| abstract |
A connector assembly includes first and second fittings (100, 200) and first and second membrane assemblies (170, 270). Each fitting (100, 200) defines a respective aperture (141, 231). Each membrane assembly has a layer (172a, 272a) sealing the aperture and a removable contamination containment layer (182a, 282a) overlying a respective sealing layer. The first and second fittings (100, 200) may be resiliently coupled in biased opposition to urge positive contact between the first and second removable contamination containment layers (182a, 282a) and/or the first and second sealing layers (172a, 272a). In one application, a connector assembly according to the invention may define a fluid communication path for handling a fluid without allowing the level of contaminants in the fluid to increase. A connector assembly according to the invention may be used to handle a biological fluid while maintaining the fluid free of viable contaminating microorganisms or preserving its sterility, for example. |