Contact lens sterilizing apparatus
AssigneeAmerican Optical Corporation
InventorHarold M. Miller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A timer controlled container inverting apparatus is constructed and arranged to commence timing out for container inversion only after setting of proper inversion time and reception of the container in the apparatus e.g. a vial containing a contact lens in sterilizing solution and oriented for sterilizing process commences process timing only upon application of the vial to the timing apparatus. Shortening of proper sterilizing time is prevented and inversion is effected rapidly at completion of the sterilizing process.
Claims6
In container inverting apparatus having a timer operated trip lever associated with container supporting and inverting means and a timer escapement locking lever for controlling apparatus timing out, said container supporting and inverting means comprising:
- an axially rotatable flipper mechanism;
- spring means biasing said flipper mechanism in one axially rotatable direction to a stop position;
- means for approximately 180.degree. oppositely rotatably setting said flipper mechanism against the bias of said spring,
- means for cocking said flipper mechanism at said approximately 180.degree. setting, said timer trip lever being associated with said cocking means for releasing said flipper member at end of timing out of said timer and permitting spring initiated return rotation to said stop position;
- a container receiving clip on said flipper mechanism including therewithin means for initiating timing out of said timer by reception of said container, said 180.degree. return rotation of said flipper for container inversion being effected at end of said timing out.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.