Coupling device and method for using the same
AssigneeMaquet Cardiopulmonary GmbH
InventorsUlrich Haag, Ralf Engelhardt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to a connector system for use in connecting conduits together, such as those used with an extracorporeal blood circulation system. The system has a male and female connector and a seal. The seal is operatively associated with the male and female connectors and forms a fluid tight connection between the male and female connectors. An inner surface of the seal and the inner surfaces of the first and second coupling ends form a continuous and smooth transitional surface.
Claims28
1-13. (canceled)
A connector system for use in connecting fluidic conduits, wherein the system comprises:
- a male connector comprising:
- a first coupling end comprising an inner surface defining an opening in communication with a lumen of the male connector;
- and
- a second end for establishing fluid communication with a first conduit securable with respect to the male connector;
- a female connector comprising:
- a second coupling end comprising an inner surface defining an opening in communication with a lumen of the female connector and detachably connectable to the first coupling end;
- and
- a second end for establishing fluid communication with a second conduit;
- a seal operatively associated with the male and female connectors, wherein the seal is connected to at least one of the male and female connectors such that when the male and female connectors are coupled with respect to each other, the seal is disposed between a portion of the first and second coupling ends, forming a fluid tight connection between the male and female couplers;
- wherein an inner surface of the seal and the inner surfaces of the first and second coupling ends form a continuous and smooth transitional surface.
(canceled)
20-24. (canceled)
28-35. (canceled)
(canceled)
The connector system of claim 31, wherein the valve opens and closes via rotational movement of a knob.
(canceled)
The connector system of claim 31, wherein the valve is a self-sealing valve.
44-49. (canceled)
A method for connecting to fluid conduits with a connector assembly, the connector assembly having a male and female connector member configured to mate to each other and establish a fluid-tight seal therebetween, each of the male and female connector members having a lumen, the lumens substantially aligned with respect to each other when the male and female connectors are mated, the connector assembly further comprising a cavity extension extending more radially outward relative to adjoining portions of the lumens, the method comprising:
- maintaining for a period of time the connector assembly in an orientation such that the cavity has an elevation superior to the adjoining portions of the lumens;
- and
- venting air bubbles captured within the cavity to a location exterior to the lumens.
(canceled)
A connector system for use in connecting conduits of an extracorporeal blood circulation system, wherein the system comprises:
- a male connector comprising:
- a first coupling end comprising an inner surface defining an opening in communication with a lumen of the male connector;
- and
- a second end for establishing fluid communication with a first conduit securable with respect to the male connector;
- a female connector comprising:
- a second coupling end comprising an inner surface defining an opening in communication with a lumen of the female connector and detachably connectable to the first coupling end;
- and
- a second end for establishing fluid communication with a second conduit;
- a seal operatively associated with the male and female connectors, wherein the seal is positionable between the male and female connectors such that when the male and female connectors are coupled with respect to each other, the seal is disposed between a portion of the first and second coupling ends, forming a fluid tight connection between the male and female couplers;
- wherein when the connector assembly is oriented in an upright orientation, a cavity extending between the male and female connectors and in fluid communication with the lumens is at an elevation superior to the lumens of the male and female connectors, wherein the cavity is configured as a channel that tapers at one or both of its ends towards and is continuous with the lumens of the male and female connectors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.