Inert environment sleeve adapter
AssigneeWestern Washington University
InventorGreg O'Neil
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Many chemicals are sensitive to or can react with compounds in the air. For example, many chemicals can react to water vapor and oxygen as well as trace gases carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. Chemicals are typically packaged in a container. A device, called an adapter, is presented to provide an inert environment when working with reactive chemicals. The adapter is fitted on the container and allows for the establishment of inert environment that surrounds the opening of the container.
Claims23
An adapter for providing an inert atmosphere to a space adjacent an associated container, the longitudinal axis of the container oriented at an angle between about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to vertical, the container having an opening and containing a reactive chemical, the adapter comprising:
- a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening positioned at one end of the body, the first portion configured to receive via the opening a section of the container in a sealable manner;
- a cavity disposed in the body and in fluid communication with the opening of the first portion, the cavity surrounding the opening of the container when the container is received by the first portion;
- and
- a gas inlet fitting disposed in fluid communication with the cavity;
- wherein an inert gas is introducible to the cavity through the gas inlet fitting for establishing an inert atmosphere within the cavity adjacent the opening of the container.
19-22. (canceled)
(canceled)
A method of transferring a reactive chemical, comprising:
- obtaining a container having a sealed opening, the container housing a reactive chemical;
- providing an inert atmosphere surrounding the sealed opening of the container;
- exposing the reactive chemical to the inert atmosphere;
- and
- removing at least a portion of the reactive chemical from the container.
26-29. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.