Sterilized connector apparatus and method of coupling a bioprocessor to a media source

• US 20050084410A1
• Filed: 10/07/2004
• Published: 04/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Colder Products Company (Dover Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Colder Products Company (Dover Corporation)
• Inventors: Meyer, David W., Whall, Joseph M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,488,446 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/07 Steam
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/081 Gamma radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/26 Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/123 Connecting means
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/15 Biocide distribution means, e.g. nozzles, pumps, manifolds, fans, baffles, sprayers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/10 Tube connectors; Tube couplings A61M39/02 takes precedence; connecting needles to syringes or hubs A61M5/34; connecting catheter tubes to hubs A61M25/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/22 Valves or arrangement of valves A61M39/02, A61M39/0247, A61M39/16 take precedence; regulating valves in infusion systems A61M5/16881; in devices worn by the patient for the reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge, or in colostomy devices A61F5/4405
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/07 with cylindrical slides
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/18 with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86879 Reciprocating valve unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87708 With common valve operator

Abstract

A disposable connector apparatus designed for one time use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a telescoping valve formation with an actuation incorporating a one way lock mechanism that cannot be disconnected.

Claims

1-20. -20. (canceled)

21. A method for connecting an assembly for bioprocessing comprising:

providing a filled media source connected to a connector apparatus, and a piece of bioprocessing equipment, the connector apparatus including a connector valve, a coupler, a valve member, and a stop member;

subjecting the filled media source and at least a first portion of the connector apparatus to a first sterilization;

coupling the filled media source to the piece of bioprocessing equipment using the connector apparatus;

subjecting the piece of processing equipment and a second portion partially overlapping the first portion of the connector apparatus to a second sterilization, thereby sterilizing the connector apparatus in a connected state;

actuating the connector apparatus to enable media flow through the connector apparatus to the piece of bioprocessing equipment.

22. The method for connecting an assembly for bioprocessing according to claim 21, wherein the step subjecting the filled media source and a portion of the connector apparatus to a first sterilization includes maintaining the first sterilization before and during connection with the bioprocessing equipment.

23. The method for connecting an assembly for bioprocessing according to claim 21, wherein actuating the connector apparatus includes pushing the valve member through the coupler from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

24. The method for connecting an assembly for bioprocessing according to claim 21, wherein the step of subjecting to a first sterilization includes sterilizing the entire connector apparatus.

25. The method for connecting an assembly for bioprocessing according to claim 21, wherein the step of subjecting to a second sterilization includes sterilizing the entire assembly for bioprocessing.