A micro-transport isolator for spf level animals

Abstract

The application discloses a SPF-level animal micro-transport isolator, which comprises a transparent isolating cylinder, which is open at both ends and forms an isolating space in the interior; a first air-permeable window arranged at the first end opening of the transparent isolating cylinder; a second air-permeable window arranged on the side wall of the transparent isolating cylinder; and a sealing cover assembly arranged at the second end opening of the transparent isolating cylinder and used for opening or closing the isolating space of the transparent isolating cylinder. The SPF-level animal micro-transport isolator provided by the application effectively solves the technical defects of the prior art in the aspects of animal observation convenience, operation efficiency and special strain adaptability on the basis of guaranteeing the isolating performance, significantly improves the safety and operation convenience of SPF-level animal transportation, meets the fine requirement of the field of experimental animals on special strain animal transportation and observation, and has outstanding practical value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of laboratory animal husbandry and transportation equipment, and more specifically, it relates to a miniature transport isolator for SPF-grade animals. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of laboratory animals, especially in the production, breeding, transportation, and experimental procedures of rodents (such as mice and rats), sterile isolators are necessary to achieve fully enclosed and sterile operations to prevent contamination by external environmental microorganisms or the spread of pathogens from the animals themselves. Conventional sterile isolators are widely used in large-scale laboratory animal production, intra-laboratory rearing, and some short-distance transport scenarios. Their core function is to maintain an internal sterile environment through physical barriers and air filtration systems, ensuring the health of the laboratory animals and the reliability of experimental results. For SPF-grade special strains of animals (such as immunodeficient animals and gene-edited disease model animals), whose immunity is low and who are sensitive to the external environment, their activity status, diet, and abnormal behaviors (such as stress responses and changes in vital signs) must be monitored in real time during transportation to ensure animal survival and the validity of experimental data.

[0003] However, traditional sterile isolators are mostly large or medium-sized devices, with a large size and weight, mainly suitable for fixed laboratory settings, and cannot meet the portability requirements of short-distance transport (such as transferring from the isolator to the laboratory, or transporting between different experimental rooms). While existing miniature transport isolators are smaller in size, in order to simplify the structure, they often sacrifice observation functions, retaining only basic isolation capabilities, and cannot realize dynamic observation and recording during transport. This leads to a significant increase in the transport risks of SPF-grade animals (such as stress-induced death, failure to detect abnormal conditions in a timely manner).

[0004] Traditional isolators often have fixed transparent panels for their observation windows. To ensure airtightness, the observation window area is small or the position is fixed, making it difficult to observe animal details clearly from multiple angles during transportation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides a miniature transport isolator for SPF-grade animals, designed to provide technical support for the safe transport and condition monitoring of SPF-grade animals.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator, comprising: a transparent isolator tube with openings at both ends and forming an isolation space inside; a first ventilation window disposed at the first opening of the transparent isolator tube; a second ventilation window disposed on the side wall of the transparent isolator tube; and a sealing cap assembly disposed at the second opening of the transparent isolator tube for opening or closing the isolation space of the transparent isolator tube.

[0007] Preferably, the first ventilation window includes a circular first fixing ring and a first ventilation window cloth, the first fixing ring being embedded in the first end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder, and the first ventilation window cloth being securely connected to the first fixing ring.

[0008] Preferably, the second ventilation window includes an elliptical second fixing ring and a second ventilation window cloth. An elliptical window hole is provided on the side wall of the transparent isolation cylinder. The second fixing ring is embedded in the window hole, and the second ventilation window cloth is securely connected to the second fixing ring.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing cap assembly includes a third fixing ring and a sealing cap. The third fixing ring is embedded in the second end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder, and an internal thread is formed on the inner wall of the third fixing ring. At the same time, an external thread is formed on the outer wall of the sealing cap. The sealing cap is screwed onto the third fixing ring.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing cover assembly further includes a sealing ring, and a sealing groove is provided on the outer side of the inner thread of the third fixing ring. The sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove and is adapted to form a sealing structure with the sealing cover.

[0011] Preferably, both the first and second breathable window fabrics include a first nylon mesh, a non-woven fabric, and a second nylon mesh stacked sequentially from the outside to the inside, with the outer edges of the first nylon mesh, the non-woven fabric, and the second nylon mesh being securely connected to the first and second fixing rings, respectively.

[0012] As a preferred option, the transparent isolation cylinder is made of PVC transparent plastic film.

[0013] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions: The SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator provided by this utility model effectively solves the technical defects of existing transport isolators in terms of animal observation convenience, operational efficiency, and adaptability to special strains, while ensuring isolation performance. The specific effects are as follows: 1. Enables contactless real-time observation, reducing transportation risks: By optimizing the structural design, the SPF-grade animal microbial status inside the isolator can be conveniently and in real time observed without damaging the sterile environment.

[0014] 2. Improve operational and transportation convenience, and save labor costs: It features convenient mobility and transportation, and its docking operation with breeding or experimental isolators is simple and efficient, greatly reducing the operation time and manpower input for two-way transfer, and solving the problems of cumbersome operation, time-consuming and labor-intensive operation of traditional equipment.

[0015] 3. Adaptable to the needs of special animal strains, ensuring experimental reliability: It is particularly suitable for special SPF-grade animals with stringent environmental requirements (such as disease model animals, transgenic animals, and severely immunodeficient animals). Given the vulnerable state of these animals after experimental procedures and their high environmental sensitivity during transport, continuous observation and recording of their condition allows for a comprehensive understanding of their overall health, effectively ensuring animal health and the accuracy and completeness of experimental data.

[0016] In summary, this invention significantly improves the safety and ease of operation of SPF-grade animal transportation, meets the sophisticated needs of the laboratory animal field for the transportation and observation of special strains of animals, and has outstanding practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator provided by this utility model; Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator provided by this utility model; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0024] The SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator provided by this invention includes: a transparent isolating tube with openings at both ends and forming an internal isolation space; a first ventilation window disposed at the first end opening of the transparent isolating tube; a second ventilation window disposed on the side wall of the transparent isolating tube; and a sealing cap assembly disposed at the second end opening of the transparent isolating tube for opening or closing the isolation space of the transparent isolating tube. The SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator provided by this invention, while ensuring isolation performance, effectively solves the technical deficiencies of existing transport isolators in terms of animal observation convenience, operational efficiency, and adaptability to special strains. It significantly improves the safety and operational convenience of SPF-grade animal transport, meets the refined needs of the laboratory animal field for the transport and observation of special strains of animals, and has outstanding practical value.

[0025] The following is a detailed description of the SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator provided by the embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 This embodiment provides an SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator, comprising: a transparent isolation tube 1, which is open at both ends and forms an isolation space inside, wherein the microbial level of the isolation space is an SPF-grade environment; a first ventilation window 2, disposed at the first end opening of the transparent isolation tube 1; a second ventilation window 3, disposed on the side wall of the transparent isolation tube 1; and a sealing cap assembly 4, disposed at the second end opening of the transparent isolation tube 1, for opening or closing the isolation space of the transparent isolation tube 1.

[0027] In the above embodiments, preferably, the first ventilation window 2 includes a circular first fixing ring 5 and a first ventilation window cloth 6. The first fixing ring 5 is embedded in the first end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder 1, and the first ventilation window cloth 6 is fastened to the first fixing ring 5.

[0028] In the above embodiments, preferably, the second ventilation window 3 includes an elliptical second fixing ring 7 and a second ventilation window cloth 8. An elliptical window hole is provided on the side wall of the transparent isolation cylinder 1, the second fixing ring 7 is embedded in the window hole, and the second ventilation window cloth 8 is fastened to the second fixing ring 7.

[0029] In the above embodiments, preferably, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 The sealing cap assembly 4 includes a third fixing ring 9 and a sealing cap 10. The third fixing ring 9 is embedded in the second end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder 1, and an internal thread is formed on the inner wall of the third fixing ring 9. At the same time, an external thread is formed on the outer wall of the sealing cap 10. The sealing cap 10 is screwed onto the third fixing ring 9.

[0030] In the above embodiments, preferably, the sealing cover assembly 4 further includes a sealing ring 11, and a sealing groove is provided on the outer side of the inner thread of the third fixing ring 9. The sealing ring 11 is embedded in the sealing groove and is adapted to form a sealing structure with the sealing cover 10.

[0031] In the above embodiments, preferably, both the first breathable window fabric 6 and the second breathable window fabric 8 include a first nylon mesh, a non-woven fabric, and a second nylon mesh stacked sequentially from the outside to the inside, and the outer edges of the first nylon mesh, the non-woven fabric, and the second nylon mesh are respectively fastened to the first fixing ring 5 and the second fixing ring 7. This allows the transparent isolation cylinder 1 to exchange gases with the outside air, while the non-woven fabric prevents the isolation space inside the transparent isolation cylinder 1 from being contaminated by external pollution.

[0032] In the above embodiments, preferably, the transparent isolation cylinder 1 is made of PVC transparent plastic film.

[0033] The miniature transport isolator for SPF-grade animal transport provided by this utility model is used in the following specific process: Procedures for transferring SPF animals from rearing or experimental isolators to mini transport isolators: First, spray the inside of the miniature transport isolator according to standard requirements for disinfection. Then, quickly tighten the sealing cap 10, attach one end of a special connecting sleeve to the third fixing ring 9 and secure it. Remove the outer cap of the transfer chamber of the feeding or experimental isolator. Spray disinfect the special connecting sleeve and the internal space of the transfer chamber of the feeding or experimental isolator according to standard requirements. Then, quickly attach the other end of the special connecting sleeve to the outer opening of the transfer chamber of the feeding or experimental isolator and secure it. After the disinfection time is reached, remove the inner cap of the transfer chamber of the feeding or experimental isolator. Then, push one side of the sealing cap 10 of the miniature transport isolator towards the transfer chamber of the feeding or experimental isolator until it reaches the inner opening of the transfer chamber. Unscrew the sealing cap 10 of the miniature transport isolator and push the plastic feeding box containing the SPF-grade animal into the isolation space of the transparent isolation tube 1. Next, tighten the sealing cap 10 of the miniature transport isolator to maintain a sealed state. Finally, fasten the inner cap of the transfer chamber of the feeder or experimental isolator, remove the special connecting sleeve from one end of the transfer chamber, spray the transfer chamber of the feeder or experimental isolator for disinfection, and then fasten the outer cap of the feeder or experimental isolator. After completing the above steps, remove the special connecting sleeve from one end of the miniature transport isolator for cleaning and reuse.

[0034] Procedures for transferring SPF-grade animals from mini transport isolators to rearing or experimental isolators: First, secure one end of the sealing cap 10 of the miniature transport isolator containing the SPF-grade animal by attaching a special connecting sleeve. Then, remove the outer cap of the transfer chamber of the isolator. Disinfect the special connecting sleeve and the interior space of the transfer chamber according to standard requirements by spraying. Quickly attach the other end of the special connecting sleeve to the outer opening of the transfer chamber and secure it. After disinfection, remove the inner cap of the transfer chamber. Push one side of the sealing cap 10 towards the transfer chamber to facilitate unscrewing the cap. Another operator assists by pushing the plastic feeding box containing the SPF-grade animal from the isolation space of the transparent isolation tube 1 into the isolator. Finally, fasten the inner cap of the transfer chamber, remove the special connecting sleeve from one end of the transfer chamber, disinfect the transfer chamber by spraying, and then fasten the outer cap. After completing the above steps, remove the special connecting sleeve from one end of the miniature transport isolator, and clean the special connecting sleeve and the miniature transport isolator for later use.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator, characterized in that, include: A transparent isolation cylinder with openings at both ends and an internal isolation space; The first ventilation window is provided at the first end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder; The second ventilation window is located on the side wall of the transparent isolation cylinder; A sealing cap assembly is provided at the second end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder for opening or closing the isolation space of the transparent isolation cylinder; The first ventilation window includes a circular first fixing ring and a first ventilation window cloth. The first fixing ring is embedded in the first end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder, and the first ventilation window cloth is fastened to the first fixing ring. The second ventilation window includes an elliptical second fixing ring and a second ventilation window cloth. An elliptical window hole is provided on the side wall of the transparent isolation cylinder. The second fixing ring is embedded in the window hole, and the second ventilation window cloth is fastened to the second fixing ring.

2. The SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cap assembly includes a third fixing ring and a sealing cap. The third fixing ring is embedded in the second end opening of the transparent isolation cylinder, and an internal thread is formed on the inner wall of the third fixing ring. At the same time, an external thread is formed on the outer wall of the sealing cap. The sealing cap is screwed onto the third fixing ring.

3. The SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing cover assembly also includes a sealing ring. A sealing groove is provided on the outer side of the inner thread of the third fixing ring. The sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove and is adapted to form a sealing structure with the sealing cover.

4. The SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second breathable window fabrics include a first nylon mesh, a non-woven fabric, and a second nylon mesh stacked sequentially from the outside to the inside, with the outer edges of the first nylon mesh, the non-woven fabric, and the second nylon mesh being fastened to the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring, respectively.

5. The SPF-grade animal miniature transport isolator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The transparent isolation cylinder is made of PVC transparent plastic film.

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