Patent Description:
In a known manner, in laboratories and industries which treat pharmaceutical products, but also chemical, biomedical, cosmetic, food, electronic and similar products, the need arises to ensure that at least some areas of the plant are free of pollutants.

The invention is intended in particular for use in plants comprising at least one controlled contamination area, or clean room, i.e., an area with a very low amount of dusts and sterile from a microbiological point of view (hereinafter referred to in short as "clean room"). For this reason, the following description will make specific reference to this field of use. However, as those skilled in the art may well understand, the invention can also be usefully employed in different environments, for example in environments subject to less stringent constraints.

In a known manner, one of the problems which constantly arises in systems comprising one or more clean rooms is that of correctly managing the transport of material from an unclassified external environment or an environment with a lower classification than that of the clean room (and therefore referred to in short as "dirty space") to a clean room.

For this purpose, solutions have been developed which are described below.

The flowed transfer carts referred to as LAF (Laminar Air Flow) are used to transport clean material from a first clean room to a second clean room, passing through a dirty space. These carts comprise a closed compartment into which air is blown which is sucked in from the external environment, typically filtered through HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, and reintroduced into the external environment. A double effect is thus obtained. On the one hand, it is ensured that an overpressure is established inside the compartment with respect to the external environment, so as to prevent pollutants from entering the compartment. On the other hand, the filtered air is blown in the form of a laminar flow in order to carry out a continuous washing of the surfaces, removing any suspended pollutants from the compartment and thus preventing it from contaminating the material loaded inside the cart. Thereby, the material, which was already clean at the start, remains clean throughout the journey, up to the second clean room.

It is another arising need to introduce material from a dirty space into a clean room, without thereby contaminating the clean room itself. For this purpose, the use of the so-called pass box, or material pass-through, is known, consisting of a compartment with a first door which opens towards the dirty space and a second door which opens towards the clean room. The pass box can then comprise a biodecontamination system which is suitable for the treatment of the contents of the compartment. The correct use of the pass box requires that, keeping the second door hermetically closed, a first operator in the dirty space opens the first door, introduces the contaminated material into the compartment and closes the first door. When both doors are hermetically closed, the biodecontamination cycle is carried out, for example by means of hydrogen peroxide vapor. Once the biodecontamination has been completed and the hydrogen peroxide residues inside the compartment have been disposed of by catalysis, a second operator inside the clean room can open the second door and take the material, now biodecontaminated and clean, so as to put it in the clean room without any risk of contamination.

While appreciated, such solutions are not without drawbacks.

In accordance with relatively recent regulations, there are areas inside the clean rooms (classified as areas A) which are subject to more stringent cleaning requirements than other areas (areas B). Typically, the area where the pass box is located and the area where the material processing machine is located are classified as areas A. In contrast, the adjacent areas of the clean room can be classified as areas B. The flowed LAF carts of the known type allow transporting clean material from one area A to another area A by passing through an area B. However, to do this the flowed LAF carts require that specific areas be set up in the areas A for the material loading and unloading operations, areas in which a special fixed LAF system ensures a laminar flow of clean air. The laminar flow of clean air, similar to what occurs inside the cart itself, prevents the contamination of the material while it is exposed during the loading and unloading operations. The fixed LAF plant is quite complex, and it is therefore preferable that the affected areas are identified from the beginning of the plant's construction. However, this is not always possible, for example for plants which are converted for different uses or for plants built before the issue of stringent regulations on the classification of areas A and B. In these cases the plant must be adapted to create new areas A with an adequate LAF plant in positions where they had not been envisaged. In this case, the necessary works involve significant costs and prolonged unavailability of the clean room and therefore an at least partial shutdown of the entire plant.

On the other hand, pass boxes are an expensive and inflexible solution. In fact, at least one pass box must be provided for each chamber. Furthermore, like the fixed LAF plant, the pass box also requires a rather complex and laborious installation and it is preferable to arrange it from the beginning of the plant's construction. The construction of a new pass box also requires works which involve prolonged unavailability of the clean room and therefore an at least partial shutdown of the entire plant.

Document <CIT> describes an example of a cart for transferring materials, while document <CIT> describes an example of a transport system for transferring products between stations with different HEPA classes.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks highlighted above in relation to the background art.

In particular, it is a task of the present invention to provide a flowed cart which does not require a fixed LAF plant near the pass box.

Furthermore, it is a task of the present invention to provide a flowed cart which, in addition to the peculiar operation thereof, allows maintaining the functions of the carts of known type.

Such an object and such tasks are achieved by a cart-window assembly according to claim <NUM> and the methods of claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the further features and advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

In the context of the present discussion, some terminological conventions have been adopted in order to make reading easier and more fluent. Such terminological conventions are clarified below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The invention relates to a movable cart in an industrial environment. The expression "fixed" refers hereinafter to elements of the environment, as opposed to the elements of the cart which are movable therewith.

The expression "clean room" means a constantly controlled environment which meets certain predefined requirements and which therefore has a very low amount of dust and is sterile from a microbiological point of view. The expression "dirty space" means an environment outside a clean room and for which there is no requirement or there are less stringent requirements than those of the clean room.

The expression "HP mixture" hereinafter refers to a mixture of gas, for example air, and hydrogen peroxide (H<NUM>O<NUM> - Hydrogen Peroxide), adapted to obtain a biodecontamination effect on the surfaces with which it comes into contact.

The expression "HP apparatus" hereinafter refers to a device adapted to generate a flow of HP mixture. The HP apparatus can utilize different technologies: for example, it can utilize technologies based on the use of hydrogen peroxide in the vapor state such as VHP (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide), HPV (Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor), VPHP (Vapor Phase Hydrogen Peroxide) technologies, or it can utilize technologies based on ionized hydrogen peroxide such as IHP (Ionized Hydrogen Peroxide) or HPE technologies, or it can utilize so-called dry fog technologies such as spraying or atomizing hydrogen peroxide.

Within the scope of the invention, paths are defined within which a fluid moves in a unique direction. In relation to such a direction, the expressions "upstream", "before" or the like are uniquely defined with respect to the expressions "downstream", "after" or the like.

The invention relates to a cart-window assembly <NUM> comprising a cart <NUM> for moving material to/from a clean room <NUM> and at least one window <NUM> adapted to allow the communication between a dirty space <NUM> and the clean room <NUM>.

In particular, the cart <NUM> for moving material from/to a clean room <NUM> comprises:.

in which the cart <NUM> further comprises first interface means <NUM> surrounding the protected door <NUM>, in which the first interface means <NUM> are complementary to second interface means <NUM> of a window <NUM> adapted to allow the communication between the dirty space <NUM> and the clean room <NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments (for example those in <FIG>), the cart <NUM> further comprises a biodecontamination system. The biodecontamination system can comprise an ultraviolet lamp. For example, in a manner known per se, the lamp can emit a so-called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), i.e., an ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths comprised in the UV-C band (between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers). Alternatively or in addition, the biodecontamination system can comprise an HP apparatus <NUM> and a first conduit <NUM> adapted to introduce a flow of hydrogen peroxide-based HP mixture into the compartment <NUM>.

Preferably, the cart <NUM> can further comprise an exposed door <NUM>, also adapted to alternatively allow accessing the compartment <NUM> and hermetically closing the compartment <NUM>. From the following description, those skilled in the art can well understand how both doors <NUM>, <NUM> are exposed in the same identical manner in many conditions of use. However, the possibility of obtaining a protection for one of the two doors <NUM>, <NUM> is one of the technical features of the cart <NUM> which allows making the most of the advantages of the invention.

In accordance with some embodiments, the ventilation system <NUM> is adapted to create a laminar air flow.

The ventilation system <NUM> can be similar per se to those mounted on board the flowed LAF (Laminar Air Flow) carts of a known type. Preferably the ventilation system <NUM> comprises a first opening <NUM> for the suction of air from the outside, one or more filters (described in greater detail below), a fan <NUM>, a second opening <NUM> for expelling the air towards the outside, and a series of channels <NUM> adapted to connect the first opening <NUM> to the fan <NUM> and then to the compartment <NUM> of the cart <NUM>, and adapted to connect the compartment <NUM> to the second opening <NUM>. Preferably, the ventilation system <NUM> comprises one or more of the following filters:.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments (for example that in <FIG>), the cart <NUM> comprises a second suction filter <NUM>, adapted to intercept the air flow sucked from the outside by the HP apparatus <NUM>. In accordance with other embodiments (for example that in <FIG>), the cart <NUM> comprises a single suction filter <NUM> which serves both the ventilation system <NUM> and the HP apparatus <NUM>.

Preferably, one or more of the filters listed above are so-called absolute filters, for example they can be said HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) or ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filters based on the classification defined by the UNI EN <NUM> standards. In particular, HEPA filters have a filtration efficiency between <NUM>% and <NUM>% depending on the class to which they belong, while ULPA filters have a filtration efficiency between <NUM>% and <NUM>% depending on the class to which they belong. Advantageously, the ventilation system <NUM> further comprises a shutter <NUM>, preferably motorized, adapted to close the channel <NUM> upstream of the compartment <NUM>.

Preferably, the fan <NUM> is a centrifugal fan.

Advantageously, the cart <NUM> comprises a control panel <NUM> which allows one or more of the following functions to be performed:.

Preferably, the cart <NUM> comprises an electrical power supply system <NUM>, adapted to power the devices on board the cart <NUM>. The power supply system <NUM> preferably comprises a connection to the mains and/or a battery or an uninterruptible power supply which allows the on-board devices to be powered even while the cart <NUM> is disconnected from the mains, typically when it is in motion. A device on board the cart <NUM> which must be powered is certainly the fan <NUM> of the ventilation system <NUM> but, in accordance with the various embodiments, other devices may also require an energy supply.

In a manner known per se, the ventilation system <NUM> is adapted to achieve two purposes. Firstly, the ventilation system <NUM> ensures that an overpressure with respect to the external environment is established inside the compartment <NUM>. Furthermore, the ventilation system <NUM> can be adapted to blow air in the form of a laminar flow inside the compartment <NUM>.

These features allow the cart <NUM> to have the operating mode diagrammatically shown in <FIG>. In accordance with such a mode, the cart <NUM> of the invention functions exactly like a flowed LAF cart <NUM> of a known type. In particular, a laminar flow of clean air is ensured inside the compartment <NUM> which prevents any pollutant suspended in the air from contaminating the material stored inside the compartment <NUM>. Thereby the cart <NUM> of the invention can be used to transport clean material from a first clean room <NUM> to a second clean room <NUM>, passing through a dirty space <NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments, the HP apparatus <NUM> is a generator of the VPHP (Vapor Phase Hydrogen Peroxide) type, known per se. In particular, a VPHP generator is adapted, starting from hydrogen peroxide in the liquid phase, to generate hydrogen peroxide in the vapor phase and thus to obtain the HP mixture. Advantageously, the cart <NUM> comprises a tank <NUM> of liquid phase hydrogen peroxide from which the HP apparatus <NUM> draws to obtain the vapor phase hydrogen peroxide. Preferably, the HP apparatus <NUM> is also adapted to suck an air flow from the outside, for mixing a predetermined flow rate of hydrogen peroxide vapor with a predetermined flow rate of air, so as to obtain the HP mixture. Preferably, the cart <NUM> of the invention comprises a first conduit <NUM> which connects the outlet of the HP apparatus <NUM> inside the compartment <NUM>, so that the HP mixture can be introduced into the compartment <NUM> itself.

A particularly efficient VPHP generator <NUM> which is particularly suitable for use in the cart <NUM> of the invention is described in European patent application <CIT>, filed by the same Applicant.

Preferably, the cart <NUM> further comprises one or more main catalysts <NUM>, adapted to ensure the splitting of the hydrogen peroxide molecules (H<NUM>O<NUM>) into water (H<NUM>O) and oxygen (O<NUM>). The main catalysts <NUM>, known per se, preferably comprise metal grids with a coating of heavy metals such as mixtures of palladium, iridium, chromium, and the like. Advantageously, the main catalysts <NUM> are placed along the ventilation system <NUM>, downstream of the compartment <NUM> and preferably upstream of the second opening <NUM> for expelling the air towards the outside.

The technical features of these embodiments allow the cart <NUM> to have the operating mode diagrammatically shown in <FIG>. In accordance with such a method, the cart <NUM> of the invention allows carrying out a biodecontamination process of the compartment <NUM> and the material stored therein. In particular, the HP device <NUM> produces the HP mixture which is fed into the compartment <NUM> by the first conduit <NUM>. The shutter <NUM> is closed to prevent the HP mixture from accidentally passing through the ventilation system <NUM> in the opposite direction. Since hydrogen peroxide is an irritant, the ventilation requires the flow of HP mixture to be passed through the main catalysts <NUM> before being expelled, so that the hydrogen peroxide is split into water and oxygen and only harmless substances are expelled outside the cart <NUM>. At the end of the biodecontamination cycle, the cart <NUM> should be brought into an operating mode similar to that in <FIG> with the only difference that in this case the main catalysts <NUM> are also involved. In other words, the HP apparatus <NUM> is deactivated and therefore the HP mixture is no longer fed inside the compartment <NUM>. Furthermore, the shutter <NUM> is opened and the fan <NUM> is activated. Thereby, the forced ventilation inside the compartment <NUM> allows any residual hydrogen peroxide to be removed and passed through the main catalysts <NUM>, to ensure that the compartment <NUM> can be opened in total safety.

The assembly <NUM> further comprises a fixed window <NUM> adapted to allow the communication between the dirty space <NUM> and the clean room <NUM>, in which the window <NUM> comprises a panel <NUM> which can alternatively be open or sealingly closed, and second interface means <NUM> extending along the periphery of the panel <NUM> and which are complementary to the first interface means <NUM> arranged on board the cart <NUM> in accordance with the invention.

Advantageously, the panel <NUM> opens from the side of the window <NUM> opposite to the side on which the second interface means <NUM> are arranged. In accordance with some embodiments, the window <NUM> is mounted so that the panel <NUM> opens towards the clean room <NUM> and the second interface means <NUM> face the dirty space <NUM>. In accordance with other embodiments, vice versa, the window <NUM> is mounted so that the panel <NUM> opens towards the dirty space <NUM> and the second interface means <NUM> face the clean room <NUM>.

Advantageously, the cart <NUM> thus comprises first interface means <NUM> surrounding the protected door <NUM> and the window <NUM> comprises second interface means <NUM> extending along the periphery of the panel <NUM>, in which the first interface means <NUM> and the second interface means <NUM> are mutually complementary and are referred to as interface means <NUM> as a whole.

In the assembly <NUM>, the interface means <NUM> allow, if necessary (i.e., reversibly), the cart <NUM> to be firmly coupled to the window <NUM> so as to define a sealingly closed gap <NUM> between the two. In particular, when the interface means <NUM> are fully activated, the gap <NUM> is sealingly closed towards the compartment <NUM> of the cart <NUM>, towards the dirty space <NUM>, and towards the clean room <NUM>.

Preferably, the interface means <NUM> comprise sensors adapted to detect the correct position of the cart <NUM> with respect to the fixed window <NUM>. The sensors can be positioned on the cart <NUM>, on the window <NUM> or, preferably, on both. Preferably, the interface means <NUM> comprise electromagnets adapted to be activated to lock the cart <NUM> in the correct position with respect to the fixed window <NUM>. The electromagnets can be positioned on the cart <NUM>, on the window <NUM>, or on both.

A particular embodiment of the interface means <NUM> is described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In accordance with such an embodiment, the interface means <NUM> comprise a pair of sleeve flanges <NUM> complementary to each other. A first sleeve flange <NUM> is mounted on the cart <NUM>, so as to surround the protected door <NUM>, and a second sleeve flange <NUM> is mounted on the window <NUM>, so as to surround the panel <NUM>. The two sleeve flanges <NUM> are complementary to each other, meaning that one sleeve flange (for example the second sleeve flange <NUM> mounted on the window <NUM>) can accommodate the other sleeve flange therein (in the example the first sleeve flange <NUM> mounted on the cart <NUM>). In particular, the two sleeve flanges <NUM> have such dimensions that, while the cart <NUM> is in the correct position with respect to the fixed window <NUM>, they remain at a distance d one from the other on all sides (see the detail in <FIG>). The distance d can be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

Preferably, the interface means <NUM> further comprise a gasket <NUM>. In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the gasket <NUM> is of the pneumatically actuated type, known per se, and is adapted to bridge the distance d between the two sleeve flanges <NUM> so as to ensure the closure of the gap <NUM> (see the detail in <FIG>). Furthermore, the actuation of the gasket <NUM>, for example pneumatic, ensures that it is compressed, so as to ensure the sealing closure of the gap <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> is arranged on the second interface means <NUM> of the window <NUM>. Therefore, in this case the window <NUM> preferably comprises a system for activating the gasket <NUM>, for example a pneumatic system which makes compressed air available. In other embodiments (not shown), the gasket <NUM> can be mounted on the first interface means <NUM> of the cart <NUM>. Therefore, in this case the cart <NUM> can comprise a system for activating the gasket <NUM>, for example a pneumatic system which makes compressed air available. In still other embodiments, it is possible to include a pneumatic connection between the cart <NUM> and the window <NUM>, so that a fixed system can feed a gasket <NUM> on board the cart <NUM> or, vice versa, so that a system on board the cart <NUM> can feed a gasket <NUM> arranged on the fixed window <NUM>.

As those skilled in the art can well understand, the embodiment of the interface means <NUM> described above is only one among many possible ones. For example, in accordance with other embodiments (not shown), the interface means <NUM> can comprise plates designed to come into contact with each other and an electromagnetic coupling. The activation of the electromagnetic coupling, in addition to ensuring that the cart <NUM> remains firmly in position, also ensures that a gasket <NUM> is adequately compressed to obtain the seal.

Preferably, the window <NUM> can comprise a mouth <NUM> between the panel <NUM> and the second interface means <NUM>, connected to a fixed HP system <NUM>. It should be noted that, in accordance with the terminological convention adopted in the description, the HP system <NUM> is defined as "fixed", meaning thereby that it is not mounted on board the cart <NUM>. However, as those skilled in the art can well understand, the HP system <NUM> can in turn be a movable device to connect to the mouth <NUM> only when necessary, without thereby modifying the invention in any manner. In any case, when the cart <NUM> is firmly coupled to the window <NUM> and the interface means <NUM> are activated, the mouth <NUM> is inside the gap <NUM>. Thereby, it is possible to introduce the HP mixture produced by the fixed HP system <NUM> inside the gap <NUM> itself.

Preferably, the cart <NUM> comprises a second conduit <NUM> connecting the interior of the compartment <NUM> to a mouth <NUM> outside the compartment <NUM>, between the protected door <NUM> and the first interface means <NUM> (<FIG>). When the cart <NUM> is firmly coupled to the window <NUM> and the interface means <NUM> are activated, the mouth <NUM> is inside the gap <NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments, the second conduit <NUM> connects the mouth <NUM> to the first conduit <NUM>. Thereby, the second conduit <NUM> allows, if required, connecting the outlet of the HP apparatus <NUM> to the mouth <NUM> and/or the mouth <NUM> to the compartment <NUM>.

Thereby, by means of the fixed mouth <NUM> of the window <NUM> and/or through the mouth <NUM> of the cart <NUM>, it is possible to introduce the HP mixture into the gap <NUM> itself.

Preferably, the window <NUM> comprises a second ventilation system <NUM> of the gap <NUM>, in turn comprising an exhaust filter and a fixed catalyst, both similar to the corresponding components of the cart <NUM> described above. In order obtain the forced circulation of the air inside the gap <NUM> and the second ventilation system <NUM>, it is possible to utilize the flow arriving from the HP apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible to arrange a second fixed fan or another ventilation device (such as a source of compressed air).

These features allow the cart <NUM> to have the operating mode diagrammatically shown in <FIG>. In accordance with such a mode, the biodecontamination of the gap <NUM> can be ensured, introducing the HP mixture therein, similarly to what was described above in relation to the compartment <NUM>. At the end of the biodecontamination treatment of the gap <NUM>, the second ventilation system <NUM> and the respective fixed catalysts allow removing any residual hydrogen peroxide vapor from the gap <NUM> so as to ensure the safety of the operator who must open the panel <NUM>.

Advantageously, the cart <NUM> can comprise a third conduit <NUM> connecting the outlet of the HP apparatus <NUM> to a point inside the ventilation system <NUM>, downstream of the main catalysts <NUM> and preferably upstream of the second opening <NUM> for the expulsion of the air towards the outside. In some embodiments, such as that diagrammatically shown in <FIG>, the third conduit <NUM> is permanently arranged on board the cart <NUM>. In other embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the third conduit <NUM> can be assembled and disassembled if required. Advantageously, the cart <NUM> further comprises a removable accessory <NUM> comprising an air manifold and one or more accessory catalysts which are completely similar to the main catalysts <NUM> described above. The manifold is adapted to be coupled to the second opening <NUM> in a removable manner for expelling the air, so as to intercept the flow of gas output from the ventilation system <NUM> of the cart <NUM>.

These features allow the cart <NUM> to have the operating mode diagrammatically shown in <FIG>. In accordance with such a mode, the cart <NUM> also allows a biodecontamination cycle to be carried out on the second opening <NUM> for expelling the air towards the outside and in particular on the possible exhaust filter <NUM> arranged thereat. This portion of the ventilation system <NUM>, being located downstream of the main catalysts <NUM>, is never reached by the hydrogen peroxide and is therefore exposed to phenomena of microbiological contamination. The third conduit <NUM> allows the HP mixture to be fed immediately upstream of the second opening <NUM> and the possible exhaust filter <NUM> while the removable accessory <NUM>, with the accessory catalysts thereof, ensures the safety of the operators.

The different modes of use described above with reference to <FIG> allow the cart <NUM> of the invention to perform different types of missions which are described below.

One possible mission is to transfer already cleaned material from a first clean room <NUM> to a second clean room <NUM> passing through a dirty space <NUM>. In order to carry out this mission safely, it is possible to arrange a cart <NUM> in accordance with the invention in the dirty space <NUM>; arrange the first clean room <NUM> with a first window <NUM> and the second clean room <NUM> with a second window <NUM>, in accordance with what is described above. In particular, the window <NUM> must be arranged so that the second interface means <NUM> face the dirty space <NUM> and the panel <NUM> opens towards the clean room <NUM>. It is then possible to carry out the following steps:.

It should be noted that in this type of mission, the steps of biodecontaminating the gaps <NUM> can be completed using both the HP system <NUM> of the window <NUM>, and using the optional HP apparatus <NUM> of the cart <NUM>, by virtue of the presence of the second conduit <NUM>.

It should further be noted that in this type of mission, between the step of uncoupling the cart <NUM> from the first window <NUM> of the first clean room <NUM> and the step of coupling the cart <NUM> to the second window <NUM> of the second clean room <NUM>, an indefinite period of time can elapse. In fact, the cart <NUM> can be positioned in a waiting area where, ensuring the power supply of the on-board devices, the cart <NUM> can remain in total safety for an indefinite time.

Another possible mission is to transfer dirty material from a dirty space <NUM> to a clean room <NUM>. In order to carry out this mission safely, it is possible to arrange a cart <NUM> in accordance with the invention and comprising the second conduit <NUM> in the dirty space <NUM>; and arrange the clean chamber <NUM> with a window <NUM> in accordance with what is described above. In particular, the window <NUM> must be arranged so that the second interface means <NUM> face the dirty space <NUM> and the panel <NUM> opens towards the clean room <NUM>. It is then possible to carry out the following steps:.

It should be noted that in this mission, the cart <NUM> of the invention behaves exactly like a movable pass box, i.e., a pass box which can be applied from time to time to the window <NUM> of the clean room <NUM> which requires it.

It should also be noted that the step of biodecontaminating the gap <NUM>, the interior of the compartment <NUM> of the cart <NUM> and the material can be completed either by using the HP system <NUM> of the window <NUM>, or by using the optional HP apparatus <NUM> of the cart <NUM>, by virtue of the presence of the second conduit <NUM> connecting the interior of the compartment <NUM> to the mouth <NUM>. In this case it may be preferable to provide auxiliary fans (not shown) to facilitate the circulation of the HP mixture between the compartment <NUM> and the gap <NUM> and finally to convey it towards the catalysts.

A further possible mission is to transfer dirty material from a dirty space <NUM> to a clean room <NUM> and then move it safely inside the clean room <NUM>, typically between two areas A passing through an area B.

In order to carry out this mission safely, it is possible to arrange a cart <NUM> in accordance with the invention and comprising the second conduit <NUM> in the clean room <NUM>; and arrange the clean chamber <NUM> with a window <NUM> in accordance with what is described above. In particular, the window <NUM> must be arranged so that the second interface means <NUM> face the clean room <NUM> and the panel <NUM> opens towards the dirty space <NUM>. It is then possible to carry out the following steps:.

It should be noted that in this mission, the cart <NUM> of the invention behaves like a pass box and then allows the clean and biodecontaminated material to be transported in complete safety also through the areas B of the clean room <NUM>.

Therefore, it should be noted how the cart <NUM> of the invention greatly simplifies the management of accesses to the clean rooms. In fact, by adopting at least one cart <NUM> in accordance with the invention, it is no longer necessary to provide each clean room <NUM> with a pass box thereof nor with a fixed LAF plant. On the contrary, it is sufficient to provide a simple window <NUM> in accordance with what is described above for each clean room <NUM>. The window <NUM> is much simpler than the pass box and the fixed LAF plant. In the most essential version thereof, the window <NUM> comprises only the interface means <NUM> and the watertight panel <NUM>.

Therefore, the provision of such a window <NUM> does not require complex work and reduces the unavailable time of the clean room <NUM> and partial shutdown of the system to a minimum.

The foregoing description elaborates on the technical features which distinguish the invention from the solutions of the known art. For all the other features, which may be common to the known art and the invention, reference should be made to the introduction where the prior art is described and commented.

As those skilled in the art can well understand, the invention allows overcoming the drawbacks highlighted above with reference to the background art.

In particular, the present invention provides a flowed cart <NUM> which does not require a fixed LAF plant.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a flowed cart <NUM> which, in addition to the peculiar operations thereof, allows maintaining the functions of the carts of known type.

Claim 1:
A cart-window assembly (<NUM>) comprising a cart (<NUM>) for moving material to/from a clean room (<NUM>) and at least one window (<NUM>) adapted to allow the communication between a dirty space (<NUM>) and said clean room (<NUM>);
wherein said cart (<NUM>) comprises:
- a compartment (<NUM>),
- at least one protected door (<NUM>) adapted to alternatively allow accessing the compartment (<NUM>) and hermetically closing the compartment (<NUM>),
- a ventilation system (<NUM>), and
- first interface means (<NUM>) surrounding the protected door (<NUM>);
wherein said window (<NUM>) comprises:
- a panel (<NUM>) which can alternatively be open or sealingly closed and
- second interface means (<NUM>) extending along the periphery of the panel (<NUM>);
characterized in that the first interface means (<NUM>) and the second interface means (<NUM>) are mutually complementary and allow the cart (<NUM>) to be firmly coupled to the window (<NUM>) in a reversible manner, so as to define a gap (<NUM>) therebetween which is sealingly closed.