US 4,108,509 AGranted

Controlled environment work enclosure

AssigneeFuturecraft Corporation

InventorsMeyer Piet, Dean Gaylord Giles

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

An improved controlled atmosphere work enclosure for use in handling hazardous materials such as mercury and mercury alloys. The work enclosure comprises a hollow housing defining a work space within which an amalgamator unit, work platform, or the like can be mounted. Replaceable flexible plastic or rubber gloves are sealably affixed to glove rings mounted on the front of the unit to permit convenient working access to the amalgamator or work platform. Filtered air inlets are provided at each side of the work enclosure and a filtered air outlet is installed in the rear wall thereof above the work area. A fan unit is mounted exteriorly of the enclosure proximate the air outlet to maintain subatmospheric pressure within the enclosure and to cause air to be continuously drawn inwardly through the air inlets, through the work area and upwardly and rearwardly toward the filtered outlet. Use of the enclosure permits hazardous materials to be safely and expeditiously handled and stored without fear of environmental contamination.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A work enclosure for use in dental operatories to enclose an amalgamator within a controlled atmosphere, comprising:

(a) interconnected front, back, side, bottom, and top walls defining an enclosed work space, said back wall having a forwardly sloping portion and said top wall having a removable viewing panel provided therein;
(b) a mercury collection sump formed in said bottom wall, said bottom wall being configured to slope downwardly from said front, back, and side walls toward said sump;
(c) glove means replaceably mounted on said front wall for receiving the hands of an operator and permitting manipulation of the amalgamator;
(d) air inlets provided in said side walls of said housing on opposite sides of the work space;
(e) first filter means cooperatively associated with said air inlets for preventing passage therethrough of dust or other particulate material;
(f) an air outlet provided in said forwardly sloping portion of said back wall rearwardly and above the work space;
(g) a motorized suction fan carried by said back wall proximate said air outlet for maintaining subatmospheric pressure in said work enclosure and for drawing a stream of air inwardly from said air inlets through said work space and upwardly and rearwardly toward said air outlet;
and
(h) second filter means interposed in said stream of air between said work space and said fan for preventing mercury in vapor form contained therein from escaping from said work enclosure through said air outlet.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 05/779,013Filed 18 Mar 1977
Granted: 22 Aug 1978
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

B01D 46/24
Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours: particle separators, e.g. dust…
A61C 19/007
Dental auxiliary appliances: dust removing devices on working places in dental laboratories, e.g. working by suction
B01D 46/42
Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours: auxiliary equipment or operation thereof
B01D 46/62
With multiple filtering elements, characterised by their mutual disposition: connected in series