Filter bag and connector cartridge

Abstract

A filter bag ( 200 ) and connector cartridge are used for collection of physiological fluids. The bag ( 200 ) includes an internal filter ( 206 ) and two seals ( 218, 220 ) on the perimeter. An inner seal ( 218 ) bonds the outer sheets ( 202, 204 ) of the bag and the filter, while the outer seal ( 220 ) bonds only the two outer sheets ( 202, 204 ) and acts as a safety seal. The bag includes a verification element that cooperates with a verification connector to ensure that the bag is properly attached to the fluid supply line before a fluid pump is enabled.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A container for a fluid comprising first and second outer sheets forming a cavity and a filter between said sheets dividing said cavity into first and second chambers in communication with each other through said filter, fluid inlet means communicating with said first chamber for conducting fluid into said cavity, and fluid outlet means communicating with said second chamber for conducting fluid out of said cavity, wherein said sheets and filter are bonded together at a first peripheral bond and only said sheets are bonded together at a second peripheral bond.  
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said first peripheral bond lies radially inward of said second peripheral bond.  
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said fluid inlet means is secured between a first of said sheets on one side of said inlet means and the other of said sheets and said filter on the other side of said inlet means.  
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said filter comprises a 40μ mesh.  
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein one of said fluid inlet and fluid outlet means comprises a first connector element and means for verifying proper attachment of said first connector element to a second connector element.  
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 5  wherein said means for verifying comprises an optical element.  
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 6  wherein said optical element comprises a transparent cylinder.  
     
     
         8 . In combination, a first connector element and means for verifying whether said first connector is connected to a second connector element, wherein said means for verifying comprises an optical element.  
     
     
         9 . A combination according to  claim 8  wherein said connector is a Luer connector and said optical element comprises a transparent cylinder.  
     
     
         10 . A combination according to  claim 9  in further combination with a fluid container and wherein said connector is part of an inlet or outlet line for said container.  
     
     
         11 . A combination according to  claim 10  wherein said container comprises first and second outer sheets forming a cavity and a filter between said sheets dividing said cavity into first and second chambers in communication with each other through said filter, fluid inlet means communicating with said first chamber for conducting fluid into said cavity, and fluid outlet means communicating with said second chamber for conducting fluid out of said cavity, wherein said sheets and filter are bonded together at a first peripheral bond and only said sheets are bonded together at a second peripheral bond.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus for connecting two fluid lines, comprising a housing having means for removably engaging a mounting element on a base unit, a first connector means in fluid communication with a first fluid line and adapted to be removably attached to a second connector means on a second fluid line, and means for verifying that said first connector means is connected to said second connector means.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein said means for verifying is adapted to cooperate with verifying means on said base unit when said apparatus is attached to said base unit.  
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein said means for verifying comprises means forming at least one optical channel for directing a beam of light toward said second connector means when said second connector means is attached to said first connector means.  
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein said at least one optical channel comprises an inlet channel positioned to align with a light source on said base unit and an outlet channel positioned to align with a light detector when said apparatus is received on said base unit.