Isolation module

• US 4,000,749 A
• Filed: 05/30/1975
• Issued: 01/04/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Float (CG039545)
• Original Assignee: Float (CG039545)
• Inventors: Busco, Francis J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schroeder, Werner H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Berman, Conrad L.
• Application Number:
  US05/582,448
• Time in Patent Office: 585 Days
• Field of Search: 128/1 R, 128/1 B, 128/149, 128/145 R, 128/191 A, 128/376, 135/1 R, 135/1 C, 135/3 B, 135/4 C, 52/2, 9/1 A, 9/2 A, 9/3, 9/11 A, 4/171, 4/172, 4/172.12
• US Class Current: 600/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 10/005 Isolators, i.e. enclosures generally comprising flexible walls for maintaining a germ-free environment
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0103 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0157 portable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 21/0094 Isolation chambers used therewith, i.e. for isolating individuals from external stimuli other treatment rooms or enclosures A61G10/00
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 15/20 inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 15/324 Beds constituted by the tent supporting means beds per se, A47C
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 2015/203 supported by a non-inflatable structure or framework
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 2015/205 made from two sheets with intermediate spacer means
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 2015/206 Details of inflation devices, e.g. valves, connections to fluid pressure source
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 2015/207 Tents specially designed for insulation
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 2015/208 with inflatable mattresses
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 9/00 Buildings, groups of buildings or shelters adapted to withstand or provide protection against abnormal external influences, e.g. war-like action, earthquake or extreme climate foundation aspects E02D

Abstract

A structure is disclosed which is particularly suitable for isolating individuals from all types of environmental stimuli. The structure is portable and includes a inflatable housing having a liquid containing portion at the base thereof. A high density liquid, such as a salt saturated water solution, is placed in the water containing compartment to provide a floatation pool which can accommodate human beings. A temperature control system is provided for maintaining the interior at a constant temperature, and a system is also provided for supplying fresh breathing air and for purifying the fluid.

Claims

1. A portable isolation module for reducing ordinary levels of stimulation comprising:

an inflatable enclosure of sufficient size to accommodate at least one adult;

inflatable containing means at the base of said inflatable enclosure containing a pool of a high density liquid of sufficient size for supporting at least one adult in a state of floatation;

said inflatable containing means including an inflatable bottom portion supporting said liquid on a cushion of contained gas for minimizing the transmission of external stimuli of an acoustic nature into said liquid;

air supply means coupled to said inflatable enclosure for supplying fresh air to the interior of said enclosure; and

temperature control means coupled to said inflatable containing means for maintaining the temperature of said high density liquid near normal body temperature.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said inflatable enclosure includes a structure including a pair of plastic sheets interconnected by a network of stretch-resisting fibers.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said inflatable enclosure includes an inflatable door panel of a size sufficient to permit a human being to enter said enclosure.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

an external skeletal frame structure coupled to said inflatable enclosure for increasing the structural strength thereof.

5. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said inflatable containing means includes an inflatable tube, the inner surface of which provides a fluid containing boundary.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

a water-tight floor panel in said inflatable containing means; and

,

a removable inflatable mattress means for supporting said floor panel to minimize the transmission of accoustic energy to said high density fluid in the interior of said isolation module.

7. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said inflatable enclosure includes a plurality of interconnected inflatable panels.

8. An apparatus as in claim 7, further comprising:

a zipper detachably joining two groups of said inflatable panels.

9. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

an inflatable floor structure secured to said inflatable containing means in a fluid tight manner, said floor structure acting to minimize the transmission of accoustic energy into said high density fluid in the interior of said isolation module.

10. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein:

said inflatable containing means is filled with a colloidal suspension of selected insoluble minerals.

11. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein:

said inflatable containing means is filled with a fluid including a solution of a salt and water.

12. An apparatus as in claim 11, wherein:

said salt is MgSO.sub. 4.

13. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said air supply means further includes a thermostatically controlled heater; and

,

an air filter.

14. An apparatus as in claim 13, wherein:

said air supply means includes a circulating fan.

15. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

temperature control means includes a thermostatically controlled fluid heater; and

,

a fluid heater.

16. An apparatus as in claim 15, wherein:

said temperature control means further includes a circulation pump.