Modular biosafety containment apparatus and system

• US 7,335,243 B2
• Filed: 04/22/2003
• Issued: 02/26/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jane Homan, Lee H. Thompson
• Original Assignee: Jane Homan, Lee H. Thompson
• Inventors: Thompson, Lee H., Homan, Jane
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith; Duane
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, MINH CHAU THI
• Application Number:
  US10/420,254
• Publication Number:
  US 20060107635A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,771 Days
• Field of Search: 553/852, 55D/IG.18, 55D/IG.46, 454/187, 128/205.11, 128/205.26, 600/21, 135/116, 135/119, 135/127
• US Class Current: 55/385.2
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 10/023 Rooms for the treatment of patients at over- or under-pressure or at a variable pressure
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2253/102 Carbon
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2258/0225 from chemical or biological warfare
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/02 by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography solid sorbent compositions B01J20/00, preparation of inorganic compounds or elements C01
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 1/50 for storing hazardous materials in the laboratory, e.g. cupboards, waste containers sample containers B01L3/50
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 1/52 Transportable laboratories; Field kits
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2011/0005 to create underpressure in a room, keeping contamination inside
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2221/44 Protection from terrorism or theft
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 55/18 Work bench
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 55/46 Spray booths

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A biological containment apparatus comprising:

a. a containment chamber configured for employment in a preexisting space, said containment chamber comprising microorganisms contained therein, said containment chamber constructed from rigid modular wall and ceiling panels comprising utility lines selected from the group consisting of CO₂, N₂, O₂, air, water, vacuum, propane, electrical, data, and communication lines and combinations thereof;

b. a first air filtration system and a second air filtration system, wherein said first air filtration system exhausts air from inside said containment chamber and said second air filtration system draws air into said containment chamber, and wherein said first air filtration system is configured to prevent said microorganisms from exiting said biological containment apparatus;

c. a sealable portal for ingress and egress to said containment chamber; and

d. an air pressurization system, wherein said air pressurization system provides negative pressurization in said containment chamber.

2. The biological containment chamber of claim 1, wherein said preexisting space comprises a confined space.

3. The biological containment chamber of claim 2, wherein said confined space comprises a laboratory.

4. The biological containment chamber of claim 2, wherein said confined space comprises a room in a building.

5. The biological containment chamber of claim 2, wherein said confined space comprises the interior of a motor vehicle.

6. The biological containment chamber of claim 2, wherein said confined space comprises a trailered vehicle.

7. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first air filtration system exhausts air from inside said containment chamber to the outdoors.

8. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second air filtration system draws air into said containment chamber from the outdoors.

9. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first air filtration system and said second air filtration system provide about 12-14 changes per hour of the air inside said containment chamber.

10. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first air filtration system and said second air filtration system provide a negative air pressurization of about 0.05 inches of water inside said containment chamber.

11. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said containment chamber further comprises a port for gaseous decontamination.

12. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said containment chamber contains a biological safety cabinet.

13. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first air filtration system comprises a filter of particles 0.3 μ

m and greater.

14. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second air filtration system comprises a filter of particles 0.3 μ

m and greater.

15. The biological containment apparatus of claim 1, comprising modular wall and ceiling panels.

16. The biological containment apparatus of claim 15, wherein said modular wall and ceiling panels are nonporous.

17. The biological containment apparatus of claim 15, wherein said nonporous modular wall and ceiling panels are disinfectable.

18. A biological containment apparatus comprising:

a. an outer chamber configured for employment in a preexisting space comprising an air exchange system wherein said air exchange system exchanges the air within said outer chamber with air from outside of said outer chamber and a sealable portal;

b. an inner containment chamber, fully contained inside said outer chamber said inner containment chamber comprising microorganisms, said inner containment chamber constructed from rigid modular wall and ceiling panels comprising utility lines selected from the group consisting of CO₂, N₂, O₂, air, water, vacuum, propane, electrical, data, and communication lines and combinations thereof, and said inner containment chamber further comprising a first air filtration system and a second air filtration system, wherein said first air filtration system exhausts air from inside said inner chamber and said second air filtration system draws air into said inner chamber and a sealable portal, wherein said first air filtration system is configured to prevent escape of said microorganisms from said inner containment chamber; and

c. an air pressurization system, wherein said air pressurization system provides negative pressurization in said outer chamber and said inner chamber.

19. The biological containment apparatus of claim 18 in which the inner chamber comprises a space accommodating a bed for a patient with an infectious disease.