초록 ▼

A connector (10) for use in a contaminated environment is provided. The connector includes first and second couplers (13, 14) which are coupled together to produce a fluid path (148) through the connector. The outer boundaries of the fluid path define a fluid path envelope. The surfaces (126, 128) w

A connector (10) for use in a contaminated environment is provided. The connector includes first and second couplers (13, 14) which are coupled together to produce a fluid path (148) through the connector. The outer boundaries of the fluid path define a fluid path envelope. The surfaces (126, 128) which could be contaminated and which lie within the fluid path envelope are mated against one another and then captured between a pair of O-rings (46, 122). Parts of these surfaces, as well as other surfaces (130, 132) lying outside the fluid path envelope, are flushed with fluid (142, 144) as the connector is coupled to further reduce contamination. O-rings are also used to clean contamination from parts of some of the surfaces. As a result of these contamination control procedures, the connector can be assembled in a contaminated environment without introducing contamination into the fluid stream passing through the connector.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for coupling the end of a first conduit to the end of a second conduit comprising the steps of: (a) providing the end of the first conduit with a first coupler; (b) providing the end of the second conduit with a second coupler, said first and second couplers being engageable with one anothe

A method for coupling the end of a first conduit to the end of a second conduit comprising the steps of: (a) providing the end of the first conduit with a first coupler; (b) providing the end of the second conduit with a second coupler, said first and second couplers being engageable with one another to produce a fluid path between the two conduits, said fluid path defining an outer envelope; (c) engaging the first and second couplers to form the fluid path; and (d) isolating from the fluid path all surfaces of the couplers which (i) are exposed to the environment when the couplers are out of engagement with each other, and (ii) are within the outer envelope of the fluid path when the couplers are engaged.