalmic devices are supported by a
single tray 20, or device-supporting member. The number of
cavity inserts on the support will depend on the number of
ophthalmic devices carried by each cavity insert which was
described above. In the most preferred embodiment, there are
4 cavities in each cavity insert, and each support carries
eight cavity inserts; however, two to sixteen cavity inserts
are preferred.
Each cavity insert 610 is preferably injection-molded as
a single piece, except for the optional screens 36 (shown in
one cavity insert in Fig. 6 and 7). Alternatively, the cavity
insert 610 may comprise individually formed elements,
preferably injection-molded elements which can be snapped,
attached via adhesive or screwed together; however, preferably
, each cavity comprises no more than four individual elements,
! more preferably no more than three individual elements, and
> most preferably no than two individual elements that are
• assembled or attached together to form the cavity. In the
; preferred embodiment each cavity insert comprising four
I cavities is injection-molded in a single mold, and then if
| desired the screens are placed in each cavity.
In the preferred embodiment the screen 36 is a metal
screen, preferably laser-cut but could be stamped, machined or
otherwise formed, each having four cutouts 633 for placement
of the screen 36 onto a ridge 534. The cutouts 633 are sized
to fit around tabs 63 5 which protrude from the inside wall 699
(shown in Fig. 1) of the cavity 29. After the cutouts 633
clear the tabs 635, the screen 36 is seated on ridge 634. The
screen 3 6 is turned between 10 and 80 degrees so that the
cutouts 633 are not lined up with tabs 635. The screen 36 is
held in place between ridge 634 and tabs 635, because the tabs
635 are preferably formed to allow only enough space between
the bottom of the tabs 635 and the ridge 634 for the thickness
of the screen, which does not allow for any movement of the
screen while the cavity insert is in use in the hydration or
washing apparatus 10.
The cavity insert shown in more detail in Figs. 9 and 10
preferably have four cavities 29 for receiving four ophthalmic
devices (not shown in Fig. 9 and 10) ; however, the cavity
inserts could be formed with any number of cavities to hold
any number of devices, preferably from 1 to 32, more
preferably 2 to 12, most preferably 4 to 6. It is more
preferred that the cavity insert has multiple cavities and
supports multiple devices, preferably one device in each
cavity. The device-supporting member can comprise an
injection molded cavity insert without a support which can
operate as the tray as shown in Figs. 1 to 5. Many of the
elements shown in Fig. 1-5 and described earlier, including
the flow of fluid through the cavities as described, are
present or are applicable to the tray 20 and cavity inserts
shown in Figs. 6-10. (Similar elements are labeled
similarly.) The cavities have a lens support 25, passages 21,
screen 36, central portion 28, and top chamber insert 38. The
elements of the two embodiments may have slightly different
shapes; however the function is the same, e.g. the top chamber
insert 38 shown in Fig. 7 has a smooth cross-shaped convex
central area 44, whereas the convex central area of the
embodiment shown in Figs. 3-5 ha3 a rounded convex central
area 44; however, both convex central areas are located just
above the ophthalmic device and hold the ophthalmic device in
place during washing or hydration.
The cavity inserts 610 comprise side walls 950, chamber
dividers 646 which prevent flow between the separate cavities
and defines basin 641 which directs the fluid that flows off
of the ophthalmic devices (not shown) to the various passages
21. Triangular slides 640 are provided from the side wall 950
which increase in thickness toward the lens support 25 to
assist in the proper placement, centering and retention of the
ophthalmic device on the lens support 25. In the preferred
embodiment, the side walls 950 are the same height as the
chamber dividers 646. The cavity insert has an air hole 645
surrounded by a slightly depressed area 647 in the chamber
dividers 646 to avoid the formation of a vacuum and to provide
for the flow of air into the cavities and the flow of fluid
through the cavities 29. Air moves into the air hole 645 via
a bore 651 through support 600' which provides air to cutaway
650 on the bottom of the cavity insert 610. The alignment of
the bore 651 and the cutaway 650 is important to the flow of
air and fluid into and through the cavities 29; therefore, a
notch 603. in the support 600 is provided for receipt of an
insert orientation feature 604 (shown in Fig. 7) on the cavity
insert for proper placement of the cavity inserts in the
support 600.
To removably hold the cavity inserts 610 to the support
600, catches 648 are provided on two sides of the cavity
insert which when the cavity inserts are placed in the voids
602 the catches 648 snap into place. As shown in Figs. 6, 7
and 10, when the support 600 and the cavity insert 610 are
assembled, the step 77 of the cavity insert 610 sits against
the top surface 190 of the support 600, and surface 649 of the
catches 648 which flex when the cavity insert 610 is being
pushed into the support 600, sits against the bottom surface
191 of the support 600 when the cavity insert 610 is in place
in the support 600. More preferably, although not shown, the
support 600 and the cavity insert 610 may be held together by
screws, brackets, or bolts, most preferably by screws.
The support has hog outs 98, and holes 75 to lighten it
without sacrificing strength which makes the support easier to
handle. The hog outs 98 may also be formed to be sensed by
sensors within the apparatus 10. The support is provided with
a label 100 which may be an inductive chip or bar code for
tracking which has been described in "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
SKU TRACKING AND CHANGEOVER", Serial No. 09/305,885, filed
5/5/1999, fully incorporated herein by reference. The support
comprises one or more bushings 99 which receives pins which
are used for proper placement of the extraction head shown in
Figs. 12-16 and more fully described below.
The benefit of the tray having a support and cavity
inserts is that if one or more cavity inserts were to break
then only the damaged piece would have to be replaced.
Further, when the cavity inserts are injection molded, they
are significantly cheaper than a machined or otherwise formed
part, either metal or plastic.
The cavity insert, tray, support or other device-
supporting member may comprise any suitable plastic materials
include polystyrenes, polyolefins, acrylics, polycarbonates,
polyacetal resins, polyacrylethers, polyacrylether sulfones,
polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene ether, e.g. NORYL® made by
GE Plastics, PEEK, and nylons. The preferred materials must
be able to withstand high temperatures, de-ionized water and
surfactants, and preferably are non-leachable and non-toxic.
The most preferred material is an amorphous thermoplastic
polyetherimide, preferably ULTEM HTX2000F made by General
Electric which can withstand the solvents and washing solution
within the temperature range utilized.
The trays 2 0 are fed into the apparatus 10 from the
bottom and removed from the top. The stack 788 of trays are
indexed up when a new tray is inserted at the bottom and
lifted into the stack, preferably at the same time one tray is
removed from the top of the stack as shown in Fig. 1. In the
preferred embodiment, these actions are controlled by
mechanically driven devices and latches, together which lift
and index up the stack of trays. Support and proper placement
of the trays in the stack is preferably aided by a structure
or tray shape, e.g. an undercut 27 on the top of each tray
which fits into a complementary structure or shape, e.g. a lip
2 6 on the bottom of each tray.
After lenses 24, preferably in front curve molds 22, are
placed into each lens support 25 on top of a tray 20, the tray
2 0 is introduced into the bottom of the stack 788 shown in
Fig. 1. Before introduction of the tray into the stack, the
stack of trays are supported by multiple latches 33 attached
to the frame 12 located below the lowermost tray 20-n.
Beneath the lowermost tray 20-n supported by latch 33 is a
space for insertion of a tray 20-S shown in phantom lines.
Beneath the space 2 0-S is an elevator type mechanism
illustrated by the arrows E. Once tray 20-S is properly
located beneath tray 20-n, the elevator mechanism E moves the
tray into the stack, indexing the stack up one position. Tray
20-n will move into the level in which tray 20-n is shown and
the top tray shown as 20-1 is indexed up and disengaged from
the stack via latches 23 which are attached to the frame 12
above the top of the stack. The disengaged tray which carries
lenses which have completed the hydrating and/or washing
process can then be removed from the apparatus 10 and placed
into an area for further processing, such as packaging.
The latches are preferably attached to the frame and are
preferably spring-loaded latches which support the bottom tray
and the tray removed from the stack. The latches are actuated
by the elevator which raises the stack of trays above the
spring-loaded latches and then the stack is lowered down onto
the latches. Alternatively, latches can be located on the
trays with openings or cogs in the frame 12 to support the
stack of trays. In the preferred mode, the latches are of the
mechanical type, for example, the spring loaded type.
Alternatively, any suitable mechanism(s) can be used to
support and move the trays 20 upwardly within the apparatus
10.
In one of the preferred embodiments, fresh DI-water is
used as the hydrating and leaching fluid and is directed as a
pulsed stream into each fluid port 31 of the tray 20 at the
top of the stack and flows through the fluid injection
passages 32 of the top tray 20-1. This occurs at a point
below the lenses 22 in the top tray. Alternatively or in
addition to, fluid can be added to the apparatus 10 by
dripping or injecting it onto the top lens 24 in the top tray
of the stack. The fluid flows through each cavity 29 in the
stack as described earlier. The DI-water cascades down the
columns of cavities of the tray stack allowing the lenses 24
to absorb water for lens release from the front curve mold 22,
exchange the fluid for extraction of diluents (impurities) ,
and/or hydrate or other processing of the lenses.
As can be appreciated, the lenses supported on each tray
added to the stack will contain more impurities than the
lenses supported on the last of the previously added trays,
which moves up with the addition of another tray. As each
tray rises up the stack, it is subjected to further and
additional hydrating and/or washing, and such tray will have
undergone more hydrating/washing than a newly added tray.
However, for an uninterrupted process, for all the trays which
leave the stack, for example, to proceed to a packaging
process, the lenses on those trays will have experienced the
same amount of hydration and/or washing. It is preferred that
at least that all trays will receive a required minimum amount
of hydration and/or washing, and it is possible due to a
stoppage in the indexing of the trays that some trays will
remain in the apparatus longer than others and will receive
additional washing.
The hydrating and/or washing solutions, solvents, fluids,
liquids, gases, or vapors, which may contain surfactants or
other processing aids are all referred to herein as fluids.
The fluid for the process is preferably heated in an on-line
tank or heater 102 shown in Fig. 11, and is preferably DI-
water having a small amount of Tween-80, a surfactant. In one
embodiment, the DI-water is delivered to the fluid port 31 of
the top most tray by means of a manifold fed from insulated
tubing (not shown) at a relatively high temperature, e.g. 85-
95 °C, but a temperature that does not affect the lens, and is
monitored to ensure proper temperature and flow rate for
processing control. The high temperature increases the
thermal energy and the diffusion rate, and minimizes
processing time. Water flowing out of the bottom of the stack
is directed through a heat exchanger (not shown) to recover
energy by heating incoming water and cooling the outflow
before proceeding to a drain or recycle reservoir.
While the invention has been described as injecting the
fluid into the uppermost tray 20, fluid also can be injected
at the same time into one or more trays at lower levels. For
example, the same fluid or some other fluid e.g. solvent can
be injected at a lower tray, e.g., the next to lowest tray to
wash the lenses in the lowest tray, which have the highest
level of diluent or impurities on the lenses. The fluid added
at lower tray levels can replace or be in addition to the
fluid from the upper trays.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, DI water is
the fluid, and it is pulsed onto the lens in the front curve
on the top of the stack through an extraction head that
delivers from 9 to 16 ml, more preferably from between from 11
to 13 ml of DI water to each lens and then stops until the
majority of pulsed fluid in the uppermost tray drains from the
cavities within the uppermost tray into the cavities directly
beneath in the next tray. The amounts' of DI water may vary
depending upon the type of ophthalmic device, the number of
pulses, and the residence time of the ophthalmic devices in
the apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, if there are no
stops in the apparatus due to a jam or the like, the fluid is
pulsed for from 3 to 10 seconds, then turned off for from
twenty to thirty seconds and then the trays are indexed up.
If there is an interruption in the indexing, the fluid is
pulsed on every thirty seconds for 3 to 10 seconds to keep the
lenses wet. Preferably after each pulse ends and before
another begins, the uppermost tray is removed from the stack
and a lowermost tray is added to the stack 788. Once the
trays in the stack have stopped moving, the extraction head
delivers a determined amount of clean fluid in a pulse to the
uppermost tray in the stack again, and the process of indexing
up, removal of the top tray, and addition of a new bottom tray
is repeated again.
In the preferred embodiment to prevent the extraction
head from cooling between delivery of the fluid in pulses to
the uppermost tray that will result in the delivery of fluid
at a lower temperature than the temperature needed to provide
properly cleaned lenses, a heating means is provided to heat
the extraction head when the fluid is not flowing through it.
The heating means can be an electric heating coil, a cartridge
heater, heat exchanger, steam by-pass wrapped around or
through the extraction head to maintain it between 85-95oC,
most preferably 90oC. More preferably a flow-through
extraction head is used. The preferred heating means is a
flow-through extraction head that heats the extraction head by
circulating heated fluid around the extraction head. In the
preferred embodiment the heated fluid that is circulated
around the extraction head is a portion of the heated fluid
that would otherwise be injected onto the uppermost tray in
the stack except that is presently not being injected into the
uppermost tray in the stack. In the preferred embodiment
there is a three-way valve located in the pipe before the
extraction head. The three-way valve either directs fluid
flowing from the heater out of the extraction head onto lenses
in the hydration or washing apparatus or alternatively through
a pipe to passageways preferably within the extraction head
that eventually returns the fluid back to the heater tank via
a pipe for the fluid.
The preferred embodiment of a flow-through extraction
head 101 is shown in Figs. 11 through 16. The flow-through
extraction head 101 preferably comprises a layered manifold
115 and at least one nozzle 121, preferably a plurality of
nozzles 121, preferably a nozzle for every cavity in the
uppermost tray in the stack 788 to which the extraction head
injects fluid. Fig. 11 shows a schematic of the apparatus,
particularly the system of fluid flow in the apparatus 10.
The hydration or washing apparatus 10 of the invention
comprises a fluid heater 102, the three-way valve 103, the
flow-through extraction head 101, and the stack 788 of trays
{not shown) . The apparatus 10 further comprises a pump 789,
sink 121 for collection of the fluid that exits the stack 788
and piping, channels, hoses, and other fittings to move the
fluid in, around and out of the apparatus 10. The apparatus
10 may further comprise a fluid reservoir (not shown) which
provides fluid to the heater 102.
Fluid that is heated to 90°C in the heater 102 travels
via pump 789 in pipe 104 to valve 103. When the process
controls 113 for the hydration and/or washing apparatus 110
determine that the apparatus requires a pulse of the fluid,
the valve 103 is actuated to allow the fluid to flow through
the valve 103 and into pipe 107 into layered manifold 115,
through the layered manifold 115 to nozzles 121, and onto the
ophthalmic products in the top tray in the stack 788 in the
hydration and/or washing apparatus 10. At the end of a pulse
of fluid, as determined by the process controls 113 for the
apparatus 10, the three-way valve 103 is actuated to direct
the fluid from pipe 104 (from the heater 102, via pump 789) to
pipe 106 which is connected to the passageways 108 which are,
in the preferred mode, bored into one or more layers (in the
preferred embodiment one layer) of the manifold 115 of the
extraction head 101. (The passageways are shown in more
detail in Fig. 16, and the extraction head is shown in more
detail in Figs. 12-16.) Alternatively, the passageways could
comprise conductive tubing on the exterior of the manifold
115.
In the preferred embodiment, the extraction head
comprises a layered manifold 115. The layers 115A, 115B,
115C, and USD of the manifold preferably comprise pieces of
metal into which holes and channels are bored so that conduits
for the fluid are formed when the metal pieces are assembled
into the manifold and held together by bolts or screws 111.
The layers of the manifold are shown in Figs 13-16. The
manifold 115 is formed from four discreet layers or plates
115A, 115B, 115C and 115D. The first layer 115A, which is the
bottommost layer of the manifold, which engages the uppermost
tray in the stack during injection of fluid is shown in Fig.
13. The second layer adjacent to the first layer, and between
the first and third layer is shown in Fig. 14. The third
layer, between the second and forth layers is shown in Fig.
15, and the fourth and top layer is shown in Fig. 16. The
layers of the manifold are secured together by a plurality of
screws 111, four of which are illustrated in Fig. 12, which
extend through a plurality of commonly aligned openings 917
for a threaded engagement with the layers of the manifold 115.
As illustrated in Figs. 13-16, many such screws and other
fasteners are used, several of which are referenced with
reference numeral 917. As illustrated in Figs. 12 and 16,
fluid enters from fluid line 107 into the fluid port 910 and
is distributed by channels 918, 919 that are milled or cast
into the under surface of the top level 115A to be distributed
to four distribution points 920-923. From distribution points
920-923, the fluid travels through plate 115B by virtue of
holes drilled in plate 115B at 920 (a)-923 (a) to a second set
of milled or cast channels 924-927 to eight cross manifolds
929 which are milled or cast in the underside of layer 115B,
and provide distribution to thirty-two vertical bores 928
drilled through plate 115C which terminate in nozzles 121
which are attached to level 115D, as illustrated in Figs. 12
and 13.
Any features not described regarding the extraction head
are similar to the nozzles and layered manifolds that are
described in Anderson et al., US Patent 5,476,111, issued Dec.
19, 1995 incorporated herein by reference.
The fourth layer 115A shown in Fig. 16 shows passageway
108 formed or milled onto the underside of layer 115A. Pipe
106 is connected to passageway 108 via a fitting 975 and a
bore 941 through layer 115A. Passageway 108 allows fluid to
travel between plate 115A and plate 115B, and then the fluid
exits the passageway 108 via bore 940 to hose 109 which
returns the fluid to the heater 102. The passageway 108 is
shown as only flowing between two layers of the layered
manifold; however, if desired the passageway could have
included additional bores and channels for additional
circulation of the fluid through additional layers of the
manifold 115 if desired.
The manifold 115 comprises metal layers to which
preferably plastic nozzles 121 are attached preferably by
press-fitting; however, other materials could be used such as
metal or plastic for the layers and nozzles. The extraction
head comprises nozzles 121. There is preferably one nozzle
121 for each of the cavities in the top tray. Preferably the
nozzles 121 are shaped like the top chamber inserts which were
previously described in connection with Figs. 3, 4, and 5.
Like the top chamber insert 38, the nozzles 121 comprise a
convex central area 144, central orifice 146 from which the
fluid is pulsed, annular ring 150 from which extend spaced
fingers 142 and openings 148. In the preferred embodiment,
when the extraction head 101 is positioned over the uppermost
tray, the extraction head 101 appears to the uppermost tray to
be the bottom side of another tray.
As shown in Pig. 12 the extraction head comprises the
manifold 115, and nozzles 121. Further, the manifold 115 is
rigidly mounted onto a plate 790 via four bolts 791. The
plate 790 is mounted onto an L-shaped bracket 792 via four
springs 793. To provide for the movement of the extraction
head 101 the bracket 792 is attached via bolts or screws 794
to a servo driven linear actuator (not shown). The servo
driven linear actuator is controlled by the process controls
113 for the apparatus 10 and moves the extraction head onto
and off of the uppermost tray in the stack.
After the stack is moved up and the uppermost tray is
lifted off the stack by catching it on the latches, and
removed via a second servo (not shown) the extraction head 101
moves down to a position just above or in contact with the
uppermost tray. In the preferred embodiment pins 984
(preferably, two on each end) on the extraction head 101
engage bushings 99 in the tray 20 to insure the proper
alignment of the extraction head 101 with the tray 20, and the
proper alignment of the nozzles 121 with the cavities 29.
Preferably the extraction head is mounted on a compliance
mechanism (the four springs shown in Pig. 12) which allows the
servo to overdrive the tray to provide that four stop pins 795
located at each corner of the extraction head 101 rest on
surface 190 of the uppermost tray 20. The process of
overdriving the tray and causing stop pins to meet the surface
of the tray provides that the extraction head 101 is parallel
with, that is, on the same plane as the tray it is in contact
Injected DI-water is fed from hypodermic tubes or in the
preferred embodiment by an extraction head, and may be
continuous or pulsed (semi-continuous). Pulsed flow produced
the lowest water consumption that still provided acceptable
results.
A significant improvement in lens through-put and yield
is obtained by minimizing the lens material handling. In the
preferred hydration and washing apparatus and method of the
invention, once the lenses are placed in the lens support 25,
the lenses (or front curve molds) are not handled during the
process.
Typically, about 125 to about 250 ml/minute of distilled
water is provided in pulsed or continuous flow to hydrate and
clean approximately 40 lenses in one column of cavities
traveling through the vertical hydrating stack. This method
and apparatus provide useable lenses in approximately but not
less than 12 minutes while using approximately but no less than
500ml of distilled water per lens.
As used herein, the term "injected" refers to the
introduction of a fluid to the apparatus, and includes fluid
introduction under pressure, in a stream, droplets, continuous
and intermittent flows, and fluid injected in the form of a
vapor. Also, the term "impurities" refers to processing
chemicals such as leachable diluents and monomers which are
ordinarily washed away from a manufactured contact lens prior
to packaging.
All patents, applications, publications, and the method
mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference.
Specific features of the invention are shown in one or
more of the drawings for convenience only, as each feature may
be combined with other features in accordance with the
invention. Alternative embodiments will be recognized by
those skilled in the art and are intended to be included
within the scope of the claims.
with. At this point, the fluid is pulsed onto the ophthalmic
products in the uppermost tray. After a set amount of
pulsing, the process controls 113 actuates the three-way valve
103 (to provide for the circulation of fluid in passageways
108 within the manifold 115) and directs the servo to drives
the extraction head up away from the uppermost tray allowing
room for the uppermost tray to be indexed onto the upper
latches 23 of the apparatus 10 for removal from the stack 788.
After removal of the tray from the upper latches, the process
of injecting fluid is repeated as just described.
Alternatively a pneumatic cylinder could be used to move the
extraction head into and out of position for pulsing the
uppermost tray in the stack with fluid.
Although the flow-through extraction head has been
described in reference to this particular hydration and/or
washing apparatus, it could be used in any hydration and/or
leaching apparatus that provides a pulsed injection of fluid.
In essence, lenses 24 disposed in the front curve molds
22 of a tray 2 0 enter the bottom of the stack and they are
moved in a timed and stepped manner to the top of the stack.
During the upward movement, cascading fluid from the upper
stages removes the residual diluents, monomers and/or
impurities from the lens 24 and/or releases the lens 24 from
the mold 22. This provides a counter-current leaching system.
Preferably high temperature DI-water (fluid) is directed
onto the lens disposed within each of the front curve molds 22
or otherwise within the lens supports 25. Lens release from
the front curve mold 22 occurs substantially simultaneously
with initial extraction of the leachables. Continued exposure
of the lens to DI-water in the front curve mold 22 will remove
the leachables, completing the extraction. DI-water flow
rates are controlled to ensure good displacement of the DI-
water volume in each cavity. The flow rate is also critical
to maintain a low temperature gradient down the stack.
WE CLAIM
1. A hydrating or washing apparatus for ophthalmic devices comprising:
a) injecting means for applying a fluid to an ophthalmic device, the
ophthalmic device being supported by a device-supporting member, and
b) heating means for said injecting means, characterized in that the heating
means is enabled to heat the injecting means when the injecting means is
not applying a fluid to said ophthalmic device to maintain said injecting
means at a predetermined temperature.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said injecting means pulses
said fluid and said heating means heats said injecting means when said
injecting means is not pulsing fluid to said ophthalmic device.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said heating means is an
electric heater.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said injecting means
comprises an extraction head.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said extraction head
comprises a manifold and nozzles.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said injecting means pulses
said fluid in said apparatus.
12. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said ophthalmic devices are
reusable molds.
13. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step of maintaining said
injecting means at a predetermined temperature comprises the step of
actuating a three-way valve connected between a fluid heater and the
injecting means to cause the fluid to circulate within said injecting means.

A hydrating or washing apparatus for ophthalmic devices comprising: a)
injecting means for applying a fluid to an ophthalmic device, the ophthalmic
device being supported by a device-supporting member, and b) heating
means for said injecting means which heats said injecting means when the
injecting means is not applying a fluid to said ophthalmic device to maintain
said injecting means at a predetermined temperature.

Documents:

173-cal-2002-assignment.pdf

173-cal-2002-correspondence.pdf

173-cal-2002-examination report.pdf

173-cal-2002-form 18.pdf

173-cal-2002-form 26.pdf

173-cal-2002-form 3.pdf

173-cal-2002-form 5.pdf

173-cal-2002-granted-abstract.pdf

173-cal-2002-granted-claims.pdf

173-cal-2002-granted-description (complete).pdf

173-cal-2002-granted-drawings.pdf

173-cal-2002-granted-form 1.pdf

173-cal-2002-granted-form 2.pdf

173-cal-2002-granted-specification.pdf

173-cal-2002-priority document.pdf

173-cal-2002-reply to examination report.pdf


Patent Number 243357
Indian Patent Application Number 173/CAL/2002
PG Journal Number 41/2010
Publication Date 08-Oct-2010
Grant Date 07-Oct-2010
Date of Filing 26-Mar-2002
Name of Patentee JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE, INC.
Applicant Address 7500 CENTURION PARKWAY, SUITE 100, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SCHLAGEL MARK E. 3271 TINAY COURT, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32226
2 WIDMAN, MICHAEL F. 2864 CLAIRE LANE, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32223
PCT International Classification Number B29D 11/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 09/818725 2001-03-27 U.S.A.