USH785H
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Decontamination apparatus and method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-10-18
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Granted: 1990-06-05
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Expires: 2009-10-18
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for control of hazardous particulates such as asbestos during removal of these materials. Asbestos was applied as insulation and wall finish in many buildings before the dangers of particulate asbestos were recognized. A substantially airtight containment is provided around the affected work space. An accessway is provided to allow access for persons tools equipment, and materials. A filtration machine is provided to induce air flow into the work space, desirably at all times during the removal process. Air discharged from the work space through the filtration machine is filtered. All air passages into the work space are filtered to avoid introduction of contamination from the outside. Filtered air passages are provided to sweep the work space to reduce exposure of the workers to the hazardous materials. In case of failure to maintain air flow during the removal process, there is containment of the hazardous materials, since all passageways connecting the contaminated work space to the outside are filtered. High efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters may be used.
Inventors
- 👤 Mike Merritt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 01:20
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F8/00; F24F8/10; F24F8/108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
Apparatus for decontamination comprising: a sealed work space having first filtered passage means for conducting air between the work space to outside the work space, first sealed door means for access to the work space, blower means for removing air from the work space, and second filtered means to filter air passing through the blower means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus for decontamination comprising: a sealed work space having first filtered passage means for conducting air between the work space to outside the work space, first sealed door means for access to the work space, blower means for removing air from the work space, and second filtered means to filter air passing through the blower means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a first airlock sealed to the work space and communicating with the first sealed door means; and a second sealed door means for access to the first airlock from outside, and a third filtered passage means for conducting air between the first airlock and the work space, and a fourth filtered passage means for conducting air between the first airlock and the outside.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a second airlock and communicating with the second sealed door and the fourth filtered passageway; a third sealed door means for access to the second airlock form; outside, and a fifth filtered passage means for conducting air between the second airlock and the outside.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a third airlock sealed to the second airlock and communicating with the third sealed door and the fifth filtered passage; a fourth sealed door means for access to the third airlock from the outside, and a sixth filtered passage means for conducting air between the third airlock and the outside.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a shower in the second airlock.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a first partition sealed in the second airlock, the partition separating the main portion of the second airlock from the first airlock, a fifth sealed door means in the first partition and communicating the first airlock and the second sealed airlock.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising a second partition sealed in the third airlock; the partition separating the main portion of the third airlock from the second, a sixth sealed door means in the second partition and communicating the third airlock and the second airlock, and an eighth filtered passage in the second partition communicating the second airlock and the third airlock and the third airlock.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
81 words
The method of decontamination comprising the steps of; establishing a sealed work space surrounding the hazardous materials providing filtered inlet air passages, blowing air from the work space to outside the work space, filtering the air blown from the work space, whereby leakage of air to the work space will be from outside into the work space, and whereby failure to maintain the step of blowing air will still provide filtered air between the work space and outside the work space.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
81 words
The method of decontamination comprising the steps of; establishing a sealed work space surrounding the hazardous materials providing filtered inlet air passages, blowing air from the work space to outside the work space, filtering the air blown from the work space, whereby leakage of air to the work space will be from outside into the work space, and whereby failure to maintain the step of blowing air will still provide filtered air between the work space and outside the work space.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of providing a first airlock with a first sealed door and a first filtered passageway sealed to and communicating with the work space.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of providing a second airlock with a second sealed door and a second filtered passageway sealed to and communicating with the first airlock, first filtered passageway and the work space.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of providing a third airlock with a third sealed door and a third filtered passageway sealed to the second airlock and communicating with the first and second airlocks, first and second filtered passageways and the work space.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of providing a shower in the second airlock.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of providing clothing changing facilities in the first and third airlocks.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-04 | 1993-12-04 | 1994-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-04 | 1997-12-04 | 1998-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-04 | 2001-12-04 | 2002-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |