# US 2019/0167970 A1 · Aseptic Coupling Devices > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0167970 A1 - Document ID: US20190167970A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/239,748 - Filed: 2019-01-04 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2013-07-23 - Assignees: Colder Products Company - Applicants: Colder Products Company - Inventors: Patrick Thomas Gerst; Randall Scott Williams - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190167970A1 ## CPC - A61M 39/18: Methods or apparatus for making the connection under sterile conditions, i.e. sterile docking - A61M 39/1011: {Locking means for securing connection; Additional tamper safeties (A61M39/16 takes precedence)} - F16L 37/113: the male part having lugs on its periphery penetrating into the corresponding slots provided in the female part - F16L 37/30: with fluid cut-off means in each of two pipe-end fittings - A61M 39/1033: {Swivel nut connectors, e.g. threaded connectors or bayonet-connectors} - A61M 39/165: {Shrouds or protectors for aseptically enclosing the connector} - A61M 2039/1044: {Verifying the connection, e.g. audible feedback, tactile feedback, visual feedback, using external light sources} - F16L 2201/10: Indicators for correct coupling - F16L 2201/44: sterile - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL ## Abstract An aseptic coupling device includes: a main body defining a front face; a membrane coupled to the front face, the membrane including a first portion coupled to the front face and a second portion folded over on the first portion; and a low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An aseptic coupling device, comprising: a main coupling body having a front face defining an opening; a membrane having a first portion attached directly to the front face to cover the opening and a second portion separated from the first portion by a fold in the membrane; and a low friction member formed of material with a lower coefficient of friction than the membrane, the low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane and configured to reduce friction between the first and second portions of the membrane during removal of the membrane from the main coupling body, wherein one or more areas of the membrane are uncovered by the low friction member to allow for sterilization of the aseptic coupling device through the first and second portions of the membrane without interference by the low friction member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein the one or more areas of the membrane that are uncovered by the low friction member include at least one area defined by an aperture within the low friction member. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The aseptic coupling device of claim 2, wherein the aperture overlaps the opening. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The aseptic coupling device of claim 2, wherein the second portion of the membrane covers the aperture. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein the low friction member is attached to the second portion. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein the low friction member is attached to the first portion. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein the low friction member is made of polytetrafluoroethylene. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein the first portion is attached to the front face completely around the opening. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein the low friction member is attached to the second portion such that the low friction member rides along a surface of the first portion as the membrane is removed from the aseptic coupling device. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein the membrane includes a single fold consisting of the fold in the membrane. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, wherein a first attachment portion of the first portion is attached directly to the front face around the opening and a second attachment portion of the first portion is also attached directly to the front face. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The aseptic coupling device of claim 11, wherein the second attachment portion of the first portion comprises a rectangular portion. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The aseptic coupling device of claim 11, wherein the first attachment portion of the first portion is separated from the second attachment portion of the first portion. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The aseptic coupling device of claim 1, further comprising a cover releasably coupleable with the main coupling body, wherein while the cover is coupled with the main coupling body the cover holds the membrane against the front face of the main coupling body. ### Claim at position 15 15-20. (canceled) ### Claim 21 An aseptic coupling device, comprising: a main coupling body having a front face defining an opening; a membrane having: (i) a first portion attached directly to the front face to cover the opening and (ii) a second portion separated from the first portion by a fold in the membrane; and a low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane and configured to reduce friction between the first and second portions of the membrane during removal of the membrane from the main coupling body, wherein each of the first and second portions of the membrane include at least one area void of the low friction member to allow sterilization of the aseptic coupling device via: (i) the at least one area of the first portion that is void of the low friction member, (ii) the at least one area of the second portion that is void of the low friction member, and (iii) the opening defined by the front face of the main coupling body. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The aseptic coupling device of claim 21, wherein the at least one area of the first portion that is void of the low friction member and the at least one area of the second portion that is void of the low friction member overlap each other. ### Claim 23 (depends on 21) The aseptic coupling device of claim 21, wherein the first portion is attached to the front face completely around the opening, and wherein the low friction member is attached to the second portion such that the low friction member rides along a surface of the first portion as the membrane is removed from the aseptic coupling device. ### Claim 24 A method of sterilizing an aseptic coupling device, the method comprising: providing the aseptic coupling device comprising a front face to which a membrane is attached, wherein a first portion of the membrane is attached directly to the front face completely around an opening defined by the front face to thereby cover the opening, wherein a fold in the membrane separates the first portion of the membrane from a second portion of the membrane, and wherein a low friction member is positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane; and sterilizing the aseptic coupling device, wherein one or more areas of the membrane are uncovered by the low friction member to allow the sterilizing through the first and second portions of the membrane without interference by the low friction member.