Patent Publication Number: US-2017348738-A1

Title: Contact Lens Cleaning Systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/546,284, titled “Container for Contact Lens Solutions” filed Oct. 12, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates in general to the field of Ophthalmology and, more particularly, to contact lens cleaning systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Contact lenses need to be cleaned/disinfected in order to remove microbes, proteins, lipids and other debris from the surfaces of the lenses. Two classes of contact lens cleaning/disinfecting solutions are commonly available for use with soft contact lenses: the class of the multipurpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS) and the class of the hydrogen peroxide hydrogen peroxide solutions. 
     Concerns over the use of hydrogen peroxide systems involve ocular toxicity and recontamination. Firstly, hydrogen peroxide is harmful for the eyes. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide systems need to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide solutions through a catalyst prior to lens wear. Premature removal of lenses from the solution prior to full neutralization may lead to ocular toxicity. Some systems that may adequately provide means for neutralizing the hydrogen peroxide fail with respect to the second concern. Secondly, hydrogen peroxide systems are not storage solutions. Following neutralization, hydrogen peroxide solution becomes water (and O 2  which leaves the cup through little holes in the cap). Water typically fails to provide contact lenses with adequate protection from contamination when stored for periods of time. Lenses should generally be removed from the neutralized solution and worn relatively soon thereafter. Long delays in removing the lenses from the cup, which now contains unprotected water, may cause re-contamination of the lenses with opportunistic microbes. In contrast, a MPDS solution can act as a good storage solution but typically contains less disinfecting power against certain fungi and especially fungi cysts. 
     There are two commonly available H 2 O 2  systems: the one-step H 2 O 2  system and the two-step H 2 O 2  system. In the one-step H 2 O 2  system, the neutralizing catalyst neutralizes the hydrogen peroxide solution from the start of the process, while in the two-step H 2 O 2  system, the neutralizing catalyst is added at the end of the disinfection phase. While the two-step H 2 O 2  systems were shown to be more effective disinfecting solutions than the MPDS and the one-step H 2 O 2  systems, two-step systems tend to fall out of favor mainly due to the need for the extra step needed to neutralize the H 2 O 2  solution. Furthermore, conventional two-step systems typically fail to provide a safe system to avoid ocular toxicity and recontamination. Although great strides have been made in contact lens cleaning systems, considerable shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a simplified schematic, tridimensional, general illustration showing a lens case commonly used in a one-step H 2 O 2  system (Prior Art); 
         FIG. 1B  is a simplified schematic, tridimensional, general illustration showing a lens case commonly used either in a one-step H 2 O 2  system or in a two-step H 2 O 2  system (Prior Art); 
         FIGS. 2A through 2D  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing some elements and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing specific parts, elements and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing other specific parts, elements and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing other specific parts, elements and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified schematic, tridimensional illustration further showing specific parts, some elements and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7A through 7J  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing elements, specific parts and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing specific parts, elements and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing other specific parts, elements and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10A through 10D  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing elements, specific parts and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 11A through 11H  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing elements, specific parts and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 12A through 12D  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing elements, specific parts and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Overview 
     An apparatus for use with contact lenses is provided in one example and includes a contact lens cleaning system for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, wherein the contact lens cleaning system contains a reservoir, a lens holder assembly, and one or more mechanisms associated with the operation of the contact lens cleaning system. In more particular instances, the contact lens cleaning system can have a physical shape which is both secured and ergonomic. 
     In other implementation, the contact lens cleaning system can have a general kidney-like structure. In other examples, the contact lens cleaning system can have a general round or oval structure. 
     In more particular instances, the contact lens cleaning system can have elements associated with user&#39;s compliance. In other instances, the contact lens cleaning system can have elements associated with user&#39;s safety. 
     Additionally, the contact lens cleaning system can have a locking system configured to selectively prevent the lens holder assembly from being removed from the reservoir during an unsafe condition. The locking system is driven by a drive mechanism and may be either a mechanical type system or an electrical type system. In some instances, the locking system may be overridden by a user during the cleaning or storage process. 
     Furthermore, the drive system of the contact lens cleaning system controls the automated features of the cleaning system and storage systems, such as a user interface, a catalyst, and a concentrate dispensing system. The drive system selectively delivers and removes a catalyst from the cleaning solution. The user interface provides user feedback regarding the phases of operation of the cleaning system. In other instances, the drive system regulates a concentrate dispensing system to permit the safe storage of the contact lenses. The concentrate dispensing system may use an internal reservoir for holding concentrated storage solution or an external reservoir holding both cleaning solution and concentrate storage solution. 
     To use the cleaning system, contact lenses are inserted into a lens holder assembly which is then coupled to a complex base. The complex base surrounds and seals a reservoir to ensure a hermetically closed reservoir environment. The complex base has at least two segments. The lens holder is located within a first segment. The reservoir is filled and a catalyst is introduced into the cleaning solution. The catalyst enters the cleaning solution from a second segment of the complex base. 
     In some instances, the method may include locking the lens holder assembly to prevent removal of the contact lenses during an unsafe condition. The locking system may also be a mechanical type system or an electrical type system. In selected instances, the locking system may be overridden by a user. 
     Additionally, the method may include activating a drive mechanism to activate and selectively control the cleaning system. The drive mechanism may automatically fill the reservoir with cleaning solution and control the movement of the catalyst. 
     A user may receive user feedback regarding the phases of operation of the cleaning system and/or storage system through a user interface. The user interface may include digital displays and lighting representing selected information. 
     In other instances, the method can include injecting a concentrated storage solution into a neutralized cleaning solution to avoid recontamination of the lenses during storage. Doing so permits the lenses to be stored in a safe environment. 
     Furthermore, other instances of the method may include coating components of the cleaning system with antibacterial agents to prevent microbial growth on selected surfaces of the cleaning system. 
     Example Embodiments 
     Turning to  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1A  is a simplified, schematic tridimensional illustration of a common contact lens case  210  for cleaning contact lenses. Contact lens case  210  is representative of the one-step hydrogen peroxide systems where contact lens disinfection and hydrogen peroxide neutralization occur simultaneously. Contact lens case  210  includes a cup  16  and a lens holder assembly  302 . Lens holder assembly  302  includes a cap  14 , lens basket system  18 , and a neutralizer—a platinum-coated disc  8 —at its distal end. In operation, contact lenses are placed in lens basket system  18  and cup  16  is filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution up to line  6 , which is marked on the cup wall. Lens holder assembly  302  is then immersed in the hydrogen peroxide solution within cup  16 , and cap  14  is closed. Disinfection of contact lenses by the hydrogen peroxide solution then takes place simultaneously with the break-down (neutralization) of the same hydrogen peroxide solution, catalyzed by the platinum-coated disc  8 , into water and oxygen; the later escapes the system through holes  12  on top of cap  14 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a simplified, schematic tridimensional illustration of another common contact lens case  230  for cleaning contact lenses. Contact lens case  230  includes a cup  16  and a lens holder assembly  304 . Lens holder assembly  304  includes a cap  14  and a lens basket system  18 . In operation, contact lenses are placed in lens basket system  18  and cup  16  is filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution up to line  6 , which is marked on the cup wall. A tablet, containing the enzyme catalase, is then thrown into the hydrogen peroxide solution followed by immersing lens holder assembly  304  in the hydrogen peroxide solution within cup  16  and closing cap  14 . Here, again, disinfection of contact lenses by the hydrogen peroxide solution occurs simultaneously with the break-down (neutralization) of the same hydrogen peroxide solution, catalyzed by the enzyme catalase, into water and oxygen; the later escapes the system through holes  12  on top of cap  14 . 
     Common contact lens case  230  can, however, be part of a two-step hydrogen peroxide system simply by delaying the introduction of the tablet containing catalase after contact lens disinfection is complete. The two-step system thus described allows for a full disinfection phase to take place following with a separate neutralization phase, where hydrogen peroxide is broken down into water and oxygen. 
     Consequently, the two-step hydrogen peroxide systems are shown to be very efficient disinfecting solutions; for example, by killing large inocula of  Acanthamoeba  cysts—the resistant form of this amoeba. The one-step hydrogen peroxide systems, on the other hand, are less effective than the two-step hydrogen peroxide systems and their disinfecting action was compared to that of the common multi-purpose disinfecting solution. 
     From the data available and from an antimicrobial disinfection perspective, it is concluded that use of two-step H 2 O 2  solutions should be the solution of choice. 
     Disadvantages of use of the two-step hydrogen peroxide system may include (a) wearer&#39;s either inadvertent failure to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide solution or premature removal of lenses from the system, thus suffering pain and trauma associated with putting hydrogen peroxide into the eyes, (b) wearer&#39;s use of hydrogen peroxide solution as it were multi-purpose solution for cleaning and rinsing of contact lenses, and (c) the extra procedure needed to be performed by the wearer when using the two-step hydrogen peroxide, which probably make these solutions fall out of favor. 
     Given the above, there is a need for a system that encourages contact lens wearers to use the effective two-step hydrogen peroxide system while addressing its disadvantages. Hence, the objective of this disclosure to provide such a solution by presenting a contact lens cleaning system, which functions as a two-step hydrogen peroxide system while, for the user, it functions as a one-step system. 
     In general, embodiments of the present disclosure present a system for the disinfection and/or cleaning of contact lenses. The contact lens cleaning system can comprise a reservoir, a complex base, moving components, one or more mechanical or electro-mechanical mechanisms, a cap and a lens holder assembly. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2A through 2D ,  FIGS. 2A-2D  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing one embodiment of cleaning system  100 . Cleaning system  100  includes at least: a reservoir  110 , a lens holder assembly  200 , a controller/timer trigger motor  60 , and a user interface  71 . The following figures disclose a plurality of embodiments and features associated with various cleaning systems of the present application. It is understood that any of the features disclosed in the present application may be utilized and incorporated into any cleaning system embodiment disclosed herein. 
     Contact lens cleaning system  100  may be made from compatible plastic materials, generally kidney shaped or oval shaped apparatus designed to be ergonomic and have good physical stability. Contact lens cleaning system  100  has a reservoir  110  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) having substantially a shape suitable for containing the disinfecting solution, part of the moving components, and the lens holder assembly  200  ( FIGS. 2C and 2D ). Reservoir  110  substantially has a base  10 B, at its bottom, and a top circumferential strip area, which fits encircling wall  31  of complex base  120  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ). While a one entity, reservoir  110  is generally divided into a lens side  10 L, to accommodate the lens holder assembly  200  ( FIG. 6 ), and a disc side  10 D, to accommodate drive means  48  the vertical shaft  32  ( FIG. 3C ) and the moving platinum-coated disc  40  ( FIGS. 2C and 2D ). Reservoir  110  may be opaque or transparent and may be constructed from a material which is substantially compatible with the disinfecting solution and contact lens materials. 
     Complex base  120  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) has substantially an encircling wall  31 , a cylindrical opening  20 , and a raised area  31 F. Encircling wall  31 , having identical circumferential shape to that of reservoir  110 , matches and is attached to the top circumferential strip area of reservoir  110  by means of, including but not limited to, glue, heat or a combination thereof, to insure a hermetically closed reservoir environment. Complex base  120  ( FIG. 3A ) may be generally divided into 3 segments: lens segment  120 L, which is vertically aligned with the lens side  10 L of reservoir  110  ( FIG. 2A ); disc segment  120 D, which is vertically aligned with disc side  10 D of the reservoir  110  ( FIG. 2A ); and bridge segment  120 Br, which connects lens segment  120 L with disc segment  120 D. Lens segment  120 L is substantially made of a short, vertical, open cylinder  20  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) having top and bottom ends. While the bottom end opens into the bottom surface of complex base  120  ( 31 R,  FIG. 3B ), the top end is equipped with a fitting means, including but not limited to, a thread designed to fit and quickly (turning the cap only a quarter circle) lock cap  21  of lens holder assembly  200  ( FIGS. 2A-2D, 4B, 6, 7A-7C, 9A-9B, 10A-10D, and 11A-11F ) in place. The top part of disc segment  120 D of complex base  120  ( FIG. 3A ) is substantially composed of a raised surface  31 F, serving as the floor of a mechanism chamber  49 , which is designed to precisely mate the encircling wall of cover  50  of the mechanism chamber  49  ( FIG. 2A-2D ). Encircling wall of cover  50  and the side area of floor  31 F ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the mechanism chamber  49  are attached by means of, including but not limited to, glue, heat, or a combination thereof to insure a hermetically closed mechanism chamber. 
     Floor  31 F of the mechanism chamber  49  ( FIG. 3A ) has a few depressions and holes to allow for the housing and operation various components. A drive mechanism  67  is configured to control the cleaning process and storage process of the cleaning systems of the present application. In doing so, drive mechanism  67  controls the automated activities within the cleaning and storage systems. Motor  60 , as well as systems  60 A and  60 B described later, are types of drive mechanisms  67 . Floor  31 F has substantially a motor depression  60   x  to accommodate motor  60  and motor gear  80 H ( FIGS. 2D and 4B ), a battery depression  70   x  to accommodate battery  70  ( FIGS. 2D and 4B ), a vertical gear depression  80 Vx to accommodate vertical gear  80 V ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ), and a uni- or bi-winged hole  32 L leading downward into a lumen within vertical shaft  32  to accommodate vertical spiral shaft drive  90  and accompanying magnet body  45  ( FIG. 8A ). The bottom part of disc segment  120 D of complex base  120  ( FIG. 3B ) exhibits the encircling wall  31 , the base recess area  31 R, and the exterior of the hollow vertical shaft  32  with its lateral wings  32 W. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 8A , in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, magnet body  45  substantially has a cylindrical shape, inner spiral threads  46 , which fit external spiral threads  92  of spiral shaft drive  90  ( FIG. 4A ), and lateral projections  47 , which are designed to fit and run along the lumen of wings  32 W of vertical shaft  32  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ). Iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc  40  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ) is designed to travel along external surface of vertical shaft  32  by being magnetically attracted, through the wall of vertical shaft  32 , to magnet body  45 , which travels inside the lumen of vertical shaft  32  along spiral shaft drive  90  rotation of which driven by motor  60 . 
     Iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc  40  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ) is substantially made of compatible materials, including but not limited to, plastic, in any tridimensional shape and form, which would increase its surface area. Disc  40  substantially has a central uni- or bi-winged throughout hole designed to accommodate and slide on a uni- or bi-winged external surface of vertical shaft  32  ( FIG. 4B ). Also, disc  40  may have one or more additional holes designed to adjust the disc weight for proper movement along the exterior surface of vertical shaft  32  and increase surface area. Circular or semi-circular metal sheets  43  made of, including but not limited to iron, are embedded in the plastic of disc  40  in proximity of the central uni- or bi-winged hole such that they can be magnetically attracted by the moving magnet body  45  along vertical spiral shaft drive  90  ( FIG. 8A ) and move disc  40  down ( FIG. 2D ) and up ( FIG. 2C ) the external surface of vertical shaft  32  at start and end of neutralization phase, respectively. For clarification: the terms ‘iron-embedded’ and ‘platinum-coated’ are used here and throughout this document only for convenience and do not imply any restriction to the sole use of these materials. Any magnetically attractable material may replace iron and any transition metal or any other agent, capable of catalyzing the neutralization of hydrogen peroxide, may replace platinum. Also, while throughout this disclosure the magnet entity is described as a cylindrical body traveling inside the lumen of vertical shaft  32  and metal sheets are embedded within the plastic disc, this is not to limit the vice versa situation, where magnet sheets are embedded within the plastic disc and the cylindrical body traveling along the lumen of vertical shaft  32  is made of one or more magnetically attractable metals or other materials. 
       FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, and 11A  show some potential details of mechanism cover  50  of contact lens cleaning system  100  of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Cover  50  may be either transparent or opaque and may have substantially any desired shape. In general, cover  50  is equipped with a user interface  71  with depressions, excavations and holes to accommodate components of the mechanism, display, and control. User interface is configured to provide user feedback regarding the phases of operation of the contact lens cleaning system, as well as activate the cleaning system as described in any of the embodiments of the present application. Top area  50 T of cover  50  ( FIG. 5A ), for instance, may substantially have excavation  51   x  for the ON/OFF rubber button  51  ( FIG. 2C ), an excavation  52   x  for LCD display  52  ( FIG. 2C ), an excavation  53   x  for LCD screen  53  ( FIG. 2C ), and holes in these excavations. Holes ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ) may include a rubber button hole, within excavation  51   x , to accommodate the lower projection of rubber button  51  and wiring thereof; one or more connector holes, within excavation  52   x , to connect LCD display  52  with an underlined circuit board (not shown); and holes within excavation  53   x , for one or more LED indicators, to accommodate the LEDs themselves and their wiring connections with an underling circuit board. Cavity  50 C, delineated by wall  54 , of cover  50  ( FIG. 5B ) may substantially be provided with elements that support and/or fix in place components of the mechanism chamber. One such element is the motor support projection pair  60 S ( FIG. 5B ) that substantially hold the body of motor  60  ( FIG. 4B ) in place. Also, accommodated within cavity  50 C, and may substantially be attached to the inner top surface of cover  50 , is the mechanism&#39;s circuit board and wiring thereof (not shown), designed to control the overall automated operation of the contact lens container. For clarification, location of elements which may control one or more functions of the contact lens cleaning system of the present disclosure is not limited to the mechanism chamber. They me be found, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, anywhere in the contact lens cleaning system. For instance, in a special recess or cavity at the bottom of the contact lens cleaning system as depicted in  FIGS. 100 and 10D , where printed circuit board  96  and controller  56  are located in an inclusion on the bottom of reservoir  110  along with batteries  58 . 
     In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact lens cleaning system may include different shapes of LCD  52  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) and one or more LED lights ( FIGS. 2C and 5A ). These LCDs and LEDs may provide information about time, status of the various phases of operation of the contact lens cleaning system (e.g., disinfection, neutralization, completion, and storage status) and information, which may be related to user&#39;s safety or function of the contact lens cleaning system. 
     Many designs of lens holder assembly  200  and cap  21  ( FIG. 6 ) may be incorporated in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Contact lens cleaning system  100  ( FIG. 2A ) for instance, presents cap  21  as having a rough circumferential surface to hold on while closing or opening the cap. This cap may have one or more simple or tortuous holes  22  for the escape of oxygen produced during neutralization of hydrogen peroxide solution. Also, cap  21  may have one or more locking or latching systems  81 , including but not limited to, mechanical types such as a serrated circumferential area  34  ( FIGS. 2B, 7A-7E, 9A, 9B, and 10A-10D ) and electrical types such as the cap electric latch  94  depicted in  FIGS. 10A-10D  for one embodiment  500  of the present disclosure. Locking systems  81  are configured to selectively prevent removal of lens holder assembly  200  from reservoir during any unsafe condition. An unsafe condition refers to periods of time where either the lenses are contaminated or potentially contaminated (after neutralization as a result of storage) or the cleaning solution has not been sufficiently neutralized, thereby preventing a user from inserting hydrogen peroxide solution into the eye. In another embodiment with cap  21 , cap  21  may present a thumb tab  23  ( FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 6 ) for an easier cap operation. Inner threads of cap  21  and outer threads of cylinder  20  ( FIG. 3A ) along with cap locking systems  81  including, but not limited to, cap locking mechanisms  34  ( FIGS. 9A and 9B ) and  94  ( FIGS. 10A and 10B ) and other mechanical or electrical features are designed to provide a quick, quarter circle cap locking/unlocking operation. 
       FIG. 6  is a simplified schematic, tridimensional illustration showing specific parts, some elements and possible example details and potential operation of lens holder assembly  200  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Lens holder assembly  200  is configured to locate and releasably secure lenses within reservoir  110 . Lens holder assembly  200  is composed of cap  21  with holes  22 , for the release of oxygen gas generated during the neutralization of hydrogen peroxide, on its top area; and thumb tab  23  to open and close the cap onto opening  20  of lens segment  120 L of complex base  120  ( FIG. 3A ). Central shaft  26 , originating from or attached to the inner surface of cap  21  ( FIG. 6 ) ends distally with a fenestrated, bi-convex lens support body  24 S having groove  27 , which is adapted to lock in the right  24 R and left  24 L lens baskets  24  via their respective,  28 R and  28 L, locking elements. Shaft  26  is equipped with a transverse rod  25 , which serves as a hinge for lens baskets  24 R and  24 L. 
     Below is a description of a potential operation of the contact lens cleaning system. It is provided here for illustration purposes only and, in no way, limits any of the scopes of operation of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Pre-operation, right and left contact lenses are placed on lens support body  24 S ( FIG. 6 ) under baskets  24 R and  24 L, respectively, which are then closed and locked on locking groove  27 . Reservoir  110  ( FIG. 2C ) is then filled with hydrogen peroxide solution up to a marked line, which is way below the bottom surface of the iron-embedded, platinum disc  40 , which is in the up position, within base recess  31 R ( FIG. 3B ). The lens-containing lens holder assembly  200  is then entered, through opening  20  of the complex base  120  ( FIG. 3A ), and immersed in the hydrogen peroxide solution at the lens side  10 L of reservoir  110 . Thumb tab  23  is then turned 90 degrees laterally—from the front, unlocked position—to lock cap  21 . This contact lens cleaning system status is depicted in  FIG. 2C . 
     Then a user activates motor  60  through user interface  71  to activate the contact lens cleaning system, including but not limited to, activating a controller, timer and LCD display, and turn on disinfection LED light  52 . After a predetermined disinfection time [end of disinfection phase], the controller/timer trigger motor  60  to rotate its motor bevel gear  80 H, which in turn engages and rotates vertical bevel gear  80 V ( FIG. 4B ) and spiral shaft drive  90  ( FIG. 4A ). Male spiral threads  92  on spiral shaft drive  90  and female spiral threads  46  on the inner surface magnet body  45  ( FIGS. 8A and 2D ), along with magnet body lateral projections  47 , move magnet body  45  and the magnetically attracted iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc  40  downward into the hydrogen peroxide solution [beginning of neutralization phase] ( FIG. 2D ). LED light indicating neutralization  52  is turned on. After a predetermined neutralization time [end of neutralization phase], the controller/timer trigger motor  60  to counter-rotate and pull disc  40  out of the neutralized solution, which is now substantially composed of water. At this point, the user may turn the thumb tab 90 degrees medially to the front side, to unlock cap  21 , and open the basket cage to remove the clean contact lenses. If not removed within a predetermined time, the dedicated LED light will flash to alert the user to remove the lenses and either wear them or store them in a storage solution. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing another possible set of details and potential operation associated with locking and unlocking or cap  21  in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 9A  shows contact lens assembly  200  with cap  21  and its serrated area  34 . Upon 90 degree closure of cap  21 , the cap  21  engages a locking system  81  composed of cap lock pivot arm  68  and cap lock slide  66  to prevent the user from inadvertent opening cap  21  prior to full neutralization (locked,  FIG. 9B ). In this embodiment, magnet body  45  possesses a vertical projection  48 , which is an extension of one of its lateral projections. Post neutralization, iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc  40  raises to its up position in base recess  31 R along with magnet body  45 . At this point, magnet vertical projection  48  pushes cap lock pivot arm  68  upward to disengage cap lock slide  66  from the cap serrated area  34 , thus unlocking cap  21  for the user to remove the contact lenses from the neutralized solution (unlocked,  FIG. 9A ). 
       FIGS. 7A-7J  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing yet another possible set of details and potential operation associated with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 7A-7J  include contact lens cleaning system  300 . Contact lens cleaning system  300  has many of the features of contact lens cleaning system  100 . In addition, contact lens cleaning system  300  is equipped with one or more mechanisms designed to convert the neutralized hydrogen peroxide solution (basically, water) into a storage solution. The features specific for conversion of the resultant water into an effective storage solution are easily seen in  FIGS. 7D-7F .  FIG. 7D  shows contact lens cleaning system  300  after removing reservoir  110 , cover  50 , and complex base  120  to expose details specific to this embodiment. Recalling, at the end of neutralization, the user needs to remove the lenses from neutralized solution (water) and wear or store them in a storage solution. In practice, if the user does not wear his/her contact lenses after they have been cleaned with a hydrogen peroxide solution, he/she is likely to leave them in the water. The unprotected water has been shown to contaminate with time, thus endangering the eyes of the unsuspecting lens wearer. 
       FIGS. 7A-7J  show a possible set of details and potential operation, which is aimed at preventing such ocular complication. Turning to  FIG. 7D ,  FIG. 7D  shows a internal reservoir  150  containing concentrated multi-purpose disinfecting solution and a concentrate dispensing system  101  composed of a bellows  84 , a connecting, long pipe  88 , and a concentrate dispense bellows cylinder gear  82 . Concentrate dispensing system is configured to create a suitable storage environment for the lenses following neutralization of the cleaning solution. In operation, motor  72  drives motor gear  74  to turn elongated intermediate gear  76  which, in turn, rotates a bellows lifting drive gear  78  to initially lower and raise the iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc  40  according to previously described magnetic operation. At the end of neutralization, when disc  40  is in the up position in base recess  31 R, bellows lifting drive gear  78  ( FIG. 7E ) is pushed up to engage concentrate dispense bellows cylinder gear  82 , and cap  21  is unlocked. A mechanism dedicated to detecting the vertical position of the cap, mediated by, but not limited to, LED beam informs the contact lens cleaning system controller about the status of cap  21 . If cap is not lifted after a certain predetermined time, motor  72  actuates the gear chain system ( FIG. 7E ) to rotate bellows gear  82  to squeeze bellows  84 , suck a small volume of concentrated multi-purpose solution from internal reservoir  150  through pipe  88 , and squirt it through is check valve dispense outlet  86  into the resultant water, thus converting it to an acceptable, protecting, multi-purpose disinfecting solution, suitable of long term storage of contact lenses. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing yet another possible set of details and potential operation associated with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  include elements specific for contact lens cleaning system  400 . These elements comprise a vertical shaft gear  62  and a coupling gear and motor system  64  aimed at rotating vertical spiral shaft  90  and driving magnet body  45  and it accompanying disc  40  down or up. 
       FIGS. 10A through 10D  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing elements, specific parts and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 10A through 10D  demonstrate the potential use of external source of concentrated multi-purpose solution to convert the post-neutralization resultant water into an acceptable, protecting, storage solution. Also, one or more embodiment of the present disclosure provides a contact lens cleaning solution, which has the potential to avoid, or at least, reduce the inadvertent use of hydrogen peroxide solutions for rinsing contact lenses and injuring one&#39;s eyes. Turning to  FIGS. 10A and 10B ,  FIG. 10A  shows contact lens cleaning system  500  similar in shape and function to previously described systems in this document and a sealed, bi-compartmental bottle/canister  520  containing hydrogen peroxide in one compartment  162  and concentrated multi-purpose disinfecting solution in another compartment  164 . Contact lens cleaning system  500  comprises a motor  72  and a set of gears similar to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which are aimed to lower and raise iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc  40 . In Also, contact lens cleaning system  500  possesses a pair of electrical shuttered nozzles  140 , designed to couple with the bottle&#39;s pair of one-way valves  160 . In operation, lenses are placed in lens holder assembly, and cap  21  is closed/locked in place. Contact lens cleaning system  500  is then connected to sealed bottle  520  via nozzles  140  and valves  160 . Once the ON button  51  is pressed, a precise volume of hydrogen peroxide solution moves from compartment  162  to contact lens cleaning system  500 , through the respective nozzle and valve. After a predetermined time following neutralization, if cap  21  has not been lifted, the other shutter  160  of bottle  520  is open to deliver a predetermined small volume of concentrated multi-purpose solution to convert the resultant water into a protective storage solution. 
       FIGS. 11A through 11H  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing elements, specific parts and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 11A through 11H  show contact lens cleaning system  600 . Contact lens cleaning system  600  is mechanically operated and uses catalase tablets as neutralizing agents.  FIGS. 11A through 11H  illustrate motor  60 A, which is another embodiment of delivering a catalyst to the hydrogen peroxide solution compared to motor  60  described previously.  FIG. 11D  shows contact lens cleaning system  600  following removal of cover  50  and reservoir  110  to expose the underlying structures of the system. Features specific to contact lens cleaning system  600  include a spring  112 -actuated, tablet-loaded pill helix magazine  108 , pill revolver  104  ( FIG. 11H ), spring-actuated timer and associated gear  116  ( FIG. 11E ) and a complex pill slide  117 . In operation, timer spring is charged by action of pill revolver  104  gear on timer&#39;s gear  116  following movement of handle  106  of pill revolver in one direction. After a predetermined time [post-disinfection], the hole of the pill revolver  104  coincides with the proximal, internal opening  119  of the helix system and opening of the pill slide outlet  118  to allow a the spring-pushed tablet to leave the helix magazine  108  and drop, via pill slide  117  and pill slide outlet  118 , into the sealed contact lens side of reservoir  110  to initiate neutralization. 
       FIGS. 12A through 12D  are simplified schematic, tridimensional illustrations showing elements, specific parts and possible example details and potential operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 12A through 12D  show contact lens cleaning system  700 . Contact lens cleaning system  700  comprises reservoir  110  having two separate compartments: a lens assembly compartment  156  and a tablet-feed compartment  154 . Cleaning system  700  includes motor  60 B which is another embodiment of motor  60 A and  60  used to deliver a catalyst to the hydrogen peroxide solution. The walls compartment  154  are equipped with a built-in tablet-strip track  132  having an external, feeding end  134  and an internal, loading end  136 . Hydrogen peroxide neutralization occurs by use of catalase-containing tablets. In operation, strips of aluminum-packaged catalase tablets are fed into track  132  through external feed  134 . Post-disinfection, a time-dependent, spring actuated grip-punch assembly  146 , by turning handle  144 , rotates to grip and advance the tablet-strip along track  132  in front of loading end  136  where a tablet punch  168  to press on the aluminum blister to release the catalase tablet through the pill feed  182  into lens compartment  156  through pill outlet  184 . 
     In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact lens cleaning systems may have a magnet body that is connected to a flexible, serrated belt, which engages with a motor drive gear. In operation, the motor drive gear rotates to drive the serrated belt down the lumen of the vertical shaft to start neutralization or up at the end of neutralization. 
     In another embodiments, the solid magnet body may be attached to the distal end of a flexible, yet strong, thin strip or string, which is connected, at its proximal end, to a horizontal motor shaft. At pre-operation and disinfection phases, the strip is coiled/rolled on the motor shaft and the disc is in its up position. Rotation of the motor shaft in one direction uncoils/unrolls the strip or string to push the magnet body downward along the lumen of the vertical shaft, thus downing the iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc into the hydrogen peroxide solution to begin neutralization. At the end of the neutralization phase, the motor counter-rotates to coil/roll the strip or string on its shaft, thus shortening the strip or string, and pulling the magnet body upward (inside the lumen of the vertical shaft) and the iron-embedded, platinum-coated disc upward (outside the lumen of the vertical shaft) and out of the neutralized solution. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to address the potential surface bio-contamination of contact lens containers and concomitant deposition of biofilm—a thin layer of microorganisms adhering to the surface together with the polymers that they secrete. To this end, components of contact lens container of all embodiments of the present invention may be embedded or surface-coated with effective antibacterial agents so that they can self-decontaminate after a bio-contamination event—even an unrecognized one. 
     Antimicrobials which may be used for said application include, but are not limited to, silver, copper, zinc, titanium, silicon, ammonium, aluminum; their derivatives and combination thereof. By way of example, one may use the metal silver, considered to be the least cytotoxic and most potent agent against bacteria, along with copper, which has a strong antifungal effect—creating a synergistic outcome with respect to practical effectiveness. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to particular arrangements and configurations, these example configurations and arrangements may be changed significantly without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the present disclosure is equally applicable to various technologies, aside from those disclosed herein, as these have only been offered for purposes of discussion. 
     Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as falling within the scope of the appended claims.