Fluid connector

Abstract

A fluid connector is disclosed that includes a valve having a channel that includes a contoured circumferential ridge. A fluid connector includes a housing that includes a post that is coupled with a valve. The valve is movable relative to the post by a 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 decomposing 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 fluid connectors, and more specifically, to fluid connectors 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. Utility Model Content

[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] Based on at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein, it has been recognized that valves that rely on bellows to restore their shape and position after movement relative to the central column become less effective over time. The bellows suffers viscoelastic loss due to repeated compression, which increases the recovery time required for valve reset. This can lead to accidental leakage or spillage of medical fluids.

[0010] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a fluid connector comprising: a housing including 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, the post including a hole at the proximal portion of the post and a lumen for fluid connection to the hole, 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 located at the proximal portion of the post. The valve is connected to the column and includes a channel with a wavy circumferential ridge. The valve (i) is configured to seal the opening and orifice in a covered configuration and (ii) to unseal the opening and orifice by external force when moved distally in an uncovered configuration. The channel elastically and radially expands as the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, and a disintegrating force is generated as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally. When the external force is removed, the channel is configured to radially contract, and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the disintegrating force.

[0011] Some examples of this disclosure provide a method for regulating the delivery of medical fluid via a fluid connector, the method comprising: providing a housing including a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; providing a column extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end, the column including an orifice at the proximal portion of the column and a lumen for fluid connection to the orifice; providing a valve including a channel having a wavy circumferential ridge; and receiving the column in the channel; wherein the column has a generally tapered shape, having a diameter at the proximal portion of the column and within the internal chamber The distal portion has a larger diameter, wherein the valve is configured to seal the opening and orifice in the covered configuration, wherein the valve is moved distally by an external force to unseal the opening and orifice in the uncovered configuration, wherein the fluid connector is configured to form a fluid passage between the orifice and the lumen in the uncovered configuration, wherein the passage elastically and radially expands as the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, and a disintegrating force is generated as the passage expands and as the valve moves distally, wherein the passage is configured to radially contract when the external force is removed, and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the disintegrating force.

[0012] Accordingly, this application addresses several operational challenges encountered in existing bellows-dependent valves (including needle-free access valves) and provides numerous enhancements and improvements for valve movement without suffering viscoelastic losses or Mullins damage. Without such viscoelastic losses and Mullins damage, the valve can perform repeated operations (i.e., repeated movement and / or compression) over long periods.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the present subject matter will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present subject matter. The advantages of the present subject matter will be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, its embodiments, and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the technical subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The various features of illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, and not limit, the present invention. The drawings include the following figures:

[0016] Figure 1 A fluid connector assembly for use with a fluid delivery device is shown, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of a fluid connector according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A front view and a sectional view of a valve of a fluid connector according to some aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0020] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector prior to the application of an external force to the valve is shown, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector is shown when an external force is applied to a valve, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector is shown when an external force is removed from the valve, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8A flowchart is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure, illustrating a method for regulating the delivery of medical fluids via a fluid connector. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the subject matter. The subject matter can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject matter.

[0025] Furthermore, while this specification sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is illustrative only and should not be construed as restrictive in any way. Additionally, it is conceivable that although specific embodiments of this disclosure may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of IV kits, these embodiments can be used in other fluid delivery systems. Moreover, various applications and modifications of these embodiments that may occur to those skilled in the art are also included within the general concepts described herein.

[0026] Needleless connectors are essential devices for delivering fluids to patients via IV catheters. They can be used in the general patient population, including newborns, children, and adults. In various applications, the pressure applied to blood components should not exceed 300 mmHg (5 psi), as exceeding this may cause hemolysis or bag rupture. IV fluids require uncontrolled bolus injection during dynamic infusion, and the infusion pressure should not exceed 25 psi, as pressures above 25 psi may damage blood vessels. Therefore, healthcare 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 valve to its original shape and / or length. However, valves utilizing bellows have disadvantages. For example, the compression of the bellows inherent in the use of needleless connectors reduces the viscoelasticity of the bellows. Therefore, over time, the valve becomes less efficient because it returns to its original position more slowly. This delayed return to the valve's original state 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] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1A fluid connector 100 for use with a fluid delivery device 150 according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown. 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 includes a syringe, such as a needle-free injector. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery device 150 includes tubing from an IV kit. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the connector 100 can take the form of a needle-free connector assembly. For some exemplary IV applications, the fluid delivery device 150 can be used for rapid injection of medication, sometimes referred to as a “push” or “injection,” to rapidly deliver a single dose of medication into the patient’s bloodstream. The fluid delivery device 150 connects to an opening 106 of the connector 100 (… Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). Additionally, the fluid outlet 108 of connector 100 can be connected to a pipeline. Valve 110 is positioned to regulate the flow rate of fluid supplied to the pipeline by fluid delivery device 150.

[0029] Figure 2 A perspective view of a fluid connector 100 according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown. The connector assembly 100 includes a housing 102. The housing 102 includes 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 with a circular cross-section. Other shapes are also possible.

[0030] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly 100 according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown. The housing 102 may include a post 112 (i.e., a central post) extending from a distal portion 122 of an internal chamber toward a proximal end of the housing 102. The post 112 has a generally tapered shape, such that the post 112 has a diameter at its proximal portion 120 and a larger diameter at its distal portion 122 of the internal chamber. The post 112 includes a lumen 116 for fluid connection to a port 114 to facilitate fluid transfer through the connector assembly 100. The post 112 also includes a port 114 (representing one or more openings in the post 112) adjacent to the proximal portion 120 of the post 112. For illustrative purposes, Figure 3 The column 112 is rotated to make the orifice 114 visible. The orifice 114 of the column 112 is designed to receive fluid from the opening 106 of the housing 102. Accordingly, if the orifice 114 is exposed, the opening 106 can be fluidly connected to the orifice 114. The opening 106 of the housing 102 includes dimensions and shapes that allow the fluid delivery device 150 to enter the housing 102 through the opening 106 and expose the orifice 114 by moving the valve 110.

[0031] Valve 110 includes a channel 113 for receiving a post 112. Valve 110 surrounds post 112. In some embodiments, valve 110 is disposed on and engages with post 112. Based on... Figure 3 The position of valve 110 shown is in the covered position, covering orifice 114, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into orifice 114 and lumen 116. However, valve 110 is designed to be partially based on external force 130 ( Figure 6 The movement (e.g., compression) of valve 110 caused by the fluid delivery device 150 (as shown below) causes orifice 114 to be uncovered by valve 110 to regulate flow, which will be shown and described in detail below. An external force 130 may be applied by fluid delivery device 150. It should be noted that the movement of valve 110 may include resilient movement (e.g., resilient compression), allowing valve 110 to return to its original form after movement when fluid delivery device 150 is removed / disengaged from valve 110. Figure 3 (as shown in the image).

[0032] Additionally, slit 118 represents a cut or other discontinuity in valve 110. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (As shown in the diagram) is formed in valve 110. In the covered position of valve 110, no object is positioned in the slit 118 of valve 110, and slit 118 is normally closed. For example, in the covered position of valve 110, the proximal portion 120 of column 112 does not protrude through slit 118. When slit 118 is closed, fluid will not flow through valve 110 into the orifice 114 of column 112 and into lumen 116.

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A front view and a cross-sectional view of a valve 110 of a fluid connector 100 according to some aspects of this disclosure are shown. The valve 110 includes an indentation and a protrusion, such that the valve 110 has contact surfaces aligned with different portions of a housing 102. The interior of the valve 110 includes a channel 113. In some embodiments, the channel 113 has a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body with a circular cross-section. The diameter of the channel 113 varies from the bottom to the top of the valve 110. In other words, the channel 113 includes circumferentially wavy ridges. Grooves and / or indentations between the ridges maintain a weaker contact with the post 112 compared to the protrusions of the ridges. In some embodiments, the grooves between the ridges do not contact the post 112. Therefore, this configuration limits friction between the valve 110 and the post 112.

[0034] This disclosure utilizes a corrugated circumferential ridge in the passage of valve 110 instead of a bellows. Unlike a bellows, which suffers from viscoelastic loss and Mullins damage, the corrugated circumferential ridge prevents the valve from requiring an increased recovery time (i.e., taking longer to transition from the open position 110 to the closed position). Avoiding increased recovery time also reduces the chance of medical fluid leakage or spillage from the column 112 by enabling valve 110 to quickly recover or reseal orifice 114.

[0035] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 100 before an external force 130 is applied to the valve 110, according to some aspects of this disclosure, is shown. Before the external force 130 is applied by the fluid delivery device 150, the fluid connector 100 is in a covered position. The valve 110 is not pushed or compressed downward along the post 112 to expose the orifice 114. Therefore, the opening 106 is not yet fluidly connected to the orifice 114 and the lumen 116. Additionally, before the external force 130 is applied to the valve 110, the valve 110 has a length L1, and the passage 113 has a diameter d1.

[0036] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 100 is shown when an external force 130 is applied to the valve 110, according to some aspects of this 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 orifice 114 of the post 112. When the orifice 114 is not covered by the valve 110, fluid flows from the fluid delivery device 150 through the slit 118 (now open) via the orifice 114 and subsequently into the lumen 116. Accordingly, the slit 118 is fluidly connected to the orifice 114, the lumen 116, and the fluid outlet 108.

[0037] Valve 110 is compressed or reduced to a length L2 (less than) based on an external force 130 applied by the fluid delivery device 150. Figure 5 The length L1 shown in the figure). When valve 110 is compressed by external force 130, channel 113 has a diameter d2 (greater than). Figure 5 (Diameter d1 shown). Compression of valve 110 represents the relative movement of valve 110 with respect to housing 102 and column 112.

[0038] When the external force 130 moves the valve 110 from the proximal portion 120 of the column 112 to the distal portion 122 of the internal chamber, the channel 113 expands elastically and radially because the diameter of the column 112 increases. As the valve 110 moves from the narrower end (diameter d1) of the column 112 to the wider end (diameter d2), the channel 113 presses the column 112 more tightly. In response to the increased force from the valve 110, the column 112 applies a distributive force to the valve 110.

[0039] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 100 is shown when an external force 130 is removed from the valve 110, according to some aspects of this disclosure. As the external force 130 is removed from the valve 110, the passage 113 begins to contract radially, and the dissipated force causes the valve 110 to move proximally (i.e., back to the covered configuration). In the covered configuration, the valve 110 covers the orifice 114. As a result, the valve 110 prevents fluid (external to the valve 110) from subsequently entering the lumen 116.

[0040] In some embodiments, valve 110 remains in the uncovered position because it may not necessarily slide upwards along post 112 far enough to cover orifice 114. In some embodiments, valve 110 may cover orifice 114 before fluid delivery device 150 is completely removed from opening 106 of housing 102 and before fluid delivery device 150 is completely disengaged from valve 110. When fluid delivery device 150 is removed from opening 106 of housing 102 and is no longer engaged, valve 110 no longer moves and can return to its original shape (length L1 and channel 113 having diameter d1) and position relative to post 112. At this point, valve 110 is in the covered position and covers orifice 114.

[0041] Furthermore, the wavy circumferential ridge of the passage 113 of valve 110 limits the amount of friction between valve 110 and column 112. Limited friction helps valve 110 to efficiently transition from length L2 back to length L1. That is, limited friction allows valve 110 to quickly return to its original shape and position and prevents valve 110 from getting stuck in the compressed open position. This reduces the chance of fluid leakage and / or overflow through the orifice 114 of column 112.

[0042] The wavy circumferential ridge of channel 113 also affects the amplitude of the dissociation force, making the dissociation force sufficient to move valve 110 proximally back to the overlay configuration when external force 130 is removed.

[0043] Figure 8A flowchart according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown, illustrating a method for regulating the delivery of medical fluids via a fluid connector. The method shown in flowchart 200 can be performed by the fluid connector described herein. Accordingly, the fluid connector described herein can implement the method shown in flowchart 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 column is provided. The column extends from the distal portion of the inner chamber toward the proximal end and includes a hole and a lumen for fluid connection to the hole. The hole is positioned at the proximal portion of the column. The column has a generally tapered shape with a diameter at the proximal portion of the column and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the inner chamber.

[0046] In step 206, a valve is provided. The valve is coupled to a column and includes a channel comprising a corrugated circumferential ridge. The corrugated circumferential ridge limits friction between the channel and the column by limiting surface contact between the channel and the column. The valve is configured to seal an opening and orifice in a covered configuration. The valve is moved distally by an external force to unseal the opening and orifice in an uncovered configuration. A fluid connector is configured to form a fluid passage between the orifice and the lumen in the uncovered configuration. When the valve changes from a covered configuration to an uncovered configuration, the channel expands elastically and radially, and a dissociation force is generated as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally. Similarly, when the external force is removed, the channel is configured to contract radially, and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the dissociation force.

[0047] In some embodiments, the wavy circumferential ridge restricts friction between the channel and the post, which causes the channel to contract radially, and the valve moves proximally toward the cover configuration by dissolving the force when the external force is removed.

[0048] In some embodiments, the valve includes a first length before an external force is applied, and when an external force is applied, the valve includes a second length that is shorter than the first length. Similarly, the passage includes a first diameter before an external force is applied, and when an external force is applied, the valve includes a second diameter that is 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 larger diameter portion of the column includes penetrating the valve slit with the column.

[0051] In step 208, the column is received in the channel.

[0052] Although this disclosure includes an embodiment in the drawings in which the column includes a single opening, it should be understood that the column may include any number of openings, each of which may receive fluid from a fluid delivery device.

[0053] The features of this disclosure provide that multiple components (e.g., fluid delivery devices and fluid connectors) can be coupled together to form a fluid passage between them. When coupled together, the features of this disclosure prevent unintentional separation between the components. However, if the components are unintentionally or intentionally separated, the fluid passage through the components may be closed or blocked to prevent fluid from leaking out. The provided feature of this disclosure is that, upon separation, any component can be cleaned and sterilized, and the components can be re-coupled to form a fluid passage between them.

[0054] Description of the subject technology as an item

[0055] For example, the subject matter technique is illustrated by the various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of the various aspects of the subject matter technique are described below as numbered (1, 2, 3, etc.) articles. These are provided by way of example only and do not limit the technique. It should be noted that each article in the dependent clauses may be combined in any combination and placed in its own independent article, such as article 1, article 9, or article 16. Other articles may be presented in a similar manner.

[0056] Clause 1: A fluid connector comprising: a housing including 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, the post including an orifice at the proximal portion of the post and a lumen for fluid connection to the orifice, 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 to the post at the proximal portion of the post and including a channel having a wavy circumferential ridge, the valve being (i) configured to seal the opening and the orifice in a covered configuration and (ii) to unseal the opening and the orifice by external force in an uncovered configuration, wherein, when the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, the channel elastically and radially expands, and a disintegrating force is generated 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 disintegrating force.

[0057] Clause 2: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the wavy circumferential ridge is configured to limit friction between the channel and the post by restricting surface contact between the channel and the post, which causes radial contraction of the channel and movement of the valve toward the proximal side toward the cover configuration by decomposing the force when the external force is removed.

[0058] Clause 3: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the valve extends circumferentially around the column.

[0059] Clause 4: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the valve includes a first length before an external force is applied, and the valve includes a second length that is shorter than the first length when an external force is applied.

[0060] Clause 5: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the valve includes a slit and the opening is exposed when the column extends through the slit.

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

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

[0063] Clause 8: A method for regulating the delivery of medical fluid via a fluid connector, the method comprising: providing a housing including a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; providing a column extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward the proximal end, the column including an orifice at the proximal portion of the column and a lumen fluidly connected to the orifice; providing a valve including a channel having a wavy circumferential ridge; and receiving the column in the channel; wherein the column has a diameter at the proximal portion of the column and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber. The valve has a generally conical shape with a diameter, wherein the valve is configured to seal the opening and orifice in a covered configuration, wherein the valve is moved distally by an external force to unseal the opening and orifice in an uncovered configuration, wherein the fluid connector is configured to form a fluid passage between the orifice and the lumen in the uncovered configuration, wherein the passage elastically and radially expands as the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, and a disintegrating force is generated as the passage expands and as the valve moves distally, wherein the passage is configured to radially contract when the external force is removed, and the valve moves proximally toward the covered configuration by the disintegrating force.

[0064] Clause 9: The method according to Clause 8, wherein the wavy circumferential ridge is configured to limit friction between the channel and the column by limiting surface contact between the channel and the column, which enables the channel to contract radially and the valve to move proximally toward the cover configuration by decomposing the force when an external force is removed.

[0065] Clause 10: The method according to Clause 8, wherein the external force is applied by the fluid transport device.

[0066] Clause 11: The method according to Clause 8, wherein moving the valve toward the larger diameter portion of the column includes penetrating the valve slit with the column.

[0067] Further consideration

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

[0069] This disclosure is provided to allow any person skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0070] Unless otherwise expressly stated, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" means one or more. Masculine pronouns (such as his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (such as her and its), and vice versa. The use of titles and subtitles (if any) is for convenience only and does not limit the scope of this invention.

[0071] The term "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 superior to other aspects or designs. In one respect, the various alternative constructions and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0072] Phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is essential to the art, or that such an aspect applies to all constructions of the art. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all constructions, or one or more constructions. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the art, or that such an embodiment applies to all constructions of the art. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "construction" do not imply that such a construction is essential to the art, or that such a construction applies to all constructions of the art. Disclosure relating to a construction may apply to all constructions or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "construction" may refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0073] In one respect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including those in the appended claims, are approximate, not precise. In another respect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they pertain to and with the custom of the art to which they belong.

[0074] In one respect, the term "linkage" or similar terms can refer to a direct link. In another respect, the term "linkage" or similar terms can refer to an indirect link.

[0075] For example, terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear," when used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any frame of reference, rather than a common gravitational frame of reference. Therefore, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

[0076] Without departing from the scope of this technology, the various items may be arranged differently (e.g., in different orders or divided in different ways). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure are known to or will be known to those skilled in the art, as expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims, the disclosure herein is not intended for the public. Claim elements shall not be interpreted in accordance with paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.SC §112 unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “steps for…”. Furthermore, with regard to the use of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., such terms are intended to be open-ended, in a manner similar to the interpretation of the term “comprising” as it is when used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0077] The title, background art, utility model description, description of drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated herein and are provided as illustrative examples rather than as limiting descriptions. This application is filed on the understanding that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will be apparent that the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined in different embodiments for the purpose of making this disclosure concise. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the utility model subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosure configuration or operation. The appended claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0078] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to include subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.SC § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A fluid connector, characterized in that, include: A housing, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal chamber having an opening at the proximal end; A column extending from a distal portion of the internal chamber toward a proximal end, the column including an orifice at the proximal portion of the column and a lumen fluidly connected to the orifice, the column having a generally tapered shape, the tapered shape having a diameter at the proximal portion of the column and a larger diameter at the distal portion of the internal chamber; and A valve, which is coupled to the post at a proximal portion of the post, and which includes a channel having a wavy circumferential ridge, is configured to seal the opening and the orifice in a covered configuration, and to release the opening and the orifice by distal movement by an external force in an uncovered configuration. When the valve changes from the covered configuration to the uncovered configuration, the channel expands elastically and radially, and a dispersing force is generated as the channel expands and as the valve moves distally. When the external force is removed, the channel is configured to contract radially, and the valve moves proximally toward the covering configuration by dispersing the force.

2. The fluid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wavy circumferential ridge is configured to limit friction between the channel and the column by restricting surface contact between the channel and the column, which causes the channel to contract radially and the valve to move proximally toward the cover configuration by the dissociation force when the external force is removed.

3. The fluid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve extends circumferentially around the column.

4. The fluid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the external force is applied, the valve includes a first length, and when the external force is applied, the valve includes a second length, which is shorter than the first length.

5. The fluid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve includes a slit, and the opening is exposed when the column extends through the slit.

6. The fluid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column is an insertion tube.

7. The fluid connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external force is applied by the fluid delivery device.

Images