Importance

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Abstract

A male fluid control member for controlling aspiration flow is insertable in a standard female receptacle having an interior cylindrical recess including a vent line leading to the recess. The male member includes an open end intruding into the recess in the female receptacle and filled by a protruding resilient gasket having a central orifice. The end recess is in communication with an interior chamber that extends along the aspiration fluid flow path, but is sealed therefrom by a hydrophobic membrane of substantial cross-sectional area. In operating position the orifice in the gasket in the male member is aligned with the vent line and the gasket and membrane seal the conduit thus formed from external sources of contamination. The opening in the gasket diverges in the direction toward the membrane which, together with the interior chamber, has a substantial cross-section. Thus fluid in the aspiration line flows freely through the male member without egressing toward the vent line, while venting air introduced into the aspiration line is sterile. There is thus no danger of cross-contamination due to prior use or external sources, and the device provides fluid control in the usual manner.

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First Claim