EP0128903A1

EP0128903A1 - A multiple access fluid transfer device and its method of manufacture

Info

Publication number: EP0128903A1
Application number: EP83903645A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel R. Boggs
Original assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories Inc
Current assignee: Baxter International Inc
Priority date: 1982-12-16
Filing date: 1983-10-03
Publication date: 1984-12-27
Also published as: WO1984002383A1

Abstract

Un dispositif de transfert de fluide (10) comprend un corps fusible (14) possédant un alésage axial (16) et une section transversale généralement constante sur toute la longueur axiale de l'alésage. Une zone d'absorption d'énergie radiante (30) est formée dans le corps. En réaction à l'application d'énergie radiante, la zone fond pour former une ouverture (41) dans le corps qui s'étend radialement dans l'alésage. Un des dispositifs peut être utilisé pour former un joint d'étanchéité amovible pour une source de fluide. Deux dispositifs peuvent être couplés entre eux, leurs zones absorbant l'énergie radiante se trouvant alors en contact face à face. En focalisant l'énergie radiante sur les zones en vis-à-vis, on peut former un cheminement de fluide entre les dispositifs couplés. On peut exécuter des connexions répétées en utilisant la même paire de dispositifs, dont la longueur totale devient de plus en plus courte après chaque connexion, ce qui rend le dispositif plus compact.A fluid transfer device (10) includes a fusible body (14) having an axial bore (16) and a generally constant cross section over the entire axial length of the bore. A region for absorbing radiant energy (30) is formed in the body. In response to the application of radiant energy, the area melts to form an opening (41) in the body which extends radially into the bore. One of the devices can be used to form a removable seal for a source of fluid. Two devices can be coupled together, their zones absorbing radiant energy then being in face-to-face contact. By focusing the radiant energy on the opposite areas, one can form a fluid path between the coupled devices. Repeated connections can be made using the same pair of devices, the overall length of which becomes shorter and shorter after each connection, making the device more compact.

Description

- I -

A MULTIPLE ACCESS FLUID TRANSFER DEVICE AND ITS METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to fluid transfer systems and devices, and, in particular, systems which protect the sterility of the fluids being transferred. This invention also generally relates to fluid transfer systems which allow multiple access.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

In some operative environments, it is desirable to transfer solutions in a sterile manner, In many of these environments, it may also be desirable to make multiple or repeated connections over a period of time.

An example of such an environment is one associated with peritoneal dialysis.

O In peritoneal dialysis, a dialysate is introduced directly into the peritoneal cavity of a patient. The patient is periodically required to drain the spent dialysate and replace it with a fresh dialysate.

Typically, the patient has a tube connected to his or her peritoneal cavity via an implanted catheter. A tube from a bag of fresh dialysate is connected to the patient's tube, and the fresh dialysate is transferred from the bag into the patient's peritoneal cavity. The dialysate remains in the peritoneal cavity for a period of time, typically for about three to four hours. During this time, the emptied bag is folded and carried by the patient. The spent dialysate is then drained from the peritoneal cavity back into the empty bag, which is then disconnected from the patient's tube. A bag of fresh dialysate is then connected to the patient's tube, and the procedure is repeated. The above-described procedure requires a multiplicity of connections to be made on a daily basis to introduce and remove the dialysate. Furthermore, to minimize the risk of peritonitis, each connection must be made in as sterile a fashion as possible. To this end, gloves, masks, gauze strips, and disinfectant solutions are typically employed. Because these precautions often prove cumbersom and inconvenient, they are subject to neglect or human error.

OMPI Examples of other environments which entail multiple or repeated fluid connections are those associated with chemical compounding and parenteral solution formation, such as those associated with hyperalimentation therapy.

As the number of multiple connections associated with a given operative environment increases, so, too, does the size and complexity of the associated fluid transfer device. Size and complexity are particularly critical design features to be considered in the context of ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, for it is the patient who must carry and use the device on a daily basis.

One of the principal objects of this invention is to provide a fluid transfer device and system which permit single or repeated access without compromising the sterility of the transferred fluids. Another one of the principal objects of this invention is to provide a single or repeated access fluid transfer device and system which are relatively compact in size and straightforward in operation.

Yet another one of the principal objects of this invention is to provide a fluid transfer device and system which lend themselves to straightforward and economical manufacturing processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve these and other objects, the invention provides a compact fluid transfer device and system which enable a single or a plurality of connections to be made in a straightforward and virtually foolproof manner. Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, after each connection, the device and system can be reduced in overall size. The device which embodies the features of the invention includes meltable wall means for defining a body having an axial bore and a generally constant cross-section along the entire axial length of the bore. The device further includes means for forming a radiant energy absorbing area on the wall. In response to the application of radiant energy, the absorbant area melts to form an opening in the body which extends radially into the bore.

In the preferred embodiment, the device includes means for closing one end of the bore from communication with the atmosphere and for attaching the other end of the bore in fluid communication with a fluid source. In this embodiment, the device serves to close or seal the fluid source until radiant energy is selectively applied to open the device.

The invention also provides a fluid transfer system which includes first and second fluid transfer devices as heretofore defined. In this arrangement, means is provided for coupling the devices together with the radiant energy absorbing areas of the devices retained in facing contact. The absorbant areas are operative, when radiant energy is focused upon the facing areas, for forming an opening which

.?Λ?I extends radially between the bores of the coupled devices. The opening defines a fluid path between the devices.

In one embodiment, the radiant energy absorbing area of the device includes a plurality of discrete radiant energy absorbing sites positioned on the exterior of the wall means.

In one embodiment, the radiant energy absorbing area includes a continuous radiant energy absorbing band which extends along the wall means. In one embodiment, the portion of the wall means which is positioned diametrically across the bore from the radiant energy absorbing area is made of a material which is generally nonabsorbant of the applied radiant energy. A direct transfer of radiant energy thereby occurs through the nonabsorbing wall means to the radiant energy absorbing area.

The invention also provides a method for forming a removable closure for a fluid conduit. The method comprises the step of forming from a meltable material a closure member having an axial bore. The method further includes the steps of closing one end of the axial bore and attaching the other end in communication with a fluid source. The method further includes the step of forming on the closure member a radiant energy absorbing area which is operative, in response to the application of radiant energy, for melting to form an opening in the closure member.

OMPI In the preferred embodiment of the method, the closure member is formed by extrusion.

In one embodiment of the method, the radiant energy absorbing area is formed by applying one or more discrete radiant energy absorbing sites on the closure member, such as by heat sealing or the like.

In one embodiment of the method, the radiant energy absorbing area is formed by coextruding the area and the closure member. Other features and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in, or will be apparent from, the specifcation and claims, as will obvious modification of the embodiment shown in the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fluid transfer device which embodies the features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a coupling member which can be used to join a pair of the fluid transfer devices shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of the fluid transfer devices in the process of being joined using the coupling member shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the pair of the fluid transfer devices shown in Fig. 3 after being joined by the coupling member; Fig. 5 is an end section view, taken generally along line 5-5 in Fig. 4 as radiant energy is being applied to open a fluid path between the joined devices; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a fluid transfer device which embodies the features of the invention and which, unlike the device shown in Fig. 1, includes an integrally formed coupling member;

Fig. 7 is an end section view of the fluid transfer device shown in Fig. 6 after being joined with another fluid transfer device using the integrally formed coupling member;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a pair of fluid transfer devices which embody the features of the invention, one of which is entirely relatively absorbant of radiant energy and the other of which is entirely relatively nonabsorbant of radiant energy;

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a fluid transfer device which embodies the features of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a pair of "D-shaped" fluid transfer devices, each of which embodies the features of the invention; and

Figs. 11 through 13 illustrate a fluid system which uses two fluid transfer devices as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 to form a fluid connection, Fig. 11 showing the system prior to the connection; Fig. 12 showing the system as the connection is being made; and Fig. 13 showing the system after the connection has been severed. Before explaining the embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A fluid transfer device 10 which embodies the features of the invention is shown in Fig. 1.

The device 10 includes meltable wall means 12 which defines a body 14 having an axial bore 16. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the body 14 has a generally constant cross section along the entire axial length of the bore 16.

The device 10 as described may be variously constructed from virtually any meltable rigid or flexible material. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, however, the device 10 is made from a generally flexible thermoplastic material. In this arrangement, plasticized polyvinyl chloride can be used to form the body 14 of the device 10. Most preferably, the material which is selected has a relatively high melting temperature (i.e., over about 200°C. At these higher temperatures, bacterial contaminants on the surface of the body 14 can be destroyed as the body 14 melts. To achieve this desirable performance characteristic, the body 14 of the device 10 can be made of a material fabricated from poly(4-methyl-l-pentene), which is sold under the trademark TPX by Mitsui Chemical Company. This material has a crystalline melting point of approximately 235°C.

The body 14 of the device 10 may be formed by various manufacturing methods; for example, by injection molding. However, in accordance with the invention, because the body 14 of the device 10 has a generally constant cross section, it lends itself well to fabrication using conventional extrusion techniques. Extrusion is the most preferred manufacturing technique, because extrusion is relatively straightforward and inexpensive, compared to injection molding and other alternate techniques.

The device 10 as heretofore described can serve by itself as a conduit to transport fluid from a fluid source 18. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, however, the device 10 can also serve to close or seal the fluid source 18 until time of use.

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Q__?l More particularly, as shown in Fig. 1, one end 20 of the bore 16 can be closed to communication with the atmosphere, such as by the use of a hermetic, friction-fitted plug 21. In another alternate arrangement (not shown), when the body 19 is made of a relatively flexible material, such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride or TPX, the bore end 20 can be closed using a mechanically applied clip or the like. Preferably, however, conventional heat sealing techniques are used to close the bore end 20, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

Once the bore end 20 has been suitably closed, the other open end 22 of the bore 16 can be conveniently attached in fluid communication with the fluid source 18. For example, a direct, integral connection between the body 14 and source 18 can be made.

Alternately, as is shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4, the open end 22 can be attached to the end portion 24 of a length of conventional fluid conduit 26, which is itself integrally connected with the fluid source 18. In this arrangement, the conduit end portion 24 can be stretched about the body end 22, and a band 28, such as made from a latex material, can encircle the junction of the device 10 and the fluid conduit 24 to assure a peripherally sealed, hermetic connection.

Using the device 10 as shown in Fig. 3, the source 18 is sealed from communication with the atmosphere in a straightforward and economical manner. Preferably, fluid flow into the device 10 is

O P normally prevented until time of use by a conventional user-actuated roller clamp 25, or the like.

To selectively open the device 10 in accordance with the invention, means is provided which defines a radiant energy absorbing area 30 on the body 14. The absorbant area 30 is operative, in response to the application of radiant energy, for melting to form an opening in the body 14 which extends radially into the bore 16. The device 10, and with it the interior of the fluid source 18 itself, can be selectively opened to communication with the atmosphere in a fast and efficient manner. By "radiant energy", it is meant energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet waves, x-rays, and the like. Because radiant energy can be transmitted at the speed of light without the use of an intervening medium, a fast and efficient transfer of heat is provided to open the device 10. The particular material from which the radiant energy absorbing area 30 is fabricated depends in large part upon the type of radiant energy which is to be applied. When the applied radiant energy includes infrared and/or visible light, the area 30 preferably include amounts of a carbon filler so as to absorb a large percentage of the radiant energy lying in this band.

O The radiant energy absorbing area 30 of the device 10 may be variously formed and situated on the body 14 of the device 10.

For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the radiant energy absorbing area 30 can comprise a plurality of discrete radiant energy absorbing sites 31 which are applied on the exterior of the body 14 axially of the bore 16. In this arrangement, each discrete site 31 can be independently melted to open the underlying portion of the body 14 in response to the application of focused radiant energy.

The device 10 shown in Fig. 9 can be manufactured, for example, by first extruding the body 14, and by then applying the desired number of the radiant energy absorbing sites 31 onto the body 14. For example, the radiant energy absorbing sites 31 can be glued, heat stamped, printed, or otherwise affixed on the body 14.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the radiant energy absorbing area 30 can take the form of a continuous radiant energy absorbing band 32 formed on the body 14 axially of the bore 16. In this arrangement, a selected section of the continuous band 32 can be melted to open the body 14 in response to the application of focused radiant energy.

The width and length of the band 32 can vary. It can, for example, constitute a relatively thin stripe (as shown in Fig. 3). Alternately, the entire surface of one arcuate side of the body 14 can constitute the radiant energy absorbing band 32. The device 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 3, can be manufactured by coextruding the body 14 ahd band 32 in a single step. Alternately, the body 14 can be extruded and the band 32 later applied as a separate piece by gluing, heat sealing, printing, or the like, as heretofore discussed with respect to the Fig. 9 embodiment.

As shown in Figs. 2 through 5, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, a pair of the devices 10 as heretofore described may be used to form an assembly 68 to open a fluid path between two conduits.

In this this arrangement, means 34 is provided for coupling one device 10, as heretofore described, with a second device. The second device is preferably constructed identically to the first described device 10. Because of this, the second device is also designated by the numeral 10. Other common structural elements are identified using the same reference numerals as previously assigned.

In the assembly 68, as is best shown in Fig. 5, at least a portion of each of the radiant energy absorbing areas 30 are retained in facing contact by the coupling means 34. The coupling means 34 may be variously constructed. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 through 5, for example, the coupling means 34 takes the form of a separate member 36. The member 36 has a first generally continuous arcuate interior portion 38, which receives the body 14 of one of the devices 10, and a second, slotted arcuate interior portion 40, into which the body 14 of the other device 10 is placed, with the respective radiant energy absorbing areas 30 aligned in the desired facing contact (see Figs. 4 and 5). The member 36 is preferably formed of a resilient material to press the areas 30 of the joined devices 10 into intimate facing contact.

As shown in Fig. 5, by applying focused radiant energy from an external source 48 upon a portion of the facing absorbant areas 30, an opening 41 is melted through both bodies 14. A fluid path, is thereby opened between the assembled devices 10. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the opening 41 extends radially between the bores 16 of the assembled devices 10.

It has been observed that TPX material, from which the body 14 of each device 10 is preferably made, fuses about the periphery of the opening 14 during the melting process. A hermetically sealed, sterile fluid path can thus be formed between the devices 10.

The body 14 can be made of a generally resilient material and be normally circular in cross section. The force applied by a resilient connector member 36 will then deform, or "flatten", the areas 30 along the region of contact to effectively expand the area of facing contact.

Alternately, the body 14 can be generally oval in shape (as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 through 5), with the radiant energy absorbing area 30 situated along one of the generally flat sides 42 of the oval. In an alternate arrangement (see Fig. 10), the body 14 can be generally D-shaped, with the radiant energy absorbing area 30 situated along the generally flat, or nonarcuate, side 44 of the "D".

Either oval or D-shaped configuration can be conveniently extruded by conventional techniques. It should be appreciated that other configurations having at least one generally flattened side can be used.

Alternately, the body 14 can be extruded in an essentially circular cross section, and the desired oval or D-shape configuration can be formed using conventional post-forming techniques. In this arrangement, the sealed end 20 of the body 14, where the connection is to be made, would have the oval or D-shape configuration, while the other open end of the body 14 could be essentially circular in cross section to facilitate a hermetic fit on the end of conventional fluid tubing, which is also usually circular in cross section.

In the preferred embodiment, at least the portion 46 of the body 14 which is oppositely radially spaced across the bore 16 from the radiant energy absorbing area 30 is made of a material having a rate of absorption of radiant energy which is less than the rate of absorption of the radiant energy absorbing area 30. Most preferably, in one embodiment, the entire body 14 of the device 10, except for the radiant energy absorbing area 30, is made of a material which, compared to the rate of absorption of the radiant energy absorbing area 30, absorbs relatively none of the applied radiant energy, i.e., it is transparent to the applied radiant energy.

Similarly, the coupling means 34 is also preferably made of a material which, compared to the radiant energy absorbing area 30, absorbs relatively lower amounts or relatively none of the applied radiant energy, compared to the absorbing area 30. By virtue of this arrangement, as can be best seen in Fig. 5, radiant energy is transmitted directly from the external source 48 through the generally nonabsorbing (i.e., transparent) portion 46 and falls directly upon the facing radiant energy absorbing areas 30, with very little or no intervening energy loss. Also by virtue of this arrangement, virtually only the areas 30 upon which the radiant energy is focused are heated, and the remainder of the bodies 14 of the joined devices 10 remain relatively cool.

There are numerous possible alternate embodiments of fluid transfer devices which embody the features of the invention. Several of these alternate embodiments will be described for the purpose of illustration.

For example, instead of using a separate coupling member 36, as shown in Figs. 2 through 5, the coupling means 34 may take the form of an integrally formed part of one of the devices 10. This arrangement is shown in Figs. 6 and 7. In this arrangement, the coupling means 34 takes the form of a resilient, movable jaw 48 having a locking portion 50 and a corresponding relatively fixed, notched jaw 52 which selectively receives the locking portion 50 of the movable jaw 48 in a releasable snap-fit. The movable jaw 48 is preferably biased toward an opened position, shown in Fig. 6, in which the locking portion 50 is spaced from the fixed jaw 52. In this arrangement, the other device 10 can be inserted between the open jaws 48 and 52. The jaw 48 can then be moved into a closed position, shown in Fig. 7, releasably locking the portion 50 into the fixed jaw 52. Once locked, the radiant energy absorbing areas 30 are retained in the desired intimate facing contact. Radiant energy can then be applied to open a fluid path between the device 10 as heretofore described.

The device 10 having the integral locking mechanism 34, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, can also be conveniently manufactured using conventional extrusion techniques.

Another possible alternate arrangement is shown in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the entire body 14 of one of the devices (designated 10a in Fig. 8) absorbs less or relatively no radiant energy. In other words, the device 10a does not include a radiant energy absorbance area 30 as heretofore discussed. On the other hand, in this arrangement, the entire body of the other device (designated 10b in Fig. 8) constitutes a radiant energy absorbing area 30. In this arrangement, the devices 10a and 10b are connected using a relatively non-absorbant connector member 36, as heretofore described. Focused radiant energy is then applied from a source (shown in phantom lines in Fig. 8) which faces the generally transparent device 10a. The radiant energy is thus transferred through the relatively nonabsorbing device 10a directly to a portion of the absorbing device 10b. The portion of the device 10b on which the energy is focused begins to melt to form an opening. At the same time, heat from the melting portion is transferred to the facing, generally nonabsorbant area of the device 10a by heat conduction, which then also melts to form a corresponding opening. A fluid path is thus opened between the devices 10a and 10b, even though only one radiant energy absorbing area is used.

Any of the devices 10 as heretofore described can be used in association with various sterile fluid transfer systems, such as those which transfer fluids between blood bags or solution containers.

Furthermore, any of the devices 10 are particularly well suited for use in fluid transfer systems in which repeated or multiple connections are desired to be made. This important aspect of the invention is shown in Figs. 11 through 13. As can be seen in Fig. 11, the containers 58 and 60 each include an integrally connected conduit, respectively 54 and 56. In the illustrated arrangement, container 58 is filled with a fluid 59, and container 60 is empty. Conventional user-actuated roller clamps 62 and 64 are included on each conduit 54 and 56. These clamps 62 and 64 are both preferably normally closed. One device 10 as heretofore described is attached to the end of each conduit 54 and 56. Each device 10 serves to normally seal or close the end of the associated conduit 54 and 56 in the manner heretofore described. As shown in Fig. 12, the devices 10 can be used to couple the two containers 58 and 60 together in fluid communication. More particularly, at the time connection is desired, the terminal portions of the devices 10 can be overlaid one upon the other in the manner shown in Fig. 4 and coupled together, using the heretofore described connector member 36.

Once joined, and as shown in Fig. 5, focused radiant energy can be applied to open a fluid path between the devices 10 in the manner heretofore described.

Once the fluid path is opened, clamps 62 and 64 associated with the containers 58 and 60 can be opened, and all or a portion of the fluid 59 can be transferred from container 58 into container 60. After the desired quantity of fluid 59 has been transferred, the clamps 62 and 64 are closed.

P*-^* _. ,

OM? Preferably, the fluid 59 still remaining in the interconnecting tubing between the clamps 62 and 64 is returned to one of the containers 58 and 60 by temporarily opening one of the associated clamps 62 or 64 and raising the other container 58 or 60 higher than the container associated with the open clamp. After fluid has been drained from the interconnected tubing, the associated clamp 62 or 64 is then once again closed. Now, the connected area 68, along with the connector member 36, can be removed by applying a spaced apart pair of hand seal clips (not shown), or by the formation of a conventional hermetic, snap apart seal (shown in phantom lines in Fig. 12) at each end of the connected area 68.

The connected area 68 can next be severed as a unit from the system, as shown in Fig. 13.

The devices 10 remain in shortened form at the end of each conduit 54 and 56. Another connection between the containers 58 and 60, or any other container having a device 10, can be made following the same procedure above described.

Thus, an operator can make a series of connections using a single device 10 having a sufficient preselected length. With each connection, the device 10 grows shorter in overall length and, hence, becomes increasingly more compact and easily handled by the user.

OMP The device 10 can thus be used by a patient on peritoneal dialysis to make the multiple connections needed regularly introduce and exchange dialysis fluid. The device 10 can also be used in chemical formulation and parenteral solution compounding. Such multiple connections can be made without a breach in sterility.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS J

1. A fluid transfer device comprising meltable wall means for defining a body having an axial bore and a generally constant cross section along the entire axial length of said bore, and means forming a radiant energy absorbing area on said wall means operative, in response to the application of focused radiant energy, for melting in said wall means an opening which extends radially into said bore.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said wall means includes a meltable material having a first rate of absorption of radiant energy, and wherein said radiant energy absorbing area includes a material having a rate of absorption of radiant energy which exceeds said first rate.

3. A device according to claim 1 and further including means for closing one end of said bore from communication with the atmosphere and means for attaching the other end of said bore in fluid communication with a fluid source.

4. A device according to claim 2 wherein said radiant energy absorbing area includes a plurality of individual radiant energy absorbing sites positioned on said wall means.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said individual sites are aligned axially of said fluid path.

6. A device according to claim 2 wherein said radiant energy absorbing area includes a continuous radiant energy absorbing band positioned on said wall means.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein said continuous band extends axially of said fluid path.

8. A fluid transfer assembly comprising first and second fluid transfer devices, each as defined in claim 3, means for coupling said devices with said radiant energy absorbing areas of said devices retained in facing contact, and said radiant energy absorbing areas being operative, in response to the application of radiant energy focused upon said facing areas, for melting in said facing radiant energy absorbing areas an opening which extends radially between said bores of said coupled devices.

9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein, on each of said devices, said wall means which is positioned diametrically across said bore from said radiant energy absorbing area is made of a material which is generally nonabsorbant of the radiant energy absorbed by said radiant energy absorbing area.

10. An assembly according to claim 9 wherein said coupling means is made of a material which is generally nonabsorbant of the radiant energy absorbed by said radiant energy absorbing area.

11. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein said coupling means is an integral part of one of said devices.

12. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein said coupling means includes a separate coupling member attachable to each of said devices.

13. A fluid transfer assembly comprising first and second fluid transfer devices, each including meltable wall means for defining a meltable body having an axial and a generally constant cross section along the entire axial length of said bore, means for closing one end of each of said fluid transfer device from communication with the atmosphere, means defining a radiant energy absorbing area on said wall means of one of said conduit means operative, in response to the application of focused radiant energy, for melting in said portion an opening which extends radially into said associated body,

means for coupling said first and second fluid transfer devices together with said radiant energy absorbing area of said one device positioned in facing contact with a portion of said wall means of said other device, and wherein said radiant energy absorbing area is operative, in response to the application of radiant energy, for melting to form said opening in said one wall means portion, while said facing portion of said other wall means melts in response to the conduction of heat energy from said melting radiant energy absorbing area, to thereby form an opening in each wall means to establish fluid communication between said bores of said coupled conduit means.

14. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein, on said one conduit means, said wall means which is positioned diametrically across said bore from said radiant energy absorbing area is made of a material which, compared to said radiant energy absorbing area, is relatively nonabsorbant of radiant energy.

15. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said coupling means is made of a material which, compared to said radiant energy absorbing area, is relatively nonabsorbant of radiant energy.

16. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein said coupling means is an integral part of said one conduit means.

OMM

17. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein said coupling means includes a separate coupling member attachable to each of said conduit means.

18. A fluid transfer device comprising extruded meltable wall means for defining a body which has an axis and includes a fluid path extending along said axis, and means on a portion of said extruded wall means for defining a radiant energy absorbing area operative, in response to the application of radiant energy, for melting said wall means portion to form an opening which opens said fluid path to communication with the atmosphere.

19. A device according to claim 18 wherein said wall means includes a portion made of a material having a first rate of absorption of radiant energy, and wherein said radiant energy absorbing area is made of a material having a rate of absorption of radiant energy which exceeds said first rate.

20. A device according to cl__im 18 wherein said entire wall means, except for said radiant energy absorbing portion, is made of a material which, compared to said radiant energy absorbing area, is relatively non-absorptive of radiant energy.

21. A device according to claim 18 wherein said wall means and said radiant energy absorbing area are formed by coextrusion.

22. A device according to claim 21 wherein said radiant energy absorbing area includes a continuous radiant energy absorbing band extending on said body.

23. A device according to claim 22 wherein said continuous band extends axially of said fluid path.

24. A device according to claim 18 wherein said radiant energy absorbing area includes a plurality of radiant energy absorbing sites positioned on said body.

25. A device according to claim 24 wherein said sites are spaced axially of said fluid path.

26. A device according to claim 24 wherein said radiant energy absorbing sites are individually secured to said extruded wall means.

27. A device according to claim 26 wherein said radiant energy absorbing sites are secured by heat.

28. A method of forming a removable closure for a fluid conduit, said method comprising the steps of forming from a meltable material a closure member having an axial bore and generally constant cross section along the entire axial length of the bore, closing one end of the axial bore, attaching the other end of the axial bore to the fluid conduit to be closed, forming on an exterior portion of the closure member a radiant energy absorbing area which is operative, in response to the application of radiant energy, for melting the exterior portion to form an opening in the closure member which extends axially into the bore.

29. A method according to claim 28 wherein said radiant energy absorbing area formation step includes the step of afixing a radiant energy absorbing site on the meltable material of the conduit.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein said affixing step include heat sealing.

31. A method according to claim 28 wherein said closure member formation step includes the step of extruding the closure member.

32. A method of forming a selectively openable conduit, said method comprising the steps of extruding a body defining a conduit having an axis and a fluid path extending along the axis, the conduit body being formed of a thermoplastic material having a first rate of absorption of radiant energy, and σoextruding on the conduit body a radiant energy absorbing area which has a rate of absorption of radiant energy which exceeds the first rate and which is operative, in response to the application of radiant energy, for melting to form an opening in the conduit body.