Bubble-free connector for liquid carrying tubing
US5439448A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S604/905
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for connecting a first fluid carrying tube and a second fluid carrying tube or tube fitting includes a first tube having a lumen therethrough and an open end, and a second tube or tube fitting having a lumen therethrough and an open end. The first tube and second tube (or tube fitting) are connected by connecting means, including a bubble elimination chamber, in a first position, wherein the lumen of the tube, the lumen of the connecting means and the lumen of the tube fitting form a fluid-tight circuit and the bubble elimination chamber is open to the circuit, to permit elimination of any bubbles in the fluid circuit to the bubble elimination chamber. The first tube, connecting means and second tube (or tube fitting) then are connected in a second position, wherein a continuous, fluid-tight, bubble-free fluid circuit is formed, and the bubble elimination chamber is closed to the fluid circuit. The connecting means may include a soft connector alone or in combination with a connector tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.