Needleless connector disc valve

Abstract

A fluid connector is disclosed that includes a valve having a channel that includes an undulating circumferential ridge. A fluid connector includes a housing including a post coupled with a valve. The valve is movable relative to the post by the fluid delivery device, and the movement allows fluid to flow from the fluid delivery device through the fluid connector assembly. The fluid delivery device applies an external force to the valve when the fluid delivery device is engaged with the fluid connector assembly. When the fluid delivery device is disengaged, the external force is removed, and a disintegration force from the post moves the valve to its original shape and position. In its original shape and position, the valve prevents fluid flow through the fluid connector assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 664,089, filed June 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to needleless fluid connector systems, and more specifically, to needleless fluid connector systems incorporating flexible valves. Background Technology

[0004] Medical treatment typically involves infusing medical fluids (e.g., saline solutions or liquid medications) to a patient using an intravenous (IV) catheter, which is connected to a fluid source (e.g., an IV bag) via an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings commonly referred to as an “IV kit.” Alternatively, a syringe can be used to deliver medical fluids to the patient.

[0005] Both IV kits and syringes can be connected to the patient via a needleless fluid connector. The needleless fluid connector engages a valve that moves relative to a central post. In some applications, the valve relies on the viscoelasticity of the bellows to return to its original shape and position after movement relative to the central post. However, with repeated use, the bellows loses its viscoelasticity. This loss of viscoelasticity increases the time required for the valve to return to its original shape and position, thus increasing the chance of medical fluid leakage from the needleless fluid connector. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a needleless connector having a post (e.g., a center post) for coupling with a valve including a channel with a wavy circumferential ridge. When engaged with a fluid delivery device (e.g., a syringe or IV kit), the valve moves (e.g., compresses) relative to the post in a downward direction, causing the post to extend through the valve. When the fluid delivery device is removed from the valve, the valve's internal structure causes the valve to return to its original shape and position.

[0007] Specifically, when the fluid delivery device is removed from the connector assembly, the force provided by the fluid delivery device on the valve decreases, and the responsive force provided by the column on the valve causes the valve to move upward along the column. This responsive force allows the valve to return to its initial position and cover the opening in the column. When the column no longer protrudes through the valve, the valve prevents fluid from flowing upstream, leaking, and / or overflowing. Therefore, it is important that the valve returns upward along the column promptly and effectively.

[0008] Furthermore, by replacing the bellows with the valve's internal structure, less material is required for the valve. This allows for a more compact valve and needle-free connector.

[0009] According to at least some embodiments disclosed herein, it is recognized that valves that rely on bellows to restore shape and position after the valve moves relative to the center post become less effective over time. The bellows suffer from viscoelastic losses due to repeated compression, which increases the restoration time needed for the valve to reset. This can result in unintended leakage or spillage of medical fluid.

[0010] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector comprising: a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; a post extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end, and the post comprising a bore at a proximal portion of the post and a lumen fluidically connected to the bore, the post having a generally tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the post and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber; and a valve coupled with the post at the proximal portion of the post, and the valve comprising a channel having a corrugated circumferential ridge, the valve (i) configured to seal the opening and the bore in a covered configuration, and (ii) to move distally by an external force to unseal the opening and the bore in an uncovered configuration, wherein the channel elastically and radially expands as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally when the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, wherein the channel is configured to radially contract and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force when the external force is removed.

[0011] Some examples of the present disclosure provide a method of regulating delivery of a medical fluid by a fluid connector, the method comprising: providing a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; providing a post extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end, and the post comprising a bore at a proximal portion of the post and a lumen fluidically connected to the bore; providing a valve comprising a channel having a corrugated circumferential ridge; and receiving the post in the channel; wherein the post has a generally tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the post and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber, wherein the valve is configured to seal the opening and the bore in a covered configuration, wherein the valve moves distally by an external force to unseal the opening and the bore in an uncovered configuration, wherein the fluid connector is configured to form a fluid pathway between the bore and the lumen in the uncovered configuration, wherein the channel elastically and radially expands as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally when the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, wherein the channel is configured to radially contract and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force when the external force is removed.

[0012] Accordingly, the present application addresses a number of operational challenges encountered in existing valves that rely on bellows, including needleless access valves, and provides a number of enhancements and improvements for moving the valve without suffering viscoelastic loss or Mullins damage. Without such viscoelastic loss and Mullins damage, the valve can be repeatedly performed (i.e., repeatedly moved and / or compressed) over long periods of time.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the present subject matter will be set forth in the description below, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or can be learned by practice of the present subject matter. The advantages of the present subject matter will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the present subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Various features of illustrative embodiments of the application are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to explain, and are not intended to limit, the application. The drawings contain the following figures:

[0016] Figure 1 A fluid connector assembly for use with a fluid delivery device is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of a fluid connector is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4A And Figure 4B Front and cross-sectional views of a valve of a fluid connector are shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector prior to an external force being applied to the valve is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector when an external force is applied to the valve is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector when an external force is removed from the valve is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8A flow diagram is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, which illustrates a method for regulating delivery of a medical fluid through a fluid connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. The subject technology can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown to avoid obscuring the subject technology.

[0025] Furthermore, while the present specification sets forth various embodiments specific details, it is understood that the present specification is to be regarded as illustrative only and is not to be construed in a limiting sense. Additionally, it is understood that, while the specific embodiments disclosed herein can be disclosed or shown in the context of an IV set, these embodiments can be used in other fluid delivery systems. Moreover, various applications of the embodiments disclosed herein, as well as modifications thereto, can occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Such applications and modifications are contemplated to be within the scope of the general concepts disclosed herein.

[0026] Needleless connectors are important devices for delivering fluids to patients via IV catheters. Needleless connectors can be used in the general patient population, including neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. In various applications, the pressure applied to blood components should not exceed 300 mm Hg (5 psi) because pressures above 300 mm Hg can cause hemolysis or bag rupture, IV fluids require bolus injection without control during power injection, and infusion pressure should not exceed 25 psi because pressures above 25 psi can damage blood vessels. Thus, medical professionals using needleless connectors face the challenge of maintaining various higher pressure limits during infusion delivery using typical connectors.

[0027] Typical needleless connectors utilize valves that rely on bellows to restore the original shape and / or length of the valve. However, valves utilizing bellows have drawbacks. For example, the compression of the bellows inherent in the use of needleless connectors reduces the viscoelasticity of the bellows. Thus, over time, the valve becomes less efficient as it is slower to return to its original position. This delayed return to the original state of the valve can cause medical fluids to leak or spill from the needleless fluid connector. The following devices and methods provide design modifications to overcome the aforementioned problems.

[0028] Reference is now made to the drawings, Figure 1A fluid connector 100 for use with a fluid delivery device 150 is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. The fluid connector 100 can be used to provide a connection point for the fluid delivery device 150. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery device 150 comprises a syringe, such as a needleless syringe. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery device 150 comprises tubing from an IV set. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the connector 100 can take the form of a needleless connector assembly. For some exemplary IV applications, the fluid delivery device 150 can be used for a rapid injection of a medication, sometimes referred to as a "push" or "bolus," to quickly send a one-time dose of medication into a patient's bloodstream. The fluid delivery device 150 is connected to the opening 106 (shown in Figure 2 ) of the connector 100. Additionally, the fluid outlet 108 of the connector 100 can be connected to a tubing line. The valve 110 is positioned to regulate the flow of fluid provided by the fluid delivery device 150 to the tubing line.

[0029] Figure 2 A perspective view of a fluid connector 100 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The connector assembly 100 comprises a housing 102. The housing 102 comprises a proximal end, a distal end, an internal chamber having an opening 106 at the proximal end, and a fluid outlet 108. As shown, the housing 102, the opening 106, and the fluid outlet 108 are cylindrical or generally cylindrical bodies having a circular cross-section. Other shapes are possible.

[0030] Figure 3 A partial cutaway view of a fluid connector assembly 100 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The housing 102 can comprise a post 112 (i.e., a central post) that extends from a distal portion 122 of the internal chamber toward the proximal end of the housing 102. The post 112 has a generally tapered shape such that the post 112 has a diameter at a proximal portion 120 of the post and a larger diameter at the distal portion 122 of the internal chamber. The post 112 comprises a lumen 116 fluidically connected to a bore 114 to facilitate the transfer of fluid through the connector assembly 100. The post 112 also comprises a bore 114 (representative of one or more openings in the post 112) proximate to the proximal portion 120 of the post 112. For purposes of illustration, Figure 3 the post 112 in is rotated such that the bore 114 is visible. The bore 114 of the post 112 is designed to receive fluid from the opening 106 of the housing 102. Accordingly, if the bore 114 is exposed, the opening 106 can be fluidically connected to the bore 114. The opening 106 of the housing 102 comprises a size and shape that allows the fluid delivery device 150 to pass through the opening 106 into the housing 102 and expose the bore 114 by moving the valve 110.

[0031] Valve 110 includes a channel 113 that receives post 112. Valve 110 surrounds post 112. In some embodiments, valve 110 is disposed on post 112 and engages with the post. Based on the position of valve 110 shown in Figure 3 , valve 110 is in a covered position and covers aperture 114, thereby preventing fluid flow into aperture 114 and lumen 116. However, valve 110 is designed to regulate flow by having aperture 114 uncovered by valve 110 based on movement (e.g., compression) of valve 110 caused by an external force 130 (shown in Figure 6 ). External force 130 can be applied by fluid delivery device 150. It should be noted that movement of valve 110 can include elastic movement (e.g., elastic compression), thereby allowing valve 110 to return to its original form (shown in Figure 3 ) after movement when fluid delivery device 150 is removed / disengaged from valve 110.

[0032] Additionally, a slit 118 (shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) representative of a cutout or other discontinuity in valve 110 is formed in valve 110. In the covered position of valve 110, no object is positioned in slit 118 of valve 110, and slit 118 is generally closed. For example, in the covered position of valve 110, proximal portion 120 of post 112 does not protrude through slit 118. When slit 118 is closed, fluid will not flow through valve 110 into aperture 114 of post 112 and to lumen 116.

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B show front and cross-sectional views of valve 110 of fluid connector 100 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Valve 110 includes invaginated portions and protruding portions such that valve 110 has contact surfaces that align with different portions of housing 102. The interior of valve 110 includes channel 113. In some embodiments, channel 113 has a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body with a circular cross-section. The diameter of channel 113 varies from the bottom of valve 110 to the top of valve 110. In other words, channel 113 includes circumferential undulating ridges. The grooves between the ridges and / or invaginated portions maintain weaker contact with post 112 compared to the protruding portions of the ridges. In some embodiments, the grooves between the ridges do not contact post 112. Thus, this structure limits friction between valve 110 and post 112.

[0034] The present disclosure utilizes a wavy circumferential ridge in the passage of the valve 110 in place of a bellows. Unlike a bellows, which suffers from viscoelastic losses and Mullins damage, the wavy circumferential ridge will prevent the valve from requiring increased recovery time (i.e., it takes longer to transition from the open position 110 to the closed position). Avoiding increased recovery time also reduces the chance of leakage or spillage of medical fluid from the post 112 by enabling the valve 110 to quickly recover or reseal the aperture 114.

[0035] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 100 prior to an external force 130 being applied to the valve 110 is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. Prior to the fluid delivery device 150 applying the external force 130, the fluid connector 100 is in a covered position. The valve 110 is not pushed or compressed down the post 112 such that the aperture 114 is exposed. As a result, the opening 106 is not yet fluidically connected to the aperture 114 and the lumen 116. Additionally, the valve 110 has a length LI prior to the external force 130 being applied to the valve 110, and the passage 113 has a diameter dl.

[0036] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 100 when the external force 130 is applied to the valve 110 is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. Based on the movement of the valve 110 caused by the external force 130, the valve 110 is in an uncovered position and can receive fluid from the fluid delivery device 150. In the uncovered position of the valve 110, the proximal portion 120 of the post 112 protrudes through the slit 118 of the valve 110. Additionally, the movement of the valve 110 exposes the aperture 114 of the post 112. When the aperture 114 is not covered by the valve 110, fluid flows from the fluid delivery device 150 through the slit 118 (now open) by means of the aperture 114 and subsequently to the lumen 116. Accordingly, the slit 118 is fluidically connected to the aperture 114, the lumen 116, and the fluid outlet 108.

[0037] The valve 110 is compressed or reduced to a length L2 (less than the length LI shown in Figure 5 when the valve 110 is compressed by the external force 130. The passage 113 has a diameter d2 (greater than the diameter dl shown in Figure 5 when the valve 110 is compressed by the external force 130. The compression of the valve 110 represents the relative motion of the valve 110 with respect to the housing 102 and the post 112.

[0038] When the external force 130 moves the valve 110 from the proximal portion 120 of the post 112 to the distal portion 122 of the internal chamber, the channel 113 elastically and radially expands because the diameter of the post 112 increases. As the valve 110 moves from the narrower end of the post 112 (diameter dl) to the wider end of the post 112 (diameter d2), the channel 113 more tightly squeezes the post 112. In response to the increased force from the valve 110, the post 112 exerts a decompression force on the valve 110.

[0039] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 100 is shown when the external force 130 is removed from the valve 110, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As the external force 130 is removed from the valve 110, the channel 113 begins to radially contract, and the decompression force moves the valve 110 proximally (i.e., back to the covered configuration). In the covered configuration, the valve 110 covers the aperture 114. As a result, the valve 110 prevents subsequent entry of fluid (outside of the valve 110) into the lumen 116.

[0040] In some embodiments, the valve 110 is still in the uncovered position because the valve 110 does not necessarily slide far enough up the post 112 to cover the aperture 114. In some embodiments, the valve 110 can cover the aperture 114 before the fluid delivery device 150 is completely removed from the opening 106 of the housing 102 and before the fluid delivery device 150 is completely disengaged from the valve 110. When the fluid delivery device 150 is removed from the opening 106 of the housing 102 and no longer engages the valve 110, the valve 110 no longer moves and can return to its original shape (length LI and the channel 113 has diameter dl) and position relative to the post 112. At this time, the valve 110 is in the covered position and covers the aperture 114.

[0041] Further, the undulating circumferential ridges of the channel 113 of the valve 110 limit the amount of friction between the valve 110 and the post 112. The limited friction helps the valve 110 to transition back from length L2 to length LI in an efficient manner. That is, the limited friction enables the valve 110 to quickly return to its original shape and position and prevents the valve 110 from getting stuck in a compressed open position. This reduces the chance of fluid leaking and / or spilling through the aperture 114 of the post 112.

[0042] The undulating circumferential ridges of the channel 113 also affect the magnitude of the decompression force, such that the decompression force is sufficient to move the valve 110 proximally back to the covered configuration when the external force 130 is removed.

[0043] Figure 8A flow diagram is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, which illustrates a method for regulating delivery of a medical fluid through a fluid connector. The method shown in flow diagram 200 can be performed by the fluid connectors described herein. Accordingly, the fluid connectors described herein can carry out the method shown in flow diagram 200.

[0044] In step 202, a housing is provided. The first housing includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end.

[0045] In step 204, a post is provided. The post extends from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end and includes a bore and a lumen fluidically connected to the bore. The bore is positioned at a proximal portion of the post. The post has a generally tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the post and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber.

[0046] In step 206, a valve is provided. The valve is coupled with the post and includes a passageway including a contoured circumferential ridge. The contoured circumferential ridge limits friction between the passageway and the post by limiting surface contact between the passageway and the post. The valve is configured to seal the opening and the bore in a covered configuration. The valve is moved distally by an external force to unseal the opening and the bore in an uncovered configuration. The fluid connector is configured to form a fluid pathway between the bore and the lumen in the uncovered configuration. As the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, the passageway elastically and radially expands and a decompression force is generated as the passageway expands and as the valve moves distally. Similarly, when the external force is removed, the passageway is configured to radially contract and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force.

[0047] In some embodiments, the contoured circumferential ridge limits friction between the passageway and the post, which causes the passageway to radially contract and the valve to move proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force when the external force is removed.

[0048] In some embodiments, the valve includes a first length prior to the external force being applied and a second length when the external force is applied, the second length being shorter than the first length. Likewise, the passageway includes a first diameter prior to the external force being applied and a second diameter when the external force is applied, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter.

[0049] In some embodiments, the external force is applied by a fluid delivery device.

[0050] In some embodiments, moving the valve toward the portion of the post having the larger diameter includes penetrating a slit of the valve with the post.

[0051] In step 208, the post is received in the passageway.

[0052] While the present disclosure includes embodiments in which the stand includes a single opening in the figures, it should be understood that the stand can include any number of openings, each of which can receive fluid from the fluid transfer device.

[0053] Features of the present disclosure provide that a plurality of components (e.g., a fluid transfer device and a fluid connector) can be coupled together to form a fluid passageway therebetween. When coupled together, features of the present disclosure prevent inadvertent decoupling between the components. However, if the components are inadvertently or intentionally decoupled, the fluid passageway through the components can be closed or obstructed to prevent fluid from escaping therefrom. Features of the present disclosure are provided that, upon decoupling of the components, any of the components can be cleaned and sterilized, and the components can be coupled together again to form a fluid passageway therebetween.

[0054] Description of the subject technology as a list item

[0055] For example, the subject technology is described in terms of various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples only and not limitation of the technology. It is noted that each of the clauses in dependent clauses can be combined in any combination and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause 1, clause 9, or clause 16. Other clauses can be presented in a similar manner.

[0056] Clause 1 : A fluid connector comprising: a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; a stand extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end and comprising a bore at a proximal portion of the stand and a lumen fluidically connected to the bore, the stand having a generally tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the stand and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber; and a valve coupled with the stand at the proximal portion of the stand and comprising a channel having a contoured circumferential ridge, the valve (i) configured to seal the opening and the bore in a covered configuration and (ii) in an uncovered configuration, move distally by an external force to unseal the opening and the bore, wherein the channel elastically and radially expands as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally when the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, wherein the channel is configured to radially contract and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by a decompression force when the external force is removed.

[0057] Clause 2: The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the contoured circumferential ridge is configured to limit friction between the channel and the stand by limiting surface contact between the channel and the stand, which causes the channel to radially contract and the valve to move proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force when the external force is removed.

[0058] Clause 3: The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the valve extends circumferentially around the post.

[0059] Clause 4: The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the valve comprises a first length prior to the application of the external force, and the valve comprises a second length when the external force is applied, the second length being shorter than the first length.

[0060] Clause 5: The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the valve comprises a slit, and the opening is exposed when the post extends through the slit.

[0061] Clause 6: The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the post is a cannula.

[0062] Clause 7: The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the external force is applied by a fluid delivery device.

[0063] Clause 8: A method for regulating delivery of a medical fluid through a fluid connector, the method comprising: providing a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; providing a post extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end, and the post comprising a bore at a proximal portion of the post and a lumen fluidically connected to the bore; providing a valve comprising a channel having a contoured circumferential ridge; and receiving the post in the channel; wherein the post has a generally tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the post and a greater diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber, wherein the valve is configured to seal the opening and the bore in a covered configuration, wherein the valve is moved distally by an external force to unseal the opening and the bore in an uncovered configuration, wherein the fluid connector is configured to form a fluid pathway between the bore and the lumen in the uncovered configuration, wherein the channel elastically and radially expands as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally when the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, wherein the channel is configured to radially contract and the valve is moved proximally toward the covered configuration by a decompression force when the external force is removed.

[0064] Clause 9: The method of clause 8, wherein the contoured circumferential ridge is configured to limit friction between the channel and the post by limiting surface contact between the channel and the post, which enables the channel to radially contract and the valve to move proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force when the external force is removed.

[0065] Clause 10: The method of clause 8, wherein the external force is applied by a fluid delivery device.

[0066] Clause 11 : The method of clause 8, wherein moving the valve toward the portion of the post having the larger diameter includes penetrating a slit of the valve with the post.

[0067] Further Considerations

[0068] In some embodiments, any one of the clauses herein can be dependent from any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any clause (e.g., dependent or independent) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent or independent). In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, devices, or components) referenced in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the words referenced in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph can be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements can be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented with additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0069] The present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0070] Unless specifically stated otherwise, a reference to an element in the singular does not preclude the occurrence of additional, identical elements. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. The term "positive" pronoun (such as his) includes negative and neutral genders (such as her and it), and vice versa. The use of headings and subheadings (if any) is for convenience only and does not limit the application.

[0071] 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. In one aspect, various alternative constructions and operations can be considered as at least equivalent.

[0072] Phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that a particular aspect is essential to the subject technology, or that such aspect applies across all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures relating to one aspect can apply to all or one or more aspects. An aspect can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as 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 such embodiment applies across all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures relating to one embodiment can apply to all or one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "embodiment" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "configuration" do not imply that a particular configuration is essential to the subject technology, or that such configuration applies across all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures relating to one configuration can apply to all or one or more configurations. A configuration can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as a configuration can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0073] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the accompanying claims, are approximate, not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range commensurate with the functions to which they relate and with ordinary

[0074] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can mean directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can mean indirectly coupled.

[0075] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," and the like, if used in this disclosure, are used for ease of description and do not present a limitation on the orientation of the various embodiments described herein. Thus, a top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and back surface can extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational reference system.

[0076] Various items can be rearranged (e.g., permuted), divided, or otherwise distinguished in various ways. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or that are later developed are expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, no item or component is intended to be indispensable for the practice of the disclosure. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be open-ended and, as such, specify the presence of stated features, steps, components, or members, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, components, members, or groups thereof. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure. The word "example" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "approximately," "substantially," and "about" are used herein to express an exact difference, and are intended to mean that a value is within 10% of the stated value, preferably within 5% of the stated value, and more preferably within 1% of the stated value. The use of the term "about" is intended to cover variations known or to be discovered by those of ordinary skill in the art, but not to cover variations that result in a change in the intended function of the relevant aspect.

[0077] The title, background, summary, brief description of drawings, and abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. The present application is filed based on the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and that various features are combined in various embodiments to produce the patent disclosure, which is in the nature of a best mode. This disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as is reflected in the appended claims, the inventive subject matter is intended to cover all modifications of the configurations or operations that come within the scope of the claims. The appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim independently represents a separately claimed subject matter.

[0078] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, and to cover all legal equivalents thereof. However, no aspect is intended to be invoked against any surpporting claims that are not expressly called out by the language of the claims.

Claims

1. A fluid connector, comprising: a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; a post extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end and comprising an aperture at a proximal portion of the post and a lumen fluidly connected to the aperture, the post having a generally tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the post and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber; and a valve coupled with the post at the proximal portion of the post and comprising a channel having a contoured circumferential ridge, the valve configured to seal the opening and the aperture in a covered configuration and to be moved distally by an external force to unseal the opening and the aperture in an uncovered configuration, wherein the channel elastically and radially expands as the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration and a decompression force is generated as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally, wherein the channel is configured to radially contract when the external force is removed and the valve is moved proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force.

2. The fluid connector of claim 1, wherein, the contoured circumferential ridge is configured to limit friction between the channel and the post by limiting surface contact between the channel and the post, which facilitates the channel radially contracting and the valve being moved proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force when the external force is removed.

3. The fluid connector of claim 1, wherein, the valve extends circumferentially around the post.

4. The fluid connector of claim 1, wherein, the valve comprises a first length prior to the external force being applied and a second length when the external force is applied, the second length being shorter than the first length.

5. The fluid connector of claim 1, wherein, the valve comprises a slit and the opening is exposed when the post extends through the slit.

6. The fluid connector of claim 1, wherein, the post is a cannula.

7. The fluid connector of claim 1, wherein, the external force is applied by a fluid delivery device.

8. A method of regulating delivery of a medical fluid by a fluid connector, the method comprising: providing a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; providing a post extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end and comprising an aperture at a proximal portion of the post and a lumen fluidly connected to the aperture; providing a valve comprising a channel having a contoured circumferential ridge; and receiving the post in the channel; wherein the post has a generally tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the post and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber, wherein the valve is configured to seal the opening and the aperture in a covered configuration, wherein the valve is moved distally by an external force to unseal the opening and the aperture in an uncovered configuration, wherein the fluid connector is configured to form a fluid pathway between the aperture and the lumen in the uncovered configuration, wherein, when the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, the channel elastically and radially expands, and a decompression force is created as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally, wherein, when the external force is removed, the channel is configured to radially contract, and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The undulating circumferential ridge is configured to limit friction between the channel and the post by limiting surface contact between the channel and the post, which enables the channel to radially contract and the valve to move proximally toward the covered configuration by the decompression force when the external force is removed.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, The external force is applied by a fluid delivery device.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein, Moving the valve toward the portion of the post having the larger diameter includes penetrating a slit of the valve with the post.

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