Abstract:
An apparatus for use in identifying or distinguishing at least one substance or article associated with the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a translucent body and an identification formation. The translucent body is for defining or engaging an opening. The identification formation is embedded in the translucent body in a predetermined relationship with the opening. At least one characteristic of the identification band is visible through the translucent body.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of tubing assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to a structure or apparatus for distinguishing between different tubing assemblies. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Stoppers are widely used to seal a vessel or to limit the ability of the contents to escape from the vessel. Some stoppers are solid and thereby prevent any of the matter from entering or leaving the container, while others may include one or more apertures that allow one or more tubes to be inserted into the container. When more than one tube is inserted through a stopper into a vessel, the tubes may be used for different functions or may carry different materials. For example, one tube may be used to insert a certain substance into the vessel, while another tube may be used to remove matter from the vessel or to insert another substance into the vessel. The tubes also may be inserted into the container at different depths so as to remove different layers of matter, or to remove different phases of matter, such as a gas or a liquid. Thus, it is important that one is able to distinguish between the tubes and the different functions of those tubes. 
   Clear or translucent tubing is widely used and can be helpful in some situations in distinguishing between the different tubes. However, in many situations, being able to see the contents of the tubing does not enable one to distinguish between the tubes. Different tubes may be carrying substances that look similar or they may be carrying clear or substantially transparent substances. Moreover, it may be necessary to distinguish between the tubes at a time when they are empty, such as during the assembly and set up of a particular arrangement of tubes and vessels, in which case being able to see through the tubes is unhelpful. 
   Various method and techniques have been used to improve one&#39;s ability to distinguish between different tubes. One such method is to attach a label or some other indication to the tube and/or the stopper using various adhesives. However, such adhesives generally have not been found to reliably bond to the materials commonly used to make stoppers and tubes. Moreover, physically attached signs or labels can, overtime, become worn and illegible, or may eventually become detached from the appropriate stopper or tube. Such labels may also be difficult to read from a plurality of different angles and may, depending on the environment in which the stopper and the tubes are used, become difficult to read due to debris that may build up on the labels. 
   Another method or technique used to place identifiers on stoppers and/or tubes consists of placing labels on the outside of the tubes or stoppers and then molding over the labels. This overmolding technique creates a raised section on the stopper or tubing and involves a additional manufacturing process, which generally results in additional manufacturing costs. 
   Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a structure or apparatus that would enable someone to distinguish between different tubes and/or stoppers regardless of the environment in which they are used. Moreover, it would be advantageous to provide such a structure or apparatus that could not easily be removed or worn off and that would not also require additional manufacturing processes. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a structure or apparatus for differentiating between different tubes and/or stoppers that would be effective when viewed from any of a wide range of directions. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide such a structure or apparatus that would not physically distort the shape of the tubing or other parts of the tubing assembly or contaminate the substances used in connection with the tubing assembly. 
   Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an apparatus for distinguishing between tubing assemblies that has any one or more of these or other advantageous features. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in identifying or distinguishing at least one substance or article associated with the apparatus that comprises a translucent body and an identification formation. The translucent body is for defining or engaging an opening. The identification formation is embedded in the translucent body in a predetermined relationship with the opening. At least one characteristic of the identification band is visible through the translucent body. 
   The present invention also relates to an apparatus for use in conjunction with tubing assemblies and vessels that comprises a translucent body and an identification formation. The translucent body is configured to be releasably coupled to a mating portion of a tubing assembly or a vessel and includes an aperture that extends through the translucent body. The identification formation is embedded within the translucent body and substantially surrounds the aperture in the translucent body. 
   The present invention further relates to a stopper for coupling to an open end of a vessel and for allowing tubes to pass through the stopper into the vessel that comprises a translucent silicone body and at least one colored ring. The translucent silicone body is configured to releasably couple to the vessel and includes at least one aperture that extends through the translucent silicone body and that is configured to receive a tube. The at least one colored ring is embedded in the translucent body, and each colored ring substantially surrounds an aperture. The color of each ring is associated with a particular tube. 
   The present invention also relates to a method of making an apparatus for use with tubing assemblies and vessels that comprises the step of preparing a mold for a translucent body that includes at least one aperture that extends through the translucent body. The method also comprises the steps of inserting an identification formation into the mold and molding the translucent body around the identification formation such that the identification formation corresponds to the aperture. 
   The present invention still further relates to a tubing system for use with at least one vessel that comprises a translucent body, a first identification formation, a second identification formation, a first tube, and a second tube. The translucent body is configured to releasably couple to the vessel and includes a first aperture and a second aperture. Each aperture extends through the transulcent body and is configured to receive a tube. The first identification formation substantially surrounds the first aperture and has a first set of characteristics visible through the translucent body. The second identification formation substantially surrounds the second aperture and has a second set of characteristics visible through the translucent body. Each identification formation is embedded in the translucent body. The first tube cooperates with the first aperture and is associated with the first set of characteristics. The second tube cooperates with the second aperture and is associated with the second set of characteristics. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tubing system according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the stopper of  FIG. 1  taken along a stepped line that passes through the center of each aperture. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a stopper according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a coupling apparatus according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a tubing system according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is a top cross-sectional view of a stopper according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is a top cross-sectional view of a stopper according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a top cross-sectional view of a stopper according to another embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a tubing system  10  is shown according to a preferred embodiment. Tubing system  10  includes a vessel  12 , a stopper  14 , and tubes  16 ,  18 , and  20 . 
   Vessel  12  may be any one of a variety of different containers, beakers, bottles, canisters, flasks, receptacles, tanks, vats, vials, etc. that are generally used to hold or contain substances or articles. Vessel  12  may be made from a number of different materials (such as a polymer, glass, wood, ceramic, etc.) and may take one of a plurality of different shapes and sizes. According to a preferred embodiment, vessel  12  is of a type used in the pharmaceutical industry and has an open first end  22 , side wall(s)  24 , and a closed bottom end (not shown). Open first end  22  is configured to receive stopper  14 , which may be used to help retain or control the substance or matter within vessel  12 . 
   Tubes  16 ,  18 , and  20  are each silicone tubes that are used extensively in medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and other applications. The tubes may have one of a plurality of different diameters and wall thicknesses, depending on the application in which the tubes are utilized and on the substances, matter, or materials the tubes are used to transport. Generally, tubes  16 ,  18 , and  20  are used to transport a substance from one location to another, such as from one vessel to another. According to alternative embodiments, the tubes may be made from any one of a variety of materials suitable for the particular purpose of each tube. Silicone is one material that is often used to make such tubes. 
   Stopper  14 , a device for substantially obstructing or hampering the movement of the substance or matter within vessel  12 , may be a variety of different sizes, shapes, and configurations. According to a preferred embodiment, stopper  14  includes a body  26  and identification formations  44 ,  46 , and  48 . 
   Body  26  of stopper  14  includes an upper region  30 , a middle region  32 , and a lower region  34 . Lower region  34  and middle region  32  cooperate to seal against open end  22  of vessel  12  when stopper  14  is coupled to vessel  12 . Lower region  34  extends from the underside of middle region  32  and has a frusto-conical shape (e.g. the diameter of lower region  34  decreases as it extends away from the underside of middle region  32 ). The taper of lower region  34  allows lower region  34  to form a progressively tighter seal against an inside surface of open first end  22  of vessel  12  as lower region  34  is pushed further into open end  22  of vessel  12 . Middle region  32  has a diameter that is greater than the largest diameter of lower region  34  and is intended to serve as both a stop and/or a secondary seal. An underside  36  of middle region  32  is substantially flat and contacts first end  22  when stopper  14  is pushed completely onto first end  22  of vessel  12 . The contact of middle region  32  with first end  22  of vessel  12  serves to prevent stopper  14  from being pushed further into vessel  12  and may form at least a partial seal between stopper  14  and vessel  12 . Upper region  30  is a generally cylindrical extension that projects from middle region  32  in a direction opposite the direction of the extension of lower region  34 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the transition from cylindrical side  31  of upper region  30  and distal end wall  33  of upper region  30  may be beveled or radiused. Upper region  30  has a diameter that is less than the diameter of middle region  32  but greater than the diameter of lower region  34 , and upper region  30  may serve to at least partially reduce the deflection of middle region  32  that may otherwise result from the force generated when middle region  32  contacts open end  22  as stopper  14  is pushed into vessel  12 . According to alternative embodiments, the stopper (and each of the lower portion, middle portion, and upper portion) may take any of a wide variety of shapes and may be adapted to cooperate with a wide variety of different vessels or containers. 
   Referring still to  FIG. 1 , body  26  also includes three apertures  38 ,  40 , and  42 , which extend through body  26 . Each of apertures  38 ,  40 , and  42  are sized to allowed tubes  16 ,  18 , and  20 , respectively, to fit inside of the apertures and to extend through stopper  14  into vessel  12 . According to an alternative embodiment, body  26  may include any number of apertures, and the apertures may be sized to accommodate a variety of different tubing sizes. 
   According to a preferred embodiment, the body is molded from a translucent silicone. However, according to alternative embodiments, the body may be made from one of, or a combination of, a variety of different materials, including but not limited to polymers and rubbers. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , stopper  14  is illustrated as including three identification formations shown as washers, rings, or bands  44 ,  46 , and  48 . Identification formations  44 ,  46 , and  48  are generally circular, with each having an opening  52 ,  54 , and  56 , respectively, in the center of the identification formation. Identification formations  44 ,  46 , and  48  are located within body  26  of stopper  14  such that openings  52 ,  54 , and  56  generally align with, and identification formations  44 ,  46 , and  48  generally circumscribe (or generally surround), apertures  38 ,  40 , or  42 , respectively. In such a configuration, each identification formation corresponds to a particular aperture in stopper  14  and may serve to allow a user of stopper  14  to differentiate between the different tubes interacting with each of the different apertures. 
   To allow a user to distinguish between the different tubes, each identification formation possesses a certain set of characteristics that a user may use as a basis for comparison with other identification formations. For example, if one tube is used for a particular purpose or to transport a specific substance, the identification formation associated with the aperture through which the tube extends may have a certain set of characteristics. If another tube is used for a different purpose or to transport a different substance, the identification formation associated with the aperture through which the tube extends may have a set of characteristics different from the set of characteristics associated with the first tube. If the tubes perform the same function, transport the same substances, or are similar in some other respect, the identification formations associated with the tubes may have the same set of characteristics. In this way, the identification formations may be used to distinguish between the different tubes that are coming into and out of a particular vessel or system of vessels. 
   Because body  26  is preferably made from a translucent material, the set of characteristics of any identification formation preferably includes any characteristic that is visible through body  26 . Accordingly, the characteristics of an identification formation may include, but are not limited to, color, size, shape (both overall and cross-sectional), orientation, formation, etc. The combination of these individual characteristics forms a characteristic set. 
   According to alternative embodiments, the color of an identification formation may be any one of a plurality of different colors, color combinations, or pattern of colors. Furthermore, a stopper may include one or more identification formations, with each identification formation being the same color, a different color, or with some identification formations being the same color and some being different colors. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , identification formations  44 ,  46 , and  48  are shown (through cross-hatching) as being blue, green, and red, respectively. 
   According to other alternative embodiments, an identification formation may be any of a variety of sizes, provided the identification formation conforms with the limitations established by the size of the stopper and the apertures provided in the stopper. For example, in one embodiment, the aperture in an identification formation may have the same diameter as the opening the identification formation circumscribes and may form a portion of the wall defining the opening in the stopper. In another embodiment, the diameter of the aperture may be larger than the diameter of the opening in the stopper such that the identification formation forms no part of the wall defining the opening in the stopper. Moreover, the width of the identification formation or band (e.g. the distance between the outer diameter of the identification formation and the diameter of the aperture) may be varied. According to other alternative embodiments, other dimensions and/or proportions of the identification formation may be varied. 
   According to still other alternative embodiments shown in  FIG. 6 , the overall shape of the identification formation may be any one of a plurality of different shapes, including circular, square, rectangular, triangular, football-shaped, octagonal, star-shaped, or any of a variety of other shapes. As with the overall shape, the shape of the cross-section of an identification formation may also be any one of a variety of different shapes, including rectangular, square, circular, triangular, football-shaped, oval, or any of a variety of other shapes. 
   According to further alternative embodiments, the orientation of the identification formation may also serve as a characteristic of the identification formation. For example, the identification formation may be positioned such that it is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the stopper or to the central axis of the aperture to which it corresponds, or it may be positioned at any other angle with respect to the central axis. According to other alternative embodiments, the identification formation may be configured such that a specific portion of the identification formation points in a particular direction or such that the identification formation is located on a certain side of the aperture to which it is associated. 
   According to still further alternative embodiments, the identification formation may be provided in a plurality of different formations. For example, the identification formation may be comprised of a single, continuous element or segments (as illustrated by identification formations  60 ,  62 , and  64  in  FIG. 6 ), or the identification formation may be comprised of multiple, discontinuous elements (as illustrated by identification formations  66 ,  68 , and  70  in  FIG. 7 ). If the identification formation is made up of multiple, discontinuous elements or segments, each segment may be a letter (such as in identification formation  72  in  FIG. 8 ), a number (such as in identification formations  74  and  76  in  FIG. 8 ), or any other shape or design (such as in identification formations  66 ,  68 , and  70  in  FIG. 7 ). Whether the identification formation is made up of a single segment or multiple segments, the identification formation is generally of such a design that the identification formation corresponds to an aperture in the stopper. 
   According to yet another alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , an identification formation shown as ring  50  may correspond not to a particular aperture in the stopper, but rather to an entire stopper  58  or to the vessel into which stopper is configured to be inserted. Thus, if a particular stopper is to be used with a particular substance or a particular vessel, an identification formation similar to ring  50  may be used to distinguish one stopper from the next. Instead of circumscribing a particular aperture, ring  50  is provided substantially along the outer edge of stopper  58  and circumscribes the apertures as a group. According to alternative embodiments, the identification formation may be provided in any region of the stopper (e.g. the upper, middle, or lower region). According to other alternative embodiments, the identification formation may share an outer surface with the stopper (e.g. have an outer diameter equal to that of the stopper), or the identification formation may have an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the stopper. According to still other alternative embodiments, the identification formation may be used alone or in conjunction with other identification formations, such as identification formations that correspond to a particular opening or aperture that may be provided in the stopper. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an apparatus  100  (e.g. coupling apparatus, tube coupling, end, coupler, mating couplings, tubing apparatus etc.) for coupling two tubes together is shown. Apparatus  100  includes a male end  102  and a female end  104 . 
   Male end  102  includes a cylindrical body portion  106  and a tube portion  108 , each of which defines an opening  110  that extends continuously through the central axis of each of body portion  106  and tube portion  108 . According to a preferred embodiment, body portion  106  and tube portion  108  are constructed from a translucent material, with tube portion  108  extending from one end of body portion  106  and being integrally formed with body portion  106 . Body portion  106  has a greater diameter than tube portion  108 , and the transition from tube portion  108  to body portion  106  is gradual (e.g. tapered, beveled, or stepped). According to alternative embodiments, the transition may be abrupt. 
   Body portion  106  includes a flat face  112 , a protrusion  114 , and an identification formation  116 . Face  112  (e.g. sealing surface, surface, plane, etc.), which is formed on the end of body portion  106  that is opposite the end from which tube portion  108  extends, is a generally flat plane that is oriented perpendicular to the central axis of body portion  102 . Protrusion  114  extends perpendicularly and outwardly from face  112  and encircles opening  110 . 
   Identification formation  116  is substantially similar to the identification formations described above in relation to the stopper. According to a preferred embodiment, identification formation  116  is a washer or ring embedded within body portion  106  that has an aperture extending therethrough that shares a central axis or center point with opening  110 . According to alternative embodiments, as described above in relation to identification formations included in stoppers, the identification formation in male end  102  may include a particular combination or set of characteristics that are discernable through translucent body portion  106 . These characteristics may include, but are not limited to, color, size, shape (both overall and cross-sectional), orientation, formation, etc. By comparing the set of characteristics of the identification formation embedded in the male end with the set of characteristics of identification formations embedded in various female ends, the male end can be matched with the appropriate female end, and vice versa. This technique helps to ensure that the right tubes get coupled together and helps reduce the effort that would otherwise be required to trace various tubes back to their sources to determine which tubes should be connected together. 
   Female end  104  is substantially the same as male end  102 , with the only difference being that instead of having a projection extending from a face  120 , female end  104  includes a groove or channel  118  that is configured to receive projection  114  of male end  102 . When coupled together, face  112  of male end  102  contacts face  120  of female end  104  to form at least a partial seal. To maintain tubing apparatus  100  in a coupled position, male end  102  and female end  104  each include a flange  122  that has a greater diameter than the body portion of male end  102  and female end  104 . A clamp or band (not shown) encircles the region of greater diameter formed by the flanges and thereby couples the flanges together to prevent male end  102  and female end  104  from becoming separated. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , various tubes, stoppers, coupling apparatuses, and vessels are shown in a tubing system  200 . As shown, the system includes three vessels  202 ,  204  and  206  that are covered by stoppers  208 ,  210 , and  212 , respectively. Each stopper includes three apertures and each aperture has a tube passing through it. Two coupling apparatuses  214  and  216  are shown, with coupling apparatus  214  serving to couple tube  218   a  with tube  218   b  and with coupling apparatus  216  serving to couple tube  220   a  with tube  220   b.  Three identification formations are provided in each of stoppers  208 ,  210 , and  212 , with one around each aperture. Moreover, one identification formation is provided in each portion (e.g. male and female portion) of each of coupling apparatus  214  and  216 . 
   As one example of how the identification formations can be used to distinguish between different tubes, consider the following situation. Assume vessel  202  includes a substance (substance  1 ) that needs to be added to both of vessels  204  and  206 . Assume further that vessel  204  includes a substance (substance  2 ) that needs to be added to vessel  206  after substance  1  is added to vessel  204 . Finally, assume that substance  1  needs to be added to vessel  206  after substance  2  is added to vessel  206 . In such a situation, identification formations  222   b  and  222   c  may have the same set of characteristics because the tubes associated with identification formations  222   b  and  222   c  will be transporting the same substance. Moreover, identification formations  224   b  and  226   c  may have the same set of characteristics as  222   b  and  222   c  to indicate that the substance from vessel  202  is being transported to vessels  204  and  206 . Similarly, identification formation  224   a  may have the same set of characteristics as identification formation  226   a  to indicate that substance  2  is being transported from vessel  204  to vessel  206 . Additionally, identification formations  222   a,    224   c,  and  226   b  may each have a set of characteristics that corresponds to the substance carried by, or to the purpose of, the tube associated with each identification formation. Identification formations  228   a  and  228   b  of coupling apparatus  214  may have the same set of characteristics to indicate that the male portion containing identification formation  228   a  should be coupled to the female portion containing identification formation  228   b.  Identification formations  228   a  and  228   b  may also have the same set of characteristics as identification formations  222   c  and  226   c  to indicate that tubes  218   a  and  218   b  should be inserted into the apertures associated with identification formations  222   c  and  226   c.  Identification formations  230   a  and  230   b  of coupling apparatus  216  may be set in a configuration similar to that of the identification formations of coupling apparatus  214 . 
   As one skilled in the art will recognize, an almost endless number of combinations and configurations of vessels, stoppers, tubes, coupling apparatuses, and identification formations are possible. The example described above is not intended to limit how such devices can be used and combined, but rather is intended to serve as an example of how such devices may be used in only one of a multitude of possible situations and environments. 
   According to a preferred embodiment, the stopper and the coupling apparatuses are molded from a translucent silicone. To provide a stopper or coupling apparatus having an identification formation embedded therein, the mold is prepared for the molding process, an identification formation is positioned within the mold, and then the body of the stopper or coupling apparatus is molded around the identification formation. As a result of such a method, the identification formation can be partially or completely surrounded by the translucent silicone. Using such a method of construction, a stopper or coupling apparatus can be made that reduces the likelihood that the identification formation will become separated from the rest of the stopper or coupling apparatus during use. The use of such a method may also eliminate the need for a secondary molding operation. 
   It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the tubing system provided herein are illustrative only. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments (such as variations in the use of materials, colors, and combinations of shapes; variations in sizes, structures, shapes, dimensions and proportions of the stoppers, tube couplings, identification formations, tubes, apertures and other elements; variations in the arrangement of the identification formations as well as the various other tubing system elements; and variations in the configuration and operation of the tubing system elements) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. For example, the stopper may be adapted and sized for use on any type of vessel or receptacle and may be used with a variety of substances or materials. The stopper also may be adapted for use on a container or vessel with a square or rectangular mouth or opening or with a mouth or opening having any one of a plurality of other shapes. The stopper may include any number of apertures, and the apertures may be any suitable shape (e.g. square, rectangular, oval, triangular, octagonal, etc.). According to further alternative embodiments, the stopper and apertures may be configured to be used with any type or style of tubing or pipe. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
   The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.