Fluid coupler

Abstract

This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid systems and methods of using fluid coupling devices. Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems to provide aseptic connections. Such aseptic connections can be used for the delivery and / or handling of therapeutic agents or components thereof and other purposes.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 146,816, filed February 8, 2021. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application (and is incorporated by reference). TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This document relates to fluid coupling devices for fluid systems and methods of using fluid coupling devices. For example, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid couplings that can be used to provide a sterile connection for delivery of a therapeutic agent or components thereof and other purposes. BACKGROUND

[0004] Fluid systems often include components such as tubing, pumps, reservoirs, fittings, couplings, heat exchangers, sensors, filters, valves, seals, and the like. Such components can be connected together in a network to define one or more fluid flow paths. Some fluid systems are open systems, meaning that fluid flows through the network once and then out of the network or open to the environment. Other fluid systems are closed systems, meaning that fluid is recirculated within the network of components.

[0005] Fluids can be moved through fluid systems using a fluid pressure differential. For example, in some cases, a pump or vacuum source is used to create a pressure differential that causes fluid to flow within the fluid system. In another example, gravity is used to cause fluid to flow within the fluid system. In other examples, mechanical devices can be used to exert an external force on a tube or reservoir, causing fluid to flow. Peristaltic pumps are one example. In other examples, a combination of these techniques is used to cause fluid to flow within the fluid system.

[0006] Some fluid couplings can be used for sterile fluid transfer, for example, to connect a source of one or more sterile components to a sterile processing system, such as a bioreactor or other type of sterile system or container. Fluid couplings for sterile fluid transfer can also be used to extract a sample from a sterile processing system. Fluid couplings for sterile fluid transfer can also be used to connect two or more pieces of sterile processing equipment together. SUMMARY

[0007] This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid systems and methods of using fluid coupling devices. For example, some embodiments described in this document are fluid couplings that can be used to provide a sterile connection for delivery of a therapeutic agent or components thereof and other purposes.

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fluid coupling device comprising a housing defining an interior space and a longitudinal center axis, a valve member disposed within the interior space, and a sleeve removably coupled to the housing, the sleeve comprising one or more protrusions that extend through one or more openings defined by the housing and engage the valve member, thereby retaining the valve member in a first position within the interior space.

[0009] The fluid coupling can optionally include one or more of the following features. The first position can be a closed position that blocks fluid flow through the fluid coupling device. The first position can be an open position that allows fluid flow through the fluid coupling device. The sleeve can be configured to uncouple from the housing such that the one or more protrusions are disengaged from the valve member. The first position can be a closed position that blocks fluid flow through the fluid coupling device. The valve member can be configured to move from the closed position to an open position that allows fluid flow through the fluid coupling device in response to the one or more protrusions disengaging from the valve member. The fluid coupling device can further include a spring disposed within the interior space. The first position can be a closed position that blocks fluid flow through the fluid coupling device, and wherein the valve member can be configured to move from the closed position to an open position that allows fluid flow through the fluid coupling device in response to (i) disengagement of the one or more protrusions from the valve member and (ii) a force from the spring exerted on the valve member. The spring can be external to a fluid flow path defined by the fluid coupling device. The fluid coupling device can further include a valve seat within the interior space. The valve seat can define a through-hole through which a longitudinal center axis extends. The valve member can abut the valve seat to provide a fluid seal between the valve member and the valve seat when the valve member is in the first position. The fluid coupling device can further include a membrane having a portion removably attached to a front face surface of the housing and covering an end portion of the sealing member that protrudes longitudinally beyond the front face surface. The fluid coupling device can further include a handle attached to the membrane. The handle can be removably coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, when the handle is coupled to the housing, the handle covers the portion of the membrane that is removably attached to the front face surface of the housing. The fluid coupling device can further include a valve sealing member coupled to the valve member. The valve sealing member can seal the fluid coupling device to block fluid flow through the fluid coupling device when the valve member is in the first position. In some embodiments, the sleeve has a C-shaped cross-section and surrounds the housing by more than 180° and less than 360°. The sleeve can be configured to be bent to allow removal of the sleeve from coupling with the housing. In some embodiments, the sleeve is configured to be torn to allow removal of the sleeve from coupling with the housing. The one or more protrusions can include two protrusions arranged 180° opposite each other on the sleeve. The fluid coupling device can further include a valve seat within the interior space and in contact with the valve member. In some cases, the valve seat is an elastomer. In other cases, the valve seat is a rigid thermoplastic or metal. In some embodiments, the valve member includes an annular sealing member or includes an elastomeric sealing material. The fluid coupling device can further include a connection structure for non-releasably attaching the fluid coupling device to another fluid handling component. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device is a genderless device configured to non-releasably couple with a second fluid coupling device that is identical to the fluid coupling device.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of coupling a fluid coupling device to a second fluid handling component to establish a sterile fluid flow path therebetween. The method includes: (i) providing a fluid coupling device including a housing defining an interior space and a longitudinal center axis, a valve member disposed within the interior space, and a sleeve removably coupled to the housing, the sleeve including one or more protrusions that extend through one or more openings defined by the housing and engage the valve member, thereby retaining the valve member in a closed position within the interior space; (ii) coupling the fluid coupling device to the second fluid handling component; (iii) after coupling, removing one or more membranes from between the fluid coupling device and the second fluid handling component; (iv) after removing the one or more membranes, removing the sleeve from the housing. The valve member can move from the closed position to an open position in response to removal of the sleeve.

[0011] Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this document can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. First, in some embodiments, a fluid coupling device can be configured as a "sterile" or "sterilized" coupling device, where the fluid coupling device can be coupled to another fluid handling component in a manner that establishes a sterile fluid flow path between the fluid coupling device and the other fluid handling component. Such a "sterile" coupler would also serve to limit exposure of the fluid to the surrounding environment.

[0012] Second, in some embodiments, the fluid coupling devices provided herein are configured to provide a normally closed fluid flow path. In use, the fluid coupling device can be coupled to another fluid handling component while the fluid flow path of the fluid coupling device remains in a closed configuration. Thereafter, a user of the fluid coupling device can selectively open the fluid flow path at a desired time or process step.

[0013] Third, in some embodiments, the fluid flow path of the fluid coupling devices described herein can be selectively opened by easily removing a sleeve from the body of the fluid coupling device. Removal of the sleeve releases the valve member, causing the valve member to reconfigure from its closed position to an open position in which the fluid flow path is open through the fluid coupling device.

[0014] Fourth, some embodiments of the fluid coupler devices provided herein are genderless couplers, meaning that a pair of substantially identical single couplers are conveniently used to make fluid connections without the need for specific female and male couplers that are different from one another. In some embodiments, such genderless couplers can have different terminations or internal components (e.g., one can include an internal valve while the other does not).

[0015] Fifth, some embodiments of the fluid coupling device provide improved aseptic connection capabilities that can selectively reduce or eliminate the need for aseptic room or aseptic benchtop environments in certain situations. Thus, these embodiments of the fluid coupling device described herein can facilitate efficient and cost-effective operations or uses that would otherwise be high cost or even cost prohibitive in certain conventional settings that require coupling of specific fluid couplings within an aseptic room or aseptic flow hood to prevent biological contamination.

[0016] Sixth, some embodiments of the fluid coupling device provided herein are advantageously designed with a robust latching system. That is, when two fluid coupling devices (or a fluid coupling device and another fluid handling component) are operably connected to one another, they are also mechanically latched or locked together in a robust manner.

[0017] Seventh, in some embodiments, when two fluid coupling devices (or a fluid coupling device and another fluid handling component) are operably connected to one another, they cannot be separated. Thus, in certain situations, the potential for adverse effects such as fluid spillage and environmental or process contamination can be prevented or mitigated.

[0018] Eighth, some embodiments do not have springs in the fluid flow path, thus providing a smooth, unobstructed fluid flow path by the fluid coupling device.

[0019] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “fluid” also includes, but is not limited to, gases, liquids, vapors, water vapor, mists, gels, semi-solids, powders, and the like.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples described herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0021] The details of one or more embodiments of the application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description herein. Other features, objects, and advantages of the application will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid coupling device in accordance with some embodiments provided herein.

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the fluid coupling device of

[0024] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side view of the fluid coupling device of

[0025] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling device of Figure 1

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary valve member of the fluid coupling device of Figure 1

[0027] Figure 6 is another perspective view of the valve member of Figure 5

[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fluid coupling device of Figure 1 wherein a removable sleeve of the fluid coupling device is removed.

[0029] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling device of Figure 7

[0030] Figure 9 is a perspective view of two fluid coupling devices of Figure 1 aligned in preparation to be coupled together.

[0031] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the two fluid coupling devices of Figure 1 in a pre-coupled arrangement.

[0032] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the two fluid coupling devices of Figure 1 in a coupled arrangement and prior to an open fluid flow path therethrough.

[0033] Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the two fluid coupling devices of Figure 1 in a coupled arrangement with an open fluid flow path therethrough.

[0034] Like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid systems and methods of using fluid coupling devices. For example, some embodiments described in this document are fluid couplers that can be used to provide sterile fluid flow path connections for the delivery of therapeutic agents or components thereof and other purposes. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling devices are used alone as normally closed valves that can be used in sterile or non-sterile scenarios.

[0036] Figures 1-3 ​​​​An exemplary fluid coupling device 100 (or "fluid coupler 100," or simply "coupler 100") is shown. Broadly, the coupler 100 includes a housing 110 (or "body 110") that includes a terminal end 102 extending therefrom; a removable member 130, in the depicted embodiment a sleeve 130; and an optional connection structure 190. In contrast to the terminal end 102, the connection structure 190 is on an opposite end of the housing 110.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fluid coupler 100 can be configured as a "sterile" or "sterilizable" coupler, meaning that the fluid coupler 100 can be coupled to another fluid handling component in a manner that establishes a sterile fluid flow path between the fluid coupler 100 and the other fluid handling component. In some embodiments, the fluid coupler 100 is provided to a user as a sterilized coupler 100, or is configured to be sterilized (e.g., by gamma radiation and / or autoclaving or other methods).

[0038] As described further below, the optional connection structure 190 is configured to facilitate incorporation or coupling of the coupler 100 to another fluid handling component, such as but not limited to another coupler 100. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the connection structure 190 configures the coupler 100 as a genderless coupler. Such a genderless coupler 100 is configured to allow two substantially identical couplers 100 (possibly excepting potential differences in features such as the type of terminal end 102, etc.) to be coupled together. In other words, a genderless coupler (such as the exemplary coupler 100) does not have a distinct male coupler and / or a distinct female coupler.

[0039] While the terminal end 102 shown is a barb connection, the terminal end 102 can be configured in any desired manner (e.g., as a luer fitting, a threaded connection, a sanitary fitting, a press fit, a "T" fitting, a "Y" fitting, a manifold, an elbow, any type of adapter or connector, etc., without limitation). The terminal end 102 defines a lumen through which a flow path of the coupler 100 extends. For example, when two fluid couplers 100 are fully coupled together (as described further below), the lumen of the terminal end 102 provides a portion of the fluid flow path of the fluid couplers 100.

[0040] The material from which one or more components of the fluid coupler 100 are made includes a thermoplastic. In particular embodiments, the material from which the components of the fluid coupler 100 are made is a thermoplastic, such as but not limited to acetal, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyether ether ketone, polysulfide, polyester, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU; e.g., Radel®), polyetherimide (PEI; e.g., Ultem®), etc. ​), polypropylene, polyphenylene, polyaryletherketone, etc., and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic may include one or more fillers, such as but not limited to glass fiber, glass beads, carbon fiber, talc, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the material from which one or more components of the fluid coupling 100 are made includes a metal, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plated steel, zinc, etc. In certain embodiments, the fluid coupling 100 is metal-free.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the sealing member and the sealing portion included in the coupling 100 may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, silicone, fluoroelastomer (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), nitrile rubber, nitrile rubber-N, thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), etc. The cross-sectional shape of the seal may be, but not limited to, circular, D-shaped, X-shaped, square, rectangular, U-shaped, multi-lobal, L-shaped, V-shaped, hourglass-shaped, etc.

[0043] The sleeve 130 is removably coupled to the housing 110. As further described below, when the sleeve 130 is Figure 1 and 3 When the sleeve 130 is connected to the housing 110 as shown, the valve member in the housing 110 is restrained in the first position. Then, when the sleeve 130 is removed from the housing 110, as shown Figure 2 As shown, the valve member within the housing 110 is moved to the second position. Although a sleeve 130 is included as the removable member 130 in the depicted embodiment, other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include other types of removable members 130. For example, in some embodiments, the removable member 130 is a pin, a tear-off member, a thin plate, etc.

[0044] Also refer to Figure 4 , the housing 110 defines a longitudinal center axis 111 extending between the terminal 102 and the connecting structure 190 .

[0045] The housing 110 defines an interior space 112. In this cross-sectional view, additional components of the coupling 100 within the interior space 112 are visible. For example, the coupling 100 includes a valve member 120 (see also FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), an optional biasing member (eg, one or more springs 140 ), and a valve seat 150 . The valve member 120 is movable within the interior space 112 along the longitudinal center axis 111 between its first position and its second position.

[0046] In the depicted arrangement, the valve member 120 is in a first, closed position. The depicted first position is referred to as a closed position because the valve member 120 is in close proximity to the valve seat 150 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the valve member 120 and the valve seat 150. Thus, when the valve member 120 is in its first, closed position, there is no fluid flow path open through the coupler 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, the valve seat 150 is a resilient elastomeric sealing material that is overmolded on the housing 110 to provide a liquid-tight seal between the valve member 120 and the valve seat 150 when the valve member 120 is in its first, closed position. In some embodiments, the valve seat 150 is attached to the housing 110 in another manner, such as by using an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, press fit, etc. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, the valve member 120 includes an annular sealing member 121 that is positioned within an annular recess 123 Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). The annular sealing member 121 contacts the valve seat 150 to provide a liquid-tight seal between the valve member 120 and the valve seat 150 when the valve member 120 is in its first, closed position. In some embodiments, the valve seat 150 is an elastomeric sealing material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the valve seat 150 is made of the same rigid material as the housing 110 and can be integrally made with the housing 110. In this case, the valve member 120 including the resilient annular sealing member 121 can be sealed against the valve seat 150, which is made of the same rigid material as the other portions of the housing 110.

[0048] An optional spring 140 is arranged between the housing 110 and the valve member 120. More specifically, in the depicted arrangement, the spring 140 is positioned to bias the valve member 120 away from the depicted first, closed position. However, in the depicted arrangement, the valve member 120 is held in the first, closed position by the sleeve 130 (as described further below).

[0049] In some embodiments, the spring 140 is made of a metallic material (e.g., spring steel, stainless steel such as 316L, piano / music wire, beryllium copper, titanium, etc.). In some embodiments, the spring 140 can be made of a polymeric, thermoset, or elastomeric material (e.g., PEEK, PPSU, PSU, etc.) and can include fillers (glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc.). In the depicted embodiment, the spring 140 is not in the fluid flow path (e.g., as shown). Figure 8

[0050] ​In the depicted embodiment, the sleeve 130 has a C-shaped cross-section and surrounds the housing 110 by more than 180° and less than 360°. The sleeve 130 is configured to be bent to allow removal of the sleeve 130 from the coupling with the housing 110.

[0051] The sleeve 130 comprises one or more protrusions 132 extending radially inwards from the inner wall of the sleeve 130. When the sleeve 130 is coupled to the housing 110, the one or more protrusions 132 extend through the corresponding one or more openings 113 defined by the housing 110. The one or more protrusions 132 extending through the corresponding one or more openings 113 defined by the housing 110 further extend into the interior space 112, where the one or more protrusions 132 are seated within the one or more recesses 122 defined by the valve member 120. Figure 5 and 6 In the depicted embodiment, the one or more recesses 122 defined by the valve member 120 are continuous annular recesses or grooves 122.

[0052] Because, as in the depicted arrangement, the one or more protrusions 132 are seated in more recesses 122 defined by the valve member 120, the valve member 120 is mechanically held or latched in the first position. However, when the sleeve 130 is uncoupled from the housing 110, the one or more protrusions 132 are no longer engaged in the more recesses 122 defined by the valve member 120 (or the housing openings 113), and the force from the spring 140 will drive the valve member 120 away from its first closed position. In other words, when the sleeve 130 is uncoupled from the housing 110, the valve member 120 will move to its second open position. Thus, when the sleeve 130 is uncoupled from the housing 110, the fluid flow path will be open through the coupler 100. This is shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 including the open fluid flow path shown by the dashed lines in Figure 8 .

[0053] In the depicted embodiment, the one or more protrusions 132 comprise two protrusions 132. While not required in all embodiments comprising two protrusions 132, in the depicted embodiment, the two protrusions 132 are arranged opposite each other by 180° on the sleeve 130. In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions 132 consist of one protrusion, three protrusions, four protrusions, or more than four protrusions. In some embodiments, there is a single protrusion 132 between the depicted protrusions 132 with 90 degrees. In this case, when the sleeve 130 is elliptical, the gap is just right, then deforming the sleeve 130 will dislodge the protrusions 132 without having to remove the sleeve 130 from the housing 110.

[0054] In some embodiments, as an alternative to the flexible sleeve 130 having a C-shaped cross-section as shown, in some embodiments, the sleeve 130 can completely surround the shell 110 360° and be configured to rupture or tear (or deform) to remove the sleeve 130 from its connection with the shell 110.

[0055] Still refer to Figure 4 , now also refer to Figure 9 , the coupling 100 optionally includes a membrane 160, a handle 170, a sealing member 180, and a connecting structure 190. However, it should be understood that these components of the coupling 100 are merely examples of optional components and structures that may be used in conjunction with the coupling 100. Many other variations and components may also be used with the coupling 100.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, the sealing member 180 has an hourglass cross-sectional shape. In some such embodiments of the sealing member 180, the sealing member 180 has a waist in the middle of the two thicker ends (e.g., see Figure 4 ). The radial thickness of the waist is thinner than the two ends of the sealing member 180. In some such embodiments, the outer surface and the inner surface of the waist are arcuate. In this case, the center of the arc of the outer surface defining the waist is located in the opposite direction compared to the center of the arc of the inner surface defining the waist. In some such embodiments, the radius of the arc of the outer surface and the radius of the arc of the inner surface are not equal. In some such embodiments, the radius of the arc of the outer surface and the radius of the arc of the inner surface are equal.

[0057] Sealing member 180 is positioned within a cylindrical recess (or counterbore) defined by the front face of housing 110. The width of sealing member 180 (oriented along longitudinal axis 111) is slightly greater than the depth of the cylindrical recess. Thus, the end of sealing member 180 extends outwardly, away from the front face of housing 110 and toward removable membrane 160. In other words, sealing member 180 protrudes from the front face of housing 110.

[0058] The membrane 160 is a thin flexible member. The membrane 160 may be made of, but not limited to, polyethersulfone (PES), The membrane 160 can be made of materials such as non-woven polyethylene, PES and polyester laminates, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), metal foil, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the membrane 160 can include an adhesive on all or only a portion of the surface of the membrane 160. In some embodiments, the membrane 160 is hydrophobic and breathable. In certain embodiments, the pore size of the membrane 160 is such that microorganisms larger than 0.2 microns are filtered out.

[0059] The membrane 160 is removably attached to the front face of the housing 110. The membrane 160 can be removably attached to the front face of the housing 110 by bonding (e.g., heat welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) to the front face so that the membrane 160 is circumferentially bonded around at least the cylindrical recess of the housing 110 to cover the sealing member 180. Any suitable bonding technique can be used to removably couple the membrane 160 to the front face surface of the housing 110, such as using an adhesive. The membrane 160 maintains the sterility and / or cleanliness of the sealing member 180 and the adjacent portions of the interior space 112 (e.g., the terminal 102 is capped or coupled to another sterile component).

[0060] The film 160 folds over itself. Thus, as further described below, when the film 160 is removed from its attachment to the front face of the housing 110, the folding of the film will be in the direction of the pull, and the film 160 will effectively roll up (or peel away) from the front face of the housing 110 to expose the sealing member 180.

[0061] A handle 170 is attached to the membrane 160 on an opposite end of the membrane 160 from the portion attached to the front of the housing 110. The handle 170 provides a gripping member for use when a user chooses to detach the membrane 160 from the front of the housing 110, as described further below.

[0062] The handle 170 can be releasably coupled to the housing 110 in a variety of arrangements. Figure 4 In the first arrangement shown, the handle 170 is latched to the housing 110 in a position in which the handle 170 acts as a cover to cover and protect the portion of the membrane 160 that is removably attached to the front surface of the housing 110. Figure 9 In the second arrangement shown, the handle 170 has been pivoted relative to the housing 110 (with Figure 4 ), such that the portion of the membrane 160 that is removably attached to the front surface of the housing 110 is uncovered, while the handle 170 is still connected to the housing 110.

[0063] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 (and subsequent figures), two couplers 100 can be coupled together. A connecting structure 190 is designed to facilitate coupling two couplers 100 (in this example, identical) to one another and then retain the two couplers 100 in a coupled arrangement (e.g., by snapping them together). Thus, the couplers 100 can be referred to as a male-only coupler. In some embodiments, the connecting structure 190 is designed to prevent the couplers 100 from decoupling from one another after the two couplers 100 have been coupled to one another.

[0064] exist Figure 9In this pre-coupling configuration, the sleeves 130 are still coupled to the housings 110. Thus, the internal valve members 120 are still maintained in their first position (in the depicted embodiment, this is a closed position that prevents fluid flow through the couplers 100). In some embodiments, the couplers 100 include interlock features that prevent the sleeves 130 from being removed until the membrane 160 has been detached from the couplers 100.

[0065] Figure 10 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of two couplers 100 coupled to one another in a“pre-coupling configuration” is shown. In the depicted pre-coupling configuration, the two couplers 100 are mechanically coupled to one another via the connection structure 190, but the membrane 160 is still attached to the face surfaces of the housings 110. In short, the membrane 160 is sandwiched between the seal members 180. In fact, due to the fold in the membrane 160, there are effectively four (4) layers of membrane 160 material sandwiched between the seal members 180.

[0066] The handles 170 are aligned with one another (in a generally reverse mirror image arrangement). In some embodiments, the handles 170 include latching structures 172 that allow the handles 170 to snap together in a mirror image arrangement, thereby latching to one another so that they can be conveniently handled as a single entity / unit.

[0067] In this pre-coupling configuration, the sleeves 130 are still coupled to the housings 110. Thus, the internal valve members 120 are still maintained in their first position (in the depicted embodiment, this is a closed position that prevents fluid flow through the couplers 100). In some embodiments, the couplers 100 include interlock features that prevent the sleeves 130 from being removed until the membrane 160 has been detached from the couplers 100.

[0068] The next step in the process of fully coupling the two couplers 100 together is to remove the membrane 160 that is attached to the face surfaces of the housings 110 (and is sandwiched between the seal members 180). This can be accomplished by pulling the handles 170 in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axes 111 (as indicated by the arrows shown in Figure 10 Due to the fold in the membrane 160, when the handles 170 and attached membrane 160 are pulled, the membrane 160 will effectively roll off the faces of the housings 110, and then the seal members 180 will become abutted to one another. This rolling of the membrane 160 ensures that the potentially contaminated portion of the membrane 160 does not come into contact with the seal members 180 when the membrane 160 is removed.

[0069] Figure 11A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the two couplers 100 is shown after the membrane 160 has been peeled away. The faces of the sealing members 180 are now abutting, and are firmly compressed against one another by the constant longitudinal compression force provided by the latching mechanism of the connecting structure 190. In the depicted arrangement, the sleeve 130 is still coupled to the housing 110. Thus, the internal valve member 120 is still held in its first position (in the depicted embodiment, this is a closed position that blocks fluid flow through the coupler 100). The next step in the process of fully coupling the two couplers 100 together is to remove the removable member 130 (i.e., in the depicted embodiment, the sleeve 130).

[0070] Figure 12 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the two couplers 100 is shown after the sleeve 130 has been uncoupled from the housing 110. Since the sleeve 130 held the valve member 120 in its first position, as the sleeve 130 is now removed, the force from the spring 140 can act on the valve member 120 to move the valve member 120 to its second position (in the depicted embodiment, this is an open position that creates an open fluid flow path through the coupler 100, as shown by the dashed line). This is the final operational configuration of the two couplers 100 described herein. Thus, fluid can be transferred through the couplers 100 from one vessel to another vessel, from one pipe to another pipe, or (more generally) from one any type of fluid handling component to another any type of fluid handling component.

[0071] While in the depicted embodiment each coupler 100 has a valve member 120, in some cases only one of the pair of couplers 100 has a valve member 120. This can be referred to as single-sided shut-off.

[0072] While the embodiments of the couplers 100 described herein are normally closed fluid couplers, in some embodiments the fluid coupler device can be configured to be normally open. That is, when the sleeve 130 is removed, the valve member 120 will move from the first position (which is an open position) to the second position (which is a closed position).

[0073] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope or range of any invention, but rather as descriptions of features that can be specific to certain embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination with each other. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a sub-combination of a sub-combination.

[0074] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such order nor that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described herein should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0075] Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the acts recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential execution of all illustrated acts, to achieve the desired results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous.

Claims

1. A fluid coupling device comprising: a housing defining an interior space and a longitudinal center axis; a valve member disposed within the interior space; and a member removably coupled to the housing, the member comprising one or more protrusions that extend through one or more openings defined by the housing and engage the valve member, thereby retaining the valve member in a first position within the interior space, wherein the member is configured to be uncoupled from the housing such that the one or more protrusions disengage from the valve member, wherein the first position is a closed position that prevents fluid flow through the fluid coupling device, and wherein the valve member is configured to move from the closed position to an open position that allows fluid flow through the fluid coupling device in response to the one or more protrusions disengaging from the valve member. The valve member is configured to move from the closed position to an open position in response to (i) disengagement of one or more protrusions from the valve member and (ii) a force from a spring exerted on the valve member.

2. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, further comprising a spring disposed within the interior space, wherein, The spring is external to a fluid flow path defined by the fluid coupling device.

3. The fluid coupling device of claim 2, wherein, 4. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a valve seat within the interior space, the valve seat defining a through hole through which the longitudinal center axis extends, wherein the valve member abuts the valve seat to provide a fluid seal between the valve member and the valve seat when the valve member is in the first position.

5. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a membrane having a portion removably attached to a front surface of the housing and covering an end of a seal member that protrudes longitudinally beyond the front surface. The handle is releasably attached to the housing.

6. The fluid coupling device of claim 5, further comprising a handle attached to the membrane, and wherein, When the handle is coupled to the housing, the handle covers a portion of the membrane that is removably attached to the front surface of the housing.

7. The fluid coupling device of claim 6, wherein, 8. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a valve seal member coupled to the valve member, and wherein the valve seal member seals the fluid coupling device to prevent fluid flow through the fluid coupling device when the valve member is in the first position. The member comprises a sleeve having a C-shaped cross-section and that surrounds the housing by more than 180° and less than 360°.

9. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sleeve is configured to bend to allow removal of the sleeve from coupling with the housing.

10. The fluid coupling device of claim 9, wherein, The member is configured to be torn to remove the member from coupling with the housing.

11. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The member comprises a sleeve and the one or more protrusions comprise two protrusions arranged opposite one another on the sleeve that extend radially inward.

12. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, 13. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a valve seat within the interior space and in contact with the valve member, wherein the valve seat is an elastomer. The valve member comprises an annular seal member or comprises an elastomeric sealing material.

14. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, ​ 15. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a connection structure for non-releasably attaching the fluid coupling device to another fluid handling component.

16. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fluid coupling device is a genderless device configured to non-releasably couple with a second fluid coupling device that is identical to the fluid coupling device.

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