Apparatus and method for connecting and disconnecting flexible tubing

US7459054B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Baxter International Inc. · US
• Baxter Healthcare SA · CH

Inventors

• Frank J. Landherr · Cary, US
• John A. Biewer · Waltham, US
• Shahid Din · Palm Harbor, US
• David Do · Valrico, US
• Rick Gilbert · Clearwater, US
• James J. Alberti · Land O' Lakes, US
• David W. Pennington · Fox Lake, US
• Joe L. Romack · Clearwater, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 5, 2005
• Grant date: Dec 2, 2008
• Expiry date: Mar 11, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/1397
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to change the direction of the laser and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.