Fluid connector

Abstract

A connector includes a first hollow connector body and a second hollow connector body, the connector having a first deployed position providing a first fluid flow path through the first hollow connector body and a second collapsed position providing a second fluid flow path through the first and second hollow connector bodies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fluid connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors for fluid handling systems and fluid handling (such as liquid products used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries) are known. However, improved connectors are needed. The present invention at least mitigates some of the disadvantages of the prior art. These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector comprising: (a) a first hollow connector body having: (i) a sidewall having a hollow extension having a first end opening and a second end opening, the second end opening forming a hollow extension orifice on the sidewall; (ii) an outer surface having an outer hole orifice; and (iii) an inner surface including a first protrusion having an annular inner wall surrounding a second protrusion having a second protrusion annular outer wall, a space being formed between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion having a bottom wall and an open end opposite to the bottom wall; the second protrusion having a second protrusion annular inner wall and a groove through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall, a closed upper end and a second end opening providing an outer hole orifice of the first hollow connector body, the outer hole orifice being in fluid communication with the groove through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall; and (b) a second hollow connector body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including: A hollow protrusion includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a top portion having a planar annular surface; a second hollow connector body has an orifice passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface; wherein the connector has: a first deployed position providing a first fluid flow path, wherein when the top portion of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface is a certain distance from the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the first fluid flow path passes through the external hole orifice, groove, space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, sidewalls, and hollow extension of the first hollow connector body; and a second collapsed position providing a second fluid flow path, wherein when the top portion of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface contacts the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the second fluid flow path passes through the external hole orifice, groove, and open end opposite to the bottom wall of the first hollow connector body, and through the orifice of the second hollow connector body passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface.

[0004] In a preferred aspect of the connector, the outer surface of the first hollow connector body includes: an integrally formed locking mechanism; the integrally formed locking mechanism includes at least one protrusion having a groove and at least one bevel; and an anti-actuation component engagement portion, which includes at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion; and the outer surface of the second hollow connector body includes: an integrally formed locking mechanism; the integrally formed locking mechanism includes at least one protrusion having a groove and at least one bevel; and an anti-actuation component engagement portion, which includes at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion.

[0005] In another aspect, a connector assembly is provided, including one aspect of the connector, further comprising: a first removable cover engaging with a first hollow connector body, wherein a removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the first removable cover and the first hollow connector body, the first removable cover covering an outer surface of the first hollow connector body; and a second removable cover engaging with a second hollow connector body, wherein a removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the second removable cover and the second hollow connector body, the second removable cover covering an outer surface of the second hollow connector body.

[0006] According to other aspects of the present invention, methods for making fluid connections and methods for processing fluids are provided. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a first connector including first and second hollow connector bodies is shown, wherein, according to one aspect of the invention, the connector is in a first deployed position, providing a first fluid flow path through the first hollow body (an anti-actuator sub-assembly and a stripping strip connected to the outer surfaces of the first and second hollow connector bodies are also shown). Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A The connector shown is a cross-sectional view at the second collapsed position, which provides a second fluid flow path through the first and second hollow bodies; Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of first and second connectors connected according to one aspect of the invention is shown, wherein the first connector is located in... Figure 1B The second collapsed position is shown, while the second connector is in the first unfolded position. The second connector has an anti-actuator sub-assembly and a peel strip.

[0008] Figure 2A The first connector is shown in Figure 1A Side perspective view of the first unfolded position shown; Figure 2B The first connector is shown in Figure 1B The side perspective view of the second collapsed position shown. Figure 2C It shows Figure 1C Side perspective view of the first and second connectors of the connection shown.

[0009] Figure 3A A perspective view of the inner surface of a first connector body according to one aspect of the invention is shown; Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A top view of the inner surface of the first connector body shown; Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the first connector body shown; Figure 3D It shows Figure 3A The top view of the outer surface of the first connector body shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second hollow body is shown.

[0011] Figure 5A It shows Figure 2A The rear perspective view of the first connector also shows the anti-actuator subassembly and the stripping strip connected to the outer surface of the hollow connector body; Figure 5B It shows Figure 2B The rear perspective view of the first connector shown also shows the outer surface of the second hollow connector body, with the anti-actuator sub-assembly and the strip removed from the outer surface of the body; Figure 5C A perspective view of an anti-actuation assembly is shown, which includes a protrusion and a peelable strip that can be arranged between the connectors. Another sub-assembly of the anti-actuation assembly used when the first and second connectors are connected is also shown. Figure 5D It shows Figure 2C Rear perspective view of the first and second connectors of the connection shown. Figure 5E It shows Figure 5D The front view of the connector shown.

[0012] Figure 6A An illustration of one aspect of the invention includes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the first connector assembly of the first connector shown (also showing the integrally formed locking mechanism and removable cover); Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A Front perspective view of the first connector assembly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector comprising: (a) a first hollow connector body having: (i) a sidewall having a hollow extension having a first end opening and a second end opening, the second end opening forming a hollow extension orifice on the sidewall; (ii) an outer surface having an outer hole orifice; and (iii) an inner surface including a first protrusion having an annular inner wall surrounding a second protrusion having a second protrusion annular outer wall, a space being formed between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion having a bottom wall and an open end opposite to the bottom wall; the second protrusion having a second protrusion annular inner wall and a groove through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall, a closed upper end and a second end opening providing an outer hole orifice of the first hollow connector body, the outer hole orifice being in fluid communication with the groove through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall; and (b) a second hollow connector body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including: A hollow protrusion includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a top portion having a planar annular surface; a second hollow connector body has an orifice passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface; wherein the connector has: a first deployed position providing a first fluid flow path, wherein when the top portion of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface is a certain distance from the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the first fluid flow path passes through the external hole orifice, groove, space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, sidewalls, and hollow extension of the first hollow connector body; and a second collapsed position providing a second fluid flow path, wherein when the top portion of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface contacts the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the second fluid flow path passes through the external hole orifice, groove, and open end opposite to the bottom wall of the first hollow connector body, and through the orifice of the second hollow connector body passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface.

[0014] In a preferred aspect of the connector, the outer surface of the first hollow connector body includes a first annular groove, and a first elastically deformable annular seal is arranged in the first annular groove around the external hole opening; the outer surface of the second hollow connector body includes a second annular groove, and a second elastically deformable annular seal is arranged in the second annular groove around the external hole opening.

[0015] In some aspects of the connector, the first resilient annular seal in the first annular groove and the second resilient annular seal in the second annular groove both have flexible lips.

[0016] In a preferred aspect of the connector, the outer surface of the first hollow connector body includes: an integrally formed locking mechanism; the integrally formed locking mechanism includes at least one protrusion having a groove and at least one bevel; and an anti-actuation component engagement portion, which includes at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion; and the outer surface of the second hollow connector body includes: an integrally formed locking mechanism; the integrally formed locking mechanism includes at least one protrusion having a groove and at least one bevel; and an anti-actuation component engagement portion, which includes at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion.

[0017] In another aspect, a connector assembly is provided, including one aspect of the connector, further comprising: a first removable cover engaging with a first hollow connector body, wherein a removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the first removable cover and the first hollow connector body, the first removable cover covering an outer surface of the first hollow connector body; and a second removable cover engaging with a second hollow connector body, wherein a removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the second removable cover and the second hollow connector body, the second removable cover covering an outer surface of the second hollow connector body.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for making a fluid connection is provided, the method comprising placing (A) a first connector in contact with (B) a second connector, the first connector comprising: (a) a first hollow connector body having: (i) a sidewall having a hollow extension having a first end opening and a second end opening, the second end opening forming a hollow extension orifice on the sidewall; (ii) an outer surface having an outer orifice; and (iii) an inner surface including a first protrusion having an annular inner wall surrounding a second protrusion having a second protrusion annular outer wall surrounding the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion. A space is formed between the walls, the space having a bottom wall and an open end opposite the bottom wall; the second protrusion has a second protrusion annular inner wall and a groove passing through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall, a closed upper end and a second end providing an opening for an external hole orifice of the first hollow connector body, the external hole orifice being in fluid communication with the groove passing through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall; (b) a second hollow connector body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including a hollow protrusion, the hollow protrusion including a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top end having a planar annular surface; the second hollow connector body having an orifice passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion and the outer surface; wherein the connector has: a first unfolding position The system provides a first fluid flow path, whereby when the top end of the second hollow connector body with a planar annular surface is a certain distance away from the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the first fluid flow path passes through the external holes, grooves, the space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the side walls, and the hollow extension of the first hollow connector body; and a second collapsed position, which provides a second fluid flow path, whereby when the top end of the second hollow connector body with a planar annular surface contacts the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the second fluid flow path passes through the external holes, grooves, and the opening end opposite to the bottom wall of the first hollow connector body, and passes through the first... The second connector includes: (a') a first hollow connector body having: (i') a sidewall having a hollow extension having a first end opening and a second end opening, the second end opening forming a hollow extension orifice on the sidewall; (ii') an outer surface having an outer hole orifice; and (iii') an inner surface including a first protrusion having an annular inner wall surrounding a second protrusion having a second annular outer wall, forming a space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the space having a bottom wall and an opening end opposite to the bottom wall;The second protrusion has an annular inner wall and a groove passing through the inner wall and outer wall of the second protrusion, a closed upper end, and a second end providing an opening for an external orifice of the first hollow connector body, the external orifice being in fluid communication with the groove passing through the inner wall and outer wall of the second protrusion; (b') a second hollow connector body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including a hollow protrusion, the hollow protrusion including a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top end having a planar annular surface; the second hollow connector body having an orifice passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface; wherein the connector has: a first unfolded position providing a first fluid flow path, the first fluid flow path passing through the external orifice, the groove, and the annular inner wall of the first protrusion when the top end of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface is a certain distance from the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body. The method further includes: the space between the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the sidewalls, and the hollow extension; and a second collapsed position providing a second fluid flow path, which, when the top portion of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface contacts the bottom wall of the space of the first hollow connector body, passes through the external orifice, groove, and opening end opposite the bottom wall of the first hollow connector body, and through the orifice of the second hollow connector body passing through the internal surface, the hollow protrusion, and the external surface; the method further includes: contacting the external surface of the first hollow connector body of the second connector with the external surface of the second hollow connector body of the first connector to provide a first contact position; twisting the first hollow connector body of the second connector and / or the second hollow connector body of the first connector to provide a second contact position; providing an actuating position; placing the first connector in a second collapsed position; and placing the second connector in a first deployed position.

[0019] In a preferred aspect of the method, the method further includes causing fluid to pass along a second fluid flow path through a first connector and through a second connector via a first fluid flow path. Various aspects of the method for handling the fluid may include causing fluid to pass through connectors and / or connector assemblies of any number of connections.

[0020] Advantageously, according to various aspects of the invention, two or more connectors and / or connector assemblies can be connected to extend the number of operations (multiple aseptic connections via the same initial connection). Therefore, the number of potential leak points in the flow path is reduced (no need to replace the manifold, fewer connection points for the same number of connections), and the overall complexity of the manifold is also reduced. Operators can choose to use any number of connector assemblies required by the process without relying on complex arrangements of connectors, catheters, T- and Y-connectors, and external hardware such as valves and / or controllers.

[0021] Preferably, the connector or connector assembly is a genderless connector assembly, i.e., it does not require male and female connector connections. Advantageously, the connector or connector assembly can be connected to another connector or connector assembly, such as the connector assembly described herein, or the connector assembly described in U.S. Patent 10,247,342.

[0022] All aspects of this invention are also applicable to the application of single-use technology (SUT).

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

[0024] Figure 1A and 1B One aspect of connector 1000 is shown, comprising: (a) a first hollow connector body 100 having: (i) a sidewall 116 having a hollow extension 117 having a first end portion 117A and a second end portion 117B of an opening, the second end portion of the opening forming a hollow extension orifice 117B' on the sidewall; (ii) an outer surface 120 having an outer orifice 190, the outer surface including an annular groove 122 (around the orifice 190) for receiving an elastic seal 123 (preferably, an elastically deformable seal, including a lip 123A in a cavity 123B; see also) Figure 3C (iii) an inner surface 110, which includes a first protrusion 115 having an annular inner wall 118 (see also) Figure 3C The second protrusion 125 has an annular outer wall 127 surrounding the first protrusion, and a space 128 is formed between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion. This space has a bottom wall 128A and an open end 128B opposite to the bottom wall (see also). Figure 3C (a) The second protrusion has a second protrusion annular inner wall 129 and a groove 129A passing through the second protrusion annular inner wall 129 and the second protrusion annular outer wall 127, a closed top end portion 126, and a second end portion 191 for providing an opening for an external hole orifice 190 for the first hollow connector body, the external hole orifice being in fluid communication with the groove 129A passing through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall; (b) a second hollow connector body 200 having an inner surface 210 and an outer surface 220, the inner surface including a hollow protrusion 215 having an annular wall 216 and a top end portion 226, the annular wall having an annular inner surface 219 and an annular outer surface 217, the top end portion having a planar annular surface 226A (see also) Figure 4The second hollow connector body has an opening 290 through an inner surface 220, a hollow protrusion 215, and an outer surface 210. The inner surface includes an annular groove 222 (around the opening 290) to receive a resilient seal 223 (preferably, a resiliently deformable seal, including a lip 223A in a cavity 223B; see also) Figure 4 The connector has a first deployed position 1 and a second collapsed position 2, wherein the first deployed position provides a first fluid flow path 1A (see also). Figure 2A When the top end of the second hollow connector body 200 with a planar annular surface is a certain distance away from the bottom wall 128A of the space 128 in the first hollow connector body, the first fluid flow path passes through the external holes, grooves, the space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the side walls and the hollow extension of the first hollow connector body 100. The second collapse position provides the second fluid flow path 2A (see also). Figure 2B When the top end 226 of the second hollow connector body 200 with a planar annular surface 226A contacts the bottom wall 128A of the space 128 of the first hollow connector body 100, the second fluid flow path passes through the external face 190, groove 129A and the opening end 128B opposite to the bottom wall 128A of the first hollow connector body 100, and through the orifice 290 of the second hollow connector body 200 that passes through the internal surface 210, hollow protrusion 215 and external surface 220.

[0025] exist Figure 1A In the diagram, both the first hollow connector body and the second hollow connector body are shown as two parts connected together (100a, 100b; 200a, 200b), but they can also be single-piece integral structures.

[0026] Preferably, such as Figure 3C and 4 As shown, both the annular inner wall 118 and the annular inner surface 219 correspondingly include grooves 121a and 221a, which accommodate annular resilient seals 121b and 221b, such as O-rings. In some aspects, the resilient seals have an outer flexible lip.

[0027] The bottom surfaces 120 and 220 of the collector bodies 100 and 200 each include locking mechanisms 150 and 250 for coupling to additional connectors and connector assemblies. For example, the second hollow collector body 200 of one connector or connector assembly is connected to the first hollow collector body 100 of another connector or connector assembly in a first contact position and is placed in an actuated position after the removal of a removable anti-actuation component 500 including peel strips 520 (preferably including peel strips 520A and 520B). The second hollow connector body of the first connector and / or the first hollow connector body of the second connector are twisted such that the corresponding resilient seal is sealed to the hollow connector body in a second contact position including the actuated position.

[0028] Preferably, with Figure 1A , 5A Referring to 6A, the anti-actuation assembly 500 includes: a first anti-actuation subassembly 500A, which includes a subassembly protrusion 501A having a first surface 511 and a first stripping strip 520A; and a second anti-actuation subassembly 500B, which includes a subassembly protrusion 501B having a second surface 512 and a second stripping strip 520B.

[0029] by Figure 1C For reference, a portion of a first connector assembly 1000 and a portion of an additional (second) connector assembly 2000 are shown (the first and second connector assemblies have the same structure, wherein the second connector assembly 2000 includes "'" to indicate a structure corresponding to the structure in the first connector assembly 1000). Before providing an actuation position through the inlet connector 1010 (having an inlet port 1010a), the first anti-actuation sub-assembly 500A is removed from the first hollow body 100. Before providing an actuation position between the second hollow connector body 200 and the first hollow connector body 100', the second anti-actuation sub-assembly 500A is removed from the second hollow body 200, and the first anti-actuation sub-assembly 500A' is removed from the second connector first hollow body 100'. The first connector is placed in a second collapsed position, the second connector is placed in a first deployed position, and fluid is passed through the first connector along a second fluid flow path and through the first fluid flow path of the second connector.

[0030] Preferably, with Figure 1A , 5A Referring to 6, each sub-assembly may, if desired, include a bonding arrangement structure comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess, such that when a first hollow connector body of one connector or connector assembly and a second hollow connector body of another connector or connector assembly are in contact with each other in a first position, the first anti-actuation sub-assembly and the second anti-actuation sub-assembly can mate together. For example, as Figure 5AAs shown, the sub-assembly protrusion 501A has a second surface 521A including a bonding arrangement structure 550A, which includes a protrusion 551A and a recess 552A. The corresponding sub-assembly protrusion 501B will have the same structure, i.e., the second surface includes a bonding arrangement structure, which includes a protrusion and a recess. The protrusion 551A can mate with the recess in the sub-assembly 501B, and the protrusion in the sub-assembly 501B mates with the recess 551A. Advantageously, this allows the operator to pull any one or both protrusions 501A, 501B and / or any one or both peelable strips 520A, 520B, and to remove the anti-actuation component from the connector or connector assembly, enabling the hollow connector body to be placed in the actuated position. If desired, the protrusion may include a pull ring.

[0031] In some respects, the integrally formed locking mechanism and anti-actuation components and their operation can be as described in U.S. Patent 10,247,342.

[0032] If necessary, the connector assembly may include an alignment arrangement for mating the anti-actuation component with the hollow bodies of the first and second connectors. The alignment arrangement includes protrusions and recesses. The first and second surfaces of the anti-actuation component, the bottom surface of the first and second hollow connectors, each have at least one protrusion and / or at least one recess, such that the first surface of the anti-actuation component mates with the end of the first body of the first hollow connector, and the second surface of the anti-actuation component mates with the end of the first body of the second hollow connector.

[0033] For example, in Figure 5B and 5C In the illustrated aspect, the connector further includes an alignment arrangement structure 800 comprising a recess 801 (illustrated recess having two slots, 801a, 801b) in the outer surface of the first hollow connector body and a protrusion 810 (shown as having two hooks 810' and a pin 810) on the first surface 511 of the anti-actuation protrusion 501, the protrusion engaging with the recess 801 (wherein the second connector hollow body has the same structure). As described below, in the aspect including the pin, the engagement of the pin with the recess further reduces bending / movement when the sub-assembly engages with the corresponding hollow body.

[0034] In some respects, the first and second collector assemblies 1000 and 2000 have the same structure and are interconnected by corresponding identical locking mechanisms (e.g., see...). Figure 1C However, in other respects, the collector assembly according to one aspect of the invention can be coupled to different collector assemblies, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,247,342.

[0035] Any number of connectors and / or connector assemblies can be connected, each additional connector or connector assembly initially utilized in a first deployed position and a first fluid flow path, and utilized via a second collapsed position and a second fluid flow path after being connected to a new (additional) connector or connector assembly. Thus, for example, using... Figure 1C and 2C For reference, an additional (e.g., third) connector may be attached to the outer surface 200' of the second connector 2000, and after the stripping strip is removed, the hollow body is placed in the actuated position, and then, after the second connector is in the second collapsed position and the third collector is in the first deployed position, fluid is received from the second connector along the second fluid flow path, so that the fluid passes through the third connector along the first flow path.

[0036] The hollow connector bodies 100 and 200 can be connected to corresponding hollow bodies of other connectors or connector assemblies at their bottom surfaces 120 and 220 via corresponding locking mechanisms (first locking mechanism 150; second locking mechanism 250). Figure 5B For reference, a first locking mechanism 150 of the first connector body 100 is shown, wherein a second locking mechanism 250 of the second connector body 200 has a corresponding structure. The locking mechanism includes a protrusion 151 extending above the surface, a recess 154, a ramp 155 extending below the surface, and an arm 159. The protrusion includes a groove 152 and a guide 153. Figure 5C In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector body 100 includes first locking mechanisms 150A and 150B, which include protrusions 151A and 151B, grooves 152A and 152B, guides 153A and 153B, inclined surfaces 155A and 155B, and arms 159A and 159B. The locking mechanisms are integrally formed with the body; therefore, when the body moves from a first position to a second position, the locking mechanisms will not move separately from the other parts of the body.

[0037] After removing the anti-actuation component 500, any one or both hollow connector bodies can be rotated from the first position such that the bevel of the locking mechanism of one hollow connector body engages with the groove in the protrusion of the locking mechanism of the other hollow connector body, until the hollow bodies are in the second (actuated) position. Once the bodies are in the actuated position, the interiors of the connector bodies are fluidly circulated with each other, preferably in a sterile manner, without any external contamination.

[0038] The hollow bodies can be interconnected, including using locking mechanisms and rotating from a first contact position to a second contact (actuated or enabled) position, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,247,342.

[0039] Optionally, (a) the surface of the bevel and the surface of the groove that will contact the surface of the bevel have an initial angle and are then leveled so that the bump stops on a horizontal surface, providing the required amount of pressure to the body of the seal when the connector body is in the actuated position, and / or (b) the corresponding locking mechanism has a corresponding arm that locks the bump guide into the recess once the bump has passed, holding the bump in the actuated position to prevent disconnection.

[0040] To improve the sterility of the connector body's interior, the strip (sealing layer) is preferably arranged to cover an opening at a first end of the connector body. The strip can have different configurations. Typically, the strip is attached (e.g., welded, captured, or clamped) to the face of the anti-actuation component protrusion and / or the hollow connector body. Preferably, the strip is attached to the corresponding sub-component protrusion and the hollow connector body face (also covering the seal and contacting the sealing lip). In many embodiments, the strip may also cover all or at least a portion of the face seal without being attached to the seal. For example, each strip may completely cover at least the seal closest to the opening. The strip may not be attached to the seal itself, but may be attached to the surface of the face surrounding each seal.

[0041] The release strip may be made of an impermeable material or a permeable material that resists the passage of contaminants, including bioinhibitors. These materials include, but are not limited to, elastic sheets, polymer films, and metal foils, such as aluminum foil, any of which may further include reinforcing materials. Furthermore, the release strip may be coated and / or impregnated with a biocide. Preferably, the release strip is a sterile porous or microporous membrane that allows steam to pass through during autoclaving and has a minimum tensile strength of about 60 N in some respects.

[0042] Any of a variety of seals can be provided on the surface, including, for example, gaskets, resilient sealing members, or O-rings. Preferably, the seal comprises soft rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (e.g., Shore A hardness of about 50 to about 65). Flexible sealing lips 123A, 223A help prevent environmental contaminants from entering the connector assembly when the anti-actuation component is removed. Because the lips can bend and spring back, the stripper strip can be removed with less force, and the lips can quickly close the gap. When the hollow body moves (e.g., twists) to the actuation position, the flexible lips (preferably narrow) quickly fold into the recesses 123B, 223B in each body, where the lips and sealing bodies (sealing rhombuses) come into contact with each other, providing a more robust face seal. The contact between the rhombuses provides a face-to-face seal, preventing fluid leakage even under increased pressure (e.g., pressures up to about 4 barg).

[0043] If required, the hollow connector body may have an external connector body alignment indicator (e.g., 900a, 900b, 900c) such that the alignment indicator is not aligned when the hollow connector body is in the first connection position, but is aligned when the hollow connector body is in the second (actuated (or enabled)) position.

[0044] To prevent accidental removal or damage to the stripper strip, each connector body may further include a removable cover that at least covers a large portion of the stripper strip and a first end of the connector body. The cover may be fitted onto the connector body at the first end, for example, via a friction fit or a snap-fit, and may have any of a variety of different configurations. For example, as... Figure 6A and 6B As shown, each cover 600 (the cover 700 on the second connector assembly will have the same structure) may have a rigid top 601 protecting at least a portion of the stripping strip and a skirt 602 fitted along the edge of the connector bodies 100, 200. The cover 600 may also include a handle 610 as part of the skirt or a handle extending axially below the skirt 602. Preferably, as Figure 6B As shown, the cover includes a tear strip 615 having a tear strip handle 616 to allow an operator to grasp the tear strip handle and tear the tear strip, making it easier to remove the cover from the connector body. A peel strip 520 (520A) can be axially bent under 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 tear strip handle can be used to lift the cover 600 from the connector body 100 and also to prevent unintentional manipulation of the anti-actuation component protrusion 501 and / or the peel strip.

[0045] The components of the connector assembly can be sterilized in a manner 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, any one or more of the following—the hollow connector body, the hollow tube, the connector body cover, the locking mechanism, the protrusion, and the cover—can be made of any metallic and / or polymeric material compatible with the fluid that will flow through the connector assembly. Preferably, the connector body, the hollow tube, the locking mechanism, and the cover are made of a polymeric material, which may include, but is not limited to, one or more of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethersulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, or polysulfone. For some embodiments, transparent or translucent polymeric materials may be selected. Typically, the hollow body, the hollow tube, the protrusion, and the connector body cover are formed of rigid injection-molded plastic, preferably BPA-free plastics such as polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polysulfone (PSU), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), while the cover is made of low-density injection-molded plastic, such as TPE or polypropylene (PP).

[0047] These components can be manufactured in various ways, including molding, machining, pressing and stamping, and can be shaped into sub-assemblies.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, certain components according to various aspects of the invention may be integral, for example, manufactured by additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as "additive layer manufacturing" or "3D printing"). They are typically formed by repeatedly depositing metal powder bonded together with an activatable binder (e.g., binder jetting, sometimes also referred to as "droplet deposition on powder"), typically followed by agglomeration of the powder, for example, by sintering. Certain components may be manufactured together substantially simultaneously in a continuous operation via additive manufacturing.

[0049] Any suitable additive manufacturing equipment can be used, and various production 3D printers are suitable and available on the market.

[0050] All references cited in this article, including publications, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated as incorporated herein by reference and described in its entirety.

[0051] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the terms “a” and “the,” “the,” and “at least one,” and similar designations, should be interpreted as encompassing both singular and plural aspects, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. A list of one or more items following the term “at least one” (e.g., “at least one of A and B”) should be understood to refer to one item selected from the listed items (A or B), or any combination of two or more listed items (A and B), unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “with” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”). Unless otherwise indicated herein, the enumeration of numerical ranges herein is intended only as a way of abbreviating each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were separately described herein. Unless otherwise indicated herein or obviously contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise required, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for carrying out the invention.

[0052] This document describes preferred aspects of the invention, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to appropriately employ such variations, and the inventors wish to practice the invention in ways other than those specifically described herein. Therefore, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter set forth in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the invention covers any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: (a) A first hollow connector body, which has: (i) A sidewall having a hollow extension having a first end with an opening and a second end with an opening, the second end of the opening forming a hollow extension orifice on the sidewall; (ii) an outer surface having an outer face opening; as well as (iii) An inner surface, comprising a first protrusion having an annular inner wall surrounding a second protrusion. The second protrusion has an annular outer wall, and a space is formed between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the space having a bottom wall and an open end opposite to the bottom wall; The second protrusion has an annular inner wall and a groove passing through the inner wall and outer wall of the second protrusion, a closed top end and a second end that provides an opening for the external orifice of the first hollow connector body, the external orifice being in fluid communication with the groove passing through the inner wall and outer wall of the second protrusion. (b) A second hollow connector body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including a hollow protrusion having a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top portion having a planar annular surface; The second hollow connector body has an opening that passes through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion and the outer surface; The outer surface of the first hollow connector body includes a first annular groove, and a first elastically deformable annular seal is arranged in the first annular groove around the orifice; and the outer surface of the second hollow connector body includes a second annular groove, and a second elastically deformable annular seal is arranged in the second annular groove around the orifice. The connector has: a first unfolded position, which provides a first fluid flow path. When the top part of the second hollow connector body with a planar annular surface is a certain distance away from the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the first fluid flow path passes through the external holes, grooves, the space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the side wall, and the hollow extension of the first hollow connector body. as well as The second collapse position provides a second fluid flow path. When the top part of the second hollow connector body with a planar annular surface contacts the bottom wall of the space of the first hollow connector body, the second fluid flow path passes through the external holes, grooves and openings opposite to the bottom wall of the first hollow connector body, and through the orifices of the second hollow connector body that pass through the internal surface, hollow protrusions and external surface.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic annular seal in the first annular groove and the second elastic annular seal in the second annular groove both have flexible lips.

3. The connector according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the outer surface of the first hollow connector body comprises: An integrated locking mechanism; The integrally formed locking mechanism includes at least one protrusion with a groove and at least one bevel; And the anti-actuation component engagement portion, which includes at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion; A removable anti-actuation component includes at least one peel strip and at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion, said at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion engaging with an anti-actuation component engagement portion of a first hollow connector body; And a first removable cover, which engages with a first hollow connector body, wherein a removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the first removable cover and the first hollow connector body, the first removable cover covering the outer surface of the first hollow connector body; and The outer surface of the second hollow connector body includes: an integrally formed locking mechanism; the integrally formed locking mechanism includes at least one protrusion with a groove and at least one bevel; and an anti-actuation component engagement portion, which includes at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion; a removable anti-actuation component, which includes 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 engaging with the anti-actuation component engagement portion of the second hollow connector body; and a second removable cover, which engages with the second hollow connector body, wherein the removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the second removable cover and the second hollow connector body, the second removable cover covering the outer surface of the second hollow connector body.

4. A connector assembly comprising the connector according to claim 3, comprising: A first removable cover engages with a first hollow connector body, wherein a removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the first removable cover and the first hollow connector body, and the first removable cover covers the outer surface of the first hollow connector body. as well as A second removable cover engages with a second hollow connector body, wherein a removable anti-actuation component is inserted between the second removable cover and the second hollow connector body, and the second removable cover covers the outer surface of the second hollow connector body.

5. A method for making a fluid connection, the method comprising placing (A) a first connector in contact with (B) a second connector, the first connector comprising: (a) A first hollow connector body having: (i) a sidewall having a hollow extension having a first end of an opening and a second end of an opening, the second end of the opening forming a hollow extension orifice on the sidewall; (ii) an outer surface having an outer face opening; (iii) An inner surface comprising a first protrusion having an annular inner wall surrounding a second protrusion having a second annular outer wall forming a space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion having a bottom wall and an open end opposite to the bottom wall; the second protrusion having a second annular inner wall of the second protrusion and a groove passing through the second inner wall of the second protrusion and the second outer wall of the second protrusion, a closed top end and a second end providing an opening for an external orifice of a first hollow connector body, the external orifice being in fluid communication with the groove passing through the second inner wall of the second protrusion and the second outer wall of the second protrusion; (b) a second hollow connector body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface comprising a hollow protrusion comprising a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top end having a planar annular surface; The second hollow connector body has an opening that passes through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion and the outer surface; The connector has: a first unfolded position, which provides a first fluid flow path, whereby when the top end of the second hollow connector body with a planar annular surface is a certain distance away from the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the first fluid flow path passes through the external holes, grooves, the space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the side walls, and the hollow extension of the first hollow connector body; and a second collapsed position, which provides a second fluid flow path, whereby when the top end of the second hollow connector body with a planar annular surface contacts the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the second fluid flow path passes through the external holes, grooves, and the opening end opposite to the bottom wall of the first hollow connector body, and passes through the orifices of the second hollow connector body that pass through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface. The second connector includes: (a') a first hollow connector body having: (i') a sidewall having a hollow extension having a first end opening and a second end opening, the second end opening forming a hollow extension orifice on the sidewall; (ii') an outer surface having an outer hole orifice; and (iii') an inner surface including a first protrusion having an annular inner wall surrounding a second protrusion having a second protrusion annular outer wall, forming a space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the space having a bottom wall and an open end opposite to the bottom wall; the second protrusion having a second protrusion annular inner wall and a groove passing through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall, a closed upper end and a second end opening providing the outer hole orifice of the first hollow connector body, the outer hole orifice being in fluid communication with the groove passing through the second protrusion inner wall and the second protrusion outer wall; and (b') a second hollow connector body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including a hollow protrusion. The hollow protrusion includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a top portion having a planar annular surface; the second hollow connector body has an orifice passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface; wherein the connector has: a first deployed position, which provides a first fluid flow path, when the top portion of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface is a certain distance away from the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the first fluid flow path passes through the external hole orifice, groove, the space between the annular inner wall of the first protrusion and the annular outer wall of the second protrusion, the side wall, and the hollow extension of the first hollow connector body; and a second collapsed position, which provides a second fluid flow path, when the top portion of the second hollow connector body having a planar annular surface contacts the bottom wall of the space in the first hollow connector body, the second fluid flow path passes through the external hole orifice, groove, and the opening end opposite to the bottom wall of the first hollow connector body, and through the orifice of the second hollow connector body passing through the inner surface, the hollow protrusion, and the outer surface; The method further includes: The outer surface of the first hollow connector body of the second connector is brought into contact with the outer surface of the second hollow connector body of the first connector to provide a first contact position; the first hollow connector body of the second connector and / or the second hollow connector body of the first connector are twisted to provide a second contact position; an actuation position is provided; the first connector is placed in a second collapsed position; and the second connector is placed in a first unfolded position.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising a first fluid flow path through the first connector and through the second connector along a second fluid flow path.

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