SEALABLE, PENETRABLE INTERFACE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME

• US 20180193627A1
• Filed: 01/03/2018
• Published: 07/12/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stillwater Trusts
• Original Assignee: Stillwater Trusts
• Inventors: Cairns, James L.
• Granted Patent: US 10,456,571 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/062 used with a catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0626 used with other surgical instruments, e.g. endoscope, trocar
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0653 Perforated disc
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/0606 without means for adjusting the seal opening or pressure A61M39/0693 takes precedence

Abstract

A penetrable interface configured to separate two or more spaces can include an elastomeric seal having a first segment and a second segment. A portion of the second segment can be integrally formed with a portion of the first segment. The first and second segments can create a sealing engagement therebetween in the absence of an applied force on the second segment. The first and second segments can be distorted out of sealing engagement when subjected to the applied force on the second segment.

Claims

1. A penetrable interface configured to separate two or more spaces, the interface comprising:

an elastomeric seal having a first segment and a second segment, a portion of the second segment being integrally formed with a portion of the first segment, the first and second segments creating a sealing engagement therebetween in the absence of an applied force on the second segment, and the first and second segments being distorted out of sealing engagement when subjected to an applied force on the second segment.

2. The penetrable interface of claim 1, wherein the applied force is a pressure differential across the interface.

3. The penetrable interface of claim 1, wherein the applied force is created by a rigid object.

4. The penetrable interface of claim 1, wherein the second segment returns to a sealing position within a bore of the first segment when the applied force is removed.

5. The penetrable interface of claim 1, wherein the second segment is formed by piercing a portion of the first segment.

6. The penetrable interface of claim 1, wherein a crescent-shaped perforation defines the interface between the first segment and the second segment, the perforation extending through an entire thickness of the seal.

7. The penetrable interface of claim 1, wherein the second segment includes a first flared portion spaced-apart from a second flared portion.

8. An apparatus configured to sealably connect two or more spaces, the apparatus comprising:

a housing defining a passageway;

a retainer having an opening extending therethrough, the retainer being removably attachable to the housing; and

an elastomeric seal configured to be positioned between the housing and the retainer;

the seal having at least one first segment and at least one second segment, a portion of the second segment being integrally formed with a portion of the first segment, the first and second segments creating a sealing engagement therebetween in the absence of an applied force on the second segment, the first and second segments being distorted out of sealing engagement subjected to the applied force on the second segment.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the seal is configured to prevent fluid from flowing between the passageway of the housing and the opening of the retainer.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the applied force is created by a pressure differential across the seal.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the applied force is created by a rigid object.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second segment is formed by piercing a portion of the seal.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a punch is configured to extend through a portion of the seal to form the second segment.

14. A method of making a penetrable interface configured to separate two or more spaces, the method comprising:

placing an elastomeric seal against a base; and

forcing a punch through at least a portion of the elastomeric seal, the punch including a sharpened edge, the sharpened edge contacting the base.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sharpened edge includes a gap therein, the gap being one of a cut-out and a dull edge.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the base includes an indentation thereby resulting in an uncut portion of the seal when the punch is forced through the seal.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

inserting the elastomeric seal between a housing and a retainer,

wherein the housing defines a passageway, and

wherein the retainer has an opening extending therethrough, the retainer being removably attachable to the housing.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

inserting an elongated object through the seal,

wherein the seal prevents fluid from passing between the seal and the object when the elongated object is inserted through the seal.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the punch is configured to create a first segment and a second segment in the seal, and wherein a crescent-shaped perforation is formed between the first and second segments.