Isolator

Abstract

The disclosure provides a modular isolator apparatus. The apparatus comprises an isolator comprising a housing, having an opening therein, and an isolator coupling member disposed around the opening. The apparatus further comprises at least one functional unit comprising a functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with the isolator coupling member, thereby reversibly coupling the functional unit and the isolator. The apparatus further comprises at least one sealing member, configured to create an airtight seal between the isolator and functional unit coupling members when they are coupled; and at least one locking member, configured to secure the functional unit to the isolator when the isolator and functional unit are coupled. The apparatus is characterised in that when the functional unit is not secured to the isolator it is removable therefrom.

Claims

1. A modular isolator apparatus comprising: an isolator comprising a housing, having an opening therein, and an isolator coupling member disposed around the opening; at least one functional unit comprising a functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with the isolator coupling member, thereby reversibly coupling the functional unit and the isolator; at least one sealing member, configured to create an airtight seal between the isolator and functional unit coupling members when they are coupled; and at least one locking member, configured to secure the functional unit to the isolator when the isolator and functional unit are coupled; characterised in that when the functional unit is not secured to the isolator it is removable therefrom.

2. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member comprises at least one first lock, wherein the or each first lock is configured to be controlled by a user; optionally wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of spaced apart first locks, and the plurality of spaced apart first locks consists of between 2 and 10 first locks.

3. (canceled)

4. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the or each first lock is a cam lock and is disposed on the isolator.

5. The modular apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one locking member comprises at least one second lock, wherein the apparatus comprises an isolator controller, and the isolator controller is configured to control the or each second lock; optionally wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of spaced apart second locks, and the plurality of spaced apart second locks consists of between 2 and 10 second locks.

6. (canceled)

7. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the or each second lock is a pneumatic lock and is disposed on the isolator.

8. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one sensing units connected to the isolator controller, wherein the at least one sensing units are configured to sense when the functional unit is coupled to the isolator and/or to sense when the or each first lock is locked.

9. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the isolator controller is configured to engage the at least one second lock when the at least one sensing units sense that the functional unit is coupled to the isolator and/or the or each first lock is locked.

10. The modular isolator apparatus according to 9 claim 5, wherein the isolator controller is configured to not disengage the at least one second lock until a user input confirms that the isolator has been fully cleaned.

11. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the isolator coupling member comprises an isolator collar, wherein the isolator collar comprises a first side, configured to contact a first side of the functional unit coupling member, a second, internal side, disposed substantially adjacent to the opening; optionally wherein the functional unit coupling member comprises a functional unit collar disposed on the first side of the functional unit coupling member; and/or wherein the functional unit collar is configured to sit within the isolator collar.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. The modular isolator apparatus according claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises a first sealing member, which is disposed on an internal side of the isolator collar.

15. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first sealing member is an inflatable seal or vacuum inflatable seal, wherein the apparatus comprises an isolator controller, and the isolator controller is configured to inflate or deform the seal.

16. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a second sealing member is disposed on the first side of the isolator coupling member, and is preferably an O-ring.

17. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises an isolator controller and the isolator controller is configured to power down the apparatus, wherein the isolator controller is configured to not initiate powering down of the apparatus until a user has confirmed that the isolator has been cleaned.

18. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one guide member configured to guide the functional unit into a desired position on the coupling member.

19. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a functional unit comprising a panel and the functional unit coupling member is disposed around the edge of the panel.

20. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the functional unit comprises one or more of a rapid transfer port (RTP), a bag-out port and/or a flexible isolator port disposed in the panel.

21. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit comprising a housing defining a chamber therein, wherein the chamber is configured to allow a user access to the chamber from outside of the isolator.

22. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises at least one functional unit configured to reversibly connect the isolator to a second isolator, wherein the at least one functional unit configured to connect the isolator to a second isolator comprises a first functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with a first isolator coupling member on a first isolator, and a second functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with a second isolator coupling member on the second isolator; optionally wherein the at least one functional unit configured to reversibly connect the first isolator to the second isolator comprises a conduit extending between the first and second isolator coupling members; and/or wherein the functional unit comprises a panel extending across the conduit, and the panel comprises one or more of a rapid transfer port, a bag-out port and/or a HEPA filter.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. The modular isolator apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the at least one functional unit configured to reversibly connect the isolator to a second isolator comprises a centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit comprising a housing defining a chamber therein, wherein the chamber is configured to reversibly connect the first and second isolators and to allow a user access to the chamber from outside of the isolators.

26. An isolator comprising: a housing, having an opening therein, and an isolator coupling member disposed around the opening, the isolator coupling member being configured to couple with a functional unit coupling area, and thereby couple the isolator to a functional unit; at least one sealing member, disposed on the isolator coupling member and being configured to create an airtight seal between the isolator and functional unit coupling members when they are coupled; and at least one locking member, configured to secure the functional unit to the isolator when the isolator and functional unit are coupled; characterised in that the isolator may be disconnected from the functional unit.

Description

[0074] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:-

[0075] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an isolator with a coupling member provided in a side thereof;

[0076] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the isolator, wherein a blank end cap has been located over the coupling member;

[0077] FIG. 3 is a side view of the isolator and coupling member;

[0078] FIG. 4 is a close up of the blank end cap positioned on the isolator;

[0079] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the isolator and blank end cap;

[0080] FIG. 6 is a close up of a portion of the blank end cap positioned on the isolator;

[0081] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the isolator and blank end cap;

[0082] FIG. 8 is a close up of a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 7;

[0083] FIG. 9 shows alternative end caps which can be used with the isolator;

[0084] FIG. 10 shows a further alternative end cap which can be used with the isolator; and

[0085] FIG. 11 shows a still further alternative end cap which can be used with the isolator.

EXAMPLES

[0086] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an isolator 2, or glovebox, configured to allow the handling of hazardous and/or toxic substances. Alternatively, or additionally, the isolator 2 can provide an aseptic environment to protect a product and/or materials therein from the external environment.

[0087] The isolator 2 includes a work area 4 provided on a support stand 6. When the isolator is in use, the work area 4, or chamber, will be fully enclosed and sealed. Three ports 8 are configured to allow gloves to be attached to the front of the isolator 2. This allows a user to access the work area 4, while preventing direct contact with any hazardous or sterile materials therein. All exhaust air leaving the isolator 2 during use is filtered with a HEPA filter 10, thereby removing harmful toxic materials. All air entering the isolator 2 during use may also be filtered with a HEPA filter 10.

[0088] As can be seen in FIG. 1, a coupling member 12, disposed around an opening 16, is provided in a side 14 of the isolator 2. As discussed below, the coupling member 12 allows a functional unit 36 to be reversibly connected to the side 14 of the isolator 2.

[0089] The coupling member 12 comprises a collar 18 defining an internal surface 20, disposed adjacent to the opening 16, an external surface 22, spaced apart from the opening 16, and an interconnecting edge 24 which extends between the internal and external surfaces. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a vacuum inflatable seal 26 is disposed on the internal surface 20 of the collar 18. Furthermore, an O-ring seal 28 is disposed on the interconnecting edge 24 of the collar 18.

[0090] The coupling member 12 further comprises four spaced apart pins 30, each disposed on the interconnecting edge 24 of the collar. The pins 30 are disposed between the O-ring seal 28 and the external surface 22 of the collar 18.

[0091] Also disposed on the collar 18 are four spaced apart rotating manual cam locks 32. The rotating manual cam locks 32 are disposed on the interconnecting edge 24, adjacent to external surface 22, of the collar 18.

[0092] Finally, the coupling member 12 comprises two pneumatic cylinders 34. Each pneumatic cylinder 34 is disposed adjacent to the external surface 22 of the collar 18, and the two pneumatic cylinders 34 are disposed on opposite sides of the collar 18. Each pneumatic cylinder comprises a bolt 35.

[0093] Various functional units 36 are configured to attach to the coupling member 12. For instance, FIGS. 2 to 8 show an embodiment where a blank end cap 36a is fitted to the coupling member 12. Some alternative functional units 36 are shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 and include a rapid transfer port (RTP) 36b, a pass-through hatch end airlock 36c, a centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock 36d, an isolator to isolator sleeve 36e, a flexible isolator connector 36f and an isolator to isolator sleeve with a bag out port 36g. It may be appreciated that a user could select a suitable functional unit 36 for a given application.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 4, each functional unit 36 comprises a flange 38 configured to fit over at least a portion of the interconnecting edge 24 of the collar 18. Four apertures are provided in the flange 38, and correspond to the locations of the pins 30. Accordingly, when a user is positioning a functional unit 36 on the coupling member 12, either manually or using a cart, the pins 30 and corresponding apertures guide the functional unit 36 into the correct position.

[0095] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the functional unit 36 further comprises a collar 40 on a first side of the flange 38. When the functional unit 36 is coupled to the isolator .sub.2, the collar 40 of the functional unit is configured to fit within and the isolator collar 18. Due to the location of the vacuum inflatable seal 26 between the collars 18, 40 it will create a first seal when it is located. Similarly, when the functional unit 36 is positioned on the isolator 2, the flange 38 is configured to contact the O-ring seal 28, and thereby create a second seal. The second seal is provided in case the first seal should fail. This ensures that, in use, a seal is always provided between the coupling member 12 and functional unit 36.

[0096] As can be seen in FIG. 6, four depressions 42 are defined in the flange 38. The depressions 42 are positioned in the flange 38 such that when the functional unit 36 is positioned on the coupling member 12, each depression 42 is located adjacent to a corresponding rotating manual cam lock 32. Accordingly, a user can rotate each of the rotating manual cam locks 32 to manually lock the functional unit 36 into place.

[0097] A sensor (not shown) disposed in the isolator 2 senses when the functional unit 36 is coupled to the isolator and manually locked in place. The sensor will send this information to a controller, and the controller will then automatically cause the pneumatic cylinders 34 to move their bolts 35 into corresponding recesses 44 in the flange 38, thereby locking the functional unit 36 to the coupling member 12. The controller will not disengage the pneumatic cylinders 34 until an operator confirms that the isolator 2 has been fully cleaned. This prevents a functional unit 36 from being removed before the isolator 2 has been cleaned.

[0098] The controller may then inflate the inflatable seal 26 and initiate an isolator fan (not shown) to cause the pressure within the work area 4 to be reduced. In embodiments where the functional unit 36 is a blank end cap 36a or RTP end cap 36b, the isolator is then ready for use.

[0099] Alternatively, in embodiments where the functional unit 36 is a pass-through hatch end airlock 36c, additional sensors within the pass-through hatch end airlock 36c will need to be connected to the controller. Furthermore, the pass-through hatch end airlock 36c will need to be connected to pneumatic air to enable inflatable door seals therein to be inflated. Once these steps have been conducted, in addition to the ones listed above, the isolator will be ready to use.

[0100] If the functional unit 36 is am isolator to isolator sleeve 36e then it will need to be connected to another isolator prior to use. This may be achieved using the steps set out above.

[0101] Finally, if the functional unit 36 is a centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock 36d then the additional steps described for both the pass-through hatch end airlock 36c and the isolator to isolator sleeve 36e will need to conducted prior to use.

[0102] After the isolator has been used and fully cleaned, the user must input this information to the controller. The controller will then stop the isolator fan and deflate the vacuum seal 26. A vacuum may be applied to the vacuum seal 26 to ensure it is in the undocked position to prevent any damage. The controller will then disengage the pneumatic cylinders 34. If required, a user will have to disconnect any sensors and pneumatic lines from the functional unit 36 which are connected to the controller. The user can then release the four rotating manual cam locks 32 and remove the functional unit 36 from the coupling member 12.