TRANSFER KIT FOR THE TRANSFER OF MATERIAL OR SUBSTANCE FOR REPRODUCTIVE, THERAPEUTIC OR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES, AND TRANSFER DEVICE INCLUDING THEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer assembly (1) intended to be integrated into a device suitable for transferring, into a female mammal, material or substance for reproductive, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes contained in the internal space of a straw, characterized in that the assembly (1) comprises: a protective sheath (5) having open proximal and distal ends (5b) and an internal axial conduit (50) extending between the proximal and distal ends (5b);and a connecting element (4) integral with the sheath (5) and introduced axially into the conduit (50), the connecting element (4) being a hollow body having open proximal (4a) and distal (4b) ends and a longitudinal passage (6) extending between the proximal (4a) and distal (4b) ends, the connecting element (4) comprising a proximal portion (40) intended to cooperate with the straw and a distal portion (41) intended to cooperate with the proximal end of an inner sheath of the device, the proximal portion (40) comprising means for retaining the straw. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 5.;

Description

Title of the invention: TRANSFER ASSEMBLY FOR THE TRANSFER OF MATERIAL OR SUBSTANCE FOR REPRODUCTIVE, THERAPEUTIC OR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES, AND TRANSFER DEVICE COMPRISING THEREOF

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of in vivo transfer of material or substance for reproductive, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes into a uterine horn of a female mammal, and in particular a livestock animal, and relates in particular to a transfer assembly intended to be integrated into a device for such a transfer, as well as to a transfer device comprising such a transfer assembly.

[0002] Regarding the transfer of material or substance for reproductive purposes, such reproductive material is semen or an embryo, the transfer device in question then being an artificial insemination or embryo transfer device.

[0003] Such a device is disclosed in patent FR3021861B1. It comprises a body assembly, an outer sheath attached to the body assembly, an inner sheath having an internal channel suitable for receiving the reproduction material to be transferred, the inner sheath being received by sliding means in the outer sheath and being flexible so as to be able to be extended, from the outer sheath, until the end of the inner sheath is located in the transfer region, and a piston intended to be introduced into the inner sheath so as to be able to slide in it and to conduct, by a relative translational movement between the piston and the inner sheath, the reproduction material to be transferred towards the end of the inner sheath through which the material or substance to be transferred will be deposited in the transfer region.

[0004] As is well known, the reproductive material can be contained in a straw. Such a straw consists of a tube in which are placed a stopper usually made of a first piece of cotton, a part of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and a second piece of cotton, and the semen or embryo to be deposited.

[0005] In the device disclosed in patent FR3021861B1, the piston is designed to pass through the straw to expel the reproduction material, and the inner sheath includes means for preventing the straw from translating forward. These means consist of an internal shoulder in the inner sheath, centered on the axis of the inner sheath. Thus, in use, the piston is inserted into the inner sheath and pushes the straw until it is stopped by the means for preventing its translation forward. The straw is then pierced by the piston, such that the piston pushes the reproduction material toward the end of the inner sheath.

[0006] However, during piston advancement, it is necessary that the second piece of cotton contained in the straw tube be properly moistened. Indeed, with such a device, if the second cotton is not sufficiently moist, the stopper could become blocked during piston propulsion, preventing the transfer of the reproductive material to the end of the inner sheath. This risk of blockage is even higher when the reproductive material is an embryo. Furthermore, in the event of such a blockage, it would not be possible to retrieve the straw, which would be stopped in its translation at the inner shoulder within the inner sheath, leading to the loss of the reproductive material. Such reproductive material is, however, expensive.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems mentioned above and to propose a transfer assembly enabling the improvement of such a device by ensuring a more reliable transfer of the reproduction material from the straw to the inner sheath, while avoiding a possible loss of costly reproduction material.

[0008] It is emphasized here that the problems mentioned above are also found in transfer devices other than that of patent FR3021861B1, and in particular whenever the device in question comprises a sheath into which the contents of a straw are to be introduced using a piston pushing said contents out of the straw. The solution according to the present invention is therefore not limited to use in the device according to patent FR3021861B1.

[0009] The present invention relates to a transfer assembly intended to be integrated into a device suitable for transferring, in a female mammal, material or substance for reproductive, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes contained in the internal space of a straw, which device comprises an inner sheath having an open proximal end, a distal end and an internal channel extending between the proximal and distal ends, characterized in that the assembly comprises: - a protective sleeve having open proximal and distal ends and an internal axial channel extending between the proximal and distal ends and is suitable for receiving the straw;and - a connecting element integral with the sheath and introduced axially into the conduit, the connecting element being a hollow body having open proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal passage extending between the proximal and distal ends and intended to connect the internal space of the straw and the internal channel of the inner sheath, the connecting element comprising a proximal part intended to cooperate with the straw and a distal part intended to cooperate with the proximal end of the inner sheath, the proximal part comprising means for retaining the straw.

[0010] Such an assembly makes it possible to reliably connect the inner sheath to the rest of the device and also to ensure the junction and communication between the channel The internal structure of this inner sheath and the internal space of a straw are separated by retaining means that prevent the straw from moving forward or backward during handling, thus ensuring a reliable and gentle transfer of the material or substance contained in the straw to the inner sheath. Furthermore, in use, the arrangement of the connecting element, and therefore the straw retaining means, at or near the proximal end of the inner sheath allows the straw and its contents to be retrieved at any time, particularly in the event of a failure to transfer the straw's contents to the inner sheath.

[0011] In a particular embodiment, the retaining means comprise a circular shoulder formed in the longitudinal passage between a cylindrical bore intended to open into the internal channel and a hole intended to receive the straw by press fit and opening into the bore and coaxial with the bore, the shoulder having an axial stop surface intended to cooperate with the distal end of the straw when the latter is inserted into the hole. Such retaining means form a solid and rigid stop intended to be positioned upstream of the inner sheath.

[0012] Preferably, the hole has a cylindrical portion on the abutment surface side and a frustoconical portion opening outwards from the body on the proximal end side. Such a hole allows easy insertion of the straw tube into the hole, up to the axial abutment surface, while ensuring the centering and axial retention of this tube. In particular, the diameter of the cylindrical portion is chosen such that when the straw tube is inserted into the hole and comes against the abutment surface, it is slightly compressed by the joining element.

[0013] Advantageously, the frustoconical portion has a circular passage cross-section that increases towards the proximal end along a gradual slope. Such a slope allows for rapid attachment of the separator to the joining element while ensuring its centering.

[0014] Preferably, the body is trumpet-shaped, the proximal portion being wider than the distal portion, the distal portion having a cylindrical skirt extended by a truncated conical lip flared at the skirt end, the proximal portion having a cylindrical bearing surface of larger diameter than the cylindrical skirt and delimited by an annular wall orthogonal to the longitudinal axis against which the proximal end of the inner sheath is intended to come to rest. Such a trumpet-shaped body is configured for easy fitting of the inner sheath onto the outside of the distal portion of the connecting element, which fitting allows unimpeded progression of the contents of the straw into the inner sheath.

[0015] Preferably, the shoulder is formed in the vicinity of the annular wall of the proximal part, the bore extending through the distal part and an end region of the proximal part opposite the proximal end.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the connecting element is inserted into a recess provided in the conduit and located near the distal end of the sheath. This positioning of the connecting element, and therefore of the transfer zone, near the distal end of the sheath, which distal end of the sheath is located near the proximal end of the inner sleeve, makes it easy to retrieve the straw in the event of a failure to transfer its contents and, in particular, avoids any loss of a costly embryo.

[0017] Advantageously, the side wall of the sheath delimiting the conduit has at least one opening through it, at the level of the housing. This opening or these openings allow control of the transfer and progression of the straw, and also allow easy assembly of the joining element.

[0018] Preferably, the joining element is secured to the protective sleeve by bonding. The assembly of the two parts forming the transfer unit is therefore easy.

[0019] Preferably, the sheath includes removable attachment means to the device, such as attachment holes, at its proximal end. In use, such attachment means allow the inner sheath to be easily connected to the secondary shuttle of the device in which the transfer assembly is integrated, by attaching the sheath to this shuttle.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a device suitable for transferring, in a female mammal, in particular a livestock animal, material or substance for reproductive, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes contained in the internal space of a straw, the device comprising a body assembly, a sheath and at least one piston, the sheath having an open proximal end, a distal end in which at least one transfer opening is provided, and an internal channel extending between the proximal and distal ends of the sheath, the at least one piston being capable of pushing the contents of the straw into the sheath, the device being characterized in that it further comprises a transfer assembly as defined above, the protective sleeve of which is fixed to the body assembly,The proximal end of the sheath cooperates with the distal part of the connecting element so as to communicate with the internal space of the straw.

[0021] Such a device may preferably be such as that described in patent FR3021861B1.

[0022] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, a particular embodiment thereof will be described below, by way of indication and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0023] On these drawings:

[0024] [Fig-1] is an overview in perspective, in use, of the entire assembly of transfer according to the present invention integrated into a transfer device, the device being partially represented;

[0025] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the transfer assembly of [Fig.1], ensuring the junction between the inner sheath of the device and a sequin;

[0026] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the joining element alone, showing the junction between the inner sheath of the device and a sequin;

[0027] [Fig.4] is a side cross-sectional view of the joining element in use according to the [Fig.3];

[0028] [Fig.5] is a detailed perspective view of the transfer assembly according to the invention, showing the positioning of the joining element in the protective sheath;

[0029] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the joining element alone;

[0030] [Fig.7] is a side cross-sectional view of the joining element of [Fig.6]; and

[0031] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane passing through the longitudinal axis, of the protective sheath only.

[0032] If we refer first of all to [Fig.1], we can see that the transfer assembly 1 according to the present invention is intended to be mounted in a transfer device 2 whose operation is analogous to that of the transfer device of patent FR3021861B1, which device 2 thus obtained is improved.

[0033] This transfer device 2, partially shown in [Fig.1], comprises an inner sheath 20, a body assembly 21, 22, 23, an outer sheath (not shown), and at least one piston 24.

[0034] In [Fig. 1], device 2 is used with a straw 3 of semen or embryo. This device 2 can, however, be used for the transfer of other material or substance for reproductive, therapeutic, or diagnostic purposes.

[0035] The body assembly 21, 22, 23 includes in particular a primary shuttle 21, a secondary shuttle 22 and a rod 23.

[0036] The primary shuttle 21 is formed of a longitudinal portion 210 here with a rectangular cross-section, and a proximal portion 211 here in the shape of a disc or hexagon, and has a longitudinal through hole whose cross-section corresponds substantially to the cross-section of the rod 23. The proximal portion 211 includes a notch receiving the head 240 of the piston 24. The secondary shuttle 22 is slidably mounted on the longitudinal portion 210 of the primary shuttle 21.

[0037] The piston 24 comprises a piston body 241 inserted into the inner sheath 20.

[0038] The inner sheath 20 is connected to the secondary shuttle 22 via the transfer assembly 1 according to the invention.

[0039] The inner sheath 20 has an open proximal end 20a, a distal end in which is formed at least one so-called transfer opening (not visible), and an internal channel 200 extending between the proximal 20a and distal ends of the inner sheath 20 and adapted to receive material, or a substance, for reproductive, therapeutic, or diagnostic purposes to be transferred. The inner sheath 20 is received by sliding within the outer sheath and is flexible so as to be able to be extended, from the distal end of the outer sheath, into the uterine horn of the female mammal until the distal end of the inner sheath 20 is located in the transfer region.

[0040] Referring now to Figures 2 and 5, it can be seen that the transfer assembly 1 according to the present invention comprises a connecting element 4 mounted inside a protective sleeve 5. The protective sleeve 5 is intended to be connected to the secondary shuttle 22.

[0041] The connecting element 4 is intended to connect, in use, the inner sheath 20 and the sequin 3.

[0042] As can be seen more particularly in Figures 6 and 7, the connecting element 4 is a hollow body formed in one piece and extending along a longitudinal axis. This body has, externally, a trumpet shape with a wider part called the proximal part 40 and a narrower part called the distal part 4L. Internally, this body delimits a longitudinal passage 6 extending between an open proximal end 4a and an open distal end 4b and comprising means for retaining the separator 3.

[0043] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the proximal portion 40 is designed to cooperate with the straw 3, in particular with the distal end region 3b of the straw tube 3. The proximal portion 40 extends between the open proximal end 4a and the distal portion 4L. As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the proximal portion 40 comprises a cylindrical bearing surface 400 delimited on one side by an annular wall 401 defining the circular opening at the proximal end 4a and on the other side by an annular wall 402 against which the proximal end 20a of the inner sheath 20 is designed to come together. The annular walls 401 and 402 are in parallel planes and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical bearing surface 400 has a first outer diameter. The area of ​​the annular wall 401 at the proximal end 4a is less than the area of ​​the annular wall 402 on the distal side 4L

[0044] As can also be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the distal part 41 is intended to cooperate with the proximal end region 20a of the inner sheath 20. In particular, the proximal end region 20a of the inner sheath 20 is intended to cover the distal part 41 and to abut against the annular wall 402.

[0045] In use, the assembly method for the inner sheath 20 and the joining element 4 can be as follows. The first step consists of creating a conical shape at the proximal end region 20a of the inner sheath 20, in particular by cold and / or hot deformation. For this purpose, a conical template having a shape and dimensions corresponding to those of the distal portion 41 of the joining element 4 can be used. The second step consists of inserting and fixing the distal portion 41 of the joining element 4 into the deformed region, in particular by bonding.

[0046] The distal portion 41 extends between the proximal portion 40 and the open distal end 4b. As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the distal portion 41 comprises a cylindrical skirt 410 extended by a frustoconical lip 411 flared on the skirt 410 side. The cylindrical skirt 410 extends between the annular wall 402 and the lip 411. The skirt 410 has a second outer diameter, smaller than the first outer diameter. In particular, the connecting element 4 will be dimensioned such that the difference between the first and second outer diameters is at least equal to the thickness of the inner sheath 20 at the proximal end region 20a of the inner sheath 20. The frustoconical lip 411 has a slight slope decreasing from the skirt 410 to the open distal end 4b.This gradual slope allows for easier assembly of the inner sheath 20 around the distal portion 4L. At the open distal end 4b, the lip 411 has an annular wall 412 defining a circular opening. The skirt 410, the lip 411, and the bearing surface 400 are coaxial and centered on the longitudinal axis. The junction area between the distal portion 41 and the proximal portion 40 can be rounded to avoid the presence of an edge.

[0047] The longitudinal passage 6 is configured, in use, to connect the internal space of the disc 3 and the internal channel 200 of the inner sheath 20. This passage 6 comprises a cylindrical bore 60 and a hole 61, 62, which are coaxial and centered on the longitudinal axis. The bore 60 opens into the circular opening at the distal end 4b. The bore 60 extends along the distal portion 41 and a portion of the proximal portion 40. The hole 61, 62 opens on one side into the bore 60 and on the other side into the circular opening at the proximal end 4a. The hole 61, 62 comprises a cylindrical portion 61 on the bore 60 side and a frustoconical portion 62 on the proximal end 4a side. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 61 is greater than the diameter of the bore 60. The diameter of the frustoconical portion 62 on the proximal end side 4a is greater than the diameter of the frustoconical portion 62 on the cylindrical portion 61 side.In other words, the frustoconical portion 62 is flared towards the proximal end 4a. The increase in diameter of the frustoconical portion 62 is progressive, thus forming a slope allowing the centering of the straw tube 3 when it is introduced into the hole 61, 62.

[0048] The diameter of the cylindrical portion 61 is chosen to match the external diameter of the sequin tube 3, such that the sequin 3 is suitable for being received in the hole 61, 62. In particular, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 61 is chosen to allow for a tight or press fit of the sequin tube 3 in this portion 61, which tight or press fit implies slight pressure on the sequin tube 3, allowing it to be reliably held. The diameter of the bore 60 is chosen to be smaller than the external diameter of the sequin tube 3, such that the sequin 3 cannot enter the bore 60.

[0049] Due to the difference in diameter between the bore 60 and the cylindrical portion 61, a shoulder 7 is formed in the longitudinal passage 6. This shoulder 7 constitutes the retaining means 7 for the straw 3. It is a circular shoulder 7, the thickness of which preferably corresponds substantially to the thickness of the straw tube 3. The surface of the shoulder 7 intended to cooperate with the distal end 3b of the straw 3 when the latter is inserted into the hole 61, 62 is called the axial stop surface 70. The axial distance between the axial stop surface 70 and the annular wall 402 against which the proximal end 20a of the inner sleeve 20 is intended to come to rest is a short distance, less than the thickness of the cylindrical bearing surface 400 but greater than the thickness of the cylindrical skirt 410.

[0050] The protective sleeve 5 is intended to contain the connecting element 4 and thus to protect the junction area between the inner sheath 20 and the sequin 3, and also to allow the connection of the inner sheath 20 to the device 2 into which the transfer assembly 1 is integrated.

[0051] As can be seen more particularly in Figures 2 and 8, the sheath 5 has an open proximal end 5a, an open distal end 5b, and an internal axial conduit 50 extending between the proximal ends 5a and distal ends 5b. The opening at the proximal end 5a is sized to allow the passage of the straw tube 3. The opening at the distal end 5b is sized to allow the passage of the inner sheath 20. The longitudinal axis of the sheath 5 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the connecting element 4. The lateral wall 51, 52, 53 of the sheath 5 is defined by first 51, second 52, and third 53 cylindrical portions.

[0052] The first cylindrical portion 51 extends from the proximal end 5a to the second cylindrical portion 52. This first portion 51 includes means for fixing 54 removable to the device 2, in particular fixing holes 54.

[0053] The second cylindrical portion 52 has an external diameter slightly smaller than the external diameter of the first portion 51. This second portion 52 has longitudinal ribs 520, in particular four ribs 520.

[0054] The third cylindrical portion 53 here has an external diameter slightly smaller than the external diameter of the second portion 52. This third portion 53 comprises diametrically opposed openings 530. In particular, three openings 530 diametrically opposed to two openings 530. The opening 530 located near the distal end 5b allows visualization of the joining element 4, the other openings 530 allow visualization of the progression of the straw 3.

[0055] The first portion 51 delimits at least one portion of a truncated conical conduit 500 opening towards the proximal end 5a and a portion of a cylindrical conduit 501.

[0056] The second 52 and third 53 portions delimit a portion of tubular conduit 502 opening on one side into the distal opening and on the other side into the portion of cylindrical conduit 501, via a portion of frustoconical junction 503 flared towards the portion of cylindrical conduit 501, the diameter of the portion of tubular conduit 502 being less than the diameter of the portion of cylindrical conduit 501.

[0057] At the distal end opening 5b, the sleeve 5 has a housing 8 through which the conduit 50 passes. This housing 8 is configured to receive the connecting element 4, which element 4 is bonded into the housing 8. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 8, this housing 8 has a wide cylindrical portion 80 receiving the cylindrical bearing surface 400 of the proximal portion 40 and a narrower portion 81 receiving the distal portion 4L

[0058] Regarding the dimensions, the length of the sleeve 5 is chosen such that when the straw 3 is introduced into the connecting element 4 and comes against the shoulder 7, the tube of the straw 3 protrudes beyond the proximal end 5a of the sleeve 5. Such a dimensioning makes it easy to recover the straw 3 and its contents in the event of failure to transfer the contents to the inner sheath 20.

[0059] In use, the assembly method for the connecting element 4 and the sleeve 5 can be as follows. The connecting element 4, previously attached by adhesive to the inner sheath 20, is inserted into the sleeve 5 through the opening 530 made in the housing 8. To do this, the inner sheath 20 is passed through the opening 530 at the distal end 5b of the sleeve 5, and the connecting element 4 is placed in the housing 8. Then, using adhesive applied around the perimeter of the sheath 20 and the connecting element 4, the connecting element 4 is secured to the sleeve 5, in addition to being axially locked in its housing 8.

[0060] In use, when mounting the transfer assembly 1 in a transfer device 2, the sleeve 5 is connected to the secondary shuttle 22 at a through hole in the latter, such that the conduit 50 and the through hole are in communication with each other. Thus, the inner sheath 20 is connected to the secondary shuttle 22.

[0061] During operation, the operator inserts a straw 3 containing reproductive material, namely semen or an embryo, into the sheath 5 and into the proximal part 40 of the connecting element 4, from the proximal end 5a of the sleeve 5, until the straw 3 comes to rest against the axial stop surface 70 of the shoulder 7. Thus, contrary to the device disclosed in patent FR3021861B1, in a device 2 integrating the transfer assembly 1 according to the present invention, the straw tube 3 no longer enters the inner sheath 20, but comes to rest against the retaining means 7 upstream of the proximal end 20a of the inner sheath 20.

[0062] Next, once the straw tube 3 and the inner sheath 20 are correctly connected by the connecting element 4, the operator inserts the piston 24 into the straw 3 and pushes the piston 24 so that the contents of the straw 3 are forced into the inner sheath 20 after passing through the bore 60 of the connecting element 4. With the internal space of the straw 3, the cylindrical bore 60, and the internal channel 200 of the sheath 20 axially aligned, the passage of the seed or embryo from the straw 3 to the sheath 20 is ensured. A rigid piston 24 is used for this operation.

[0063] In the case of a transfer device analogous to that of patent FR3021861B1, the operator replaces the piston 24 with another, more flexible piston, then pushes this more flexible piston in the distal direction of the inner sheath 20 in order to push the contents of the straw 3 towards the distal end of the inner sheath 20 while the tube of the straw 3 is held in position by the retaining means 7. The subsequent steps for depositing the semen or the embryo in the desired area are the same as those described in patent FR3021861B1.

[0064] It is understood that the above embodiment of the present invention has been given by way of illustration and not limitation, and that modifications may be made to it without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the number, position, and geometry of the openings made through the wall of the sheath, or the means of attaching the sheath to the device, may be modified.

Claims

Demands

1. Transfer assembly (1) intended to be integrated into a device (2) suitable for transferring, into a female mammal, material or substance for reproductive, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes contained in the internal space of a straw (3), which device (2) comprises an inner sheath (20) having an open proximal end (20a), a distal end and an internal channel (200) extending between the proximal (20a) and distal ends, characterized in that the assembly (1) comprises: - a protective sleeve (5) having open proximal (5a) and distal (5b) ends and an internal axial channel (50) which extends between the proximal (5a) and distal (5b) ends and is suitable for receiving the straw (3);and - a connecting element (4) integral with the sheath (5) and introduced axially into the conduit (50), the connecting element (4) being a hollow body having open proximal (4a) and distal (4b) ends and a longitudinal passage (6) extending between the proximal (4a) and distal (4b) ends and intended to connect the internal space of the straw (3) and the internal channel (200) of the inner sheath (2), the connecting element (4) comprising a proximal part (40) intended to cooperate with the straw (3) and a distal part (41) intended to cooperate with the proximal end (20a) of the inner sheath (20), the proximal part (40) comprising means for retaining the straw (3).

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining means (7) comprise a circular shoulder (7) formed in the longitudinal passage (6) between a cylindrical bore (60) intended to open into the internal channel (200) and a hole (61, 62) intended to receive by tight fit the straw (3) and opening into the bore (60) and coaxial with the bore (60), the shoulder (7) comprising an axial stop surface (70) intended to cooperate with the distal end (3b) of the straw (3) when the latter is introduced inside the hole (61, 62).

3. Assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the hole (61, 62) has a cylindrical portion (61) on the side of the stop surface (70) and a frustoconical portion (62) opening outwards from the body on the proximal end side (4a).

4. Assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the frustoconical portion (62) has a circular passage section which increases towards the proximal end (4a) in a progressive slope.

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the body is trumpet-shaped, the proximal part (40) being wider than the distal part (41), the distal part (41) comprising a cylindrical skirt (410) extended by a truncated conical lip (411) flared on the skirt side (410), the proximal part (40) comprising a cylindrical bearing surface (400) of greater diameter than the cylindrical skirt (410) and delimited by an annular wall (402) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis against which the proximal end (20a) of the inner sheath (20) is intended to come.

6. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting element (4) is introduced into a housing (8) provided in the conduit (50) and located in the vicinity of the distal end (5b) of the sleeve (5).

7. Assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the side wall (51, 52, 53) of the sleeve (5) delimiting the conduit (50) has at least one opening (530) through it, at the level of the housing (8).

8. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the joining element (4) is made integral with the protective sleeve (5) by gluing.

9. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sheath (5) includes means for attaching (54) removable to the device (2), such as attachment holes (54), at its proximal end region (5a).

10. A device (2) suitable for transferring, in a female mammal, in particular a livestock animal, material or substance for reproductive, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes contained in the internal space of a straw (3), the device (2) comprising a body assembly (21, 22, 23), a sheath (20) and at least one piston (24), the sheath (20) having an open proximal end (20a), a distal end in which at least one transfer opening is provided, and an internal channel (200) extending between the proximal (20a) and distal ends of the sheath (20), the at least one piston (24) being capable of pushing the contents of the straw (3) into the sheath (20), the device (2) being characterized in that it further comprises a transfer assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the protective sleeve (5) of which is fixed to the body assembly (21, 22, 23), the proximal end (20a) of the sheath (20) cooperating with the distal part (41) of the connecting element (4) so ​​as to be in communication with the internal space of the seam (3).

Images