US3871824A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of aseptically connecting a fitting to an aseptic storage tank
Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
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Filing: 1974-06-19
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Granted: 1975-03-18
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Expires: 1994-06-19
Abstract
Abstract A method of connecting an aseptic fitting to an opening in the top of an aseptic bulk storage tank, whereby asepsis of the tank interior is maintained. The method includes the step of filling the tank interior with liquid chemical sterilant sufficiently to overflow sterilant from the tank into a liquid-retaining enclosure which surrounds the opening in the tank top. This is effective to both sterilize the interior of the tank, and provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the openings. The method further includes immersing the fitting in the sterilant bath to sterilize it, and while immersed and in a sterile condition, connecting it to the tank opening, thereby isolating the sterile tank interior from the environment with a sterile fitting. If the fitting includes an internal cavity, sterilization of the fitting prior to its immersion in the bath and connection to the tank can be done by capping the fitting to seal the cavity and autoclaving it. The capped fitting which has been sterilized remote from the sterilant bath is then immersed in the sterilant bath and while immersed connected to the tank opening, to thereby establish communication between the cavity of the fitting and the tank interior while both the cavity and the interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Steve A Rechtsteiner
- 👤 Philip E Nelson
- 👤 John R Heron
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:04
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/16; A61L2/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A METHOD OF ASEPTICALLY CONNECTING A FITTING TO AN OPENING IN A BULK STORAGE TANK, WHICH OPENING IS SURROUNDED BY A LIQUID-RETAINING ENCLOSURE, WHEREBY THE FITTING COMMUNICATES WITH THE TANK INTERIOR, COMPRISING THE STEPS OF: FILLING THE TANK WITH LIQUID CHEMICAL STERILANT TO STERILIZE THE TANK INTERIOR, FILLING THE LIQUID-RETAINING ENCLOSURE WHICH SURROUNDS THE TANK OPENING, WHILE THE TANK INTERIOR IS IN A STERILE CONDITION, WITH A LIQUID CHEMICAL STERILANT TO PROVIDE A LIQUID STERILANT BATH IN CONTACT WITH THE TANK OPENING, AND IMMERSING THE FITTING IN THE STERILANT BATH TO STERILIZE THE FITTING AND WHILE IMMERSED AND IN A STERILE CONDITION CONNECTING THE FITTING TO THE TANK OPENING TO THEREBY ISOLATE THE STERILE TANK INTERIOR FORM THE ENVIRONMENT VIA THE STERILE FITTING.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
A METHOD OF ASEPTICALLY CONNECTING A FITTING TO AN OPENING IN A BULK STORAGE TANK, WHICH OPENING IS SURROUNDED BY A LIQUID-RETAINING ENCLOSURE, WHEREBY THE FITTING COMMUNICATES WITH THE TANK INTERIOR, COMPRISING THE STEPS OF: FILLING THE TANK WITH LIQUID CHEMICAL STERILANT TO STERILIZE THE TANK INTERIOR, FILLING THE LIQUID-RETAINING ENCLOSURE WHICH SURROUNDS THE TANK OPENING, WHILE THE TANK INTERIOR IS IN A STERILE CONDITION, WITH A LIQUID CHEMICAL STERILANT TO PROVIDE A LIQUID STERILANT BATH IN CONTACT WITH THE TANK OPENING, AND IMMERSING THE FITTING IN THE STERILANT BATH TO STERILIZE THE FITTING AND WHILE IMMERSED AND IN A STERILE CONDITION CONNECTING THE FITTING TO THE TANK OPENING TO THEREBY ISOLATE THE STERILE TANK INTERIOR FORM THE ENVIRONMENT VIA THE STERILE FITTING.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the filling step and tank interior sterilizing step includes the step of filling the tank interior with liquid chemical sterilant sufficiently to overflow sterilant from the tank into the enclosure.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
216 words
A method of aseptically connecting first and second fittings to first and second openings, respectively, in a bulk storage tank, which openings are surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby the tank interior is isolated from the environment via the first opening by the first fitting and whereby a cavity in the second fitting communicates with said tank interior, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the enclosure which surrounds the tank openings, while the tank interior is in a sterile condition, with a liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the openings, immersing the first fitting in the sterilant bath to sterilize the first fitting and while immersed and in a sterile condition connecting the first fitting to the first tank opening to thereby isolate the sterile tank interior via said first opening from the environment by the first fitting, sealing and sterilizing the second fitting cavity, and immersing the second fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized second fitting cavity and connecting the second fitting to the second tank opening whereby communication is established between the second fitting cavity and the tank interior while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
216 words
A method of aseptically connecting first and second fittings to first and second openings, respectively, in a bulk storage tank, which openings are surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby the tank interior is isolated from the environment via the first opening by the first fitting and whereby a cavity in the second fitting communicates with said tank interior, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the enclosure which surrounds the tank openings, while the tank interior is in a sterile condition, with a liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the openings, immersing the first fitting in the sterilant bath to sterilize the first fitting and while immersed and in a sterile condition connecting the first fitting to the first tank opening to thereby isolate the sterile tank interior via said first opening from the environment by the first fitting, sealing and sterilizing the second fitting cavity, and immersing the second fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized second fitting cavity and connecting the second fitting to the second tank opening whereby communication is established between the second fitting cavity and the tank interior while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of aseptically connecting a fitting to an opening in a bulk storage tank, which opening is surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby a cavity in the fitting communicates with the interior of the tank, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the enclosure which surrounds the tank opening, while the tank interior is in a sterile condition, with a liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, sealing and sterlizing the fitting cavity, and immersing the fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized fitting cavity and connecting the fitting to the tank opening whereby communication is established between the fitting cavity and tank interior while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of aseptically connecting a fitting to an opening in a bulk storage tank, which opening is surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby a cavity in the fitting communicates with the interior of the tank, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the enclosure which surrounds the tank opening, while the tank interior is in a sterile condition, with a liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, sealing and sterlizing the fitting cavity, and immersing the fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized fitting cavity and connecting the fitting to the tank opening whereby communication is established between the fitting cavity and tank interior while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of sealing and sterilizing the cavity of the fitting includes the step of sealing a port in the fitting which connects to the cavity to thereby seal the cavity and sterilizing the cavity remote from the sterilant bath, and wherein the unsealing and connecting step includes, while the fitting is immersed in the sterilant bath, the step of uncapping the port and connecting the uncapped port to the tank opening.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of sterilizing the fitting cavity includes autoclaving the fitting.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of aseptically connecting a fitting to an opening in the top of a bulk storage tank, which opening is surrounded by an upstanding liquid-retaining wall, whereby a cavity in the fitting communicates with the interior of the tank, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the region defined by The liquid-retaining wall with liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, sealing and sterilizing the fitting cavity, and immersing the fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized fitting cavity and connecting the fitting to the tank opening whereby communication is established between the fitting cavity and the tank interior while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of aseptically connecting a fitting to an opening in the top of a bulk storage tank, which opening is surrounded by an upstanding liquid-retaining wall, whereby a cavity in the fitting communicates with the interior of the tank, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the region defined by The liquid-retaining wall with liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, sealing and sterilizing the fitting cavity, and immersing the fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized fitting cavity and connecting the fitting to the tank opening whereby communication is established between the fitting cavity and the tank interior while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of aseptically connecting a cover to an opening in a bulk storage tank and a fitting to an opening in the cover, which tank opening is surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby the tank interior is isolated from the environment by the cover and fitting, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the region defined by the liquid-retaining enclosure with liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, immersing the cover in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed connecting the cover to the tank opening, immersing the fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed connecting the fitting to the cover opening, thereby isolating the sterile tank interior from the environment via the cover and fitting while the cover, fitting and tank interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of aseptically connecting a cover to an opening in a bulk storage tank and a fitting to an opening in the cover, which tank opening is surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby the tank interior is isolated from the environment by the cover and fitting, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the region defined by the liquid-retaining enclosure with liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, immersing the cover in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed connecting the cover to the tank opening, immersing the fitting in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed connecting the fitting to the cover opening, thereby isolating the sterile tank interior from the environment via the cover and fitting while the cover, fitting and tank interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of aseptically connecting a cover to an opening in a bulk storage tank and a filter assembly having a cavity therein to an opening in the cover, which tank opening is surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby the tank interior communicates with the environment via the filter assembly, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the liquid-retaining enclosure surrounding the tank opening with liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, sealing and sterilizing the filter cavity remote from the sterilant bath in the enclosure, immersing the cover in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed connecting the cover to the tank opening, immersing the sealed filter assembly in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized filter cavity and connecting the filter assembly to the opening in the cover, whereby communication between the filter cavity and the tank interior is established while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of aseptically connecting a cover to an opening in a bulk storage tank and a filter assembly having a cavity therein to an opening in the cover, which tank opening is surrounded by a liquid-retaining enclosure, whereby the tank interior communicates with the environment via the filter assembly, comprising the steps of: filling the tank with liquid chemical sterilant to sterilize the tank interior, filling the liquid-retaining enclosure surrounding the tank opening with liquid chemical sterilant to provide a liquid sterilant bath in contact with the tank opening, sealing and sterilizing the filter cavity remote from the sterilant bath in the enclosure, immersing the cover in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed connecting the cover to the tank opening, immersing the sealed filter assembly in the liquid sterilant bath and while immersed unsealing the sterilized filter cavity and connecting the filter assembly to the opening in the cover, whereby communication between the filter cavity and the tank interior is established while both the cavity and interior are maintained in a sterile condition.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-17 | 1978-09-16 | 1979-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-17 | 1982-09-16 | 1983-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-17 | 1986-09-16 | 1987-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |