Disposable, sterile fluid transfer device

• US 20050016620A1
• Filed: 04/25/2003
• Published: 01/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation (Merck & Co., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Millipore Corporation
• Inventors: Morrissey, Martin, Tingley, Stephen, Renganath, Naren, Proulx, Stephen, Almasian, Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 7,927,316 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 141/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1027 Quick-acting type connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/222 frangible within tubing or bags
• 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 39/16 having provision for disinfection or sterilisation A61M39/143 takes precedence; methods or apparatus for disinfection or sterilisation A61L2/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/18 Methods or apparatus for making the connection under sterile conditions, i.e. sterile docking
• 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 13/04 with a breakable closure member
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/18 with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 3/265 with a sleeve sliding in the direction of the flow line
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 5/00 Plug valves; Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary taps of the lift-valve type F16K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/107 Bayonet-type couplings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterile transfer device for fluids, be they liquids or gases. It is comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Preferably, it is a central bore formed through the entire length of the body. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components.

Claims

1. ) A sterile transfer device for fluids comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior, a movable plunger contained within the bore, the body having a first and a second end, the first end containing a face designed to be attached to the upstream component, the second end being connected to a downstream component, the plunger having a corresponding first and second end, the first end of the plunger when in a closed position being in alignment with the face of the body, which combined, form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components.

2. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the bore is a central bore formed through the entire length of the body.

3. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of liquids and gases.

4. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the device is formed of a plastic selected from the group consisting of polyetherimides(PEI), PEEK, PEK, polysulphones, polyarylsulphones, polyalkoxysulphones, polyethersulphones, polyphenyleneoxide, polyphenylenesulphide and blends thereof.

5. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the device is formed of polyetherimides(PEI).

6. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the device is capable of forming a sterile to sterile connection.

7. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the device is capable of forming a sterile to non-sterile connection.

8. ) he device of claim 1 wherein the first end containing a face has a liquid impermeable steam resistant layer attached to it.

9. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the first end containing a face has a liquid impermeable steam resistant layer attached to it and wherein the layer is selected from the group consisting of plastic and metal foils.

10. ) The device of claim 1 wherein the first end containing a face has a liquid impermeable steam resistant layer attached to it and wherein the layer is selected from the group consisting of plastic and metal foils selected from the group consisting of PEI, PEEK, polysulphones, aluminum and stainless steel.