Patent ID: 7727220

Claim:
A connecting device for a medical system comprising: a first subsystem having a first connection portion, and a second subsystem having a second connection portion, at least one of the first and second subsystems containing a fluid, the connecting device being configured to connect the first subsystem to the second subsystem to permit transport of the fluid from at least one of the first and second subsystems to the other of the first and second subsystems, the device comprising a container enclosing an inner space, the container being configured to receive the first connection portion and the second connection portion in the inner space, and a mechanism configured to permit, from outside the container, said connection of the first connection portion and the second connection portion to each other in the inner space and a disconnection of the first connection portion from the second connection portion after said connection has been accomplished, wherein the connecting device further comprises means for providing a substantially sterile atmosphere in the inner space, said means for providing a substantially sterile atmosphere comprising: a channel permitting an inward flow of a gas into the inner space, a filter arranged in said channel for filtering the gas before the gas enters the inner space, and a flow generator for providing said inward flow of gas through the channel, said flow generator configured to supply said inward flow of gas at least during the connection of the first connection portion and the second connection portion and a disconnection of the first connection portion and the second connection portion, thereby enabling both the connection and the disconnection of the first and second connection portions to be performed in a substantially sterile atmosphere, wherein said flow generator includes a fan, the flow generator being configured to maintain an overpressure in the inner space of the container.