Needleless valve

Abstract

A needle-less valve connector which employs a pre-slit elastomeric septum capable of axial movement proximally and distally within a housing. Connection of a blunt connector to the housing pushes the septum in the distal direction. A spring member biases the septum toward the proximal direction. The slit through the septum is held in the closed position, when the septum is in the proximal position, by an interference fit between the inside surface of the housing and the peripheral surface of the septum, with the interference fit causing an inward radial compression of the septum, orthogonal to the slit axis. The outer, or proximal, end surface of the septum can be shaped with a concave contour which causes the slit to completely close when the septum is in the proximal position. When a blunt connector is connected to the housing, the septum is pushed to a distal position, where radial stress is relieved, allowing the septum to expand or be expanded, thereby opening the slit. The axial locations of the housing structures which vary the radial loads to open and close the slit are selected to insure that the septum is sealed before the septum fully reaches the proximal position, thereby maintaining a seal between the blunt connector and the septum until after the slit is sealed. The structure which opens the slit, or allows the slit to open, is positioned to open the slit only after sufficient force is applied to the septum by the blunt connector, to insure that a seal exists between the blunt connector and the septum before opening of the slit.