Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the replacement of contaminated HEPA filters without contamination of the surrounding environment. A filter housing is generally cylindrical and defines a filter receiving cavity. The filter housing having a filter receiving end and a filter removing end. An active HEPA filter is received within the filter housing cavity and is located near the filter removing end. A backup HEPA filter is received within the filter housing cavity and is located near the filter receiving end. A change-out bag is received within the filter housing cavity and is located adjacent to the filter removing end. The filter housing includes a gas flow path through the active HEPA filter without passing through the backup HEPA filter. For the replacement of contaminated HEPA filter, end covers are removed from the filter receiving end and the filter removing end of the filter housing and the change-out bag is opened.

Abstract: A device for controlled insulation of a thermal device. The device includes a thermal jacket with a closed volume able to be evacuated to form an insulating jacket around the thermal source. A getter material is in communcation with the closed volume of the thermal jacket. The getter material can absorb and desorb a control gas to control gas pressure in the volume of the thermal jacket to control thermal conductivity in the thermal jacket.