Connector to cassette interface system

Abstract

The disclosed connector to cassette interface system includes a set of individual keyed connectors having a shroud on the lower portion. The perimeter of each shroud includes an array of tabs or protrusions keyed to one of a corresponding array of skirted portals in the cassette cover. The tabs or protrusions on the shroud portion of each individual keyed connector may further serve to prevent rotation of each connector beyond about 60°.

1 . A connector to cassette assembly interface system comprising:
 a cassette assembly, said cassette assembly including:
 a cassette cover and a cassette body constructed and arranged to fit together to have a space therebetween; 
   said cassette cover including a plurality of portals formed therein, each of said portals including a skirt portion extending from the bottom of said cassette cover into said space between said cassette cover and said cassette body;   said cassette body including a plurality of tubular openings constructed and arranged to align with said portals in said cassette cover;   a plurality of connectors having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein said lower portion includes a luer fitting surrounded by a shroud, said shroud having a unique exterior surface configuration; and   said skirt portion of said portal including a pattern of unique openings constructed and arranged to engage one of said plurality of connectors.   
   
   
       2 . The connector to cassette interface system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said unique exterior surface configuration includes the size and shape of said shroud. 
   
   
       3 . The connector to cassette interface system as defined in  claim 2  wherein the size and shape of said shroud is dependent on the sex and shape of said luer fitting. 
   
   
       4 . The connector to cassette interface system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said unique exterior surface configuration of said shroud includes one or more tabs extending from said shroud. 
   
   
       5 . The connector to cassette interface system as defined in  claim 4  wherein said unique exterior surface configuration comprises a size of said tabs. 
   
   
       6 . The connector to cassette interface system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said upper portion of each of said connectors includes at least one wing for facilitating rotation of said connectors. 
   
   
       7 . The connector to cassette interface system as defined in  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of tubular openings includes a unique pattern of stops arranged around said tubular opening to engage extensions from said unique exterior surface configuration and to limit rotation of said connector after said connector has been inserted through said cassette cover. 
   
   
       8 . The connector to cassette interface system as defined in  claim 1  wherein each of said skirt portions includes an opening with a surface that limits rotation of said connector after said connector has been inserted through said cassette cover. 
   
   
       9 . A connector for insertion into a cassette assembly, said cassette assembly having a cover and a body, said cassette cover having a plurality of portals formed therein wherein each of said portals includes a unique skirt having a plurality of shaped openings formed therein, and said cassette body has a plurality of tubular openings aligned with said portals, said connector comprising:
 an upper portion having at least one wing formed thereon for facilitating rotation of said connector;   a lower portion;   a central flange separating said upper portion from said lower portion;   said lower portion including a luer fitting surrounded by a shroud;   said shroud being sized according to the sex and size of said luer fitting;   said shroud further including a plurality of tabs extending therefrom;   wherein said size of said shroud and the configuration of said plurality of tabs on said shroud is made for interfitment with one or more of the plurality of portals.   
   
   
       10 . The connector as defined in  claim 9  wherein said luer fitting is recessed within said shroud. 
   
   
       11 . The connector as defined in  claim 9  wherein a size of said plurality of tabs is made for interfitment with one or more of the plurality of portals. 
   
   
       12 . The connector as defined in  claim 9  wherein the connector is color coded. 
   
   
       13 . The connector as defined in  claim 9  wherein:
 said tubular openings have an array of stops formed thereabout; and   wherein said tabs contact at least one stop after first being inserted through a portal and then being rotated no more than about 60°.   
   
   
       14 . A cassette for engagement with a connector having a lower portion which includes a luer fitting surrounded by a shroud, said shroud having a unique diameter and a unique array of tabs extending therefrom, said cassette comprising:
 a cassette cover, said cassette cover having a plurality of portals formed thereon, each of said portals characterized by a skirt portion having a unique size and a unique array of openings formed therein; and   a cassette body having a plurality of tubular openings formed therein, said tubular openings being constructed and arranged to align with said portals when said cassette cover is placed on said cassette body;   whereby each portal on said cassette cover is keyed to a single connector.   
   
   
       15 . The cassette as defined in  claim 14  wherein said skirt portion provides for the engagement with a luer fitting of a sex opposite to the sex of the luer fitting within the shroud. 
   
   
       16 . The cassette as defined in  claim 14  wherein said skirt portion includes a stepped ramp. 
   
   
       17 . The cassette as defined in  claim 16  wherein said stepped ramp is for engagement with one of said tabs. 
   
   
       18 . The cassette as defined in  claim 14  wherein said portal is color coded. 
   
   
       19 . The cassette as defined in  claim 14  wherein said cassette body further comprises an array of stops formed around said tubular openings. 
   
   
       20 . The cassette as defined in  claim 19  wherein said array of stops surrounding each tubular opening is positioned to engage the tabs. 
   
   
       21 . The cassette as defined in  claim 20  wherein said stops have different heights constructed and arranged to engage shrouds of different lengths. 
   
   
       22 . The cassette as defined in  claim 14  wherein said skirt portions each have an opening with a surface that limits a rotation of said connector after said connector has been inserted into said cassette. 
   
   
       23 . A method for preventing mismatch of a set of connectors with a set of portals formed in a cassette, said method comprising the steps of:
 forming each portal with a depending skirt, said depending skirt having a size and a pattern of openings therearound different from the other portals formed in the cassette; and   forming a connector having a size and a pattern of protrusions therearound to engage one of the portals.   
   
   
       24 . The method as defined in  claim 23  wherein each connector is rotated by manual engagement of a set of wings extending from said connector. 
   
   
       25 . The method as defined in  claim 23  wherein each connector is formed to have a shroud surrounding a luer fitting.