# US 11,440,721 B1 · Airlock apparatus and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,440,721 B1 - Document ID: US11440721B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 17/000,343 - Filed: 2020-08-23 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2018-03-02 - Applicants: Vladislav Kopman - Inventors: Vladislav Kopman - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11440721B1 ## CPC - B65D 81/2015: {in an at least partially rigid container (B65D81/2038 takes precedence)} - B65F 1/10: with refuse filling means, e.g. air-locks - B65D 25/08: with provisions for removing or destroying, e.g. to facilitate mixing of contents - B65D 25/10: Devices to locate articles in containers {(for protecting articles from mechanical damage B65D81/02)} - B65F 1/1607: {with filling openings} - B65F 1/163: {Pedal-operated lids} - B65F 1/1638: {Electromechanically operated lids} - B65F 2001/1676: {relating to means for sealing the lid or cover, e.g. against escaping odors} - B65F 2210/188: Vacuum drawing means - B65F 2240/132: Diapers - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - B65F: GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE (disinfecting refuse A61L; refuse disintegrators B02C; sorting refuse B03B; B07B; handcarts for transporting refuse receptacles B62B; sack holders B65B67/00; converting refuse into fertilisers C05F; converting refuse into solid fuels C10L; sewers, cesspools E03F; arrangements in buildings for the disposal of refuse E04F17/10; refuse-consuming furnaces F23G; {for surgical articles A61B50/36}) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transfer element is operable with the valve element to prevent articles or particulates, fluids, gases, odors, or matter from the second compartment from entering the first compartment when the valve element is not in the closed position. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first open end of the first compartment is configured to receive said at least one article or matter. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the closed position of the valve element creates a seal between the first compartment and the second compartment. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) A device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the seal restricts the passage of gasses, matter, or odors from the second compartment to the first compartment. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) A device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the seal is hermetic. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, 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. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transfer element seals the first open end of the first compartment when the transfer element is within the first compartment. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve element is a sliding gate comprised of at least one slidable door. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve element is a swinging gate comprised of at least one swingable or hinged door. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve element is an iris gate comprised of a plurality of doors. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transfer element is configured to advance particulates, fluids, gasses, or odors encompassed by the first compartment into the second compartment. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transfer element is operable with the valve element through an energy transmission means. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transfer element is operable with the valve element through a combination of gears, wheels, racks, springs, linkages, cables, and/or actuators. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the second opening of the second compartment connects to a third compartment. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) A device in accordance with claim 15, wherein the third compartment has an open end in communication with the second end of the second compartment and a closed end. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) A device in accordance with claim 15, wherein the third compartment has an open end in communication with the second end of the second compartment and an open end. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) A device in accordance with claim 17, wherein the open end of the third compartment is in communication with a pressure release element. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) A device in accordance with claim 18, wherein the pressure release element is in communication with a filtration element such that the filtration element retards the passage of harmful or olfactory-offensive gasses or particulates while allowing other gases to pass through said filtration element. ### Claim 20 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. ### Claim 21 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.