Claims
- 1. A fluid connector comprising:
a first conduit; a second conduit; a cylindrically shaped sleeve positioned in fluid communication with said first and second conduits; and a membrane located within each of said conduits and forming a closed chamber extending between said membrane of said first conduit and said membrane of said second conduit.
- 2. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said conduits are configured for quick connection for releasably engaging a terminal end of a tubing set.
- 3. The fluid connector of claim 2 wherein said connection forms a closed fluid pathway.
- 4. The fluid connector of claim 2 wherein said terminal end is a spike coupler.
- 5. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said conduits and sleeve provide a sufficient fluid flow path for connecting devices.
- 6. The fluid connector of claim 5 wherein said connecting device terminates in a spike coupler.
- 7. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said conduits and sleeve include smooth internal surfaces.
- 8. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said conduits and sleeve are fabricated from materials that are sterilizable, biocompatible and non-pyrogenic.
- 9. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said membrane is adapted for breakage by a spike coupler from a tubing set.
- 10. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said membrane is formed as a solid, resilient barrier capable of being pierced or broken.
- 11. The fluid connector of claim 10 wherein said membrane is pierced or broken when a terminal connector is properly seated within the fluid connector.
- 12. The fluid connector of claim 11 wherein said terminal connector is a spike coupler.
- 13. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said membrane includes one or more slits.
- 14. The fluid connector of claim 13 wherein said slits form a valve-like element capable of being resealed in a closed configuration.
- 15. The fluid connector of claim 13 wherein a spike coupler penetrates said membrane via said slits.
- 16. The fluid connector of claim 15 wherein said spike coupler and fluid connector form a closed fluid pathway.
- 17. The fluid connector of claim 1 wherein said conduits and sleeve form a continuous, closed, contamination free system that seals a fluid passageway from an environment before, during and after a connection is formed.
- 18. The fluid connector of claim 1 further comprising one or more covers to protect said conduits from damage and contamination.
- 19. A method of using a fluid connector comprising:
inserting a spike coupler of a first tubing set into a first conduit of a connector; advancing said spike coupler within said first conduit until at least a tip of said spike coupler penetrates a membrane of said first conduit; inserting a spike coupler of a second tubing set into a second conduit of said connector; and advancing said spike coupler within said second conduit until at least a tip of said spike coupler penetrates a membrane of said second conduit, thereby forming a closed, aseptic fluid pathway through said connector and tubing sets.
- 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:
transferring a fluid from said first tubing set to said second tubing set via said connector.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/289,059, filed May 7, 2001, whose contents are fully incorporated herein by reference.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60289059 |
May 2001 |
US |