Patent Publication Number: US-2023134410-A1

Title: Isolator

Description:
The present invention relates to isolators, and in particular to a modular isolator apparatus. 
     An isolator or a glovebox (glove box) is a sealed chamber that allows for the handling of objects where an isolated environment is required. Gloves are built into the isolator/glovebox and placed so that that the user can insert their hands into the gloves and perform tasks inside the chamber without breaking containment. Isolators are sealed structures with filtration systems allowing the handling of hazardous and toxic substances. All exhaust air leaving the isolator is filtered with a high-efficiency particulate air filter or HEPA, thereby removing harmful toxic powders bacteria and viruses. 
     Alternatively, or additionally, isolators can provide an aseptic environment to protect a product and/or materials from the external environments. 
     Special consideration is needed to allow objects and materials to be passed into and out of the sealed isolator/glovebox without breaking the containment and/or the aseptic environment. An isolator/glovebox may have either positive, neutral or negative internal pressures to assist with the required protection to either the operators and/or the products. 
     An isolator may comprise additional features that provide added functionality. For instance, some isolators comprise a rapid transfer port (RTP), allowing hazardous material to be rapidly transferred in and out of the isolator. Some isolators comprise a pass-through hatch end airlock, which also allows material to be transferring in and out of the isolator. Alternatively, or additionally, multiple isolators may be interconnected. 
     However, retrofitting these features to an existing isolator may be difficult and can prove costly. Furthermore, a user may require multiple different isolators, each with different functionality, for different applications. 
     The present invention arose from the inventors’ work in attempting to address the problems associated with the prior art. 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular isolator apparatus comprising:
     an isolator comprising a housing, having an opening therein, and an isolator coupling member disposed around the opening;   at least one functional unit comprising a functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with the isolator coupling member, thereby reversibly coupling the functional unit and the isolator;   at least one sealing member, configured to create an airtight seal between the isolator and functional unit coupling members when they are coupled; and   at least one locking member, configured to secure the functional unit to the isolator when the isolator and functional unit are coupled;   
 characterised in that when the functional unit is not secured to the isolator it is removable therefrom.
     Advantageously, different functional units with different functionality may be provided. Accordingly, the isolator may be adapted for a specific use by locating a desired functional unit thereon. 
     The housing may define a workspace, or chamber, therein. The housing may define a front, configured to allow a user access to the workspace during use of the isolator. The front may comprise at least one set of gloves or a glove port, configured to allow a user access to the workspace during use of the isolator. 
     The housing may define a first side and a second side, with the front extending therebetween. The housing may define an opening in the first side. Alternatively, the housing may define an opening in each side. 
     Accordingly, in some embodiments, the apparatus comprises:
     an isolator comprising a housing, having two openings therein, and two isolator coupling members, each isolator coupling member being disposed around a corresponding opening;   at least two functional units, each unit comprising a functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with an isolator coupling member, and thereby reversibly coupling the functional units and the isolator;   at least two sealing members, configured to create airtight seals between the isolator coupling members and functional unit coupling members when they are coupled; and   at least two locking members, configured to secure the functional units to isolator when the isolator and functional units are coupled;   
 characterised in that when the functional units are not secured to the isolator they are removable therefrom.
     Preferably, in embodiments where the apparatus comprises more than one coupling member, each functional unit coupling member may couple with any of the isolator coupling members. 
     The or each locking member may independently be disposed on either the functional unit or on the isolator. In some embodiments, the or each locking member is disposed on the isolator. 
     The apparatus may comprise an isolator controller. The isolator controller is preferably an electronic controller and more preferably is a programmable logic controller. Preferably, the isolator comprises the isolator controller. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one locking member comprises at least one first lock. More preferably, the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of spaced apart first locks. The or each first lock may be configured to be controlled by a user. The or each first lock may be a manual lock. Alternatively, the or each first lock may be an automatic lock configured to lock when the user inputs an instruction to the isolator controller. The or each automatic lock may be an electronic or pneumatic lock. The plurality of spaced apart first locks may consist of between 2 and 10 first locks, more preferably between 3 and 5 first locks and most preferably 4 spaced apart first locks. The or each first lock may be a cam lock. The or each first lock may be disposed on the isolator, and most preferably on the isolator coupling member. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one locking member comprises at least one second lock. The or each second lock may be an automatic lock. The or each automatic lock may be an electronic or pneumatic lock. The or each second lock may be a pneumatic cylinder comprising a bolt. The or each second lock may controlled by the isolator controller. More preferably, the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of spaced apart second locks. The plurality of spaced apart second locks may consist of between 2 and 10 second locks, more preferably between 2 and 5 second locks and most preferably 2 spaced apart second locks. The or each second lock may be disposed on the isolator. Preferably, the or each second lock is disposed adjacent to the isolator coupling member. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of locking members. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of locking members comprises at least one first lock and at least one second lock. More preferably, the plurality of locking members comprises a plurality of first locks and a plurality of second locks. 
     The apparatus may comprise at least one sensing units connected to the isolator controller. The at least one sensing units may be configured to sense when the functional unit is coupled to the isolator. The at least one sensing units may be configured to sense when the or each first lock is locked. The at least one sensing unit may comprise a magnetically coded sensor and/or a proximity sensor. The sensing unit may be configured to detect the type of functional unit coupled to the isolator. 
     The isolator controller may be configured to engage the at least one second lock when the at least one sensing units sense that the functional unit is coupled to the isolator and/or the or each first lock is locked. The isolator controller may be configured to engage the at least one second lock when the at least one sensing units sense that the functional unit is coupled to and the isolator and the or each first lock is locked. The isolator controller may be configured to not disengage the at least one second lock until a user input confirms that the isolator has been fully cleaned. Advantageously, this prevents the functional unit from being removed from the isolator prior to the isolator having been cleaned. This guards against the accidental release of a contaminant from the isolator or the breaking of an aseptic environment within the isolator. 
     It may be appreciated that the functional unit may be configured such that, when it is coupled to the isolator, the functional unit coupling member contacts the isolator coupling member continuously around the opening. 
     The functional unit coupling member may comprise a first side, configured to contact a first side of the isolator coupling member when it is disposed thereon. The functional unit coupling member may comprise a flange which defines the first side of the functional unit coupling member. The first side of the isolator coupling member and the first side of the functional unit coupling member may both be substantially flat. 
     The functional unit coupling member may be configured to receive a portion of the or each first lock. Preferably, the flange is configured to receive a portion of the or each first lock. The flange may comprise a second side, substantially opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the flange may comprise a depression configured to receive a portion of the first lock. Preferably, the flange comprises a plurality of spaced apart depressions, wherein each depression is configured to receive a portion of a corresponding first lock. Accordingly, in embodiments where the first lock is a cam lock, the depression may be configured to receive a portion of a cam. 
     The functional unit coupling member may be configured to receive a portion of the or each second lock. Preferably, the flange is configured to receive a portion of the or each second lock. The function unit coupling member may define a recess in the functional unit configured to a portion of the or each second lock. Preferably, the functional unit coupling member comprises a plurality of recesses in the functional unit, wherein each recess is configured to receive a portion of a corresponding second lock. Preferably, the or each recess is provided in the flange. The or each recess may be provided in a third side of the flange, wherein the third side of the flange extends between the first and second sides. In embodiments where the second lock is a pneumatic cylinder the portion of the or each second lock may comprise the bolt. 
     The isolator coupling member may comprise an isolator collar. The isolator collar may define a boundary around the opening. 
     The isolator coupling member may comprise a second side. The second side may be substantially perpendicular to the first side. In embodiments where the isolator coupling member comprises an isolator collar, the second side may be an internal side of the isolator collar. The second side of the isolator, or internal side of the isolator collar, may be disposed substantially adjacent to the opening. 
     The isolator coupling member may comprise a third side. The third side may be substantially parallel to the second side. In embodiments where the isolator coupling member comprises an isolator collar, the third side may be an external side of the isolator collar. The second side of the isolator, or the internal side of isolator collar, may be disposed between the opening and the third side of the isolator, or the external side of isolator collar. 
     The first side of the isolator coupling member may extend between the second and third sides thereof. The first side of the isolator coupling member may be substantially parallel to the portion of the housing which defines the opening. 
     The functional unit coupling member may comprise a functional unit collar. The functional unit collar may be disposed on the first side of the functional unit coupling member. The functional unit collar may be configured to fit over the isolator collar. Alternatively, the functional unit collar may be configured to sit within the isolator collar. Preferably, the functional unit collar is configured to sit within the isolator collar. The functional unit collar may comprise an internal side and an external side. 
     It may be appreciated that when the functional unit is coupled to the isolator, the at least one sealing member provides an airtight seal around the opening. 
     Preferably, the or each sealing member is independently disposed on the isolator coupling member or on the functional unit coupling member. In embodiments where a sealing member is disposed on the isolator coupling member, the sealing member may be configured to contact the functional unit coupling member when the functional unit is coupled to the isolator. In embodiments where a sealing member is disposed on the functional unit coupling member, the sealing member may be configured to contact the isolator coupling member when the functional unit is coupled to the isolator. 
     The or each sealing member may be disposed so as to be positioned between the isolator coupling member and the functional unit coupling member when the functional unit is coupled to the isolator. Accordingly, a sealing member may be disposed on the first side of the isolator coupling member or the first side of the flange. In embodiments where the functional unit collar is configured to fit over the isolator collar, a sealing member may be disposed on an external side of the isolator collar or an internal side of the functional unit collar. In embodiments where the collar of the functional unit is configured to sit within the collar of the coupling member, a sealing member may be disposed on an external side of the functional unit collar or an internal side of the isolator collar. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member. Advantageously, the second sealing member provides a fall-back should the first sealing member ever be compromised. The first and second sealing members may each be disposed as defined above. 
     Preferably, the or each sealing member is disposed on the isolator coupling member. In a preferred embodiment, the first sealing member is disposed on an internal side of the isolator collar. In a preferred embodiment, the second sealing member is disposed on the first side of the isolator coupling member. 
     The or each sealing member may be an inflatable seal or an O-ring seal. The inflatable seal may be a vacuum inflatable seal or a compressed air inflatable seal. It may be appreciated that a vacuum inflatable seal is configured to maintain an inflated configuration under atmospheric pressure, and collapses when a vacuum is applied. Conversely, a compressed air inflatable seal is configured to maintain a deflated configuration under atmospheric pressure, and inflates when compressed air is applied. In a preferred embodiment, the first sealing member is an inflatable seal. In a preferred embodiment, the second sealing member is an O-ring. 
     In embodiments where the at least one sealing member comprises an inflatable seal, the isolator controller may be configured to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable seal. The isolator controller may be configured to inflate or deform the inflatable seal when the at least one sensing units sense that the functional unit is coupled to the isolator and the or each first lock is locked. Alternatively, the isolator controller may be configured to inflate the inflatable seal once the at least one second lock is engaged. 
     The apparatus may comprise a pump and/or a fan configured to create a negative or a positive pressure in the isolator. The pump may be a vacuum pump. The isolator controller may be configured to activate the pump and/or the fan once the at least one second lock is engaged. Preferably, the isolator controller is configured to activate the pump and/or the fan once the at least one second lock is engaged and the inflatable seal has been inflated. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to allow a user to manually activate and deactivate the pump and/or the fan. 
     The isolator controller may be configured to power down the apparatus. The isolator controller may be configured to power down the apparatus when it receives an input from a user. The isolator controller may be configured to not initiate powering down of the apparatus until a user has confirmed that the isolator has been cleaned. When the isolator controller powers down the apparatus it may be configured to deactivate the pump and/or fan. When the isolator controller powers down the apparatus it may be configured to deflate the inflatable seal. Preferably, the isolator controller is configured to deflate the inflatable seal after the pump and/or fan has been deactivated. When the isolator controller powers down the apparatus it may be configured to disengage the at least one automatic locks. Preferably, the isolator controller is configured to disengage the at least one automatic locks after deactivating the pump and/or fan. Preferably, the isolator controller is configured to disengage the at least one automatic locks after deflating the inflatable seal. 
     The apparatus may comprise at least one guide member configured to guide the functional unit into a desired position on the coupling member. The or each guide member may comprise a projection disposed on the functional unit and a corresponding recess or aperture provided in the isolator, wherein the recess is configured to receive the projection therein. Alternatively, or additionally, the or each guide member may comprise a projection disposed on the isolator and a corresponding recess or aperture provided in the functional unit, wherein the recess or aperture is configured to receive the projection therein. In a preferred embodiment, the or each guide member comprises a projection disposed on the isolator and a corresponding aperture provided in the function unit, wherein the aperture is configured to receive the projection therein. Preferably, the apertures are provided in the flange of the functional unit. 
     Preferably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced apart guide members. Preferably, the plurality of spaced apart guide members consist of between 2 and 10 spaced apart spaced apart guide members, more preferably between 3 and 5 spaced a part guide members and most preferably 4 spaced apart guide members. 
     Preferably, the apparatus is configured such that when the functional unit is coupled to the isolator, the or each sealing member is disposed between the or each guide member and the opening. Advantageously, the projections, recesses and apertures will not affect the seal. 
     The at least one functional unit may comprise a plurality of functional units. The plurality of functional units may comprise different functional units configured to provide different functionality. 
     The plurality of functional units may comprise a functional portion. The functional unit coupling member may be disposed around an edge of the functional portion. The functional portion may vary between the plurality of functional units. The functional portion may be configured to cap the isolator, allow an object to be transferred into or out of the isolator and/or may be configured to reversibly connect the isolator to a second isolator. Examples of various functional units are described in more detail below. 
     The functional unit, or at least one of the plurality of functional units, may comprise a panel and the functional unit coupling member may be disposed around the edge of the panel. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the functional unit coupling member comprises a flange disposed around the edge of the panel. When the functional unit is coupled to the isolator, the panel may extend across the opening. The panel may not comprise any openings or access points. This functional unit may be known as a blank end cap functional unit. Conversely, the functional unit may comprise one or more of a rapid transfer port (RTP), a bag-out port and a flexible isolator port disposed in the panel. It may be appreciated that RTPs, bag-out ports and flexible isolator ports are known in the art. In embodiments where the functional unit comprises a rapid transfer port disposed in the panel, it may be known as a rapid transfer port (RTP) functional unit. In embodiments where the functional unit comprises a bag-out port, the functional unit may be known as a bag-out port end cap. In embodiments where the functional unit comprises a flexible isolator connector, the functional unit may be known as a flexible isolator connection. 
     The at least one functional unit may comprise at least one functional unit configured to reversibly connect the isolator to a second isolator. Accordingly, the apparatus may comprise a second isolator. The second isolators may be a flexible isolator. Alternatively, the second isolator may be as defined above. 
     The functional unit, or at least one of the plurality of functional units, may comprise a first functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with a first isolator coupling member on a first isolator, and a second functional unit coupling member configured to reversibly couple with a second isolator coupling member on a second isolator. The first and second isolators may be as defined above. The first and second isolator coupling members may be as defined above. The first functional unit coupling member may be configured to reversibly couple with the first isolator coupling member at the same time that the second functional unit coupling member is configured to reversibly couple with the second isolator coupling member. 
     In some embodiments, the functional unit comprises a conduit extending between the first and second isolator coupling members. 
     In some embodiments, the conduit is open. Accordingly, the functional unit may be configured to allow a gas to pass freely between the first and second isolators. In this embodiment, the functional unit may be known as an isolator to isolator sleeve functional unit. 
     Alternatively, a panel may extend across the conduit. The panel may comprise one or more of a rapid transfer port, a bag-out port and a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter may be a cartridge HEPA filter. In embodiments where the panel comprises a bag-out port, and optionally one or more cartridge HEPA filters, the functional unit may be known as an isolator to isolator sleeve with bag-out port. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one functional unit configured to reversibly connect the isolator to a second isolator may comprise a centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit. The centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit may comprise a housing defining a chamber therein. The chamber may be configured to reversibly connect the first and second isolators and to allow a user access to the chamber from outside of the isolators. The housing may define a first side with a first opening therein, and a second side with a second opening therein. The first and second isolator coupling members may be disposed around the corresponding first and second openings in the housing. Preferably, the first and second sides are disposed on opposing sides of the chamber. Preferably, the first and second sides are substantially parallel. In some embodiments, the first functional unit coupling member comprises a flange disposed around the first functional unit opening and the second functional unit coupling member comprises a flange disposed around the second functional unit opening. 
     The centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit may comprise a first door, configured to reversibly cover the first functional unit opening and at least one functional unit first sealing means, configured to create an airtight seal between the first door and the functional unit housing. The centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit may comprise a second door, configured to reversibly cover the second functional unit opening and at least one functional unit second sealing means, configured to create an airtight seal between the second door and the functional unit housing. 
     The housing of the centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit may define an access opening. The access opening may be defined in a third side of the housing. The third side may extend between the first and second sides. The access opening may be configured to allow a user to access the chamber from outside the isolator. The centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit may comprise an access door, configured to reversibly cover the functional unit access opening and at least one functional unit access sealing means, configured to create an airtight seal between the access door and the functional unit housing. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one functional unit may comprise a pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit. The pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit may comprise a housing defining a chamber therein. The chamber may be configured to allow a user access to the chamber from outside of the isolator. The housing may define a first opening and an access opening. The first opening may be in a first side of the housing and the access opening may be in a second side of the housing. The second side may be adjacent to the first side. The second side may be substantially perpendicular to the first side. An isolator coupling members may be disposed around the first opening in the housing. In some embodiments, the functional unit coupling member comprises a flange disposed around the functional unit opening. 
     The centre isolator to isolator pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit may comprise a first door, configured to reversibly cover the first functional unit opening and at least one functional unit first sealing means, configured to create an airtight seal between the first door and the functional unit housing. The centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock functional unit may comprise an access door, configured to reversibly cover the functional unit access opening and at least one functional unit access sealing means, configured to create an airtight seal between the access door and the functional unit housing. 
     The pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit and/or centre isolator to isolator functional unit may comprise a filter, preferably a HEPA filter. 
     The pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit and/or centre isolator to isolator functional unit may comprise a functional unit controller. Alternatively, the pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit and/or centre isolator to isolator functional unit may be connectable to the isolator controller. 
     The at least one first functional unit sealing means, the at least one first functional unit sealing means and/or the at least one functional unit access sealing means may comprise an O-ring seal or an inflatable seal. Preferably, the at least one first functional unit sealing means, the at least one first functional unit sealing means and/or the at least one functional unit access sealing means comprises an inflatable seal. The isolator controller or the functional unit controller may be configured to inflate the or each inflatable seal. Preferably, the isolator controller or the functional unit controller is configured to inflate the or each inflatable seal when the at least one sensing unit senses that the pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit or centre isolator to isolator functional unit is coupled to the or each isolator and the or each first lock is locked. Alternatively, the isolator controller or the functional unit controller may be configured to inflate the or each inflatable seal once the at least one second lock is engaged. 
     Preferably, the pass-through hatch end airlock functional unit and/or centre isolator to isolator functional unit comprises at least one first functional unit locking member configured to secure the first door in a closed configuration and at least one access functional unit locking member configured to secure the access door in a closed configuration. Preferably, the centre isolator to isolator functional unit comprises at least one second functional unit locking member configured to secure the second door in a closed configuration. The at least one first functional unit locking member, at least one second functional unit locking member and/or at least one access functional unit locking member may comprise a second lock. The or each second lock may be a pneumatic cylinder. 
     Preferably, the isolator controller or the functional unit controller is configured to engage the at least one first functional unit locking member, at least one second functional unit locking member and/or at least one access functional unit locking member when the at least one sensing units sense that the functional unit is coupled to the or each isolator and the or each first lock is locked. Preferably, while the isolator is in use, the isolator controller or the functional unit controller is configured to only ever disengage one of the at least one first locking member and the at least one access locking member at any given time. Preferably, while the isolator is in use, the isolator controller or the functional unit controller is configured to only ever disengage one of the at least one second locking member and the at least one access locking member at any given time. 
     In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided an isolator comprising:
     a housing, having an opening therein, and an isolator coupling member disposed around the opening, the isolator coupling member being configured to couple with a functional unit coupling area, and thereby couple the isolator to a functional unit;   at least one sealing member, disposed on the isolator coupling member and being configured to create an airtight seal between the isolator and functional unit coupling members when they are coupled; and   at least one locking member, configured to secure the functional unit to the isolator when the isolator and functional unit are coupled;   
 characterised in that the isolator may be disconnected from the functional unit.
     The functional unit may be understood to be disconnected from the isolator when it does not contact the isolator and is not connected with it. 
     All of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. 
    
    
     
       For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:- 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an isolator with a coupling member provided in a side thereof; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the isolator, wherein a blank end cap has been located over the coupling member; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the isolator and coupling member; 
         FIG.  4    is a close up of the blank end cap positioned on the isolator; 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the isolator and blank end cap; 
         FIG.  6    is a close up of a portion of the blank end cap positioned on the isolator; 
         FIG.  7    is a sectional view of the isolator and blank end cap; 
         FIG.  8    is a close up of a portion of the sectional view of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    shows alternative end caps which can be used with the isolator; 
         FIG.  10    shows a further alternative end cap which can be used with the isolator; and 
         FIG.  11    shows a still further alternative end cap which can be used with the isolator. 
     
    
    
     EXAMPLES 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , there is shown an isolator  2 , or glovebox, configured to allow the handling of hazardous and/or toxic substances. Alternatively, or additionally, the isolator  2  can provide an aseptic environment to protect a product and/or materials therein from the external environment. 
     The isolator  2  includes a work area  4  provided on a support stand  6 . When the isolator is in use, the work area  4 , or chamber, will be fully enclosed and sealed. Three ports  8  are configured to allow gloves to be attached to the front of the isolator  2 . This allows a user to access the work area  4 , while preventing direct contact with any hazardous or sterile materials therein. All exhaust air leaving the isolator  2  during use is filtered with a HEPA filter  10 , thereby removing harmful toxic materials. All air entering the isolator  2  during use may also be filtered with a HEPA filter  10 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  1   , a coupling member  12 , disposed around an opening  16 , is provided in a side  14  of the isolator  2 . As discussed below, the coupling member  12  allows a functional unit  36  to be reversibly connected to the side  14  of the isolator  2 . 
     The coupling member  12  comprises a collar  18  defining an internal surface  20 , disposed adjacent to the opening  16 , an external surface  22 , spaced apart from the opening  16 , and an interconnecting edge  24  which extends between the internal and external surfaces. As can be seen in  FIG.  5   , a vacuum inflatable seal  26  is disposed on the internal surface  20  of the collar  18 . Furthermore, an O-ring seal  28  is disposed on the interconnecting edge  24  of the collar  18 . 
     The coupling member  12  further comprises four spaced apart pins  30 , each disposed on the interconnecting edge  24  of the collar. The pins  30  are disposed between the O-ring seal  28  and the external surface  22  of the collar  18 . 
     Also disposed on the collar  18  are four spaced apart rotating manual cam locks  32 . The rotating manual cam locks  32  are disposed on the interconnecting edge  24 , adjacent to external surface  22 , of the collar  18 . 
     Finally, the coupling member  12  comprises two pneumatic cylinders  34 . Each pneumatic cylinder  34  is disposed adjacent to the external surface  22  of the collar  18 , and the two pneumatic cylinders  34  are disposed on opposite sides of the collar  18 . Each pneumatic cylinder comprises a bolt  35 . 
     Various functional units  36  are configured to attach to the coupling member  12 . For instance,  FIGS.  2  to  8    show an embodiment where a blank end cap  36   a  is fitted to the coupling member  12 . Some alternative functional units  36  are shown in  FIGS.  9  to  11    and include a rapid transfer port (RTP)  36   b , a pass-through hatch end airlock  36   c , a centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock  36   d , an isolator to isolator sleeve  36   e , a flexible isolator connector  36   f  and an isolator to isolator sleeve with a bag out port  36   g . It may be appreciated that a user could select a suitable functional unit  36  for a given application. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , each functional unit  36  comprises a flange  38  configured to fit over at least a portion of the interconnecting edge  24  of the collar  18 . Four apertures are provided in the flange  38 , and correspond to the locations of the pins  30 . Accordingly, when a user is positioning a functional unit  36  on the coupling member  12 , either manually or using a cart, the pins  30  and corresponding apertures guide the functional unit  36  into the correct position. 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  5   , the functional unit  36  further comprises a collar  40  on a first side of the flange  38 . When the functional unit  36  is coupled to the isolator  2 , the collar  40  of the functional unit is configured to fit within and the isolator collar  18 . Due to the location of the vacuum inflatable seal  26  between the collars  18 ,  40  it will create a first seal when it is located. Similarly, when the functional unit  36  is positioned on the isolator  2 , the flange  38  is configured to contact the O-ring seal  28 , and thereby create a second seal. The second seal is provided in case the first seal should fail. This ensures that, in use, a seal is always provided between the coupling member  12  and functional unit  36 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  6   , four depressions  42  are defined in the flange  38 . The depressions  42  are positioned in the flange  38  such that when the functional unit  36  is positioned on the coupling member  12 , each depression  42  is located adjacent to a corresponding rotating manual cam lock  32 . Accordingly, a user can rotate each of the rotating manual cam locks  32  to manually lock the functional unit  36  into place. 
     A sensor (not shown) disposed in the isolator  2  senses when the functional unit  36  is coupled to the isolator and manually locked in place. The sensor will send this information to a controller, and the controller will then automatically cause the pneumatic cylinders  34  to move their bolts  35  into corresponding recesses  44  in the flange  38 , thereby locking the functional unit  36  to the coupling member  12 . The controller will not disengage the pneumatic cylinders  34  until an operator confirms that the isolator  2  has been fully cleaned. This prevents a functional unit  36  from being removed before the isolator  2  has been cleaned. 
     The controller may then inflate the inflatable seal  26  and initiate an isolator fan (not shown) to cause the pressure within the work area  4  to be reduced. In embodiments where the functional unit  36  is a blank end cap  36   a  or RTP end cap  36   b , the isolator is then ready for use. 
     Alternatively, in embodiments where the functional unit  36  is a pass-through hatch end airlock  36   c , additional sensors within the pass-through hatch end airlock  36   c  will need to be connected to the controller. Furthermore, the pass-through hatch end airlock  36   c  will need to be connected to pneumatic air to enable inflatable door seals therein to be inflated. Once these steps have been conducted, in addition to the ones listed above, the isolator will be ready to use. 
     If the functional unit  36  is am isolator to isolator sleeve  36   e  then it will need to be connected to another isolator prior to use. This may be achieved using the steps set out above. 
     Finally, if the functional unit  36  is a centre isolator to isolator pass hatch airlock  36   d  then the additional steps described for both the pass-through hatch end airlock  36   c  and the isolator to isolator sleeve  36   e  will need to conducted prior to use. 
     After the isolator has been used and fully cleaned, the user must input this information to the controller. The controller will then stop the isolator fan and deflate the vacuum seal  26 . A vacuum may be applied to the vacuum seal  26  to ensure it is in the undocked position to prevent any damage. The controller will then disengage the pneumatic cylinders  34 . If required, a user will have to disconnect any sensors and pneumatic lines from the functional unit  36  which are connected to the controller. The user can then release the four rotating manual cam locks  32  and remove the functional unit  36  from the coupling member  12 .