Pipe joints or couplings – Frangible element
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-28
2001-05-22
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3627)
Pipe joints or couplings
Frangible element
C285S331000, C604S905000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234538
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector element for connecting tubes, cannulas and catheters, and in particular relates to a connector element for connecting tubes, cannulas and catheters that must remain sealed until the connection is completed.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
An important area of application for connectors is connecting containers of various fluids to medical machines such as a dialyzer with tubing or other types of lines, or connecting the ends of two portions of tubing for the purpose of providing extension lines. To always ensure a sterile and tight connection and thus always minimize any risk of infection to the patient, high demands are made on the design and quality of the connectors and the type of connection formed by the connectors. This is crucial to prevent any contamination not only before but also during and after the connection is made.
International Patent WO 82/02528 discloses a connection system composed of two connector elements, where the connector elements are sealed by thermoplastic membranes before the connection. On the end opposite the thermoplastic membrane, each connector element is itself connected to a length of tubing which is in turn connected, for example, to a container for holding dialysis fluids or to a dialysis machine. The connector elements have an end with a tapered point for opening the sealing membranes arranged in the tubing. While establishing the connection, first the thermoplastic membranes are joined, and then fused by using a suitable heat source, thereby forming a tight connection of the connector elements. Following that, the sealing membranes are opened by using the pointed ends of the connector elements, with the movement of the pointed ends relative to the sealing membranes being performed by a balloon-like area of the tubing. This connector includes a complex system of different membranes and connector elements, and is therefore complicated and expensive to manufacture.
International Patent WO 94/08173 describes a connector system with two connector elements sealed by membranes. After the membranes are joined, a displaceable mandrel arranged movably in one of the connector elements is guided through the membranes. In the unconnected state, the mandrel is accommodated in a space bordered by one of the membranes. Accordingly, during manufacture of the connector, it is necessary to secure the membrane to the connector element after inserting the mandrel, which makes the connector manufacturing process relatively expensive.
Unexamined German Patent 32 10 148 discloses a generic connector element having a puncture element that can be moved relative to a shut-off element in the form of an elastomeric membrane, opening the latter when the connection is made. The puncture element has a male Luer cone on its opening side, that cooperates with a corresponding female cone in making the connection. The elastomer membrane extends over the area for conveying a flowing medium and seals it when the connector element is disconnected. The membrane is in contact with one portion of the connector element, where it is kept in place by an adapter. One disadvantage of this type of connector element is that it is made of several different materials, and that the membrane must be inserted subsequently to assembly and secured with a fluid-tight seal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a connector element for connecting tubes, cannulas, catheters and other types of fluid lines that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art and that can be manufactured easily and will guarantee a reliable connection.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the apparatus and method particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention is connector element that has a shut-off element designed as a single-material, integral component of the connector element. This design permits relatively simple manufacture of the connector elements because the shut-off element is an integral component of the connector element, and no subsequent positioning and securing of the shut-off element within the connector element is needed. Since it is not necessary to position and secure sealing membranes subsequently to assembly of the connector elements, the manufacture of the connectors is simplified and an especially tight arrangement is obtained because the connector elements and the shut-off elements can be manufactured in a single operation. Accordingly, this invention eliminates the costly procedures of subsequently attaching and testing the film membranes or membrane-fitted separate parts.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shut-off element is designed as an injection molded membrane. The injection molded membrane can be manufactured in the same operation as the connector element, thus making it unnecessary to later attach a shut-off element of any kind to the assembly. In particular, this design according to the present invention yields an especially tight connector element, without any dead or wasted space within the connector. This not only protects against leakage and bacterial contamination, but also guarantees a permanently leak proof system that withstands up to a pressure difference of several bar.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the area or conduit for conveying the medium includes the portion for accommodating the puncture element. It is also especially advantageous if the area for conveying the medium includes a socket connector that can be secured to a corresponding socket connector of a second connector member.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connector element includes a housing, and the socket connector is disposed within that housing. According to the present invention, the socket connector may be sealed by the shut-off element, for example a membrane, thereby ensuring that the connected tubing or containers attached to the connector will be leakproof and sterile. The shut-off element in this arrangement is punctured or opened by the puncture element when the connection is established. The housing can serve to protect the socket connector and the shut-off element from unwanted touching or contact, which can result in the introduction of contaminants. The housing diameter may be preferentially designed in such a way that it is impossible to inadvertently touch the socket connector or the areas of the connector element that will be exposed to liquid or gas media after the connection is established.
It is especially advantageous if the attachment member includes a puncture element that can be inserted into the socket connector and secured to it by using a lock. The lock may include a groove extending circumferentially from the outer surface of the puncture element, and a projection extending circumferentially from the inside surface of the socket connector. The puncture element may be inserted into the socket connector and held in the desired position by the lock before the connection is made, and during certain phases of the connection.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the puncture element is designed in such a way that it can be released from the lock by a force applied by a socket connector of a second connector element, as it is connected to the first connector element. In this manner, the puncture element is released from its lock only when the connection is established, and is moved by the second element socket connector in such a way that the shut-off element is punctured or opened. The lock can be ad
Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
Kenyon & Kenyon
Nicholson Eric K.
LandOfFree
Connector element does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Connector element, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Connector element will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2442662