Self-valving connector and interface system and a method of using same
First Claim
1. A connector for controlling fluid communication in a fluid path between a first fluid line and a second fluid line, the connector comprising:
- a flange;
a tube, defining in part the first fluid line, having an interior surface and an exterior surface wherein the tube extends through the flange and is located so as to expose a portion of the interior surface of the tube by a portion of the tube being folded over a portion of the flange; and
an occluder coupled to the interior surface of the tube and integrally formed with the interior surface of the tube wherein the occluder is so constructed and arranged to transpose between a first position and a second position in response to movement of the flange.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A connector having an occluder which transposes between a first position and a second position is provided for maintaining a sterile environment during connection and disconnection of fluid communication between a container and a fluid line. The occluder is in the form of a spherical ball integrally formed with a length of tubing. The occluder has a diameter slightly larger than an end of the connector such that the occluder rolls into the end upon disconnecting from the system. An interface may be provided to receive a single connector or a pair of connectors to assist in fluid control between the container and the fluid line.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A connector for controlling fluid communication in a fluid path between a first fluid line and a second fluid line, the connector comprising:
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a flange; a tube, defining in part the first fluid line, having an interior surface and an exterior surface wherein the tube extends through the flange and is located so as to expose a portion of the interior surface of the tube by a portion of the tube being folded over a portion of the flange; and an occluder coupled to the interior surface of the tube and integrally formed with the interior surface of the tube wherein the occluder is so constructed and arranged to transpose between a first position and a second position in response to movement of the flange. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system for controlling fluid communication between a first fluid line and a second fluid line comprising:
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a first tubing, defining at least in part the first fluid line, having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a first connector for receiving the first tubing, and allowing the first tubing to be coupled to the second fluid line, the first tubing being folded over the first connector exposing a portion of the interior surface of the first tubing; a first occluder coupled to and integrally formed with the interior surface of the first tubing, the first occluder being so constructed and arranged to selectively transpose between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the occluder covers an opening of the first tubing and in the second position, the occluder does not cover the opening of the first tubing; and means for assisting in transposing the first occluder between the first position and the second position. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for controlling fluid communication between a first fluid line and a second fluid line comprising:
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a first tubing, defining at least in part the first fluid line, having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a first connector for receiving the first tubing, and allowing the first tubing to be coupled to the second fluid line, the first tubing being folded over the first connector exposing a portion of the interior surface of the first tubing; a first occluder coupled to the interior surface of the first tubing, the first occluder being so constructed and arranged to selectively transpose between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the occluder covers an opening of the first tubing and in the second position, the occluder does not cover the opening of the first tubing; means for assisting in transposing the first occluder between the first position and the second position; a second tubing, defining in part the second fluid line, having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a second connector for receiving a portion of the second tubing wherein a portion of the second tubing is folded over the second connector exposing a portion of the interior surface of the second tubing; and a second occluder coupled to the interior surface of the second tubing wherein the second occluder is so constructed and arranged to selectively transpose between a first position and a second position. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method for controlling fluid flow between a first fluid line and a second fluid line, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a connector intermediate the first fluid line and the second fluid line; providing a first length of tubing, defining in part the first fluid line, having an interior through the connector; folding a portion of the first length of tubing over the connector exposing a portion of the interior of the first length of tubing; providing an occluder coupled to the interior of the first length of tubing and so constructed and arranged to transpose between a first position and a second position, in the first position, fluid flow is prevented through an opening of the first length of tubing, and in the second position, fluid flow is permitted through the opening in the first length of tubing; and providing means for causing the occluder to move from the first position to the second position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification