Method of attaching a sterile sleeve to a connector
Abstract
Abstract The sterile sleeve/connector assembly includes a joint formed between a sterile sleeve and a connector. The sleeve is made of a tube of thin flexible material, the connector includes a hub having an annular groove therein, and the joint includes an O-ring which is positioned within a bight of an inwardly inverted end portion of the sleeve and within the groove of the connector hub. The apparatus used in forming the assembly comprises a barrel member having a lumen, a distal end and a proximal end. The barrel member has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the hub the connector and less than the diameter of the sleeve. The method for using the apparatus comprises the step of (a) pushing the O-ring onto an outer surface of the barrel member at the distal end of the barrel member; (b) sliding a sleeve over the barrel member; (c) inverting an end portion of the sleeve into the distal end of the lumen of the barrel member; (d) sliding the hub of the connector into the inverted end portion of the sleeve at the distal end of the lumen; (e) foring the O-ring off the distal end of the barrel member, into a bight of the inverted end portion of the sleeve and into the annular groove in the hub of the connector; and (f) removing the connector from within the barrel member and pulling on the connector until the entire sleeve is removed from over the barrel member.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Hillstead
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-04-17 | 1992-10-17 | 1993-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-17 | 1996-10-17 | 1997-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-17 | 2000-10-17 | 2001-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |