Sealing element

Abstract

A sealing element is suggested, in particular one for closing primary packaging for medications, that has at least two parts, which touch each other at least in some areas. This is characterized in that steam-permeable channels are provided for sterilization of the contact surfaces. In addition, a method is suggested for manufacturing a syringe system with a sealing element. This is characterized by the steps preliminary assembly of the sealing element, sterilization of the sealing element, final assembly of the sealing element.

1 .- 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A sealing device for a medicine bearing receptacle comprising:
 a sealing cap, the sealing cap being disposed to engage the receptacle to seal the receptacle and thereby prevent fluid from entering or exiting the receptacle; and   a permeable sterilization member disposed over the sealing cap, the sterilization member being formed of a porous material to thereby permit sterilization fluid to pass therethrough to sterilize the sealing cap.   
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 28 , wherein the sealing cap has a projection formed thereon and wherein the sterilization member has a recess formed therein which engages the projection to secure the sterilization member to the projection cap. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 29 , wherein the sealing cap has a pair of recesses and the sterilization member has a pair of recesses. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 29 , wherein the sterilization member comprises a ring disposed below the recess to engage the projection. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 28 , wherein the sterilization member forms a safety cap disposed to cover the sealing cap. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 28 , wherein the medicine bearing receptacle is a syringe. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 33 , wherein the sealing cap has an inner chamber shaped to receive the tip of a syringe. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 33 , wherein the sealing cap has an inner chamber shaped to receive the tip and injection needle of a syringe. 
     
     
         36 . A syringe plunger comprising:
 a plunger, the plunger being formed as a sealing sleeve which, when disposed in a syringe body, seals against the syringe body, the plunger having generally cylindrical sidewalls and a top portion and defining a recess therein which is open to a back side of the plunger;   a support element disposed in the recess, the support element allowing sterilization fluid to pass thereby to sterilize the sidewalls and top portion of the plunger recess.   
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein the support element is formed of a porous material which is permeable to sterilization fluid to allow sterilization fluid to pass therethrough and sterilize the plunger recess. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein the support element is movable between:
 a preassembly position wherein a space is present between the support element and the top portion of the plunger and wherein a slot is present between the support element and the plunger sidewalls such that a sterilization fluid can pass through the slot and sterilize the space between the plunger top portion and the support element; and   a final assembly position wherein the support element is moved against the top portion of the plunger.   
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the plunger has a rib formed on the plunger sidewalls, the rib engaging the support element to space the support element away from the sidewalls and form the slot. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the plunger has three ribs formed on the plunger sidewalls. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the rib engages the support element to hold the support element in the preassembly position. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein the plunger is formed of a soft material and wherein the support element is formed of a rigid material.