Aseptic coupling devices
Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device, removing a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device, and rotating a locking clip on the first aseptic coupling device to compress a first seal member of the first aseptic coupling device with a second seal member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.
1. An aseptic coupling device, comprising:
a member defining an aseptic fluid passage therethrough;
a seal member coupled to a front surface of the member;
a membrane coupled to the front surface of the member and positioned to cover the seal member; and
a cap releasably coupled to the member, the cap including a bottom member positioned to engage a lower portion of the membrane, the bottom member extending in an axial direction relative to the member, the bottom member defining a surface that holds the lower portion of the membrane in the axial direction;
wherein at least a portion of the cap is concave to surround the front surface of the member.
2. The aseptic coupling device of claim 1 , wherein the cap includes an attachment mechanism to releasably couple the cap to the member.
3. The aseptic coupling device of claim 1 , wherein the cap includes at least one tab to releasably couple the cap to the member.
4. The aseptic coupling device of claim 1 , further comprising a locking ring positioned about the member.
5. The aseptic coupling device of claim 1 , wherein the aseptic coupling device is configured to be sterilized by autoclaving or gamma irradiation.
6. A sterile connector, comprising:
a connector body defining a sterile fluid pathway therethrough;
a peel-away strip coupled to the connector body to maintain sterility of the sterile fluid pathway; and
a cap coupled to the connector body, the cap including a bottom member positioned to engage a lower portion of the peel-away strip, the bottom member extending in an axial direction relative to the connector body, the bottom member defining a surface that holds the lower portion of the peel-away strip in the axial direction;
wherein at least a portion of the cap is concave to surround at least a portion of the connector body; and
wherein the cap includes at least one attachment mechanism to releasably couple the cap to the connector body.
7. The sterile connector of claim 6 , further comprising a seal member coupled to the connector body.
8. The sterile connector of claim 6 , wherein the cap includes a cap body that is concave.
9. The sterile connector of claim 6 , wherein the at least one attachment mechanism is a tab to releasably couple the cap to the connector body.
10. The sterile connector of claim 6 , further comprising a locking ring positioned about the connector body.
11. The sterile connector of claim 6 , wherein the sterile connector is configured to be sterilized by autoclaving or gamma irradiation.
12. The sterile connector of claim 6 , wherein the peel-away strip is a membrane.