Unisex aseptic connector

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an embodiment of a connector system for releasably connecting pipes together, whereby the connector system includes a first coupler comprising: a first coupler passageway disposed in the first coupler; and a first coupler elastically deformable valve operable to seal the first coupler passageway from an external environment. The connector system further includes a second coupler comprising: a second coupler passageway disposed in the second coupler; and a second coupler elastically deformable valve operable to seal the second coupler passageway from the external environment. The first coupler and the second coupler can be substantially identical; thus, as opposed to a connector system comprising a male coupler and a female coupler, the couplers can be genderless. The connector system can further include: a first coupler valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through the first coupler passageway; and a second coupler valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through the second coupler passageway.

Description

[0001] This International Patent Cooperation Treaty (IPTC) patent application is a continuation to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 18 / 645,975, filed April 25, 2024, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 461,638, filed April 25, 2023, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A primary objective of certain embodiments of the present invention may be to provide a connector system for releasably connecting tubes, such as medical tubing, together, and a method of manufacturing and using such a connector system, wherein the connector system includes a first connector comprising: a first connector passage disposed within the first connector; and a first connector resiliently deformable valve operable to seal the first connector passage and isolate it from the external environment. The connector system further includes a second connector comprising: a second connector passage disposed within the second connector; and a second connector resiliently deformable valve operable to seal the second connector passage and isolate it from the external environment.

[0003] The first connector and the second connector can be substantially the same; therefore, unlike connector systems that include male and female connectors, the connectors can be male- or female-independent.

[0004] The connector system may further include: a first connector valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through the first connector passage; and a second connector valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through the second connector passage. When in its default closed position, a condition for closing the fluid flow path can be provided, thus preventing fluid flow through the connector system.

[0005] The connector system may further include: a first connector driver operable to forcefully push the first connector valve toward a first connector valve open position, the first connector valve open position providing a first connector passage opening condition that allows fluid flow through the first connector passage; and a second connector driver operable to forcefully push the second connector valve toward a second connector valve open position, the second connector valve open position providing a second connector passage opening condition that allows fluid flow through the second connector passage. When its passage is open, an open fluid flow path condition allowing fluid flow through the connector system can be provided.

[0006] Naturally, other objects of the invention are disclosed throughout this specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A This is a side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system.

[0008] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0009] Figure 1C yes Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system.

[0011] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0012] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0013] Figure 3A This is a side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system.

[0014] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0015] Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0016] Figure 4A This is a side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system.

[0017] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0018] Figure 4C yes Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0019] Figure 5A yes Figures 1A to 4C An exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of one of the two substantially identical connectors in the connector system shown.

[0020] Figure 5B yes Figure 5AAn exploded side view of a specific embodiment of the connector shown.

[0021] Figure 6A yes Figures 1A to 4C An exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of the conduit, valve, and sleeve of one of the two substantially identical connectors of the connector system shown.

[0022] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A An exploded side view of a specific embodiment of the conduit, valve, and sleeve shown.

[0023] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of a connector system, in which a first connector and a second connector are arranged in an adjacent axial relationship but are inextricably connected, so that the first connector and the second connector are disconnected under the condition that the connectors are disconnected.

[0024] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A top view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0025] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0026] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A A bottom view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0027] Figure 7E yes Figure 7A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0028] Figure 8A yes Figures 7A to 7E The diagram shows a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the connector system, whereby the first and second connectors are releasably connected to achieve connector connection conditions.

[0029] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A top view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0030] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A A side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0031] Figure 8D yes Figure 8A A bottom view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0032] Figure 8E yes Figure 8A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0033] Figure 9A yes Figures 8A to 8E The diagram shows a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the connector system, whereby the first passage of the first connector and the second passage of the second connector are hermetically engaged to provide passage connection conditions; the first and second passages are interrupted by corresponding valves, thereby resulting in the closure of fluid flow path conditions.

[0034] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A top view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0035] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A A side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0036] Figure 9D yes Figure 9A A bottom view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0037] Figure 9E yes Figure 9A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0038] Figure 10A yes Figures 9A to 9E The diagram shows a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the connector system, but the first and second passages are uninterrupted to provide conditions for opening a fluid flow path under which fluid can flow through the connector system.

[0039] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A top view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0040] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A A side view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0041] Figure 10D yes Figure 10A A bottom view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0042] Figure 10E yes Figure 10A An end view of a specific embodiment of the connector system shown.

[0043] Figure 11A yes Figure 7E A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0044] Figure 11B yes Figure 8E A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0045] Figure 11C yes Figure 9E A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0046] Figure 11D yes Figure 10E A cross-sectional view of the connector system shown.

[0047] Figure 12A yes Figures 7A to 11D An exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of one of the two substantially identical connectors in the connector system shown.

[0048] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A An exploded side view of a specific embodiment of the connector shown.

[0049] Figure 13A yes Figures 7A to 11D An exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of the conduit, valve, and sleeve of one of the two substantially identical connectors of the connector system shown.

[0050] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A An exploded side view of a specific embodiment of the conduit, valve, and sleeve shown.

[0051] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view showing a specific embodiment of a connector system comprising a release element and its corresponding latch and latch storage element. Detailed Implementation

[0052] This document discloses a connector system (1) for releasably connecting tubes such as medical tubing used in a biomedical environment. Advantageously, the connector system (1) can be connected relatively easily and securely, and can also be intentionally disconnected relatively easily. Additionally, the connector system (1) can be repeatedly connected and disconnected. Furthermore, for certain embodiments, the connector system (1) can be reusable rather than disposable. Furthermore, the connector system (1) can be configured such that a sterile or disinfected environment is maintained therein, which understandably benefits reusable / disconnectable devices and / or reusable devices. Furthermore, the connector system (1) can include two discrete connectors (2) (3) connected together to provide the connector system (1), whereby the connectors (2) (3) can significantly have substantially the same or identical structure; thus, unlike the connector system (1) which includes a male connector and a female connector, the connectors (2) (3) can be male and female indistinguishable. Furthermore, due to the substantially the same or identical structure of the connectors (2) (3), the connector system (1) can accommodate bidirectional flow.

[0053] The connector system (1) of the present invention includes: a first connector (2) having a first connector passage (4) disposed therein; and a second connector (3) having a second connector passage (5) disposed therein, thereby, as described above, the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) may have substantially the same structure and / or components. In the case of a releasable axial (or longitudinal) connection of the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) (or, in other words, in the case of connection of the first connector (2) and the second connector (3), the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5) may be arranged to provide a fluid flow path (6) between the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) and through the connector system (1).

[0054] For the purposes of this invention, the axial or longitudinal direction may be considered to be parallel to the longitudinal axis (7) of the connector system and / or the longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector and / or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector.

[0055] For the purposes of this invention, when connected together to provide a connector system (1), two directional references can be used in relation to the joint (10) between the first connector (2) and the second connector (3): the inward direction (11) means toward the joint (10), and the outward direction (12) means away from the joint (10).

[0056] Connector connection conditions

[0057] Currently, the main reference is... Figures 1A to 1C 7A to 7E and 11A, which demonstrate the connector disconnection conditions (13); and Figures 2A to 2CFigures 8A to 8E and 11B illustrate connector connection conditions (14), whereby a first connector (2) may include a first connector housing (15) accommodating a first connector passage (4). The first connector housing (15), which may be annular, may have an internal space (16) defined by an inner surface (17) extending between a first end (18) and a second end (19) of the first connector housing, whereby the first connector passage (4) may be disposed within the internal space (16). The first end (18) of the first connector housing may include a fluid inlet / outlet (20A) in fluid communication with the first connector passage (4), whereby the fluid inlet / outlet (20A) may be connected to a pipe, such as by a barb (21) connected to or integrated with the first end (18) of the first connector housing. Therefore, the pipe can be engaged with the barb (21) for example by friction engagement around the barb (21) to securely connect the pipe to the first connector housing (15) (and correspondingly to the first connector (2)) and the first connector passage (4) disposed in the first connector.

[0058] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have substantially the same structure, the second connector (3) may include a second connector housing (22) that houses the second connector passage (5). The second connector housing (22), which may be annular, may have an internal space (23) defined by an inner surface (24) of the second connector housing extending between a first end (25) and a second end (26) of the second connector housing, whereby the second connector passage (5) can be disposed within the internal space (23) of the second connector housing. The first end (25) of the second connector housing may include a fluid outlet / inlet (20B) in fluid communication with the second connector passage (5), whereby the fluid outlet / inlet (20B) may be connected to a pipe, such as by a barb (21) connected to or integrated with the first end (25) of the second connector housing. Therefore, the pipe can be engaged with the barb (21) for example by friction engagement around the barb (21) to securely connect the pipe to the second connector housing (22) (and correspondingly to the second connector (3)) and the second connector passage (5) disposed in the second connector.

[0059] The first connector housing (15) can be releasably connected to the second connector housing (22) by axial movement in the inward direction (11) to achieve a connector connection condition (14) under which the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can be connected to each other to provide a connector system (1). Specifically, the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing can be configured to connect to each other to connect the first connector housing (15) (and correspondingly the first connector (2)) to the second connector housing (22) (and correspondingly the second connector (3)). For a particular embodiment, the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing of the present invention may include at least a portion terminating in a plane that may be at an angle to the longitudinal axis (8) of the corresponding first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector, compared to the housing end that may terminate in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (9) of the corresponding first connector. As an illustrative and non-limiting example as shown in the figure, the angle (α) between the plane of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be about 25°.

[0060] In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be less than about 90°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be less than about 80°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be less than about 70°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be less than about 60°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be less than about 50°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be less than about 40°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be less than about 30°.

[0061] In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the plane of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be between about 20° and about 80°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the plane of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be between about 20° and about 70°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the plane of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be between about 20° and about 60°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be between about 20° and about 50°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be between about 20° and about 40°. In a particular embodiment, the angle (α) between the planes of the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the corresponding longitudinal axis (8) of the first connector or the longitudinal axis (9) of the second connector can be between about 20° and about 30°.

[0062] Therefore, when the connector connection condition (14) is achieved, the joint (10) between the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the second end (26) of the second connector housing can be at an angle to the longitudinal axis (7) of the connector system. This can be a space-saving construction, which can also allow the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) to be nested with each other.

[0063] For a releasable axial connection between the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22), the first connector (2) may include a first connector latch (27) movably coupled to the first connector housing (15); correspondingly, a second connector latch receiving element (28) may be coupled to the second connector housing (22) (e.g., by coupling to a second connector resiliently deformable valve seat (69)). When the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22) are connected, the first connector latch (27) may releasably engage with the second connector latch receiving element (28) to fix the axial position of the first connector housing (15) relative to the second connector housing (22), thereby achieving the connector connection condition (14).

[0064] For the purposes of this invention, the term "lock" refers to a restraint device that, when engaged with a lock storage element (28) (30), can be used to partially or completely restrain the movement of related components such as a first connector housing (15) or a second connector housing (22).

[0065] For the purposes of this invention, the term "locking storage element" refers to a restraint device that, when engaged with a lock (27) (29), can be used to partially or completely restrain the movement of related components such as the first connector housing (15) or the second connector housing (22).

[0066] As an illustrative example only, the first connector latch (27) may be configured with a protrusion and the second connector latch receiving element (28) may be configured as a recess that can receive the protrusion for locking engagement, thereby fixing the axial position of the first connector housing (15) relative to the second connector housing (22), thereby achieving the connector connection condition (14).

[0067] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have substantially the same structure, for the releasable axial connection of the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22), the second connector (3) may include a second connector latch (29) movably connected to the second connector housing (22); correspondingly, a first connector latch receiving element (30) may be connected to the first connector housing (15) (e.g., by connecting to a first connector resiliently deformable valve seat (50)). When the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22) are connected, the second connector latch (29) may releasably engage with the first connector latch receiving element (30) to fix the axial position of the second connector housing (22) relative to the first connector housing (15), thereby achieving the connector connection condition (14).

[0068] As an illustrative example only, the second connector latch (29) may be configured with a protrusion, and the first connector latch receiving element (30) may be configured as a recess that can receive the protrusion for locking engagement, thereby fixing the axial position of the second connector housing (22) relative to the first connector housing (15), thereby achieving the connector connection condition (14).

[0069] For a particular embodiment, the connector system (1) may be configured to provide a connection mark when the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22) are successfully releasably axially connected to achieve the connector connection condition (14). This connection mark may be a visual mark, an audible mark, a tactile mark, or a combination thereof. As an illustrative example only, the connection mark may be an audible click indicating a successful releasable axial connection of the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22) to achieve the connector connection condition (14). For a particular embodiment, the audible click may be generated by latches (27) (29) engaging with latch receptacles (28) (30). Next, since the connector system (1) comprises two connectors (2) (3) having substantially the same structure, the connector system (1) may include two latches (27) (29) engaging with two corresponding latch receptacles (28) (30), thereby correspondingly generating two audible clicks.

[0070] Currently, the main reference is... Figure 14 In order to disconnect the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22), the first connector (2) may include a first connector release element (31) movably coupled to the first connector housing (15), whereby the travel of the first connector release element (31), such as axial travel along or across the outer surface (32) of the first connector housing, can disengage the first connector latch (27) from the second connector latch receiving element (28) to disconnect the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22).

[0071] In a particular embodiment, the first coupler release element (31) can be configured as a cam, and the first coupler latch (27) can be used as a follower, whereby the first coupler release element (31) can convert the input motion into the reciprocating motion of the first coupler latch (27).

[0072] For the purposes of this invention, the term "cam" refers to a movable element in a mechanical connection, whereby a cam may have an irregular periphery and may be used to convert motion, for example, converting motion in a first direction into motion in a second direction.

[0073] For the purposes of this invention, the term "follower" refers to a movable element in a mechanical connection, whereby the movement of the follower is generated by the movement of a cam.

[0074] The first connector release element (31) can be biased by a first connector release element biasing member (33), which biases the first connector release element (31) to be releasably engaged with the second connector latch receiving element (28) to bias the first connector latch (27) to fix the axial position of the first connector housing (15) relative to the second connector housing (22), thereby realizing the connector connection condition (14).

[0075] Again, the main reference Figure 14 As an illustrative example only, the first coupler release element biasing member (33) can be configured as an elastic member (34) such as a leaf spring, whereby when the elastic member (34) is positioned under a non-bending condition (which may be the default biasing condition), the first coupler release element (31) biases the first coupler latch (27) toward releasably engaging with the second coupler latch receiving element (28) to fix the axial position of the first coupler housing (15) relative to the second coupler housing (22), thereby achieving the coupler connection condition (14). Upon forced push, such as by the movement of the first coupler release element (31), the elastic member (34) can bend, thereby allowing the first coupler latch (27) to disengage from the second coupler latch receiving element (28), thus disconnecting the first coupler housing (15) from the second coupler housing (22).

[0076] For a particular embodiment, the first connector release element (31) may be the same as or similar to the release element disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,173,046, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0077] For a particular embodiment, the first connector release element (31) may be the same as or similar to the latch release disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0003324, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0078] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have essentially the same structure, again, the main reference is... Figure 14 In order to disconnect the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22), the second connector (3) may include a second connector release element (35) movably coupled to the second connector housing (22), whereby the travel of the second connector release element (35), such as axial travel along or across the outer surface (36) of the second connector housing, can disengage the second connector latch (29) from the first connector latch receiving element (30) to disconnect the first connector housing (15) and the second connector housing (22).

[0079] In a particular embodiment, the second coupler release element (35) can be configured as a cam, and the second coupler latch (29) can be used as a follower, whereby the second coupler release element (35) can convert the input motion into the reciprocating motion of the second coupler latch (29).

[0080] The second connector release element (35) can be biased by a second connector release element biasing member (37), which biases the second connector release element (35) to correspondingly bias the second connector latch (29) toward releasably engaging with the first connector latch receiving element (30) to fix the axial position of the second connector housing (22) relative to the first connector housing (15), thereby realizing the connector connection condition (14).

[0081] Again, the main reference Figure 14 As an illustrative example only, the second coupler release element biasing member (37) can be configured as an elastic member (34) such as a leaf spring, whereby when the elastic member (34) is positioned under a non-bending condition (which may be the default biasing condition), the second coupler release element (35) biases the second coupler latch (29) toward releasably engaging with the first coupler latch receiving element (30) to fix the axial position of the second coupler housing (22) relative to the first coupler housing (15), thereby achieving the coupler connection condition (14). Upon forced push, as by the movement of the second coupler release element (35), the elastic member (34) can bend, thereby allowing the second coupler latch (29) to disengage from the first coupler latch receiving element (30), thus disconnecting the first coupler housing (15) from the second coupler housing (22).

[0082] For a particular embodiment, the second connector release element (35) may be the same as or similar to the release element disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,173,046, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0083] For a particular embodiment, the second connector release element (35) may be the same as or similar to the latch release disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0003324, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0084] Pathway connection conditions

[0085] Currently, the main reference is... Figures 2A to 2C , Figures 8A to 8E and Figure 11B It demonstrates the connector connection conditions (14); and Figures 3A to 3C , Figures 9A to 9E and Figure 11CThe diagram illustrates the pathway connection conditions (38). The first connector (2) may include a first connector conduit (39) disposed within an internal space (16) of the first connector housing, whereby the first connector conduit (39) may include an annular inner surface (40) defining at least a portion of the first connector passage (4) through which fluid can flow. Importantly, the first connector passage (4) may be a sterile or disinfected environment, or an environment free from contaminants such as microorganisms, bodily fluids, bodily excrement, or bodily tissue. The first connector conduit (39) may extend between a first end (41) and a second end (42) of the first connector conduit, whereby the second end (42) of the first connector conduit may provide a first connector conduit engagement end (43), which may be sealably engaged with an axially adjacent second connector conduit engagement end (44) to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), thus providing the pathway connection conditions (38) and a fluid flow path (6) through the connector system (1).

[0086] Currently, the main reference is... Figure 5A , 5B 12A and 12B, the first connector (2) may further include a first connector resilient deformable valve (45), which is configured to: (i) be positioned in a default first connector resilient deformable valve closed configuration (46); and (ii) be deformable to achieve a first connector resilient deformable valve open configuration (47). Due to the resilient nature of the first connector resilient deformable valve (45), the first connector resilient deformable valve can return to its default shape after deformation, which can contribute to the repeatability of the connector system (1) of the present invention.

[0087] The first connector resilient valve (45) may be disposed in a spaced-apart relationship within the interior space (16) of the first connector housing, axially aligned with the first connector conduit (39), and specifically axially aligned with the first connector conduit engagement end (43). Specifically, the first connector resilient valve (45) may be coupled to the first connector housing (15), such as near the second end (19) of the first connector housing, or coupled to the second end (19) of the first connector housing, such as through the periphery (48) of the first connector resilient valve. In a particular embodiment, the first connector resilient valve (45) may include a flange (49) near its periphery, or the first connector resilient valve (45) may be defined by the periphery of a flange, whereby the flange (49) may facilitate the coupling of the first connector resilient valve (45) to the first connector housing (15). In a particular embodiment, the first connector resiliently deformable valve (45) can be placed against the first connector housing (15) via the first connector resiliently deformable valve seat (50), such as against the second end (19) of the first connector housing. In a particular embodiment, the first connector resiliently deformable valve (45) can be sandwiched between the first connector housing (15), such as between the second end (19) of the first connector housing and the first connector resiliently deformable valve seat (50), so as to fix the first connector resiliently deformable valve (45) to the first connector housing (15).

[0088] The first connector resilient deformable valve (45) may include an inner surface (51) of the first connector resilient deformable valve oriented toward the inner space (16) of the first connector housing and the first end (18) of the first connector housing, and an outer surface (52) of the first connector resilient deformable valve oriented toward the external environment (53), thereby, when in the first connector resilient deformable valve closed configuration (46), the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) can be used to seal the portion of the first connector conduit (39) in the inner space (16) of the first connector housing and isolate it from the external environment (53) to maintain a sterile environment therein, especially a sterile environment within the first connector passage (4).

[0089] After the connector connection condition (14) is met, the first connector conduit (39) can (i) move axially within the internal space (16) of the first connector housing and (ii) relative to the first connector housing (15). Specifically, the first connector conduit (39) can move axially between a retracted position (54) and an extended position (55). In the retracted position (54), the first connector conduit (39) can be placed in a sterile environment within the internal space (16) of the first connector housing, defined by the first connector resilient valve (45) in the first connector resilient valve closed configuration (46), and correspondingly isolated from contaminants in the external environment (53).

[0090] More specifically, after the connector connection condition (14) is achieved, when an axial force is applied to the first connector conduit (39) in the inward direction (11) toward the first connector resilient deformable valve (45), the first connector conduit engagement end (43) can engage with and deform (or change its shape) the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and pass through it, thus (i) the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) is positioned in the first connector resilient deformable valve open configuration (47), and (ii) the first connector conduit (39) is... 9) In the first connector conduit extension position (55), in the first connector resilient deformable valve open configuration and the first connector conduit extension position, the first connector conduit engagement end (43) extends through the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and can be sealably engaged with the axially adjacent second connector conduit engagement end (44) to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), thus providing passage connection conditions (38) and fluid flow path (6) through the connector system (1).

[0091] In a particular embodiment, the movable first connector sleeve (56) may (i) radially surround the first connector conduit (39) and (ii) extend axially beyond the first connector conduit engagement end (43) when the first connector sleeve (56) is biased in a non-compression condition (59) by a first connector sleeve biasing member (58) such as a spring to be positioned in its default first connector sleeve extension position (57) to further maintain a sterile environment around the first connector conduit (39), particularly maintaining a sterile environment within the first connector passage (4). When an axial force is applied to the first connector conduit (39) in the inward direction (11), the first connector housing (15) may engage with the first connector sleeve (56) and forcefully push the first connector sleeve toward the first connector sleeve retracted position (60) in the outward direction (12), thereby correspondingly compressing the first connector sleeve biasing member (58). When the first connector sleeve is in the retracted position (60), the first connector sleeve (56) can no longer extend beyond the first connector conduit engagement end (43), thus allowing the first connector conduit engagement end (43) to extend beyond the first connector sleeve (56) and sealably engage with the axially adjacent second connector conduit engagement end (44) to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), thus providing passage connection conditions (38) and a fluid flow path (6) through the connector system (1).

[0092] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have essentially the same structure, again, the main reference is... Figures 2A to 2C , Figures 8A to 8E and Figure 11B It demonstrates the connector connection conditions (14); and Figures 3A to 3C , Figures 9A to 9E and Figure 11CThe diagram illustrates the access connection conditions (38). The second connector (3) may include a second connector conduit (61) disposed within the internal space (23) of the second connector housing, whereby the second connector conduit (61) may include an annular inner surface (62) defining at least a portion of the second connector passage (5) through which fluid can flow. Importantly, the second connector passage (5) may be a sterile or disinfected environment, or an environment free from contaminants such as microorganisms, body fluids, bodily excrement, or body tissue. The second connector conduit (61) may extend between a first end (63) and a second end (64) of the second connector conduit, whereby the second end (64) of the second connector conduit may provide a second connector conduit engagement end (44), which may be sealably engaged with the axially adjacent first connector conduit engagement end (43) to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), thus providing the access connection conditions (38) and a fluid flow path (6) through the connector system (1).

[0093] Currently, the main reference is... Figure 5A , 5B 12A and 12B, the second connector (3) may further include a second connector resilient deformable valve (65), which is configured to: (i) be positioned in a default second connector resilient deformable valve closed configuration (66); and (ii) be deformable to achieve a second connector resilient deformable valve open configuration (67). Due to the resilient nature of the second connector resilient deformable valve (65), the second connector resilient deformable valve can return to its default shape after deformation, which can contribute to the repeatability of the connector system (1) of the present invention.

[0094] The second connector resilient valve (65) may be disposed in a spaced-apart relationship within the interior space (23) of the second connector housing, axially aligned with the second connector conduit (61), and specifically axially aligned with the second connector conduit engagement end (44). Specifically, the second connector resilient valve (65) may be coupled to the second connector housing (22), such as near the second end (26) of the second connector housing, or coupled to the second end (26) of the second connector housing, such as through the periphery (68) of the second connector resilient valve. In a particular embodiment, the second connector resilient valve (65) may include a flange (49) near its periphery, or the second connector resilient valve (65) may be defined by the periphery of a flange, whereby the flange (49) may facilitate the coupling of the second connector resilient valve (65) to the second connector housing (22). In a particular embodiment, the second connector resilient valve (65) can be placed against the second connector housing (22) via the second connector resilient valve seat (69), such as against the second end (26) of the second connector housing. In a particular embodiment, the second connector resilient valve (65) can be sandwiched between the second connector housing (22), such as between the second end (26) of the second connector housing and the second connector resilient valve seat (69), to securely connect the second connector resilient valve (65) to the second connector housing (22).

[0095] The second connector resilient deformable valve (65) may include an inner surface (70) of the second connector resilient deformable valve oriented toward the inner space (23) of the second connector housing and the first end (25) of the second connector housing, and an opposing outer surface (71) of the second connector resilient deformable valve oriented toward the external environment (53). Thus, when the second connector resilient deformable valve is in the closed configuration (66), the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) can be used to seal the portion of the second connector conduit (61) in the inner space (23) of the second connector housing and isolate it from the external environment (53) to maintain a sterile environment therein, especially a sterile environment within the second connector passage (5).

[0096] After the connector connection condition (14) is met, the second connector conduit (61) can (i) move axially within the internal space (23) of the second connector housing and (ii) relative to the second connector housing (22). Specifically, the second connector conduit (61) can move axially between a retracted position (72) and an extended position (73). In the retracted position (72), the second connector conduit (61) can be placed in a sterile environment within the internal space (23) of the second connector housing, which is defined by the second connector resilient valve (65) in the closed configuration (66) of the second connector resilient valve and is correspondingly isolated from contaminants in the external environment (53).

[0097] More specifically, after the connector connection condition (14) is achieved, when an axial force is applied to the second connector conduit (61) in the inward direction (11) toward the second connector resilient deformable valve (65), the second connector conduit engagement end (44) can engage with and deform (or change its shape) the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) and pass through it, thus (i) the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) is positioned in the second connector resilient deformable valve open configuration (67), and (ii) the second connector conduit (61) is... 1) In the second connector conduit extension position (73), in the second connector resilient deformable valve open configuration and the second connector conduit extension position, the second connector conduit engagement end (44) extends through the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) and can be sealably engaged with the axially adjacent first connector conduit engagement end (43) to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), thus providing passage connection conditions (38) and a fluid flow path (6) through the connector system (1).

[0098] In a particular embodiment, the movable second connector sleeve (74) may (i) radially surround the second connector conduit (61) and (ii) extend axially beyond the second connector conduit engagement end (44) when the second connector sleeve (74) is biased in a non-compression condition (59) by a second connector sleeve biasing member (76) such as a spring to be positioned in its default second connector sleeve extension position (75) to further maintain a sterile environment around the second connector conduit (61), particularly maintaining a sterile environment within the second connector passage (5). When an axial force is applied to the second connector conduit (61) in the inward direction (11), the second connector housing (22) may engage with the second connector sleeve (74) and forcefully push the second connector sleeve toward the second connector sleeve retracted position (77) in the outward direction (12), thereby correspondingly compressing the second connector sleeve biasing member (76). When the second connector sleeve is in the retracted position (77), the second connector sleeve (74) can no longer extend beyond the second connector conduit engagement end (44), thus allowing the second connector conduit engagement end (44) to extend beyond the second connector sleeve (74) and sealably engage with the axially adjacent first connector conduit engagement end (43) to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), thus providing passage connection conditions (38) and a fluid flow path (6) through the connector system (1).

[0099] In a particular embodiment, each of the first connector conduit junction (43) and the second connector conduit junction (44) may include a fluid-impermeable seal (78), such as an annular seal, which may facilitate a sealable engagement therebetween.

[0100] As detailed above, the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) can be configured to (i) seal the environment, such as isolate it from contaminants, and (ii) open axially by applying an axial force; therefore, any valve suitable for such purposes can be used in the connector system (1) of the present invention.

[0101] In a particular embodiment, the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) may be formed of an elastomeric material such as silicone or rubber. As an illustrative example only, the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) may be formed of medical-grade silicone.

[0102] In a particular embodiment, the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) may each be an independent single-piece assembly, which means that the sealing function may be an integral part of a single-piece elastomeric assembly rather than a valve that must engage with a valve seat to form a seal.

[0103] As an illustrative example only, the first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) may each be configured as a duckbill valve.

[0104] For a particular embodiment, the first connector resiliently deformable valve (45) and the second connector resiliently deformable valve (65) may each be configured as a cross-slit valve (79), which may have a greater flow capacity than a duckbill valve. As an illustrative example only, the cross-slit valve (79) may have a cylindrical shape with valve functional areas comprising a first slit (80) and a second slit (81) arranged in a cross pattern. Next, the cross-slit valve (79) may have four baffles (e.g., a four-flapped valve) or four points (e.g., a quad-cusped valve) extending from a center point. Of course, according to embodiments, the cross-slit valve (79) used in the present invention is not necessarily limited to two slits and / or four baffles, but may have any number of slits and / or baffles.

[0105] In the resiliently deformable valve closing configuration (46) (66), baffles or tips may be adjacent to each other to form a fluid-impermeable seal therebetween. When an axial force is applied, the cross-shaped valve (79) can deform such that the baffles or tips are pushed open, for example, by conduit joints (43) (44), which then pass through the cross-shaped valve to position the conduit (39) (61) in the conduit extension position (55) (73). For a particular embodiment, the cross-shaped valve (79) may be dome-shaped, whereby the inner surface (82) of the cross-shaped valve may be concave, and the outer surface (83) of the cross-shaped valve may be convex.

[0106] Once (i) the first connector resilient valve (45) is positioned in the first connector resilient valve open configuration (47) due to axial movement of the first connector conduit (39) in the inward direction (11), the first connector conduit (39) is positioned in the first connector conduit extension position (55), and (ii) the second connector resilient valve (65) is positioned in the second connector resilient valve open configuration (67) due to axial movement of the second connector conduit (61) in the inward direction (11), the second connector conduit (61) is positioned in the second connector conduit extension position. In (73), the first connector conduit engagement end (43) can be sealably engaged with the axially adjacent second connector conduit engagement end (44) to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), thus providing passage connection conditions (38) and a fluid flow path (6) through the connector system (1). The axial positions of the first connector conduit (39) (and correspondingly the first connector passage (4)) and the second connector conduit (61) (and correspondingly the second connector passage (5)) can be fixed, thereby locking the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5) together.

[0107] For this purpose, the first connector (2) may include a first connector first locking assembly (84) that can lock the first connector conduit (39) in the first connector conduit extension position (55) and thus lock the first connector conduit engagement end (43) axially adjacent to the second connector conduit engagement end (44). In a particular embodiment, the first connector first locking assembly (84) may include a rotatable first connector first locking ring (85) having a latch receiving element such as a slot that can receive a corresponding latch, such as a tooth, connected to the first connector housing (15). The tooth can be received within the slot when the first connector conduit (39) and the first connector first locking ring (85) move simultaneously axially in the inward direction (11) relative to the first connector housing (15) to achieve the passage connection condition (38). Next, the first locking ring (85) of the first connector can be rotated in a first direction to rotate the slot relative to the teeth, thereby engaging the teeth with a stop near the slot during rotation. This engagement prevents the first connector conduit (39) and the first locking ring (85) from moving axially in the outward direction (12) relative to the first connector housing (15), thus preventing the first connector conduit (39) from returning to the first connector conduit retracted position (54). To unlock, the first locking ring (85) of the first connector can be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction to rotate the slot relative to the teeth, thereby disengaging the teeth from the stop near the slot.

[0108] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have substantially the same structure, the second connector (3) may include a second connector first locking assembly (89) that can lock the second connector conduit (61) in the second connector conduit extension position (73), and thus lock the second connector conduit engagement end (44) axially adjacent to the first connector conduit engagement end (43). In a particular embodiment, the second connector first locking assembly (89) may include a rotatable second connector first locking ring (90) having a latching element such as a slot that can accommodate corresponding latches, such as teeth, connected to the second connector housing (22). The teeth can be accommodated in the slot when the second connector conduit (61) and the second connector first locking ring (90) move axially in the inward direction (11) relative to the second connector housing (22) simultaneously to achieve the passage connection condition (38). Next, the second connector first locking ring (90) can be rotated in a first direction to rotate the slot relative to the teeth, thereby engaging the teeth with a stop near the slot during rotation. This engagement prevents the second connector conduit (61) and the second connector first locking ring (90) from moving axially in the outward direction (12) relative to the second connector housing (22), thus preventing the second connector conduit (61) from returning to the second connector conduit retracted position (72). To unlock, the second connector first locking ring (90) can be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction to rotate the slot relative to the teeth, thereby disengaging the teeth from the stop near the slot.

[0109] Enable fluid flow path conditions

[0110] When the passage connection condition (38) is in place, wherein the first connector conduit engagement end (43) and the axially adjacent second connector conduit engagement end (44) are sealably engaged to fluidly connect the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), fluid may be intentionally prevented from flowing through the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5), and thus flow through the connector system (1) via the fluid flow path (6), thereby closing the fluid flow path condition (91) (as shown in the image). Figures 1A to 3C (As shown in 7A to 9E, 11A, 11B and 11C).

[0111] Currently, the main reference is... Figures 3A to 3C 9A to 9E and 11C, which demonstrate the path connection condition (38) and the closed fluid flow path condition (91); and Figure 4A4E, 5D, 10A to 10E and 11D illustrate an open fluid flow path condition (92), where the first connector (2) may include a movable (e.g., axially movable) first connector valve (93) operable to interrupt fluid flow through the first connector conduit (39) and correspondingly through the first connector passage (4). In a particular embodiment, the first connector valve (93) may be movable within a first connector valve seat (94) to sealably close a first connector port (95) in fluid communication with the first connector passage (4), thereby providing a first connector passage closure condition (96) under which fluid flow through the first connector port (95) and thus through the first connector passage (4) may be interrupted.

[0112] The first connector valve (93) can be biased by a first connector valve biasing member (97) biasing the first connector valve (93) toward a default first connector valve closed position (98), in which the first connector port (95) can be sealably closed by engaging with a sealing surface (99) to provide a first connector passage closure condition (96).

[0113] As an illustrative example, the first connector valve (93) may include an annular first connector valve inner surface (100) that defines at least a portion of a first connector passage (4) through which fluid can flow; with this configuration, the first connector conduit (39) and the first connector valve (93) can together provide the first connector passage (4).

[0114] Alternatively, the first connector valve (93) may include a first connector port (95) in fluid communication with the first connector passage (4). In a particular embodiment, the first connector port (95) may be radially disposed within the first connector valve (93) to communicate between the inner surface (100) and the outer surface (101) of the first connector valve. In a particular embodiment, the first connector port (95) may be configured as a plurality of first connector ports (95) radially disposed within the first connector valve (93) in a circumferentially spaced relationship. In a particular embodiment, the first connector port (95) may be disposed near the second end (102) of the first connector valve.

[0115] The first connector valve seat (94) is telescopically disposed around the first connector valve (93), which is longitudinally traversable within the first connector valve seat (94), such as by sliding. In a particular embodiment, the first connector valve (93) and the first connector valve seat (94) may be coaxial or concentrically disposed.

[0116] With this configuration, the inner surface (103) of the first connector seat can provide a sealing surface (99) that can be disposed adjacent to the outer surface (101) of the first connector valve and can be sealingly engaged with the first connector port (95) by covering it, to provide a first connector valve closed position (98) and a first connector passage closed condition (96), in which fluid flow through the first connector port (95) and thus through the first connector passage (4) is interrupted. An impermeable seal can be present between the inner surface (103) of the first connector seat and the outer surface (101) of the first connector valve near the first connector port (95). In a particular embodiment, one or more O-rings (104) may be coupled to the outer surface (101) of the first connector valve, thereby providing a fluid-impermeable seal between the inner surface (103) of the first connector valve seat and the outer surface (101) of the first connector valve near the first connector port (95) when covered by the inner surface (103) of the first connector valve seat.

[0117] As described above, the first connector valve (93) may be biased by a first connector valve biasing member (97) that biases the first connector valve (93) toward the default first connector valve closed position (98) to provide a first connector passage closure condition (96). As an illustrative example only, the first connector valve biasing member (97) may be configured as an elastically compressible member (105) such as a spring (106) (e.g., a helical spring or coil spring); however, the first connector valve biasing member (97) is not necessarily limited to this particular configuration.

[0118] In a particular embodiment having a first connector valve biasing member (97) configured as a helical spring or coil spring (106), the spring (106) may be positioned around a portion of the first connector valve (93) (or around a portion of the outer surface (101) of the first connector valve) to completely surround that portion of the first connector valve (93), such that the spring (106) and the first connector valve (93) may be coaxial or concentrically positioned.

[0119] Compared to conventional "quick-release" connectors, since the first connector valve biasing member (97) of the present invention is disposed around the first connector valve (93), when the passage connection condition (38) is achieved, the first connector valve biasing member (97) of the present invention is correspondingly disposed outside or on the outside of the first connector passage (4), and thus outside or on the outside of the fluid flow path (6). As a result, the fluid flowing through the connector system (1) via the fluid flow path (6) does not contact the valve biasing member (97), which may be advantageous for several reasons, including eliminating potential substrates for biofilm growth within the fluid flow path (6) and / or eliminating physical barriers to fluid flow within the fluid flow path (6).

[0120] The spring (106) may abut against the opposite spring support surfaces (107) (108); for example, the first end of the spring (109) may abut against the first spring support surface (107) extending outward from the outer surface (101) of the first connector valve, and the opposite second end of the spring (110) may abut against the second spring support surface (108) provided by a support member (111) axially aligned with the first connector valve (93) near the first end (112) of the first connector valve.

[0121] When under non-compression conditions (59), this may be the default bias condition, where the spring (106) can bias the first connector valve (93) toward the first connector valve closed position (98), in which the first connector port (95) can be sealably closed by the sealing surface (99) of the first connector valve seat (94) to provide the first connector passage closed condition (96).

[0122] The first connector valve (93) can be actuated by a first connector first actuator (113), which is movably coupled to the first connector housing (15). The first connector first actuator (113) engages with the first connector valve (93) and applies an axial force to the first connector valve in the outward direction (12), correspondingly driving the first connector valve (93) to travel in the outward direction (12) and compress the first connector valve biasing member (97). Next, the first connector valve (93) can travel axially within the first connector valve seat (94) away from the first connector port (95) toward the first connector valve open position (114), in which the first connector port (95) can disengage from the sealing surface (99) of the first connector valve seat (94), thus providing a first connector passage opening condition (115) that allows fluid flow through the first connector port (95) and therefore through the first connector passage (4). Since the first connector valve (93) may include a spring first support surface (107), the movement of the first connector valve (93) in the outward direction (12) correspondingly compresses the first connector valve biasing member (97) toward its compression condition.

[0123] In a particular embodiment, the first connector first driver (113) may be a component of the first connector (2). In a particular embodiment, to ensure that when the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) are disconnected, the first connector valve (93) is positioned in the default first connector valve closed position (98), and correspondingly, the first connector passage (4) is positioned under the default first connector passage closed condition (96), the movement of the first connector first driver (113) may be actuated by the second connector second driver (116), which may be a component of the second connector (3) and is movably coupled to the second connector housing (22). Subsequently, the first connector first driver (113) may only be actuated when the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) are connected.

[0124] In a particular embodiment, the second connector second driver (116) may be actuated by a second connector second driver actuator (117), which may be a component of the second connector (3). The second connector second driver actuator (117) may force the second connector second driver (116) to travel in the inward direction (11). The second connector second driver (116) may engage with the first connector first driver (113) and apply an axial force to the first connector first driver in the outward direction (12); correspondingly, the first connector first driver (113) may force the first connector valve (93) to travel axially within the first connector valve seat (94) away from the first connector port (95) toward the first connector valve open position (114), which places the first connector passage (4) under the first connector passage open condition (115), thereby allowing the fluid flow path (6) to have an open fluid flow path condition (92), which allows fluid to flow through the connector system (1).

[0125] In a particular embodiment, the first connector first actuator (113) may include at least one arm (118) that can be driven in an outward direction (12) by actuation of the second connector second actuator (116) to engage with the first connector valve (93) and drive the first connector valve to travel in the outward direction (12), thereby placing the first connector passage (4) in the first connector passage open condition (115). In a particular embodiment, the first connector first actuator (113) may include a plurality of arms (118) arranged in a circumferentially spaced relationship, whereby the arms (118) can be connected together by an annular element (119).

[0126] In a particular embodiment, the second connector second driver (116) may include at least one arm (118) that can be driven inward (11) by actuation of the second connector second driver actuator (117) to engage with the first connector first driver (113) and drive the first connector first driver to travel in outward (12), thereby placing the first connector passage (4) under the first connector passage open condition (115). In a particular embodiment, the second connector second driver (116) may include a plurality of arms (118) arranged in a circumferentially spaced relationship, whereby the arms (118) can be connected together by an annular element (119).

[0127] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have essentially the same structure, again, the main reference is... Figures 3A to 3C9A to 9E and 11C, which demonstrate the path connection condition (38) and the closed fluid flow path condition (91); and Figures 4A to 4C 10A to 10E and 11D, which illustrate an open fluid flow path condition (92), wherein the second connector (3) may include a movable (e.g., axially movable) second connector valve (120) operable to interrupt fluid flow through the second connector conduit (61) and correspondingly through the second connector passage (5). In a particular embodiment, the second connector valve (120) may be movable within a second connector valve seat (121) to sealably close a second connector port (122) in fluid communication with the second connector passage (5), thereby providing a second connector passage closure condition (123) under which fluid flow through the second connector port (122) and thus through the second connector passage (5) may be interrupted.

[0128] The second connector valve (120) can be biased by a second connector valve biasing member (124) biasing the second connector valve (120) toward a default second connector valve closed position (125), in which the second connector port (122) can be sealably closed by engaging with a sealing surface (99) to provide a second connector passage closure condition (123).

[0129] As a first illustrative example, the second connector valve (120) may include an annular second connector valve inner surface (126) that defines at least a portion of a second connector passage (5) through which fluid can flow; with this configuration, the second connector conduit (61) and the second connector valve (120) may together provide the second connector passage (5).

[0130] Alternatively, the second connector valve (120) may include a second connector port (122) in fluid communication with the second connector passage (5). In a particular embodiment, the second connector port (122) may be radially disposed within the second connector valve (120) to communicate between the inner surface (127) and the outer surface (127) of the second connector valve. In a particular embodiment, the second connector port (122) may be configured as a plurality of second connector ports (122) radially disposed within the second connector valve (120) in a circumferentially spaced relationship. In a particular embodiment, the second connector port (122) may be disposed near the second end (128) of the second connector valve.

[0131] The second connector valve seat (121) can be telescopically disposed around the second connector valve (120), which can travel longitudinally within the second connector valve seat (121), such as by sliding. In a particular embodiment, the second connector valve (120) and the second connector valve seat (121) can be coaxial or arranged concentrically.

[0132] With this configuration, the inner surface (129) of the second connector seat can provide a sealing surface (99) that can be disposed adjacent to the outer surface (127) of the second connector valve and can be sealingly engaged with the second connector port (122) by covering it, to provide a second connector valve closed position (125) and a second connector passage closed condition (123), in which fluid flow through the second connector port (122) and thus through the second connector passage (5) is interrupted. An impermeable seal can be present between the inner surface (129) of the second connector seat and the outer surface (127) of the second connector valve near the second connector port (122). In a particular embodiment, one or more O-rings (104) may be coupled to the outer surface (127) of the second connector valve, thereby providing a fluid-impermeable seal between the inner surface (129) of the second connector valve seat and the outer surface (127) of the second connector valve near the second connector port (122) when covered by the inner surface (129) of the second connector valve seat.

[0133] As described above, the second connector valve (120) may be biased by a second connector valve biasing member (124) that biases the second connector valve (120) toward the default second connector valve closed position (125) to provide a second connector passage closure condition (123). As an illustrative example only, the second connector valve biasing member (124) may be configured as an elastically compressible member (105) such as a spring (e.g., a helical spring or coil spring); however, the second connector valve biasing member (124) is not necessarily limited to this particular configuration.

[0134] For a particular embodiment having a second connector valve biasing member (124) configured as a helical spring or coil spring (106), the spring (106) may be positioned around a portion of the second connector valve (120) (or around a portion of the outer surface (127) of the second connector valve) to completely surround that portion of the second connector valve (120), such that the spring (106) and the second connector valve (120) may be coaxial or concentrically positioned.

[0135] Compared to conventional "quick-release" connectors, since the second connector valve biasing member (124) of the present invention is disposed around the second connector valve (120), when the passage connection condition (38) is achieved, the second connector valve biasing member (124) of the present invention is correspondingly disposed outside or on the outside of the second connector passage (5), and thus outside or on the outside of the fluid flow path (6). As a result, the fluid flowing through the connector system (1) via the fluid flow path (6) does not contact the valve biasing member (124), which may be advantageous for several reasons, including eliminating potential substrates for biofilm growth within the fluid flow path (6) and / or eliminating physical barriers to fluid flow within the fluid flow path (6).

[0136] The spring (106) may abut against the opposing spring support surfaces (107) (108); for example, the first end of the spring (109) may abut against the first spring support surface (107) extending outward from the outer surface (127) of the second connector valve, and the opposing second end of the spring (110) may abut against the second spring support surface (108) provided by a support member (111) axially aligned with the second connector valve (120) near the first end (130) of the second connector valve.

[0137] When under non-compression conditions (59), this may be the default bias condition, where the spring (106) can bias the second connector valve (120) toward the second connector valve closed position (125), in which the second connector port (122) can be sealably closed by the sealing surface (99) of the second connector valve seat (121) to provide the second connector passage closed condition (123).

[0138] The second connector valve (120) can be driven by a second connector first actuator (131), which can be movably coupled to the second connector housing (22), whereby the second connector first actuator (131) can engage with the second connector valve (120) and apply an axial force to the second connector valve in the outward direction (12) to correspondingly drive the second connector valve (120) to travel in the outward direction (12) and compress the second connector valve biasing member (124). Next, the second connector valve (120) can travel axially within the second connector valve seat (121) away from the second connector port (122) toward the second connector valve open position (132), in which the second connector port (122) can disengage from the sealing surface (99) of the second connector valve seat (121), thus providing a second connector passage opening condition (133) that allows fluid to flow through the second connector port (122) and therefore through the second connector passage (5). Since the second connector valve (120) may include a spring-loaded first support surface (107), the movement of the second connector valve (120) in the outward direction (12) correspondingly compresses the second connector valve biasing member (124) toward its compression condition.

[0139] In a particular embodiment, the second connector first driver (131) may be a component of the second connector (3). In a particular embodiment, to ensure that when the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) are disconnected, the second connector valve (120) is positioned in the default second connector valve closed position (125), and correspondingly, the second connector passage (5) is positioned under the default second connector passage closed condition (123), the movement of the second connector first driver (131) may be actuated by the first connector second driver (134), which may be a component of the first connector (2) and movably coupled to the first connector housing (15). Subsequently, the second connector first driver (131) may only be actuated when the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) are connected.

[0140] In a particular embodiment, the first connector second driver (134) may be actuated by a first connector second driver actuator (135), which may be a component of the first connector (2). The first connector second driver actuator (135) may force the first connector second driver (134) to travel in the inward direction (11). The first connector second actuator (134) can engage with the second connector first actuator (131) and apply an axial force to the second connector first actuator in the outward direction (12); correspondingly, the second connector first actuator (131) can forcefully push the second connector valve (120) axially away from the second connector port (122) in the second connector valve seat (121) toward the second connector valve open position (132), which places the second connector passage (5) under the second connector passage open condition (133), thereby allowing the fluid flow path (6) to have an open fluid flow path condition (92), which allows fluid to flow through the connector system (1).

[0141] In a particular embodiment, the second connector first actuator (131) may include at least one arm (118) that can be driven in an outward direction (12) by actuation of the first connector second actuator (134) to engage with the second connector valve (120) and drive the second connector valve to travel in the outward direction (12), thereby placing the second connector passage (5) in the second connector passage open condition (133). In a particular embodiment, the second connector first actuator (131) may include a plurality of arms (118) arranged in a circumferentially spaced relationship, whereby the arms (118) can be connected together by an annular element (119).

[0142] In a particular embodiment, the first connector second driver (134) may include at least one arm (118) that can be driven inward (11) by actuation of the first connector second driver actuator (135) to engage with the second connector first driver (131) and drive the second connector first driver to travel in outward (12), thereby placing the second connector passage (5) under the second connector passage open condition (133). In a particular embodiment, the second connector second driver (116) may include a plurality of arms (118) arranged in a circumferentially spaced relationship, whereby the arms (118) can be connected together by an annular element (119).

[0143] Once the fluid flow path condition (92) is opened, the first connector valve open position (114) (and corresponding first connector passage open condition (115)) and the second connector valve open position (132) (and corresponding second connector passage open condition (133)) can be fixed, thereby locking the fluid flow path condition (92).

[0144] For this purpose, the first connector (2) may include a first connector second locking assembly (136) that can lock the first connector valve (93) in the first connector valve open position (114), whereby the first connector second locking assembly (136) may be structurally the same as or similar to the first connector first locking assembly (84) detailed above, and thus include a rotatable first connector second locking ring (137).

[0145] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have substantially the same structure, the second connector (3) can include a second connector second locking assembly (138) that can lock the second connector valve (120) in the second connector valve open position (132). Thus, the second connector second locking assembly (138) can be structurally the same as or similar to the second connector first locking assembly (89) detailed above, and therefore includes a rotatable second connector second locking ring (139).

[0146] For a particular embodiment, the first connector second locking ring (137) and the second connector second locking ring (139) can provide a corresponding first connector second driver actuator (135) and a second connector second driver actuator (117), or in other words, the first connector second driver actuator (135) and the second connector second driver actuator (117) can provide a corresponding first connector second locking ring (137) and a second connector second locking ring (139), meaning that one component can provide two functions.

[0147] For a particular embodiment, the first connector (2) may include an additional locking mechanism to maintain the connector connection condition (14) during the opening of the fluid flow path condition (92); for example, the arm (118) of the first connector first actuator (113) may engage with the first connector latch (27) when housed within the first connector latch housing (30) to secure the axial position of the first connector housing (15) relative to the second connector housing (22). As an illustrative example only, the first connector latch (27) may be configured to have an annular protrusion (140) through an axial opening (141) therethrough, whereby the arm (118) may pass axially through the opening (141) to lock the annular protrusion (140) within the first connector latch housing (30).

[0148] Since the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) can have substantially the same structure, for a particular embodiment, the second connector (3) may include an additional locking mechanism to maintain the connector connection condition (14) during the opening of the fluid flow path condition (92); for example, the arm (118) of the second connector first actuator (131) may engage with the second connector latch (29) when housed within the second connector latch housing (28) to secure the axial position of the second connector housing (22) relative to the first connector housing (15). As an illustrative example only, the second connector latch (29) may be configured to have an annular protrusion (140) through an axial opening (141) therethrough, whereby the arm (118) can axially pass through the opening (141) to lock the annular protrusion (140) within the second connector latch housing (28).

[0149] A method of manufacturing a connector system (1) for releasably connecting a tube in a particular embodiment may include providing and assembling the component parts detailed above and in the claims.

[0150] The components of the connector system (1) may be formed from one or more of a variety of materials capable of providing the functionality of the connector system (1). As a non-limiting example, the material may include or consist of: rubber, rubber-like materials, plastics, plastic-like materials, acrylic, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride-based materials, silicone-based materials, and combinations thereof. Other non-limiting examples may include polymeric materials or resins, such as thermoplastics like acrylic acid, nylon, polybenzimidazole, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polysulfone, etc., or combinations thereof; thermosetting materials like polyester glass fiber, polyurethane, rubber, polyoxybenzylmethylene glycol anhydride, urea-formaldehyde foam, melamine resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, cyanate ester, polycyanurate urea ester, polyester resin, etc., or combinations thereof; elastomers like natural polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic acid rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorinated elastomers, perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), etc., or combinations thereof.

[0151] In a particular embodiment, one or more components of the connector system (1) may be formed of an antimicrobial material.

[0152] In a particular embodiment, one or more components of the connector system (1) may be formed entirely of non-metallic materials.

[0153] Additionally, the components of the connector system (1) may be made by any of a variety of processes, such as molding, injection molding, manufacturing, machining, printing, additive printing, etc. or combinations thereof, as a single piece or assembled from multiple objects into components of the connector system (1) depending on the application.

[0154] For a particular embodiment, one or more components of the connector system (1) may be disposable or repeatedly available or reusable, depending on the application.

[0155] A method for releasably connecting tubes using a specific embodiment of the connector system (1) of the present invention may include obtaining a first connector (2) and a second connector (3) as detailed above, and releasably connecting the first connector (2) and the second connector (3), such as by forcibly pushing in an axially inward direction (11) to achieve a connector connection condition (14). The method may further include forcibly pushing the first connector conduit (39) in an axially inward direction (11) through a first connector resiliently deformable valve (45), and forcibly pushing the second connector conduit (61) in an axially inward direction (11) through a second connector resiliently deformable valve (45) to allow a sealably engaged first connector conduit engagement end (43) and second connector conduit engagement end (44). The method may further include forcibly pushing a first connector valve (93) in an axially outward direction (12) toward a first connector valve open position (114), the first connector valve open position providing a first connector passage open condition (115) allowing fluid flow through the first connector passage (4); and forcibly pushing a second connector valve (120) in an axially outward direction (12) toward a second connector valve open position (132), the second connector valve open position providing a second connector passage open condition (133) allowing fluid flow through the second connector passage (5); the first connector passage open condition (115) and the second connector passage open condition (133) provide an open fluid flow path condition (92) allowing fluid flow through the connector system (1).

[0156] The method may further include disconnecting the first connector (2) and the second connector (3).

[0157] The method may further include repeatedly connecting the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) and disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.

[0158] The method may further include repeatedly using or reusing the first connector (2) and the second connector (3).

[0159] For a particular embodiment, a method for releasably connecting a tube using a particular embodiment of the connector system (1) of the present invention may include a minimum number of steps, which can be contrasted with other connectable / disconnectable devices. As a first example, the connection of the connector system (1) may have fewer than five steps. As a second example, the connection of the connector system (1) may have no more than four steps. As a third example, the connection of the connector system (1) may have the following four steps: (a) forcibly pushing one or both of the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) in the axially inward direction (11) to achieve the connector connection condition (14), while substantially simultaneously forcibly pushing the first connector conduit (39) and the second connector conduit (61) in the axially inward direction (11) through the corresponding first connector resilient deformable valve (45) and the second connector resilient deformable valve (65) to sealably engage the first connector conduit engagement end (43) and the second connector conduit engagement end (44), and fluidly connecting the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5) to provide the passage connection condition (38). (b) Locking the first connector passage (4) and the second connector passage (5) together by means of the first locking assembly (84) (89); (c) Forcibly pushing the first connector valve (93) and the second connector valve (120) in the axially outward direction (12) toward the first connector valve open position (114) and the second connector valve open position (132) to provide the first connector passage opening condition (115) and the second connector passage opening condition (133), thereby providing the fluid flow path opening condition (92) that allows fluid to flow through the connector system (1); and (d) Locking the fluid flow path opening condition (92) by means of the second locking assembly (136) (138). As a particular embodiment, the connection of the connector system (1) may involve only four steps.

[0160] Correspondingly, the connector system (1) of the present invention can disconnect in (i) fewer than five steps, (ii) no more than four steps, (iii) four steps, or (iv) only four steps, as by reversing the above connection steps.

[0161] As can be readily understood from the foregoing, the basic concept of the present invention can be embodied in a variety of ways. The present invention relates to connector systems and many different embodiments of methods (including preferred modes) for manufacturing and using such connector systems.

[0162] Therefore, the specific embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed in the specification or illustrated in the accompanying drawings or tables are not intended to be limiting, but rather illustrative of many different embodiments generally covered by the invention or equivalents covered with respect to any particular element thereof. Furthermore, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed in the specification and drawings.

[0163] It should be understood that each element of the apparatus or each step of the method can be described using apparatus terminology or method terminology. Such terms may be substituted where it is desired to clarify the implied broad scope of the invention. By way of example only, it should be understood that all steps of the method can be disclosed as actions, means of taking said actions, or elements causing said actions. Similarly, each element of the apparatus can be disclosed as a physical element or an action facilitated by said physical element. By way of example only, disclosure of “connector” should be understood to cover disclosure of the action of “connection”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and conversely, if the action of “connection” is effectively disclosed, such disclosure should be understood to cover disclosure of the “connector” and even “means for connection”. Such alternative terms for each element or step should be understood to be explicitly included in the specification.

[0164] Furthermore, with regard to each term used, it should be understood that, unless its use in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the general dictionary definition should be understood to be included in the description of each term contained in the second edition of Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

[0165] Whether explicitly stated or not, it is assumed that all numerical values ​​herein are modified by the term “about”. For the purposes of this invention, a range may be expressed as “about” one specific value to “about” another specific value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes one specific value to another specific value. A description of a numerical range by endpoints includes all numerical values ​​included within the range. Numerical ranges one to five include, for example, numerical values ​​1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It should be further understood that the endpoints of each range are significant both relative to and independent of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about”, it should be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a series of numerical values ​​that a person skilled in the art considers equivalent to the stated numerical value or to have the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” largely but not entirely means the same form, manner, or degree, and a particular element will have a series of configurations that a person skilled in the art considers to have the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “substantially”, it should be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

[0166] Furthermore, for the purposes of this invention, unless otherwise limited, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of the aforementioned entities. Therefore, the terms "a" or "an," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0167] Furthermore, for the purposes of this invention, the term "link" or its derivatives may mean indirect connection, link, direct connection, connection, direct link, or integration with, depending on the embodiment.

[0168] Therefore, the applicant should be understood to claim protection for at least: i) each of the connector systems disclosed and described herein; ii) the related methods disclosed and described; iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods; iv) those alternative embodiments that implement each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described; v) those alternative designs and methods that are implicit in implementing each of the functions shown for the purpose of implementing the functions disclosed and described; vi) each feature, component, and step shown as a separate and independent invention; vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed; viii) products resulting from such systems or components; ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described above and with reference to any accompanying examples; x) various combinations and arrangements of each of the foregoing elements disclosed.

[0169] The background section of this patent application, if any, provides a statement of the field to which this invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain explanations of the subject matter of certain U.S. patent applications, publications, or claimed inventions that may be used to describe information, problems, or concerns relating to the level of technology involved in this invention. No U.S. patent applications, publications, statements, or other information cited or incorporated herein is intended to be construed as, understood as, or considered as prior art to this invention.

[0170] The claims set forth in this specification (if any) are hereby incorporated by reference as part of the specification of this invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or part of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any or all claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to transfer any part or all of such incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the specification to the claims, or vice versa, as desired, to limit the matters sought to be protected by this application or any subsequent or continuation application, divisional or partial continuation application, or to obtain any benefit, fee reduction or compliance with any national or treaty patent law, rule or regulation, and such incorporated content by reference shall remain in force throughout the pending period of this application (including any subsequent or continuation application, divisional or partial continuation application or any reissue or extension thereof).

[0171] Furthermore, the claims set forth in this specification (if any) are further intended to describe the scope and limits of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as the most extensive embodiments of the invention or a complete list of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to generate additional claims based on the foregoing description as part of any continuation application, divisional application, or continuation in part of a similar application.

Claims

1. A connector system for releasably connecting a tube, the connector system comprising: A first connector, comprising: A first connector conduit, the first connector conduit including a first connector passage; The first connector is a resiliently deformable valve, which is axially aligned with the first connector conduit and is capable of deforming between a default closed configuration and an open configuration. In the default first connector resilient deformable valve closed configuration, the first connector resilient deformable valve seals the first connector passage and isolates it from the external environment. The first connector resilient deformable valve is capable of deforming by means of a first connector conduit engagement end configured to pass through the first connector resilient deformable valve to position the first connector resilient deformable valve in an open configuration. as well as A second connector, which is the same as the first connector; The second connector resilient deformable valve of the second connector is deformable by the engaging end of the second connector conduit configured to pass through the second connector resilient deformable valve, thereby positioning the second connector resilient deformable valve in an open configuration; and The first connector conduit joint extends through the first connector resilient deformable valve, and the second connector conduit joint extends through the second connector resilient deformable valve, wherein the first connector conduit joint and its axially adjacent second connector conduit joint are sealably engaged to fluidly connect the first connector passage to the second connector passage, thereby providing passage connection conditions.

2. The connector system of claim 1, wherein a sterile or disinfected environment is maintained within the first connector passage and the second connector passage.

3. The connector system according to claim 1, further comprising: A first connector housing, the first connector housing having an internal space, and the first connector conduit disposed within the internal space of the first connector housing; and The second connector housing has an internal space, and the second connector conduit is disposed in the internal space.

4. The connector system according to claim 3, wherein: The first connector housing includes a first end, which is opposite to a second end; and The second connector housing includes a first end of the second connector housing, which is opposite to a second end of the second connector housing.

5. The connector system according to claim 4, wherein: The second end of the first connector housing includes at least a portion that terminates in a plane at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first connector; and The second end of the second connector housing includes at least a portion that terminates in a plane at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the second connector.

6. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector conduit is axially movable between a default retracted position and an extended position. In the default retracted position of the first connector catheter, the first connector catheter is placed in a sterile environment within the internal space of the first connector housing, and the internal space of the first connector housing is defined by the first connector resilient deformable valve in the default first connector resilient deformable valve closed configuration. In the default retracted position of the first connector conduit, the first connector conduit is correspondingly isolated from contaminants in the external environment; The second connector conduit is axially movable between the default retracted position and the extended position of the second connector conduit; In the default retracted position of the second connector catheter, the second connector catheter is placed in a sterile environment within the internal space of the second connector housing, which is defined by the second connector resilient valve in a closed configuration; and In the default retracted position of the second connector conduit, the second connector conduit is correspondingly isolated from contaminants in the external environment.

7. The connector system of claim 1, further comprising: A movable first connector sleeve, the movable first connector sleeve radially surrounding the first connector conduit, and extending axially beyond the first connector conduit engagement end when the movable first connector sleeve is biased to be positioned in a default first connector sleeve extension position; and A movable second connector sleeve radially surrounds the second connector conduit and extends axially beyond the engagement end of the second connector conduit when the second connector sleeve is biased to be positioned in its default second connector sleeve extension position.

8. The connector system according to claim 7, wherein: In the first connector sleeve retracted position, the first connector conduit engagement end extends axially beyond the movable first connector sleeve; and In the retracted position of the second connector sleeve, the engaging end of the second connector conduit extends axially beyond the movable second connector sleeve.

9. The connector system of claim 1, wherein each of the first connector resilient deformable valve and the second connector resilient deformable valve is configured to open axially by applying an axial force.

10. The connector system of claim 1, wherein each of the first connector resilient deformable valve and the second connector resilient deformable valve is an independent single-piece assembly.

11. The connector system of claim 1, wherein each of the first connector resilient deformable valve and the second connector resilient deformable valve is configured as a duckbill valve.

12. The connector system of claim 1, wherein each of the first connector resilient deformable valve and the second connector resilient deformable valve is configured as a cross-slit valve.

13. The connector system of claim 1, further comprising: A first connector first locking assembly is configured to lock the engagement ends of a first connector conduit and a second connector conduit, the engagement ends of the first connector conduit and the second connector conduit being sealingly engaged, the engagement ends of the first connector conduit and the second connector conduit fluidly connecting the first connector passage and the second connector passage to provide the passage connection condition; and The second connector first locking assembly is configured to lock the engagement end of the second connector conduit and the engagement end of the first connector conduit, the engagement end of the second connector conduit and the engagement end of the first connector conduit being sealingly engaged, the engagement end of the second connector conduit and the engagement end of the first connector conduit fluidly connecting the second connector passage and the first connector passage to provide the passage connection conditions.

14. The connector system of claim 13, wherein: The first connector first locking assembly includes a rotatable first connector first locking ring configured to lock upon rotation in a first direction and unlock upon rotation in a second direction; and The second connector first locking assembly includes a rotatable second connector first locking ring configured to lock during rotation in the first direction and unlock during rotation in the second direction.

15. The connector system of claim 1, further comprising: A first connector valve, operable to interrupt fluid flow through the first connector passage when in the default closed position; as well as A second connector valve is operable to interrupt the flow of fluid through the second connector passage when in the default closed position. The default first connector valve closed position and the default second connector valve closed position provide conditions for closing the fluid flow path; A first connector valve biasing member biases the first connector valve toward the default first connector valve closed position. as well as The second connector valve biasing member biases the second connector valve toward the default second connector valve closed position; as well as When the connection conditions are met, each of the first connector valve biasing member and the second connector valve biasing member is positioned outside or on the outer side of the fluid flow path; and The fluid flowing through the flow path of the fluid does not contact the first connector valve biasing member and the second connector valve biasing member.

16. The connector system of claim 15, further comprising: A first connector driver is operable to forcefully push the first connector valve toward a first connector valve open position, the first connector valve open position providing a first connector passage opening condition that allows the flow of the fluid through the first connector passage. as well as A second connector actuator is operable to forcefully push the second connector valve toward a second connector valve open position, the second connector valve open position providing a second connector passage opening condition that allows the flow of the fluid through the second connector passage; The first connector passage opening condition and the second connector passage opening condition provide conditions for opening a fluid flow path, which allow the fluid to flow through the connector system.

17. The connector system of claim 16, further comprising: A first connector and a second locking assembly, the first connector and the second locking assembly being configured to lock the first connector valve in the first connector valve open position; and The second connector second locking assembly is configured to lock the second connector valve in the second connector valve open position.

18. The connector system of claim 17, wherein: The first connector second locking assembly includes a rotatable first connector second locking ring configured to lock when rotated in a first direction and unlock when rotated in a second direction; and The second coupler second locking assembly includes a rotatable second coupler second locking ring configured to lock during rotation in the first direction and unlock during rotation in the second direction.

19. The connector system of claim 15, further comprising: A first actuator of a first connector, operable to forcefully push the first connector valve toward a first connector valve open position, the first connector valve open position providing a first connector passage opening condition that allows the flow of the fluid through the first connector passage. as well as A first driver for a second connector, operable to forcefully push the second connector valve toward a second connector valve open position, the second connector valve open position providing a second connector passage opening condition that allows the flow of the fluid through the second connector passage; The first connector passage opening condition and the second connector passage opening condition provide conditions for opening a fluid flow path, which allow the fluid to flow through the connector system.

20. The connector system of claim 19, wherein: The first driver of the first connector is a component of the first connector; and The first driver of the second connector is a component of the second connector; The first driver of the first connector is configured to be actuated by a second driver of the second connector, the second driver being a component of the second connector; and The second connector first driver is configured to be actuated by the first connector second driver, which is a component of the first connector.

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