Ophthalmic lens disinfecting base

Abstract

The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base provides disinfecting radiation for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.

1 . A base for receiving an ophthalmic lens storage case for storing one or more ophthalmic lenses, the base comprising:
 a receptacle for receiving an ophthalmic lens storage case; and   a source of disinfecting radiation providing disinfecting radiation to an ophthalmic lens storage compartment in the ophthalmic lens storage case.   
     
     
         2 . The base of  claim 1  additionally comprising a reflective surface for reflecting disinfecting radiation towards ophthalmic lens storage compartment. 
     
     
         3 . The base of  claim 1  additionally comprising an alignment mechanism for aligning the source of disinfecting radiation with the ophthalmic lens storage compartment. 
     
     
         4 . The base of  claim 3  wherein the alignment mechanism comprises an alignment post. 
     
     
         5 . The base of  claim 4  wherein the alignment post comprises annular post fitting into a recess of a cap of a lens storage case. 
     
     
         6 . The base of  claim 5  wherein the alignment post comprises one or more sources of disinfecting radiation. 
     
     
         7 . The base of  claim 6  wherein the one or more sources of disinfecting radiation comprise an ultraviolet emitting diode. 
     
     
         8 . The base of  claim 7  wherein the ultraviolet emitting diode emit radiation in a frequency of between 250 nanometers and 280 nanometers. 
     
     
         9 . The base of  claim 1  wherein the emitted disinfecting radiation is sufficient kill an organism on an ophthalmic lens stored in the storage compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The base of  claim 1  additionally comprising an optic for directing disinfecting radiation towards an ophthalmic lens stored in the storage case. 
     
     
         11 . The base of  claim 1  additionally comprising a processor for controlling the generation of disinfecting radiation. 
     
     
         12 . The base of  claim 11  wherein a time period that a disinfecting radiation is provided is based upon a logical control signal generated by the processor. 
     
     
         13 . The base of  claim 11  wherein an intensity at which a disinfecting radiation is provided is based upon a logical control signal generated by the processor. 
     
     
         14 . The base of  claim 11  additionally comprising an audio component operative to provide an audio signal based upon operation of the source of disinfecting radiation. 
     
     
         15 . The base of  claim 11  additionally comprising a display for displaying a status of a disinfecting process based upon digital data transmitted by the processor. 
     
     
         16 . The base of  claim 11  additionally comprising a digital storage for storing information related to a disinfecting process. 
     
     
         17 . The base of  claim 1  additionally comprising a vibration generation device for providing mechanical movement to a storage case placed in the storage base. 
     
     
         18 . The base of  claim 17  wherein the vibration generation device comprises a piezoelectric mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The base of  claim 17  wherein the piezoelectric mechanism is operated based upon a logical signal generated by a processor. 
     
     
         20 . The base of  claim 16  additionally comprising a universal serial bus connector for providing logical communication between one, or both of: the processor and the digital storage; and personal processing device. 
     
     
         21 . The base of  claim 16  additionally comprising a universal serial bus connector for providing an electrical current for operating the storage base. 
     
     
         22 . The base of  claim 1  additionally comprising an electrical storage for storing power to operate the storage base. 
     
     
         23 . The base of  claim 22  wherein the electrical storage comprises one or more rechargeable batteries. 
     
     
         24 . The base of  claim 23  wherein the electrical storage comprises one or more lithium ion batteries. 
     
     
         25 . The base of  claim 12  wherein a pattern of radiation is based upon a signal from the processor.