Abstract: The invention provides a valve (1) for sterile transfer of fluids. The valve (1) comprises a housing (5) having first and second open ends (2, 3) and a passageway (4) extending between the ends (2, 3). The first end (2) has a flange (54) for coupling the housing (5) about an opening (205) of an external conduit (201) and a seal blocking an open area of the first end (2). The seal is placed in register with the opening (205) of the external conduit (201). The valve (1) has a piston (9) movably disposed within the housing (5) so as to interrupt the seal and to permit fluid to pass along the passageway (4). A mating surface (215) of the flange (54) and the seal form a sterilizable surface. The seal is formed between a plastic plug (18) movable by the piston (9) and a sharp plastics rim (15) which encompasses the open area of a first end (16) of the housing (5).

Abstract: A valve apparatus (100) for use in sterile fluid transfer or isolator systems has open entry (10) and exit (11) sides and a passageway (9) for fluid between the entry (10) and the exit (11) sides. The entry side (10) is connectable to an opening (4c) of a vessel or pipe (4) and the exit side (11) is connectable to downstream processing by means such as tubing, a vessel or a pipe. The entry side (10) includes a rupturable seal (2a) blocking the open entry side (10). Valve (100) also includes an actuator (5) attached to a piston (1) which moves within the valve (100), the piston being connected to the seal so that on movement of the piston, the seal is torn free from the entry side thereby allowing fluid gain entry to the valve (100) and to pass along the passageway (9) between the open entry (10) and exit (11) sides to downstream processing.