Abstract: A safety glove bag system for the removal of hazardous materials from elongated pipes or the like without danger or exposure of the operator to the hazardous material. The system utilizes a series of disposal pouches connected to a manifold which surrounds the pipe, and each of the disposal pouches may be removed from the assembly without disrupting the removal process.

Abstract: An isolation, sterilization and maximum observation (ISMO) tent for the isolation of a corpse during a medical procedure and to contain matter spilling from the corpse. The ISMO tent includes a frame and a form fitted translucent sheet supported by the frame, and will preferably have a continuous elastic band secured to the bottom edge of the sheet and an absorbent material, treated with disinfectant, in close proximity thereto to prevent spillage of infectious material.

Abstract: An improved disposable containment bag for use in handling hazardous materials such as asbestos. A gusset and slide fastener assembly inside the bag permits the lower, waste-receiving compartment within the bag to be sealed, unsealed and resealed and facilitates accommodation of a large volume of waste.

Abstract: An improved lightweight, collapsible preferably PVC formed glove bag asbestos brake removal/confinement system. The bag includes removable stiffening ribs and a replaceable flexible dual membrane opening in one end to mount the bag over the brake assembly. The bag is supported from a surface underneath by an adjustable telescoping pole. The bottom of the bag includes an access zipper for removing or placing tools or the brakes in the bag. The bag optionally includes a removable bottom protective panel to prevent penetration of the bag by tools or brakes dropped thereon. The interior of the bag can be accessed from either side or from the front thereof and is tapered or shaped as desired for easy access to the brake assembly work area.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating persons or objects passing between a contaminated area and a clean area or shelter has an air lock decontamination chamber and a shower of powdered adsorbent. A blower circulates and disperses the powdered adsorbent throughout the air lock and contacts the adsorbent particles with the outer surfaces of persons or objects in the air lock. A control system ensures that the decontamination system is fool-proof. A network of ducts and valves or separators automatically transfers the adsorbent from the deccontamination chamber to a regeneration chamber for demand-responsive regeneration. In a first embodiment, a fluidized bed of powdered absorbent is used in the decontamination chamber and the adsorbent is periodically regenerated in a vacuum chamber by microwave heating.

Abstract: An improved glove box hazardous waste removal system especially for confining pipes, including a pair of semi-rigid side walls securable at one edge to one another to form a rigid cylindrical unit. The box includes sealable sleeves on each end thereof, sealable to the pipe being confined. The side walls include a flexible skirt attached to the opposite edge and including a sealable bottom opening on the skirt. The skirt includes an attachment structure for attaching disposable burial bags thereto.

Abstract: Method for complete wet removal of asbestos from pipes comprising placing a trough with semi-circular recesses in insertable end walls around a pipe, sealing spaces between recesses and pipe after securing trough to pipe, pouring solution on to trough to immerse pipe and soften asbestos, removing solution, cleaning off asbestos with tool, and wiping pipe with a soaked cloth.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible preferably PVC formed glove bag asbestos brake removal/confinement system. The bag includes removable stiffening ribs and a flexible membrane or bunge controlled opening in one end to mount the bag over the brake assembly. The bag can be suspended from the automobile itself, such as by a mechanical clamp or magnetic plate assembly, or from any convenient location. The bottom of the bag includes an access zipper for removing or placing tools or the brakes in the bag. The bag optionally includes a removable bottom protective panel to prevent penetration of the bag by tools or brakes dropped thereon.

Abstract: A containment bag system specifically used for the removal of asbestos insulation from asbestos covered pipes and valves without contamination of the worker or the surrounding environment. A method of removing asbestos and other hazardous materials from limited areas uses a safe containment system. A method for manufacturing the containment system includes heat sealing a length of lay-flat tubing along a bottom edge and preferably along two side edges.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing asbestos material from horizontally arranged pipes in a linear, T-shaped or L-shaped configuration includes a rigid box-like device having a rectangular bottom wall and four side wall sections which extend upwardly from peripheral edges of the bottom wall so as to define a continuous side wall and so as to define an enclosure therebetween, the side wall having an upper edge with two pair of opposing recesses formed orthogonally with respect to each other in the upper edge of the continuous side wall for receiving the pipes, the upper end of the box-like device defined by the upper edge of the continuous side wall being open; a plurality of glove apertures formed in two opposing side walls, a glove associated with each glove aperture, each glove connected to the side wall in sealing relation to the respective glove aperture and extending into the enclosure; two suction apertures formed in the remaining side walls for connection to a negative pressure system to supply negative pressure to

Abstract: An improved glove bag hazardous waste removal system especially for confining pipes, including a top endless zipper for closing the bag onto the pipes and shoulder extensions with self retained shoulder straps for securing and removing the bag to and from the pipes. At least one self-sealing access sleeve is included in the bag wall for contamination free access to the interior thereof by water spray and vacuum probes. An internal self-closing tool pouch is formed on an inner bag wall. The bag preferably made of PVC, can include an internally sealable waste catch basin.

Abstract: A detachable bag (13) and shroud (12) which combine to form a stripping apparatus (11) for stripping and collecting fibrous cladding material (27) from a pipe (25). The shroud (12) is adapted to be detachably and sealingly secured to the pipe (25) and the bag (13) is likewise secured to the shroud (12). The bag (13) includes a fastening means (20) to attach an inner envelope (16) thereof to the bottom opening (19b) of the shroud and an outer cover (17) which can be sealingly attached to the outerside of the shroud (12) enclosing the envelope (16) and fastening means (20). The envelope (16) and shroud (12) are each provided with "Velcro" closure strips (21) along their respective inner faces adjacent the fastening means (20) to enable the envelope (16) and shroud (12) to be sealingly closed independently of the other either side of the fastening means (20) to prevent external exposure to the contents of either during attachment and detachment of the bag from the shroud.

Abstract: A paint drip pan and method for constructing same. A base member has an aperture therethrough within which to receive a painter's wrist. A glove member may be located within the aperture and secured to the base member. A plurality of fingers integral with the base member are adapted to impinge against the glove member to secure the base member to the painter's wrist.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed connector for a glove box and a method for exchanging such connectors in which leakage of radioactive material from within the glove box is minimized and an auxiliary glove box is not needed to exchange the connectors. The connector is formed as a cylindrical member having a flange portion hermetically sealed to a packing provided in a through hole in the wall of the glove box. To exchange connectors, a nut is removed from the outer end of the old connector and a tube is screwed thereto. The other end of the tube is fitted to the inner end of the new connector. The tube is then shoved through the packing until the flange of the new connector aligns with the packing. The tube is then removed from the inner end of the new connector and a nut is screwed on in replacement for the tube.

Abstract: A containment bag system specifically adapted for the removal of asbestos insulation from asbestos covered pipes and valves without contamination of the worker or the surrounding environment; a method of removing asbestos and other hazardous materials from limited areas using a safe containment system; a method for manufacturing the containment system.

Abstract: A negative pressure method and apparatus for protection from airborne asbestos and other particulate contamination is disclosed, including an enclosure with doorways and decontamination chambers with an air intake through the decontamination chambers with at least one filtration unit flow connected with the enclosure, with a blower to pull air into the filtration unit and dispelling the filtered air to the atmosphere. A high volume air flow intake is maintained with a significant negative air pressure in the enclosure. A filtration device is provided with multiple entrance ports providing for a large flow of air through the body of the room together with individual entrance ports to receive the discharge from separate vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: Treatment of casualties enclosed in garments which protect them from a contaminated environment comprises attaching treatment apparatus containing uncontaminated treatment space to the protective garment and then effecting communication between the treatment space and the interior of the garment. The treatment apparatus comprises a generally rectangular enclosure having an access opening in one side with fastener means provided for closing the access opening. The fastener means are compatible with at least a portion of the fastener means for the protective garment to permit coupling the enclosure to the garment and then communicating the treatment space with the interior of the garment. The treatment apparatus includes an observation window opposite to the fastener device and sealed gloved openings to permit manipulation by treating personnel within the intercoupled treatment space and the interior of the garment.

Abstract: A self-contained and movable device for collecting purge liquids and gases in an installation containing radioactive substances, comprising a detachable and transportable vessel (5) of small dimensions, a closure of the purge outlet (2) which can be operated from outside the vessel (5), a movable unit (7) for drawing off and collecting the purged liquids and gases, and a flexible tube (6) connecting the vessel (5) and the movable drawing-off and collecting unit (7). The invention applies particularly to the purging of the cooling circuit under shut-down conditions of a pressurized water nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A clipboard assembly which may be used to facilitate the writing of messages and the like on paper in the out-of-doors under all types of weather conditions. The assembly includes a writing surface in the form of a base member to which is affixed a spring biased clip for holding one or more sheets of paper in place on the writing surface of the base member. A clear plastic housing surrounds the base member, the housing having a top panel and integrally formed side and rear panels which are joined to the base member to define an enclosed volume. The assembly may further include a fourth side wall which is hingedly secured to the top panel so that it may be rotated in a direction to permit access to the interior of the shroud so that the writing materials can be inserted and removed from beneath the clip.

Abstract: An inflatable, inert-gas purged welding chamber assembly ideally suited for use in welding workpieces made of a metal (e.g., titanium), or of an alloy, which is susceptible to atmospheric contamination during welding. The welding chamber of the assembly is defined by a collapsible, reusable, inflatable member (e.g., a polyethylene bag) that is releasably connected to a closeable opening in a wall member. The inflatable member, while in a collapsed condition and while containing the workpieces to be welded and the accessories therefor (e.g., a welding torch, extra tungsten electrodes, and filler wires) on a shelf protruding from the wall member, is purged of air (i.e., the ambient atmosphere) by the use of an inert gas (e.g., argon), thereby inflating the collapsed member and creating an inert gas environment in which the air-contaminable workpieces can be welded without fear of contamination.

Abstract: A dome funnel is provided for the removal of product from an overturned delivery vehicle.

Abstract: An exclusion or containment isolator provides an isolated environment for example for surgery or for preventing spread of infection. Known sleeves for allowing operators to manipulate inside the isolator from outside present difficulties in manufacture and can reduce easy movement of the operators arms. An isolator (11) of flexible, transparent plastics material has wide, triangular sleeves (35, 36) extending from regions of conjunction (44, 45) with the main isolator body (43), the regions of conjunction partially overlying one another to give greater freedom of movement. Preferably the sleeve construction utilizes a side sheet (13) providing a lower wall (25) of one sleeve (35) and upper wall (27) of the next adjacent sleeve (36).

Abstract: A bag-like contaminant control work module formed from a flexible impervious membrane which is inflated inside of an enclosed workspace to protect workers in the module from contaminants. The workspace, such as in a nuclear power steam generator, has a portal or manway opening into the workspace into which the module is secured by a module passageway. The module includes one or more glove boxes, in which the workers perform their assigned tasks after passing through the passageway and portal. The module includes one or more absolute filters allowing passage of air flow through the module passageway and into the workspace only through the filters. The module may include an auxiliary passageway secured to the outside of the module passageway and also secured in the portal opening and through which items can be passed back and forth to the worker in the glove box from outside the portal.

Abstract: A method of removing an article from an enclosure member providing an environment isolated from the ambient environment is particularly applicable in removing infected hospital materials from isolator enclosure members for isolating human patients with acute infectious diseases. Present methods do not satisfactorily prevent spread of infection from the removed material and maintain the integrity of the isolator. In one arrangement of the invention a disposal bag 21 sealed around a port 25 contains a closure bag 28 having a rigid hoop 30 across the disposal bag 21. Heat sealer 33 cuts and seals around the hoop leaving part of closure bag 28 closing the disposal bag 21 and part of bag 28 closing transfer port 25. In another arrangement closure bag 28 slides over a rigid former 34 extending outwardly from the transfer port and cutter sealer 33' cuts and seals portions of the closure bag across the disposal bag by cooperating with a backing member 29' in the closure bag 28.

Abstract: A seal for an opening through which an object (e.g. hose pipe) extends which comprises a stack of flexible sheets (1, 2, 3 and 4) one on top of each other, each of at least two adjoining sheets (1, 2) having an aperture therein of dimensions smaller than those of the cross-section of that part of the object contacting the seal and a series of slits radiating from said aperture towards the perimeter of the sheet and each of at least two other adjoining sheets (3, 4) having a series of slits radiating towards the perimeter of the sheet from the center of the sheet, the series of slits in at least two adjacent sheets being offset with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging a gas meter without interrupting customer service. The apparatus preferably comprises a rigid frame for temporarily securing a meter to be exchanged independently of its mounting nuts, and an isolating enclosure adapted to be selectively removeably coupled about a portion of the meter loop terminal to provide a fluid flow bypass around the meter. A rigid conduit is adapted to be positioned within the enclosure means until the meter is removed, at which point it will be inserted in the meter loop to bypass the meter to facilitate enclosure removal. Purging apparatus is included to remove air from the enclosing volume and the replacement meter.

Abstract: An environmental enclosure or clean room composed of a structural frame which supports a flexible transparent plastic film which defines a sealed chamber or room. Air is introduced into the chamber through a two-stage filter system and is exhausted through a filter duct. Located adjacent the chamber is a small entry compartment, and the entry compartment has sealed doorways leading to the exterior and to the interior of the sealed chamber respectively. To inspect objects in the sealed chamber, the operator enters the entry compartment and puts on a hermetically sealed suit that is normally stored in the compartment. With the operator sealed within the suit, the entry compartment is sterilized and the operator can then enter the main chamber. The suit has a provision for receiving air from the outside and for discharging air from the suit to the exterior of the chamber.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a shield for a glove box housing radioactive material is comprised of spaced apart clamping members which maintain three overlapping flaps in place therebetween. There is a central flap and two side flaps, the side flaps overlapping at the interior edges thereof and the central flap extending past the intersection of the side flaps in order to insure that the shield is always closed when the user withdraws his hand from the glove box. Lead loaded neoprene rubber is the preferred material for the three flaps, the extent of lead loading depending upon the radiation levels within the glove box.

Abstract: A sterile connection apparatus is provided for enabling the connection of a first tube to a transfer tube of a medical solution container. The apparatus includes a housing having a cover portion which is adapted for interfitting with a base portion to provide a substantially closed interior volume. The first tube and the transfer tube of the medical solution container are introduced within the interior volume and the housing carries means located therewithin and operable from the outside of the housing for enabling manipulation of one of the tubes. In this manner, the first tube may be disconnected from and/or connected to the transfer tube. Means are provided for sterilizing the tubes within the substantially closed interior volume.

Abstract: An adaptor collar which can be joined to a standard laboratory jar for the purpose of maintaining a constant anaerobic atmosphere inside of the jar is disclosed. The combined adaptor collar and jar form a transport unit suitable for the transport of anaerobes from remote locations to a controlled atmosphere incubation apparatus. The adaptor collar is adapted to dock with the incubation apparatus so that anaerobes can be transferred from the jar to the interior of the apparatus without exposure to the air.

Abstract: In order to reliably and safely secure a flexible container, such as a glove, to an opening in a housing, which opening is surrounded by a tubular stud projecting outwardly from the housing, the stub is provided with at least two grooves in its interior wall, each groove having an omegoid cross-section, and the flexible container is clamped in each groove by a clamping ring having a circular cross-section corresponding to that of the central portion of the cross-section of its associated groove.

Abstract: An improved system for effecting working access into sealed enclosures, such as glove boxes. The sytem includes an elongated arm-length sleeve, one end of which is sealed in a port fitting in the wall of the chamber and the other end of which is fitted with a replaceable glove. The elongated sleeve is preferably tapered from shoulder to wrist and of corrugated or convoluted structure for easy extension and retraction. The porthole fitting is preferably elliptical to maximize working access to the chamber. The inner end of the sleeve is fitted with a wrist bushing in which a glove supported on a deformable ring may be fit in sealed relation. The glove may be replaced with a further glove supported on a separate deformable ring without disruption of the sealed relationship.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fixing a glove to a glove box and a glove suitable therefor are provided. A glove having an extended fin portion at its proximal end is fitted around a cylinder forming a handling hole of the glove box such that the fin portion of the glove envelops the cylinder, and a fixing ring is secured around the fin portion of the glove fitted on the cylinder. The fin portion of the glove is folded back outwardly so as to enclose the fixing ring at the fold to thereby forming the overlapping fin portions. These overlapping portions of the glove are then securely fastened to the cylinder by a clamping ring.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere apparatus comprising a rigid base and a transparent plastic hood is disclosed. The apparatus is suitable for use as an anaerobic incubator and is provided with a docking mechanism to receive a transport unit. A transport unit suitable for the transport of anaerobes and method of transporting anaerobes from remote locations to a controlled atmosphere apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved controlled atmosphere work enclosure for use in handling hazardous materials such as mercury and mercury alloys. The work enclosure comprises a hollow housing defining a work space within which an amalgamator unit, work platform, or the like can be mounted. Replaceable flexible plastic or rubber gloves are sealably affixed to glove rings mounted on the front of the unit to permit convenient working access to the amalgamator or work platform. Filtered air inlets are provided at each side of the work enclosure and a filtered air outlet is installed in the rear wall thereof above the work area. A fan unit is mounted exteriorly of the enclosure proximate the air outlet to maintain subatmospheric pressure within the enclosure and to cause air to be continuously drawn inwardly through the air inlets, through the work area and upwardly and rearwardly toward the filtered outlet.

Abstract: A glove port and insert is disclosed useful on a chamber such as an isolette or anaerobic glove box or isolator. A collar is provided in the side wall of the chamber and the sleeve portion of the glove is passed over the periphery of the collar and clamped in place. Separately and interiorly of the chamber, there is provided an insert which has a periphery complementary to that of the interior of the collar, and a gasket at its outer portion. In the glove port and insert disclosed, the collar is circular, and so is the periphery of the insert. The gasket is crescent shaped in cross-section, and the periphery of the insert is conformed with a channel defining a pair of gluing rings onto which the gasket is secured. A handle is provided on one face of the insert so that the user can grasp the same while the hand is still in the glove, remove the glove sleeve to its "inside-out" configuration, and at the same time pull the insert into the interior of the collar thereby sealing the same from contaminants.

Abstract: A package for a surgical or similar glove includes a resilient glove having a wrist portion and a hand portion. The wrist portion of the glove is releasably fastened around a glove ring member, with the hand portion of the glove extending from the ring member. An outer, imperforate, flexible member encloses the surgical glove. In a preferred form, the wrist portion of the glove extends through the ring member and is folded over and stretched around the ring member. The outer protective member also extends through the ring member and passes between the stretched wrist portion and the ring member. The outer protective member has a length such that downward movement of the hand after insertion into the glove will cause the glove to push against the bottom of the outer flexible member and thereby cause it to pull the stretched wrist portion of the glove off the ring member.

Abstract: A device that is adapted to protect one from the irritating emission produced when peeling onions and the like; the device permits the peeling operation to be carried out under a transparent shield.

Abstract: A nuclear accident carrier for conveying an injured contaminated person comprising a portable base into which a stretcher supporting the person can be inserted, and a lid for isolating the person in the base from the outside. The lid is made from a transparent material and is provided along an edge with a sealing strip that, when the carrier is closed, is clamped between the edges of the lid and the base.

Abstract: A device for sealing detachable components, such as gloves, windows or closure plugs, in the ports of rigid walled chambers, such as glove boxes. The sealing device permits displacement and replacement of a detachable component in place in such a port without breaking the seal to expose the interior of the chamber to the outside atmosphere, or vice versa. The sealing device is characterized by a hand hole bushing disposed in the port and secured to the chamber wall to define a passageway having a continuous sealing surface and a continuous adjacent groove for retaining a detachable component within the bushing. The detachable component is characterized by a deformable semi-rigid bead adapted to be snapped into the continuous groove of the bushing and a continuous channel holding an O-ring sealing element which engages the sealing surface of the bushing.

Abstract: A mixing tank and filtration system for operating room use. The tank is utilized for mixing a cement that is employed in reconstructing joints such as the hip joint, and mixing must take place in the operating room because the cement sets up in a very short time. The only presently approved cement gives off toxic fumes during the mixing which fumes frequently have a detrimental effect on the patient and operating room personnel. The mixing tank and filtration system disclosed herein are constructed and arranged to contain and draw off the toxic fumes whereby the detrimental effects on personnel are eliminated.

Abstract: A decontamination system in combination with a work space maintained at subambient pressure. An inner vestibule is connected to the work space via a first portal, which can be selectively opened and closed by a first door. A middle vestibule, in which at least one shower bath is installed, is connected to the inner vestibule only via a second portal, which can be selectively closed by a second door or opened. An outer vestibule is connected to the middle vestibule only via a third portal, which can be selectively opened and closed by a third door, and to an ambient space only via a fourth portal, which can be selectively opened or closed by a fourth door. Each door is a rigid door. Except for the third door, which seals the third portal when the third portal is closed by the third door, each door has fixed louvers allowing small quantities of air to infiltrate.