Patent Publication Number: US-2022224098-A1

Title: Seal apparatus and method of using same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/382,572, which was filed on Apr. 12, 2019 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,289,888 on Mar. 29, 2022), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/657,768, which was filed on Apr. 14, 2018. The entire content of the foregoing patent applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Various medical and scientific processes require the transfer of medicine, gases or chemicals into and/or out of a vessel while creating a sterile, liquid and air tight seal through a removable or permanent entry device. Traditional seal assemblies include nuts, washers, and/or quick connect features that can result in leaks between one or more components, and can increase the cost of assembly due to the number of components needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary seal apparatus for sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening is provided. The seal apparatus includes a first section, a second section, and an intermediate section. The first section is disposed at a proximal end of the seal apparatus. In one embodiment, the first section defines a cone-like configuration. The second section is disposed at a distal end of the seal apparatus. The intermediate section is disposed between the first and second sections. An opening extends through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section. 
     The opening extending through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section can be configured to receive therethrough a flexible conduit. In some embodiments, a plurality of relief areas can be formed in the first section. The relief areas can extend a partial distance into a thickness of the first section and enable the first section to compress or collapse under pressure during passage of the first portion through the opening of the structure. A diameter of the first section can be dimensioned greater than a diameter of the opening of the structure. The first section is configured to be temporarily compressed and/or collapsed during passage through the opening of the structure, and configured to expand to an original expanded configuration after passage through the opening of the structure. An inner wall of the first section forms a seal between the first section and the structure after expansion of the first section to the original expanded configuration. 
     In some embodiments, a diameter of the intermediate section can be dimensioned greater than a diameter of the opening of the structure. During assembly of the seal apparatus with the structure, the intermediate section can be compressed within the opening of the structure to create a seal between the intermediate section and the opening of the structure. In some embodiments, a length of the intermediate section can be dimensioned smaller than the thickness of the structure at the opening. In such embodiments, during assembly of the seal apparatus with the structure, inner walls of the first and second sections are configured to be compressed against opposing surfaces of the structure due to the dimensional difference between the length of the intermediate section and the thickness of the structure at the opening. 
     In some embodiments, the seal apparatus is configured to form a first seal between an inner wall of the first section and one wall of the structure, form a second seal between an inner wall of the second section and an opposing wall of the structure, and form a third seal between the intermediate section and an inner surface of the opening of the structure. In some embodiments, a relief groove can be formed in an inner wall of the second section. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary system for sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening is provided. The system includes a first seal apparatus and a conduit. The first seal apparatus includes a first section disposed at a proximal end, a second section disposed at a distal end, and an intermediate section disposed between the first and second sections. The first section can define a cone-like configuration. An opening extends through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section. The conduit is disposed within and extends through the opening of the first seal apparatus. 
     In some embodiments, the first seal apparatus is bonded to or capable of being bonded to the conduit. In some embodiments, a position of the first seal apparatus along the conduit is maintained via a friction fit. A connection between the first seal apparatus and the conduit forms a fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments, a second seal apparatus can be connected to the conduit and faces an opposing direction from the first seal apparatus. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening is provided. The method includes positioning a first section of a seal apparatus adjacent to the opening of the structure. The seal apparatus includes the first section disposed at a proximal end and defining a cone-like configuration, a second section disposed at a distal end, and an intermediate section disposed between the first and second sections. An opening extends through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section. The method includes compressing the first section during passage of the first section through the opening of the structure. The method includes expanding the first section into an expanded configuration after passage of the first section through the opening of the structure. After passage of the first section through the opening of the structure, a first seal is formed between an inner wall of the first section and one wall of the structure, a second seal is formed between an inner wall of the second section and an opposing wall of the structure, and a third seal is formed between the intermediate section and an inner surface of the opening of the structure. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an overmolded seal apparatus that seals the interface between flexible conduits and openings, and methods of using the seal apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, help to explain the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a seal apparatus in an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic, front view of a seal apparatus of  FIG. 1  including a cap prior to assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a seal apparatus and cap of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic, detailed cross-sectional view of a seal apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a seal apparatus assembled with an intermediate wall apparatus used in a clean room environment in an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic, front view of a seal apparatus assembled with an intermediate wall apparatus of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a seal apparatus assembled with an intermediate wall apparatus of  FIG. 5  and installed in a clean room environment; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic, front perspective view of a seal apparatus used in conjunction with a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic, rear perspective view of a seal apparatus and removable cap of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic, rear view of a seal apparatus and removable cap of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a seal apparatus and removable cap of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 12A-12E  depict views of the insertion and placement of a seal apparatus in conjunction with flexible fluid conduits in an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  depict views of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunction with a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a view of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunction with an intermediate wall apparatus for a clean room environment in an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a view of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunction with a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a view of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunction with a lid of a container in an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of steps performed in an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments provide a seal apparatus specifically designed for use with flexible conduits such as, but not limited to, silicone tubing. The seal apparatus can be used with a variety of entry devices including, but not limited to, a sanitary fitting, bottle caps, tanks, stoppers, pass-through clean room walls, or the like. In one embodiment the seal apparatus may be over molded onto the flexible conduit. The seal apparatus includes a top portion with a collapsible cone-like portion that forces the bottom section towards itself and creates a seal below the opening. This in part is accomplished by creating a space between the bottom section and the base of the cone section that is smaller than the thickness of the item the seal is to pass through. In addition, the intermediate section of the seal apparatus (e.g., the section between the top and bottom sections) intentionally has a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening which the seal apparatus passes through to also create a seal along the entire circumference of the interior surfaces of the opening. The seal apparatus may be made from a (LSR) Liquid Silicone Rubber such as BlueStar&#39;s LSR-60 Resin or similar material. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the seal apparatus may be provided as a single piece and then bonded to the flexible conduit such as by using a medical grade RTV silicon adhesive such as BlueStar&#39;s MED ADH 4100 RTV or similar types of adhesive to bond the single piece to silicone tubing. 
       FIGS. 1-4  are diagrammatic, perspective, front and cross-sectional views of a seal apparatus  100  in an exemplary embodiment. As an example, in  FIGS. 2-3 , the seal apparatus  100  is illustrated in combination with a cap  150  (e.g., cover, lid, or the like) prior to assembly. In one embodiment, the seal apparatus  100  can be over molded onto a flexible conduit  102 , such as silicone tubing. In such an embodiment, the conduit  102  can be inserted into a central inner opening  104  of the seal apparatus  100 , the position of the seal apparatus  100  can be selected along the length of the conduit  102 , and adhesive, surface welding, and/or a friction fit can be used to create a seal between the seal apparatus  100  and the conduit  102 . Although not applicable in a high pressure environment, in an alternate embodiment in which the seal apparatus  100  would be deployed in a lower or intermediate pressure environment, a friction fit could be used to maintain the position of the seal apparatus  100  at the desired location of the conduit  102 . The conduit  102  can be used to transport or allow passage of fluid, gas, combinations thereof, or the like. The inner opening  104  extends along a central longitudinal axis  124  of the entire length of the seal apparatus  100  to accommodate the conduit  102 . In one embodiment, the diameter of the opening  104  can be formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the conduit  102  to create a friction fit and seal between the seal apparatus  100  and the conduit  102 . In one embodiment, the seal apparatus  100  can be formed as a single unit with the conduit  102 . 
     The seal apparatus  100  includes a proximal end  106  (e.g., a feed side, a top portion, or the like) and an opposing distal end  108  (e.g., an exit side, a bottom portion, or the like). The seal apparatus  100  includes a first section  110  defining a substantially triangular or cone-shaped configuration and extending from the proximal end  106  towards the distal end  108 . The seal apparatus  100  includes a second section  112  extending from the distal end  108  towards the proximal end  106 . The seal apparatus  100  includes an intermediate section  114  disposed between the first and second sections  110 ,  112  and defining a diameter dimensioned smaller than the diameter of the first and second sections  110 ,  112 . 
     The first section  110  includes radially spaced grooves, cutouts or relief areas  116  extending a partial distance into the thickness of the first section  110 . In one embodiment, the relief areas  116  extend from an external or outer surface down a partial distance into the first section  110 . In one embodiment, the first section  110  includes relief areas  116  formed as cavities within the first section  110  without extending to the outer surface. In one embodiment, the relief areas  116  define a substantially triangular configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) having a point at or near the proximal end  106  and tapering outwardly towards an inner wall  118  of the first section  110 . The inner wall  118  can extend substantially perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis  124  of the seal apparatus  100 . The relief areas  116  provide flexibility to the first section  110  such that during insertion of the first section  110  through an opening in a structure during assembly (e.g., into an opening  152  of the cap  150 ), the first section  110  can flex and/or collapse (e.g., in the direction of the distal end  108  and/or downward toward the opening  104 ) to allow the first section  110  to be pulled through the opening of the structure. The webbing left behind in the first section  110  between the relief areas  116  provides added strength to the structure of the seal apparatus  100 , and forms a seal surface or area at the inner wall  118  of the first section  110 . 
     The cone shape at the top of the seal apparatus  100  may include four relief areas  116  radially spaced from each other, but the size, shape and number of relief areas  116  cored into the seal apparatus  100  can be modified to fit into various styles of covers and/or vessels. In some embodiments, on a larger size conduit  102 , the relief areas  116  may not be needed because the hollow area or inner passage  134  of the conduit  102  provides the area needed for the cone shape to collapse. For example, for conduit  102  having an inner passage  134  with a diameter dimensioned equal to or greater than about 0.625 inches, the relief areas  116  may be excluded from the seal apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the relief areas  116  can be included in the seal apparatus  100  for any size of the conduit  102  to assist in further flexing and collapsing of the seal apparatus  100  during installation. 
     In some embodiments, the inclusion of or the number of relief areas  116  can depend on the overall outer diameter of the seal apparatus  100 . For example, if the seal apparatus  100  has an overall outer diameter equal to or below about 0.750 inches, the relief areas  116  can be included in the first section  110  to provide sufficient flexibility to the first section  110 . As a further example, if the seal apparatus  100  has an overall outer diameter greater than about 0.751 inches, the first section  110  can be formed without relief areas  116  or with a smaller number of relief areas  116  due to the flexibility provided by the material itself. 
     With specific reference to  FIG. 4 , the intermediate section  114  includes a proximal portion  120  and a distal portion  122  forming a step. The proximal and distal portions  120 ,  122  can extend substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis  124 . The proximal portion  120  can be disposed adjacent to the inner wall  118  of the first section  110 , and defines a diameter dimensioned smaller than a diameter of the distal portion  122 . The smaller diameter of the proximal portion  120  creates a radial groove or space immediately behind the proximal portion  120 . 
     During assembly of the seal apparatus  100  with the cap  150 , the radial groove or space formed by the proximal portion  120  provides room into which the first section  110  can extend during flexing and/or collapsing. The distal portion  122  includes a diameter dimensioned slightly greater than the diameter of the opening  152  of the cap  150  (or any structure to be assembled with the seal apparatus  100 ). The dimensional difference ensures that a friction seal is created between the intermediate section  114  and the inner surface of the opening  152  after assembly and engagement of the seal apparatus  100  with the cap  150 . In some embodiments, the diameter of the intermediate section  114  can be, e.g., about 5% greater, about 6% greater, about 7% greater, about 5-6% greater, about 6-7% greater, about 5-7% greater, or the like, than the diameter of the opening  152  to create the sealing effect noted above. 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 4 , the second section  112  includes an inner wall  126  extending substantially perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis  124 . The inner wall  126  can face and oppose the inner wall  118  of the first section  110 . The inner walls  118 ,  126  can extend substantially parallel to each other. The distance or length  136  of the intermediate section  114  as measured between the inner walls  118 ,  126  can be dictated by the thickness  158  of the item (e.g., cap  150 ) around which the seal is being employed. In some embodiments, the length  136  can be dimensioned less than the actual thickness  158  of the item such that after assembly of the seal apparatus  100  with the item, compressibility of the first and second sections  110 ,  112  on opposing sides of the item contributes to the sealing effect. In some embodiments, the length  136  can be, e.g., about 20% smaller, about 25% smaller, about 30% smaller, about 20-25% smaller, about 25-30% smaller, about 20-30% smaller, or the like, than the thickness  158  to create the sealing effect noted above. 
     The second section  112  includes an outer surface  128  defining an outer diameter of the second section  112 . In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the second section  112  can be dimensioned greater than the outermost point  130  of the first section  110 . In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the second section  112  can be dimensioned substantially equal to the outermost point  130  of the first section  110 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the outer diameter of the second section  112  can be dimensioned greater than the outermost point  130  of the first section  110 . The greater outer diameter of the second section  112  can result in a higher inner pressure seal during use of the seal apparatus  100 . The second section  112  includes a radial groove  132  (e.g., a relief area) formed in the inner wall  126  and extending from the inner wall  126  towards the distal end  108  of the seal apparatus  100 . The radial groove  132  extends only a partial thickness of the second section  112 . In some embodiments, the radial groove  132  can provide for an increased spring pressure between inner walls  118 ,  126 , resulting in a proper seal on different types of surfaces (e.g., level or parallel surfaces, slightly non-parallel surfaces, wavy surfaces, or the like). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the outer diameters of the first, second and intermediate sections  110 ,  112 ,  114  are each dimensioned greater than the diameter of the opening  152  of the cap  150 . During assembly, the conduit  102  can be extended through the opening  152  such that the first section  110  abuts the edges of the opening  152 . Applying tension to pull the seal apparatus  100  through the opening  152  results in flexing and/or collapsing of one or more areas of the first section  110  such that the first section  110  passes through the opening  152 . Particularly, either the feed side or the exit side pieces of the conduit  102  tubing are passed up through the opening on a bottom side  154  (e.g., interior or wall-facing side) of a cap  150  and then pulled through the opening  152  in the cap  150 . This action causes the cone-shaped top to collapse inwards while traversing the opening  152 . The flexing or collapsing is allowed by the relief areas  110  incorporated into the seal apparatus  100  design that provide the cone-shaped design space into which to compress. 
     After the cone-shaped top (e.g., first section  110 ) clears the exterior or opposing surface  156  of the cap  150 , the first section  110  springs or re-expands back to its original shape (e.g., the shape shown in  FIG. 1 ). The expanded configuration of the first section  110  forms a seal between the inner wall  118  and the surface  156  of the cap  150 . At the same time, the second section  112  of the seal apparatus  100  is pulled towards the surface  154  of the cap  150  to create a seal on the opposing side of the opening  152  between the inner wall  126  and the surface  154 . An additional seal is created on the interior surfaces of the opening  152  by the slightly compressed oversized walls of the seal apparatus  100  compared to the opening  152  diameter in the cap  150 . Particularly, the distal portion  122  of the intermediate section  114  compresses against the inner walls of the opening  152  to form an interior seal within the opening  152 . The three seals formed by the seal apparatus  100  ensure an air and fluid-tight seal between the seal apparatus  100  and the cap  150 . 
       FIGS. 5-7  are diagrammatic perspective, front and cross-sectional views of a seal apparatus  100  assembled with an intermediate wall apparatus  200  (e.g., a pass through device) for use in a clean room environment in an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that the seal apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 5-7  is similar in structure and function to the seal apparatus of  FIGS. 1-4 . Therefore, reference numbers are excluded for clarity of operation. Rather than having a single seal apparatus  100  on each conduit  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , each conduit  102  can include two seal apparatuses  100  facing in opposing directions to create a seal on opposing sides of a wall  202 . 
     In a clean room environment, it is essential to limit any outside contaminants from being introduced. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the seal apparatus  100  can be used to form a seal on both sides of a wall  202  in the clean room when assembled with an intermediate wall apparatus  200 . The intermediate wall apparatus  200  includes a central housing  204  with two mounting flanges  206 ,  208  extending from the central housing  204  on opposing sides and in a spaced relationship. Each flange  206 ,  208  includes holes  210 ,  212  for securing the flanges  206 ,  208  to opposing sides of the wall  202  with fasteners  214 . The intermediate wall apparatus  200  includes cylindrical extensions  216 ,  218  extending front the flanges  206 ,  208  along the central longitudinal axis  220 . 
     The interior of the central housing  204  and the extensions  216 ,  218  are connected to form an inner passage  222  through which one or more portions of the seal apparatus  100  can extend. Endpoint caps  224 ,  226  are secured to respective ends of the extensions  216 ,  218  to seal the inner passage  222 . The intermediate wall apparatus  200  includes openings  228  in the caps  224 ,  226  for assembly with the seal apparatus  100 . Although two openings  228  are shown (e.g., for an inlet and outlet conduit  102 ), it should be understood that any number of openings  228  can be used depending on the number of seal apparatus  100  passing through the intermediate wall apparatus  200 . 
     The seal apparatus  100  can be assembled with the intermediate wall apparatus  200  prior to securing one or both endpoint caps  224 ,  226  to the extensions  216 ,  218 . Similar to the assembly of the seal apparatus  100  with a cap  150  or lid, tubing or conduit  102  to which the seal apparatus  100  has been attached is fed through the opening  228  in the respective cap  224 ,  226 . The top cone-like portion (e.g., the first section  110 ) of the seal apparatus  100  compresses initially and springs back into shape on the outer side of the cap  224 ,  226  to create a first seal. Due to the dimensional difference between the length  136  of the intermediate section  114  and the width of the cap  224 ,  226 , and/or the dimensional difference between the diameter of the intermediate section  114  and the diameter of the opening  228 , additional seals are created around the cap  224 ,  226 . The bottom portion (e.g., the second section  112 ) seals the opposing or inner side of the opening  228 , and the compressibility of the seal apparatus  100  seals the sides of the opening  228  as well. The intermediate section  114  compresses and creates a seal within the opening  228 . 
     After the seal apparatus  100  on one end of the conduit  102  has been assembled with one cap (e.g., cap  224 ), the opposing seal apparatus  100  on the same conduit  102  can be assembled with the opposing cap (e.g., cap  226 ). In some embodiments, the conduit  102  can be flexible enough to allow for assembly of the seal apparatuses  100  on opposing sides of the intermediate wall apparatus  200  without additional slack in the conduit  102 . In some embodiments, slack in the conduit  102  can be left within the passage  222  for easier installation. In such embodiments, it should be understood that the slack does not affect the fluid flow within the conduit  102 . As depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 , the openings into the clean room can be sealed using openings in the intermediate wall apparatus  200  that is inserted or integrated with the wall  202  of the clean room. In some embodiments, openings can be formed directly in the wall  202  for assembly with the seal apparatus  100  without use of the intermediate wall apparatus  200 . 
       FIGS. 8-11  are diagrammatic, perspective, rear and cross-sectional views of a seal apparatus  100  used in conjunction with a removable cap  300  in an exemplary embodiment. As noted above, the seal apparatus  100  can be used with removable/caps and lids. The cap  300  includes a body  302  defining an exterior surface, and threads  304  on an interior surface for mating the cap  300  with threads of a container (not shown). The cap  300  includes openings  306  extending therethrough and configured to receive the seal apparatus  100  during assembly. The number of openings  306  can depend on the application of use. 
     Assembly of the seal apparatus  100  with the cap  300  can be substantially similar to the assembly discussed above. In one embodiment, the seal provided by the cone-like portion of the seal apparatus  100  on top of the cap  300  can be supplemented with a sealing element  138  (e.g., silicone, a washer, combinations thereof, or the like) for caps  300  having a thinner thickness, thereby increasing the sealing effect. 
       FIGS. 12A-E  depict views of the insertion and placement of a seal apparatus  100  in conjunction with flexible fluid conduits in an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 12A  shows a view of the seal apparatus  100  affixed to flexible conduits and a lid with openings.  FIGS. 12B-C  show views of the seal apparatus  100  prior to being pulled through the openings in the lid.  FIG. 12D  shows a view from the top of the lid and the seal apparatus  100  during the process of the top cone-like portion being pulled though the opening. As noted above, the cone-like portion of each seal apparatus  100  is compressed as the seal apparatus  100  is gradually pulled through the respective opening, and snaps outwardly after passing through the opening to create a seal on the outer surface of the lid.  FIG. 12E  provides a view of the seal apparatus  100  after being pulled through the opening in the lid and shows the seal formed on the top of the lid by the cone portion after re-expansion. 
       FIGS. 13A-B  depict views of the use of a seal apparatus  100  in conjunction with a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 13A  shows a view of the seal formed by the cone-like portion formed on top of the cap, while  FIG. 13B  shows a view of the seal formed on the bottom of the cap by the bottom portion of the seal apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts the use of a seal apparatus  100  in conjunction with an intermediate wall apparatus for a clean room environment in an exemplary embodiment. The intermediate wall apparatus can be substantially similar to the intermediate wall apparatus  200  of  FIGS. 5-7 . A clamp mechanism  230  can be used to secure the endpoint cap to the extension after assembly of the seal apparatus  100  with the intermediate wall apparatus. 
       FIG. 15  depicts the use of a seal apparatus  100  in conjunction with a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, six seal apparatuses  100  are used with separate conduits and passed through individual holes in the cap during assembly. The compact configuration of the seal apparatus  100  provides the advantage of positioning multiple conduits adjacent to each other in a small surface area of the cap. Traditional sealing apparatuses include multiple components that project from the conduit and generally necessitate more surrounding area for assembly, resulting in a smaller number of seal apparatuses that can be assembled with a small cap. The exemplary seal apparatus  100  provides an efficient and compact assembly with multiple conduits positioned adjacent to each other. 
       FIG. 16  depicts the use of a seal apparatus  100  in conjunction with a lid of a container in an exemplary embodiment. Although two seal apparatuses  100  are shown, it should be understood that any number of seal apparatuses  100  can be used depending on the intended use of the container. 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of steps or process  600  performed in an exemplary embodiment to seal a structure (e.g., cover, lid, cap, or the like) with a seal apparatus  100 . To begin, at step  602 , the end of a flexible conduit that includes the seal apparatus is inserted into an opening in the structure. At step  604 , the flexible conduit is pulled through the opening in the structure until the narrow portion of the top cone-like portion of the seal apparatus is adjacent to the opening. At step  606 , the flexible conduit is pulled further through the opening in the structure such that the cone-like portion of the seal apparatus compresses upon contact with the opening edge. At step  608 , the flexible conduit is pulled through the opening until the cone-like portion of the seal apparatus clears the opening and re-expands on the opposing side, forming a seal with the structure. Based on the configuration of the seal apparatus, seals are formed at the top, bottom and intermediate portions of the seal apparatus. Specifically, a seal is formed around the entire circumference at the wall surrounding the opening on one side with the top portion of the seal apparatus, a seal is simultaneously formed against the opposing wall with the bottom portion of the seal apparatus due to the compression of the top and bottom portions, and a seal is simultaneously formed at the interior surfaces of the opening with the intermediate portion of the seal apparatus. The seal apparatus thereby provides three separate points of sealing for the opening, ensuring an air and fluid-tight seal. 
     In one embodiment, the components of the seal apparatus may be produced as sterile components in a validated injection molding clean room environment, and properly bagged and sealed before exiting the room. Afterwards the seal apparatus can be autoclaved or gamma irradiated to achieve a full sterile status. In one embodiment, the components of the seal apparatus may be produced in a non-sterile environment for use in non-sterile industries, e.g., automotive, aerospace, electrical, plumbing, or the like. 
     Since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a literal sense. Practitioners of the art will realize that the sequence of steps and architectures depicted in the figures may be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention and that the illustrations contained herein are singular examples of a multitude of possible depictions of the present invention. 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.