Patent ID: 8568657

Claim:
A first probe receiving element adapted to permit sterile connection of a probe with a fluid processing apparatus having associated therewith a second coupling adapted to permit insertion of at least a portion of said probe therethrough, the first probe receiving element comprising: a mounting element adapted to engage a portion of said probe; a tubular portion including an inner wall surface bounding an interior volume including a first passage permitting insertion of at least a portion of said probe; a collapsible section or collapsible bag comprising a gas permeable contaminant barrier material arranged to admit a sterilant gas or vapor into the interior volume and into contact with the inner wall surface bounding the interior volume; a first coupling comprising a first removable membrane or barrier; and a second coupling comprising a second removable membrane or barrier; wherein each of the first removable membrane or barrier and the second removable membrane or barrier is arranged to be removed following mating of the first coupling and the second coupling; and wherein following engagement between the first coupling and the second coupling, the first probe receiving element is adapted to receive at least a portion of said probe through the engaged first and second couplings to a position in fluid communication with an interior portion of said fluid processing apparatus.