U.S. patent application number 10/830623 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for connector element with a sealing part.
Invention is credited to Lauer, Martin.
Application Number | 20040199143 10/830623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7872188 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040199143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lauer, Martin |
October 7, 2004 |
Connector element with a sealing part
Abstract
The present invention relates to a connector element for
connecting lengths of tubing, cannulas and catheters to a second
connector element. The connector element includes a sealing part
that is movable relative to a flow conduit portion of the
connector, and which enables the conduit to be sealed with respect
to the ambient atmosphere. A sterile connection is therefore
ensured.
Inventors: |
Lauer, Martin; (St. Wendel,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON
ONE BROADWAY
NEW YORK
NY
10004
US
|
Family ID: |
7872188 |
Appl. No.: |
10/830623 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10830623 |
Apr 23, 2004 |
|
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|
09342017 |
Jun 28, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/533 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 604/905 20130101;
A61M 2039/1027 20130101; A61M 39/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/533 |
International
Class: |
A61M 025/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 26, 1998 |
DE |
198 28 651.1 |
Claims
1-17. (Canceled).
18. A connector element, especially for connecting tubing, cannulas
and catheters to a region for conveying a flowing medium, having a
sealing part, movable relative to this region, by which the region
is able to be sealed from the atmosphere surrounding the connector
element, and which is at a distance from this region because of an
opening element situated between the region and the sealing part,
wherein the sealing part includes a base body over whose cross
section the diaphragm extends and which has an end region directed
towards the connecting opening of the connector element, the
diaphragm being situated at a distance from this end region of the
base body.
19. The connector element of claim 18, wherein the base body is
designed to be cylindrical and the diaphragm is situated in one of
the end regions of the base body.
20. The connector element of claim 18, wherein the diaphragm has a
straight or cruciform slit for the purpose of opening when
connection is made.
21. The connector element of claim 18, wherein the diaphragm is
formed as a silicone diaphragm.
22. The connector element of claim 18, wherein the region includes
a tube connector for conveying a flowing medium.
23. The connector element of claim 18, wherein the opening element
represents a tube connector which surrounds the region for
conveying the medium.
24. The connector element of claim 22, wherein the region for
conveying the medium as well as the opening element are formed by
concentrically positioned tube connectors, the tube connector
forming the opening element ends with tube connector bordering the
region for conveying the medium, or slightly extends beyond it.
25. The connector element of claim 18, wherein the connector
element has a housing and the region for conveying the medium as
well as the opening element are accommodated in the housing.
26. The connector element of claim 25, wherein an annular gap
extends between the housing and the opening element, in which the
sealing part is accommodated in a movable manner.
27. The connector element of claim 26, wherein the sealing part is
able to be fixed in the housing with the aid of a stop.
28. The connector element of claim 18, wherein the region for
conveying the medium is closed off by a shut-off element.
29. The connector element of claim 28, wherein a piercing member is
provided, that is movable relative to the shut-off element, which
is situated in such a way that the shut-off element is able to be
opened by the piercing member.
30. The connector element of claim 29, wherein the region for
conveying the medium is formed by a tube connector and the piercing
member is situated in the tube connector.
31. The connector element of claim 29, wherein the piercing member
has a projection which is connectable to a tube connector.
32. The connector element of claim 28, wherein the shut-off element
is designed as an injection molded diaphragm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector element for
connecting tubes, cannulas and catheters to a second connector
element. In particular, the present invention relates to a
connector element that provides a sterile connection by remaining
sealed with respect to the ambient atmosphere until the connection
is made.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] An important field of applications for connectors is the
connection of multiple lengths of tubing, cannulas and catheters,
as well as the connection of storage containers to medical working
means, such as the connecting ports of a dialysis machine. To
minimize any risk to the patient, high demands are placed on the
strength and quality of the connectors as well as on maintaining
the sterility of the connection to be established. It is important
to ensure that there can be no contamination of the components
before, during or after the operation of establishing the
connection.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,508 describes generic connector elements
provided with a part sealed before use, to thereby ensure that the
portions of the connectors through which media flows remain sealed
with respect to the atmosphere and are thus protected from
contamination. The sealing parts are inserted into the connector
elements to form a seal before use. Then the connector elements are
sterilized in a partially assembled state in a heat sterilizer.
Following this procedure, the connector elements are joined in such
a way that the sealing parts are punctured by a mandrel provided in
one of the connector elements, thereby opening a passage for the
medium to be conveyed. In this process, the tip of the mandrel
first punctures the inside of the sealing part of a connector
element and then punctures the adjoining sealing part of the other
connector element. One disadvantage of such an arrangement is that
any contamination present on the side of the sealing part facing
the mandrel could enter the area exposed to the medium once the
sealing parts are punctured, and thus the contamination might enter
the medium carried through the connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to a connector element for
connecting tubes, cannulas, catheters or other types of fluid lines
that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to
limitations and disadvantages of the related art and that has a
sealing part that includes a membrane.
[0005] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the apparatus and method
particularly pointed out in the written description and claims
hereof, as well as the appended drawings.
[0006] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described,
the invention is connector element that ensures a sterile
connection between the connector element and a second connector
element attached to the tube or device to be connected.
[0007] The connector element according to the invention has an
opening element designed so that the sealing part does not come in
contact with the area of the connector used as a conduit for
conveying the medium, in either the closed or open position of the
sealing part. According to the invention, the opening of the
sealing part is not accomplished during the connection operation by
contact with the areas or conduits through which the medium passes,
but instead through opening elements which are designed and
arranged to open the sealing part without allowing it to come in
contact with the conduits, either when the sealing part is in the
closed, open, or in any intermediary position. In this way, a
sterile connection between the two connector elements is always
achieved. A sterile connection is also obtained when contaminants
might have reached the inside of the sealing part. For example,
while establishing the connection, the sealing part is moved in an
open position not by a part of the conduit conveying the medium,
but instead is opened by a separate opening element, to preclude
any contact between the parts of the connector coming in contact
with the medium and the sealing part that may be contaminated.
[0008] It is especially advantageous if the sealing part includes a
base body with a membrane extending over the cross section of the
base body. The sealing part can be designed as a cap which is
movable relative to the areas for conveying the medium, and its
membrane must be opened to allow flow of the fluid during the
connection. According to the present invention, the membrane of
each connector element is opened by an opening element of the other
connector element.
[0009] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the base body of the sealing part is a cylindrical shell and the
membrane is arranged on one end of the base body. The sealing part
is advantageously used in such a way that the end area of the base
body provided with the membrane of one connection element is
oriented away from the "connection side", which is the side of the
connector element where the second connector element is inserted.
This offers the advantage that a significant portion of the base
body protects the membrane from contact, because the membrane is
set back from the connection side end portion of the connector
element by approximately the length of the base body. It is thus
possible to prevent inadvertent contact between the membrane and
the opening element of the second connector element.
[0010] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
membrane has a straight or cross-shaped slit for the purpose of
facilitating opening of the sealing part. This slit is such that
the areas for conveying the medium are sealed when the connector
elements are disconnected, and only when the connector elements are
actuated or joined is the slit opened, to ultimately permit flow
through the connector.
[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the membrane is a silicone membrane. Such a membrane
will close and form a sufficient seal even after slitting, while on
the other hand it can easily be folded open and penetrated.
[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the conduit for conveying a flowing medium is defined by
an inner socket connector. The socket connector borders the parts
of the connector element coming in contact with the media, and can
be inserted in a fluid-tight manner into the socket connector of
another connector element when the connection is established. It is
especially advantageous to form the opening element as an outer
socket connector, also surrounding the area for conveying the
medium.
[0013] The area or conduit for conveying the medium and the opening
element may be formed by a concentric arrangement of socket
connectors, with the outer socket connector which forms the opening
element projecting slightly beyond the inner socket connector
bordering the area for conveying the medium. This yields a
relatively simple arrangement, with the outer of the concentric
tubes forming the opening element and the inner concentric tube
bordering the area for conveying the flowing medium. According to
the present invention, the required opening of the sealing part is
achieved by the opening elements, because these are arranged on the
outside of the inner socket connectors thereby effecting an opening
of the moving sealing part before it comes in contact with the
areas exposed to the media. It is also advantageous if the outer
socket connector of the opening element projects slightly above the
inner socket connector of the area for conveying the medium, or
even terminates it. It is essential for the sealing part to be
guided or opened in such a way as to prevent contact with the areas
for conveying the medium in all stages of movement of the sealing
part.
[0014] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
connector element has a housing, with the area for conveying the
medium as well as the opening element being accommodated in the
housing. It is especially advantageous if an annular gap is formed
between the housing and the opening element to accommodate the
sealing part when it is moved. Accordingly, the sealing part is
guided between the housing and the wall of the opening element
while the connection is made, and is moved by the opening element
of the second connector element into a position which causes the
sealing part to be opened. At the same time, or subsequently, the
sealing part of the second connector element may also be moved back
in a corresponding annular gap of the second connector element in
an equivalent manner, so that ultimately the areas for conveying
the medium of the two connector elements can come in contact with
one another without ever being in contact with the inside or
outside of the sealing parts.
[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the sealing part can be secured in the housing by a
lock. This makes it possible to manufacture the connectors and the
sealing parts in two separate operations, to insert the sealing
parts into the housing after their manufacture and to secure them
in the desired position using the lock. The lock may be constituted
of a projection extending away from the housing and a matching
recess in the sealing part.
[0016] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the area
for conveying the medium can be sealed by a shut-off element. The
shut-off element causes fluid-tight sealing of the areas for
conveying the medium and can be opened by appropriate penetration
elements, when needed, while making the connection. For example, it
is thereby possible for the conduit to be filled with liquid from a
storage container, up to the shut-off element, before the
connection is made.
[0017] It is especially advantageous if a penetration body movable
relative to the shut-off element is provided and is arranged so
that the shut-off element can be opened by the penetration body.
The penetration body can thus be moved by one of the connector
elements during the making of the connection, in such a manner that
first the shut-off element of one of the two connector elements to
be joined is opened, and then the shut-off element of the other
connector element is penetrated, thus permitting flow through the
connector.
[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the area for
conveying the medium is formed by an inner socket connector, and
the penetration body is arranged in the inner socket connector.
Such a connector element is assembled by first inserting the
penetration body into the inner socket connector in a suitable
position and then inserting the sealing parts. The penetration body
may include a projection which can be connected with the inner
socket connector of the second connector element. When the
projection of the penetration body of one connector element comes
in contact with the other connector element while the connection is
being established, the penetration body is moved as the connection
operation continues, thereby opening the shut-off element.
[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the shut-off element is designed as an injection molded
membrane, preferably made of polypropylene. Due to the use of
injection molded membranes, the corresponding areas of the
connector elements are hermetically sealed, free of dead space and
made of a single material. A particular advantage of using
injection molded membranes is the fact that these can be produced
together with the other components of the connector element by
injection molding in a single operation, thus eliminating
subsequent welding of film membranes or subsequent welding or snap
assembly of individual components fitted with membranes.
[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention.
[0022] In the drawings,
[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross section showing two connector elements
according to the present invention, in an initial position before
the connection;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross section showing the connector elements
after inserting the connector element on the right until it comes
in contact with the sealing part of the left connector element;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross section showing the connector elements
after opening the sealing part of the connector element shown at
the left;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross section showing the connector elements
after opening both sealing parts;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross section showing the connector elements
after further insertion of the connector elements until the
membrane of the right connector element comes to rest against the
penetration body;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross section showing the connector elements
after opening the shut-off element of the connector element shown
at the right;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross section showing the connector elements
after opening both shut-off elements;
[0030] FIG. 8: is a sectional diagram showing the connector
elements according to another embodiment of the present invention,
having a penetration body designed as a mandrel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a sectional diagram of two connector elements
10, 20. Both connector elements 10, 20 have a housing 108, 208
which has a connection for tubing or other working means on one
side and a connection opening on the connection side of the
connector element. A sealing part 110, 210 is provided on the side
of connector elements 10, 20 facing the connection opening. Sealing
parts 110, 210 include an essentially cylindrical base body with
membranes 112, 212 extending across one end area of the base body.
The other end area is advantageously arranged at a distance from
the membrane in such a way that an effective protection from
contact is assured for the membrane. This result is achieved by
having membranes 112, 212 arranged at a distance from the
connecting side of the cylindrical base body facing the connection
opening.
[0032] Base bodies 110, 210 are secured by the first lock 50 in a
desired position on housing 108, 208. This offers the advantage
that the sealing parts 110, 210 are arranged exactly in the desired
position. First lock 50 consists of a projection extending on the
inside of the housing 108, 208 and a groove on the outside of the
cylindrical base body of sealing parts 110, 210.
[0033] An opening element 114, 214 consisting of outer socket
connectors 116, 216 is arranged according to the present embodiment
in housing 108, 208. Between the outside surface of outer socket
connectors 116, 216 and the inside surface of housing 108, 208,
there is an annular gap in which the movable sealing part 110, 210
is displaceably accommodated.
[0034] Areas or conduits 102, 202 for accommodating a flowing
medium are defined by inner socket connectors 106, 206 which extend
concentrically with and on the inside of outer socket connectors
116, 216. The portions of outer socket connectors 116, 216 near the
connection side define opening elements 114, 214. Conduit 102 of
connector element 10, shown on the left in FIG. 1, is sealed by a
membrane serving as shut-off element 104. A corresponding shut-off
element 204 is also provided in socket connector 206 of connector
element 20, shown on the right in FIG. 1.
[0035] In the basic position shown in FIG. 1, membranes 112, 212 of
sealing parts 110, 210 are closed, forming a tight seal of conduits
102, 202. Thus, corresponding conduits 102, 202 are effectively
protected from contamination due, for example, to coughing, and
from exposure to unwanted liquid or solid particles.
[0036] As FIG. 1 shows, the ends of outer socket connectors 116,
216 project slightly above and beyond inner socket connectors 106,
206. This makes it possible to achieve an opening of membranes 112,
212 with the movement of sealing parts 110, 210 before they come in
contact with conduits 102, 202 or with inner socket connectors 106,
206. This ensures that a sterile connection is possible even in the
event pathogens or other particles are present on the inside of
membranes 112, 212, because a contacting of membranes 112, 212 with
conduits 102, 202 and especially, with the end areas of inner
socket connectors 106, 206 is effectively prevented according to
the present invention.
[0037] A penetration body 30 is arranged in socket connector 106 of
connector element 10 and is held in a suitable position in socket
connector 106 by a second lock 40 disposed in the middle portion of
the penetration body 30. Penetration body 30 also has a projection
302 extending from its outside circumference.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows the next step as the connection between
connector elements 10, 20 is made. Connector elements 10, 20
according to the present invention are in a position where housing
208 of connector element 20 and sealing part 110 are facing each
other and are in contact in their end areas. Up to this point there
has not yet been any movement of sealing parts 110, 210, and
membranes 112, 212 are still closed.
[0039] From the position shown in FIG. 2, the connector elements
10, 20 are further pushed together, and FIG. 3 illustrates a
condition where connector element 20 has been inserted further into
connector element 10. Housing 108 of connector element 10
accommodates housing 208 of connector element 20. Contact of
housing 208 with sealing part 110 at the connection side and the
movement of connector element 20 causes sealing part 110 to be
pushed into the annular gap between housing 108 and socket
connector 116 which forms opening element 114. Membrane 112 is kept
at a distance from the end area of socket connector 116, so that
there can be no contact between those parts at any connection
stage. The opened membrane parts are also accommodated in the
annular gap without coming in contact with Conduit 102 or socket
connector 106 and, in particular, with the end area of socket
connector 106 before or during the opening. This reliably prevents
contact with membrane 112 and thus contamination of the conduit for
conveying media, regardless of whether there is contamination on
the inside or outside surfaces of membrane 112.
[0040] In the position illustrated in FIG. 3, membrane 112 of
sealing part 110 in connector element 10 is already open, while
membrane 212 of sealing part 210 in connector element 20 is still
closed. The end areas of outer socket connector 116 and of sealing
part 210 are in contact with one another in this position.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the position of connector elements 10, 20, when
connector element 20 has been inserted further into connector
element 10, starting from the position illustrated in FIG. 3. This
insertion movement results on the one hand in the opened sealing
part 110 being pushed further into the annular gap. On the other
hand, this movement also results in displacement of sealing part
210 into the annular gap between outer socket connector 216 and
housing 208 of connector element 20, due to the contact of outer
socket connector 116 with this sealing part 210. In particular, the
relative movement of the connector elements leads to membrane 212
of sealing part 210 being opened by the end portion of outer socket
connector 216 which defines opening element 214, so that membrane
212 also does not come in contact with the conduits conveying the
media, and especially not with the end area of inner socket
connector 206 of connector element 20.
[0042] This embodiment according to the invention affords the
possibility of inner socket connectors 106, 206 coming in contact
with one another while at the same time no parts of inner socket
connectors 106, 206 or of conduits 102, 202 enter in contact with
sealing parts 110, 210 or membranes 112, 212.
[0043] FIG. 4 also shows that opening element 214 and inner socket
connector 206 of connector element 20 are inserted into the
corresponding parts of connector element 10. However, at the same
time it is also possible for the inner and outer socket connectors
of connector element 10 to be accommodated in the corresponding
parts of connector element 20.
[0044] When the connector elements are joined further by pushing
them together from the position shown in FIG. 4, the position shown
in FIG. 5 is reached, where sealing parts 110, 210 have been
inserted further into their respective annular gaps and penetration
body 30 is in contact with shut-off element 204 of connector
element 20. Shut-off element 204 can be designed as an injection
molded membrane, preferably made of polypropylene, and is resistant
to all known sterilization methods. Such a membrane not only
provides protection against leakage and protection against bacteria
but also remains permanently leakproof up to a pressure difference
of several bar. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
shut-off element 204 is approximately 0.2 mm thick.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows the position of the two connector elements 10,
20 after the shut-off element 204 has been penetrated by
penetration body 30. In a preferred embodiment, penetration body 30
can be an injection molded part which is integrally molded on both
sides and is inserted at the time of manufacture into the tube of
inner socket connector 106, where it is secured by a second lock 40
to prevent it from falling out. Penetration body 30 can be
manufactured very inexpensively in manifold dies, which allows a
great deal of latitude in design. In the position shown in FIG. 6,
penetration body 30 is still held by second lock 40 in inner socket
connector 106 of connector element 10. Second lock 40 is shown in
the middle of penetration body 30.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows the final position of the attached connector
elements, where penetration body 30 has been moved out of its
initial position as held by second lock 40, and has severed the
membrane which serves as shut-off element 104. The movement of
penetration body 30 is caused by the peripheral projection 302 of
the penetration body coming in contact with the end area of inner
socket connector 206, so that penetration body 30 is pushed into
the position shown in FIG. 7. Penetration body 30 thus has the
function of penetrating the two shut-off elements 104, 204 and then
widening the openings so that an adequate cross-section is
available for flow of the medium.
[0047] FIG. 7 also shows that sealing parts 110, 210 and opened
membranes 112, 212 are arranged in the end areas of the respective
annular gaps. Membranes 112, 212 each consist of a silicone
membrane that in a preferred embodiment can be approximately 0.6 mm
thick and is produced together with the polyamide injection molding
edge in a special two-component injection mold. Typical dimensions
of connector element 20 to be inserted include, for example, an
outside diameter of approximately 12.6 mm and a depth of
penetration of approximately 34 mm. In order for membranes 112, 212
to be able to close again after disconnecting the connector
elements, reset elements may be provided to exert a suitable force
on sealing parts 110, 210. Such reset elements may be designed for
example as springs arranged in the annular gaps between housing
108, 208 and outer socket connectors 116, 216. It is also possible
to provide springs which are guided through side slits in the wall
adjacent to the annular gap, causing the sealing elements 110, 210
to be returned to a closed position after disconnection of the two
connection elements.
[0048] The connection system according to the present invention
offers the advantage of an initial seal that is tight on the
connection sides of both connector elements 10, 20. A safe
connecting operation can be carried out whether the connectors are
attached to a system filled with liquid or gas. Subsequent
connection during disposable use, for example, is also possible.
The direction of flow in the connected elements also has no effect
on the connection elements.
[0049] The connection system according to the invention may be
designed as a modular system. Without any changes in dimensions,
the connector elements can be manufactured with or without the
sealing part, with or without a shut-off element, or partly fitted
with sealing and shut-off elements. In the case of disposable
connector elements with a high complexity, it may not yet be
possible to produce multiple membranes by injection molding in a
single operation, due to limits of the current status of
polypropylene injection molding technology. It is however possible
to use modified designs where polypropylene membranes or elastomer
membranes can be subsequently installed at the predetermined
locations in a further operation.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows two connector elements 10, 20' that include
sealing parts 110, 210 and membranes 112, 212. Connector element 10
has a shut-off element 104 consisting of an injection molded
membrane disposed in inner socket connector 106. Shut-off element
104 is opened by mandrel 30' when connector elements 10, 20' are
connected, thereby establishing a fluid-tight connection. Mandrel
30' is disposed in connector element 20'.
[0051] Before opening shut-off element 104, sealing parts 110, 210
are displaced into the corresponding annular gaps, as described
above. These are the annular gap of connector element 10, extending
between inner socket connector 106 and housing 108, and the annular
gap of connector element 20 extending between housing 208 and
opening element 214 formed by outer socket connector 216. When
joining connectors 10 and 20, first sealing part 210 is displaced
by the housing 108 into the corresponding annular gap, with
membrane 212 being opened by the end area of outer socket connector
216. According to the present invention, mandrel 30' does not come
in contact with membrane 212. This offers the advantage that the
mandrel 30' can be kept in a sterile condition regardless of any
contamination present on the inside of membrane 212. Following the
partial displacement of sealing part 210, sealing part 110 and its
membrane 112 are opened by contact of the end face of sealing part
110 with the end portion of outer socket connector 216. This causes
sealing part 110 to be inserted into the annular gap, membrane 112
to be opened, and mandrel 30' to be inserted into socket connector
106 until shut-off element 104 is opened.
[0052] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, sealing parts 110,
210 and membranes 112, 212 are designed preferably as
silicone-polyamide composite injection molded parts, with for
example the membranes being preferably approximately 1 mm thick,
and being punctured subsequently to form a slot or other opening.
This arrangement keeps bacteria and contaminants away from the
conduit, and resists leakage of fluid up to approximately 0.05 bar
of pressure of the fluid. The membrane, however, opens easily when
displaced as described above.
[0053] In one embodiment according to the invention, connector
element 10 may be designed as a delivery connector element
connected to a bag, and connector element 20 can be designed as a
receiving connector element connected to a disposable component.
This layout according to the present invention, prevents contact
with a user's fingers due to the set-back arrangement of membranes
112, 212 on both the bag side and on the disposable side. In
addition, a hermetically sealed penetration membrane can be
provided in the form of shut-off element 104 on the bag side, to
seal the conduit until the connection is established.
[0054] Connector elements 10, 20 shown in FIG. 8 can include an
elastomer-free mandrel connection system. Sealing parts 110, 210
and membranes 112, 212 provide effective protection from
contamination due to, for example, coughing, solid or liquid
particles, and also provide protection against leakage.
[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the structure and
methodology of the present invention, without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the
present invention cover the modifications and variations of this
invention provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *