Abstract: An arm portal for ingress and egress within an enclosed, controlled environment, such as an incubator, employs asymmetric orifices to obtain superior arm mobility. The hand/arm portals along with the pass box can be manufactured into a one-piece injection molded assembly that is easily attached to the front face of an enclosed anaerobic environment.

Abstract: A reusable container for the sterile transfer of pharmaceutical recipients, in particular of syringe bodies. The container comprises an outer case and a sterilizable interior, wherein the interior is microbially isolated from the environment of the container. The interior has at least one holder for accommodating at least one nest for storing a plurality of pharmaceutical recipients. The nest can be removably accommodated in the holder. The container further has at least one container door for removing or introducing the nest into the interior and at least one lock for coupling the container to a sterile space. The lock is configured in such a way that, after coupling to the sterile space, it is possible to open the container door without substantially suspending sterility.

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.

Abstract: An arm portal for ingress and egress within an enclosed, controlled environment, such as an incubator, employs asymmetric orifices to obtain superior arm mobility. The hand/arm portals along with the pass box can be manufactured into a one-piece injection molded assembly that is easily attached to the front face of an enclosed anaerobic environment.

Abstract: Modular containment system having at least one shell having at least one shell panel whereby an operator is able to manipulate equipment contained in a isolated environment, and at least one end panel. The at least one shell and at least one end panel are able to be configurably and removably connected together. When connected together, the at least one shell and at least one end panel form a closed housing. A pressure differential can be created between the inside of the housing and outside the housing, thereby forming an isolated process environment.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolation chamber for isolating substances from the ambient while simultaneously maintaining aseptic conditions within the isolation chamber and protecting the operator from potent compounds. The isolation chamber comprises a first container surrounding and defining an isolation space of holding the substances and a second container surrounding the first container. Preferably, the pressure of the isolation space is lower than the pressure of the barrier space.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolation chamber for isolating substances from the ambient while simultaneously maintaining aseptic conditions within the isolation chamber and protecting the operator from potent compounds. The isolation chamber comprises a first container surrounding and defining an isolation space of holding the substances and a second container surrounding the first container. Preferably, the pressure of the isolation space is lower than the pressure of the barrier space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally include a contamination housing assembly and bag for use therein. In one embodiment, a contamination housing assembly includes a housing having an inlet, outlet, and access port. A bagging ring is coupled to the housing and circumscribes the port. A door is provided for covering the port. A bag indicator is coupled to at least one of the containment housing or door and is visible, when in a first position, from an exterior of the containment housing when the door substantially covers the bagging ring. In yet another embodiment, a bag for use with a containment housing is provided. The bag has an open end configured to engage with a bagging ring. The bag includes at least one of a strap or a RF readable tag.

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 bag connectable to the first and second plates and having at least one glove port. The assembly may also include a collar configured to connect the bag to the first and second plates at a perimeter formed by the first and second plates when positioned in engagement with the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly including a receptacle having a drawer slidable in the receptacle for receiving debris into a suction debris collection system; the drawer includes: a floor; walls extending up from the floor, the floor and the walls defining a chamber having a forward part and a rearward part; an outlet from the rearward part of the chamber; and a seal configured to prevent the passage of air through an opening to the suction system when the drawer is in a closed position and suction is supplied to the opening.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for disposing waste having potentially hazardous airborne emissions. The solution can include a step of receiving waste through an aperture of a disposal unit exhibiting a closed environment. The received waste can be placed within an air tight disposal container. An opening of the disposal container can be sealed to separate the disposal container from the remainder of the substantially closed environment. Air included in the remainder of the substantially closed environment can be captured and placed in a holding unit. The captured air can be ejected from the holding unit into the air tight disposal container. The disposal container containing the received waste and the ejected air can be sealed. The disposal unit can be thereafter opened so that the sealed disposal container is able to be discarded.

Abstract: A double-glove system for use in a double-walled containment module is provided herein. More specifically, a double-glove system that includes an inner glove and an outer glove that are interconnected to respective glove rings for interconnection to an inner containment module and an outer containment module is provided. An annulus is provided between the gloves wherein purge gasses may flow therebetween. Further, a plurality of detection systems may be employed within containment volumes of the containment module to rapidly detect leaks.

Abstract: A cryopreservation vessel of the present invention includes a vessel body which holds a low-temperature liquefied gas, a cap which closes an opening section of the vessel body and has a plurality of through holes that are formed so as to pass through in a vertical direction, and ampoule storing tools which are housed so as to be able to pass through the through holes of the cap, and the ampoule storing tools are each comprised of a support pillar and a plurality of ampoule storing sections which are equipped with the support pillar so as to be arrayed in a vertical direction of the support pillar.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for cleaning a reactor chamber of a pump exhaust abatement system. During the cleaning of the reactor chamber a transparent protective shield is temporarily mounted on an opening of a cabinet that contains the reactor chamber. The transparent protective shield has apertures and associated glove mounts that allow protective gloves to be placed through the apertures. This allows a technician to have gloved access to clean the reactor chamber within the cabinet. The transparent protective shield protects the technician from exposure to pollutants during the time that the reactor chamber is being cleaned. The transparent protective shield is removed after the cleaning process has been completed.

Abstract: Environmental containment systems, and in certain embodiments, systems and methods involving vessels and unit operations or components of cell culture, cell containment, bioreactor, chemical manufacturing, or pharmaceutical manufacturing systems provided with environmental containment are provided. Certain vessels, unit operations, devices, and components may be used to perform all or part of biological, chemical, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes therein. In some embodiments, an environmental containment system includes a multi-level containment apparatus. For instance, a first substantially closed environmental containment enclosure may be contained within a second substantially closed environmental containment enclosure; the first and second enclosures may be contained in a third substantially closed environmental containment enclosure, etc.

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.

Abstract: A double-glove system for use in a double-walled containment module is provided herein. More specifically, a double-glove system that includes an inner glove and an outer glove that are interconnected to respective glove rings for interconnection to an inner containment module and an outer containment module is provided. An annulus is provided between the gloves wherein purge gasses may flow therebetween. Further, a plurality of detection systems may be employed within containment volumes of the containment module to rapidly detect leaks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a debris receiving drawer is mounted in a receptacle bay slideable between a single closed position and an open position, wherein the drawer includes a basin, a channel from the basin, and an outlet from the channel. The basin is configured to guide debris entering the basin toward the channel and the channel is configured to channel debris to the outlet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a drawer for receiving debris into a suction debris collection system includes: a floor; walls extending up from the floor, the floor and the walls defining a chamber having a forward part and a rearward part; an outlet from the rearward part of the chamber; and a seal configured to prevent the passage of air through an opening to the suction system when the drawer is in a closed position and suction is supplied to the opening.

Abstract: The flexible glove holder (1) comprises a flat structure (13) with three S-shaped branches (2, 3 and 4) 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.

Abstract: A mobile, disposable isolation glove box comprising: an enclosure comprising a base and a plurality of inclined walls converging to an apex, at least one of the walls being at least in part transparent; at least one glove formed in at least one of the inclined walls, the at least one glove extending into the interior of the enclosure; and a sealable opening formed in the enclosure for permitting a specimen to be placed inside the enclosure.

Abstract: An enclosure providing a workspace for astronauts, deep-sea divers, etc. wearing pressurized suits includes a housing providing a substantially-closed chamber, a port providing access to the chamber, and a connector circumscribing the port. The enclosure's connector is configured to mate with, and form an airtight seal with, a complementary connector of the suit to close the chamber. A pressure control system may be provided to pressurize and depressurize the chamber. After connecting the enclosure to the suit, the closed chamber may be pressurized to balance pressures internal and external to the suit to facilitate manual operations. Any mated connectors of suit portions internal to the enclosure may be decoupled to expose a human limb, etc., and yet the pressure in the chamber may be maintained. The suit may include a limb-engaging seal resisting intermixing of chamber gases with suit gases while matable connectors of the suit are decoupled.

Abstract: An enclosure system for electronic equipment concealable in a table top is disclosed. The enclosure system has a saddle attached to a bezel. The saddle defines an open area for receiving an enclosure. The bezel defines an opening for receiving a top plate of the enclosure. An outer perimeter of the bottom surface of the bezel rests on edges of an opening cut through a table top. The enclosure pivots from a concealed position, in which the top plate is flush with the bezel, to an open position in which the face plate of the enclosure is exposed. A spring made out of tempered carbon steel plate biases the enclosure towards the open position, while a latch maintains the enclosure in the concealed position.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for transferring hazardous material between the interior of a container and the chamber of a fume hood having a port that includes a flexible enclosure with an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface; a first conduit extending from the enclosure to connect to the port; a second conduit extending from the enclosure to connect with the container; and a pair of glove ports in the enclosure outer wall, including sleeved gloves extending into the enclosure, whereby the interior of the container and the chamber of the fume hood are accessible through the glove ports. The apparatus may also include means for supporting the enclosure in an open position above the container.

Abstract: An air decontamination system including a sealed room to hold at least one person and the sealed room having an air inlet. The system further including a vacuum unit to create a negative pressure within the sealed room, by suctioning air through the air inlet into the sealed room and then from the sealed room into an inlet of the vacuum unit. The system still further including a work surface disposed in the sealed room at a predetermined height above a floor of the sealed room and the work surface to receive at least one mail piece and the air to be suctioned downwardly over the at least one mail piece and the work surface; and a filter unit to filter the air as the air is drawn out of the sealed room.

Abstract: An enclosure and method of its use are disclosed. An inflatable body has a central opening at each end. First and second gloved armatures extend into the interior and for receipt of the hand of a human operator. A viewing section is disposed through the enclosure between the armatures for observing the operation. An inflation conduit may be received through the enclosure for initiating inflation. The openings are sealing secured against the conduit after the enclosure is inflated and the conduit properly inserted therein.

Abstract: This invention provides a glove fitting device to be removably fitted to a hermetically closable cabinet for fitting a glove to the cabinet in a manner to allow the glove to be stretched into the cabinet, the glove fitting device including: a tubular container having opposite first and second open ends, the first open end being configured to allow the glove to be replaceably fitted thereto; a lid-shaped member to be removably fitted to the second open end of the tubular container from inside of the tubular container to close the opening of the second open end substantially hermetically, the second open end becoming oriented inwardly of the cabinet when the tubular container is fitted to the cabinet; and a fixing mechanism for fixing the lid-shaped member to the second open end.

Abstract: An apparatus, for positioning a flipping cover relative to a base, includes a first member being fixed relative to the flipping cover, and a second member being fixed relative to the base. The first member defines an arched guiding channel around a rotating axis of the flipping cover. The first member forms at least one raised ridge extending into the guiding channel. The second member forms a guiding rod parallel to the rotating axis. The guiding rod is slidably received in the guiding channel. The guiding rod is deformable to get through the at least one raised ridge. A casing utilizing the above apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Frames are disclosed 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.

Abstract: A body bag is provided comprising a substantially planar, optically transparent envelope defining an interior and having an opening extending substantially along a length dimension thereof. A closure for sealing the opening is provided comprising a rib and groove structure and an adhesive flap for impermeably sealing the closure. Conveniently, the body bag envelope may be dimensioned to allow placement in an interior for a conventional body bag. At least one access means formed through the envelope material for accessing the interior of said envelope is provided, spaced along an opposite length dimension of the envelope from the opening. The access means may include unidirectional infusion or extraction ports, integral gloves for accessing the interior of the envelope, self-sealing injection ports, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A publicly accessible drop box for isolating items deposited therein, includes a securable enclosure, a depository port, a closeable container having an opening and located within the securable enclosure, and a closure device for closing the opening prior to removal of the container. The depository port may include a housing forming a reception chamber having an entrance, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted within the drop box. The drop box may include a view port to allow viewing of the opening of the closeable container. The drop box may include a manipulation device extending into the securable enclosure to enable manipulation of the closure device or to enable movement of any items in proximity to the opening of the container.

Abstract: An enclosure for handling hazardous material includes a sealable housing which is configured with a first air inlet connected to a bubble gauge and a second air inlet disposed inside the housing for air evacuation from the housing is connected to a pump for maintaining subatmospheric pressure in the enclosure and for drawing a stream of air inwardly through the first air inlet via the bubble gauge into the housing and out the second air inlet. A filter interposed in the stream of air leading to the second inlet. At least one glove port is formed in the housing and has a flexible relatively gas impermeable glove connected thereto. An air exchange port in the housing is operably connected to a sealed bellows which provides for changes in air volume within the enclosure which occurs from moving the glove within the enclosure under subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for providing controlled environments for surgical procedures, as well as transplantation and wound healing. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention provides devices and methods to provide an anaerobic environment for incision sites. In other embodiments, the present invention provides devices and methods to maintain anaerobic conditions during the collection, transport, and implantation of organs, tissues, cells, and other transplant material. In further embodiments, the present invention provides devices and methods for the production and maintenance of an anaerobic environment surrounding sites of trauma or tissue injury. In particular, the present invention provides devices and methods which allow the operator to strictly control the environment for surgical procedures, transplantation and wound healing, etc. Thus, the present invention also finds use in specialized settings where hyperoxic conditions are desireable.

Abstract: A containment assembly such as a down flow containment assembly including a barrier means between the processing zone and the operator breathing zone at least a first part of which is provided with flexible gloves for access to and maneuverability in the processing zone.

Abstract: A pollution containment apparatus for removal of polluted material from a ceiling and/or a wall. The apparatus has a platform which can support a workperson and can be raised and lowered. A support on the platform holds a enclosure. The enclosure has gloves and a waste bag attached. A portion of the top of the enclosure can be opened and closed for access to the polluted portion of the ceiling and/or the wall. The entire completely assembled apparatus can be moved from one location to another.

Abstract: A portable containment system includes a glovebox apparatus, a self-contained filter unit, and removable conduits extending therebetween. The glovebox apparatus includes a first module for releasably covering a first sidewall opening. The first module, which has body and flange portions, has a storage position where the body portion is positioned through the first sidewall opening into the glovebox interior and an operative position where the body portion is positioned exterior of the glovebox. The glovebox apparatus includes second modules for releasably covering a second sidewall opening where the second modules are smaller than the first sidewall opening for inserting the second modules into the interior of the glovebox for storage. The filter unit includes a plurality of gas filters, an air pump, and detectors for monitoring the air flow through the system.

Abstract: The system includes an enclosure for providing a closed volume for bactericide vapor. The enclosure has a container access opening formed therein for providing vapor communication between a container and the closed volume. A container interface assembly at the container access opening positions, locks and seals the container to the enclosure. A container door removal system is partially contained within the enclosure and is operably engaged with the enclosure and attachable to a container door of the container for separating the container door from the container. The container door removal system includes an actuator element located external to the enclosure. A vapor injection system is included having an inlet and an outlet for the bactericide vapor.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a housing including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a back wall. A front wall is hingedly coupled to the housing and defines a first door for selectively opening or closing the housing. A top wall is attached to the first and second side walls. The top wall is substantially transparent. A window is positioned in the first side wall and comprises a substantially transparent material. The window has a pair of apertures extending therethrough. Each of a pair of gloves has a wrist portion and a hand portion. Each of the wrist portions is attached to and extending along a perimeter edge of one of the apertures such that each of the gloves extends into housing.

Abstract: A system for removing contaminates from the air in a mail sorting room includes a vacuum unit and a filter, both of which may be located within this room. The vacuum unit creates a downwardly directed laminar flow of air which expels airborne particulates (e.g., anthrax spores) from the room. Prior to being expelled, the air is passed through a multi-stage filtration unit which includes a HEPA filter and optionally a carbon V.O.C. filter for removing chemical agents. The mail sorting room preferably has a modular construction with removable walls, a ceiling, and a floor. The walls may be transparent or opaque. An air lock room may be attached to the mail sorting room to prevent air from the sorting room from accidentally escaping. A cleaning device may be included in the sorting room for individually cleaning the mail. This cleaning device may be connected to a conveyor which automatically advances the mail for cleaning.

Abstract: A containment and test system for extremely toxic substances includes a fume hood, a containment compartment such as glove bag or box, positioned within the fume hood, a source of a non-reactive gas to provide a stable environment within the containment compartment, an inline moisture trap coupled to the source of non-reactive gas to dry the non-reactive gas, an ion neutralizer coupled to the source of non-reactive gas to reduce static charges within the containment compartment, a staging area for preparing test samples, a balance positioned within the containment compartment, a stanchion positioned within the fume hood for holding a test animal, and decontaminating apparatus for safely disposing of any toxic substance residue.

Abstract: A mobile, disposable isolation glove box comprising: an enclosure comprising a base and a plurality of inclined walls converging to an apex, at least one of the walls being at least in part transparent; at least one glove formed in at least one of the inclined walls, the at least one glove extending into the interior of the enclosure; and a sealable opening formed in the enclosure for permitting a specimen to be placed inside the enclosure.

Abstract: A vacuum-sealable hatch that is vacuum sealed to a surface of a passthrough light sterilization device, and related methods of use, consists of a hatch body having at least a portion adapted to fit within an opening of the treatment chamber and a flexible piece attached to the hatch body. The flexible piece extends peripherally from the hatch body and includes a seating portion which is adapted to be vacuum sealed to a seating region of an interior surface of the treatment chamber. The hatch body and the flexible piece seal the treatment chamber from the outside environment, thereby preventing the free flow of microorganisms to and from the treatment chamber and the outside environment. In some variations, at least the seating portion of the flexible piece is transmissive to the light treatment such that surfaces underneath the seating region are treated by the light treatment.

Abstract: A glove box assembly that includes a glove box enclosure attached to a longitudinally extending hollow tube having an entranceway, wherein the portion of the tube is in a liquid environment. An elevator member is provided for raising an object that is introduced into the hollow tube from the liquid environment to a gas environment inside the glove box enclosure while maintaining total containment.

Abstract: An examination unit having walls of substantially transparent plastic material coupled to an air tube frame that, when inflated, supports the walls to define an enclosed chamber. Access to the chamber is gained through a resealable port that facilitates easy entry and exit, as well as good sealing of the air within the chamber. Built into at least one wall of the chamber is a pair of sleeved-gloves that allow: a user of the examination unit to insert his or her hands into the chamber to handle an object therein without skin contact. The examination unit may be collapsed for space-saving storage and transport, and then readily inflated to provide a suitable environment for any number of treatments or investigations requiring that an object remain isolated from the user.

Abstract: A computer enclosure, for replaceably securing a first standard sized fan (40) or a second standard sized fan (50) thereto, includes a front panel (10) and a drive bracket (20). The front panel comprising an array of vents (14), a first and a second set of fixing structures (11, 12, 13) corresponding to the first and second standard fans, the first and second set of fixing structures being arranged around the array of vents. The drive bracket is attached to the front panel, and comprises a U-shaped bracket (21) and a pair of opposite first and second side plates (22, 25), the first side plate having a bridge shaped platform (23) for supporting an end of either of the fans, the second side plate forming two pairs of projections (261, 262) engaging respectively in apertures (41, 51) defined in the first and second fans.

Abstract: A self-enclosed workstation box having side access ports with built-in sleeve guards, a removable viewing shield, a storage bin inside of the box with a holder on the bin cover for storing and supporting supplies thereon. The viewing shield can be hinged to the box for allowing access to the entire interior of the box. Arm rests can be located inside for supporting any one of the hands of the operators and users of the box. A bottom port can allow for noxious fumes and debris to be removed from the box by a fan, and a filter the latter of which can prevent the fumes from passing into the atmosphere outside of the box.

Abstract: In a simple, preferred embodiment, the present invention is a plastic, gas-impermeable, sealable container with gloves affixed therein. Any package or material can be sealed within the container and safely opened and inspected using the gloves without fear any chemical/biological agent will permeate the gloves or the container. Principally, the present invention was viewed as a cost-effective tool for individuals to handle and/or open mail and determine if any unexpected, harmful substances are inside. For this purpose, placing a letter opener, a knife, scissors, or any other tool within the container would also be useful. The present invention can also be utilized in other ways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for providing controlled environments for surgical procedures, as well as transplantation and wound healing. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention provides devices and methods to provide an anaerobic environment for incision sites. In other embodiments, the present invention provides devices and methods to maintain anaerobic conditions during the collection, transport, and implantation of organs, tissues, cells, and other transplant material. In further embodiments, the present invention provides devices and methods for the production and maintenance of an anaerobic environment surrounding sites of trauma or tissue injury. In particular, the present invention provides devices and methods which allow the operator to strictly control the environment for surgical procedures, transplantation and wound healing, etc. Thus, the present invention also finds use in specialized settings where hyperoxic conditions are desireable.

Abstract: A device for detecting, isolating and exterminating hazardous microbiological agents contained inside delicate objects such as envelopes and packages commonly used in worldwide mail and transport systems which may be safely used in houses, is very economic and which can be easily produced.

Abstract: The present invention is a container assembly for use with a rapid transfer port. The rapid transfer port (RTP) is of the type having an RTP door, an RTP circular seal around the door, and spaced RTP indentations. The RTP requires rotation of the device being attached thereto. The container assembly includes a circular ring member having an interface end and a bearing system end. The interface end includes a first set of ring member protrusions for engagement with RTP indentations of an RTP and a container assembly circular seal for providing sealing engagement of the ring member and the RTP. A circular enclosure door is concentrically positioned within the ring member. The enclosure door includes a first set of enclosure door indentations for engaging associated RTP door protrusions and a second set of enclosure door indentations for engaging a second set of ring member protrusions. The container assembly circular seal further provides sealing engagement of the ring member and the enclosure door.