Abstract: The invention concerns a device for separating (100) a first (10) from a second zone (20) in which prevails different kinds of environment. The invention is characterised in that it comprises: a buffer zone (110) extending along a longitudinal axis X between the first and second zones, and communicating via an inlet (111) with the first zone (10), and via an outlet (112) with the second zone (20); means for injecting air (120, 120a) opening at the inlet of the buffer zone, for injecting on either side of said longitudinal axis X, towards the outlet of said buffer zone, two clean air jets (121, 122) at high speed, extending along oblique directions (Y1, Y2) relative to the axis X, which cross each other in a region between the inlet and the central region (113) of said buffer zone, so as to form an impassable barrier which separates the first from the second zone.

Abstract: A fabric sheath (1) for the close protection of the conveyance of sensitive products by sterilized air stream diffusion, in particular in a substantially vertical direction is formed by a sealed wall (2) and a porous wall (3) extending longitudinally and axially along the sheath, the sheath defining a sterilized air supply duct (9). It comprises means (4) extending longitudinally along the sheath that ensure median sterilized air diffusion at a higher speed. The invention also features a washable or disposable laminar-flow hood, comprising a fabric sheath bounded at each end by a plane perpendicular to the axis of the fabric sheath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closely protecting a workstation. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a horizontal work surface having a top face, an upstream side and a free side opposite the upstream side, the free side having an edge, the work surface being unobstructed and accessible from above the top face and from at least the free side; (b) continuously blowing clean air over the work surface from the upstream side toward the free side so as to form a substantially horizontal flow of the clean air across the work surface and so that the flow of air has a velocity gradient with an upper layer or stream of air having a substantially higher velocity of flow than a lower layer or stream of the air flowing proximal to the top face; and (c) continuously sucking air from the flow of air into a suction intake disposed near the edge of the free side.