Other

Lee H Thompson

Jane Homan

The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for isolating hazardous agents and organisms from their handlers and the public. In particular, the present invention relates to modular negative pressure biological containment chambers.

Modular biosafety containment apparatus and system

An apparatus is provided for use in monitoring the level and temperature of a liquid flowing through a horizontally extending line that is to remain full of liquid, wherein the temperature of the liquid is to be maintained below an established acceptable value. The apparatus includes a chamber interposed in the line and formed with an enlarged transverse cross-sectional area, and is disposed at least partially above the line. The chamber is closed except for an inlet and outlet in fluid communication with the line. A sensing assembly is provided within the chamber for sensing the level and temperature of the liquid flowing through the chamber. A control assembly measures the liquid level and temperature sensed by the sensing assembly and activates an alarm when either the level of the liquid in the chamber drops below a predetermined level or the temperature exceeds a predetermined value above the established acceptable value. Structure is also provided within the chamber for relieving trapped air from the chamber so that the trapped air does not force the liquid level below the sensing means.

Liquid level and temperature monitoring apparatus

A fluid pump apparatus includes an elongated chamber within which a pair of pistons are movable. The chamber includes an intermediate inlet and outlets at the ends thereof. The pistons are formed of para-magnetic material and include passageways for providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlets. An external magnetic drive system oscillates the pistons back and forth within the chamber, and includes two pairs of electrically conductive windings, wherein each pair surrounds the chamber at a position between the inlet and one of the outlets. The windings are energized in such a way that they cause the pistons to oscillate in unison with one another. Valves are provided for permitting fluid flow through the passageways in a direction from the inlet toward the outlets, and for permitting fluid flow from the chamber through the outlets. These valves also prevent fluid flow in the reverse direction.

Fluid pump apparatus

An apparatus is provided for use in monitoring the level and temperature of a refrigerant, wherein the temperature of the liquid phase of the refrigerant is to be maintained below an established acceptable value. The apparatus includes a chamber interposed in a liquid line of a cooling system, wherein the chamber has a transverse cross-sectional area greater than the area of the liquid line, and is disposed at least partially above the line. A temperature sensor and a heater are provided within the chamber above the height of the liquid line and the sensor is connected to an alarm through a control which measures the temperature of the sensor and activates the alarm when the sensor temperature exceeds a predetermined value above the established acceptable value of the refrigerant liquid. The heater is of a temperature greater than the predetermined value so that when the liquid within the chamber falls below the temperature sensor and heater, heat is transferred to the sensor and raises the temperature of the sensor, and when the liquid level within the chamber reaches the sensor and heater, heat is transferred to the liquid and the temperature of the sensor is maintained at about the same value as the liquid.

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Columbia, MO, United States of America

Lee H Thompson