Fume hood with horizontally moveable panels

Abstract

A fume hood adapted to be connected to an exhaust system has a ventilated chamber having an access opening, and at least one horizontally sliding sash or panel at the access opening that is configured to cover and uncover portions of the access opening. Each horizontally sliding panel has a peripheral edge that convexly curves into the chamber towards a centerline of the at least one horizontally sliding panel. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge is convexly curved in an arc of between about ninety degrees and about one hundred eighty degrees (90°-180°). The exhaust system creates air flow into the chamber and the curved peripheral edge produces controlled air flow patterns into the chamber. The curved edge is aerodynamically designed to help shed vortices and prevent accumulation of concentrations on the inside edge of the each panel typical of conventional fume hood sashes/panels.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.