Abstract: A sterile port cover which can be easily removed but is difficult to replace, and if replaced can be easily detected. A rigid port tube is sealably secured within a flexible plastic sleeve which extends beyond the end of the port tube. The sleeve is closed at this end and has a weakened section forming an intended fracture line. The sleeve is adapted to be separated at this fracture line and removed to expose the end of the port tube.

Abstract: A port structure for passing sterile fluids or other biological material, and a method for making the same is disclosed. The port structure includes a flexible sleeve having a rigid thermoplastic tube secured therein. The outer surface of the sleeve has greater thermoplastic properties than the inner surface, enabling the sleeve to be heat sealed to the fluid passage means without sealing off the inner surface. The rigid tube has a free end extending outside the sleeve, having a thermoplastic diaphragm which seals off the free end. When a sterile connection between two fluid passage means incorporating the port structure is desired, the free ends of each rigid tube are aligned and softened, and each thermoplastic diaphragm is opened. The free ends of the rigid tubes are then brought into contact and held in position under a slight pressure while the thermoplastic tubes cool and solidify, thereby creating a permanent connection.

Abstract: A method for making a sterile connection between fluid passage means such as a port structure for passing sterile fluids or other biological material, is disclosed. The port structure includes a flexible sleeve having a rigid thermoplastic tube secured therein. The outer surface of the sleeve has greater thermoplastic properties than the inner surface, enabling the sleeve to be heat sealed to the fluid passage means without sealing off the inner surface. The rigid tube has a free end extending outside the sleeve, having a thermoplastic diaphragm which seals off the free end. When a sterile connection between two fluid passage means incorporating the port structure is desired, the free ends of each rigid tube are aligned and softened, and each thermoplastic diaphragm is opened. The free ends of the rigid tubes are then brought into contact and held in position under a slight pressure while the thermoplastic tubes cool and solidify, thereby creating a permanent connection.