The invention relates to an aseptic connector.

BACKGROUND

Sterile connectors for aseptic processing (commonly referred to as “aseptic connectors”) enable two lines of tubing to be joined while maintaining a sterile fluid pathway. This may be particularly important in medical, pharmaceutical and bioprocessing applications.

An end of each line of tubing may be provided with an aseptic connector which is configured to engage and mechanically connect with the opposing connector. Each aseptic connector is provided with a sealing arrangement which retains the sterility of the tubing (as well as any portions of the connector which form part of the fluid pathway) before, during and after their interconnection. For example, the end of each connector may be provided with a removable membrane which can be removed once the two connectors are interconnected, and the fluid pathway is sealed.

It is desirable to provide aseptic connectors which are simple and easy to operate in order to avoid user errors which could inadvertently compromise the sterility of the fluid pathway.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aseptic connector for connection to an identical opposing aseptic connector, the aseptic connector comprising: a housing; a fluid passageway extending through the housing; a cavity formed in the housing and intersecting the fluid passageway; a movable member disposed within the cavity and having a blocking portion and an opening formed therethrough; wherein the movable member is movably mounted within the cavity between a closed position in which the blocking portion blocks the fluid passageway and an open position in which the opening is aligned with the fluid passageway; wherein the movable member comprises a genderless interconnection mechanism which is configured to engage with the genderless interconnection mechanism of the movable member of the opposing aseptic connector such that the movable members are constrained to move together such that in the open position a continuous fluid pathway is formed across the aseptic connectors. The movable member may be translatable

The movable member may comprise a plunger portion which extends outside of the housing.

The aseptic connector may further comprise a locking collar which has a first position in which it engages the plunger portion to prevent movement of the plunger portion and a second position in which the plunger portion can move relative to the locking collar.

The blocking portion and the opening of the movable member may be separated by one or more seals which seal against the housing.

The opening of the movable member may be configured such that it is offset from the opening of the movable member of the opposing aseptic connector and the movable member may be movable in a first direction to bring its opening into alignment with the fluid passageway or in a second direction to bring the opening of the opposing aseptic connector into alignment with the fluid passageway.

A portion of the movable member may project from the cavity when in the closed position and is received by the cavity of the opposing aseptic connector.

The portion of the movable member may comprise a slot which is configured to receive the opening of the movable member of the opposing aseptic connector.

The housing may comprise an end door which provides access to the cavity and the movable member therewithin.

The movable member may be rotatable.

The movable member may comprise a pair of openings and the blocking portion may be disposed between the openings; wherein the movable member is rotatable in either direction to bring one of the openings into alignment with the fluid passageway in the open position. The pair of openings may be formed by tubular seal elements. The tubular seal elements may comprise a protrusion end and a recess end. The tubular seal elements may be arranged in opposite directions such that the protrusion end of the tubular seal element of the aseptic connector engages with the recess end of the tubular seal element of the opposing aseptic connector.

The protrusion end may comprise a concave surface and the recess end may comprise a convex surface.

The movable member may comprise a release post and a complementary locking passageway. The housing may comprise a locking beam which engages with the locking passageway of the movable member to prevent rotation. The release post may be configured to be received within the locking passageway of the movable member of the opposing aseptic connector and engage with its locking beam in order to release the movable member for rotation.

The movable member may comprise a tab portion which is movable along a slot

The slot may be provided with a locking feature which retains the movable member in the open position and/or a locking feature which retains the movable member in the closed position.

The movable member may comprise a male element and a female element which respectively engage with the female element and the male element of the movable member of the opposing aseptic connector.

The housing of the aseptic connector may comprise a male element and a female element which respectively engage with the female element and the male element of the housing of the opposing aseptic connector.

The male and female elements of the housing may form snap fit connections with the female and male elements of the housing of the opposing aseptic connector.

The movable member may be movable along a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid passageway. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aseptic connector assembly comprising a pair of aseptic connectors as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are exploded views of an aseptic connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector in a first, closed configuration;

Figures 5 and 6 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector in a second, open configuration;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a pair of aseptic connectors in the first, closed configuration prior to engagement;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the pair of aseptic connectors in the first, closed configuration and mechanically connected to one another;

Figures 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views of the pair of aseptic connectors during a transition between the first, closed configuration and the second, open configuration;

Figures 12 and 13 are exploded views of an aseptic connector according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figures 14 and 15 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector in a first, closed configuration;

Figures 16 and 17 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector in a second, open configuration; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a pair of aseptic connectors in the first, closed configuration prior to engagement;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the pair of aseptic connectors in the first, closed configuration and mechanically connected to one another;

Figures 20 to 22 are cross-sectional views of the pair of aseptic connectors during a transition between the first, closed configuration and the second, open configuration;

Figure 23 is an exploded view of an aseptic connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 24 and 25 are perspective and partially exploded views of the aseptic connector in a first, closed configuration;

Figures 26 and 27 are perspective and partially exploded views of the aseptic connector in a second, open configuration;

Figure 28 is a perspective view of a pair of aseptic connectors in the first, closed configuration prior to engagement;

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the pair of aseptic connectors in the first, closed configuration and mechanically connected to one another;

Figures 30 to 32 are cutaway views of the pair of aseptic connectors during a transition between the first, closed configuration and the second, open configuration;

Figures 33 and 34 are exploded views of a pair of aseptic connectors according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 35 is a side view of the pair of aseptic connectors;

Figures 36 and 37 are side and cross-sectional views of the pair of aseptic connectors mechanically connected to one another and in a first, closed configuration; Figures 38 and 39 are side and cross-sectional views of the pair of aseptic connectors mechanically connected to one another and in a second, open configuration;

Figures 40 is an exploded view of a pair of aseptic connectors according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 41 is a perspective view of the pair of aseptic connectors in a first, closed configuration prior to engagement;

Figures 42 and 43 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the pair of aseptic connectors mechanically connected to one another and in the first, closed configuration;

Figures 44 and 45 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the pair of aseptic connectors mechanically connected to one another and in a second, open configuration;

Figures 46 is an exploded view of an aseptic connector according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 47 is a perspective view of the aseptic connector in a first, closed configuration;

Figures 48 and 49 are perspective and cross-sectional views of a pair of aseptic connectors mechanically connected to one another and in the first, closed configuration; and

Figures 50 and 51 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the pair of aseptic connectors mechanically connected to one another and in a second, open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 show an aseptic connector 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The aseptic connector 2 generally comprises a housing formed by a body portion 4 and a cover portion 14. The body portion 4 comprises a barb fitting 6 for insertion into a tube. A fluid passageway 8 extends through the body portion 4 from a first end 10 at the barb fitting 6 to an opening 13 at a second end 12.

The cover portion 14 is affixed to the body portion 4. As shown in Figure 2, the cover portion 14 comprises a rim 16 formed around the perimeter of the cover portion on an inner side facing the body portion 4. A cavity 18 (see Figure 4) is therefore formed between the body portion 4 and the cover portion 14. An opening in the form of a slot 19 is provided in the cover portion 14. A portion of the slot 19 is aligned with the opening 13 at the second end 12 of the fluid passageway 8.

The aseptic connector 2 further comprises a genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the aseptic connector 2 comprises a cantilevered beam 21 (male element) located on one lateral side of the housing (e.g., formed by the body portion 4 and/or the cover portion 14) and a complementary groove 22 (female element) located on the other lateral side of the housing (e.g., formed by the body portion 4 and/or the cover portion 14). The cantilevered beam 21 extends away from the cover portion 14 and is provided with a retaining hook (i.e. , a barb) at its distal end.

The cavity 18 receives a slide member 20. The slide member 20 is slidably received within the cavity 18. A gap is provided in the rim 16 to allow a portion of the slide member 20 to pass therethrough to form a tab portion 27 which extends outside of the cavity 18.

The slide member 20 comprises a genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the genderless interconnection mechanism comprises a protrusion 24 and a complementary recess 26 formed on the slide member 20. The protrusion 24 and recess 26 are located side-by-side at the distal end of the tab portion 27. In this example, the genderless interconnection mechanism comprises a further protrusion 28 and a further complementary recess 30 located side-by-side at the other end of the slide member 20. The protrusion 28 and recess 30 face out of the slot 19 provided in the cover portion 14. The protrusion 28 and recess 30 are each semi-circular and together define a circle which corresponds to the opening 13 at the second end 12 of the passageway 8. The protrusion 24 and the protrusion 28 are provided on opposite lateral sides of the slide member 20 and the recess 26 and the recess 30 are provided on opposite lateral sides of the slide member 20. In other words, the arrangement of the protrusion 24 and the recess 26 is reversed compared to the arrangement of the protrusion 28 and the recess 30.

The slide member 20 comprises a blocking portion 32 and an opening 34 spaced from one another along the slide member 20. The opening 34 is located between the blocking portion 32 and the tab portion 27. The slide member 20 is movable (i.e., translatable) between a first, closed configuration, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, to a second, open configuration, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the first, closed configuration, the blocking portion 32 of the slide member 20 is aligned with the opening 13 at the second end of the fluid passageway 8 and thus blocks and seals the fluid passageway 8; the opening 34 is concealed within the cavity 18 away from the slot 19. In the second, open configuration, the opening 34 of the slide member 20 is aligned with the opening 13 at the second end of the fluid passageway 8 and thus allows fluid to exit/enter the fluid passageway 8. The protrusion 28 and recess 30 move from a proximal end of the slot 19 when in the first, closed configuration to a distal end of the slot 19 when in the second, open configuration.

Figures 7 and 8 show an assembly comprising a pair of aseptic connectors 2 as described above. The connectors 2 are identical but are referred to as first and second connectors for clarity below, where necessary.

As shown, the first and second connectors 2 are interconnected using the genderless interconnection mechanism provided on the housing. Specifically, the aseptic connectors 2 are arranged such that longitudinal axes of the fluid passageways 8 are aligned with one another. The aseptic connectors 2 are translated relative to one another along the longitudinal axes until the beam 21 of the first connector is received in the groove 22 of the second connector and the beam 21 of the second connector is received in the groove 22 of the first connector. A snap-fit connection is therefore formed between the aseptic connectors 2. In this position, the cover portions 14 abut against one another with the slots 19 in alignment.

At the same time, the slide members 20 of the aseptic connectors 2 are interconnected using the genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the protrusions 24, 28 of the slide member 20 of the first connector 2 are received in the recesses 26, 30 of the slide member 20 of the second connector 2 and the protrusions 24, 28 of the slide member 20 of the second connector 2 are received in the recesses 26, 30 of the slide member 20 of the second connector 2. Accordingly, the slide members 20 are constrained to move simultaneously.

The connectors 2 are assembled with the slide members 20 in the first, closed configuration, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In the first configuration, the blocking portion 32 of each slide member 20 covers the opening 13 of the fluid passageway 8. Accordingly, while the connectors 2 are mechanically connected, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 8.

In order to connect their fluid passageways 8, the tab portions 27 of the slide members 20 are forced into the housing, as shown in Figures 9 to 11. This brings the opening 34 of each slide member 20 into alignment with the fluid passageway 8 and thus allows fluid to exit/enter the fluid passageway 8 via the slot 19. A continuous fluid pathway is therefore formed through the first and second connectors 2 such that fluid can pass across the interface between the connectors 2.

Figures 12 to 22 show an alternative example, in which the slide members 120 are withdrawn from the housing in order to transition between the first, closed configuration and the second, open configuration. To facilitate this, the blocking portion 132 is located between the opening 134 and the tab portion 127. In this example, the tab portions 127 are grasped and pulled to partially withdraw the slide members 120 from the housing and to bring the opening 134 into alignment with the fluid passageway. In this example, the protrusion 128 and recess 130 move from a distal end of the slot 119 when in the first, closed configuration to a proximal end of the slot 119 when in the second, open configuration.

Figures 23 and 24 show an aseptic connector 202 according to another embodiment of the invention.

The aseptic connector 202 generally comprises a housing formed by a body portion 204 and a cover portion 214. The body portion 204 comprises a barb fitting 206 for insertion into a tube. A fluid passageway 208 extends through the body portion 204 from a first end 210 at the barb fitting 206 to an opening 213 at a second end 212. The cover portion 214 is affixed to the body portion 204. As shown in Figure 23, the body portion 204 comprises a rim 216 formed around the perimeter of the body portion on an inner side. A cavity 218 is therefore formed between the body portion 204 and the cover portion 214. An opening 219 is provided in the cover portion 214. The opening 219 is aligned with the opening 213 at the second end 212 of the fluid passageway 208.

The cavity 218 receives a slide member 220. The slide member 220 is slidably received within the cavity 218. A pair of slots 229 are provided in the rim 216 to allow a portion of the slide member 220 to pass therethrough to form a pair of tab portions 227a, 227b which extend outside of the cavity 218. The tab portions 227a, 227b are located on opposing lateral sides of the body portion 204.

The slide member 220 comprises a genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the genderless interconnection mechanism comprises a protrusion 224 and a complementary recess 226 formed on each of the tab portions 227a, 227b of the slide member 220.

The slide member 220 comprises a blocking portion 232 and an opening 234 spaced from one another along the slide member 220. The slide member 220 is movable (i.e. , translatable) between a first, closed configuration, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, to a second, open configuration, as shown in Figures 26 and 27. In the first, closed configuration, the blocking portion 232 of the slide member 220 is aligned with the opening 213 at the second end of the fluid passageway 208 and thus blocks and seals the fluid passageway 208; the opening 234 is concealed within the cavity 218 away from the opening 219. In the second, open configuration, the opening 234 of the slide member 220 is aligned with the opening 213 at the second end of the fluid passageway 208 and thus allows fluid to exit/enter the fluid passageway 208 via the opening 219.

Figures 28 and 29 show an assembly comprising a pair of aseptic connectors 202 as described above. The connectors 202 are identical but are referred to as first and second connectors for clarity below, where necessary.

As shown, the first and second connectors 202 are interconnected using the genderless interconnection mechanism provided on the slide members 220. Specifically, the aseptic connectors 202 are arranged such that longitudinal axes of the fluid passageways 208 are aligned with one another. The aseptic connectors 202 are translated relative to one another along the longitudinal axes until the protrusions 24 of the slide member 220 of the first connector 202 are received in the recesses 226 of the slide member 20 of the second connector 2 and the protrusions 224 of the slide member 220 of the second connector 202 are received in the recesses 226 of the slide member 220 of the second connector 202. Accordingly, the slide members 220 are constrained to move simultaneously. The interconnection of the slide members 220 may sufficiently interconnect the first and second connectors (through a snap-fit connection or the like) or a separate genderless interconnection mechanism may be provided on the housing for this purpose, as described with reference to previous embodiments.

The connectors 202 are assembled with the slide members 220 in the first, closed configuration, as shown in Figures 28 and 29. In the first configuration, the blocking portion 232 of each slide member 220 covers the opening 213 of the fluid passageway 208. Accordingly, while the connectors 202 are mechanically connected, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 208.

In order to connect their fluid passageways 208, the tab portions 227a, 227b are used to slide each of the slide members 220 along the cavity 218, as shown in Figures 30 to 32. This brings the opening 234 of each slide member 220 into alignment with the fluid passageway 208 and thus allows fluid to exit/enter the fluid passageway 208 via the opening 219 in the cover portion 214. A continuous fluid pathway is therefore formed through the first and second connectors 202 such that fluid can pass across the interface between the connectors 202.

Figures 33 to 35 show a pair of aseptic connectors 302 according to another embodiment of the invention. The connectors 302 are identical but are referred to as first and second connectors for clarity below, where necessary.

Each aseptic connector 302 generally comprises a housing formed by a body portion 304. The body portion 304 defines a cavity 318 (see Figure 34). A barb fitting 306 extends from the body portion 304 for insertion into a tube. The barb fitting 306 defines a fluid passageway 308 which opens into the cavity 318 at an opening 313. A further opening 319 (see Figure 37) is provided in the body portion 304. The opening 319 is aligned with the opening 313 but is spaced across the cavity 318.

The body portion 304 comprises a genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the body portion 304 comprises a cantilevered beam 321 (male element) located on one lateral side of the body portion 304 and a loop 322 (female element) located on the other lateral side of the body portion. The cantilevered beam 321 extends away from the body portion 304 and is provided with a retaining hook (i.e., a barb) at its distal end. The beam 321 and loop 322 are located at an upper end of the body portion 304. A bottom end of the body portion 304 is open over half of its crosssection and the other half of its cross-section is closed by an end wall 342. The end wall 342 projects beyond the body portion 304 to form a foot 343 which corresponds to the shape of the open half. In other examples, the open half may be covered but recessed/stepped.

The cavity 318 receives a slide member 320. The slide member 320 is slidably received within the cavity 318. The cross-section of the slide member 320 substantially corresponds to the cross-section of the cavity 318.

The slide member 320 comprises a blocking portion 332 and a throughbore 334 spaced from one another along the slide member 320. A first pair of seals 307a is provided adjacent one end of the slide member 320, a second pair of seals 307b is provided between the throughbore 334 and the blocking portion 332 and a third pair of seals 307c is provided adjacent the other end of the slide member 320. The seals 307a, 307b, 307c each extend around the perimeter of the slide member 320 and project therefrom to seal against the inner surface of the body portion 304. In other examples, only a single seal may be provided in each position, or they may be omitted entirely.

The slide member 320 is movable (i.e., translatable) between a first, closed configuration, as shown in Figures 36 and 37, to a second, open configuration, as shown in Figures 38 and 39. In the first, closed configuration, the blocking portion 332 of the slide member 320 is aligned with the opening 313 and thus blocks and seals the fluid passageway 308; the throughbore 334 is concealed within the cavity 318 away from the opening 319. In the second, open configuration, the throughbore 334 of the slide member 320 is aligned with the openings 313, 319 at either end and thus allows fluid to pass between the openings 313, 319 via the throughbore 334.

Each aseptic connector 302 further comprises a plunger portion 338. The plunger portion 338 comprises a pressing surface 340 at one end, a flange portion 344 at the other end and a stem 346 extending therebetween. The pressing surface 340 substantially corresponds to the cross-section of the body portion 304 and abuts against an end surface of the slide member 320 in use.

The stem 346 is formed by three elongate ribs 348. The ribs 348 are arranged at right angles, such that first and second ribs 348a, 348b are parallel to one another and the third rib 348c is perpendicular to both of the first and second ribs 348a. 348b.

The flange portion 344 is semi-circular. A recess 350 is provided on an underside of the flange portion 344 on one side of the stem 346 and a complementary tab 352 extends from the flange portion 344 on the other side of the stem 346.

Each aseptic connector 302 further comprises a locking collar 354 which abuts against the upper end of the body portion 304. The locking collar 354 has a first position in which it engages the stem 346 of the plunger portion 338 to prevent the plunger portion 338 from being moved relative to the locking collar 354 and thus the body portion 304, and a second position in which the stem 346 of the plunger portion 338 can move relative to the locking collar 354 and thus the body portion 304.

As shown, in use, the first and second connectors 302 are interconnected using the genderless interconnection mechanism provided on the housing. Specifically, the aseptic connectors 302 are arranged such that longitudinal axes of the fluid passageways 308 are aligned with one another. The aseptic connectors 302 are translated relative to one another along the longitudinal axes until the beam 321 of the first connector is received in the loop 322 of the second connector and the beam 321 of the second connector is received in the groove 322 of the first connector. A snap-fit connection is therefore formed between the aseptic connectors 302. In this position, the body portions 304 abut against one another with the openings 319 in alignment.

As the aseptic connectors 302 are brought together, the foot 343 of the first connector 302 slides over the open half of the body portion 304 of the second connector 302 (and vice versa). Further, the tab 352 of the plunger portion 338 of the first connector 302 engages the recess 350 of the plunger portion 338 of the second connector 302 (and vice versa). Consequently, the plunger portions 338 and thus the slide members 320 are constrained to move simultaneously.

Bringing the aseptic connectors 302 together also causes the locking collars 354 to abut one another and to thus move to the second position such that the stems 346 are released and the plunger portions 338 can be translated relative to the body portion 304.

The connectors 302 are assembled with the slide members 320 in the first, closed configuration, as shown in Figures 36 and 37. In the first configuration, the blocking portion 332 of each slide member 320 covers the opening 313 of the fluid passageway 308. Accordingly, while the connectors 302 are mechanically connected, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 308.

Each body portion 304 comprises a finger flange 305 and the flange portions 344 of the plunger portions 338 combine to form a thumb rest which can be used together to depress the plunger portions 338 into the body portions 304, thereby causing the slide members 320 to translate through the body portions 304 to the second, open configuration, as shown in Figures 38 and 39. This brings the throughbore 334 of each slide member 320 into alignment with the fluid passageway 308 and thus allows fluid to exit/enter the fluid passageway 308 via the opening 319. A continuous fluid pathway is therefore formed through the first and second connectors 302 such that fluid can pass across the interface between the connectors 302.

The throughbore 334 may be compressed within the body portion 304 when in the first, closed configuration. Consequently, a portion of the throughbore 334 may pass into (and, optionally, extend beyond) the opening 319 when in the second, open configuration so as to engage and seal against the opposing throughbore 334 of the other connector 302. In particular, as shown, a circular boss may be provided around the throughbore 334 which projects beyond the surrounding surface of the slide member 320 and is received by the opening 319 when in the second, open configuration. The slide member 320 further comprises a groove 309 which extends around the perimeter of the slide member 320. The body portion 304 comprises a complementary ridge 311 which is positioned so as to engage with the groove 309 when the slide member 320 is in the second, open configuration in order to retain the slide member 320 in this position. The pressing surface 340 of the plunger portion 338 may simply abut against the end surface of the slide member 320 such that the subsequent withdrawal of the plunger portion 338 will not cause the slide member 320 to return to the first, closed configuration. In other examples, the plunger portion 338 may be connected to the slide member 320 or integrally formed therewith such that the slide member 320 can be returned to its original position.

Figures 40 and 41 show a pair of aseptic connectors 402 according to another embodiment of the invention. The connectors 402 are identical but are referred to as first and second connectors for clarity below, where necessary.

Each aseptic connector 402 generally comprises a housing formed by a body portion 404. The body portion 404 defines a cavity 418. A barb fitting 406 extends from the body portion 404 for insertion into a tube. The barb fitting 406 defines a fluid passageway 408 which opens into the cavity 418 at an opening 413.

The body portion 404 comprises pair of jaws 422a, 422b which are spaced across the cavity 418 from the opening 413 and are configured to receive the barb fitting 406 of the opposing aseptic connector 402. The jaws 422a, 422b are spaced by a distance (at their narrowest point) which is less than a diameter of an outer surface of the barb fitting 406. As such, the jaws 422a, 422b deflect away from one another in order to receive the barb fitting 406 and return to form a snap fit connection. It will be appreciated that the jaws 422a, 422b and barb fitting 406 form a genderless interconnection mechanism.

The cavity 418 receives a slide member 420. The slide member 420 is slidably received within the cavity 418.

The slide member 420 comprises a blocking portion 432 and a throughbore 434 spaced from one another along the slide member 420. The throughbore 434 is formed by a tubular seal element 433 which is received in an opening 435 formed in the slide member 420. The tubular seal element 433 has a thickness which is greater than (specifically, approximately twice) that of the portion of the slide member 420 in which the opening 435 and the blocking portion 432 are formed, but which substantially corresponds to the corresponding (thickness) dimension of the cavity 418. The tubular seal element 433 thus projects above the surface of the slide member 420 on one side, but seals against an inner surface of the body portion 404 at either end. It will be appreciated that the portion of the slide member 420 in which the opening 435 and the blocking portion 432 are formed lies against the inner surface of the body portion 404 on one side (adjacent the opening 413) but is spaced from the inner surface of the body portion 404 on the other side (adjacent the jaws 422a, 422b) to form a gap which is sized to receive the slide member 420 of the opposing aseptic connector 402.

The slide member 420 comprises a slot 437 at a first end (adjacent the blocking portion 432) which is sized to receive the tubular seal element 433 of the opposing aseptic connector 402. The slide member 420 further comprises an actuation tab 439 at a second end of the slide member 420 (adjacent the throughbore 434). An upstand 441 is provided between the actuation tab 439 and the throughbore 434.

As shown in Figure 41, the aseptic connectors 402 are initially provided in a first, closed configuration in which the blocking portion 432 of the slide member 420 is aligned with the opening 413 and thus blocks and seals the fluid passageway 408; the throughbore 434 is concealed within the cavity 418. As shown, in this configuration, the first end of the slide member 420 comprising the slot 437 extends out of the cavity 418.

The connectors are initially arranged such that longitudinal axes of the fluid passageways 408 are parallel but offset from one another. The aseptic connectors 402 are then translated relative to one another to bring the longitudinal axes into alignment, as shown in Figure 42. In doing so, the barb fitting 406 of one connector 402 is received in the jaws 422a, 422b of the opposing connector, thus forming a snap-fit connection between the aseptic connectors 402 in order to mechanically interconnect the aseptic connectors 402. The body portions 404 of the aseptic connectors 402 and the cavities 418 therewithin combine to form a substantially enclosed volume.

The slide member 420 of the first connector 402 is received in the cavity 418 of the second connector 402 in the gap formed between the slide member 420 of the second aseptic connector 402 and the inner surface of the body portion 404, and vice versa. The slide members 420 slide over one another until they abut against the upstand 441 of the opposing aseptic connector 402, with the slot 437 of the first aseptic connector 402 receiving the tubular seal element 433 of the second aseptic connector 402, and vice versa.

As shown in Figure 43, in this configuration, the throughbore 434 of the first aseptic connector 402 is located on one side of the longitudinal axes of the fluid passageways 408 and the throughbore 434 of the second aseptic connector 402 is located on the other side of the longitudinal axes of the fluid passageways 408. The blocking portion 432 of each slide member 420 covers the respective opening 413 of the fluid passageway 408. Accordingly, while the connectors 402 are mechanically connected, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 408.

The slide members 420 may be moved into a second, open configuration by pushing the slide members 420 via either actuation tab 439 to bring one of the throughbores 434 into alignment with the openings 413, as shown in Figures 44 and 45. It will be appreciated that pushing one of the slide members 420 also causes the other slide member to move by virtue of the abutment with the opposing upstand 441. Fluid is therefore allowed to pass between the fluid passageways 408 of the first and second aseptic connectors 402 via the throughbore 434.

The body portion 404 of each aseptic connector 402 is provided with an end door 445 which provides access to the cavity 418 and the actuation tab 439 of the slide member 420 therewithin. As shown, in the second, open configuration, the actuation tab 439 of one of the slide members 420 may project out of the body portion 404. This may therefore provide a visual indication that the aseptic connectors 402 are fluidically connected; the actuation tabs 439 may be coloured or include another visual indicator (e.g., the word “OPEN” or the like) for this purpose.

The slide members 420 may be returned to the first, closed configuration by pushing the opposing actuation tab 439 in order to bring the blocking portions 432 of the slide members 420 back into alignment with the openings 413.

Figures 46 and 47 show an aseptic connector 502 according to another embodiment of the invention. The aseptic connector 502 generally comprises a circular housing formed by a body portion 504 and a cover portion 514. The body portion 504 comprises a barb fitting 506 for insertion into a tube. A fluid passageway 508 extends through the barb fitting 506 to an opening 513 in the body portion 504.

The cover portion 514 is affixed to the body portion 504. The body portion 504 and/or cover portion 514 comprises a rim 516 formed around at least a portion of its perimeter such that a cavity 518 is formed between the body portion 504 and the cover portion 514. An opening 519 is provided in the cover portion 514. The opening 519 is aligned with the opening 513.

The aseptic connector 502 further comprises a genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the aseptic connector 502 comprises a plurality of cantilevered beams 521 (male element) and a plurality of complementary loops 522 (female element). The beams 521 and loops 522 are formed by the body portion 504, although they may instead be formed by the cover portion 514 (or a combination of the body portion 504 and the cover portion 514). Each cantilevered beam 521 extends away from the cover portion 514 and is provided with a retaining hook (i.e. , a barb) at its distal end.

The cavity 518 receives a rotatable member 520. The rotatable member 520 is rotatably mounted within the cavity 518. Specifically, the rotatable member 520 comprises a central pivot hole 556 which receives a post 558 formed on the body portion 504. The fluid passageway 508 and the openings 513, 519 are offset from the rotational axis of the rotatable member 520.

A circumferential slot 560 is provided between the body portion 504 and the cover portion 514 to allow a tab portion 527 of the rotatable member 520 to pass therethrough.

The rotatable member 520 comprises a genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the genderless interconnection mechanism comprises a protrusion 524 and a complementary recess 526 formed on the tab portion 527 of the rotatable member 520. The rotatable member 520 comprises a pair of openings 535 angularly spaced from one another and a blocking portion 532 disposed therebetween. Each opening 535 receives a tubular seal element 533 which defines a throughbore 534. As shown, in this example each of the tubular seal elements 533 comprises a concave end and a convex end. The tubular seal elements 533 are arranged in opposite directions so that the concave end of one tubular seal element 533 and the convex end of the other tubular seal element 533 are located on each side of the rotatable member 520.

A perimeter seal 507 is provided around each of the throughbores 534 on either side of the rotatable member 520. Each perimeter seal 507 bounds a circular sector containing one of the throughbores 534 and projects from the surface of the rotatable member 520 to seal against the inner surface of the body portion 304 or cover portion 514.

The cover portion 514 comprises an arcuate slot 570 which is centred on the rotational axis of the rotatable member 520 (i.e., at the post 558). The arcuate slot 570 is diametrically opposed from the opening 519. A release post 572 extends from the surface of the rotatable member 520 and is received by the arcuate slot 570. The release post 572 is located next to a complementary passageway 574 which extends through the rotatable member 520. In this example, the release post 572 and passageway 574 are both semicylindrical.

A portion of the body portion 504 is cut away to form a cantilevered locking beam 576. The locking beam 576 carries a protrusion 578 at its distal end which engages with the passageway 574 to prevent rotation of the rotatable member 520. In this example, the protrusion 578 is semicylindrical to conform to the passageway 574.

The tab portion 527 and the release post 572 of the rotatable member 520 are movable along the circumferential slot 560 and the arcuate slot 570 respectively as the rotatable member 520 rotates within the housing.

Figure 48 shows an assembly comprising a pair of aseptic connectors 502 as described above. The connectors 502 are identical but are referred to as first and second connectors for clarity below, where necessary. As shown, the first and second connectors 502 are interconnected using the genderless interconnection mechanism provided on the housing. Specifically, the aseptic connectors 502 are arranged such that longitudinal axes of the fluid passageways 508 are aligned with one another. The aseptic connectors 502 are translated relative to one another along the longitudinal axes until the beams 521 of the first connector are received in the loops 522 of the second connector and the beams 521 of the second connector are received in the loops 522 of the first connector. A snap-fit connection is therefore formed between the aseptic connectors 502. In this position, the cover portions 514 abut against one another with the openings 519 in alignment.

At the same time, the rotatable members 520 of the aseptic connectors 502 are interconnected using the genderless interconnection mechanism. Specifically, the protrusion 524 of the rotatable member 520 of the first connector 502 is received in the recess 526 of the rotatable member 520 of the second connector 502 and the protrusion 524 of the rotatable member 520 of the second connector 502 are received in the recess 526 of the rotatable member 520 of the second connector 502. Accordingly, the rotatable members 520 are constrained to rotate simultaneously.

The connectors 502 are assembled with the rotatable members 520 in a first, closed configuration, as shown in Figures 47 and 48. In the first configuration, the blocking portion 532 of each rotatable member 520 covers the opening 513 of the fluid passageway 508 (and also the covers the opening 519 in the cover portion 514). Further, in this configuration, the tab portion 527 and the release post 572 of the rotatable member 520 are positioned midway along the circumferential slot 560 and the arcuate slot 570 respectively and the protrusion 578 of the locking beam 576 engages with the passageway 574 to prevent rotation of the rotatable member 520.

Bringing the aseptic connectors 502 together causes the release post 572 of the first connector 502 to be inserted into the passageway 574 of the second connector 502, and vice versa. The release post 572 thus forces the protrusion 578 out of the passageway 574 and thereby allows the rotatable member 520 to be freely rotated.

As shown in Figure 49, in the first, closed configuration, the blocking portion 532 of the rotatable member 520 is aligned with the opening 513 and thus blocks and seals the fluid passageway 508; the throughbores 534 are concealed within the cavity 518 away from the opening 519. Therefore, while the connectors 502 are mechanically connected in this configuration, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 508.

In order to connect their fluid passageways 508, the rotatable members 520 are moved (i.e., rotated) from the first, closed configuration to a second, open configuration, as shown in Figures 50 and 51. In order to do so, the tab portions 527 of the rotatable members 520 are forced along the circumferential slot 560 toward either end (i.e., in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction). This brings the throughbore 534 of one of the tubular seal elements 533 of each aseptic connector 502 into alignment with the openings 513, 519. A continuous fluid pathway is therefore formed through the first and second connectors 502 such that fluid can pass across the interface between the connectors 502.

The tubular seal elements 533 may be compressed between the body portion 504 and the cover portion 514 when in the first, closed configuration. Consequently, the end of the tubular seal element 533 may pass into/through the opening 519 when in the second, open configuration so as to engage and seal against the opposing tubular seal element 533 of the other connector 502. As described previously, the tubular seal elements 533 of each aseptic connector 502 are arranged in opposite directions so that the concave end of one tubular seal element 533 and the convex end of the other tubular seal element 533 are presented towards the cover portion 514. As a result, the concave end of the tubular seal element 533 of one aseptic connector 502 engages with the convex end of the tubular seal element 533 of the other aseptic connector 502, thereby improving sealing. It will be appreciated that, in other examples, the tubular seal element 533 may be configured differently and may have any form of protrusion at one end and any form of complementary recess at the other end. For example, the tubular seal element 533 may comprise a circular rib at one end and a complementary circular groove at the other end.

The circumferential slot 560 is provided with a pair of locking features 580 located towards either end of the circumferential slot 560 which are configured to retain the rotatable member 520 in the second, open configuration. Specifically, the locking features 580 comprise a ramped surface which terminates in a step. Each tab portion 527 rides over and is deflected by the ramped surface towards the cover portion 514 when the rotatable member 520 is rotated from the first, closed configuration to the second, open configuration. This causes the tab portions 527 of the first and second connectors 502 to move towards one another. The recess 526 provided in each tab portion 527 is formed as a throughbore (or has sufficient depth) to allow the protrusion 524 of the opposing tab portion 527 to move relative to the recess 526 whilst maintaining engagement.

After clearing the ramped surface and the step, the tab portion 527 returns to its relaxed position against the body portion 504. This may provide feedback (e.g., visual, tactile or audible feedback) that the rotatable member 520 is now in the second, open configuration and confirmation that a continuous fluid pathway has been formed. The locking features 580 may be positioned such that the step is spaced from the end of the circumferential slot 560 by a distance which corresponds to the width of the tab portion 527. Accordingly, the tab portion 527 is unable to move in either direction after clearing the ramped surface and the step.

The step of the locking feature 580 prevents the rotatable member 520 from returning from the second, open configuration to the first, closed configuration through a circumferential force alone. In order to return the rotatable member 520, the tab portions 527 must be squeezed together (applying an axial force) to deflect them sufficiently that they clear the step.

In addition, or as an alternative, locking features may be provided to retain the rotatable member 520 in the first, closed configuration.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be modified or adapted without departing from the scope of the present invention.