Abstract
The present invention provides for a fluid transfer device for interconnecting vessels, the fluid transfer device comprising a main body with a first body part providing a first hollow interior merging into a first open end for receiving a fluid obtaining vessel, and a second body part providing a second hollow interior merging into a second open end for receiving a fluid supplying vessel, a connection assembly with a double-ended cannula for connecting the first hollow interior with the second hollow interior, and a first encasing member encasing a first cannula part arranged within the first hollow interior, and an actuating member provided inside the first hollow interior, wherein the actuating member is movably arranged along a longitudinal axis of the first body part, and wherein the actuating member is in contact with the first encasing member for piercing the first encasing member by the cannula during a movement of the actuating member towards the second body part. Furthermore, the present invention provides for the use of such fluid transfer device for venting a fluid supplying vessel and/or interconnecting vessels, as well as for a respective method.
Claims
1. A fluid transfer device (1) for interconnecting vessels (8; 91; 92; 93), the fluid transfer device (1) comprising: a main body (2) with a first body part (21) providing a first hollow interior (211) merging into a first open end (212) for receiving a fluid obtaining vessel (8), such as a blood collection tube (8), and a second body part (22) providing a second hollow interior (221) merging into a second open end (222) for receiving a fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93), such as a vial (91; 92; 93), a connection assembly (3) with a double-ended cannula (31) for connecting the first hollow interior (211) with the second hollow interior (221), and a first encasing member (32) encasing a first cannula part (311) arranged within the first hollow interior (211), and an actuating member (4) provided inside the first hollow interior (211), the actuating member (4) being movably arranged along a longitudinal axis of the first body part (21), wherein the actuating member (4) is in contact with the first encasing member (32) for piercing the first encasing member (32) by the cannula (31) during a movement of the actuating member (4) towards the second body part (22).
2. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the movement of the actuating member (4) within the first hollow interior (211) is a sliding movement of the outer circumference of the actuating member (4) within the inner circumference of the first body part (21), the actuating member (4) is connected to the first encasing member (32) for piercing the first encasing member (32), the actuating member (4) is operable from the outside of the fluid transfer device (1), preferably in a manual manner by a user, and/or the movement of the actuating member (4) within the first hollow interior (211) is restricted by means of a stopper (44) riding in a notch (214) provided in the first body part (21), the notch (214) having a predetermined length.
3. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the actuating member (4) is in contact with the first encasing member (32) by means of a projection (323) laterally projecting from the first encasing member (32) to the outside, preferably in a disc-like manner.
4. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the second body part (22) is adapted to receive fluid supplying vessels (91; 92; 93) of different shapes and dimensions, such as vials (91; 92; 93) in the form of blood culture bottles (91; 92; 93) comprising caps and/or necks (911; 921; 931) of different sizes.
5. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 4, wherein the second body part (22) comprises at least two cantilever snap-fit connectors (223) and/or at least two projections (224) for providing a centering clip; and/or the fluid transfer device (1) further comprises a spacer (5) connectable to the second open end (222), preferably by means of a snap-fit connection (225, 56), wherein the connected spacer (5) assists the second body part (22) in accommodating long-necked vials (91).
6. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the connection assembly (3) further comprises a second encasing member (33) encasing a second cannula part (312) arranged within the second hollow interior (221).
7. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the first encasing member (32) is attached to the cannula (31) by means of a force-fit connection (3111, 321; 3121, 331), and/or the first encasing member (32) is made of resilient material, preferably EPDM rubber or liquid silicone rubber, for acting as a seal around a piercing site in its compressed state, and, after being released, as a flexible spring element restoring its original form for encasing a respective cannula tip (3112, 3122).
8. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the first open end (212), the second open end (222) and the connection assembly (3) are arranged coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the main body (2), preferably wherein the actuating member (4) is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the main body (2).
9. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the first body part (21), the second body part (22) and/or the actuating member (4) are made of transparent material, and/or the first body part (21), the second body part (22) and/or the actuating member (4) are tubular components of the fluid transfer device (1), preferably wherein an outer diameter of the second body part (22) is broadening in a direction away from the first body part (21).
10. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer device (1) is an adapter for interconnecting vessels (8; 91; 92; 93) of different types for sample transfer, preferably pre-analytical sample transfer, and/or the actuating member (4) is configured for venting the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93).
11. The fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, wherein the main body (2) and the cannula (31) of the connection assembly (3) are integrally manufactured by injection molding.
12. The use of a fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1 for interconnecting a fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93), such as a vial (91; 92; 93) preferably in the form of a blood culture bottle (91; 92; 93), and a fluid obtaining vessel (8), such as a blood collection tube (8), wherein the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93) can vary in shape and dimension; and/or venting a fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93), such as a vial (91; 92; 93) preferably in the form of a blood culture bottle (91; 92; 93), before interconnecting a fluid obtaining vessel (8), such as a blood collection tube (8), with the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93).
13. A method for venting and/or interconnecting vessels (8; 91; 92; 93) by means of a fluid transfer device (1) of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of inserting a fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93), such as a vial (91; 92; 93) preferably in the form of a blood culture bottle (91; 92; 93), into the second hollow interior (221), thereby piercing a septum (912; 922; 932) of the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93) by means of a tip (3122) of the second cannula part (312) arranged within the second hollow interior (221), and optionally also piercing an optional second encasing member (33) encasing the second cannula part (312) before piercing the septum (912; 922; 932) of the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93), moving the actuating member (4) towards the second body part (22) without a fluid obtaining vessel (8) being inserted into the first hollow interior (211), piercing the first encasing member (32) by means of a tip (3112) of the first cannula part (311) arranged within the first hollow interior (211), thereby establishing a fluid connection between an interior of the fluid supplying vessel ((91; 92; 93) and the outside, in order to vent the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93), and optionally after venting the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93), inserting a fluid obtaining vessel (8), such as a blood collection tube (8), into the first hollow interior (211), and piercing a septum (81) of the fluid obtaining vessel (8) by means of the tip (3112) of first cannula part (311) arranged within the first hollow interior (211), thereby establishing a fluid connection between an interior of the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93) and the interior of the fluid obtaining vessel (8).
14. The method of claim 13, wherein, after removal of the fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93) and/or the fluid obtaining vessel (8) from the fluid transfer device (1), a respective encasing member (31, 32) automatically restores its original form by resilience, thereby encasing a respective cannula tip (3112, 3122), preferably wherein the automatic restoring of the first encasing member (32) returns the actuating member (4) into its initial position.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein, before inserting a fluid supplying vessel (91; 92; 93) into the second hollow interior (221), the spacer (5) is connected to the second open end (222), preferably by means of the snap-fit connection (225, 56), the spacer (5) assisting the second body part (22) in accommodating fluid supplying vessels (91) in the form of long-necked vials (91).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic illustration of a fluid transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective illustration of the fluid transfer device as depicted in FIG. 1 in a perspective view;
[0033] FIG. 3a is a schematic illustration of the fluid transfer device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in venting use with a BCB with a long and thin bottle neck as depicted in FIG. 5a, in a cross-sectional view;
[0034] FIG. 3b is a schematic illustration of the fluid transfer device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in venting use with a BCB with a short bottle neck as depicted in FIG. 5b, in a cross-sectional view;
[0035] FIG. 3c is a schematic illustration of the fluid transfer device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in venting use with a BCB with a wide and short bottle neck as depicted in FIG. 5c, in a cross-sectional view;
[0036] FIG. 4a is a schematic illustration of the fluid transfer device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in fluid transfer use with a BCB with a long and thin bottle neck as depicted in FIG. 5a, and with a standard BCT, in a cross-sectional view;
[0037] FIG. 4b is a schematic illustration of the fluid transfer device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in fluid transfer use with a BCB with a short bottle neck as depicted in FIG. 5b, and with a standard BCT, in a cross-sectional view;
[0038] FIG. 4c is a schematic illustration of the fluid transfer device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in fluid transfer use with a BCB with a wide and short bottle neck as depicted in FIG. 5c, and with a standard BCT, in a cross-sectional view; and
[0039] FIGS. 5a-c are schematic illustrations of different kinds of known blood culture bottles, BCBs, in a cross-sectional detail view, with a BCB with a long and thin bottle neck depicted in FIG. 5a, a BCB with a short bottle neck depicted in FIG. 5b, and a BCB with a wide and short bottle neck depicted in FIG. 5c.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0040] 1 fluid transfer device [0041] 2 main body [0042] 21 first body part [0043] 211 first hollow interior [0044] 212 first open end [0045] 213 guide rail [0046] 214 notch [0047] 215 access window [0048] 216 BCT side indicator [0049] 22 second body part [0050] 221 second hollow interior [0051] 222 second open end [0052] 223 snap-fit connector [0053] 224 centering projection [0054] 225 slot for snap-fit connection [0055] 226 BCB side indicator [0056] 23 partitioning wall [0057] 3 connection assembly [0058] 31 double-ended cannula [0059] 311 first cannula part [0060] 3111 first cannula part's bulge [0061] 3112 first cannula part's tip [0062] 312 second cannula part [0063] 3121 second cannula part's bulge [0064] 3122 second cannula part's tip [0065] 32 first encasing member [0066] 321 first encasing member's socket [0067] 322 first encasing member's tip [0068] 323 disc-like projection [0069] 33 second encasing member [0070] 331 second encasing member's socket [0071] 332 second encasing member's tip [0072] 4 actuating member [0073] 41 actuating member's outer wall [0074] 42 abutting wall [0075] 421 actuating member's through-hole [0076] 422 actuating member's seat [0077] 43 guide rail [0078] 44 stopper [0079] 45 grip enhancer [0080] 5 spacer [0081] 51 spacer's outer wall [0082] 511 outer seat [0083] 52 inner wall [0084] 53 outer rim [0085] 54 connecting wall [0086] 55 spacer's through-hole [0087] 56 snap-fit feature [0088] 8 BCT [0089] 81 septum [0090] 91 BCB with a long and thin bottle neck [0091] 911 bottle neck [0092] 912 septum [0093] 92 BCB with a short bottle neck [0094] 921 bottle neck [0095] 922 septum [0096] 93 BCB with a wide and short bottle neck [0097] 931 bottle neck [0098] 932 septum [0099] LA common longitudinal axis
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0100] FIG. 1 shows a fluid transfer device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 2 shows the fluid transfer device 1 of FIG. 1 in a perspective view in an assembled manner, with the interior of the fluid transfer device 1 illustrated in a see-through manner by means of dashed lines. In general, the fluid transfer device 1 of the present invention basically comprises a main body 2, a connection assembly 3, an actuating member 4 and, as a removable component for optional use in case of the necessity of lengthwise extension for additional support, a spacer 5.
[0101] The main body 2 of the fluid transfer device 1 includes a first body part 21 and a second body part 22, which body parts 21, 22 are separated by a common partitioning wall 23. In the presently described embodiment, the first body part 21, the second body part 22 and the partitioning wall 23 are integral components of the main body 2 of the fluid transfer device 1. Further, the first body part 21 and the second body part 22 are both cylindrical components. In this regard, the first body part 21 comprises a hollow interior, also referred to as first hollow interior 211, which is defined by the partitioning wall 23 on one side and by an open end at the other side, also referred to as first open end 212. Similarly thereto, the second body part 22 comprises a hollow interior, also referred to as second hollow interior 221, which is defined by the partitioning wall 23 on one side and by an open end at the other side, also referred to as second open end 222.
[0102] The first open end 212 and, in its extension towards the partitioning wall 23, the first hollow interior 211 can also be referred to as BCT side of the fluid transfer device, since both the first open end 212 and the first hollow interior 211 are intended to receive a standard BCT. Thus, in view of such standard BCT and its tubular shape with a usually constant outer diameter, the first open end 212 and the first hollow interior 211 basically exhibit the same constant inner diameter. As can be gathered from FIGS. 3a to 3c, on the inner wall of the first body part 21, guide rails 213 are provided along a circumference of the first hollow interior 211, wherein the guide rails 213 are stripe-like bars in different lengths and project from the inner wall of the first body part 21 towards the inside, i.e. towards a center or longitudinal axis LA common to all components of the fluid transfer device 1. Also, each one of the guide rails 213 can exhibit a bevel-like inclination at its end directed towards the first opening end 212 and beveled in regard to the inside, for ease of introducing and centering a BCT into the first hollow interior 211. Thereby, the tubular BCT, when introduced, is centered and aligned with its longitudinal axis to the longitudinal axis LA. In regard to the mentioned axial ratio, in the present case, the center axes of the main body 2, the connection assembly 3, the actuating member 4 as well as the optional spacer 5 all coincide. Thus, the longitudinal axis LA constitutes a common center axis of all components of the fluid transfer device 1 according to the presently described embodiment of the present invention, and, thus, of the fluid transfer device 1 itself.
[0103] In an outer wall of the first body part 21, which outer wall surrounds the first hollow interior 211, a notch 214 in the form of an elongated recess connecting the inside of the first body part 21, i.e. the first hollow interior 211, with the outside is provided, wherein the longitudinal axis of the notch 214 extends parallel, i.e. paraxial, to the longitudinal axis LA. Furthermore, in the outer wall of the first body part 21, an access window 215 in the form of an elongated recess connecting the inside of the first body part 21, i.e. the first hollow interior 211, with the outside is provided, wherein the longitudinal axis of the access window 215 extends parallel, i.e. paraxial, to the longitudinal axis LA. Here, a width of the notch 214 is smaller than a width of the access window 215, which, however, is merely a design feature and is not mandatory since both the notch 214 and the access window 215 could have similar dimensions without lacking any of their function, such as identical width. Furthermore, as an optional feature on the outside of the outer wall of the first body part 21, an engraving in the form of a standard BCT is provided, which engraving is also referred to as BCT side indicator 216. Thereby, a user can clearly identify the BCT side of the fluid transfer device 1 according to the presently described embodiment of the present invention. As an alternative, such BCT side indicator 216 can also be provided in the form of an imprint, a label, or the like. Similarly thereto, an engraving in the form of an exemplary BCB is provided as an optional feature on the outside of the outer wall of the second body part 22, which engraving is also referred to as BCB side indicator 226. Thereby, a user can clearly identify the BCB side of the fluid transfer device 1 vis-à-vis the BCT side.
[0104] On the inside of the first body part 21, the actuating member 4 as a per se separate component is inserted into the first hollow interior 211. The actuating member 4 is itself a hollow cylindrical or tubular member comprising a substantially cylindrical outer wall 41 and an abutting wall 42 arranged parallel to the partitioning wall 23. Here, the substantially cylindrical outer wall 41 of the actuating member 4 can be non-continuous, e.g. interrupted by longitudinal recesses extending over the entire longitudinal extent of the actuating member 4, wherein the abutting wall 42 connects the thus formed parts of the outer wall 41, see FIG. 1. Such recesses can be provided in correlation to the guide rails 213 of the first body part 21, e.g. as rotational stop for the actuating member 4. Further, the abutting wall 42 is arranged within the outer wall 41 with a certain distance from either longitudinal end of the actuating member 4, wherein a distance to a front end of the actuating member 4 directed towards the partitioning wall 23 is shorter than a distance to the opposing back end of the actuating member 4. Within the part of the actuating member 4 between its back end and the abutting wall 42, guide rails 43 can be provided in an inclined manner for ease of introducing and centering a BCT into the hollow interior of the actuating member 4 so that the tubular BCT, when introduced, is again centered and aligned with its longitudinal axis to the longitudinal axis LA, before abutting on a back surface of the abutting wall 42 directed towards the first open end 212. Also, the guide rails 43 can have a supporting function for the parts of the outer wall 41, i.e. as supportive bars. Similar to the guide rails 213 of the first body part 21, the guide rails 43 provided on the inside of the actuating member 4 are stripe-like bars projecting from the inner wall of the actuating member 4 towards the inside, i.e. towards a center or longitudinal axis LA of the first body part 21 and, thus, of the fluid transfer device 1. Each one of the guide rails 43 is provided in an inclined manner with its inclination, i.e. with an enlarging inner diameter, towards the back end of the actuating member 4. Furthermore, in the center of the abutting wall 42, a through-hole 421 is provided, see e.g. FIG. 3b, which through-hole 421 serves for passage of a first cannula part 311 and its first encasing member 32 through the abutting wall 42, which first cannula part 311 and first encasing member 32 are described in further detail below. On a front surface of the abutting wall 42 directed towards the partitioning wall 23, and around the through-hole 421, a circular ridge projects towards the partitioning wall 23, with the area between the edge of the through-hole 421 and the inner circumference of the ridge provides for a seat or seating area 422, see FIG. 3c, for loose engagement with a disc-like projection 323 of the first encasing member 32, also described in further detail below.
[0105] As can be gathered from FIG. 2, the actuating member 4 further comprises a stopper 44 in the form of a snap-fit joint at its front end directed towards the partitioning wall 23, wherein the stopper 44 is snapped into the notch 214 of the first body part 21. Thereby, after assembling the fluid transfer device 1, i.e. after inserting the actuating member 4 into the fluid transfer device 1, the actuating member 4 is prevented from accidentally falling out of the first hollow interior 211 in case the empty assembled fluid transfer device 1 is lifted and turned around its center. Furthermore, as can also be gathered from FIG. 2, the actuating member 4 can comprise a grip enhancer 45 in the form of one or several ribs protruding from the outer circumference of the outer wall 41 of the actuating member 4 towards the outside. The grip enhancer 45 can protrude into the access window 215 of the first body part 21. By means of the grip enhancer 45, the user is able to firmly contact the actuating member 4 from the outside, in order to be able to securely actuate the actuating member 4, i.e. in order to move the actuating member 4 up and down within the first hollow interior 211. As an alternative, the grip enhancer 45 can also be implemented by means of incorporated anti-slip serrations, applied anti-slip labels or the like. Also, by means of the stopper 44 and/or the grip enhancer 45, both visible to the outside, the user can identify a moving state of the actuating member 4, if the actuating member 4 is in its initial position or in an activated state when moved towards the partitioning wall 23.
[0106] The actuating member 4 is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis LA in a movable manner, wherein a movement of the actuating member 4 within the first hollow interior 211 is a sliding movement, with a surface or circumference of the outer wall 41 of the actuating member 4 sliding along an inner wall surface or inner wall circumference of the first body part 21. Thus, during operation of the fluid transfer device 1, the actuating member 4 constitutes a BCT side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, since an introduced BCT abuts against the back surface of the abutting wall 42 as already described above, and as can be seen in e.g. FIGS. 4a to 4c. Now, with the actuating member 4 being arranged in a movable manner inside the first body part 21, and with the actuating member 4 thus constituting a movable BCT side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, compared to a stationary BCB side interface portion as described further below, the BCT side interface portion and the BCB side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1 according to the presently described embodiment of the present invention can move relative to each another during a movement of the actuating member 4.
[0107] In regard to the stationary BCB side interface portion, as can be gathered from FIGS. 2 and 3a to 3c, the second body part 22 comprises at least one slot-like recess 225, also referred to as slot 225, within its second hollow interior 221 at its upper edge close to the second open end 222. Into the recess 225, a respective snap-fit feature 56 of the spacer 5 can snap into, in case the spacer 5 is to be attached to the main body 2 of the fluid transfer device 1 for assisting the second body part 22 in accommodating long-necked vessels, such as the BCB 91 of FIG. 5a. In this regard, see also FIGS. 3a and 4a, wherein both drawings show cases in which a BCB 91 with a long and thin bottle neck 911 is docket to the fluid transfer device 1 by means of the spacer 5. Thus, in order to connect the spacer 5 securely to the fluid transfer device 1, the snap-fit connection between the spacer 5 and the fluid transfer device 1 is implemented by means of the combination of at least one snap-fit feature 56 and a correspondingly-formed slot 225 provided at the upper edge of the second body part 22 close to the second open end 222. In order to provide a more secure attachment of the spacer 5 to the main body 2, two slots 225 can be provided, see FIG. 1, which two slots 225 can be arranged opposite from each other in the upper edge of the second body part 22, with two matching snap-fit features 56 provided at the spacer 5 in a corresponding manner. Also, in order to secure a steady attachment of the spacer 5 to the second body part 22, the spacer 5 consists of a an outer wall 51 divided by an outer rim 53 into two parts, the outer rim 53 projecting from the outer wall 51 in a ledge-like manner. Here, the outer rim 53 as well as an internal connecting wall 54 of the spacer 5 at the same or similar level as the outer rim 53 divide the spacer 5 into the mentioned two parts, wherein a part of the outer wall 51 of the spacer 5 directed towards the partitioning wall 23 is arranged within the second hollow interior 221, and the other part of the outer wall 51 of the spacer 5 directed away from the partitioning wall 23 is arranged outside of the second body part 22. In an attached state, the outer rim 53 is abutted against an edge of the second open end 222. An edge of the other part of the outer wall 51 of the spacer 5 directed away from the partitioning wall 23 and arranged outside of the second body part 22 provides for an outer seat 511 used for seating engagement with the long and thin bottle neck 911 of the BCB 91, see FIGS. 3a and 4a, and the inner part of the outer wall 51 of the spacer 5 is arranged within the second hollow interior 221, further securing the steady attachment of the spacer 5 to the second body part 22.
[0108] Furthermore, the spacer 5 comprises an inner wall 52, which inner wall 52 is provided parallel to the outer wall 51 of the spacer 5 and is directed away from the partitioning wall 23 and arranged outside of the second body part 22, similar to the previously mentioned outer wall 51 of the spacer 5. The outer wall 51 and the inner wall 52 of the spacer 5 are connected by the connecting wall 54 of the spacer 5, and the inner wall 52 provides additional guidance and support for the long and thin bottle neck 911 of the BCB 91. Here, in order for the long and thin bottle neck 911 of the BCB 91 to pass through the spacer 5, the connecting wall 54 comprises a central through-hole 55, which through-hole 55 is coaxial to the second hollow interior 221, i.e. coaxial with the common longitudinal axis LA. Moreover, as can be gathered from e.g. FIGS. 2 and 3a, the second body part 22 also comprises within its second hollow interior 221 at least two snap-fit connectors 223 arranged opposite to each other, as well as two centering projections 224 arranged opposite to each other. Here, the centering projections 224 are useful for centering the long and thin bottle neck 911 of the BCB 91, or of any BCB, within the second body part 22, in addition to the inner wall 52 of the spacer 5, and the snap-fit connectors 223 are intended for establishing a snap-fit lock with the closed end of any BCB 91, 92, 93, independently of its neck shape, see FIGS. 3a to 3c.
[0109] As further component of the fluid transfer device 1 according to the presently described embodiment of the present invention, and as particularly depicted in FIG. 3c, the connection assembly 3 comprises a cannula 31 with two open ends, i.e. a continuous double-ended cannula 31, which cannula 31 is integrally formed with the partitioning wall 23 in a way such that the center axis of the cannula 31 coincides with the center axis of the main body 2, i.e. with the common longitudinal axis LA. In this regard, the cannula 31 is arranged with its longitudinal middle within the partitioning wall 23, thereby dividing the cannula 31 into the first cannula part 311 arranged within the first hollow interior 211 and into a second cannula part 312 arranged within the second hollow interior 221. The first cannula part 311, or better its tip 3112, is intended for piercing the septum of a BCT inserted into the first hollow interior 211 and received by the abutting wall 42 of the movable actuating member 4. Similarly, the second cannula part 312, or better its tip 3122, is intended for piercing the septum of a BCB inserted into the second hollow interior 221. The first cannula part 311 is arranged within the first hollow interior 211 in a way such that the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 is recessed compared to the first open end 212, i.e. the first body part 21 extends further from the partitioning wall 23 than the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311. Similarly, the second cannula part 312 is arranged within the second hollow interior 221 in a way such that the tip 3122 of the second cannula part 312 is recessed compared to the second open end 222, i.e. the second body part 22 extends further from the partitioning wall 23 than the tip 3122 of the second cannula part 312. The first cannula part 311 is covered by the already mentioned first encasing member 32, wherein, in a state in which no BCB is docked to the fluid transfer device 1 as depicted in FIG. 2, the first encasing member 32 together with the covered first cannula part 311 project into the first hollow interior 211. The second cannula part 312 is covered by a second encasing member 33, wherein, in a state in which no BCT is docked to the fluid transfer device 1 as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3a to 3c, the second encasing member 33 together with the covered second cannula part 312 project into the second hollow interior 221 and, thereby, through the through-hole 421 of the actuating member 4. Both the first encasing member 32 and the second encasing member 33 are attached to the respective cannula part 311, 312 by means of a force-fit connection, see e.g. FIGS. 4a and 4b. In further detail, during assembling the fluid transfer device 1, a socket 321 of the first encasing member 32 arranged adjacent the longitudinal middle of the cannula 31 held by the partitioning wall 23 is pushed over a circular bulge 3111 provided at a base of the first cannula part 311. Thereby, due to the resilience of the first encasing member 32, a forced connection by press-fit is achieved, i.e. a frictional connection between the bulge 3111 and the socket 321 of the first encasing member 32. Similarly thereto, a socket 331 of the second encasing member 33 arranged adjacent the longitudinal middle of the cannula 31 held by the partitioning wall 23 is pushed over a circular bulge 3121 provided at a base of the second cannula part 312. Thereby, again due to the resilience of the second encasing member 33, a forced connection by press-fit is achieved, i.e. a frictional connection between the bulge 3121 and the socket 331 of the second encasing member 33. In doing so, the first and second encasing members 32, 33 are securely attached to the cannula parts 311, 312.
[0110] As already mentioned above when describing the structure of the actuating member 4 of the fluid transfer device 1 according to the presently described embodiment of the present invention, the first encasing member 32 additionally comprises the disc-like projection 323 provided in an integral manner adjacent to a tip 322 of the first encasing member 32, which tip 322 is opposed to its socket 321. The actuating member 4 is in seat-engaging contact with the first encasing member 32 by means of the disc-like projection 323 integrally formed with the first encasing member 32 abutting against the seat 422, thereby forming a loose engagement with the disc-like projection 323 of the first encasing member 32. Thus, when pressing the actuating member 4 in a direction towards the partitioning wall 23, the disc-like projection 323 and, thus, the first encasing member 32 can be deformingly compressed in a collapsing manner, thereby urging the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 towards its socket 321 and, thus, towards the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311. In doing so, i.e. by the mutual movement of the actuating member 4 and the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32, tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 is urged onto and over the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311, thereby piercing the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 by means of the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311.
[0111] The use of the fluid transfer device 1 according to the presently described embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated by the sequence of FIGS. 3a and 4a for the interconnection of a BCB 91 with a long and thin bottle neck 911 and a standard BCT 8, by the sequence of FIGS. 3b and 4b for the interconnection of a BCB 92 with a short bottle neck 921 and a standard BCT 8, and by the sequence of FIGS. 3c and 4c for the interconnection of a BCB 93 with a wide and short bottle neck 931 and a standard BCT 8. In further detail, in FIG. 3a, the BCB 91 with the long and thin bottle neck 911 has already been docked onto the BCB side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1 using the spacer 5, with the long and thin bottle neck 911 being guided and held by the inner wall 52 of the spacer 5 and locked by the snap-fit connectors 223, wherein the optional second encasing member 33 has been pushed back by the BCB 91 moving against it, and the second cannula part 312 has pierced a tip 332 of the second encasing member 33 first and then the septum 912 of the BCB 91, thus generating a connection between the interior of the cannula 31 and the interior of the BCB 91. Furthermore, on the other side of the fluid transfer device 1, above the BCB 91, the actuating member 4 is pushed by the user from its initial i.e. non-actuated position towards the partitioning wall 23 and is held in this actuated position, thereby piercing the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 by means of the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 and exhibiting the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 to the environment. In doing so, a fluid path between the environment and the interior of the BCB 91 is achieved, resulting in a venting state of the BCB 91 for optional venting in case an overpressure exists within the BCB 91. Here, the user of the fluid transfer device 1 of the present invention can control the process of pressure release, e.g. in a stepwise manner or all at once. After venting, the actuating member 4 can be fully released, and the resilience of the first encasing member 32 automatically restores the original form of the first encasing member 32, thereby immediately re-encasing the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311, thus preventing dripping of residual fluid remaining in the first cannula part 311 from the fluid transfer device 1. Subsequently, as described in regard to FIG. 4a, the BCB 91 remains docked to the BCB side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, and a standard BCT 8 is docked to the BCT side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, wherein the fluid transfer device 1 is positioned by a user so that the BCB 91 is arranged upside down above the BCT 8. The abutting wall 42 of the actuating member 4 receives the BCT 8, and the actuating member 4 is pushed towards the partitioning wall 23 together with the inserted BCT 8. In doing so, the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 is again pierced by means of the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311, and the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 pierces the septum 81 of the BCT 8, thereby establishing a fluid connection between the interior of the BCB 91 and the interior of the BCT 8 by means of the fluid transfer device 1. Since the standard BCT 8 is usually vacuumized, fluid content of the BCB 91 is drawn into the BCT 8, wherein an arrangement of the BCB 91 vertically over the BCT 8 supports the fluid transfer from the BCB 91 into the BCT 8 and assists in avoiding the entering of air.
[0112] In regard to the use of the fluid transfer device 1 without the spacer 5, and in view of FIG. 3b, a BCB 92 with the short bottle neck 921 has already been docked onto the BCB side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, with the short bottle neck 921 being guided by the centering projections 224 and locked by the snap-fit connectors 223, wherein the optional second encasing member 33 has been pushed back by means of the BCB 92 and the second cannula part 312 has pierced the septum 922 of the BCB 92, thus generating a connection between the interior of the cannula 31 and the interior of the BCB 92. Furthermore, on the other side of the fluid transfer device 1, the actuating member 4 is pushed by the user from its initial i.e. non-actuated position towards the partitioning wall 23 and is held in this actuated position, thereby piercing the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 by means of the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 and exhibiting the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 to the environment. In doing so, a fluid path between the environment and the interior of the BCB 92 is achieved, resulting in a venting state of the BCB 92 for venting in case an overpressure exists within the BCB 92. Here again, the user of the fluid transfer device 1 of the present invention can control the process of pressure release, e.g. in a stepwise manner or all at once. After venting, the actuating member 4 can be fully released, and the resilience of the first encasing member 32 automatically restores the original form of the first encasing member 32, thereby immediately re-encasing the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311, thus preventing dripping of residual fluid remaining in the first cannula part 311 from the fluid transfer device 1. Subsequently, as described in regard to FIG. 4b, the BCB 92 remains docked to the BCB side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, and a standard BCT 8 is docked to the BCT side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, wherein the fluid transfer device 1 is positioned by a user so that the BCB 92 is arranged upside down above the BCT 8. Here, the abutting wall 42 of the actuating member 4 receives the BCT 8, and the actuating member 4 is pushed towards the partitioning wall 23 together with the inserted BCT 8. In doing so, the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 is again pierced by means of the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311, and the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 pierces the septum 81 of the BCT 8, thereby establishing a fluid connection between the interior of the BCB 92 and the interior of the BCT 8 by means of the fluid transfer device 1. Since the standard BCT 8 is usually vacuumized, fluid content of the BCB 92 is drawn into the BCT 8, wherein an arrangement of the BCB 92 vertically over the BCT 8 can support the fluid transfer from the BCB 92 into the BCT 8.
[0113] Similarly to the above in regard to the use of the fluid transfer device 1 with the BCB 92 with the short bottle neck, and in view of FIG. 3c, the BCB 93 with the wide and short bottle neck 931 has already been docked onto the BCB side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, with the wide and short bottle neck 931 being guided by the centering projections 224 and locked by the snap-fit connectors 223, wherein the optional second encasing member 33 has been pushed back by means of the BCB 93 and the second cannula part 312 has pierced the septum 922 of the BCB 93, thus generating a connection between the interior of the cannula 31 and the interior of the BCB 93. Furthermore, on the other side of the fluid transfer device 1, the actuating member 4 is pushed by the user from its initial i.e. non-actuated position towards the partitioning wall 23 and is held in this actuated position, thereby piercing the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 by means of the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 and exhibiting the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 to the environment. In doing so, a fluid path between the environment and the interior of the BCB 93 is achieved, resulting in a venting state of the BCB 93 for venting in case an overpressure exists within the BCB 93. Here again, the user of the fluid transfer device 1 of the present invention can control the process of pressure release, e.g. in a stepwise manner or all at once. After venting, the actuating member 4 can be fully released, and the resilience of the first encasing member 32 automatically restores the original form of the first encasing member 32, thereby immediately re-encasing the tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311, thus preventing dripping of residual fluid remaining in the first cannula part 311 from the fluid transfer device 1. Subsequently, as described in regard to FIG. 4c, the BCB 93 remains docked to the BCB side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, and a standard BCT 8 is docked to the BCT side interface portion of the fluid transfer device 1, wherein the fluid transfer device 1 is positioned by a user so that the BCB 93 is arranged upside down above the BCT 8. Here again, the abutting wall 42 of the actuating member 4 receives the BCT 8, and the actuating member 4 is pushed towards the partitioning wall 23 together with the inserted BCT 8. In doing so, the tip 322 of the first encasing member 32 is again pierced by means of the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311, and the sharp tip 3112 of the first cannula part 311 pierces the septum 81 of the BCT 8, thereby establishing a fluid connection between the interior of the BCB 93 and the interior of the BCT 8 by means of the fluid transfer device 1. Since the standard BCT 8 is usually vacuumized, fluid content of the BCB 93 is drawn into the BCT 8, wherein an arrangement of the BCB 93 vertically over the BCT 8 can support the fluid transfer from the BCB 93 into the BCT 8.
[0114] Also, in regard to the above, several BCTs 8 can be used for one and the same BCB 91, 92, 93, since a BCB 91, 92, 93 usually contains more fluid than is necessary for one BCT 8. Thus, the fluid transfer device 1 can be used with one BCB 91, 92, 93 but with several BCTs 8, wherein the BCB 91, 92, 93 can be vented in between changing of BCTs 8.
[0115] While the current invention has been described in relation to its specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is for illustrative purposes only. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
