Tubing connectors and parts for receiving the connectors

• US 5,707,086 A
• Filed: 03/14/1996
• Issued: 01/13/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Baxter Healthcare SA (Baxter International Inc.), Baxter International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Aksys Ltd.
• Inventors: Treu, Dennis M., Adolf, Wayne F., Pawlak, Kenneth E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Arola, Dave W.
• Application Number:
  US08/559,834
• Time in Patent Office: 670 Days
• Field of Search: 285/315, 285/316, 285/91, 285/332, 285/93
• US Class Current: 285/93
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/04 Heat A61L2/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/18 Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/16 with membranes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1607 before use, i.e. upstream of dialyser
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1609 after use, i.e. downstream of dialyser
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1649 with pulsatile dialysis fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/165 with a dialyser bypass on the dialysis fluid line
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1656 Apparatus for preparing dialysates
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1658 Degasification
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/166 Heating for sterilisation A61M1/1686
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1662 with heat exchange between fresh and used dialysate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1666 by dissolving solids
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1668 Details of containers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1672 using membrane filters, e.g. for sterilising the dialysate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1682 both machine and membrane module, i.e. also the module blood side
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1684 Checking the module characteristics before reuse
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1686 by heat
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1688 with recirculation of the sterilising fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/169 using chemical substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1692 Detection of blood traces in dialysate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/1694 : with recirculating dialysing liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/288 : Priming priming in extracorporeal blood circuits A61M1/3643
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3434 : with pre-dilution and post-dilution
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3437 : downstream of the filter, e.g. post-dilution with filtrate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3465 : using dialysate as substitution fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3468 : using treated filtrate as substitution fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3609 : Physical characteristics of the blood, e.g. haematocrit, urea
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3622 : with a cassette forming partially or totally the blood circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/36224 : with sensing means or components thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/36226 : Constructional details of cassettes, e.g. specific details on material or shape
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/362263 : Details of incorporated filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3626 : Gas bubble detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3627 : Degassing devices; Buffer reservoirs; Drip chambers; Blood filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3629 : degassing by changing pump speed, e.g. during priming
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3639 : Blood pressure control, pressure transducers specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3641 : Pressure isolators
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3643 : Priming, rinsing before or after use
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3644 : Mode of operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3646 : Expelling the residual body fluid after use, e.g. back to the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3647 : with recirculation of the priming solution
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3649 : using dialysate as priming or rinsing liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/365 : through membranes, e.g. by inverted trans-membrane pressure [TMP]
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/12 : with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/15 : Detection of leaks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/17 : with redundant control systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 : with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3317 : Electromagnetic, inductive or dielectric measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3324 : PH measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3331 : Pressure; Flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3344 : Measuring or controlling pressure at the body treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3368 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3382 : Upper level detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3386 : Low level detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/502 : User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/505 : Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6072 : Bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/705 : Testing of filters for leaks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/707 : Testing of filters for clogging
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7554 : with means for unclogging or regenerating filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7581 : with means for switching over to a fresh filter on clogging or saturation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2206/11 : Laminar flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/65 : Impedance, e.g. conductivity, capacity
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/16 : having provision for disinfection or sterilisation A61M39/143 takes precedence; methods or apparatus for disinfection or sterilisation A61L2/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2311/04 : Specific process operations in the feed stream; Feed pretreatment
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2311/10 : Temperature control
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2311/25 : Recirculation, recycling or bypass, e.g. recirculation of concentrate into the feed
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2311/2626 : Absorption or adsorption
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2321/04 : Backflushing
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2321/16 : Use of chemical agents
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2321/32 : By heating or pyrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 61/02 : Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration ; Nanofiltration
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 61/025 : Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 61/04 : Feed pretreatment
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 61/12 : Controlling or regulating
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 61/32 : Controlling or regulating
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 65/022 : Membrane sterilisation
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 65/102 : Detection of leaks in membranes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 65/104 : Detection of leaks in membrane apparatus or modules
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/441 : by reverse osmosis
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 17/0453 : the member being a diaphragm
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 210/929 : Hemoultrafiltrate volume measurement or control processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 215/03 : Medical
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7722 : Line condition change responsive valves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7794 : With relief valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7796 : Senses inlet pressure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7799 : Liquid transfer

Abstract

A connector for a tube and a port construction for sealingly and securely receiving the connector. The connector has a male luer comprising a locking hub and a cylindrical tubing port. The cylindrical tubing port receives the free end of the tube. A second piece is provided that envelops the male luer, comprising a elongate cylindrical housing having a interior surface. The male luer and the tube are snugly inserted within the interior surface of the second piece to form a unitary connector.

The port receives the connector and has a housing having a first end and a second end and an open interior region defining first and second chambers and a housing axis. The first and second chambers are disposed within the first and second ends of the housing, respectively. A locking knob is movably mounted on the first end of the port apparatus and movable along the housing axis relative to the first end between first and second positions. The knob is rotatable in the second position relative to the first end into a locking engagement with the housing. When the connector is inserted into the first chamber of the port, the user rotates the knob to one side to securely retain the connector. The connector is pressed into sealing contact with an O-ring disposed in the interior region of the first chamber, thereby preventing any leakage around the connector and port. Various alternative tubing connectors are disclosed.

Claims

1. A connector for a tube, comprising, in combination:

a male luer, said male luer comprising (a) a locking hub and (b) a cylindrical tubing port, said cylindrical tubing port receiving a free end of said tube thereover;

a second piece slidable over said tube and snugly enveloping said cylindrical tubing port and free end of said tube, said second piece comprising an elongate cylindrical housing having an interior surface and said male luer and said tube snugly inserted within said interior surface of said second piece, said interior surface frictionally engaging said free end of said tube received on said tubing port to form a unitary connector;

said elongate cylindrical housing further comprising a circumferential sealing shoulder region displaced axially from said locking hub when said second piece is installed over said male luer to form said unitary connector.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein said cylindrical housing further comprises a circumferentially disposed notch portion between said circumferential sealing shoulder region and a first end of said housing axially opposite from said male luer.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein said second piece comprises means projecting inwardly from said interior surface for securely gripping said free end of said tube received on said cylindrical tubing port of said male luer.

4. Connection apparatus for a hemodialysis machine comprising:

a connector terminating a blood line of an extracorporeal circuit, said connector having an end portion and a circumferential shoulder sealing surface axially displaced from said end portion;

a port for receiving said connector, said port comprising;

a knob and a housing having a first end and a second end and an open interior region defining first and said chambers and a housing axis, said first and second chambers within said first and second ends of said housing, respectively, said housing further comprising projection means for locking said knob to said housing;

said knob movably mounted on said first end, said knob movable along said axis relative to said first end between first and second positions and rotatable in said second position relative to said first end into a locking engagement with said projection means;

said first end having a plurality of apertures with bearings placed therein, said knob covering said bearings and urging said bearings towards said open interior region when said knob is in said second position;

biasing means for biasing said knob to said first position; and

an O-ring disposed in said interior region of said housing between said first and second chambers;

said connector being insertable into said first chamber with said circumferential should sealing surface making sealing engagement with said O-ring and securely maintained in place by said knob and said bearings when said knob is rotated into locking engagement with said projection means.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said projection means comprises a pair of oppositely located projections extending outwardly from said first end of said housing.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said knob further comprises a pair of race regions for accomdating said pair of oppositely located projections.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an optical sensor placed adjacent said housing for detecting the presence of said connector within said first or said second chamber.

8. A connector assembly, comprising:

(a) a connector for a tube, said connector comprising, in combination;

a male luer comprising (a) a locking hub defining a first opening and (b) an elongate cylindrical body portion receiving a free end of said tube thereover; and

a second piece insertable over said male luer, said second piece comprising an elongate cylindrical housing having a circumferentially disposed shoulder surface, and a circumferential notch, said second piece snugly inserted over said cylindrical body portion of said male luer and free end of said tube to form a unitary connector;

(b) port apparatus for receiving said connector, comprising;

a knob and a housing having a first end and a second end and an open interior region defining first and second chambers and a housing axis, said first and second chambers within said first and second ends of said housing, respectively, said housing further comprising projection means for locking said knob to said housing;

said knob movably mounted on said first end, said knob movable along said axis relative to said first end between first and second positions and rotatable in said second position relative to said first end into a locking engagement with said projection means;

said first end having a plurality of apertures with bearings placed therein, said knob covering said bearings and urging said bearings towards said open interior region when said knob is in said second position;

biasing means for biasing said knob to said first position; and

an O-ring disposed in said interior region of said housing between said first and second chambers;

said connector being insertable into said first chamber with said shoulder surface of second piece pressed into sealing engagement with said O-ring and maintained in place by said knob and said bearings pressing inwardly on said circumferential notch when said knob is locked in said second position.

9. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein said male luer of said connector is disposed within said second chamber when said connector is mounted to said port apparatus, thereby permitting disinfection of said male luer when disinfection fluids are circulated through said port apparatus.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein said port apparatus further comprises an optical detector disposed about said second end for detecting the presence of said connector within said second chamber.

11. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein said projection means comprises a pair of projections spaced on opposite sides of said first end of said port apparatus housing, and wherein said knob further comprises a pair of races for accommodating said pair of projections.

12. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein said locking hub is integral with said cylindrical port.

13. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein said locking hub further comprises a hub portion and wherein said elongate cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal axis, wherein said hub portion is freely rotatable about said longitudinal axis relative to said elongate cylindrical body portion.

14. A connector terminating a blood line of a hemodialysis machine, comprising a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, said second end comprising a locking hub and a first port, said connector having a tubing receiving portion disposed adjacent said first end for receiving said blood line thereover,

said cylindrical housing comprising a circumferentially disposed notch region adjacent said first end and a circumferentially disposed shoulder sealing region;

said circumferentially disposed shoulder region projecting radially outward from said cylindrical housing and positioned between said locking hub and said first end of said connector.

15. A unitary connector for a blood line of a hemodialysis machine, comprising:

an elongate generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to a free end of said blood line;

said second end comprising a locking hub for locking said connector to a patient'"'"'s blood system access device, thereby permitting blood access between said patient and said blood line;

said housing further comprising a circumferential shoulder sealing portion disposed between said first end and said second end extending radially outward from said housing,

wherein said locking hub further comprises a hub portion and wherein said housing defines a longitudinal axis, wherein said hub portion is freely rotatable about said longitudinal axis relative to said housing.

16. A unitary connector for a blood line of a hemodialysis machine, comprising:

an elongate generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to a free end of said blood line;

said second end comprising a locking hub for locking said connector to a patient'"'"'s blood system access device, thereby permitting blood access between said patient and said blood line;

said housing further comprising a circumferential shoulder sealing portion disposed between said first end and said second end extending radially outward from said housing,

wherein said locking hub is integral with said housing and wherein said locking hub further comprises a hub wall having at least one aperture passing therethrough for venting air within said locking hub.

17. A connector and port apparatus for a blood line of a hemodialysis machine, comprising, in combination:

(a) a blood line connector comprising an elongate generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to a free end of said blood line,

said second end comprising a locking hub for locking said connector to a patient'"'"'s blood system access device, thereby permitting blood access between said patient and said blood line, said locking hub having an exterior diameter D;

said housing further comprising a circumferential shoulder sealing portion disposed between said first end and said second end extending radially outward from said housing; and

(b) a port placed in said hemodialysis machine for receiving said connector, comprising;

a housing having a first end and a second end and an open interior region defining first and second chambers, said first and second chambers within said first and second ends of said housing, respectively,

said second chamber having an interior surface having a diameter greater than said diameter D of said locking hub;

retaining means associated with said housing for securely retaining said connector to said housing such that said connector is received within said first chamber;

an O-ring disposed in said housing between said first and second chambers;

said connector being fully insertable into said first chamber and said circumferential shoulder sealing portion is pressed into sealing engagement with said O-ring and maintained in place by said retaining means, with said locking hub positioned within said second chamber of said housing, the differences in diameter in said locking hub and said second chamber creating a gap around said locking hub between said exterior surface of said locking hub and said interior surface of said second chamber.