# US 7,080,665 B2 · Connector apparatus and method of coupling bioprocessor equipment to a media source > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,080,665 B2 - Document ID: US7080665B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/926,737 - Filed: 2004-08-26 - Published: 2005-04-14 - Granted: 2006-07-25 - Earliest claimed: 2003-09-09 - Assignees: Colder Products Company - Inventors: Joseph M. Whall - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7080665B2 ## CPC - F16L 37/0841: {by means of a transversally slidable locking member surrounding the tube} - F16L 37/42: the valve having an axial bore communicating with lateral apertures - F16L 41/021: {T- or cross-pieces (F16L41/025, F16L41/026, F16L41/028 take precedence)} - F16L 2201/44: sterile - Y10T 137/0419: Fluid cleaning or flushing - Y10T 137/4266: Steam sterilizing - Y10T 137/86879: Reciprocating valve unit - Y10T 137/87708: With common valve operator - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A connector apparatus designed for use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a coupler including an end and at least one outlet, and a connector valve connectable at a first end to a fluid source, the connector valve including a valve member, the valve member being partially disposed within the coupler. The connector apparatus further includes a flow passage being actuatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the coupler and the connector valve are engaged, as well as being actuatable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A clip member attached to the coupler allows the valve member to be moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and from the open configuration to the closed configuration. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A connector apparatus, comprising: a coupler including an end and first and second outlets; a connector valve comprising a valve member defining an inlet at a first end of the valve member, and an inlet passage extending longitudinally through the valve member from the first end to a second end of the valve member; and a clip member attached to the coupler, the clip member allowing the valve member to be moved from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and from the open configuration to the closed configuration; wherein the valve member forms a fluid tight seal upstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the closed configuration; wherein the valve member forms a fluid tight seal downstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the open configuration; and wherein the second outlet is in fluid communication with the first outlet when the coupler is in the closed configuration. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupler and the connector valve are initially in the closed configuration upon engagement, the clip member being configured to allow movement of the valve member toward the coupler into the open configuration, and being configured to allow movement of the valve member away from the coupler into the closed configuration. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clip member is configured to allow multiple actuations into the open and closed configurations. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the valve member is engageable with the coupler at two locations; the two locations being a first location defined as the closed configuration and a second location defined as the open configuration. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupler, the connector valve, and the valve member are configured to be reusable. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector valve defines an aperture through which the clip member extends. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The connector apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the clip member surrounds a portion of the valve member. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The connector apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the clip member is actuatable in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the valve member to allow the valve member to be moved from the closed to the open configurations and from the open to the closed configurations. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The connector apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the clip member defines open and closed positions, wherein the clip member allows movement of the valve member while the clip member is in the open position and restricts movement of the valve member while the clip member is in the closed position, and wherein the clip member is biased into the closed position. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The connector apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the valve member defines two slots, the first slot defining the closed configuration when the clip member is positioned in the first slot, and the second slot defining the open configuration with the clip member is positioned in the second slot. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupler and the connector valve are constructed of an injection molded high temperature thermoplastic material consisting of polycarbonate, polysulphone, or polyphenylsulfide. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of the valve member is in fluid communication with the first outlet of the coupler when the coupler is in the open configuration. ### Claim 13 A sterilized assembly for bioprocessing comprising: a media source; a connector apparatus connected to the media source at an inlet, the connector apparatus including a coupler including an end and first and second outlets, a connector valve comprising a valve member defining the inlet at a first end of the valve member, and an inlet passage extending longitudinally through the valve member from the first end to a second end of the valve member, and a clip member attached to the coupler, the clip member allowing the valve member to be moved from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and from the open configuration to the closed configuration, wherein the valve member forms a fluid tight seal upstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the closed configuration, wherein the valve member forms a fluid tight seal downstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the open configuration, and wherein the second outlet is in fluid communication with the first outlet when the coupler is in the closed configuration; and a piece of bioprocessing equipment connected with the connector apparatus to couple the media source with the piece of bioprocessing equipment. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the connector valve defines an aperture through which the clip member extends. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the clip member surrounds a portion of the valve member. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the clip member is actuatable in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the valve member to allow the valve member to be moved from the closed to the open configurations and from the open to the closed configurations. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the clip member defines open and closed positions, wherein the clip member allows movement of the valve member while the clip member is in the open position and restricts movement of the valve member while the clip member is in the closed position, and wherein the clip member is biased into the closed position. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the valve member defines two slots, the first slot defining the closed configuration when the clip member is positioned in the first slot, and the second slot defining the open configuration with the clip member is positioned in the second slot. ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the inlet of the valve member is in fluid communication with the first outlet of the coupler when the coupler is in the open configuration. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The assembly according to claim 19, wherein the bioprocessing equipment is connected to the first outlet of the coupler, and wherein the media source is in fluid communication with the bioprocessing equipment when the coupler is in the open configuration. ### Claim 21 A connector apparatus, comprising: a coupler including an end and first and second outlets; a connector valve located at least partially within the coupler, an outer circumference of the connector valve including a first seal forming a seal between the outer circumference of the connector valve and the coupler; a valve member located at least partially within the connector valve and configured to move within the connector valve between closed and open positions, the valve member defining an interior passage, and an opening surrounded by a first circumferential seal located upstream of the opening and a second circumferential seal located downstream of the opening adjacent to an end of the valve member; and a clip member attached to the coupler, the clip member allowing the valve member to be moved from the closed position to the open position, and from the open position to the closed position; wherein the second circumferential seal of the valve member forms a fluid tight seal upstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the closed position; wherein the second outlet is in fluid communication with the first outlet when the coupler is in the closed position; wherein the second circumferential seal of the valve member forms a fluid tight seal downstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the open position; wherein the opening of the valve member is in fluid communication with the second outlet through the opening in the valve member when the coupler is in the open position; and wherein, as the valve member moves from the closed position to the open position, the end of the valve member including the second circumferential seal travels through a junction formed between the first and second outlets, the junction including a diameter larger than an internal diameter of the connector valve.