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.

A reusable clamp for retaining conduit sections or sanitary fittings having circular flanges together includes two gland members movable between open and closed positions. The gland members include two handles projecting outwardly from the gland members and two sets of locking detents formed on a latch finger connected to one gland member and the outer periphery of the other gland member. The locking detents engage to prevent movement of the gland members away from the closed position until a latch release arm coupled to the latch finger is depressed towards one of the handles, which causes the locking detents to disengage from one another and enables re-opening of the clamp when desired. The latch release arm and one or more of the handles also include tie-receiving loops to prevent accidental opening of the clamp unless desired by the end user.

A fluid-connection device capable of and intended for connecting a flexible pipe to a flexible or rigid pipe or enclosure in a biopharmaceutical assembly such as to provide fluid communication between two fluid spaces, including a first connector in fluid communication with the first fluid space, a second connector in fluid communication with the second fluid space, the first connector and the second connector optionally being coupled together in a coupling position, the first connector including a tubular nozzle which can be inserted in one end of the pipe, a pipe clamp being arranged around the end of the tube in order to clamp the pipe onto the tubular nozzle of the first connector, the second connector including protection elements which, in the coupling position, are positioned radially at least partially opposite the pipe clamp, whereby the pipe clamp cannot come into direct contact with external elements.

The invention concerns a pipe arrangement comprising a protective device for protecting against environmental influences, the pipe arrangement comprising: a) a pipe joint which includes at least two pipe ends (1, 2) which are fixed together by means of a mechanical joint (3) and in which the pipe ends (1, 2) and also the mechanical joint are closed with a deformable hollow body (4), or b) a pipe (1) with a pipe opening (14), for example a leak, through which a medium which is disposed within the pipe can escape, wherein the pipe (1) is enclosed by a deformable hollow body where the pipe opening (14) is and wherein the pipe (1) is covered by the hollow body (4) in a predetermined portion on both sides of the opening (14), or c) a pipe having a pipe opening on which a sprinkler of a sprinkler installation is mounted, wherein the pipe (1) and also the sprinkler outlet is enclosed by a deformable hollow body (4) where the sprinkler is fixed to the pipe so that the hollow body (4) surrounds both the pipe end (1) and also the sprinkler outlet and a part of the sprinkler, or d) a pipe of a pipe system, wherein the pipe (1) is formed from two pipe portions which are connected together in positively locking relationship, for example by a welding process, a soldering process, a gluing process or the like, and wherein in the region of the positively locking connection the pipe is enclosed or covered by a deformable hollow body, or e) a pipe of a pipe system, wherein the pipe is enclosed by a deformable hollow body and where the hollow body (4) encloses the pipe (1) the pipe is carried by a suspension (13) which preferably has a material different from the material of the pipe.

Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device while a locking ring of the first aseptic device is in an indexed initial position, rotating the locking ring to a secured position in which a compressive force is created and in which a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device can removed thereby resulting in a first a first sealing member of the first aseptic coupling device sealing with a second sealing member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.

Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling system. Such repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling systems are configured to facilitate multiple connection and disconnection cycles while repeatably establishing a sterile fluid pathway through the coupling system. The repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling systems can repeatably establish a sterile fluid pathway through the coupling system even though the coupling system may be used in a non-sterile environment.

A connector for forming a substantially aseptic connection is provided, said connector having a connector member a coupling end with a coupling element for engaging a similar coupling element on a similar connector to form a seal. A method for connecting and disconnecting two such connectors is also provided.

A connector is used to connect a gases supply to a user. The user can be fitted with an interface, such as a cannula, while the gases supply can include a conduit. The connector interfaces between the conduit and the interface. The connector has a female assembly and a male assembly that connect together, such as by push fit. The male assembly includes an inner portion sized and configured to mate with a first female connector and an outer portion sized and configured to alternatively mate with a second female connector.

An adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a central opening formed at least in part by an inner wall of the body, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening. The distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distal. The adapter also includes a seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a surface of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.

Apparatus and methods for establishing sterile or disinfected/decontaminated connections or conduits between separate fluid path sub-assemblies. Each section of the fluid path to be connected include one or multiple heatable or heating surfaces, and a sterile volume or chamber defined by at least one of the heatable or heating surfaces. Prior to establishing a sterile access or connection between separate sections of a fluid path, the heatable or heating surfaces are sterilized or disinfected/decontaminated by means of heat. Such means may include ohmic resistive heating, inductive heating, and/or self-heating through an exothermic reaction. All surfaces establishing the connection or conduit are therefore sterile or disinfected/decontaminated, and a sterile connection or conduit is established.