Disinfection apparatus

A disinfection device, comprising:

• (a) a container adapted to receive a disinfecting solution, said container having at least one end which includes a substantially circular periphery defining an opening which is adapted to receive a lens retaining means;
• (b) a cap adapted to be releasably affixed to said container at said open end;
• (c) an elongated member affixed to said cap, wherein said elongated member extends into said container when said cap is affixed to said container;
• (d) means for retaining articles to be disinfected, said article-retaining means being affixed to said elongated member, whereby said article-retaining means extends into said container when said cap is affixed to said container;
• (e) means for releasably sealing said container along the interior periphery of the substantially circular container, thereby providing a normally liquid-impermeable seal, wherein said sealing means is affixed to said elongated member interposed between said article-retaining means and said cap,
• whereby said sealing means is at least partially deformable, such that internal gas generated within said container will vent to a point outside said container, when the internal pressure reaches a predetermined pressure in excess of the external pressure, by at least partially deforming a portion of said sealing means, thereby forming a passageway between a point inside said container to a point outside said container;
• and
• (f) a catalytic element affixed to said elongated member, wherein said catalytic element is positioned inside said sealed container when said cap is affixed to said container.