Patent ID: 7789820

Claim:
A continuous access port for an isolation device, wherein the isolation device defines an isolation space and a gas management system coupled to the isolation device is operable to maintain the isolation space substantially isolated from an environment external to the isolation space, the continuous access port being an interface between the isolation space and the external environment and comprising: a self-sealing connection mechanism; and at least one insertion port for providing continuous obstructed access to the isolation space, wherein the insertion port is movably coupled to the self-sealing connection mechanism and the self-sealing connection mechanism is self-sealing to itself and the insertion port responsive to movement of the insertion port, wherein the insertion port includes a flexible interface element adapted such that, when an insertion item extends through the flexible interface element of the insertion port and into the isolation space, the insertion item is maneuverable within the insertion port and the isolation space in six degrees of freedom and the flexible interface element of the insertion port is maintained in contact with the insertion item to obstruct flow of gas into and out of the isolation space.