Devices, systems, and methods for a reducer with an integrated seal

Abstract

The present disclosure is related to bioprocessing devices, systems, and methods, and particularly to sanitary connections for bioprocessing. The devices, systems, and methods described herein can relate to the sanitary connection of flow fittings, such as reducers, with considerations for ease of assembly and sealing. In some embodiments, the system may include a flow reducer, a ferrule and a gasket. The flow reducer may include a gasket channel, an overmold channel within the gasket channel, and one or more cavities within the overmold channel. The gasket may be overmolded within the gasket channel and extending within the one or more cavities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gasket comprising:
 an outer surface;   an inner surface opposing the outer surface;   an aperture through the outer and inner surfaces;   an alignment rib disposed on the outer surface and extending about the aperture, the alignment rib configured to substantially align with an alignment channel of a ferrule rim;   a primary rib disposed on the outer surface of the gasket concentrically within the alignment rib; and   an inner edge of the gasket that tapers inwardly toward the aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The gasket of  claim 1 , wherein the gasket is configured for overmolding within a ferrule. 
     
     
         3 . The gasket of  claim 1 , wherein the gasket comprises silicone and a material of the ferrule comprises a different material. 
     
     
         4 . The gasket of  claim 1 , further comprising a stop disposed on the outer surface of the gasket and extending about an outer edge of the gasket, the stop having a surface tapering radially toward the aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The gasket of  claim 1 , further comprising a secondary rib disposed on the outer surface of the gasket concentrically between the alignment rib and the primary rib. 
     
     
         6 . A gasket comprising:
 an outer surface;   an inner surface opposing the outer surface;   an aperture through the outer and inner surfaces;   an alignment rib disposed on the outer surface and extending about the aperture, the alignment rib configured to substantially align with an alignment channel of a ferrule rim, wherein the alignment rib is configured such that the alignment rib is the first feature to engage the alignment channel and so that the alignment rib is the only feature of the gasket that interface into the alignment channel;   a primary rib disposed on the outer surface of the gasket concentrically within the alignment rib; and   an inner edge of the gasket that tapers inwardly toward the aperture.   
     
     
         7 . The gasket of  claim 6 , wherein the gasket is configured for overmolding within a ferrule. 
     
     
         8 . The gasket of  claim 7 , wherein the gasket comprises silicone and a material of the ferrule comprises a different material. 
     
     
         9 . The gasket of  claim 6 , further comprising a stop disposed on the outer surface of the gasket and extending about an outer edge of the gasket, the stop having a surface tapering radially toward the aperture. 
     
     
         10 . The gasket of  claim 6 , further comprising a secondary rib disposed on the outer surface of the gasket concentrically between the alignment rib and the primary rib. 
     
     
         11 . A gasket comprising:
 an outer surface;   an inner surface opposing the outer surface;   an aperture through the outer and inner surfaces;   an alignment rib disposed on the outer surface and extending about the aperture, the alignment rib configured to substantially align with an alignment channel of a ferrule rim;   a primary rib disposed on the outer surface of the gasket concentrically within the alignment rib; and   an inner edge of the gasket that tapers inwardly toward the apertures;   wherein the gasket is arranged and configured to be overmolded within an overmold channel within a gasket channel of a flow reducer, the gasket extending within one or more cavities within the overmold channel.   
     
     
         12 . The gasket of  claim 11 , wherein the gasket comprises silicone and a material of the ferrule comprises a different material. 
     
     
         13 . The gasket of  claim 11 , further comprising a stop disposed on the outer surface of the gasket and extending about an outer edge of the gasket, the stop having a surface tapering radially toward the aperture. 
     
     
         14 . The gasket of  claim 11 , further comprising a secondary rib disposed on the outer surface of the gasket concentrically between the alignment rib and the primary rib. 
     
     
         15 . The gasket of  claim 11 , wherein the gasket is configured to be overmolded within a flow reducer to form a single component with the flow reducer. 
     
     
         16 . The gasket of  claim 11 , wherein the gasket comprises silicone and a material of the flow reducer comprises a different material.