Transfer arrangement for sealable enclosure

Details Transfer arrangement for sealable enclosure Transfer arrangement for sealable enclosure

1991-04-01

1992-08-18

Falk, Joseph

Supports: cabinet structure

Barrier opening with flexible seal for operator

A47B 4402

Patent

active

051393182

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to transfer arrangements for transferring items to and from a sealable enclosure, by means of a sealable, moveable container, with minimum exposure of their interiors, or escape of gas therefrom, to the environment. It has one application in transferring samples of radioactive material from eg a glovebox to eg an enclosed electron microscope, for examination and vice versa.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
In some known arrangements for this purpose, the enclosure and the container have respectively a port sealed by a door and an opening sealed by a lid. In operation, the container is first sealed to the enclosure, and the door and lid, locked together, are opened inwards of the enclosure to allow the transfer of items between the two. In these arrangements the door and lid are hinged to swing inwards of the enclosure, but this is only possible where the enclosure allows sufficient space, as is not always the case. Also in these arrangements the door is only openable from inside the enclosure by a gloved hand.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In French Patent No. 1,539,845 an arrangement is described whereby operation of a single knob effects simultaneous engagement of door and lid, disengagement of door from enclosure and disengagement of lid from container. The door and lid can then be retracted into the enclosure, but there is no explanation as to how they are supported therein. Operation of the knob is described as being effected from within the enclosure, either manually or by means of a manipulator, although there is no description of any manipulator.
It is one object of the present invention to provide an arrangement which does not involve an inward swinging door, and another to provide one in which the door is openable from outside the enclosure. Other advantages will become apparent in the course of the description of an embodiment of the invention.
According to the present invention a transfer arrangement for transferring items from a sealable enclosure by means of a sealable container removably attachable to the enclosure comprises: having a sealing member located at its rim; said port having means for engaging said container; rotatable inner portion sealed to the outer portion, said outer portion having an outwardly extending second thin lip, said second thin lip being of slightly smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of said first thin lip and so arranged that, when the two lips are aligned edge-to-edge, the two aforesaid sealing members can sandwich and bridge the two lips; beyond its outer portion for engaging, upon rotation, the periphery of the port within the enclosure and also having attached thereto means for engaging, upon rotation, the outer portion of said lid; upon rotation, the rim of said container; cause their common rotation when coupled; for rotating the inner portion of said door to simultaneously engage or disengage the door from the port. and the lid from the container and disengage or engage the door and the lid, and for moving the locked-together door and lid back and laterally away from the port within the enclosure.
Said operating means may comprise:
a shaft extending into and sealed to said enclosure adjacent said port, said shaft having secured to its inner end a linkage to the inner portion of said door for rotating said inner portion by rotating the shaft;
said shaft being axially slidable inward of the enclosure and said linkage being arranged thereupon to withdraw the door and lid when locked together, back into the enclosure;
said shaft, when slid inwards, being rotatable to move the coupled-together door and lid laterally away from the port.
Said means for engaging said container to said port may comprise a locking ring rotatably secured to, and rotatable about, said port to engage the rim of said container. When said locking ring is rotated to engage said rim, it may be arranged to free a member which thereby permits rotation of said shaft and which, upon said shaft rotation, preve

REFERENCES:
patent: 4915272 (1990-04-01), Vlock

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