Self-flushing connector

Abstract

A self-flushing connector comprising: a housing comprising a sidewall having an inner surface forming a housing cavity, a first inlet port extending through the sidewall, a second inlet port longitudinally aligned with the housing cavity, and an outlet port extending through the sidewall; and a collapsible valve comprising a head and a body, and the collapsible valve is positioned longitudinally within the housing cavity to form a main flow passage extending between the first inlet port, the outlet port, an outer surface of the body, and the inner surface of the sidewall; wherein, when the valve is in a closed state, the head of the collapsible valve blocks fluid flow from the second inlet port to the main flow passage, and when the valve is in an open state, the second inlet port is fluidly connected to the main flow passage such that the first inlet port, the second inlet port, and the outlet port are fluidly coupled.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of application number 201980028018.3 (International Application Number PCT / US2019 / 028993) filed on April 24, 2019, having the title “Self-Flushing Connector,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application No. 62 / 662,098 filed on April 24, 2018, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application No. 62 / 662,098 filed on April 24, 2018, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to administration by infusion, and more particularly, to a self-flushing connector. BACKGROUND

[0005] An intravenous (IV) bag, bottle, syringe, or other container containing an infusion drug or solution is hung on a stand for administration of the infusion solution. A tube is connected between the container and an infusion pumping system. A catheter at the end of the tube is inserted into a patient for IV infusion. The tube can be part of an assembly that includes a fitting, a connector, a valve, and a pumping element and is commonly referred to as an “IV set.” When the infusion pumping system is activated, the infusion solution is administered to the patient.

[0006] Existing IV connectors include a Y-connector that allows additional drugs dispensed via a side flow channel to be administered to a patient along with the drugs or fluids flowing through a main flow channel. After dispensing the additional drugs, a caregiver flushes the additional drugs and fluids through the side flow channel to ensure that all of the additional drugs dispensed via the Y-connector are pushed into the main flow channel so that none of the additional drugs remain in the side flow channel. SUMMARY

[0007] Patients, such as infants, can be sensitive to additional fluids administered on top of drugs that have already been administered. In such cases, it can be necessary to flush the additional drugs and fluids administered through the side flow channel because the additional drugs can be in small quantities that can not flush themselves into the main flow channel or can become trapped in a “dead space” area (i.e., the side flow channel). These are not suitable for patients that can be sensitive to the additional fluids.

[0008] It would be advantageous to provide a connector that minimizes the "dead space" area and, thus, the additional fluid that can be required to push medication that is stuck in the "dead space" (which is dispensed via a side flow channel) into the main flow channel. It would be additionally advantageous to provide an infusion pump that achieves this while also being more reliable, less expensive, and / or quieter than existing infusion pumps. Described herein are connectors that achieve these desirable functions and goals.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a self-flushing connector includes a housing having a cavity, a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. The first inlet port extends from a sidewall of the housing to the cavity, the second inlet port extends from an upper portion of the housing to the cavity, and the outlet port is fluidly connected with the first inlet port and the cavity. A collapsible valve is disposed within the cavity. A first flow path extends from the first inlet port to the outlet port. The first inlet port and the second inlet port are fluidly connected by a gap defined between a body of the collapsible valve and an inner wall of the housing that defines the cavity. A second flow path extends from the second inlet port to the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path while allowing fluid to flow through the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path to allow fluid entering the second flow path to be flushed out through the outlet port.

[0010] In some embodiments, a self-flushing connector assembly includes a housing having a cavity, a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. A collapsible valve is disposed within the cavity of the housing. The collapsible valve includes a head, a body extending from the head, and a shoulder defined on a portion of the body. A first flow path extends from the first inlet port into the cavity of the housing and around the body of the collapsible valve to the outlet port. A second flow path extends from the second inlet port into the cavity of the housing and around the head of the collapsible valve to the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the head of the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path.

[0011] In some embodiments, the self-flushing connector includes a housing having a cavity extending longitudinally therein; and a collapsible valve disposed within the cavity of the housing. The collapsible valve includes a head and a body extending from the head. The self-flushing connector further includes a first inlet port extending from a sidewall of the housing and a second inlet port extending from an opposing sidewall of the housing. The first inlet port and the second inlet port define a flow path therebetween, and the second inlet port extends from an upper portion of the housing into the cavity of the housing. When the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the head of the collapsible valve blocks fluid flow from the second inlet port into the flow path. When the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second inlet port is fluidly connected to the flow path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The following drawings are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments and are not intended to be exclusive embodiments. The disclosed subject matter can be modified, altered, combined, and / or enhanced to form still further embodiments, as will occur to those skilled in the art and others.

[0013] Figure 1 A connector assembly including a self-flushing connector is depicted in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 An isometric view of a self-flushing connector is depicted in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a self-flushing connector is depicted in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a self-flushing connector with a syringe inserted therein is depicted in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a main flow channel of a self-flushing connector is depicted in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Accordingly, the dimensions provided with respect to certain aspects can be provided as non-limiting examples. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the subject technology can be practiced without

[0019] It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed, by way of specific but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in different ways and with variations and according to contemplated applications or implementations.

[0020] Embodiments of the disclosed connector provide a reliable method of delivering fluid that minimizes the additional fluid that is pushed into the main flow channel via the side flow channel of the additional medication dispensed.

[0021] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without certain specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the present disclosure.

[0022] The methods and systems disclosed herein are presented in the form of an infusion pump for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed concepts can be applied to various mechanisms that use a connector.

[0023] Aspects of the subject technology relate to a connector that minimizes the additional fluid that is pushed into the main flow channel via the side flow channel of the additional medication dispensed. This mechanism eliminates the need for additional flushing fluid when sensitive to the amount of fluid that enters the patient. This mechanism can reduce the cost of an IV set because a Y-connector is not needed, nor is the tubing connection between the Y-connector and the valve.

[0024] Figure 1 A connector assembly 100 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown, which includes an inlet tube 110, a connector 120, and an outlet tube 130. The inlet tube 110 can be connected to a first inlet port 115 of the connector 120, and the outlet tube 130 can be connected to an outlet port 125 of the connector 120. The connector 220 can also include a second inlet port 226 that extends from an upper end of the housing 122. The second inlet port 126 can be configured to be connected to a syringe (not shown) and allow an additional fluid, including an infusion medication or solution, which can contain a medication or other fluid to be supplied to a patient for treatment, to be dispensed into the connector 120 that is different from the fluid from the IV bag 135. In operation, the medication delivered to the patient flows from the IV bag 135 through the inlet tube 110 into the inlet port 115 of the connector 120. The medication then flows from the inlet port 115 into the outlet port 125 of the connector 120 and through the outlet tube 130 to the patient via a catheter (not shown) attached at the outlet 135 of the outlet tube 130.

[0025] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a self-flushing connector that overcomes the deficiencies of conventional Y-connector. For example, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a self-flushing IV connector that eliminates the need to flush additional medication and fluids through a side flow channel to ensure that all medication is dispensed and does not get trapped in the "dead space" of the side flow channel as is typically experienced with conventional connector assemblies that utilize a Y-connector to connect a separate side flow channel to the main flow channel. Accordingly, the self-flushing connector of various embodiments described herein minimizes or completely eliminates the need for dispensing additional fluids to push the small amount of medication dispensed via the side flow channel into the main flow channel for delivery to the patient.

[0026] Figure 2 An isometric view of a self-flushing connector according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector 220 is structurally similar to or corresponds to the connector 120 shown Figure 1 . As depicted, the connector 220 includes a housing 222, a first inlet port 224 extending from a sidewall 223 of the housing 222, and a second inlet port 226 extending from an upper end of the housing 222. The self-flushing connector 220 also includes an outlet port 228 aligned with the first inlet port 224. In some embodiments, the first inlet port 224 and the outlet port 228 are fluidly connected to define a main flow channel. As Figure 2 depicted and further with reference to Figure 1 , the first inlet port 224 can be fluidly connected to an inlet tube (i.e., the inlet tube 110 of Figure 1 ) and allow fluid from the IV bag 135 to flow from the inlet tube 110 into the connector 220. According to some embodiments, the second inlet port 226 is configured to connect to a syringe (shown in embodiments of Figure 4 ) and allow additional fluid, different from the fluid from the IV bag 135, to be dispensed into the connector 220. For example, the second inlet port 226 is configured to receive a syringe held attached to the inlet port 226 of the connector 200 for, e.g., 10 to 30 seconds, to allow the fluid from the main flow channel to flush the additional fluid added from the syringe. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 depicted, the outlet port 228 can be connected to an outlet tube 130 to allow the fluid from the IV bag 135 and the additional fluid from the syringe to exit the connector 220.

[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a self-flushing connector 320 is shown. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector 320 is structurally similar to or corresponds to the connector 220 shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Specifically, Figure 3The connector 320 represents a cross-sectional view of the connector 220. Similar to the connector 220, the connector 320 includes a housing 322, a first inlet port 324 extending from a sidewall of the housing 322, and a second inlet port 326 extending from an upper end of the housing 322. The self-flushing connector 320 also includes an outlet port 328. The housing 322 can include a cavity 323 extending longitudinally within the housing 322. The cavity 323 can be fluidly connected with the first inlet port 324, the second inlet port 326, and the outlet port 328.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the connector 320 can also include a collapsible valve 340 disposed within the cavity 323 of the housing 322. As depicted, the collapsible valve 340 can include a head 342 defined at an upper portion of the collapsible valve 340 and a body 344 extending longitudinally from the head 342. A top surface 343 of the head 342 can have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of an opening 327 of the second inlet port 326 to seal the opening 327 of the second inlet port 326. In some embodiments, the connector 320 can further include a neck 345 located below the head 342, the neck 345 defining a narrowing between the head 342 and the body 344. As further shown, a shoulder 346 can be defined at a base of the neck 345 of the collapsible valve 340. The shoulder 346 can define a widened portion of the body 344 as compared to the head 342 and the neck 345. In some embodiments, the body 344 can have a cavity 348 defined therein. In some aspects, an inner wall 347 of the body 344 defining the cavity 348 of the valve 340 can include one or more dimples 349 that allow the valve 340 to deform when pressure is applied on the valve 340.

[0029] Figure 3 The valve 340 is depicted in a closed state. When the valve 340 is in the closed state, the head 342 of the valve 340 can extend into the second inlet port 326. Further, in embodiments where the diameter of the top surface 343 of the head 342 is greater than the diameter of the opening 327 of the second inlet port 326, the head 342 can provide a primary seal that seals the opening 327 of the second inlet port 236 to limit any fluid flow through the second inlet port 326 when the valve 340 is in the closed state. In some aspects, an area defined by the cavity 323 of the housing 322 can taper or otherwise decrease in size toward the opening 327 of the second inlet port 326. When the valve 340 is in the closed state, the head 342 of the valve 340 can contact the walls defining the cavity 323. Figure 3 The shoulder 346 of the valve 340 can contact the walls defining the cavity 323 in the tapered area of the cavity 323 when the valve 340 is in the closed state as depicted, thereby providing a secondary seal for limiting fluid flow through the second inlet port 326 and into the cavity 323.

[0030] However, even when valve 340 is closed, fluid can still pass through gap 525 from the first inlet port 324 (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown) flows to outlet port 328, which is between the outer surface of the body 344 of valve 340 and the inner wall of the cavity 323 defining housing 322. For example, fluid from IV bag 135 can flow into the cavity 323 of housing 322 from first inlet port 324 in the flow direction shown by arrow 350A. Fluid from IV bag 135 entering cavity 323 from first inlet port 324 can then pass through gap 525 between the body 344 of valve 340 and the cavity 323 of housing 322 (as shown). Figure 5 (As shown) Flow around the outside of the body 344 of valve 340. Passing through gap 525 (as shown) Figure 5 (As shown) Fluid from IV bag 135 flowing into cavity 323 can then exit cavity 323 through outlet port 328, as indicated by arrow 350B. Fluid from the first inlet port 324 passes through gap 525 (as shown) Figure 5 The fluid path formed from the outlet port 326 (as shown) is the main fluid channel of connector 320.

[0031] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a self-flushing connector 420 in which a syringe is inserted is shown. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the connector 420 is structurally similar to or corresponds to... Figure 3 Connector 320 is shown. Specifically, Figure 4 The connector 420 represents a cross-sectional view of the connector 420 into which the syringe is inserted into the second inlet port 326. The connector 420 includes components related to the reference... Figure 3 The components described in the self-flushing connector 320 are the same as those components, therefore their detailed description is omitted.

[0032] Figure 4 A valve 340 in an open state is depicted. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a syringe 450 may be inserted into or otherwise attached to a second inlet port 326. As the syringe 450 advances into the second inlet port 326, the tip 455 of the syringe 450 pushes the head 342 of the valve 340 in the direction of movement of the syringe 450, causing pressure to be applied to the head 342 of the valve 340. When pressure is applied to the head 342, the valve 340 compresses and deforms, thereby allowing pressure to be applied from the valve. Figure 3 The indicated off state is moved to... Figure 4the second inlet port 326. For example, when the valve 340 is deformed due to pressure applied by the syringe 450 and is thereby in the open state, the fluid path of the second inlet port 324, which is blocked or otherwise obstructed by the head 342 of the valve 340 when the valve 340 is in the closed state, is connected to the main flow channel while maintaining continuous flow of fluid from the IV bag 135 (as shown) through the main flow channel (i.e., between the first inlet and the second inlet). When the syringe 450 is inserted into the second inlet port 326 and attached to the connector 420 to access the valve 340 in order to dispense additional fluid, the syringe 450 remains attached to the connector 420 for, e.g., 10 to 30 seconds to allow fluid from the main flow channel to flush the additional fluid added from the syringe 450. Figure 1 The continuous flow of fluid from the main flow channel (i.e., between the first inlet and the second inlet) is shown. When the syringe 450 is inserted into the second inlet port 326 and attached to the connector 420 to access the valve 340 in order to dispense additional fluid, the syringe 450 remains attached to the connector 420 for, e.g., 10 to 30 seconds to allow fluid from the main flow channel to flush the additional fluid added from the syringe 450.

[0033] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the connector 520 is shown. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector 520 is structurally similar to or corresponds to the connector 320 Figure 3 shown. Specifically, Figure 5 The connector 520 represents a cross-sectional view of the main flow channel 530 of the connector. The connector 520 includes the same components as those described with reference to the connector 320, and thus a detailed description of these components is omitted. Figure 3

[0034] Figure 5 The valve 340 is depicted in the closed state. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the main flow channel 530 extends from the first inlet port 324, around the body 344 of the valve 340, through the gap 525 extending between the body 344 of the valve 340 and the inner surface of the housing 322, to the outlet port 328. The foregoing configuration of a continuously open flow path between the first inlet port 324 and the outlet port 328 allows continuous fluid flow through the main flow channel 530 even when the valve 340 is in the closed state in which fluid is restricted from flowing through the second inlet port 326 (as shown). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Because the flow path of the main flow channel 530 is continuously open, fluid still flows through the main flow channel 530 when the valve 340 is in the open state. In the open state, additional fluid introduced into the second inlet port 326 by the syringe 450 joins the main flow channel 530 and is output from the outlet port 328 along with the fluid flowing from the first inlet port 324 into the cavity 323 of the housing 322 (i.e., is flushed).

[0035] ​The self-flushing connector of the various embodiments described herein is advantageous over the prior art in that it eliminates the need for multiple syringe pushes to administer medication after dispensing a small amount of medication in order to move the small amount of medication out of the "dead space" and ensure that the medication reaches the patient. Specifically, the connector of the various embodiments described herein is referred to as a self-flushing connector because there is a continuously open fluid path in the main flow channel between the first inlet port and the outlet port of the connector regardless of whether the collapsible valve is in an open state or a closed state. Thus, when a syringe is inserted into the second inlet port to dispense additional medication, the fluid flowing through the main flow channel "self-flushes" the additional fluid introduced into the main flow channel by the syringe and flows out of the outlet port to the patient. Thus, the self-flushing connector of the various embodiments described herein eliminates the need for the clinician or other medical staff to perform multiple syringe pushes to flush additional small amounts of medication that would become trapped in the dead space of a connector assembly employing a conventional Y-connector.

[0036] Thus, the self-flushing IV connector of the various embodiments described herein eliminates the need to flush additional medication and fluid through a separate side flow channel (which is susceptible to "dead space") to ensure that all of the medication is dispensed and does not become trapped in the "dead space" of the side flow channel as is typically experienced with conventional Y-connectors. Thus, the self-flushing connector of the various embodiments described herein minimizes or completely eliminates the need for additional fluid to be pushed into the main flow channel in order to dispense medication that is dispensed via the side flow channel to the patient.

[0037] Another advantage realized is that the self-flushing connector of the various embodiments described herein is directly connected to the main flow channel of fluid flowing from an IV bag to the patient, thereby eliminating the need for a separate Y-connector and corresponding tubing between the IV bag and the patient for connecting a connector (e.g., a needleless connector) to the main flow channel. Thus, the cost of the connector assembly is advantageously reduced by eliminating the need for a Y-connector and corresponding tubing.

[0038] For convenience, the various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples only and not limitation of the present subject technology. The identification of the figures and the drawings herein is provided merely for convenience and is in no way limiting of the subject technology as described herein and the clauses are not limited by these identifiers.

[0039] Clause 1 : A self-flushing connector comprising: a housing comprising a cavity, a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port, the first inlet port extending from a sidewall of the housing to the cavity, the second inlet port extending from an upper portion of the housing to the cavity, and the outlet port fluidly connected with the first inlet port and the cavity; a collapsible valve disposed within the cavity; a first flow path extending from the first inlet port to the outlet port, the first inlet port and the second inlet port fluidly connected by a gap defined between a body of the collapsible valve and an inner wall of the housing defining the cavity; and a second flow path extending from the second inlet port to the first flow path, wherein, when the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path while allowing fluid to flow through the first flow path, and wherein, when the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path to allow fluid entering the second flow path to be flushed out through the outlet port.

[0040] Clause 2: The self-flushing connector of clause 1, wherein the collapsible valve comprises a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head, and in the closed state, the head extends into the second inlet port to fluidly disconnect the second flow path from the first flow path.

[0041] Clause 3: The self-flushing connector of clause 1, wherein the first inlet port is axially aligned with the outlet port.

[0042] Clause 4: The self-flushing connector of clause 1, wherein the second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the first inlet port.

[0043] Clause 5: The self-flushing connector of clause 4, wherein the second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the outlet port.

[0044] Clause 6: The self-flushing connector of clause 1, wherein the body of the collapsible valve comprises a cavity extending therein, and an inner wall of the body defining the cavity comprises at least one dimple that allows the valve to deform when pressure is applied on the valve.

[0045] Clause 7: The self-flushing connector of clause 1, wherein the first inlet port allows a first fluid to flow into the connector, and the second inlet port allows a second fluid different from the first fluid to flow into the connector simultaneously when the collapsible valve is in the open state.

[0046] Clause 8: A self-flushing connector assembly comprising: a housing comprising a cavity, a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port; a collapsible valve disposed within the cavity of the housing, the collapsible valve comprising a head, a body extending from the head, and a shoulder defined on a portion of the body; a first flow path extending from the first inlet port into the cavity of the housing and around the body of the collapsible valve to the outlet port; and a second flow path extending from the second inlet port into the cavity of the housing and around the head of the collapsible valve to the first flow path, wherein the head of the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path when the collapsible valve is in a closed state, and wherein the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path when the collapsible valve is in an open state.

[0047] Clause 9: The self-flushing connector of clause 8, wherein in the closed state, the head of the valve extends into the second inlet port.

[0048] Clause 10: The self-flushing connector of clause 8, wherein the first inlet port is disposed opposite the outlet port.

[0049] Clause 11 : The self-flushing connector of clause 8, wherein the second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the first inlet port.

[0050] Clause 12: The self-flushing connector of clause 11, wherein the second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the outlet port.

[0051] Clause 13: The self-flushing connector of clause 8, wherein the body of the collapsible valve comprises a cavity extending therein, and an inner wall of the body defining the cavity comprises at least one dimple that allows the valve to deform when pressure is applied on the valve.

[0052] Clause 14: The self-flushing connector of clause 8, wherein the first inlet port allows a first fluid to flow into the connector, and the second inlet port allows a second fluid different from the first fluid to flow into the connector simultaneously when the valve is in the open state.

[0053] Clause 15: A self-flushing connector comprising: a housing comprising a cavity extending longitudinally therein; a collapsible valve disposed within the cavity of the housing, the collapsible valve comprising a head and a body extending from the head; a first inlet port extending from a sidewall of the housing and a second inlet port extending from an opposing sidewall of the housing, the first inlet port and the second inlet port defining a flow path therebetween; and the second inlet port extending from an upper portion of the housing into the cavity of the housing, wherein the head of the collapsible valve obstructs fluid flow from the second inlet port into the flow path when the collapsible valve is in a closed state, and wherein the second inlet port is fluidly connected to the flow path when the collapsible valve is in an open state.

[0054] Clause 16: The self-flushing connector of clause 15, wherein the flow path comprises: a first flow path extending from the first inlet port into the cavity of the housing and around the body of the collapsible valve to an outlet port; and a second flow path extending from the second inlet port into the cavity of the housing and around the head of the collapsible valve to the first flow path.

[0055] Clause 17: The self-flushing connector of clause 16, wherein the first inlet port allows a first fluid to flow into the connector and the second inlet port allows a second fluid to flow into the connector in the open state of the valve, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are different.

[0056] Clause 18: The self-flushing connector of clause 15, wherein the head of the valve extends into the second inlet port.

[0057] Clause 19: The self-flushing connector of clause 15, wherein the second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the first inlet port.

[0058] Clause 20: The self-flushing connector of clause 15, wherein the second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the outlet port.

[0059] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. While the best mode and / or other examples have been described in detail, various modifications can be made within the scope of the various aspects described herein, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. The use of the term “set” has its normal meaning in the art, and is used in this document in connection with the meaning of “one or more.” The use of the term “about” in relation to a number is intended to refer to a number that is within 10% of the number, unless otherwise indicated. The use of headings and subheadings are for convenience only and are not to be construed as limiting the claims.

[0060] It is contemplated that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed are illustrations of exemplary approaches. It is to be appreciated that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be rearranged or otherwise re-sequenced without altering the functionality of the approach, and that the proprietary rights attached to the circuits created can be utilized or shared among multiple designs.

[0061] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," and the like as used in this disclosure should be understood in reference to any arbitrary frame of reference, not necessarily a normal gravity reference frame. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a back surface can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravity reference frame.

[0062] Phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that a particular aspect is essential to the subject technology, or that the aspect applies across all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure in relation to an aspect can apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Phrases such as "in one aspect" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that a particular embodiment is essential to the subject technology, or that the embodiment applies across all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure in relation to an embodiment can apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. Phrases such as "in one embodiment" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa.

[0063] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0064] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known are expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether these disclosure are explicitly recited in the claims. The claims of this disclosure are hereby intended to be construed to encompass the following: 1) any element which is recited in any claim is also incorporated by reference and can be used in the making or using of the recited item; and 2) the combination of any elements recited in any of the appended claims can be used in the making or using of the claimed item. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the elements recited in the specification and / or claims, not only the exact devices explicitly recited. Thus, for example, a processor comprising an element that "performs a computation" encompasses a custom-built processor that actually performs the computation, as well as a commercially available processor that performs the computation. The mere fact that a custom-built processor does not currently exist or is not known to be in use, or that a commercially available processor is or was previously used for other purposes, does not exclude that processor from the scope of "a processor comprising an element that performs a computation." In the claims, the use of the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value specifiy a range that is approximately the value recited. For example, "about 90 degrees" means a range of 85-95 degrees. In the claims, the use of the term "set" means one or more.

Claims

1. A self-flushing connector comprising: a housing including a sidewall having an inner surface forming a housing cavity, a first inlet port extending through the inner surface of the sidewall, a second inlet port longitudinally aligned with the housing cavity, and an outlet port extending through the inner surface of the sidewall; and a collapsible valve including a head and a body, and the collapsible valve is positioned longitudinally within the housing cavity to form a main flow passage extending between the first inlet port, the outlet port, an outer surface of the body, and the inner surface of the sidewall; wherein the head of the collapsible valve blocks fluid flow from the second inlet port to the main flow passage when the valve is in a closed state, and the second inlet port is fluidly connected to the main flow passage when the valve is in an open state, such that the first inlet port, the second inlet port, and the outlet port are fluidly coupled. A plurality of longitudinal grooves extend along the inner surface of the sidewall to form a gap between the outer surface of the body and the inner surface of the sidewall.

2. The self-flushing connector of claim 1, wherein, The first inlet port and the outlet port intersect the housing cavity along the plurality of longitudinal grooves.

3. The self-flushing connector of claim 2, wherein, The first inlet port is axially aligned with the outlet port.

4. The self-flushing connector of claim 1, wherein, The second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the first inlet port.

5. The self-flushing connector of claim 1, wherein, The second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the outlet port.

6. The self-flushing connector of claim 1, wherein, The body of the collapsible valve includes an inner wall forming a valve cavity.

7. The self-flushing connector of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the body includes at least one dimple that allows the collapsible valve to deform when a longitudinal force is applied on the head of the valve.

8. The self-flushing connector of claim 7, wherein, The first inlet port allows a first fluid to flow into the connector, and the second inlet port allows a second fluid different from the first fluid to flow into the connector simultaneously when the collapsible valve is in an open state.

9. The self-flushing connector of claim 1, wherein, 10. A self-flushing connector comprising: a housing including a first inlet port, a second inlet port, an outlet port, and a sidewall having an inner surface forming a housing cavity fluidly coupled with the first inlet port, the second inlet port, and the outlet port; and a collapsible valve positioned longitudinally within the housing cavity such that a continuous open flow path extends between the first inlet port and the outlet port, wherein in a closed state, the collapsible valve blocks a fluid path from the second inlet port to the continuous open flow path, and in an open state, the fluid path is fluidly coupled with the continuous open flow path. The collapsible valve includes a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head, and in the closed state, the head extends into the second inlet port to block the fluid path.

11. The self-flushing connector of claim 10, wherein, A plurality of longitudinal grooves extend along the inner surface of the sidewall to form a gap between an outer surface of the body and the inner surface of the sidewall.

12. The self-flushing connector of claim 11, wherein, The first inlet port and the outlet port intersect the housing cavity along the plurality of longitudinal grooves.

13. The self-flushing connector of claim 12, wherein, The head of the collapsible valve extends into the second inlet port when the collapsible valve is in the closed state.

14. The self-flushing connector of claim 11, wherein, The first inlet port is axially aligned with the outlet port.

15. The self-flushing connector of claim 10, wherein, ​ 16. The self-flushing connector of claim 10, wherein, The second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the first inlet port.

17. The self-flushing connector of claim 10, wherein, The second inlet port is disposed perpendicular to the outlet port.

18. The self-flushing connector of claim 10, wherein, The collapsible valve includes an inner wall forming a valve cavity.

19. The self-flushing connector of claim 18, wherein, The inner wall of the collapsible valve includes at least one dimple that allows the collapsible valve to deform when a longitudinal force is applied on the collapsible valve.

20. The self-flushing connector of claim 10, wherein, The first inlet port allows a first fluid to flow into the connector, and the second inlet port allows a second fluid, different from the first fluid, to flow into the connector simultaneously when the collapsible valve is in an open state.

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