Method for protecting and unprotecting the fluid path in a controlled environment enclosure
US10067151B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/00277
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A controlled environment enclosure comprises a robotic arm manipulation system used to protect and unprotect a fluid path and a swab within the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be protected against dangerous decontamination vapors and chemicals before the controlled environment enclosure is decontaminated. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be unprotected without the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure when decontamination is completed. The apparatus and method allow for the protecting, unprotecting and decontaminating sequences to be automated. In some embodiments the fluid path comprises a fill needle that can removably and aseptically be sealed with a disposable monolithic injection molded polymeric fill needle sheath. The apparatus and method further allow for the use of a swab disposed in a swab holder that is aseptically and removably sealable to a swab cap to protect the swab against decontamination vapors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.