Importance

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Abstract

A connector assembly includes first and second fittings and first and second membrane assemblies. Each fitting defines a respective aperture. Each membrane assembly has a layer sealing the aperture and a removable contamination containment layer overlying a respective sealing layer. The first and second fittings may be resiliently coupled in biased opposition to urge positive contact between the first and second removable contamination containment layers and/or the first and second sealing layers. In one application, a connector assembly according to the invention may define a fluid communication path for handling a fluid without allowing the level of contaminants in the fluid to increase. A connector assembly according to the invention may be used to handle a biological fluid while maintaining the fluid free of viable contaminating microorganisms or preserving its sterility, for example.

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First Claim