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US007926856B2
(12) United States Patent ao) Patent No.: Us 7,926,856 B2
Smutneyetal. (45) Date of Patent: Apr. 19,2011
A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a connector having a body with an inner surface defining a fluid channel. The connector also includes an inlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, and an outlet region for flow of fluid from the fluid channel. The connector further includes an axial alignment member outward of the body, and a pair of flexible tabs arranged generally circumferenfially of the alignment member and outward of the body. The connector can be configured as a day-side connector, transfer member with check valve, and/or patient-side connector. An implementation includes a day-side connector, a patient-side connector, and a transfer member, each of which has a pair of flexible tabs. The pairs of tabs are configured such that the transfer member releasably couples the day-side and patientside connectors. A method for aseptically connecting a fluid conduit is also disclosed.
25 Claims, 24 Drawing Sheets