Abstract: A valve assembly structure and method for sterilizing multiple environments or containers, such as an isolation barrier and a tank. The valve assembly structure comprises a cylindrical housing with an inner chamber having a first and second opening. The valve assembly further comprises an annular deflatable hollow gasket positioned against the inner chamber for engaging a plug sealing member. The cylindrical housing of the spool may also include a plurality of passages to allow various liquids and gases to be circulated and removed from the inner chamber of the valve assembly. A variety of methods may be employed for adequately sterilizing the valve assembly simultaneously with the multiple sterilized environments or containers. These methods include sterilizing the valve assembly separately through the valve passages in the cylindrical housing of the valve, or sterilizing the valve assembly using the same method or process used to sterilize one or more of the attached containers.

Abstract: A port system for allowing transfer of material between sterile environments in two walled enclosures includes film members attached to each of the enclosures and covering ports through the walls of the enclosures. The exterior surfaces of the film members are coated with adhesives of a type which will cause the film members to adhere when brought into contact with each other. To transfer material, the enclosures are brought together with film covered ports in alignment, and upon contact the adhesive covered surfaces cause the film members to adhere. The film members are constructed and arranged so that the portions covering the ports in the walls of the enclosures can be separated from the portions surrounding the ports. After adherence, the separable portions are removed, enabling transfer to occur through the now open ports.