Other

David R Kipp

Raymond P Feith

Gary S Werschmidt

A connector adapted to facilitate medicinal access into an intravenous tube includes a housing having a base and a cap defining a channel through the housing. A valve element disposed in the channel includes a plug and elastomeric shaft which biases the plug into sealing engagement with the housing. Operation of the connector by inserting a male Luer fitting in the housing axially compresses the valve element to a canted position thereby permitting medicinal access through the channel and into the intravenous tube. Canting of the valve element can be facilitated by providing a finger along the channel or by providing a predetermined buckling section along the valve element. The shaft of the valve element can be rounded and disposed in an arcuate cavity of the housing to further facilitate canting of the valve element.

Bi-directional valve and method of using same

An improved luer lock connector having a pair of tapered engagement surfaces between the hub and one of the two components of the luer connector. The tapered engagement surfaces provide a gradual frictional engagement when tightening the hub to minimize inadvertent reverse rotation and loosening of the hub. The tubular body is also provided with a plurality of axially extending splines for engagement with a plurality of inwardly radially directed ribs on the hub to positively rotationally lock the two components when the hub is in a proximal position. A small circumferential ridge provides tactile feedback to an operator to indicate when the hub is in a positive rotationally interlocked relationship with the tubular body. The hub may be completely removed in a proximal direction from the tubular body and retracted proximally along a supply line to remove it from the connector site.

Growing community of inventors

Upland, CA, United States of America

David R Kipp