Patent Application
20190076566
The present invention relates, in some embodiments thereof, to systems and methods for decontaminating a surface of one or more vessels. In some embodiments, the systems and methods of the invention include a housing, and a wiping member disposed within the housing and configured to wipe off the surface of one or more vessels, thereby establishing a contaminant-free fluid passageway between vessels.
The medicinal practice routinely involves administration of medical substances, such as, medicaments, fluids, nutritional substances and the alike, to patients or animals. The preparation and/or administration of such medicinal substances typically involves one or more transfers of those substances between pharmaceutical vessels or administration devices (such as, vials, syringes, infusion lines, connectors, etc.). Each such act of transferring substances between vessels or devices exposes the connection interfaces of the vessels and accordingly the medical substances themselves to contaminants present in ambient air or ambient air particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, funguses, spores, pyrogens, dirt). In addition, connection interfaces are further prone to contaminations due to physical contact of the interfaces, for example, with nonsterile gloves, or devices.
Such contaminations are a major problem in the healthcare setting since contaminants, once invading within medicinal substances, may pose substantial danger if administered intracorporeally to patients.
Typical connection interfaces of pharmaceutical vessels or pharmaceutical administration devices include rubber bungs and/or stoppers covered by a cap and/or seal that can be flicked off and/or are removed prior to usage thereof. These rubber bungs/stoppers are used to allow penetration by a needle attached to a syringe or by other medical connectors. When the cap and/or seal is flicked off and/or removed, the rubber bung and/or stopper is exposed to ambient air and to contaminants present therein. Accordingly, exposure of connection interfaces to ambient air may involve contamination of the interfaces and consequently contamination of a beneficial substance to be provided to a patient.
Existing systems include USD720067; USD717947; USD703812; USD690418; USD639939; USD637713; U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,790,011; 9,775,777; 9,561,326; 9,493,281; 9,492,353; 9,309,020; 9,173,816; 9,168,203; 9,162,803; 9,039,672; 8,926,583; 8,827,978; 8,790,330; 8,662,985; 8,657,803; 8,622,985; 8,562,583; 8,545,475; 8,523,838; 8,491,563; 8,480,646; 8,449,521; 8,381,776; 8,336,587; 8,328,772; 8,287,513; 8,225,826; 8,075,550; 8,029,747; 7,998,134; 7,975,733; 7,942,860; 7,867,215; 7,744,581; 7,731,678; 7,387,216; 7,306,584; 6,875,203; 6,729,370; 6,715,520; 6,602,239; 6,409,708; 6,343,629; 6,162,199; 6,113,583; 6,063,068; 5,893,397; 5,876,380; 5,832,971; 5,807,374; 5,746,733; 5,569,235; 5,462,535; 5,405,326; 5,292,318; 5,279,582; 4,944,723; 4,932,947; 4,932,937; 4,919,657; 4,915,701; 4,826,489; 4,673,404; 4,564,054; 3,610,241; 3,605,743; 3,587,575; 3,583,399; 3,578,037; 3,556,099; 3,552,387; 3,406,686; 3,380,450; 3,375,825; 3,342,180; 3,330,282; 3,330,281; 3,306,290; 3,255,752; 3,253,592; 3,076,456; 2,972,991; 2,922,419; US20160262982; US20160038373; US20150209568; US20140183196; US20140016570; US20140007973; US20140000754; US20130184672; US20130006200; US20120209238; US20120209218; US20120203194; US20110284561; US20110186177; US20110125128; US20110108158; US20110098647; US20100249745; US20100198182; US20100152669; US20100147402; US20100036319; US20100004602; US20090057258; US20080312634; US20080223484; US20080171981; US20060276759; US20050215976; US20030199847; US20030187420; US20020130100; US20020115981; US20020099354; ES2577377T3; EP2852367B1; EP2666513; EP2155141B1.
In order to overcome this obstacle, the current medical practice involves swabbing the surface of a connection interface with a disinfecting agent, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol, prior to accessing the connection interface. Other methods include i.v. (intravenous) rooms which are used for the sterile preparation of i.v. medications. Such rooms, to keep medicinal preparations as sterile as possible, are equipped with special instruments including, hoods with air filtration systems (e.g., HEPA filters), ventilation systems and air pressure systems. Additionally, those rooms necessitate that the medical staff working in these rooms are properly garmented, are properly trained, and require aseptic techniques, and employ quality control and validation processes. These systems require regular upkeep by certified personnel and require regular cleaning. These systems are therefore expensive, labor intensive, and require regular maintenance and testing to assure that they are operating effectively. The above described systems and methods are either cumbersome and expensive or inefficient in addressing the problem of reducing/eliminating contaminants on connection interfaces.
Thus, there is a long felt and unmet need for pharmaceutical vessels, devices, systems and/or methods that afford transfer of medical substances in a sterile manner. There is a need for reliable, user friendly and cost-effective solutions allowing contaminant-free engagement of vessels and devices for drug preparation and administration processes.
Objects of the invention are achieved by providing systems, devices and methods for administering medical substances in a decontaminated manner.
Objects of the invention are achieved by providing systems, devices and methods which are directed to transferring medical substances in an efficient, user-friendly and sterile manner.
The present invention provides devices and systems that decontaminate connection surfaces of medical vessels, pharmaceutical vessels or pharmaceutical administration devices and thereafter allow decontaminated fluid passageway between the vessels.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for decontaminating a surface of at least one vessel, comprising: a housing; and a wiping member disposed within the housing, wherein the wiping member is configured to move within the housing; wherein the wiping member decontaminates the surface of the at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises an actuator configured to move the wiping member within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is selected from a group consisting of a handle, tab, a button, a touch button, a lever, a gear, a spring, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is connected to the wiping member and configured to move the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the actuator moves the wiping member via a pushing, pulling and/or sliding motion. In one or more embodiments, the actuator manipulates the wiping member from the exterior of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is connected to the wiping member and configured to move the wiping member across the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is spring loaded. In one or more embodiments, the actuator extends through an opening in a wall of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator extends through an opening in a wall of the housing, wherein an airtight seal is maintained between the actuator and the opening in the wall. In one or more embodiments, the system may be a device.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a transfer mechanism disposed in a wall of the housing, the transfer mechanism configured to transfer a force from the actuator to the wiping member to move the wiping member within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing has a side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the top wall and the bottom wall each have an opening adapted for connection to the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the housing further comprises a second side wall.
In one or more embodiments, the openings have vertical walls with internal threads, the internal threads being configured for cooperating with external threads on the at least one vessel to connect the vessel to the housing. Alternately, the vertical walls have external thread, the external thread being configured for cooperating with internal threads on the at least one vessel to connect the vessel to the housing. Optionally, the openings have non-vertical wall with internal or external threads. In one or more embodiments, the openings are configured to engage with the at least one vessel via a ratchet teeth mechanism, a snap-on mechanism, a slide-on mechanism, a twist-on mechanism, an adhesive or combinations thereof.
In one or more embodiments, the housing has two wiping members disposed one above the other, wherein one of the wiping members is arranged to wipe a surface of a vessel connected to the bottom wall of the housing, and the other of the wiping members is arranged to wipe a surface of a vessel connected to a top of the housing.
In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall of the housing contains a plurality of the openings configured for connecting a plurality of vessels to the housing, and wherein the system is configured so that actuating the wiping member wipes the surfaces of a plurality or of all vessels connected to the housing.
In one or more embodiments, the side wall of the housing is open opposite the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to extend from the top wall to the bottom wall of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing has a hermetic seal between the top wall and the bottom wall of the housing during actuation of the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member forms a hermetic seal between the top wall and the bottom wall of the housing.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a filter disposed in an aperture in the housing for releasing air or air pressure from the housing when actuating the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the filter is less than 0.5 microns porosity. In one or more embodiments, the filter is a 0.22 micron or less porosity filter. In one or more embodiments, the filter is a sterilizing filter. In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a valve disposed in an aperture of the housing for releasing air or air pressure from the housing while preventing ambient or environmental air from entering the housing. In one or more embodiments, the valve is a one-way valve.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a locking member disposed in or on the housing, the locking member being configured for locking the wiping member in an end position after actuation of the actuator to prevent the wiping member from returning or retracting to an initial position.
In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel ranges from one vessel to ten vessels, wherein a surface of each of the vessels is configured to be wiped off by the wiping member, wherein each of the vessels are configured to couple with the housing.
In one or more embodiments, the housing is manufactured from a group consisting of plastic, rigid plastic, flexible plastic, polymer, glass and combinations thereof.
In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is comprised of an elastomeric material and/or a rubber material. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is comprised of a rigid material, flexible material, expandable material, absorptive material, and combinations thereof. Other types of wiping members disposed within or at least partially disposed within the housing are contemplated such as wiping members that rotate on an axle, hinge, spindle, axis, and/or rod. Rotation of at least one of the wiping members may be less than 360 degrees, less than 180 degrees or less than 90 degrees. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is covered by a sterilizing substance and/or disinfecting substance. In one or more embodiments, the sterilizing substance is an antibacterial, an antiviral, an anti-tuberculin, an anti-fungal, an anti-HIV and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the system is disposable, intended for one-time use, or repeat use. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to move across the housing via a sliding motion. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to partially wipe off the surface of at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to wipe off the entire surface of at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to wipe off the portion of a surface of a vessel where a fluidic communication/transfer occurs. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a plurality of vessels.
In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to partially wipe off a surface of each of the plurality of vessels. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to entirely wipe off an entire surface of each of the plurality of vessels. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to wipe off a portion of the surfaces of vessels where a fluidic communication/transfer occurs. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to wipe off the surface of the plurality of vessels at about the same time or at the same time. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to displace at least one cover covering the surface of the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to displace at least one seal of the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the vessel has a displaceable cover or seal. In one or more embodiments the vessel has a displaceable cover or seal that snaps off, breaks off, or tears off when the wiping member moves across the vessel surface. In one or more embodiments the displaceable cover or seal is secured to the vessel surface via a frangible seal. In one or more embodiments, the displaceable cover and/or seal is disposed on a rail mechanism, wherein the rail mechanism is disposed and/or attached to a vessel. In one or more embodiments, the rail mechanism is integrally attached to the vessel. In one or more embodiments, the displaceable cover and/or seal is integrally attached to the vessel. In one or more embodiments, the rail mechanism forms a unitary structure with the vessel. In one or more embodiments, the displaceable cover and/or seal of the vessel displaces via a hinge mechanism, wherein the hinge mechanism is attached, or optionally integrally attached to the vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the housing has an engagement mechanism to connect the at least one vessel to the housing. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism is selected from a thread, a luer, a luer-lock, a luer-slip, a ratchet teeth mechanism, a retention member, a rail mechanism, a clamping rail mechanism, an adhesive mechanism, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the thread is configured for engaging a complementary thread on the at least one vessel to connect the at least one vessel to the housing. In one or more embodiments, the thread and the complementary thread may be a luer. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel at about same level as an interior wall of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the pharmaceutical vessel at the same level as an interior wall of a housing of the system. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel in a manner that protrudes into the housing. In one or more embodiments, the protruding of the surface of the at least one vessel is a slight/minor protruding. In one or more embodiments, the protruding of the surface of the at least one vessel is ranges from less than one eighth of an inch to less than half an inch. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel slightly above an inner wall/surface of the housing while allowing the wiping member to wipe off the entire surface of the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel in a manner that is below an inner surface of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the positioning of the surface of the at least one vessel below an inner surface of the housing ranges from less than one eighth of an inch to less than a half an inch from the inner surface of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel slightly below an inner wall/surface of the housing while allowing the wiping member to wipe off the entire surface of the at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprising at least one port configured for coupling to the at least one vessel, wherein the port provides a connection between the housing and the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the port is covered by a cover. In one or more embodiments, the port is sealed. In one or more embodiments, the port is sealed by a frangible seal. In one or more embodiments, the port is configured to attach or engage a connector, wherein the connector is configured to attach to the port and to a vessel. In one or more embodiments, the system comprises two or more ports each configured to attach to a plurality of connectors, wherein the connectors are configured to attach to the ports of the housing and to a corresponding vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the port has an adhesive configured for engaging the at least one vessel to connect the at least one vessel to the housing. In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall of the housing contains a plurality of ports configured for connecting a plurality of vessels to the housing, wherein the housing is configured so that actuating the wiping member wipes the surfaces of the plurality of vessels connected to the housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing is comprised of a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein the top wall and the bottom wall each have at least one port configured for connection to at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the top and bottom ports are disposed one above the other. In one or more embodiments, when each of the ports is connected to a vessel, the housing forms an interior which is hermetically sealed/isolated from surrounding/environmental air. In one or more embodiments, the housing includes a plurality of ports configured for connection to a plurality of vessels. In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of ports provides airtight engagement between the housing and a vessel. In one or more embodiments, the housing has at least two ports, wherein one of the at least two ports are attached to or integrally attached to the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments the housing has at least two ports, wherein one of the at least two ports forms a unitary structure with the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the housing has at least two ports, wherein one of the at least two ports are permanently/fixedly attached to the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the housing has at least two ports, wherein one of the at least two ports are attached to or coupled to the at least one vessel at about the time of manufacture, assembly and/or distribution of the system or device. In one or more embodiments, the port is a container port, spike port, syringe port, infusion line port, connector port, manifold port, a vessel port, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel is a container, a bag, a bottle, a syringe, an infusion line, a connector, a filter, a manifold, a bag port, a bottle port, a vial port, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the surface of the at least one vessel is flat and smooth. In one or more embodiments, the contact between the wiping member and the vessel surface provides enough friction between the vessel surface and the wiping member to wipe off contaminants from the surface of the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the surface of the wiping member is smooth. In one or more embodiments, the surface of the wiping member is rigid.
In yet a further aspect the present invention provides a decontamination system, comprising: a device comprising a housing, and a wiping member disposed within the housing, wherein the wiping member is configured to move within the housing; and at least one vessel having a surface, wherein the wiping member decontaminates the surface of the at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel includes two or more vessels, wherein the wiping member is configured to wipe the surfaces of the two or more vessels. In one or more embodiments, the system further comprising a second wiping member.
In yet a further aspect the present invention provides a method of decontaminating a surface of at least one vessel, the method comprising: providing a decontamination device having a housing and a wiping member disposed within and configured to move within the housing; providing at least one vessel having a surface; connecting the decontamination device to the at least one vessel; and moving the wiping member within the housing, thus, decontaminating the surface of the at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the connection of the decontamination device to the at least one vessel results in a hermetic seal being formed between the decontamination device and the at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is moved within the housing via an actuator. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is selected from a group consisting of a handle, tab, a button, a touch button, a lever, a gear, a spring, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is connected to the wiping member and configured to move the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the actuator moves the wiping member via a pushing, pulling and/or sliding motion. In one or more embodiments, a pressurized gas within a compartment of the housing may move the wiping member across the housing. In one or more embodiments, the pressurized gas may be released via an actuator located on an exterior wall of the housing or within an aperture of a wall of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator manipulates the wiping member from an exterior of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is connected to the wiping member and configured to move the wiping member across the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is spring loaded. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is moved or slid within the housing via a force of a hand of a user applied to the housing wall, wherein the housing of the wall is flexible and is configured to allow the user to manipulate the location or movement of the wiping member through a wall of the housing.
In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device is pre-attached to the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device is integrally attached to the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device forms a unitary structure with at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, moving the wiping member across the housing occurs when or after the housing is hermetically sealed to the at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, moving the wiping member across the housing occurs at about the time the at least one vessel is coupled or engaged to the housing.
In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device has a safety mechanism configured to prevent the movement of the wiping member prior to attachment of at least one vessel to the housing of the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device has a safety mechanism configured to prevent actuation of the wiping member actuator by a user prior to attachment of at least one vessel to the housing of the decontamination device. According to these embodiments, the safety mechanism prevents the premature movement and/or actuation of the wiping member prior to an engagement of the decontamination device to at least one vessel. In one or more embodiments, the safety mechanism is configured to prevent movement and/or piercing of a vessel surface by a piercing member. According to this embodiment, the safety mechanism prevents the premature piercing of a vessel surface prior to decontamination of the vessel surface by the wiping member.
In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device has a permanent lock mechanism which engages at least one vessel permanently to the decontamination device and/or to the housing of the decontamination device. The permanent lock mechanism may be referred to as an irreversible locking mechanism. The irreversible locking mechanism may be positioned on a wall or in a wall of the housing and configured to engage a locking member on at least one vessel. Optionally, the irreversible locking mechanism may be positioned on an opening of the housing, on a port of the housing, and/or on an engagement mechanism of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the hermetically sealed connection between the housing and the at least one vessel provides for a sealed chamber/compartment within the housing of the decontamination device that is isolated from environmental/contaminated air. In one or more embodiments, moving the wiping member across the housing occurs after engaging the at least one vessel to the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, moving the wiping member across the housing occurs at about the time of engaging the at least one vessel to the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, engaging/connecting the at least one vessel to the decontamination device occurs prior to moving the wiping member.
In one or more embodiments, moving the wiping member across the housing forms a chamber/compartment/housing that is sterile. In one or more embodiments, moving the wiping member across the housing forms a conduit where a fluid communication may be formed between the at least one vessel and the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, the conduit is decontaminated. In one or more embodiments, the conduit is sterile.
In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel is connected to the decontamination device via an engagement mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a thread mechanism, a luer mechanism, a ratchet teeth/retention member mechanism, and an adhesive mechanism. In one or more embodiments, connecting the decontamination device to the at least one vessel is performed via an engagement mechanism. In one or more embodiments, connecting the decontamination device to the at least one vessel includes twisting of a thread onto a complementary thread, attaching ratchet teeth to a complementary retention member, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, connecting the decontamination device to the at least one vessel includes a snap-on mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism is attached to the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism is integrally attached to the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, the engagement mechanism forms a unitary structure with the decontamination device.
In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device is connected to the at least one vessel via an adhesive. In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel is a bottle, a bag, a container, a vial, a manifold, a spike, a connector, a connector with a plurality of ports, a syringe, an infusion line, a connector, a filter, a manifold, a bag port, a bottle port, a vial port, and combinations thereof.
In yet a further aspect the present invention provides a method of decontaminating a surface of at least two vessels, the method comprising: providing a decontamination device comprising a housing and a wiping member disposed within the housing configured to move within the housing; providing a first vessel having a surface; providing a second vessel having a surface; connecting the device to the first vessel; connecting the device to the second vessel; and moving the wiping member within the housing, thus, decontaminating a surface of the first vessel, and decontaminating a surface of the second vessel.
In one or more embodiments, moving the wiping member across the housing decontaminates a surface of the first vessel and a surface of the second vessel. In one or more embodiments, the invention provides for a method of decontaminating a surface of a vessel, the method comprising: providing a decontamination device comprising a housing and a wiping member disposed within the housing configured to move within the housing, wherein a first vessel is pre-attached to the housing; providing second vessel; connecting housing to the second vessel; and moving the wiping member within the housing across the surface of second vessel thus decontaminating a surface of the second vessel. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is disposed within the housing between the opening of the first vessel surface and the second vessel surface. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises decontaminating the surface of one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the first vessel is connected to the decontamination device prior to the second vessel being connected to the device. In one or more embodiments, the first vessel is connected to the decontamination device after the second vessel is connected to the device. In one or more embodiments, the first vessel is connected to the decontamination device and the second vessel is connected to the decontamination device at about the same time or at the same time. In one or more embodiments, moving of the wiping member across the housing occurs after the first vessel and the second vessel are connected to the device.
In yet another aspect, a syringe tip/opening/aperture is sealed with a puncturable and/or frangible seal. The seal is configured to be wiped off by the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the syringe tip/opening/aperture may be covered by a seal that is punctured by piercing member of decontamination device or ruptured inside decontamination device. The syringe seal may also be displaceable inside the decontamination device.
In one or more embodiments, a syringe tip/opening/aperture is sealed with a displaceable seal or cover. In one or more embodiments the displaceable seal or cover is attached to the syringe tip/opening/aperture via a frangible seal. In one or more embodiments, the displaceable seal or cover is attached to the syringe via a frangible seal. In one or more embodiments, the syringe further comprises a displaceable seal or cover disposed on a rail mechanism of the syringe or between the rails of a rail mechanism of the syringe. In one or more embodiments, the rail mechanism of the syringe is configured to provide for the displacement of the seal or cover of the syringe tip/opening/aperture. In one or more embodiments, the syringe further comprises a hinge mechanism and a displaceable seal or cover, wherein the hinge mechanism is configured to provide for the displacement of the seal or cover.
In one or more embodiments, a container and/or vial aperture is sealed with a displaceable seal or cover. In one or more embodiments the displaceable seal or cover is attached to the container and/or vial a frangible seal. In one or more embodiments, the displaceable seal or cover is attached to the container and/or vial via a frangible seal. In one or more embodiments, the container and/or vial further comprises a displaceable seal or cover disposed on a rail mechanism of the container and/or vial or between the rails of a rail mechanism of the container and/or vial. In one or more embodiments, the rail mechanism of the container and/or vial is configured to provide for the displacement of the seal or cover of the container and/or vial. In one or more embodiments, the container and/or vial further comprises a hinge mechanism and a displaceable seal or cover, wherein the hinge mechanism is configured to provide for the displacement of the seal or cover.
In yet a further aspect the present invention provides a decontamination system, comprising: a device comprising a housing, and a wiping member disposed within the housing, wherein the wiping member is configured to move within the housing; and at least one vessel having a surface, wherein the wiping member decontaminates the surface of the at least one vessel, and wherein the at least one vessel is configured to detach from the device after the surface of the at least one vessel has been decontaminated.
In one or more embodiments, the system includes an actuator configured to move the wiping member within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is selected from a group consisting of a handle, tab, a button, a touch button, a lever, a gear, a spring, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is connected to the wiping member and configured to move the wiping member.
In one or more embodiments, the vessel includes a fluid, wherein the fluid is configured to travel through the device after the surface of the at least one vessel has been decontaminated.
In one or more embodiments, the system includes a capping or resealing mechanism that is configured to seal the surface of the at least one vessel.
In yet a further aspect the present invention provides a decontamination system, comprising: a device comprising a housing, and a wiping member disposed within the housing, wherein the wiping member is configured to move within the housing; and at least one vessel having a surface, wherein the wiping member decontaminates the surface of the at least one vessel, and a capping or resealing mechanism that is configured to seal the surface of the at least one vessel after the surface of the at least one vessel has been decontaminated.
In one or more embodiments, the resealing mechanism includes a compartment that is disposed on one end of the housing.
In one or more embodiments, the compartment includes one or more caps. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is configured to attach to one or more of the caps and slide there along housing when attached thereto. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member reseals the at least one vessel with the caps. In one or more embodiments, the caps are disposed within the housing and resealing of the at least one vessel occurs within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the caps are disposed within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the caps are at least partially disposed within the housing.
In one or more embodiments, resealing of the at least one vessel occurs within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the resealing occurs within a sterile compartment of the housing.
In yet a further aspect the present invention provides a method of decontaminating a surface of at least one vessel, the method comprising: providing a decontamination device having a housing and a wiping member, the wiping member disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing; providing at least one vessel having a surface; connecting the decontamination device to the at least one vessel; moving the wiping member within the housing, thus, decontaminating the surface of the at least one vessel; and detaching the at least one vessel from the device after the surface of the at least one vessel has been decontaminated.
In one or more embodiments, the method comprises resealing the surface of at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, resealing the at least one vessel from the device occurs prior to detaching the at least one vessel from the device.
In one or more embodiments, the method includes transferring fluid within the at least one vessel through the device after the surface of the at least one vessel has been decontaminated.
In one or more embodiments, the connection of the decontamination device to the at least one vessel results in a hermetic seal being formed between the decontamination device and the at least one vessel.
In one or more embodiments, the hermetically sealed connection between the housing and the at least one vessel is isolated from environmental/contaminated air.
In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel is a syringe. In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel is a container. In one or more embodiments the container is a bottle. In one or more embodiments, the container is a vial.
In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device further comprises a safety mechanism configured to prevent the detachment of the at least one vessel prior to resealing the surface of the at least one vessel. In accordance with this embodiment, the safety mechanism guarantees resealing of the at least one vessel prior to detachment from the decontamination device.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical or/and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods or/and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding elements.
It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular methodology, devices, items or products etc., described herein, as these may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The following exemplary embodiments may be described in the context of exemplary bedding articles for ease of description and understanding. However, the invention is not limited to the specifically described products and methods and may be adapted to various applications without departing from the overall scope of the invention. All ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints. The use of the term “or” shall be construed to mean “and/or” unless the specific context indicates otherwise.
The present invention relates to devices, methods and systems allowing an engagement of, and fluid passageway between vessels in a sterile or decontaminated manner. The present devices, methods and systems are particularly useful for medical purposes, wherein sterile preparations of medical substances are vastly needed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides systems configured to allow a substantially decontaminated engagement between vessels. In one embodiment, the present invention provides systems configured to decontaminate one or more surfaces of one or more vessels. In one or more embodiments, the systems of the invention allow a substantially decontaminated transferring of fluids between the one or more vessels. In one or more embodiments, the systems or devices allow the air-free or ambient air particle-free engagement between vessels
The invention provides a solution to an unmet and long felt need in medical settings and allows connecting in a sterile manner, two or more vessels. The herein disclosed devices and systems are user friendly, cost effective and abolish the need for complicated and expensive known methods for transferring medical substances.
In an aspect of the invention, the devices and systems of the invention include a housing having a side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, and a wiping member disposed within the housing. In an embodiment of the invention, the top wall and/or bottom wall of the housing have at least one port or openings for receiving the vessels. The ports or openings may be formed by vertical walls extending from the top and/or bottom walls, forming an inner channel via which medical substances may be transferred following engagement between, and decontamination of the vessel surfaces. In one or more embodiments, the ports or openings have non-vertical walls. In one or more embodiments, the ports or openings may be flush mounted to the housing. In one or more embodiments, the ports or openings may be surface mounted to the housing. In one or more embodiments, the ports or openings may be concealed within at least a portion of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the ports or openings may be concealed within the housing.
In an embodiment of the invention, the wiping member is operable to move across and wipe off any contaminates present on the one or more surfaces of the vessels via an actuator extending through an opening of the housing. The actuator is configured to manipulate movement of the wiping member across the housing. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is operable to move across and wipe off any contaminants present on the one or more surfaces of the vessels via an actuator extending through an opening in the side wall of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the actuator may extend through a top or bottom wall of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is operable to move within the housing to wipe off any contaminants present on the one or more surfaces of the vessels.
Various types of actuators are contemplated for allowing manipulation of the wiping member to decontaminate a surface of a vessel. In one or more embodiments, the actuator is connected to the wiping member and extends externally via an opening within the housing. Exemplary actuators include, without limitation, a handle, a tab, a button, a touch button, a lever, a gear, a spring, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an air pressure actuator, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is operable to move across and wipe off any contaminates present on the one or more surfaces of the vessels without any actuator for mediating the wiping action. In accordance with this embodiment, a user may, for example, apply force onto the housing to thereby forcibly manipulate the wiping member to slide across the housing. In accordance with this embodiment, the housing may be flexible, so the user can manipulate the wiping member from the outside and by applying for example press forces onto the housing. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is moveable from an initial position which precedes the wiping action to an end position which follows the wiping action of the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the movement of the wiping member between the positions is reversible. In one or more embodiments, the movement of the wiping member between the positions is non-reversible and the wiping member is prevented from returning to the initial position. In one or more embodiments, a locking member may be disposed in or on the housing to prevent the wiping member to return to its initial position.
In an embodiment of the invention, the herein disclosed devices and systems are disposable. In an embodiment of the invention, the herein disclosed devices and systems are non-disposable.
In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is manufactured from or comprises a material including, but not limited to an elastic material, a rigid material, a flexible material, an expandable material, a polymer, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is manufactured from or comprises an elastomeric material, such as, but not limited to a rubber material. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is manufactured from or comprises a sponge or a sponge-like material. In one or more embodiments, the wiping member slides across the surface of the one or more vessel(s) under great friction, or under a friction sufficient to wipe off any contaminants from the surface, such as dirt or bacteria.
In one or more embodiments, the one or more of the surfaces of the one or more vessels is flat and/or smooth. The surface may be substantially flat or partially flat or sufficiently flat, allowing efficient decontamination thereof by the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the one or more surfaces of the wiping member may be uneven or rugged.
In one or more embodiments, the wiping member is covered, at least partially, by a sterilizing substance. As used herein the term “sterilizing substance” encompasses any substance that can eliminate or reduce the presence of microorganisms, air particles, or any of the alike. In one embodiment, the term “sterilizing substance” is interchangeable with the term “disinfecting substance”. In one or more embodiments, the sterilizing substance may be, but is not limited to, an antibacterial substance, an antiviral substance (e.g., an anti-HIV agent), an anti-tuberculin substance, an anti-fungal, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the sterilizing substance may be a bactericidal substance, a virucidal substance, and/or a fungicidal substance. Exemplary sterilizing substances include, without limitation, alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. In one or more embodiments, the sterilizing or disinfecting substance may be a fluid or a liquid. In one or more embodiments, the sterilizing or disinfecting substance may be a gas. In one or more embodiments, the gas may be a pressurized gas. In one or more embodiments, the sterilizing substance may be housed within the housing of the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the openings and/or ports of the decontamination device are sealed and/or covered thus preventing the sterilizing substance from escaping from inside the housing of the decontamination device. The seals and/or covers maintain the sterility of the decontamination device until about the time of use of the decontamination device.
In one or more embodiments, the sterilizing substance is sodium hypochlorite. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of sodium hypochlorite is 0.55% or higher. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of sodium hypochlorite is below 0.55% concentration.
In one or more embodiments, the housing may be manufactured from various materials. Optionally, the housing is manufactured from an inert material, thus suitable for various types of pharmaceutical substances. The housing may be made from flexible or from rigid materials. Suitable materials include, without limitation a plastic, a glass, a rigid plastic, a flexible plastic, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the housing may be transparent. In one or more embodiments, the housing may be opaque.
Various sizes and shapes of the housing are applicable. For example, the housing may have an external most length, width, and/or height of less than about 3 inches. In one or more embodiments, the housing may have an external most length, width, and/or height of less than about 25 millimeters (mm). For example, less than about 20 mm, less than about 15 mm, or less than about 10 mm. The housing internal most length, width, and/or height may be less than about 10 mm. For example, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The housing may include one or more compartments which may optionally be separated or divided by the wiping member or by any other means. In one or more embodiments, the housing includes two compartments, wherein a first compartment is kept sterile and a second compartment is configured to receive a vessel which may be contaminated. In one or more embodiments, the sterile compartment can receive a vessel following decontamination of the surface of the vessel. In one or more embodiments, the housing includes two compartments wherein a first includes a capping mechanism and the second is configured to receive a vessel. In one or more embodiments, the housing includes three compartments wherein a first compartment is kept sterile, a second compartment is configured to receive at least one vessel which have a contaminated surface, and a third compartment having a capping or resealing mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the compartment having the capping or resealing mechanism is sterile. In one or more embodiments, the compartment having the capping or resealing mechanism contains a sterilizing or disinfecting substance. In one or more embodiments, the compartment configured to receive at least one vessel contains a sterilizing or disinfecting substance. In one or more embodiments, the compartment where the fluid passageway between vessels occurs contains a sterilizing or disinfecting substance. In one or more embodiments, the first compartment, the second compartment and/or the third compartment may have a pressure greater or less than an adjacent compartment. In one or more embodiments, the pressure may be greater or less than ambient air pressure. In one or more embodiments, the pressure may be greater or less than atmospheric pressure. In one or more embodiments, the pressure differential between compartments may be at least 0.02 i.w.c. (inches of water column). In one or more embodiments, the pressure differential between compartments is at least 0.1 i.w.c. In one or more embodiments, the pressure differential between compartment is between 0.01 i.w.c. and 1 i.w.c. In one or more embodiments, the pressure differential between compartments may be at least negative 0.05 i.w.c. In one or more embodiments, the pressure differential between compartments is between negative 0.4 i.w.c. and negative 0.01 i.w.c. As used herein, the term “i.w.c.” encompasses the definition as provided or accepted by the United States Pharmacopeia, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, American Pharmacist's Association, and/or a nationally/internationally recognized organization or standardization organization.
In one or more embodiments, the housing is conveniently light presenting a weight of no more than about 100 grams (gr). For example, less than about 75 gr, less than about 50 mm gr, less than about 25 gr, less than about 10 gr, or less than about 5 gr.
In one or more embodiments, the housing may be transparent allowing visualization of its interior, or opaque.
In one or more embodiments, the housing may be a closed chamber which forms a tight, optionally, airtight connection between the vessels. In one or more embodiments, when the ports or openings are connected to vessels or when the ports are covered by a cover or a seal, the housing may form an interior which is hermetically sealed/isolated from surrounding/environmental air. In one or more embodiments, the cover or the seal is frangible, breakable or rupturable. In one or more embodiments, the cover or the seal is pierceable by a piercing member such as a needle.
In one or more embodiments, the housing may optionally include one or more apertures, optionally covered by a filter, to thereby allow releasing air from the housing when actuating the wiping member. Optionally, the one or more apertures may be covered by a valve, to thereby allow releasing of air or pressure from within the housing when actuating the wiping member. In one or more embodiments, the valve may be a one-way valve, thereby allowing the release of air or pressure from within the housing when actuating the wiping member while preventing ambient or environmental air from entering the housing. In one or more embodiments, the filter or valve may be located in or on a wall of the housing's first, second or third compartment.
In one or more embodiments, the system or devices of the invention is provided when the housing is already connected to one or more medical vessels. In accordance with this embodiment, the one or more medical vessels may be integrally manufactured or assembled with the housing and provided or distributed to consumers as such. In accordance with this embodiment, the system may be configured to allow a connection to additional one or more vessels. In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device abuts a wall of a container. In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device is flush mounted to a wall of a container. In one or more embodiments, the decontamination device is surface mounted to a wall of a container. In one or more embodiments, the container is a bag. In one or more embodiments, the container is a bottle. In one or more embodiments, the container is a vial. In one or more embodiments, the vessel is a syringe. Alternatively, the system of the invention is provided without any attachment to a vessel and is configured to connect a plurality of vessels and decontaminate thereof.
In one or more embodiments, the at least one vessel ranges from one vessel to ten vessels, wherein a surface of at least one or each of the vessels is configured to be wiped off by the wiping member.
In one or more embodiments, the system includes two or more housings each containing a wiping member. Optionally, the housings are disposed one above the other, providing a top housing and a bottom housing. In accordance with this embodiment, a wiping member disposed on the top housing is configured to wipe a surface of a vessel connected to the top housing and a wiping member disposed on the bottom housing is configured to wipe a surface of a vessel connected to the bottom housing.
In one or more embodiments, the system includes two or more ports which are disposed one above the other, or which are longitudinally aligned with respect to each other. In accordance with this embodiment, the vessels connected to such ports are positioned aligned allowing a direct and aligned fluid passageway between the vessels. In one or more embodiments, the system includes two or more ports which are shifted from each other. Yet, in accordance with this embodiment, a fluid passageway is formed between vessels which is twisted or curved.
In yet one or more embodiments, the housing contains a plurality of ports configured for connecting a plurality of vessels to the housing. The system or device is configured so that actuating the wiping member allows wiping the surfaces of all vessels connected to the housing in one action.
In one or more embodiments, the housing has an engagement mechanism configured or adapted to connect the at least one vessel to the housing. Various types of engagement mechanisms may be applicable and are contemplated. For example, the engagement mechanism is selected from, without limitation, a thread, a luer, a luer-lock, a luer-slip, snap-on, twist-on, a ratchet teeth mechanism, a retention member, a clamping rail, and an adhesive mechanism. The thread and the complementary thread may be selected from, without limitation, a luer, a smart-site mechanism and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the engagement mechanism may be selected from a ratchet teeth mechanism, a clamping rail mechanism and/or an adhesive. In an embodiment of the invention, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel at about same level as an interior wall of the housing. In an embodiment of the invention, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the pharmaceutical vessel at the same level as an interior wall of a housing of the system. In an embodiment of the invention, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel in a manner that protrudes into the housing. In an embodiment of the invention, the protruding of the surface of the at least one vessel is a slight/minor protruding. In an embodiment of the invention, the protruding of the surface of the at least one vessel ranges from less than one eighth of an inch to less than half an inch. In an embodiment of the invention, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel in a manner that is below an inner surface of the housing. In an embodiment of the invention, the positioning of the surface of the at least one vessel ranges from less than one tenth of an inch to less than a half an inch from the inner surface of the housing. In an embodiment of the invention, the engagement mechanism positions the surface of the at least one vessel slightly below an inner wall/surface of the housing while allowing the wiping member to wipe off the entire surface of the at least one vessel. Optionally, or alternately, the engagement mechanism may be configured or adapted to connect at least one opening or port of the housing of the decontamination device to a connector. In one or more embodiments, the connector may be configured to couple/engage with an opening or port of the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, the housing may have a plurality of openings/ports configured to couple/engage with a plurality of connectors. In one or more embodiments, the connectors may be further configured to couple/engage with a vessel. The connectors may have a conduit disposed within the connectors, wherein the conduit provides a fluidic passageway between at least one vessel and the decontamination device. In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed invention allows transferring medical substances in a contaminant-free, or in a substantially contaminant-free manner.
In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed invention affords an engagement of vessels in a contaminant-free, or in a substantially contaminant-free manner. In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed invention affords an engagement of vessels in an air-free, or in a substantially air-free manner.
In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed invention provides a fluidic passageway or communication between vessels in a contaminant-free, or in a substantially contaminant-free manner. In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed invention provides a fluidic passageway or communication between vessels in an air-free, or in a substantially air-free manner.
In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed invention, allows to substantially decrease the chances to introduce contaminants within a medical substance, when preparing or administering medical substances for administration to patients.
As used herein the term “substances” refers to various types of materials that should be kept sterile. The substances may be liquid, semi-solid, or gas. In one or more embodiments, the substances are “medical substances”. As used herein the term “medical substances” refers to and encompasses any of the various pharmaceutical drugs, fluids, nutritional products and the like. In an embodiment of the invention the term “medical substance” is interchangeable with the term “pharmaceutical substance”
As used herein the term “contaminant-free” is interchangeable with the term “sterile”, “disinfected”, and “decontaminated”. The term refers to substances that are free or substantially free of ambient air particles and/or pathogens and/or micro-organisms, and/or any of the alike. Typically, when less or no air is introduced within medical substances, the chances of contamination by pathogens, such as, bacteria, viruses, funguses, spores, pyrogens or the alike is completely abolished or significantly reduced.
As used herein, the term “substantially contaminant-free” means significantly less ambient air present when transferring medical substances with the herein disclosed vessels and systems, as compared to comparable conditions for transferring medical substances without the herein disclosed vessels and systems.
As used herein the term “ambient air particles” is interchangeable with the term “environmental air particles” and refers to air particles present in a non-filtered environment. The air particles may contain dirt, such as dust. Alternatively, or additionally, the air particles may contain pathogens or other microorganisms, or any of the alike.
As used herein the term “vessel” refers to any device utilized for containing, transferring or administering substances as herein disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the vessels may be used for containing medical substances. In an embodiment of the invention, the vessel is a medical vessel. In one or more embodiments, the term “medical vessel” is interchangeable with the term “pharmaceutical vessel”. In an embodiment of the invention, the vessel is a medical device. In an embodiment of the invention, the vessels are used for, and adapted to allow connection to another vessel. In an embodiment of the invention, the vessel is utilized for containing or housing a medical substance. Various types of vessels are contemplated. The vessel may be selected, without limitation, from a vial, a bag, a chamber, a bottle, and the alike. In an embodiment of the invention, the term vessel further encompasses elements that can be used to connect between vessels. In accordance with this embodiment, the vessel may be selected, without limitation, from a connector, a connector having a plurality of openings, a syringe, an infusion line, a tubing, an infusion line, a spike, a syringe, a filter, a port and a manifold.
As used herein the term “fluid communication” refers to two or more vessels in which substances may pass therethrough either directly or indirectly. The fluid communication may occur via a fluid passageway that allows for the flow/transfer of substances. In an embodiment of the invention, fluid passageway between vessels is established when any seals or covers of the ports of the herein disclosed systems and/or of the vessels are open. Optionally, the vessels and/or ports of the systems are provided with seals/covers and those seals/cover become open upon piercing by a piercing member or breaking/rupturing thereof. Optionally, the vessels and/or ports of the systems are provided with seals/covers and those seals/covers are opened upon uncovering or removing thereof by a user. Optionally, one or more of the seals/covers disclosed herein are fragile, allowing piercing thereof with a sharp instrument (i.e., a piercing member) or by the application of a sufficient force to break or rupture the seals/covers. The piercing member may optionally be a needle, for example, a hollowed needle, but other sharp elements are contemplated. In one or more embodiments, the seals/covers may be peelable.
In an embodiment of the invention, the herein disclosed devices, systems and methods allow fluid communication in a contaminant-free, or in a substantially contaminant-free manner. For example, between three or more, four or more, five or more or six or more vessels. In an embodiment of the invention, the herein disclosed devices, systems and methods allow fluid communication between three, four, five six, or seven vessels. For example, the devices, systems, and methods of the invention allow fluid communication between two bags, between two containers, between two bottles, between a syringe and a bag, between a syringe and a container, between a syringe and a vial, between a connector and a bag, between a container and a bag, between a vial and a bag, between a container and an infusion line or between a syringe and a connector.
Referring now to the drawings,
Top port 34 is configured to allow coupling to vessel 42 and bottom port 23 is configured to allow coupling to vessel 32. Optionally, system 10 is provided when housing 12 is connected already to, optionally integrally manufactured with, vessel 32 or vessel 42. Port 23 may be covered by a cover (not shown) providing a sealed system 10 prior to an engagement with vessel 32. Alternatively, port 34 may be covered by a cover (not shown) providing a sealed system 10 prior to an engagement with vessel 42. Openings 26 and 31 are sized and shaped to allow connection to vessels 42 and 32, respectively, in a tight, optionally, in an airtight manner.
Vertical side wall 18 includes internal threads 46, being configured for cooperating with external threads 50 on vessel 42, to thereby connect vessel 42 to housing 12. Alternately, vertical side wall 18 may include external threads (not shown) being configured for cooperating with internal threads (not shown) of vessel 42.
Additionally, or alternatively, vertical side wall 28 has internal threads 48, being configured for cooperating with external threads 52 on vessel 32, to connect the vessel 32 to housing 12. Optionally, or alternatively, vertical side wall 28 may have external threads (not shown) being configured for cooperating with internal threads (not shown) on vessel 32. Other engagement mechanisms for allowing an engagement with vessels may optionally include an adhesive (not shown) for allowing an adhesive engagement of one or both vessels 32 and 42 or ports thereof to the adhesive walls of ports 23 and 34, respectively, or to top wall 14 and bottom wall 16.
Disposed within housing 12 is a wiping member 36 configured to move across the housing 12 and to thereby decontaminate surfaces 25 and 21 of vessels 42 and 32, respectively. Wiping member 36 extends between internal top wall 14 and internal bottom wall 16 of housing 12. Wiping member 36 is manipulated from the exterior to move across the housing 12 by a wiping member actuator having a form of an actuator/handle 38. A transfer mechanism in the form of a rod 43 loaded by a spring 41 is configured to transfer a force from the actuator 38 to the wiping member 36 to move the wiping member 36 within the housing 12.
Wiping member 36 is connected to actuator/handle 38 via rod 43 which extends through an opening 44 in side wall of the housing 12. Rod 43 extends from opening 44 such that an airtight seal is maintained between rod 43 and the opening 44 in the side wall. Opening 44 may be lined internally or circumferentially with an elastomeric material that provides for an airtight seal between rod 43 and opening 44. The elastomeric material may be a plastic, a rubber, or another material.
Actuator 38 is configured to allow movement of the wiping member 36 via a pushing and/or sliding motion by a user. The spring 41 loaded rod 43 tensions wiping member 36 in an initial position (shown in
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The wiping member 36 is actuated to wipe at least a portion or the entire surface of vessel 42 and 54. The actuation in this case is carried out via a wiping member actuator 138 having a tab-like structure. In system 100, vessel 42 may be integrally connected or form a unitary structure with housing 112 and provided as such. Optionally, housing 112 may abut a wall of vessel 42, may be flush mounted to vessel 42, may be surface mounted to vessel 42 or may share a wall with vessel 42. Optionally, vessel 42 may be a bag, a bottle, a syringe, an infusion line, a vial or a connector.
Valve 93 may be opened by the action of moving the wiping member disposed within the housing 112. Optionally, valve 93 may be opened by the action of moving the wiping member across the housing 112. Valve 93 is shown closed in
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Other resealing engagement mechanisms disposed inside a sterile non-contaminated compartment of the housing are contemplated such as thread, luer, snap-on, slide-on, ratchet teeth, etc. and combinations thereof” (not shown). The resealing engagement mechanisms may be configured to seal and/or reseal an aperture/opening/port of a vessel, wherein the vessel may be a syringe, a container, a bottle, a vial, an infusion line, or a connector.
Each of the following terms: ‘includes’, ‘including’, ‘has’, ‘having’, ‘comprises’, and ‘comprising’, and, their linguistic, as used herein, means ‘including, but not limited to’, and is to be taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered equivalent in meaning to the phrase ‘consisting essentially of’.
Each of the phrases ‘consisting of’ and ‘consists of’, as used herein, means ‘including and limited to’.
The term ‘method’, as used herein, refers to steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, either known to, or readily developed from known steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, by practitioners in the relevant field(s) of the disclosed invention.
Throughout this disclosure, a numerical value of a parameter, feature, characteristic, object, or dimension, may be stated or described in terms of a numerical range format. Such a numerical range format, as used herein, illustrates implementation of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, and does not inflexibly limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, a stated or described numerical range also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values (where a numerical value may be expressed as a whole, integral, or fractional number) within that stated or described numerical range. For example, a stated or described numerical range ‘from 1 to 6’ also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges, such as ‘from 1 to 3’, ‘from 1 to 4’, ‘from 1 to 5’, ‘from 2 to 4’, ‘from 2 to 6’, ‘from 3 to 6’, etc., and individual numerical values, such as ‘1’, ‘1.3’, ‘2’, ‘2.8’, ‘3’, ‘3.5’, ‘4’, ‘4.6’, ‘5’, ‘5.2’, and ‘6’, within the stated or described numerical range of ‘from 1 to 6’. This applies regardless of the numerical breadth, extent, or size, of the stated or described numerical range.
Moreover, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase ‘in a range of between about a first numerical value and about a second numerical value’, is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase ‘in a range of from about a first numerical value to about a second numerical value’, and, thus, the two equivalently meaning phrases may be used interchangeably.
The term ‘about’, is some embodiments, refers to ±30% of the stated numerical value. In further embodiments, the term refers to ±20% of the stated numerical value. In yet further embodiments, the term refers to ±10% of the stated numerical value.
It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub combination in the context or format of a single embodiment, may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/545,152 filed on Aug. 14, 2017; 62/558,502 filed on Sep. 14, 2017; 62/560,195 filed on Sep. 19, 2017; 62/562,490 filed on Sep. 25, 2017; 62/563,072 filed on Sep. 26, 2017; 62/564,933 filed on Sep. 28, 2017; 62/566,414 filed on Sep. 30, 2017; 62/582,922 filed on Nov. 7, 2017; 62/612,267 filed on Dec. 29, 2017; 62/619,795 filed Jan. 20, 2018; 62/619,920 filed Jan. 22, 2018; 62/625,334 filed on Feb. 1, 2018; 62/626,686 filed on Feb. 6, 2018; 62/631,729 filed on Feb. 17, 2018; 62/644,185 filed on Mar. 16, 2018; 62/649,483 filed on Mar. 28, 2018; 62/651,000 filed on Mar. 30, 2018; 62/651,149 filed on Mar. 31, 2018; 62/653,356 filed on Apr. 5, 2018; 62/657,806 filed on Apr. 14, 2018; 62/657,808 filed on Apr. 15, 2018; 62/657,809 filed on Apr. 15, 2018; 62/660,885 filed on Apr. 20, 2018; 62/662,721 filed on Apr. 25, 2018; 62/662,743 filed on Apr. 25, 2018; 62/664,933 filed on Apr. 30, 2018; 62/666,866 filed on May 4, 2018; 62/667,593 filed on May 6, 2018; 62/669,948 filed on May 10, 2018; 62/670,833 filed on May 13, 2018; 62/675,058 filed on May 22, 2018; 62/676,822 filed on May 25, 2018; 62/679,817 filed on Jun. 3, 2018; 62/680,576 filed on Jun. 4, 2018; 62/680,974 filed on Jun. 5, 2018; 62/681,884 filed on Jun. 7, 2018; 62/686,602 filed on Jun. 18, 2018; 62/686,612 filed on Jun. 18, 2018; and 62/690,260 filed on Jun. 26, 2018. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62562490 | Sep 2017 | US | |
| 62612267 | Dec 2017 | US | |
| 62653356 | Apr 2018 | US | |
| 62657808 | Apr 2018 | US | |
| 62679817 | Jun 2018 | US | |
| 62680576 | Jun 2018 | US | |
| 62582922 | Nov 2017 | US | |
| 62560195 | Sep 2017 | US | |
| 62558502 | Sep 2017 | US | |
| 62631729 | Feb 2018 | US | |
| 62625334 | Feb 2018 | US | |
| 62626686 | Feb 2018 | US | |
| 62651000 | Mar 2018 | US | |
| 62651149 | Mar 2018 | US |
