Systems for forming sterile fluid connections and methods of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A dispensing system comprising:
- a sterilizing filter having an inlet port and an outlet port;
a substantially rigid fill tube having an interior surface bounding a sterile channel extending between a first end and an opposing second end;
an extension tube having an interior surface bounding a sterile fluid pathway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the extension tube being fluid coupled with the outlet port of the sterilizing filter, the second end of the extension tube being fluid coupled with the first end of the fill tube; and
a cap removably disposed on the second end of the fill tube so as to seal the channel closed thereat.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for forming a sterile fluid connection includes inserting a dispensing end of a fill tube into a cavity of a sterilizer. A sterilizing field is generated within the cavity of the sterilizer. A cap mounted on the end of the fill tube is removed from the fill tube while in the cavity. A fill port is disposed within the cavity. The fill tube is fluid coupled with the fill port in the cavity of the sterilizer while the dispensing end of the fill tube and the fill port are exposed to the sterilizing field. A fluid is passed from the fill tube to the fill port.
65 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A dispensing system comprising:
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a sterilizing filter having an inlet port and an outlet port;
a substantially rigid fill tube having an interior surface bounding a sterile channel extending between a first end and an opposing second end;
an extension tube having an interior surface bounding a sterile fluid pathway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the extension tube being fluid coupled with the outlet port of the sterilizing filter, the second end of the extension tube being fluid coupled with the first end of the fill tube; and
a cap removably disposed on the second end of the fill tube so as to seal the channel closed thereat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for forming a sterile fluid connection, the method comprising:
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inserting a dispensing end of a fill tube into a cavity of a sterilizer, the fill tube having an interior surface bounding a channel extending therethrough, a cap being removably mounted on the dispensing end of the fill tube so as to seal the channel closed thereat;
generating an sterilizing field within the cavity of the sterilizer;
removing the cap from the dispensing end of the fill tube while the dispensing end of the fill tube is exposed to the sterilizing field;
positioning a first fill port within the cavity of the sterilizer;
fluid coupling the dispensing end of the fill tube with the first fill port in the cavity of the sterilizer while the dispensing end of the fill tube and the first fill port are exposed to the sterilizing field; and
passing a fluid from the fill tube to the first fill port. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A sterilizer comprising:
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a housing bounding a cavity;
means for generating a sterilizing field within the cavity;
a pair of shuttles which selectively move into and out of the housing, at least a portion of one of the shuttles being exposed to the cavity when within the housing, the shuttles also being selectively movable between separated and mated positions; and
a fill tube passageway extending through at least a portion of the housing so as to communicate with the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification