Quick connect coupler with air shield

摘要

A quick connect coupler for fluid transfer is disclosed in which one or both of the mating coupler members is provided with a sleeve which encloses at least a portion of said coupler member adjacent to its coupling end. The sleeve has an inlet for admission of air through its outer wall, a narrow concentric gap between its inner wall and the enclosed coupler member at said coupling end, and a passageway leading from said air inlet to said concentric gap for passage of air over said coupling end. The coupler is adapted for repeated connecting and disconnecting by cooperating releasable coupling means without loss of sterility by virtue of an air shield which is produced over said coupling end by passage of sterile air through the concentric gap.