Device for Aseptically Connecting Large Bore Tubing

A connector for facilitating the connection of one piece of tubing to another so that fluid can flow from one to the other in a sterile manner, said connector comprising a connector tube, a flange at one end of that tube, said end being the proximal end of the tube, said flange being at the proximal end of the connector, the other end of the connector tube and connector being their distal end, a circular collar separating said flange from said connector tube so that there is a groove between said tube and said flange, the circular collar provides the distal end of the groove, an O-gasket, said O-gasket inserted into said groove at the proximal end of said connector, said O-gasket encircling the proximal end of the connector tube, a portion of said O-gasket protruding from the flange so as to be capable of contact with the O-gasket of an identical connector when the two connectors are joined at their proximal ends, wherein the flange comprises a recess for storage of at least part of a protective shield, said recess containing at least part of a protective shield, said recess comprising a central opening of diameter greater than the opening at the proximal end of the connector tube, wherein the proximal and distal ends of the connector tube are references for the use of the terms proximal and distal as to all components of the connector.