Connector with rotatable tube

Abstract

A connector is provided, comprising: a hollow connector body having a central bore; and a hollow tube rotatable within the central bore without rotating the hollow connector body.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Connectors for fluid handling systems and fluid processing (such as liquid products used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries) are known. However, there is a need for improved connectors. The present invention is intended to alleviate at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art. These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description set forth below. Summary of the Invention

[0002] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector, the connector comprising: (a) a hollow connector body, the hollow connector body having a bottom surface and an inner wall forming a central hole, the central hole passing through the bottom surface; the inner wall having at least two elastic fingers, each of the at least two elastic fingers having an upper end with an inwardly facing protrusion; and (b) a hollow tube, the hollow tube being retained in the central hole, the hollow tube having an open first end, an open second end and a longitudinal axis, the second end having a lower portion, the lower portion including the central hole and including a lower portion annular groove, the lower portion The lower annular groove includes an elastically deformable annular seal arranged in the lower annular groove and surrounding the central hole; the hollow tube includes at least an upper groove, an intermediate groove and a lower groove spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, the lower groove includes a second elastic annular seal arranged in the lower groove, thereby sealing a portion of the inner wall of the hollow connector body; wherein the inwardly facing protrusions of the at least two elastic fingers of the hollow connector body are inserted into the upper groove of the hollow tube, so that the hollow tube can rotate in the central hole without rotating the hollow connector body.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided that includes one aspect of the connector and further includes a locking mechanism, a removable anti-actuation subassembly of the anti-actuation assembly, and a removable cap.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for making a fluid connection is provided, the method comprising: (a) in a first position, placing the bottom surface of a first hollow connector body of a first connector component in contact with the bottom surface of a second hollow connector body of a second connector component, the first connector component comprising a first rotatable hollow tube, the first rotatable hollow tube comprising an elastically deformable annular seal arranged in an annular groove, wherein the first rotatable hollow tube is retained in a central hole of the first hollow connector body, the bottom surface of the first hollow connector body comprising a first locking mechanism integrally formed with the bottom surface of the first hollow connector body, the first locking mechanism comprising at least one lug with a narrow slot, and at least one ramp, the second connector component comprising a second rotatable hollow tube, the second rotatable hollow tube comprising a second rotatable hollow tube arranged in the annular groove Two elastically deformable annular seals, wherein the second rotatable hollow tube is retained in the central hole of the second hollow connector body, wherein the bottom surface of the second hollow connector body includes a second locking mechanism integrally formed with the bottom surface of the second hollow connector body, the second locking mechanism including at least one lug with a narrow groove, and at least one ramp; and (b) twisting the first hollow connector body and / or the second hollow connector body so that in a second position, the first locking mechanism engages with the second locking mechanism, the first elastically deformable seal seals the first hollow tube in the annular groove surrounding the central hole of the first hollow connector body, and the second elastically deformable seal seals the second hollow tube in the annular groove surrounding the central hole of the second hollow connector body, the second position including an actuated position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a connector assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, the connector assembly including a connector comprising a hollow connector body and a rotatable hollow tube, wherein the connector assembly further includes a locking mechanism, a removable anti-actuation subassembly of the anti-actuation assembly, and a removable cap.

[0006] Figure 2A Before the hollow tube is fully inserted into the hollow connector body Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connector is shown; Figure 2B is a diagram showing the hollow tube fully inserted into the hollow connector body.

[0007] Figure 3A Before the hollow tube is fully inserted into the hollow connector body Figure 1 A top perspective view of the connector is shown; Figure 3B is a diagram showing the hollow tube fully inserted into the hollow connector body.

[0008] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a perspective view of a hollow tube.

[0009] Figure 5A is a diagram showing a top perspective view of a hollow connector body; Figure 5B is a diagram showing a bottom end view of a hollow connector body, further illustrating: a groove for accommodating a resiliently deformable annular seal; a locking mechanism integrally formed with the hollow connector body, the locking mechanism comprising a lug with a slot and a ramp; and a component of an alignment device for engaging with an anti-actuation assembly, wherein the component comprises at least one recess (two recesses are shown) in a first end portion of the hollow connector body; Figure 5C is a diagram showing the anti-actuation tab engaged with the first end of the hollow connector body via the alignment means.

[0010] Figure 6A Shown assembled Figure 1 a diagram showing a front perspective view of the connector shown; Figure 6B is a diagram showing a rear perspective view of the assembled connector.

[0011] Figure 7A It is shown in Figure 1 a perspective view of an anti-actuation subassembly of an anti-actuation assembly including a tab and a peelable strip within the illustrated connector assembly, and also illustrating another subassembly of the anti-actuation assembly for use when a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly are connected; Figure 7B is a diagram showing a first anti-actuation subassembly and a second anti-actuation subassembly engaged with corresponding separate first and second hollow connector bodies (of separate first and second connector assemblies) in a second position, wherein each subassembly includes a subassembly keying device, which includes a protrusion and a recessed portion, thereby allowing the subassemblies to mate together when the first and second connector assemblies contact each other in the first position before the first and second connector assemblies are subsequently twisted together, so that the first elastically deformable seal seals the first hollow connector body and the second elastically deformable seal seals the second hollow connector body, and the second position includes an actuated position.

[0012] Figure 8A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the connector assembly (without the body cover) showing the ramps of the locking mechanism of one hollow connector body engaging the slots in the lugs of the locking mechanism of the other hollow connector body; Figure 8B yes Figure 8AAn enlarged partial perspective view of a connector assembly is shown illustrating a locking mechanism of one hollow connector body, the locking mechanism including a ramp that engages a slot in a lug in the locking mechanism of the other hollow connector body when at least one of the connector bodies moves from a first position to a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided, comprising: (a) a hollow connector body having a bottom surface and an inner wall forming a central hole extending through the bottom surface; the inner wall having at least two resilient fingers, each of the at least two resilient fingers having an upper end with an inwardly facing protrusion; and (b) a hollow tube retained in the central hole of the hollow connector body, the hollow tube having an open first end, an open second end, and a longitudinal axis, the second end having a lower portion including the central hole and including a lower portion ring shaped groove, the lower annular groove includes an elastic deformable annular seal arranged in the lower annular groove and surrounding the central hole; the hollow tube includes at least an upper groove, an intermediate groove and a lower groove spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, the lower groove includes a second elastic annular seal arranged in the lower groove, thereby sealing a portion of the inner wall of the hollow connector body; wherein the inwardly facing protrusions of the at least two elastic fingers of the hollow connector body are inserted into the upper groove of the hollow tube, so that the hollow tube can rotate in the central hole without rotating the hollow connector body.

[0014] In one aspect of the connector, each of the resilient fingers includes an inwardly facing shoulder a distance from the upper end, and in a preferred aspect, the intermediate groove has a lower wall that contacts the inwardly facing shoulder on each of the at least two resilient fingers.

[0015] In some aspects, the resilient annular seal disposed in the lower annular groove has a flexible lip.

[0016] On the other hand, a connector assembly comprises: an aspect of the connector, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow connector body (preferably, the bottom surface is aligned with the lower portion of the second end of the hollow tube) includes an integrally formed locking mechanism, the integrally formed locking mechanism including at least one lug with a narrow slot, and at least one ramp; and an anti-actuation assembly engagement portion, the anti-actuation assembly engagement portion including at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion; a removable anti-actuation assembly, the removable anti-actuation assembly including at least one peel strip and at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion, the at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion of the removable anti-actuation assembly engaging with the anti-actuation assembly engagement portion of the hollow connector body; and a removable cap, the removable cap engaging with the hollow connector body, wherein the removable anti-actuation assembly is inserted between the removable cap and the hollow connector body, and the removable cap covers the bottom surface of the hollow connector body.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for making a fluid connection is provided, the method comprising: (a) in a first position, placing the bottom surface of a first hollow connector body of a first connector assembly in contact with the bottom surface of a second hollow connector body of a second connector assembly, the first connector assembly comprising a first rotatable hollow tube, the first rotatable hollow tube comprising an elastically deformable annular seal arranged in an annular groove, wherein the first rotatable hollow tube is retained in a central hole of the first hollow connector body, wherein the bottom surface of the first hollow connector body further comprises a first locking mechanism integrally formed with the bottom surface of the first hollow connector body, the first locking mechanism comprising at least one lug with a narrow slot, and at least one ramp, the second connector assembly comprising a second rotatable hollow tube, the second rotatable hollow tube comprising an elastically deformable annular seal arranged in an annular groove and (b) twisting the first hollow connector body and / or the second hollow connector body so that in a second position, the first locking mechanism engages with the second locking mechanism, the first elastic deformable seal seals the first hollow tube in the annular groove surrounding the center hole of the first hollow connector body, and the second elastic deformable seal seals the second hollow tube in the annular groove surrounding the center hole of the second hollow connector body, the second position comprising an actuated position.

[0018] Aspects of the method may also include removing an anti-actuation assembly after (a) (the first position) and before (b) (the second position), wherein the anti-actuation assembly includes at least one peel-off strip (preferably two peel-off strips) inserted between the bottom surface of the first hollow connector body and the bottom surface of the first body of the second hollow connector.

[0019] On the other hand, a method for handling fluid is provided, the method comprising: (a) in a first position, placing the bottom surface of a first hollow connector body of a first connector assembly in contact with the bottom surface of a second hollow connector body of a second connector assembly, the first connector assembly comprising a first rotatable hollow tube, the first rotatable hollow tube comprising an elastically deformable annular seal arranged in an annular groove, wherein the first rotatable hollow tube is retained in a central hole of the first hollow connector body, wherein the bottom surface of the first hollow connector body further comprises a first locking mechanism integrally formed with the bottom surface of the first hollow connector body, the first locking mechanism comprising at least one lug with a narrow groove, and at least one ramp, the second connector assembly comprising a second rotatable hollow tube, the second rotatable hollow tube comprising a second elastically deformable annular seal arranged in an annular groove, and (b) twisting the first hollow connector body and / or the second hollow connector body so that in a second position, the first locking mechanism engages with the second locking mechanism, the first elastic deformable seal seals the first hollow tube in the annular groove surrounding the center hole of the first hollow connector body, and the second elastic deformable seal seals the second hollow tube in the annular groove surrounding the center hole of the second hollow connector body, the second position including an actuated position; and transferring fluid through the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly.

[0020] When desired, the anti-actuation assembly includes: a first anti-actuation subassembly including a first surface of the anti-actuation assembly and a first peel strip; and a second anti-actuation subassembly including a second surface of the anti-actuation assembly and a second peel strip. In some aspects, the first anti-actuation subassembly and the second anti-actuation subassembly mate together when the first hollow connector body and the second hollow connector body contact each other in a first position.

[0021] Advantageously, even when using conduit having a large diameter (e.g., 3 / 4 inch is larger) and / or braiding to make the conduit rigid and inflexible, because the hollow tube can rotate independently of the hollow connector body, fluid connections can be made independent of the orientation of the device to which the connector is connected.

[0022] Aspects of the present invention are particularly well-suited for single-use technology (SUT) applications. Preferably, the connector assembly is a hermaphroditic connector assembly, i.e., does not require a hermaphroditic connection. Advantageously, the connector assembly can be connected to another connector assembly, for example, as described herein or as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,247,342.

[0023] Each component of the present invention will now be described in more detail below, wherein like components have like reference numerals.

[0024] use Figure 1 For reference, the illustrated aspects include a connector assembly 1000 comprising a hollow connector body 100 having a top surface 110 and a bottom surface 120, a rim 119 and a central hole 190 passing through the top and bottom surfaces, a rotatable hollow tube 300 being retained in the central hole, the hollow tube having a longitudinal axis A, the tube body extending from an open first end 301 to an open second end 302, the open second end having a lower portion 303 including a tube central hole 121, the hollow tube including an elastically deformable annular seal 130 having a central opening 131 and an outer flexible lip 132, wherein the seal 130 is arranged in an annular groove 122 in the lower portion of the tube, the annular groove concentrically surrounding the tube central hole 121.

[0025] exist Figure 1 、 Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figures 3A to 3B and Figure 5A In the illustrated aspects, the hollow connector body 100 has an inner wall 199 forming a central hole 190 extending from the top surface through the bottom surface; the inner wall has a plurality of resilient fingers 175, each of which has an upper end 176 with an inwardly facing protrusion 176A. In these illustrated aspects, each resilient finger includes an inwardly facing shoulder 177 at a distance from the upper end that contacts a portion of the lower surface 312a of the intermediate recess 312 of the tube, thereby helping to prevent the tube from being fully inserted into the hollow connector body (see Figure 2B In aspects including a shoulder, the distance of the shoulder from the upper end can be determined by one skilled in the art.

[0026] If desired, the top surface of the connector body may include one or more blades 125 for insertion into slots in the cover 180 .

[0027] exist Figure 1 、 Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figures 3A to 3B and Figure 4 In the illustrated aspect, the hollow tube 300 includes at least an upper groove 311, an intermediate groove 312, and a lower groove 313 spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, the lower groove including a second elastic annular seal 313A disposed therein, thereby sealing a portion 199A of the inner wall 199 of the hollow connector body (see FIG. Figure 2B ); wherein the inwardly facing protrusion of the elastic finger-shaped member of the hollow connector body is inserted into the upper groove of the hollow tube (see Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figures 3A to 3B ), so that the hollow tube can be rotated in the center hole without rotating the hollow connector body. Figure 2B In the illustrated aspect, the intermediate recess 312 has a lower surface 312a that is contacted by the shoulder 177. Once fully inserted into the hollow connector body, similar to the aspect including the shoulder 177 contacting the surface 312a, the inserted protrusion helps prevent the tube from moving downward, and the inserted protrusion and shoulder still allow the hollow tube to be rotated within the central bore without rotating the hollow connector body.

[0028] The bottom surface 120 of the connector body 100 includes a locking mechanism 150. In some aspects, the first connector assembly 1000 and the second connector assembly 2000 have the same structure and are coupled to each other by corresponding identical locking mechanisms (see, for example, Figure 8A and Figure 8B ). However, in other aspects, a connector assembly according to an aspect of the present invention may be coupled to a different connector assembly, for example, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 10,247,342.

[0029] Illustratively with respect to the same structure, the connector assembly 2000 includes a hollow connector body 200, wherein the connector body 200 has a top surface 210 and a bottom surface 220, a rim 219 and a central hole 290, in which a rotatable hollow tube 300 is retained, the hollow tube having a longitudinal axis A, an open first end 301, an open second end 302, the open second end having a lower portion 303 including a tube central hole 221, the hollow tube including an elastically deformable annular seal 230 having a central opening 231 and an outer flexible lip 232, wherein the seal 230 is arranged in an annular groove 222 in the lower portion of the tube, the annular groove concentrically surrounding the tube central hole 221.

[0030] The connector bodies 100, 200 can be connected by (using Figure 5BFor reference, the respective locking mechanisms (first locking mechanism 150; second locking mechanism 250) are coupled to each other at their bottom surfaces 120, 220, and include: lugs 151, 251 extending above the bottom surface, the lugs including slots 152, 252, guides 153, 253, recesses 154, 254; and ramps 155, 255 extending below the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the locking mechanisms each include a guide 153, 253 on the lugs, and an arm 159, 259. Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector body 100 includes a first locking mechanism 150A, 150B, which includes lugs 151A, 151B, slots 152A, 152B, guides 153A, recesses 154A, ramps 155A, 155B, and arms 159A, 159B; and the second connector body includes a second locking mechanism 250A, 250B, which includes lugs 251A, 251B, slots 252A, 252B, guides 253A, recesses 254A, ramps 255A, 255B, and arms 259A, 259B. The locking mechanism is integrally formed with the body, and therefore, when the body moves from a first contact position to a second contact (actuated) position, the locking mechanism does not move separately from the rest of the body.

[0031] As will be discussed in more detail below after removing the anti-actuation assembly 500, one or both of the hollow connector bodies can be rotated from the first contact position such that the ramps of the locking mechanism of one hollow connector body engage the slots in the lugs of the locking mechanism of the other hollow connector body until the two hollow connector bodies are in a second contact (actuated (or activated)) position. In a preferred aspect, after providing the second contact position, the fluid is processed by passing the fluid through the first hollow connector body and the second hollow connector body.

[0032] The hollow connector bodies can be coupled to each other, including using a locking mechanism and rotation from a first contact position to a second contact (actuated) position, as disclosed in US Patent 10,247,342.

[0033] Once the hollow connector body is in the actuated position, the interiors of the hollow connector bodies are in fluid communication with each other through the coaxially aligned holes 121 , 221 , preferably in a sterile manner without any external contamination.

[0034] Alternatively, as Figure 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, (a) the surface of the ramp, and the surface of the slot that will contact the surface of the ramp, have an initial angle and then reach a level so that when the connector body is in the actuated position, the lug rests on the level surface, thereby providing a desired amount of pressure on the body of the seal, and / or (b) as shown Figure 5B In particular, the locking mechanism is shown having arms 159 (159A, 159B), 259 (259A, 259B) which lock the lug guides 153 (153A), 253 (253A) into the recesses 154 (154A), 254 (254A) once the lugs have passed, thereby holding the lugs in the actuated position to prevent disconnection.

[0035] Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the connector assembly 1000 also includes a removable anti-actuation assembly 500 comprising a tab 501 having a first surface 511 (facing the first hollow connector first body end) and a second surface 512 (facing the second hollow connector first body end), and a peel strip 520 interposed between the first hollow connector first body end and the second hollow connector first body end, wherein the anti-actuation assembly, when present, prevents the connector assembly from being in an actuated position when the first and second hollow connector bodies are in contact with each other in a first position, and allows the connector assembly to be in an actuated position when removed. The tab may include a pull ring, if desired.

[0036] In some aspects, the integrally formed locking mechanism and anti-actuation assembly and their operation may be as described in US Patent 10,247,342.

[0037] When necessary, the connector assembly may include an alignment device for mating the anti-actuation assembly with the first connector hollow body and the second connector hollow body, the alignment device including a protrusion and a recess; wherein the first surface and the second surface of the anti-actuation assembly, the bottom surface of the first hollow connector and the second hollow connector bottom surface each have at least one protrusion and / or at least one recess, so that the first surface of the anti-actuation assembly mates with the end of the first body of the first hollow connector, and the second surface of the anti-actuation assembly mates with the end of the first body of the second hollow connector.

[0038] For example, in Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn the illustrated aspect, the connector further includes an alignment arrangement 800 comprising a recess 801 in an exterior portion of the first hollow connector body (the recess shown is illustrated with two slots 801a, 801b) and a protrusion 810 (illustrated as having two hooks 810' and a pin 810") on a first surface 511 of the anti-actuation tab 501, the protrusion being engageable with the recess 801 (wherein the second connector hollow body has the same structure). In the aspect including the pin, the engagement of the pin with the recess further reduces flexure / movement when the subassembly is engaged with the corresponding hollow body.

[0039] In some aspects, for example, Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the anti-actuation assembly 500 includes: a first anti-actuation subassembly 500A, the first anti-actuation subassembly including a subassembly tab 501A having a first surface 511, and a first peel strip 520A; and a second anti-actuation subassembly 500B, the second anti-actuation subassembly including a subassembly tab 501B having a second surface 512, and a second peel strip 520B. If desired, each subassembly may include a keying device including at least one protrusion and at least one recess so that the first anti-actuation subassembly and the second anti-actuation subassembly can be mated together when the first hollow connector body and the second hollow connector body contact each other in the first position. For example, as Figure 5C 1A, subassembly tab 501A is shown having a second surface 521A including a keying arrangement 550A including a protrusion 551A and a recess 552A, and subassembly tab 501B having a second surface 522B including a keying arrangement 550B including a protrusion 551B and a recess 552B, wherein protrusion 551A can mate with recess 552B and protrusion 551B can mate with recess 551A. Advantageously, this allows an operator to pull on either or both tabs 501A, 501B and / or either or both peelable strips 520A, 520B and remove the anti-actuation assembly from the connector assembly, allowing the hollow connector body to be placed in an actuated position.

[0040] In order to enhance the sterility of the interior of the connector body, the peel strip (seal layer) is preferably arranged to cover the opening at the first end of the connector body. The peel strip can be configured differently. Typically, the peel strip is coupled (e.g., welded, clamped or clamped) to the anti-actuation assembly tab and / or the face of the hollow connector body. Preferably, the peel strip is coupled to the corresponding subassembly tab and the hollow connector body face (also covering the seal and contacting the seal lip). For many embodiments, the peel strip can also cover all or at least a portion of the face seal without being coupled to the seal. For example, each peel strip can completely cover at least the seal closest to the opening. The peel strip can be coupled not to the seal itself but to the surface of the face surrounding each seal.

[0041] The stripping strip can be made of a permeable or impermeable material that prevents contaminants (including biological contaminants) from passing through. These materials include, but are not limited to, elastomeric sheets, polymer films, and metal foils (e.g., aluminum foil), any of which may also include reinforcing materials. In addition, the stripping strip can be coated with and / or impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. Preferably, the stripping strip is a sterile porous or microporous membrane that allows steam to pass through during autoclaving and, in some aspects, has a minimum tensile strength of about 60N.

[0042] Any of a variety of seals can be provided on the face, including, for example, a gasket, an elastic sealing member, or an O-ring. Preferably, the seal comprises a soft rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (e.g., having a Shore A durometer of about 50 to about 65). Preferably, the seal can include a flexible seal lip that helps prevent environmental contaminants from entering the connector assembly when the anti-actuation assembly is removed. Because the lip is flexible and resilient, the peel-off strip can be removed with less force, and the lip can quickly close the gap. When the hollow body is moved (e.g., twisted) to the actuated position, the flexible lip (preferably narrow) can quickly fold into an optional recess in each hollow tube, where both the lip and the seal body (seal lozenge) contact each other, providing a more secure face seal. The contact between the seal lozenges provides a face-to-face seal that prevents fluid leakage even under increased pressure (e.g., pressures up to about 4 barg).

[0043] If desired, the first hollow connector body may include a first connector outer surface (eg, as a cover 180 and / or rim 119 on the first hollow connector body (see Figure 1 and Figure 8A ) portion), the first connector outer surface also includes a first external connector alignment indicator 900a; and the second hollow connector body includes a second connector outer surface (e.g., as a cover 280 and / or rim 219 on the second hollow connector body (see Figure 8A ) part), the second connector outer surface also includes a second external alignment indicator 900b; when the first hollow connector body and the second hollow connector body are in the first position, the first external alignment indicator and the second external alignment indicator are not aligned, and when the first hollow connector body and the second hollow connector body are in the second (actuated) position, the first alignment indicator and the second alignment indicator are aligned.

[0044] To prevent inadvertent removal or damage of the peel strip, each connector body may also include a removable cap that covers at least a majority of the peel strip and the first end of the connector body. The cap may be assembled to the connector body at the first end, for example, by a friction fit or a snap fit, and may have any of a variety of configurations. For example, Figure 1 、 Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 7B As shown, each cap 600 (the cap 700 on the second connector assembly will have the same structure) can have a rigid top 601 that protects at least a portion of the peel strip, and a skirt 602 that fits along the edge 119 of the connector body 100. The cap 600 can also include a handle 610 that extends axially as part of the skirt or below the skirt 602. Preferably, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 6B As shown, the cap includes a tear strip 615 having a tear strip handle 616, thereby allowing an operator to grasp the tear strip handle and tear the tear strip, thereby allowing the cap to be more easily removed from the connector body. The peel strip 520 (520A) can be axially bent below the handle 610, and the handle can extend along all or at least a portion of the peel strip 520 (520A). The handle, tear strip and / or processed tear strip can be used to lift the cap 600 from the connector body 100 and can also prevent inadvertent manipulation of the anti-actuation assembly tab 501 and / or the peel strip.

[0045] The components of the connector assembly can be sterilized as known in the art (e.g., autoclaving, gamma irradiation, etc.)

[0046] The components of the connector assembly can be formed from a variety of materials. For example, one or more of the following can be made of any metal material and / or polymer material that is compatible with the fluid that will flow through the connector assembly: the hollow connector body, the hollow tube, the connector body cover, the locking mechanism, the tab, and the cap. Preferably, the connector body, the hollow tube, the locking mechanism, and the cap are made of a polymer material, and the polymer material may include, but is not limited to, one or more of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethersulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, or polysulfone. For some embodiments, a transparent or translucent polymer material can be selected. Typically, the hollow body, the hollow tube, the tab, and the connector body cover are made of a rigid injection molded plastic, preferably a BPA-free plastic (such as polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polysulfone (PSU), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)), and the cap is made of a low-density injection molded plastic (such as TPE or polypropylene (PP)).

[0047] Components can be manufactured in a variety of ways, including molding, machining, pressing, and stamping, and can be made into subassemblies.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, some components according to aspects of the present invention may be integrally formed, for example, via additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as "additive layer manufacturing" or "3D printing"). They are typically formed by repeated deposition of metal powders bonded together with an activatable binder (e.g., binder jetting, sometimes referred to as "drop-on-powder"), typically followed by agglomeration of the powders (e.g., by sintering). Some components may be manufactured together via additive manufacturing in substantially simultaneous, continuous operations.

[0049] Any suitable additive manufacturing apparatus may be used, and various production 3D printers are suitable and commercially available.

[0050] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0051] The use of the terms "one" and "a kind of", as well as "the" and "at least one" and similar indicators in the context of describing the present invention (particularly in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted as covering the singular and plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or the context is clearly contradictory. Unless otherwise indicated herein or the context is clearly contradictory, the use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B") should be understood to mean one item (A or B) selected from the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B). Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "comprising", "having", "including" and "containing" should be understood as open terms (i.e., meaning "including but not limited to"). Unless otherwise indicated herein, the description of the range of values ​​herein is intended only to be used as a shorthand method of individually referring to each independent value falling within the range, and each independent value is incorporated into the specification as if individually described herein. Unless otherwise indicated herein or the context is clearly contradictory, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise specified, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0052] The preferred aspects of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for implementing the present invention. After reading the foregoing description, variations of those preferred aspects may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The inventor expects that the skilled person will appropriately adopt such variations, and the inventor wishes to practice the present invention in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Therefore, the present invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. In addition, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context, the present invention encompasses any combination of the above-mentioned elements in all possible variations thereof.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: (a) a hollow connector body having a bottom surface and an inner wall defining a central hole, the central hole of the hollow connector body passing through the bottom surface; the inner wall having at least two resilient fingers, each of the at least two resilient fingers having an upper end with an inwardly facing protrusion; as well as (b) a hollow tube retained in the central bore of the hollow connector body, the hollow tube having an open first end, an open second end, and a longitudinal axis, the second end having a lower portion, the lower portion including the central bore and including a lower portion annular groove, the lower portion annular groove including a resiliently deformable annular seal disposed in the lower portion annular groove and surrounding the central bore of the lower portion; the hollow tube including at least an upper groove and a lower groove spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, the lower groove including a second resilient annular seal disposed in the lower groove to seal a portion of the inner wall of the hollow connector body; wherein the inwardly facing protrusions of the at least two resilient fingers of the hollow connector body are inserted into the upper groove of the hollow tube so that the hollow tube can be rotated within the central bore of the hollow connector body without rotating the hollow connector body; wherein the hollow tube comprises an intermediate groove between the upper groove and the lower groove, and each of the at least two resilient fingers comprises an inwardly facing shoulder at a distance from the upper end for contacting a lower surface of the intermediate groove.

2. A connector assembly, the connector assembly include: The connector of claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface of the hollow connector body includes an integrally formed locking mechanism, the integrally formed locking mechanism including at least one lug having a slot and at least one ramp; and an anti-actuation assembly engagement portion, the anti-actuation assembly engagement portion including at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion; a removable anti-actuation assembly comprising at least one peel strip, and at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion, the at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion of the removable anti-actuation assembly engaging with the anti-actuation assembly engagement portion of the hollow connector body; and A removable cap is engaged with the hollow connector body, wherein the removable anti-actuation assembly is interposed between the removable cap and the hollow connector body, the removable cap covering the bottom surface of the hollow connector body.

3. A method for making a fluid connection, the method comprising: (a) placing a bottom surface of a hollow connector body of a first connector of a first connector assembly in contact with a bottom surface of a hollow connector body of a second connector of a second connector assembly in a first position, the first connector comprising a rotatable hollow tube including a resiliently deformable annular seal disposed in an annular groove, wherein the rotatable hollow tube of the first connector is retained in a central bore of the hollow connector body of the first connector, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow connector body of the first connector comprises a first locking mechanism integrally formed with the bottom surface of the hollow connector body of the first connector, the first locking mechanism comprising at least one lug with a slot, and at least one ramp, the second connector comprising a rotatable hollow tube including a resiliently deformable annular seal disposed in an annular groove, wherein the rotatable hollow tube of the second connector is retained in the central bore of the hollow connector body of the second connector, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow connector body of the second connector comprises a second locking mechanism integrally formed with the bottom surface of the hollow connector body of the second connector, the second locking mechanism comprising at least one lug with a slot, and at least one ramp, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector is The connector according to claim 1; and (b) twisting the hollow connector body of the first connector and / or the hollow connector body of the second connector so that in a second position, the first locking mechanism engages with the second locking mechanism, the elastically deformable annular seal of the first connector seals the hollow tube of the first connector in the annular groove surrounding the center hole of the hollow tube of the first connector, and the elastically deformable annular seal of the second connector seals the hollow tube of the second connector in the annular groove surrounding the center hole of the hollow tube of the second connector, the second position comprising an actuated position.

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