Patent · US Expired

Sterile connectors

US4187846A · kind A · utility

185Cited by
6References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 22, 1978
Grant dateFeb 12, 1980
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 22, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S604/905
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The interior sections of companion sterile connector members are isolated from the atmosphere by shield plates that are movable to uncover aligned conduits in said members through which luer fitting sections are engaged. Compressible seals positioned intermediate said shield plates and said connector members expand and contact one another as the shield plates are moved, thus forming a seal-line that advances behind the trailing edge of the shield plates as the plates are moved to uncover said conduits. The seals thus preserve the sterility of the connector prior to engagement of the luer fittings and provide added assurance against contamination thereafter without contact with the fluid passing through the luer fittings within the connector. In various embodiments, the shield plates are conveniently slid or rotated from the closed to the open position. Sterility protection is further assured by utilizing seals containing cavities forming thin membrane sections penetrable by the luer fitting and positioned in alignment with said connector member conduits.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.