Access Apparatus

The present invention relates to apparatus for providing access to a controlled environment and in particular, although not exclusively, to apparatus for providing contained access to the inside of a controlled enclosure, vessel, or machinery to enable, for example, sampling, charging, cleaning, heel removal, adjustments, or maintenance within said environment.

Many manufacturing, research, and other industries require controlled environments for conducting operations wherein the environment is isolated from the human operator/s. For example; operations such as handling chemicals or pharmaceutical/biological materials, welding fibre optic components to create a hermetic seal, or processing lithium batteries or LEDs are all required to be conducted in an isolated environment. Accordingly, whilst the invention will be herein described in relation to processing pharmaceuticals, it will be appreciated that the invention can be applied to any application where contained access to a controlled environment is required. Further, it will be appreciated that the controlled environment may be for the purpose of protecting the external environment from the contents of the isolated environment or alternatively for protecting the contents of the isolated environment from the external environment.

A pharmaceutical production line is referred to as a suite. Each suite contains various machines and equipment for carrying out processes such as granulating, mixing, and drying. For health and safety reasons, all of the processes are carried out within controlled environments.

Again, whilst the invention may be used to gain contained access to any of the controlled environments within each suite, by way of example only, a granulator will be herein described.

Granulator' s are large bowls with a rotating blade set in the base and are used to mix ingredients. During use of the granulator, covers and guards are required in order to stop operators from being harmed from the machinery component of the granulator. Furthermore, because the ingredients may be harmful to operators, the granulator is required to be a controlled environment in order to isolate the ingredients from the operators. In order to get the chemicals in and out and also for cleaning and maintenance, contained access is therefore required to the granulator .

It is known to place the granulator inside a larger controlled environment such as a room. When access is required, operators wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and open access ports to the granulator. However, the whole room then becomes contaminated and requires cleaning. This is time consuming, and both environmentally and cost uneconomic.

As an alternative, it is known to build a permanent glove box around an access port to the granulator. When the access port is opened, the glove box restricts the contamination to within the glove box. An operator on the non-controlled side of the glove box can then empty and clean the granulator using the glove box. However, such apparatus still requires contained access to the glove box in order to move materials (e.g. tools and samples) in and

out of the glove box. Furthermore, operators often have a reduced reach into the granulator.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an access apparatus with reduced environmental footprint.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an access apparatus that enables rapid, contained access to a controlled environment.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an access apparatus that enables contained access to controlled environments and allows transfer of materials in and out of the controlled environment.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a containment apparatus comprising an enclosure and an access device, wherein: the enclosure includes a passive port that provides a closure member that is movable from a closed position, in which an opening is sealed, to an open position, in which access is provided through the opening; and the access device is movable from a coupled position, in which an active port of the access device forms a seal with the passive port, to a second position; wherein the active port includes a release member arranged, in use, to move the closure member from the closed position to the open position; and the access device further includes a flexible sealed member that is sealed relative to a periphery of the

active port and defines an enclosed flexible space between a first side of the flexible sealed member and part of the active port; and in which contained access to the enclosure is afforded, in use, by manipulating the other, second side of the flexible sealed member.

Preferably, the enclosure is a controlled enclosure.

Preferably the second position is an uncoupled position, in which the access device is separate to the passive port

Preferably, the release member is releasable from the active port by release means. The release means may be arranged on the active port. The release means may be contained within the enclosed flexible space. The periphery at which the flexible sealed member is attached to the active port may be arranged such that, when the active port is sealed to the passive port, that seal is spaced closer to the opening that the release means.

Advantageously, this affords the user greater reach and dexterity in to the enclosure.

Preferably access to the enclosure is afforded by at least some of the flexible sealed member extending through the opening. At least 50% of the flexible sealed member may be extendable through the opening. At least 75% of the flexible sealed member may extendable through the opening. Alternatively more than 90% or more than 95% of the flexible sealed member may be extendable through the opening.

Preferably the seal relative to the periphery of the active port includes at least one groove. The flexible sealed member may be sealed to the active port within the groove. The groove may be circumferential. The groove may be external. A seal may locate within the groove in order to seal the flexible sealed member to the active port. The seal may be a ring seal. A tightening member may locate over the bag in order to constrict the outside diameter of the bag at the seal. Advantageously, when the seal locates within the groove, there is provided increased resistance to the flexible member from being pulled relative to the active port.

Preferably the flexible sealed member comprises a glove bag. At least a portion of the glove bag may be shaped to fit an operator. Alternatively, the glove bag may include two or more areas that are shaped to fit an operator .

Preferably, the access device includes at least one handle. Each handle may be accessible from outside the flexible enclosed space. Each handle may be attached to the active port. The handle (s) enable an operator to easily move and manipulate the access device.

In the coupled position the access device may be arranged to form a seal with the periphery of the opening adjacent to the periphery of the closure member and may seal with the periphery of the closure member.

In the coupled position the access device may be arranged to be urged towards the opening to assist in forming the seal such as by rotation of the access device

to urge the access device in an axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation.

The access device may be arranged to be coupled with the enclosure by spaced projections on the access device the first moving in an axial direction past spaced projections on the enclosure and then moving in a rotational direction to be located beneath the spaced projections on the enclosure. When the projections are moved in the rotational direction at least one of the spaced projections may have at least a partial axial extent whereby the access device is urged into sealing engagement with the enclosure.

In the coupled position the release member may be arranged to be sealed with the closure member such as around the periphery of the closure member.

In the coupled position the release member may be sealed with an opening in the active port.

In the coupled position there may be a sealed area which includes the periphery of both the release member and the opening in the active port.

A sealing member may be provided on the release member which may comprise a single sealing member when the sealed area includes both the periphery of the closure member and the opening in the coupling device.

The release member may be arranged to be urged into sealing engagement with the closure member when the access device is moved to the coupling position.

The release member may be arranged to be urged towards the closure member when the access device is in the coupled position.

The release member may be arranged to couple with the closure member when the access device is in the coupled position. Such engagement may be affected by causing spaced projections on the release member moving in a rotational direction to be located beneath spaced projections on the closure member. The spaced projections on the release member may be arranged to be moved past the spaced projections on the closure member during movement of the access device to the coupled position.

Preferably the active port comprises a casing. The casing may define an opening. The release member may be moveable between an open position, wherein the release member does not seal the opening, and a closed position, in which the release member seals the opening.

The release member may be arranged to be attached to the closure member and may be movable away from the casing when moving the closure member to the open position.

The release member may be constrained to occupy a fixed rotational position with respect to the casing when the access device is moved to the coupled position such as by spaced projections on the release member such as by a recess in one of the release member or access device cooperating with a recess in the other of the release member or access device.

The release means may comprise a releasable lock that prevents the release member from moving relative to the casing when the lock is applied. The lock, when moving to the locked position may be arranged to urge the release member into sealing engagement with the casing. The lock may comprise a rotatable member which includes a cam surface on one of the release member or lock arranged to urge the release member into sealing engagement with the closure member.

When the access device is in the coupled position the release member may be arranged to be engaged by contact between the first side of the flexible member that is arranged to be exposed to the opening when the closure member is in the open position with the other, second side of the flexible member being used to apply the force to the release member.

The flexible member may be arranged to seal around the access device whereby the release member is located wholly within the side of the flexible member that is arranged to be exposed to the opening. The seal of the release member with the closure member and the remainder of the access device may be arranged such that after the release member moves the closure member from the closed to the open position and then returns the closure member to the closed position the access device is moved to the uncoupled position, no part of the exterior surface of the access device will have been exposed to the enclosure.

In the un-coupled position the access device may be arranged to be detached from the enclosure.

In the open position of the closure member, the closure member may be detached from the enclosure.

Preferably, the access device may include an interlock. The interlock may include a latch that is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch may restrict the movement of the release member relative to the casing. The latch may restrict the movement of the release member relative to the casing when it is in the locked position. The latch may restrict the movement of the release member relative to the casing when it is not in the un-locked position. The access device may include a lock that is moveable between a first position, wherein the lock restricts the access device from being undocked from the enclosure, and a second position, wherein the access device is free to be docked and undocked from the enclosure. The lock may be moveable between the two positions by the latch. Movement of the latch to the locked position may cause the lock to move to the second position. Movement of the latch to the un-locked position may cause the lock to move towards the first position.

Preferably the interlock includes a first catch. The first catch may be moveable between a catched position, wherein the catch locks the movement of the latch, and a second position wherein the catch does not restrict the movement of the latch. Moving the release member towards the closed position, causes the catch to move to the second position.

Preferably the interlock includes a second catch. The second catch may be moveable between a first position,

wherein the second catch locks the movement of the latch, and a second position, wherein the second catch does not restrict the movement of the latch. Docking the access device to the passive port may cause the second catch to move towards the second position. The second catch may be in the second position when the access device is docked to the passive port.

Preferably the passive port may be at least partially transparent.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a moveable access device that includes an active port for sealing with a passive port, wherein; the active port includes a casing, which defines an opening, and a release member that is moveable between a closed position, in which the release member seals the opening, and an open position in which the release member does not seal the opening; and the access device further includes a flexible sealed member that is sealed relative to a periphery of the active port and defines an enclosed flexible space between a first side of the flexible sealed member and the active port; and in which contained access to the opening is afforded, in use, by manipulating the other, second side of the flexible sealed member.

Preferably release means hold the release member in the closed position. The release means may be operable by manipulating the second side of the flexible member.

Preferably, the release member is engagable with a closure member of the passive port for moving the closure member between an open and closed position.

Preferably the access device of this aspect is substantially in accordance with the access device of the previous aspect.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of accessing an enclosure comprising moving an access device from a first position, to a second position, wherein an active port of the access device, seals with a passive port of the enclosure, the method further comprising, deforming a side of a flexible member of the access device, which is sealed relative to a periphery of the active port and provides a flexible enclosed space between a surface of the flexible film and part of the active port, in order to provide an opening to the enclosure.

Preferably, the method comprises deforming one side of the flexible member to cause the other side to operate the active port.

The method may comprise causing a release member of the active port to open and close a closure member of the passive port. An opening to the enclosure may be afforded by operating release means in order to release the release member from an opening in a casing. The method may comprise reaching through the opening in order to access the enclosure.

The method may comprise transferring material between the enclosure and enclosed flexible space. The method may comprise closing the opening to re-seal the enclosure and enclosed flexible space and transporting the access device. The method may include re-sealing the access device to the same or different passive port.

Preferably the method comprises operating a containment apparatus or access device that is substantially in accordance with previous aspects.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a containment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an access device shortly before it is locked on to a passive port of the enclosure;

Figure 3 Shows an active device docked to the enclosure and a release member being opened;

Figure 4 shows the access device being used to access the inside of the enclosure via an opening through the active and passive ports;

Figure 5 is a view from inside the enclosure showing the arrangement of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the passive port of the first embodiment;

Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the passive port with a closure member removed;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the closure member;

Figure 9 is a top view of an active port of the access device in accordance with the first embodiment;

Figure 10 is a top view of an active port of the first embodiment showing a casing without a release member;

Figure 11 is a bottom view of the active port of the access device of the first embodiment;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the release member;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a passive port according to a second embodiment showing a sight-glass;

Figure 14 is a top view of a guard according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an alternative glove bag.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of an active port according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the active port in accordance with the fifth embodiment.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a latch part in accordance with the fifth embodiment and arranged in a first, un-locked arrangement.

Figure 19 is a side view of part of a casing of the fifth embodiment .

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the latch part of Figure 18 in a second, locked arrangement.

A containment apparatus 1 is shown in Figure 1. A passive port 3 and vessel 5 creates a sealed enclosure 7, which contains contaminated material and thereby allows operators to work safely on the outside of the enclosure 7 without the need for PPE. An access device 9 is attached to the enclosure 7 for providing contained access to the enclosure 7.

During normal use of the enclosure 7, the access device 9 is stowed separate to the enclosure 7. As such the enclosure 7 may function normally with guards etc. in place as required. As shown in Figure 2, when access is required to the enclosure 7, an access device 9 is docked on to the passive port 3. When docked an active port 11 of the access device 9 co-operates with the passive port to open an access aperture 13 into the enclosure 7. An operator may then reach inside the enclosure 7 by inserting their hand in to a glove bag 15 and reaching through the access aperture 13. The glove bag 15 is sealed to the periphery of the active port 11. As such, the operator remains isolated from the enclosure 7.

When access is no longer required, the operator may withdraw the glove bag 15 from the access aperture 13 and close the access aperture 13. In doing so, the controlled surfaces that were exposed to the inside of the enclosure 7 remain either within the enclosure 7 or within a

flexible enclosed space 17 defined between the glove bag 15 and active port 11. Accordingly, the access device 9 may be transported and stored for re-use, or cleaned, or docked on to another enclosure 7 for transferring materials, etc.

The various features will now be described in more detail.

One or more passive ports 3 are mounted to the vessel 5. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each passive port 3 comprises a tubular flange 19 and a closure member 21, which opens and closes a distal end 23 of the tubular flange 19.

The closure member 21 is generally disc shaped. To sealably close the distal end 23 of the tubular flange 19, spaced projections 25 shown in Figure 8 formed on an external radius of the closure member 21 are aligned with gaps 27 between spaced projections 29 formed on an internal radius of the tubular flange 19. When aligned, the closure member 21 is advanced towards the tubular flange 19 such that the spaced projections 25 on the closure member 21 pass the spaced projections 29 on the tubular flange 19. The closure member 21 is locked to the flange 19 by subsequently turning the closure member 21 anti-clockwise relative to the flange 19 such that the spaced projections 25,29 overlap each other. Turning of the closure member is stopped by pins 31, which are attached at an end of each spaced projection 29 of the tubular flange 19, abutting the spaced projections 25 on the closure member 21. Ends of each projection 25,29 include ramp portions (not shown) so that when the spaced projections 25,29 begin to overlap, the ramps engage each

other to cause slight relative axial movement to create a clamping affect.

The closure member 21 shown in Figure 9 fits into the flange 19 so that it is flush with an end of the flange 19. The sides of the closure member 21 are tapered. The internal side of the flange 19 is tapered accordingly. A seal 33 is arranged on the tubular flange 19. The seal 33 has a side aspect 35 that extends along the tapered circumference and also an end aspect 37 that extends across the end face. When the closure member 21 is clamped to the flange 19, the side aspect 35 of the seal 33 seals against the side of the closure member 21. The seal 33 covers the side of the closure member 21 such that a rim of the closure member 21 is sealed against a rim of the seal 33.

As mentioned, the access device 9 comprises the active port 11 and glove bag 15. The glove bag 15 comprises a sealed bag with an open end that is sized to fit about the periphery of the active port 11. The glove bag 15 is attached to the active port 11 at a circumferential groove 39 formed in an external circumferential, side face of the access device 9. When fitted over the active port 11, an o-ring seal (not shown) is fitted over the glove bag 15. The o-ring is aligned with the uppermost circumferential grove 39. A belt 41 is then fitted over the o-ring seal and tightened. As the belt 41 is tightened, the o-ring is forced into the circumferential groove 39. The glove bag 15 also deforms into the groove 39 and thereby seals against the periphery of the active port 11. As an alternative to the o-ring being separate to the glove bag 15, the o-ring may be integral. For example, the glove

bag 15 may form a hem at the open end and the o-ring may be arranged within the hem, before the hem is sealed.

The glove bag 15 is flexible. As such the glove bag 15 may deform relatively easily. However, the glove bag material should be such that it does not crack or split during deformation. Ideally the glove bag 15 is clear so that an operator may see through the glove bag 15.

Because the glove bag 15 deforms into a sealed enclosure 7, which may contain positive pressure, the glove bag 15 may also include a filter (not shown) in order to let cleaned air escape.

Accordingly, the glove bag 15 and access port 11 define an enclosed flexible space 17 shown in Figure 1. The enclosed flexible space 17 is bounded by a controlled aspect of the access port 9 and the inside of the glove bag 15.

Referring now to Figures 9-12, the active port 11 comprises a casing 43 and a release member 45 for sealably closing an opening 47 in the casing 43.

The access device 9 is docked to the passive port 3 by aligning spaced projections 49 formed about an outside diameter of the tubular flange 19 with gaps 51 between spaced projections 53 formed about an inside diameter of the casing 43. When aligned, spaced projections 55 formed on an inside diameter of the closure member 21 are also aligned with gaps 57 between spaced projections 59 formed about an inside diameter of the release member 45. When the projections 49, 53, 55, 59 are aligned with their respective gaps, the access device 9 is advanced towards

the tubular flange 19 such that the spaced projections 49, 55 pass the spaced projections 53, 59 on the casing 43 and release member 45 respectfully. Once advanced, the access device 9 is locked to the passive port 3 by turning the access device 9 clockwise relative to the flange 19.

Accordingly the spaced projections 53 on the casing 43 overlap the spaced projections 49 on the outside of the tubular flange 19, thereby locking the two parts together. The end aspect 37 of the flange's seal 33 seals against the casing 43. The end aspect 37 of the seal 33 forms a seal right up to the rim of the opening 47 through the casing 43. When the access device 9 is fully docked, pins 61 connected to the casing 43 at the end of the spaced projections 53 abut the spaced projections 49 on the tubular flange 19 in order to stop the turning.

Before the access device 9 is fully docked, pins 63 attached to the release member 45 and at the ends of the spaced projections 59 abut the spaced projections 55 on the closure member 21. The closure member 21 and release member 45 therefore become locked together due to the spaced projections 55, 59 overlapping each other. Accordingly, as the access device 9 is rotated further towards the docked position, the closure member 21 also rotates relative to the flange 19. As a result, when the access device 9 is fully docked, the spaced projections 29 on the inside of the tubular flange 19 are aligned with the gaps 27 between the spaced projections 25 on the closure member 21. Accordingly, the closure member 21 and flange 19 are no longer locked together.

When docked, the access aperture 13 may be opened by using an inside of the glove bag 15 to operate a clamp 65 that holds the release member 45 to the casing 43. From the outside of the glove bag 15 an operator deforms the glove bag 15 in order to release a handle 67. The handle 67 is released by rotating it about 180°. The handle 67 is u- shaped and attached to each end is a clasp 69. Each clasp 69 engages a stub axle 71 that is attached to the release member 45. The stub axles 71 are off centre in order to create a clamping action. The release member 45 has tapered sides and the casing's opening 47 is tapered accordingly. A seal 73 is attached to the release member 45. The seal 73 has a side aspect 75 that extends across the side of the release member 45 and, when clamped to the casing 43, seals against the taped side of the opening 47. A rim of the seal 73 seals against a rim of the opening 47. The seal 73 also has an end aspect 77 that extends across the face of the release member 45 and seals against the closure member 21.

When the handle 67 has been released the clasps 69 are arranged such that the stub axles 71 can move away and free from the clasps 69. As such the release member 45, with the closure member 21 attached thereto may be removed from the casing's opening 47. The closure member 21 may then be left in the glove bag 15 whilst an operator uses the glove bag 15 to access the aperture 13 into the enclosure 7.

The operator may then deform the glove bag 15 in order to manipulate a tool through the aperture 13. Alternatively, the operator may reach through the access aperture 13 in order to reach inside the vessel 7. During this time

contamination is restricted to within the inside of the glove bag 15. The operator may take a sample of material from inside the vessel 5 by gripping and withdrawing the glove bag from the access aperture 13. Leaving the material in the enclosed space 17 of the glove bag 15.

The aperture 13 may be closed by placing the release member 45 back within the opening 47 and closing the clamp 65. Alignment pins 79 cooperate with semi-circular recesses 81 in order to maintain alignment of the release member 45 within the opening 47. The access device 9 may then be undocked by rotating anticlockwise. The spaced projections 25, 29, 49, 53, 55, 59 disengage and re-engage as a reverse of the above docking process. Accordingly the access device 9 may then be removed from the enclosure .

Handles 80 that extend from the casing 43, on the outside of the glove bag 15, enable the access device 9 to be easily transported. Once undocked the access device 9 is portable and preferably, portable by an operator. Accordingly, whilst the active port 11 may be made out of any suitable, non-reactive material, for instance stainless steel, preferably it is made form high density polyethylene or the alike so that weight is reduced. Containment is maintained since the surfaces exposed to contamination remain within the enclosure 7 or enclosed space 17 of the access device 9. The glove bag 15 may be changed by attaching a clean glove bag over the existing bag and onto the second circumferential groove. The first glove bag may then be tied and cut and then left inside the second glove bag.

Advantageously the access device 9 can be docked quickly to the passive port 3. Furthermore the passive port 3 can be retrofitted to existing enclosures 7 with limited down time of the equipment. Because the access device 9 is removable and leaves both parts sealed, permanent access means, such as glove boxes, do not need to be installed around the enclosure 7.

The access device 9 also provides a transfer port for quickly transferring materials into or out of the contained enclosure 7. Also, because the material is directly transferred from the access device to the enclosure, the containment level of the transfer is greater than known transfer apparatus, wherein the material is first transferred in to a glove box and then into the enclosure. Direct transfer of material into the enclosure is advantageous as it enables samples to be quickly taken and analysed. The access device 9 can also be used to easily display the material, for instance in meetings .

When the access device 9 is required to be cleaned, only a small surface actually requires cleaning. This reduces the environmental impact of the cleaning process as less water and cleaning agents are required etc.. The environmental impact of the access device 9 is also reduced because the access device 9 requires less material than existing fixed glove boxes and thus less energy is required during manufacture.

During operation of the access device 9 the tubular flange 19 is the only part that restricts the articulation of the

glove bag into the enclosure. Accordingly the access device 9 provides an improved reach into the vessel 5.

According to a second embodiment, and referring to Figure 13, the closure member 21 is modified to include a sight glass 82. The sight glass 82 is fitted and sealed within an aperture formed through the closure member 21. Thus, during normal use of the enclosure 7, the passive port 3 provides an observation point into the enclosure 7 in order to monitor the process.

According to a third embodiment, and referring to Figure 14, the enclosure 7 is modified to include a guard 83 that locates over the passive port 3. The guard 83 is pivotable between a first position, wherein the guard 83 restricts access to the passive port 3, and a second position, wherein the guard 83 is clear of the passive port 3.

The guard 83 includes a lock 85. In order to open the lock and therefore pivot the guard from the first position to the second position an interlock key (not shown) must be used to unlock the lock 85. During operation of the enclosure 7 the interlock key is used to control a power override box that supplies power to the enclosure 7 and is remote to the enclosure 7. In order to remove the key, the power must be turned off. Accordingly, in order to open the guard 83 the power to the enclosure 7 must be off.

When in the first position the guard 83 covers the closure member 21. The guard 83 includes a circular hole 87 so that it does not obscure a sight glass should it be

fitted. Alternatively, the circular hole 87 is covered by a clear sheet so that operators may not fit instruments through the circular hole 87 in order to attempt to defeat the guard. The guard 83 covers the protrusions 55 on the closure member 21 such that the access device 9 cannot be docked whilst the guard 83 is in place. The guard 83 also restricts manual access to the closure member 21 and specifically to the protrusions 55 so that operators cannot use the protrusions as leverage or a grip to manually remove the closure member 21 from the tubular flange 19.

The guard 83 may also extend over the seal 33. In doing so the guard 83 acts as a support to the seal 33 in order to stop the seal 33 from blowing outwardly when a positive pressure is applied to within the enclosure 7.

Figure 15 shows an alternative glove bag design wherein the glove bag 15 includes more than one glove shaped area. As shown the glove bag 15 includes three glove shaped areas 89a, 89b and 89c. As such the operator may use, for example, glove area 89a for reaching through the access aperture 13. When material is brought back through the access aperture 13 and into the flexible enclosed space 17, the operator may use glove area 89b and 89c to transfer the material, for example into a container within the flexible enclosed spacel7.

According to a fifth embodiment, and referring to Figures 16 - 20, the access device 9 is adapted to include an interlock 93. The interlock 93 is arranged to stop the release member 45 from opening unless the active port 11 and passive ports 3 are properly docked. Once docked, the

interlock 93 ensures that the access device 9 cannot be undocked from the passive port 3 with out the release member 45 and closure member 21 being first sealed to the respective parts.

Unless otherwise described, the access device is as previously described. In the fifth embodiment the release member 45 is connected to the casing 43 at hinge 91. The hinge 91 resists rotation of the release member 45 relative to the casing 43. Moreover, the clamp 65 is replaced by an interlock 93.

As shown in Figure 17, the interlock 93 comprises a fixed part 95 that is attached to the release member 45 and a moveable latch part 97 that is attached to the casing 43. The moveable latch part 97 is rotatable such that it is moveable between a first, locked position, wherein the latch part 97 cooperates with the fixed part 95 in order to lock the release member 45 in relation to the casing 43, and a second, un-locked position wherein the latch part 97 does not engage the fixed part 95 such that the release member 45 may be released from the casing 43. In other words, in the second position, the latch part 97 is free of the fixed part.

The fixed part 95 includes a channel (not shown) for catching an elongate portion 99 of the latch part 97

(shown in Figure 18) . The channel catches the elongate portion 99 when the latch part 97 moves towards the locked position. The elongate portion 99 is fast to the latch part 97 and includes a ramped portion 100. As such, when the latch part 97 and elongate portion 99 moves towards the locked position and begins to engage the channel, the

ramped part 100 first contacts the channel in order that further movement of the latch part 97 towards the locked position clamps the release member 45 to the casing 43 as herein described.

Referring to Figure 18 the latch part 97 is rotateably mounted on a base 101. A handle 103 is provided to allow an operator to easily facilitate the rotation of the latch part 97.

A first locking pin 103, as shown in Figure 19, extends through a hole 105 in the base 101 and also through the casing 43. Sealing members (not shown) seal the locking pin 103 to the casing 43 so that containment is not lost. The locking pin 103 is arranged to extend through the casing 43 at an open, clockwise end of one of the spaced projections 53 of the casing 43. The locking pin 103 is biased by a spring (not shown) so that the locking pin 103 is biased to obstruct the open end of the spaced projection 53. The portion 99 of the latch part 97 includes a recess 107. As the latch part 97 is moved towards the locked position, the ramped part 100 engages a ball 109, which is formed on an end of the locking pin 103, such that further movement of the latch part 97 towards the locked position acts to raise the locking pin 103. The locking pin 103 thereby locates within the recess 107 to allow the latch to continue moving towards the locked position. When raised, the locking pin 103 does not obstruct the open end of the spaced protrusion 53.

Accordingly, when the latch part 97 is in the locked position and the locking pin 103 is raised, the access

device 9 may be docked to the passive port 3 as herein described. In order to open the access aperture 13, the latch part 97 must be moved to its un-locked position so that the release member 45 may be released from the casing 43. Moving the latch part 97 to the un-locked position moves the portion 99 acting to raise the locking pin away. Consequently the locking pin 103 is biased to obstruct the spaced projection. As such the access device 9 cannot be undocked from the passive port 3 as the locking pin 103 stops the spaced projections from moving relative to each other .

A nubbin 111 (as seen in Figure 18) extends from the latch part 97 such that, when the latch part 97 is in the un- locked position, the nubbin 111 is directly over the top of the locking pin 103. The nubbin 111 therefore stops an operator from manually overriding the interlock by lifting the pin 103 when the latch part 97 is un-locked. Furthermore, because the nubbin 111 moves over the top of the locking pin 103, the latch cannot un-lock the release member until the locking pin 103 fully obstructs the spaced projections.

Referring to Figure 18, a first catch 113 is pivotally mounted within the base 101. The catch 113 is biased by a spring (not shown) to pivot upwardly, away from the casing

43. In a locked position, the catch 113 extends proud of the base 101 and locates within a slot 115 of the latch part 97. The slot 115 aligns with the catch 113 when the latch part 97 is in the un-locked position. As such the catch 113 stops the latch part 97 from moving. In order to move the latch part 97 towards the locked position, the

catch 113 must first be biased out of engagement with the slot 115.

The catch 113 extends inwardly from the base 101 and obstructs the opening 47. As such when the release member

45 is clamped to the casing 43, the release member abuts the catch 113 and moves the catch 113 to pivot out of engagement with the slot 115. Accordingly moving the release member 45 to the closed position unlocks the latch part 97.

Referring to Figure 20, a second catch 117 is pivotally mounted within the base 101. The catch 117 rotates about pivot rod 119. The catch 117 is biased so that a first end 117a is urged upwardly, away from the casing. When the catch 117 is in a locked position it engages with the slot 115. The slot 115 is aligned with the catch 117 when the latch part 97 is in the locked position. As such the latch part 97can not be rotated until the catch 117 is urged to rotate out of engagement with the slot 115. A cover 121 (shown in Figure 18) covers the catch 117 so that the catch 117 cannot be manually pivoted.

A second biased pin 123 is arranged in the casing 43, as shown in Figure 19. The pin 123 is biased downwardly to extend into a space between the casing 43 and spaced projection 53. Seals (not shown) seal the pin 123 to the casing 43 so that containment is not breeched. A first end 125 of the pin 123, which extends into the space, is rounded. A second end 126 of the pin 123 is arranged in a hole 127 directly beneath a second end 117b of the catch 112. When the access device 9 is docked to the passive port 3, the spaced projections 49 on the passive port 3

abut the ball end 125 of the pin 123 and thereby lift the pin 123. When the pin 123 is lifted, the second end 126 abuts the second end of the catch 117 and thereby urges the catch 117 to move out of engagement with the slot 115. The ball end 125 is difficult to access due to the spaced projections 53, which therefore hinders persons from manually lifting the pin 123. Consequently, the catch 117 stops the latch part 97 from being opened without the access device 9 being docked to the passive port 3.