Patent ID: 6030578
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61L,B67D,C12M

Abstract:
A coupling assembly for use in sterile transfer of sterile materials between a transportable container and a sterile enclosure, the assembly comprising sterilizing means, a first coupling member on the container engageable with a second coupling member on the enclosure and engaging means associated with each of the coupling members for sealingly interengaging the container and the enclosure, the first coupling member including a removable container closure and the second coupling member including a removable closure for the enclosure so that on interengagement the closures define between them a sealed connecting chamber, the sterilizing means comprising means for generating sterilizing ultraviolet or pulsed light radiation and being contained substantially within the sealed connecting chamber and being operable to generate in the chamber ultraviolet light or pulsed light radiation for sterilizing the chamber and its internal surfaces.