Airlock apparatus and method
OwnerVladislav Kopmaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for transporting objects from a first compartment to a second compartment, where a movable valve element gates off the first compartment from the second compartment. The device includes a transfer element operable with the valve element to prevent the valve element from opening when the transfer element is not engaging the first compartment and to prevent articles and particulates, fluids, gases, odors, and matter from the second compartment from entering the first compartment when the valve element is open. A method for transferring articles into a container is also provided.
Claims21
A device comprising:
- a first compartment having a first open end and a second open end;
- a second compartment having a first open end and a second open end;
- a valve element having a first open end in communication with the first compartment, and a second open end in communication with the second compartment, the valve element being movable between a closed position in which the first compartment is not in communication with the second compartment, and an open position in which the first compartment is in communication with the second compartment;
- and
- a transfer element operable with the valve element for advancing at least one article or matter from the first compartment to the second compartment, wherein the transfer element is operable with the valve element such that the valve element is prevented from opening when the transfer element is not in the first compartment.
A device comprising:
- a first compartment having a first open end and a second open end;
- a second compartment having a first open end and a second open end;
- a valve element having a first open end in communication with the first compartment, and a second open end in communication with the second compartment, the valve element being movable between a closed position in which the first compartment is not in communication with the second compartment, and an open position in which the first compartment is in communication with the second compartment;
- and
- a transfer element operable with the valve element for advancing at least one article or matter from the first compartment to the second compartment, wherein the transfer element further comprises a vent configured to facilitate the inflow of gases or fluids to the first compartment during actuation of the transfer element away from the first compartment.
A device comprising:
- a first compartment having a first open end and a second open end;
- a second compartment having a first open end and a second open end;
- a valve element having a first open end in communication with the first compartment, and a second open end in communication with the second compartment, the valve element being movable between a closed position in which the first compartment is not in communication with the second compartment, and an open position in which the first compartment is in communication with the second compartment;
- a transfer element operable with the valve element for advancing at least one article or matter from the first compartment to the second compartment;
- and
- the second open end of the second compartment connects to a third compartment, wherein the third compartment has an open end in communication with the second end of the second compartment and an open end, wherein the open end of the third compartment is in communication with a pressure release element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.