Abstract: An apparatus for directing the flow of air in a laboratory-type hood. A laboratory hood is provided with a closure sash and the lower edge of the closure sash has an airfoil that extends into the laboratory hood work space.

Abstract: A safety cabinet having a work area defined by an enclosure and including an air circulation and cleaning system. The air circulation and cleaning system includes a plurality of air plenums and passageways through which air is circulated by a blower assembly. A portion of the air exiting the blower is directed through a transition boot and exhaust plenum and a remaining portion of the air exiting the blower assembly is directed into the work area through a perforated divider plate and a supply plenum. The transition boot between the exhaust and supply plenums include resealable fasteners disposed along a seam between first and second ends thereof and around a first end thereof which is attached to the exhaust plenum.

Abstract: A fume hood having a trimodal piston driven sash operator which have been improved by the addition of a travel interference system for the moveable sash to prevent accidents and the possible breakage of glassware and the like.

Abstract: A disposable laboratory hood has a base, a left side, a right side and a rear side all formed of a coated cardboard laminate. A clear, transparent film extends between the sides to define an access opening through which the user may insert his or her hands to perform laboratory procedures. A front is secured to the base and is rotatable to cover the access opening to provide for a closed interior. A filter and a blower may be connectable if desired.

Abstract: Powder coating apparatus (10) comprises an enclosure or booth (12) in which an article to be powder coated is locatable. Spray heads (24) are provided in the booth (12) to spray water over the inside of the booth (12) to remove over-spray powder coat material from the booth (12), following coating of an article, and removal thereof from the booth (12). Material washed from the booth (12) can be collected for recovery from the water.

Abstract: A fume hood controller includes detection apparatus for detecting the presence of objects within the fume hood and reduces the flow through the fume hood if there are no objects within the hood, thereby conserving energy costs associated with conditioning supply air to the room where the fume hood is located. The controller also adjusts flow as a function of the presence and also the location of objects that are detected within the fume hood. Since there is a smaller likelihood of fume spillage when the objects are located more deeply within the fume hood, the flow can be reduced in such a situation compared to that which would be required if the objects are located closer to the sash.

Abstract: A hood for placement on a table or work station which covers the hands of the worker and customer who is having a manicure or who is having artificial fingernails attached or replaced.

Abstract: A toxic work enclosure (1) with a port (14) and a vent (18) that when installed within a fume cupboard (64) with both the port (14) and the vent (18) open, provides safe access to toxic materials, if present, in the toxic work enclosure (1); but with both the port (14) and the vent (18) closed, closed position isolates the toxic work enclosure (1) allowing environmental control of the air (104) within the toxic work enclosure (1), or safe removal of the toxic work enclosure (1) from the fume cupboard (64) by containment of toxic materials, if present, in the toxic work enclosure (1).

Abstract: A workstation apparatus for use by manicurists in the application of artificial nails and the like, to protect the technician and client from the debris and vapors generated in the nail application process. The provides a covered working surface and circulates the contaminated air through purifying filters, and conditions the temperature and humidity of the air, before returning the air to the work surface.

Abstract: A fume hood sash operator and fume hoods containing such sash operators. The sash operator is constructed to operate from a pressure fluid cylinder which has no outside operating parts with respect to the movement of the piston in the cylinder. The unique construction of the pressure fluid cylinder makes it very useful for fume hood construction because of the overall small dimensions of the pressure fluid cylinder and the ability to start the piston by overcoming the inertia of the piston using very low air or fluid pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the speed of movement of at least one sash door of a laboratory fume hood is disclosed. The speed of movement of a sash door is detected and an alarm signal is generated if the speed of movement exceeds a predetermined value while increasing the size of the uncovered opening of the fume hood.

Abstract: A tension adjusting sash suspension arrangement for a vertically reciprocal sash for a fume hood having a cable connected to opposite sides of the sash, threaded over front corner pulleys, threaded around rear corner pulleys, threaded through a tension adjusting mechanism and directed downwardly to a common counter weight. The tension adjusting mechanism includes two laterally arranged pulleys mounted rotatably on a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket is slidable along a fixed bracket and fixable in selected position along a slot. The cable lengths are adjusted by loosening the sliding bracket with respect to the fixed bracket and allowing the counter weight to take up all tension in the cables, and then fixing the sliding bracket in position. The sash counter weight system can be precisely adjusted for proper vertical movement of the sash without binding caused by a skewed travel.

Abstract: A laboratory fume hood has a cabinet structure, which defines an enclosed work area, and a primary exhaust assembly. The primary exhaust assembly serves to contain fumes within the work area and then exhaust the fumes. It effects a flow of a volume of air through the work area and in many instances is designed to maintain a constant face velocity across an access opening in the front wall of the fume hood. A secondary collection device is disposed within the fume hood for removing a concentration of fumes from a small portion of the work area. The secondary collection device includes a collector head disposed in the work area and a conduit connected to the primary exhaust assembly. A portion of the air flowing through the work area is directed to the primary exhaust assembly through the secondary collection device. The volume of air passing through the secondary device should not be high enough to adversely affect the containment capabilities of the primary exhaust assembly.

Abstract: A fume hood includes a housing with a work chamber, an access opening to the work chamber, and a sash that one may move between raised and lowered positions to open or close the access opening. It also includes a counterbalance system that maintains the sash at a desired position between two predetermined limits. An adjusting weight system reduces the weight provided by the counterbalance system or increases the weight of the sash to allow the sash to drop to a predetermined position after it has moved above that predetermined position.

Abstract: An enclosure enveloping a work area with a controlled gaseous atmosphere. It is particularly useful as a welding enclosure for welding metals in a total atmosphere of inert gas. The enclosure consists of a basal portion which rests on a table or work bench of similar dimensions and geometry. A short lower portion is preferably of somewhat smaller horizontal cross section than an attached much larger upper portion. A gas diffusion ring is located inside about midway between the top and bottom. There is a recloseable gas tight opening in or adjacent the top for introducing workpieces and a one way vent valve at or adjacent the highest point on the top. When ready for introducing the workpiece the hood drapes neatly and uniformly around the workbench and the gas diffusion ring is enclosed at the lowest part of the draped portion. Argon is the inert gas of preference. When it is introduced it displaces any remaining air ahead of it and ultimately out the vent valve.

Abstract: A safety work bench with a work opening, whose lower boundary is formed by a boundary plate in which ventilation openings are arranged for the generation of a vertical air current, has at least one arm rest installed in the lower area of the work opening. In order to create a safety work bench in which the arm rests are easy to decontaminate, and in order not to significantly diminish the effective cross section of the ventilation openings, the arm rests are constructed as a separate structural member and are detachably mounted on the boundary plate at a distance from it.

Abstract: An air cleaning system for treating contaminated air from a mechanical industrial process containing a heterogenous multi-component mixed density fluid (e.g., mist, vapor and/or smoke) that addresses the cloud-like behavior of this contaminated air. The air cleaning system continuously captures a contaminated air volume emitted during operation of the mechanical industrial process and mixes that contaminated air volume with an ambient air volume in order to produce a mixed air volume having certain characteristic temperatures and air velocities. The characteristics of the mixed air volume are controlled such that the mixed air volume does not exhibit cloud-like behavior when transferred via a conduit structure to an air cleaning apparatus or the like.

Abstract: A source capture system for capturing contaminated air from an industrial process includes structure both for continuously capturing a contaminated air volume emitted during operation of the industrial process and for mixing that contaminated air volume with an ambient air volume to produce a mixed air volume which is then transferred to an air clean apparatus or the like. The source capture system recognizes that air volumes will exhibit different characteristics traveling through an air treatment system, and that certain of those characteristics such as cloud-like formation and contaminated air volumes having significant gaseous phase vapor components are undesirable and operate to decrease the overall effectiveness of the air treatment system, regardless of what type of technology is used for the air cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An air cleaning system for treating contaminated air from a mechanical industrial process containing a heterogenous multi-component mixed density fluid (e.g., mist, vapor and/or smoke) that addresses the cloud-like behavior of this contaminated air. The air cleaning system continuously captures a contaminated air volume emitted during operation of the mechanical industrial process and mixes that contaminated air volume with an ambient air volume in order to produce a mixed air volume having certain characteristic temperatures and air velocities. The characteristics of the mixed air volume are controlled such that the mixed air volume does not exhibit cloud-like behavior when transferred via a conduit structure to an air cleaning apparatus or the like.

Abstract: A countertop for use in a fume hood or similar application including a substantially planar member which defines the countertop and a recess defined in the top surface of the countertop and which defines a reservoir for liquid spills. Within the recess there is provided a platform having a top surface that is disposed at a lower level than the level of the top surface of the countertop, but at a higher level than the bottom surface of the recess. A cupsink is provided on the platform. Preferably a safety zone demarcation identifier is provided which is mounted in a groove formed in the countertop. Both the countertop and the indentifier preferably are formed of an acrylic resin.

Abstract: A workstation for cleaning or machining workpieces such as foundry castings includes a rotatable workpiece support positioned above a ventilated surface of the workstation. In operation, a workpiece is mounted to the rotatable support and rotated as necessary during a cleaning process to enable a user to conveniently access various surfaces of the workpiece. The cleaning process can include chipping, grinding, sanding and polishing steps. The rotatable workpiece support can include a mechanical clamp or a turntable which can be operatively locked in a desired position. Positioning of the workpiece relative to cleaning tools will reduce worker exposure to respirable particulates.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of laboratory fume hoods includes a local area network for transferring data representing alarm conditions, and other special functions, to a building supervisory control system. The system has a calibrating capability which is adapted to build a database of the operating parameters of the fume hood which can be used to detect any degradation of the operation of the fume hood.

Abstract: A fume hood includes a base, sidewalls and a cover that define an enclosed work space, a work surface, at least one trough, and an access opening. The fume hood also includes a moveable sash for closing the opening and an air foil disposed proximate an edge portion of the opening to direct air flow through the opening and into the work space. This air foil includes a flat portion with a surface that normally lies flush with the work surface of the fume hood.

Abstract: A work station consisting of an environmental chamber and base unit especially suited for use by a manicurist in the preparation of nails and in the application of nail polish. The environmental chamber is fully enclosed to prevent noxious fumes from escaping. The noxious fumes are evacuated by a quiet, low volume exhaust motor and fan. The environmental chamber is enclosed by a transparent top cover supported by a pair of end walls and a pair of flexible curtains allowing the client and the manicurist to insert their hands into the enclosed space. The top cover provides an enclosed space allowing the collection of nail dust and providing eye protection for the client and manicurist. The environmental chamber is supported by a base unit. The base unit provides storage drawers for the supplies of the manicurist, a lamp to illuminate the work area and magnifying lens to aid the manicurist in observing the work area.

Abstract: A fume hood for venting fumes comprising a cabinet, a venting system, and a split sash. The cabinet defines a working area. The cabinet has a front face which comprises an opening for providing access to the working area. The venting system is connected to the cabinet and vents fumes that collect in the working area of the cabinet. A split sash is movably secured to the front face of the cabinet for selectively opening and closing the opening to the working area of the cabinet. The split sash comprises at least two panels that move in unison between closed and open positions. Further, the fume hood comprises a bypass having an opening formed in the face of the cabinet for controlling the face velocity of the cabinet and means for selectively adjusting the size of the bypass opening.

Abstract: A fume hood defines a ventilated and enclosed work space surrounded by two opposed side panels, a rear panel connected between the side panels, and a top panel, with an access opening formed at the front of the enclosed work space between front-facing edges of the side panels. The side panels and rear panel of the fume hood are double-walled, defining interior flow spaces in fluid communication with each other. The interior flow space of the rear panel is in fluid communication with a negative pressure source and with the enclosed work space through egress openings formed on the interior wall thereof, such that contaminated air may be withdrawn from the work space by the negative pressure source and discharged to a benign area.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting presence and/or motion of a person or other movable entity within a selected space. Detection is accomplished by detecting reflected light or other radiation from the space, presence being signified when detected radiation differs from an established background, either up or down, by an amount exceeding a predetermined threshold. Blending of the entity with the background is avoided by viewing the entity at at least two different angles with different background, for example by use of two spaced detectors, and variations in background are automatically compensated for when a presence indication persists for a selected period of time after the last motion indication is received. The background is updated to the current level when this occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling potentially dangerous materials by an operator, comprising a work head including a main body (2) having first and second work zones therein, the first and second work zones (15, 19) being arranged adjacent one another with a transfer opening (20) therebetween. The apparatus further includes a first access opening (17) for providing access to said first work zone by the operator from externally thereof and a second access opening (21) for providing access to the second work zone (19) by the operator from externally thereof. An air flow generator (85, 86) is provided for withdrawing air from said first work zone and the apparatus further includes liquid spray means (23) comprising a plurality of spray heads (27) arranged so that liquid spray therefrom forms a plurality of liquid barriers or curtains which at least partially surround the second work zone including liquid barriers or curtains across the transfer opening (20) and second access opening (21).

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet-processing apparatus comprising a chamber having a working space, means for wet processing in the working space, means for supplying nitrogen gas in fluid communication with the chamber, a nitrogen gas outlet located in a wall of the chamber, means for cleaning nitrogen gas by removing contaminants mixed therewith located in an area of the chamber downstream of the working space and upstream of the nitrogen gas outlet and having a contaminated gas inlet and a treated gas outlet in fluid communication with the chamber, means for diverting gas in the chamber located downstream of the treated gas outlet and upstream of the nitrogen gas supplying means, the means for diverting gas having a first position providing egress of treated gas from the chamber through the nitrogen gas outlet while inhibiting fluid communication to other parts of the chamber and a second position permitting fluid communication and recirculation of the treated gas to other parts of the chamber while pre

Abstract: A portable apparatus for removing fumes and vapors from the work area of a nail technician comprises a transparent hood having two semicircular end walls attached at opposite ends of a semicylindrical side wall so as to create a generally semicylindrical enclosure defining an interior chamber when placed on a flat surface. The side wall has an inner layer and an outer layer which is separated from the inner layer by a preselected distance so as to define a plenum therebetween. Both the inner layer and the outer layer have four portions defining hand openings for the insertion of hands of a nail technician and a customer. The inner layer has a plurality of apertures extending from the interior chamber to the plenum. The hood has at least one suction port in communication with the plenum, the suction port also being in communication with a source of reduced pressure by means of any convenient air passageway such as a hose.

Abstract: A filling plant for filling bags with hazardous bulk or fluid media is designed to ensure that the medium to be filled is proportioned and packaged under clean room conditions in a bag filling plant at the outlet of a production plant for the hazardous medium. The outlet opening of the production plant communicates with a hermetically sealable container into which the hazardous medium can pass and in which the filling plant and a bag to be filled are disposed.

Abstract: A fume hood comprises a back wall (1), two opposed side walls (2), a work table (3) extending between them, an upper part (4) and a movable front sash (5), together defining a working space (6) to which an exhaust device connects. At least one side wall (2) is equipped near its front edge with electrical sockets (8) and with controllable medium outlets (9) opening into the working space (6). The front edges of the side walls (2) comprise separate front posts (7) fixed to the remainder (15) of the side walls (2) and adapted to receive said electrical sockets (8) and medium outlets (9).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid around an object which include means to periodically vary or fluctuate the direction, speed or magnitude of the fluid flow. The fluid flow is particularly controlled to control eddy formation. The fluid is preferably a gas or vapor.

Abstract: A spray cleaning system is designed to use a flammable solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, and includes safety features to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the cleaning chamber below a safe limit. The system includes a chamber for containing the article to be cleaned, a nozzle for directing a spray of solvent against the article, and a pump for supplying solvent to the nozzle. The chamber is ventilated with a flow of air to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the chamber below a predetermined safety limit, such as the lower explosive limit for the solvent, and the air is exhausted to create a negative pressure within the chamber. A sensor detects combustion or an explosion within the chamber. Additional sensors can be included to monitor leakage of solvent from the cleaning chamber or solvent supply tank. The flow of solvent to the nozzle is automatically halted in the event of combustion or explosion, or if solvent leakage is detected.

Abstract: A vertical heat treating apparatus comprises a casing having an opening through which articles to be processed are loaded and unloaded, a heat treating furnace provided in the casing, a loading and unloading mechanism provided under the heat treating furnace so as to load the articles to be processed in and unload the same from the heat treating furnace, and a clean air flow forming unit provided in a space which is formed in the casing and in which the loading and unloading mechanism is provided so as to form a clean air flow conducted from one side of the casing to the opposite side thereof.

Abstract: An environmental chamber comprising a transparent dome shaped housing having an annular conduit, including an exhaust port, affixed to the base of the housing. The housing securely fits over an end of a chemical container, to create a controlled environment within the encapsulated space between the housing and the container. Two cylindrical openings at the top of the housing allow chemical transfer hoses to be connected to the chemical container openings. A pair of gloved access ports allow an operator to access the encapsulated space to manipulate connections between the transfer hoses and the chemical container openings. The top of the housing also includes an intake port for delivering clean purging material into the encapsulated space in order to purge the encapsulated environment of any chemical that escaped from the chemical openings during hook up of the transfer tubing.

Abstract: A facility for providing a sealed work area to handle, manipulate and formulate materials which includes a walled enclosure having an interior periphery defining a work area. The enclosure includes an inlet port for allowing air to flow into the enclosure work area and an outlet port for allowing air to flow out of the enclosure work area. A replaceable liner is positioned within the enclosure work area in facing relationship with the interior periphery to further define the enclosure work area. The liner includes an inlet aperture in complementary sealed engagement with the inlet port and an outlet aperture in complementary sealed engagement with the outlet port. The liner is readily removable from the work area to be replaced with a second liner to facilitate decontamination of the work area. A blower causes air to flow through the inlet port into the enclosure work area and out of the enclosure work area through the outlet port.

Abstract: An air canopy system for use with equipment producing fumes whose escape into the environment adjacent the equipment is not desired. The system comprises rear and side walls adapted to upstand from adjacent rear and sides of the equipment; an upper canopy surmounting the rear and side walls and cooperating therewith to define a volume for receiving fumes produced by the equipment; an arranged to extend substantially between the side walls in a forwardly spaced relationship from the front of the equipment for cooperation therewith to bound a makeup air receiving inlet for permitting passage of air from the environment into the volume and for cooperation with the side walls and the upper canopy to bound an access opening for the volume, wherein the air curtain is directed towards the upper canopy for preventing escape of fumes from the volume through the access opening; and an exhaust inlet extending along an upper extent of the rear wall for withdrawing fumes and air from the volume.

Abstract: A novel stand for demonstrating electrosurgical, laser, and electrocautery treatments with animal tissue. The stand can have a simple C-shape, and be connected via a tube to a conventional vacuum device. Any smoke or noxious vapors generated during the simulated treatment are efficiently and effectively removed by the vacuum device.

Abstract: Fume hood controller apparatus includes a computing means, together with associated memory, which can be configured for horizontally and/or vertically moveable sash doors by inputting the necessary dimensions of the sash doors and other structural features, such as the upper lip height, frame widths and the like. The apparatus rapidly calculates the size of the uncovered area of the fume hood as a functions of the position of the sash doors.

Abstract: A said suction hood (1) being connected to a gas extraction system (7) and preferably suspended on a movable arm system (4) permitting the suction hood (1) to be set in various positions relative to an area (2) from which the injurious gases (G) are extracted. For substantially increasing the depth of the suction hood when required, the suction hood (1) includes at least one and preferably three movably mounted wall elements (15, 16, 17) which is or are settable in a folded position or folded positions and which is or are unfoldable into a position or positions wherein it or they gives or give the suction hood (1) a fume cupboard like shape and function.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling and eliminating vapor emissions at a manicure work station including a housing disposed about an isolation chamber for accommodating one or more containers of vapor emitting materials. A plenum chamber is in communication with the isolation chamber and a fan delivers a flow of air from the isolation chamber into the plenum chamber and through a filter disposed between the plenum chamber and the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A smoker's booth for isolating, containing, venting, and filtering tobacco smoke. The booth has a walled enclosure with a smoker's access aperture. The presence of a smoker is detected, thereby activating the venting and filtering mechanisms. The booth can be wall mounted or freestanding.

Abstract: A focussed ventilation method and apparatus for a work space, in the method and apparatus suction is focussed on the source of impurities of the work spot and/or on the source of excess heat, and the operation of the focussed suction is assisted with the air blown from a wide surface area at a low speed from an incoming air means.