Barrier Opening With Flexible Seal For Operator Patents (Class 312/1)
  • Patent number: 11554392
    Abstract: A dust hood, useful for use in the compressed air and vacuum cleaning of a dusty apparatus placed therein, which is in the form of a flexible bag having a portion of its front face transparent with that front face also containing holes for a hose supplying compressed air and a hose supplying vacuum, respectively, for such cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: CoilPod LLC
    Inventor: Jacob F Steinmann
  • Patent number: 11383847
    Abstract: An emergency vision apparatus comprises an inflatable enclosure to enable a user to see through the enclosure when expanded and observe a source of information at a distal end of the enclosure while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment. The enclosure includes an opening configured for insertion of a user's hand into the interior of the enclosure to allow the user to operate a touch sensitive screen or hardware visible through the second clear member disposed toward a user and a sealable closure for closing the opening and sealing the opening around the user's hand. The sealable closure includes flexible first and second sheets covering the opening, the first and second sheets including respective first and second slits disposed transversely to each other, the first and second slits being configured to allow insertion of the user's hand into the interior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventors: Bertil R. L. Werjefelt, Christian Werjefelt, Alexander K. Werjefelt
  • Patent number: 11376086
    Abstract: A drape includes a first drape portion configured to receive a manipulator arm of a surgical system and a pocket coupled to a distal portion of the first drape portion. The pocket is configured to receive a manipulator of the surgical system. The pocket includes a flexible membrane positionable between an output of the manipulator and an input of a surgical instrument mountable to the manipulator. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is located at a distal end of the pocket. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is configured to allow an actuating force to be transmitted from the output of the manipulator to the input of the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the pocket provides a sterile barrier between the manipulator and the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the drape further includes a rotatable seal configured to couple a proximal opening of the pocket to the first drape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony K. McGrogan, Jeffrey D. Brown, Thomas G. Cooper, Eugene F. Duval, Daniel H. Gomez, Robert E. Holop, Craig R. Ramstad
  • Patent number: 11312605
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for capping a plurality of bottles enclosed and sealed in a plastic bag. The method comprises disposing the plurality of bottles in a tray in a predetermined array such that caps, disposed in a plate can be displaced for convenient capping in a single step. Ratchet tools are disclosed for facile threading of caps to bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Thorne Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gale Harrison Thorne, Jr., Gale Harrison Thorne, Craig Newell Thorne
  • Patent number: 11045391
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and article of manufacture for transferring fluid contained in a syringe. The apparatus includes an airlock component having a cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, and a hollow tube disposed between the first end and the second end. An annular opening is located at the first end of the cylindrical body. The hollow tube includes a gas inlet aperture and a gas outlet aperture. The hollow tube also includes an inwardly-facing airtight material coupled to the interior surface of the hollow tube, and a septum coupled to the second end of the cylindrical body. The method includes transferring fluid from one container to a second container using the apparatus. The article of manufacture includes the apparatus, a syringe, and a needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob T. Porter, Joseph Kuczynski, Jason T. Wertz, Brandon M. Kobilka
  • Patent number: 10940087
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing autologous blood serum eye drops within a potentially contaminating environment are disclosed. Key convenience kit apparatus providing novel methodology includes a plastic bag in which an innovative tray securely holds a plurality of empty eye drop bottles and associated caps disposed and sealed therein. Providing the only access pathway into the bag is a sterilizing filter appliance which filters all fluid entering the bag and provides a nozzle for dispensing into bottles disposed in the tray. The key convenience kit apparatus is sterilized prior to use, assuring all components disposed within the bag are within a desired sterility assurance level. The sterilized state of items associated with the key apparatus is maintained by the single pathway for fluid. Capping and sealing the bottles before opening the bag permits delivery of sterile product for use outside the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: THORNE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Gale Harrison Thorne, Gale Harrison Thorne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10910122
    Abstract: A containment system and method for creating a confined space around a portion of a piping circuit, and for maintaining the confined space at a designated pressure with a pressurized blanketing gas. The confined spaced with its controlled environment protects against process upsets or icing when insulation is removed from sections in extreme temperature services. The containment system includes a shroud assembly that is made up of a cover configured into a tubular shape, and end plates on axial ends of the cover that mount onto the piping. Support rings are set within the cover that also mount to the pipe, and which provide radial support for the cover along the span between the end plates. Ports are formed through a sidewall of the cover that provide operations personnel access to the piping. Lines carrying the pressurized blanketing gas connect to inlets formed in the cover sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdullah M. Al-Otaibi, Omar S. Al-Mutairi
  • Patent number: 10781416
    Abstract: A connection mechanism includes two connection parts. Each connection part includes a first flange including a through hole and an attaching portion by which the first flange is attached to a partial wall portion while the through hole faces an opening. The attaching portion includes: a vertical adjuster which adjusts the attaching position of the first flange so that a surface of the first flange, which is opposite to a surface of the first flange facing the partial wall portion, is vertical; and a rotation adjuster which adjusts the attaching position of the first flange about a horizontal axis passing the center of the through hole and extending in the thickness direction. The attaching position of a first flange can be individually adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SINFONIA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruki Takeuchi, Yoshimasa Suda
  • Patent number: 10743590
    Abstract: A cuff attachment for an isolator sleeve cuff, the cuff attachment comprising an annular band of substantially elastomeric material having an open first end and an open second end, the first end having a diameter which is wider than a diameter of the second end, the first end being adapted to be attachable to an isolator sleeve cuff, and the second end being adapted to releasably retain a plug therein. A plug for sealing the second end of the cuff attachment, the plug comprising a body sized and shaped to be releasably retained in the second end of the cuff attachment. An isolator sleeve system comprising the cuff attachment and the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CLEAN AIR ESSENTIALS 797 INC.
    Inventors: Magdi Moussa, Daniel Zini
  • Patent number: 10730192
    Abstract: A glove box for handling harmful material is formed to be lightweight and modular in design, allowing for use in the field and various remote locations where a full laboratory is not available. The tank portion of the glove box is formed of a rigid, lightweight plastic and includes a number of standard-sized passageways for connecting other components (intake filter, exhaust filter, input/output containers, gasketed gloves, etc), allowing for modularity in its configuration. The top portion of the glove box may include a transparent window for viewing the material within the glove box. Filter components utilize HEPA filter elements and a separate, portable power supply is used to control a vacuum fan included in an exhaust filter. The power supply can also be used to perform diagnostic tests on the glove and may include a battery back-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Marc Cordes, Paul LaHaye
  • Patent number: 10617045
    Abstract: A glove assembly is provided for coupling an electrically-conductive glove to an enclosure wall of a radio frequency shielded enclosure. Exemplary embodiments of the glove assembly and associated shielded enclosure comprise a glove interface element, a glove and a glove securement element. The glove interface element has a cylindrical flange member, a wall securement portion extending laterally of the flange member, and a glove port extending through the flange member. The glove interface element is configured to be affixed to the enclosure wall. The glove securement element is configured to clampingly secure an open end of the glove to the flange member in mutual RF-signal-sealed engagement. Resultingly, the glove is also held in electrically-conductive communication with the shielding layer of the shielded enclosure by way of the glove interface element. The glove securement element is preferably actuatable to enable a user to selectively cause and release the clamped securement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Merakai, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Judy
  • Patent number: 10549434
    Abstract: Disclosed is a repair unit (10) for a pod (11), especially a laser designation pod, including: a transportable casing (14); a bubble (18) attached to the casing (14), having a retracted state and a deployed state, the bubble (18) including an opening (46) for inserting part of a pod (11) and at least two projections forming tubes (50) for the hands of an operator, each tube (50) opening up in the bubble (18); and a gas supply device (22) for switching the bubble (18) front the retracted state to the deployed state. The casing (14) and the bubble (18) define an inner space sealed from outside pollutants in both the retracted state and in the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventor: Didier Bihannic
  • Patent number: 10538001
    Abstract: A glove box for handling harmful material is formed to be lightweight and modular in design, allowing for use in the field and various remote locations where a full laboratory is not available. The tank portion of the glove box is formed of a rigid, lightweight plastic and includes a number of standard-sized passageways for connecting other components (intake filter, exhaust filter, input/output containers, gasketed gloves, etc), allowing for modularity in its configuration. The top portion of the glove box may include a transparent window for viewing the material within the glove box. Filter components utilize HEPA filter elements and a separate, portable power supply is used to control a vacuum fan included in an exhaust filter. The power supply can also be used to perform diagnostic tests on the glove and may include a battery back-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: INTECH DEFENSE, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Cordes, Paul LaHaye
  • Patent number: 10525249
    Abstract: A device for connecting first and second medical fluid flow systems includes a linear movement carriage system that is positioned within a housing. The carriage system includes first and second connector holders configured to hold first and second connectors of the first and second medical fluid flow systems, respectively. A coupler holder is configured to hold a coupler and is positioned substantially between the first and second connector holders. The first and second connector holders and the coupler holder are relatively moveable between a separated configuration, where the first and second connectors and the coupler are located in relatively spaced apart positions, and a joined configuration, where the first and second connectors engage the coupler. An ultraviolet light source is positioned in the housing so as to irradiate first and second connectors and the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 10377100
    Abstract: Invention is a cleaning robot for cleaning the inner surfaces (5) of the half mold (4) of tire curing molds comprising a basket (10) wherein a lifting arm (50) placed in a manner pivotal on a proximal end (52), the lifting arm (50) pivoted on a distal end (54) of a support arm (70). The cleaning robot fits completely into the basket (10) when the positioned as close and comprising a movable head (80) having a nozzle (82) coupled in a manner to establish fluid communication to the dry ice inlet (84) and located at the distal end (76) of the support arm (70) and a free end which is configured movably closer to the inner surface (5) such as at a vicinity of the inner surface (5) along the contour of its when the positioned as open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LANG YUZER OTOMOTIV YAN SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Ismet Yuzer, Mustafa Hami Yucel, Okan Denizli, Görkem Anil Al, Latif Orbay
  • Patent number: 10342883
    Abstract: The invention relates mainly to an apparatus comprising a chamber for physically and/or chemically treating one or more samples or products, said apparatus comprising a door for introducing samples inside the apparatus chamber or bringing samples outside the apparatus, said apparatus comprising a membrane or film defining a chamber wall inside said apparatus when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: PALL LIFE SCIENCES BELGIUM
    Inventor: Jean-Pascal Zambaux
  • Patent number: 10286243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for neutralizing asbestos, said system comprising a mobile neutralization unit (200) comprising: an asbestos waste sorting module (225), an asbestos grinder (255) and a hot acid bath (250) for rendering asbestos inert. Preferably, the asbestos waste sorting module comprises: a window with glove boxes; and a conveyor for transporting the asbestos waste in front of the window. In embodiments, the system comprises a means for containing the atmosphere within the mobile neutralization unit and/or the hot acid bath (250) of the mobile neutralization unit (200) comprises sulfuric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Paul Poggi
  • Patent number: 10285675
    Abstract: A biocompatible tissue isolator is used to isolate and extract tissue during a surgical procedure. A method of using the tissue isolator for isolating and extracting morcellated tissue during the surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Veol Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar Gupta, Mangesh Patankar, Nikhil Ramchandra Katre, Debasish Pradhan, Dinesh Diwakar
  • Patent number: 10281163
    Abstract: An isolator including: a main body case including a box-shaped working space and provided with an inserting portion of a work hand on a front surface thereof; an illuminating device that illuminates the inside of the main body case; and an air-conditioning device that performs air conditioning inside the main body case, the illuminating device having a plurality of point light sources that are arranged substantially linearly in the main body case, the main body case including a back plate or a bottom plate, at least one of the back plate or the bottom plate being constituted by a metal plate, and a rolling direction of the back plate or the bottom plate constituted by the metal plate being a direction substantially orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the plurality of point light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: PHC HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yokoi, Koichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10245735
    Abstract: A replacement glove assembly has a replacement access element defining an outermost shoulder end and an innermost hand end configured to receive a hand of a user. A replacement sealing assembly engages the outermost shoulder end of the replacement access element and defines a leading radial face defining a first coupling structure, a trailing radial face defining a second coupling structure, and an outer annular surface configured to be received by a glove port. A first glove cap has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side defines a first mating structure sealably engaged with the first coupling structure of the leading radial face. The second side defines a second mating structure that is configured to sealably engage the second coupling structure of the trailing radial face of the replacement sealing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac M. Giesen, Joseph David Copley
  • Patent number: 10244908
    Abstract: An embodiment of the system for transporting and collecting waste includes a movable receptacle configured to translocate from a first position to a second position and back again, and a vacuum system associated with the movable receptacle. The vacuum system includes a motor for generating suction and a power source connector associated with the motor. The power source connector is associated with the power source and transmits power to the motor when the movable receptacle is in the first position, and the power source connector dissociates with the power source, thereby interrupting power to the motor, when the movable receptacle moves away from the first position. The power source connector includes a connection terminus and a semi-flexible stem that flexes to allow a proper alignment between the connection terminus and the power source when the movable receptacle translocates from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SIMPLAVATE
    Inventors: Daniel R. Lilley, Clyde L. Witham
  • Patent number: 10190087
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single use, controlled environment manufacturing module in the form of a sterile sealed bag formed of a substantially flexible material, such that the bag can be inflated and deflated for transport and/or disposal. The flexible bag has one or more access ports and connectors to accommodate a variety of biochemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to be carried out within the flexible bag. The interiors of one or more disclosed modules can be connected, forming a module train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES CORP.
    Inventors: Parrish M. Galliher, Michael Fisher, Geoffrey L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 10166686
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained, ready-to-use, sterile enclosure used in the filling of small quantities of sterile products. Particularly, an enclosure that contains the vials or bottles to be filled, as well as all necessary fittings and filters integrated with the assembled apparatus, and which as a total assembly can be reduced to a small package size, thereby enabling the entire assembly to be sterilized remotely in one step by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide gas. The design of the enclosure assembly further enables shipment to the end user in sterile ready-to-use condition, and allows the end user to perform sterile filling within the enclosure without the need for any aseptic connections or further equipment sterilization steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventors: Jasbir Dhanjal, Kirk McMullin
  • Patent number: 9931676
    Abstract: A tunnel-type machine to wash objects comprises a containing structure which internally delimits a work volume and is provided with at least an entrance door to feed the objects in a loading direction. The work volume comprises at least two processing chambers contiguous in the loading direction, a single separation door is provided between the two processing chambers, and is mobile through a passage aperture of the containing structure. At least a front packing is provided between the two processing chambers, and at least an upper packing is provided at the passage aperture, and the separation door is configured to contact, in a closed and separated position of the two chambers, both the front packing and the upper packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: STEELCO SPA
    Inventor: Fabio Zardini
  • Patent number: 9907867
    Abstract: A standalone radiopharmaceutical preparation hotcell for preparing a radiopharmaceutical includes a housing and a plurality of compartments defined within the housing. The plurality of compartments including at least a pharmaceutical synthesizing and dispensing compartment and a different second compartment, the synthesizing and dispensing compartment being maintained at a first pressure and the second compartment being maintained at a different second pressure using a compartment pressurization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tomas Eriksson, Per Dahlberg, Simon Kinloch, Magnus Wallen, Jonas Ove Norling, Martin Orbe
  • Patent number: 9895816
    Abstract: The present invention provides an elongate tool that aides in the placement of objects and machinery within a glovebox, such that the objects and machinery can be safely handled by a user. The tool includes a plurality of visual markings (in English units, metric units, other units, grooves, ridges, varying widths, etc.) that indicate distance from the user within the glovebox, optionally broken into placement preference zones that are color coded, grayscale coded, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventor: Shannon Howard Roddy
  • Patent number: 9884428
    Abstract: A replacement glove assembly has a replacement access element defining an outermost shoulder end and an innermost hand end configured to receive a hand of a user. A replacement sealing assembly engages the outermost shoulder end of the replacement access element and defines a leading radial face defining a first coupling structure, a trailing radial face defining a second coupling structure, and an outer annular surface configured to be received by a glove port. A first glove cap has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side defines a first mating structure sealably engaged with the first coupling structure of the leading radial face. The second side defines a second mating structure that is configured to sealably engage the second coupling structure of the trailing radial face of the replacement sealing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac M. Giesen, Joseph David Copley
  • Patent number: 9731335
    Abstract: A ventilated enclosure includes a vortex baffle to harness the turbulence of air in a way that uses less exhaust air while still providing ample protection to the user. The vortex ventilation system uses the total interior shape and proportion of the ventilated enclosure to direct the motion of air flow in a manner that improves efficiency. The vortex ventilation baffle can enhance the way air naturally curls, or rolls, as air flows through the enclosure. The vortex baffle can cause a mono-stable vortex to from in the enclosure. This vortex is resilient to disturbances that cause ventilated enclosures, such as chemical fume hoods, to spill. The stable vortex is above the work surface and less affected by the way apparatus is loaded inside the enclosure. The vortex baffle achieves better containment (improved safety) at lower exhaust flow (improved energy consumption) as compared to conventional ventilated enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Lawrence Robert Meisenzahl
  • Patent number: 9566659
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for purging atmospheric air from a chamber with a gas including means for generating a substantially non-turbulent, laminar flow front of the gas into the chamber with minimal turbulence to displace the atmospheric air in the chamber, the chamber having exhaust means associated therewith to permit the displaced atmospheric air to exit the chamber. The chamber is preferably a welding chamber and the gas is preferably argon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: PCC Structurals Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Patrick, David Brayshaw, Scott Wittkop, James Barrett, Ting-Kwo Lei
  • Patent number: 9524805
    Abstract: A protection device for providing protection against ionizing radiation passing through an orifice defined by a wall bushing structure. The device includes a structure for attenuating ionizing radiation passing through the orifice, which structure can cover, or close off, the orifice, and includes a fastener configured to ensure that the structure for attenuating ionizing radiation can be fastened releasably to the wall bushing structure. The structure for attenuating ionizing radiation includes a sleeve that is open at both ends, that is deformable under its own weight, and that is configured to be fastened to the wall bushing structure by the fastener at a first open end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Fabrice Mazaudier, Guy Lamazere
  • Patent number: 9511884
    Abstract: A discharge method discharges an at least partially flexible container without contamination. The container (1) is discharged into a base body (10). A liner (20) encloses a filling opening (11) of the base body (10) and is secured to the base body (10). A filling end (21) of the liner (20) is folded inwards such that a receiving region forms for the container (1). The receiving region is sealed such that a discharge opening formed by a knife (15) allows the container (1) to be discharged while being completely sealed off to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FLECOTEC AG
    Inventors: GĂĽnter Untch, Peter Lais, Martin Koch
  • Patent number: 9279099
    Abstract: A processing system for cell cultures for carrying out cell/tissue culturing processes in the field of regenerative medicine, etc. which is a processing system for cell cultures which prevents viruses and human-derived cells, etc. other than a culturing processing target from entering the interior of a closed space from outside of the system to maintain sterility, maintains sealability of the closed spaces of modules, and couples or detaches the plurality of modules in accordance with a wide variety of cell culturing processing steps so that cell culturing processes can be carried out by combining the plurality of culturing processing modules is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: TOKYO WOMEN'S MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Teruo Okano, Tatsuya Shimizu, Masanori Wada, Yukito Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9180597
    Abstract: This mobile sample isolation and containment system is designed to provide a chemical and biological screening and verification capability within an environmentally-controlled area while minimizing exposure of analytical instruments to contamination. Only those parts of the analytical instrument absolutely necessary for retrieving sample information are disposed within the potentially contaminated enclosure, while other electrical or optical components remain outside said enclosure. The system uses multiple technologies that target, interrogate, and describe the same sample. Therefore, an analyst will not need to remove a hazardous sample from containment before it is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Charles E. Henry, Monica J. Heyl, Lisa M. Gremminger
  • Patent number: 9144910
    Abstract: The workability of operation to be performed, while preventing chemical or biological contamination, using a biosafety cabinet and gloves attached to the cabinet is improved. A biosafety cabinet includes a workspace formed in a main body cabinet thereof. Air in the workspace is discharged to outside via filters. A vertically movable front shutter is disposed on a front of the workspace. A front opening is formed below the front shutter to be at a front of the workspace. The front shutter includes plural laterally movable small windows which are overlapped like layered sliding doors. One of the plural small windows is provided, on the workspace side thereof, with a pair of glove ports to which a pair of gloves for use in operation in the workspace can be air-tightly attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Ono, Tomotaka Kodama
  • Patent number: 9055799
    Abstract: A portable reverse isolation box (PRIB) for protecting an object from the environment and/or protecting a user from the object. The PRIB includes a housing comprising a container and a lid, wherein the container has structural integrity and at least a portion of the lid is transparent, and further wherein the housing forms an airtight and watertight isolation bay when the lid is mounted on the container; a port formed in the container; and a disposable flexible element mounted in the port in an airtight and watertight relationship, the flexible element being capable of assuming a concave configuration so as to permit a user to manipulate the object within the isolation bay without opening the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventors: Elizabeth E. Cohn, William E. Cohn
  • Publication number: 20150022065
    Abstract: A breech lock for a glove box is provided that may be used to transfer one or more items into the glove box. The breech lock can be interchangeably installed in place of a plug, glove, or other device in a port or opening of a glove box. Features are provided to aid the removal of items from the breech lock by a gloved operator. The breech lock can be reused or, if needed, can be replaced with a plug, glove, or other device at the port or opening of the glove box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: David Preston Lemonds
  • Patent number: 8915984
    Abstract: An isolator device having a work chamber, air supply means for supplying air of a unidirectional airflow traveling from an upper part to a lower part in the work chamber, and air discharge means for discharging air of the unidirectional airflow from a lower part of the work chamber are provided, and moreover, a bulkhead provided in parallel with a peripheral wall portion of the work chamber along the air of the unidirectional airflow and longitudinal air outlets opened along a width direction of a lower end portion in a lower part of the lower end portion of the bulkhead and attached so as to oppose an air inlet portion by a filter unit for air purification is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Airex Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Koji Kawasaki, Minoru Miyamoto, Toshinaga Toda
  • Patent number: 8887365
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system for retrofitting a sealed enclosure for performing work therein having an outer enclosure assembly configured to be clamped to the outer annular face of a port ring and form a sealed engagement with the outer annular surface of the port ring, a change assembly having an inner ring and an access element wherein the inner ring has a first annular cylinder body that is sized to be slidably received by the port ring and the access element is configured to be sealably and slidably positioned within the first annular cylinder body of the inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac M. Giesen, Michael E. Cournoyer, David G. Rael
  • Publication number: 20140232248
    Abstract: There is provided a method for initiating a sleeve evacuation process in a controlled atmosphere workstation that comprises a chamber, at least one porthole that may be opened for enabling a user to access the chamber, and a sleeve secured to the least one porthole. The method involves placing the hand of a user within the sleeve with the sleeve engaging the forearm of the user, and initiating the sleeve evacuation process in response to the hand and forearm within the sleeve. In an embodiment of the invention the user forms a fist and moves the fist towards the porthole. This creates a pressure increase that can be detected to initiate the evacuation process. Alternatively the user may wear on his or her hand or forearm an element such as a magnetic element or an RFID chip that can be detected at the porthole to begin the evacuation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: David Boast
  • Patent number: 8714664
    Abstract: An environmental containment system has a wall frame for mounting to a wall. The wall frame has a left section and a right section. The wall frame has a top section and a bottom section. The wall frame extends horizontally from a vertical plane and has a wall side opening and a working side opening. A suction opening is formed on the wall frame. A filter is mounted to a filter opening formed on the wall frame. A pair of mounting brackets are spaced apart horizontally at a set predetermined distance. The pair of mounting brackets includes a right mounting bracket and a left mounting bracket. The right mounting bracket has at least one right screw opening, and the left mounting bracket has at least one left screw opening. The pair of mounting brackets are mounted to an inside surface of the wall frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Anthony Abreu
  • Patent number: 8579387
    Abstract: A glove box with a leakage shielding space (4) comprises a main box body, a view window (8) placed on the main box body, glove ports installed on the view window (8), side panels attached to the main box body, and an antechamber (1) installed on a side panel. Wherein, on at least one of five interfaces, namely, between the main box body and the view window (8), between the main box body and the side panel, between the view window (8) and the glove port, between the glove port and the glove, between the side panel and the antechamber (1), a leakage shielding space (4) is formed, so as to ensure the purity in the operating space of the glove box and to prevent the external environment of the box body from being polluted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Vigor Gas Separation Equipment Technologies (SIP) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Delong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8561628
    Abstract: An assembly for maintaining flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The assembly may include a first plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit, and a second plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit. The assembly may also include a first connecting member coupled to the first plate and the second plate and a bag having at least one glove port coupled to a second connecting member. The first connecting member may be connected to the second connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Centerpoint Energy Mobile Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Winston Charles Meyer, Michael Zandaroski, Thomas Seifert, Dimitri Karastamalis, Scott Ogren, James Rutherford, Daniel Kim, Ronald G. Van Gossen, John Fisher, Graham Midgley, Paul Wehnert, Chris Hambrick
  • Publication number: 20120311932
    Abstract: A preferred system for ensuring the safety of a glovebox can include a glovebox configured for handling a sensitive material and comprising a pair of ports adjacent to a working cavity; a pair of gloves connected to the pair of ports and extending into the working cavity; and a plug removably connectable to one of the pair of ports. In preferred variations, the plug can include a protective material, a removable handle, and a shielding cavity. In alternative variations, the plug can also include a tamper indicating device to ensure that the plug, once engaged into the port, is not removed without proper authority or permission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: MICHAEL EDWARD COURNOYER, JULIO MARCO CASTRO, XAVIER JULIAN SAENZ
  • Publication number: 20120299452
    Abstract: An environmental containment system has a wall frame for mounting to a wall. The wall frame has a left section and a right section. The wall frame has a top section and a bottom section. The wall frame extends horizontally from a vertical plane and has a wall side opening and a working side opening. A suction opening is formed on the wall frame. A filter is mounted to a filter opening formed on the wall frame. A pair of mounting brackets are spaced apart horizontally at a set predetermined distance. The pair of mounting brackets includes a right mounting bracket and a left mounting bracket. The right mounting bracket has at least one right screw opening, and the left mounting bracket has at least one left screw opening. The pair of mounting brackets are mounted to an inside surface of the wall frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Joeseph Anthony Abreu
  • Patent number: 8316625
    Abstract: A disposal unit can include a substantially air tight chamber, an insertion component, an air tight region of the air tight chamber containing a disposal container, an air holding region, an air extraction unit, an air sanitation component, a container sealant mechanism, and/or combinations thereof. The air holding region can be distinct from the air tight region and the remaining region of the substantially air tight chamber. The air extraction unit can be configured to capture air from the remaining region and place the captured air in the air holding region. Air can be optionally redirected from the air holding region into an airtight disposal container, which is thereafter sealed. The air sanitation component can be configured to sanitize the captured air to a predetermined air quality level. Harmful byproducts of the waste (e.g., toxic vapors) inserted in the disposal unit can be reduced and/or neutralized through sanitation and/or containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Louis M. Soto
  • Patent number: 8297007
    Abstract: Frames for mounting windows within the walls of enclosures for isolating or sealing substances such as radioactive or other hazardous substances from the surrounding environment. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a two-piece frame that is welded into the wall of an enclosure. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a three-piece frame that is clamped to the wall of an enclosure. The frame assemblies may also be used to mount structures other than windows to enclosure walls, such as ducts or pipes intended for passing power, gas, vacuum, or other utilities into the interior of an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Premier Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Sayer
  • Publication number: 20120235548
    Abstract: A glove box for handling harmful material is formed to be lightweight and modular in design, allowing for use in the field and various remote locations where a full laboratory is not available. The tank portion of the glove box is formed of a rigid, lightweight plastic and includes a number of standard-sized passageways for connecting other components (intake filter, exhaust filter, input/output containers, gasketed gloves, etc), allowing for modularity in its configuration. The top portion of the glove box may include a transparent window for viewing the material within the glove box. Filter components utilize HEPA filter elements and a separate, portable power supply is used to control a vacuum fan included in an exhaust filter. The power supply can also be used to perform diagnostic tests on the glove and may include a battery back-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: INTECH DEFENSE, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Cordes, Paul LaHaye
  • Publication number: 20120219388
    Abstract: The chamber (2) includes a wall (5) having an opening (7) and a connection interface (8), a door (10), joining elements (12), elements for maneuvering the door (10) and actuating elements for control of the maneuvering elements. The container (3) includes a wall (14) having an opening (16), a connection interface (9), a door (18), joining elements (13) and elements for maneuvering the door that are functionally joined to the door, and the system also includes, functionally integrated, marking elements, that rest on the container and that can store data, elements for short-range data reading that are functionally complementary to the marking elements, elements for storing read data, elements for producing an output signal based on read or stored data, and elements for controlling the opening of the first door and thus the second door, that respond to the output signal received from the elements for producing an output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM ASEPTICS
    Inventor: Stephanie Armau
  • Patent number: 8246420
    Abstract: The problem of controlling dust during an operation such as a micro-etching process, associated with a dental appliance in an efficient and economical manner is solved by a unit which is portable and which encloses the appliance during the micro-etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Galati
  • Patent number: 8240784
    Abstract: The flexible glove holder (1) includes a flat structure (13) with three branches (2, 3 and 4) forming an S-shape on which the glove is wound. The holder (1) is then pushed into the opening of the glove box. This rapid action method makes it possible to avoid knotting the gloves when they must be drawn toward the outside for an operation within the box and also allows the implementation of biological protection on the opening of the glove box as well as a protection of the agents against radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Areva NC
    Inventors: Francis Hebuterne, Pierre Riba