Suction tap

The stopcock design addresses ease of assembly and usability issues by using a shaft with sealing grooves and O-rings to manage fluid flow, enhancing reliability and preventing leaks in suction or aspiration devices.

JP2025535557APending Publication Date: 2025-10-24TERUMO KK
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025525791
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-11-03
Filing Date
2023-11-03
Publication Date
2025-10-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing stopcocks in suction or aspiration devices lack ease of assembly, ease of use, and are prone to fluid flow-induced changes, often leading to leaks and inefficiencies.

Method used

A stopcock design featuring a body with multiple ports and a shaft that can transition between flow and stop configurations, utilizing sealing grooves and O-rings to manage fluid flow, and optionally including an air relief vent for improved assembly and resistance to fluid pressure.

Benefits of technology

The design provides ease of assembly, enhanced usability, and improved resistance to fluid flow-induced changes, ensuring reliable operation without leaks, even at higher pressures.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025535557000001_ABST
    Figure 2025535557000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The suction stopcock comprises a body including an opening to a cavity having an inner diameter and first and second ports disposed at first and second positions about the inner diameter; a shaft partially disposed within the cavity, having a first outer diameter and including a rotary groove of a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the shaft configured to transition between a flow configuration defining a flow path between the first and second ports in an unlocked configuration and a stop configuration that blocks the flow path between the first and second ports; and a stopper protruding into the cavity and the rotary groove, the shaft configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,224, filed November 3, 2022, and entitled "Aspiration Stopcock," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] A stopcock is a valve that regulates the flow of liquids and gases and blocks flow when the valve is in the closed position. When used in a suction system, the stopcock can prevent the application of negative pressure from a suction source to a fluid target (e.g., a vein through which fluid or emboli are drawn by the negative pressure). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an improved stopcock design for use in a pressure supply line as part of a suction or aspiration device. The stopcock includes a body to which various tubing in the pressure supply line or other components of the aspiration device may be attached, and a stem that a user can manually manipulate to adjust the flow conditions allowed through the body. The presently described stopcock offers, among other features, ease of assembly, ease of use, and improved resistance to changes in conditions due to fluid flow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a stopcock comprising: a body including an opening to a cavity having an inner diameter, a first port disposed at a first position about the inner diameter, and a second port disposed at a second position about the inner diameter; a shaft disposed partially within the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter and including a rotary groove with a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the shaft configured to transition between a flow configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stop configuration blocking the flow path between the first port and the second port when the shaft is in an unlocked configuration; and a stopper protruding into the cavity and the rotary groove, wherein the shaft is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a stopcock comprising: a body including an opening to a cavity defined in a first plane and having a first inner diameter, a first port disposed at a first position about the inner diameter, and a second port disposed at a second position about the inner diameter; a shaft disposed in the cavity and projecting from the cavity in a first orientation perpendicular to the first plane and in a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, the shaft having a first outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter; and a retainer, the shaft being a through hole that is aligned with the first port and the second port and that is attached to the body. and a through hole configured to allow the shaft to rotate between a flow arrangement that opens a flow path through the shaft and a stop arrangement that blocks the flow path through the body and the shaft when the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port; a stopper that protrudes from a portion of the shaft, protrudes from the cavity in the first direction, and protrudes beyond the inner diameter of the cavity in the first plane; and a retention groove that protrudes from the cavity in the second direction and has a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein the retainer is disposed in the retention groove and extends beyond the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a stopcock comprising a body having an opening to a cavity on a first side of the body and having a first inner diameter, a first port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a first location about the first inner diameter, a second port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a second location about the first inner diameter, a third port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a third location about the first inner diameter, and a stopcock on a second side of the body opposite the first side and having a cavity smaller than the first inner diameter. a shaft disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter, the shaft including a through hole, a first sealing groove defined in an outer periphery of the shaft on a first side of the through hole, the first sealing groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and a second sealing groove defined in an outer periphery of the shaft on a second side of the through hole opposite the first side, the second sealing groove having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; a first sealing means and a second sealing means disposed in the first and second sealing grooves and having outer diameters equal to or greater than the first outer diameter, wherein the shaft rotates between a stop configuration in which the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port, blocking a flow path through the body and the shaft, and a flow configuration selected from at least one of the following: a first rotation configuration in which the flow path is defined between the first port and the second port, but not between the first port and the second port, a second rotation configuration in which the flow path is defined between the first port, the second port, and the third port, a third rotation configuration in which the flow path is defined between the first port and the third port, but not between the second port, and a fourth rotation configuration in which the flow path is defined between the second port and the third port, but not between the first port and the third port. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The accompanying drawings depict various elements of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] In the figures, some elements may not be shown to scale to other elements to more clearly show detail. Further, wherever possible, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like elements throughout the several figures.

[0009] It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further description or illustration. For example, various elements shown in a first figure may be omitted from an illustration shown in a second figure without negating the inclusion of those elements in the embodiment shown or discussed in connection with the second figure, so that the figures may show alternative perspectives and time periods.

[0010] [Figure 1A] 10A-10D illustrate operation of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 10A-10D illustrate operation of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] 10A-10D illustrate operation of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] 10A-10D illustrate operation of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1E] 10A-10D illustrate operation of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1F] 10A-10D illustrate operation of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1G] 10A-10D illustrate operation of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E]10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2F] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2G] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2H] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2I] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2J] 10A-10C illustrate some of the flow conditions allowed by the stopcock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 10A-10C illustrate features of a stopcock shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 10A-10C illustrate features of a stopcock shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] 10A-10C illustrate features of a stopcock shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] 10A-10C illustrate features of a stopcock shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3E] 10A-10C illustrate features of a stopcock shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3F] 10A-10C illustrate features of a stopcock shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 10A-10C illustrate features of the body of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 10A-10C illustrate features of the body of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] 10A-10C illustrate features of the body of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] 10A-10C illustrate features of the body of a stopcock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure generally relates to improved stopcocks for use in pressure supply lines as part of a suction or aspiration device. The stopcock includes a body to which various tubing in the pressure supply line or other components of the aspiration device can be attached, and a stem that a user can manually manipulate to adjust the flow conditions allowed through the body. The presently described stopcocks offer, among other features, ease of assembly, ease of use, and improved resistance to changes in conditions due to fluid flow. Furthermore, the described stopcocks can be manufactured to tighter tolerances with desirable (and improved) materials for use at higher pressures without leaking. Some embodiments include an air relief vent, further improving ease of assembly, but can also be used as an inlet for additional ports.

[0012] 1A-1G illustrate the operation of a stopcock 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 1A-1G, the body 110 of the stopcock 100 is connected on a first side to a first tube 130a (generally or collectively, tube 130) and on a second side to a second tube 130b, positioning the stopcock 100 between a negative pressure source and a fluid target. For example, the stopcock 100 can be positioned between a vacuum pump or syringe and a patient's vein from which emboli are to be aspirated (e.g., via a catheter connected to the tube 130 via an adapter). In various embodiments, the tube 130 is inserted into a female connector defined by the body 110 to secure the tube 130 to the body 110, but can also be fitted onto a male connector defined by the body 110. Additionally or alternatively, the tube 130 can be omitted in some embodiments if the body 110 is directly connected to another component (e.g., a negative pressure source or a catheter).

[0013] 1A-1G each illustrate the shaft 120 inserted into the body 110, but in different conditions that affect the flow of fluid across the body 110. In various embodiments, the different conditions affect the flow rate of the fluid through the flow path or the pressure the fluid exerts on the fluid target, which may include the flow of liquid or gas via positive or negative pressure from a pressure source, including applying a vacuum to the fluid target.

[0014] 1A shows the shaft 120 in a blocking state in which the shaft 120 blocks or prevents fluid flow across the body 110. For example, when in the blocking state, fluid communication is blocked between a negative pressure source (connected to the stopcock 100 via a first tube 130a) and a fluid object (connected to the stopcock 100 via a second tube 130b). In various embodiments, the orientation of a handle on the shaft 120 can indicate whether the shaft 120 blocks or allows fluid flow across the body 110.

[0015] 1B shows the shaft 120 in a flow state in which the shaft 120 permits fluid flow across the body 110 and the shaft 120. For example, when in the flow state, fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the stopcock 100 via a first tube 130a) and a fluid object (connected to the stopcock 100 via a second tube 130b) is permitted through the body 110 and the shaft 120 (e.g., through a through-hole in the shaft 120). The shaft 120 in FIG. 1b is rotated about an axis of rotation relative to the shaft 120 in FIG. 1A to move a portion of the shaft 120 that defines a flow path that fluidly connects the first tube 130a and the second tube 130b, thereby placing the first tube 130a in fluid communication with the second tube 130b.

[0016] 1C shows the stem 120 in the withdrawn state. In some embodiments, when in the withdrawn state, the stem 120 is moved partially out of the body 110 to allow fluid flow across the body 110, whereas when in the pushed-in state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), the stem 120 blocks fluid flow. For example, when in the withdrawn state, fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the stopcock 100 via a first tube 130a) and a fluid target (connected to the stopcock 100 via a second tube 130b) is allowed through the body 110 (e.g., through the cavity in the body 110 that would otherwise be occupied by the stem 120). 1C, relative to the shaft 120 of FIG. 1A, is withdrawn from the body 110 to move the portion of the shaft 120 blocking the flow path from one side of the body 110 to the other, thereby placing the first tube 130a in fluid communication with the second tube 130b. In some embodiments, as discussed in connection with FIG. 1D, the withdrawn state aligns the throughbore of the shaft 120 perpendicularly (on the longitudinal axis of the shaft 120) with the port in the body 110, and the shaft 120 is rotated (about the longitudinal axis) to align or misalign the throughbore with the port.

[0017] FIGURE 1D shows the shaft 120 in a withdrawn rotational state in which the shaft 120 is moved partially out of the body 110 and rotated to align the throughbore with the port in the body 110. For example, if FIGURE 1C shows a rotational arrangement of the shaft 120 that places the stopcock 100 in one of a blocking state or a flowing state, FIGURE 1D shows the other of the blocking state or the flowing state. In another example, if FIGURE 1C illustrates the withdrawn state in which the shaft 120 is moved partially out of the body 110 to allow fluid flow across the body 110, FIGURE 1D may show a locking configuration that engages the shaft 120 with the body 110 to resist being further pushed or pulled in or out of the body 110 (e.g., by applying a positive pressure suction).

[0018] 1A-1D show two-way rotation of an example stopcock 100, while FIGS. 1E-1G show three-way rotation of an example stopcock 100 including a third port in the body 110 of the stopcock 100 where the various through holes of the shaft 120 may or may not be variously aligned.

[0019] 1E shows a first rotational configuration that aligns the throughbore of the shaft 120 with two of the three ports, such that the second tube 130b is closed off from the shaft 120, but the first tube 130a is in fluid communication with the third port. For example, when the stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) can connect a positive or negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the shaft 120 according to FIG. 1E to place the first tube 130a in fluid communication with the third port, thereby applying positive or negative pressure from the pressure source through the entire flow path of the stopcock 100 to a device (e.g., a syringe or other tubing) connected to the third port, without applying pressure to the second tube 130b and the device or fluid object connected to the second tube 130b.

[0020] 1F shows either a second rotational configuration in which the through-holes of shaft 120 are aligned with all three ports, or a third rotational configuration in which the through-holes of shaft 120 are aligned with all three ports, such that the third port is blocked off from shaft 120, but the first tube 130a is in fluid communication with the second tube 130b. For example, when stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) can connect a positive or negative pressure source to first tube 130a and move shaft 120 according to FIG. 1F to place first tube 130a in fluid communication with the third port and the second port, thereby applying positive or negative pressure from the pressure source through the entire flow path of stopcock 100 to a device (e.g., a syringe or other tubing) connected to the third port and applying pressure to second tube 130b and the device or fluid object connected to second tube 130b. In another example, when the stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) can connect a positive or negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the shaft 120 according to FIG. 1F to fluidly connect the first tube 130a to the second port, thereby applying positive or negative pressure from the pressure source throughout the flow path of the stopcock 100 to the second tube 130b (and any device or fluid object connected to the second tube 130b), but not to the third port or any device or tube connected thereto.

[0021] 1G illustrates a fourth rotational configuration that aligns the throughbore of the shaft 120 with two of the three ports, such as when the first tube 130a is closed off from the shaft 120 but the second tube 130b is in fluid communication with the third port. For example, when the stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) can move the shaft 120 according to FIG. 1G to maintain fluid communication between the second and third ports while removing the first tube 130a from fluid communication with the third and second ports, thereby ceasing the application of pressure to the fluid object from the pressure source connected to the first tube 130a and allowing the operator to withdraw a sample from the fluid object connected to the second tube 130b into a syringe connected to the third port, or to inject a dye, contrast agent, or medication from the syringe connected to the third port into the second tube 130b without interference from the pressure source.

[0022] Depending on the design of the stopcock 100, various positions of the shaft 120 relative to the body 110 may provide different flow conditions, of which Figures 2A-2J illustrate some of the flow conditions permitted by the stopcock 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The body 110 and the shaft 120 together determine whether a flow path 210 exists between the two ports of the body 110 and the cavity of the body 110 or the through-bore of the shaft 120.

[0023] 2A-2C, a user can rotate the shaft 120 relative to the body 110 to vary the amount of flow path 210 present in the port, allowing full flow in FIG. 2A, partial flow in FIG. 2B, and no flow in FIG. 2C (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and severing fluid communication). While FIGS. 2A-2C show the user rotating the throughbore of the shaft 120 clockwise to transition from a full-flow state to a no-flow state, in various embodiments, a user can rotate the throughbore of the shaft 120 counterclockwise to transition from a full-flow state to a no-flow state.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2D-2G, when a flow path 210 is provided through a through-hole in the stem 120, a user can move the stem 120 inward or outward relative to the cavity in the body 110 to vary the amount of flow path 210 present in the port, allowing all flow in Figure 2D, some flow in Figures 2E and 2F, and no flow in Figure 2G (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and cutting off fluid communication). Figures 2D, 2E, and 2G show an arrangement in which a user pulls the stem 120 "up" to close the flow path 210 (and the converse arrangement in which a user pushes the stem 120 "down" to open the flow path 210). Figures 2D, 2F, and 2G show an arrangement in which a user pushes the stem 120 "down" to close the flow path 210 (and the converse arrangement in which a user pulls the stem 120 "up" to open the flow path 210).

[0025] As shown in Figures 2H-2J, where the presence or absence of the shaft 120 provides a flow path 210, the user can translate the shaft 120 relative to the body 110 to change the amount of flow path 210 present in the port, allowing all flow in Figure 2H, some flow in Figure 21, and no flow in Figure 2J (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and cutting off fluid communication).

[0026] The partial flow examples shown in Figures 2B, 2E, 2F, and 2I are provided as non-limiting examples for partial flow, and the user may adjust the amount of flow path 210 present in the port of the main body 110 to other percentages between fully present (as in Figures 2A, 2D, and 2H) and completely absent (as in Figures 2C, 2G, and 2J).

[0027] 3A-3F illustrate features of a shaft 120 of a stopcock 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the illustrated shafts 120 may include features that may be freely combined with features of the other illustrated shafts.

[0028] The shaft 120 includes a handle 310 that allows a user to rotate the shaft 120 about its longitudinal axis and / or push or pull the shaft 120 into the body 110. In various embodiments, the handle 310 is oriented to specify a rotation of the shaft 120 that places the stopcock in a configuration that allows flow when the handle 310 is aligned with a port on the body 110. A variety of ergonomic shapes can be used for the handle 310.

[0029] A stalk 320 of the shaft 120 extends from the handle 310 and is inserted (at least partially) into the body 110. The stalk 320 is substantially circular in cross section and includes a sealing surface 360 ​​that blocks fluid communication between the ports of the body 110 in a blocked configuration. In various embodiments, the stalk 320 includes various grooves and channels that allow various gaskets, rotation controls, extension controls, and retainers to couple with the shaft 120.

[0030] 3A, handle 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively, sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b shaped to receive a first O-ring 370a (generally or collectively, O-ring 370) and a second O-ring 370b, respectively, on the side of the handle 320 that faces the sealing surface 360. Between second sealing groove 330b and handle 310, handle 320 in FIG. 3A includes a first rotational groove 340a and a second rotational groove 340b on the opposite side of the handle 320 that faces the translational groove 340c, which is oriented non-parallel to first rotational groove 340a and second rotational groove 340b. In various embodiments, one or both of the first rotational groove 340a and the second rotational groove 340b encircle 360 ​​degrees of the circumference of the handle 320, but may encircle less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the handle 320 to inhibit rotation of the shaft 120 relative to the body 110.

[0031] In some embodiments, sealing surface 360 ​​is a solid surface (e.g., without through holes) that blocks fluid communication when shaft 120 is fully inserted into body 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 2J) and allows fluid communication when shaft 120 is (at least partially) withdrawn from body 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2H and 2I). In some embodiments, alignment tabs (455) are inserted into grooves 340a-340c and limit inward / outward translational movement of shaft 120 between the fully inserted and fully withdrawn configurations to a rotational state that aligns alignment tabs (455) with translation grooves 340c.

[0032] 3B, handle 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively, sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b shaped to receive a first O-ring 370a and a second O-ring 370b, respectively, on the circumferential side of handle 320 opposite sealing surface 360. As shown in FIG. 3B, sealing surface 360 ​​includes a through-hole that, when aligned with the port, forms a portion of flow path 210 and blocks or allows fluid communication depending on the rotational position of shaft 120 relative to body 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C). In some embodiments, handle 320 includes a retention groove 380 at the distal end of shaft 120 relative to handle 310 shaped to receive a retainer 390 to retain shaft 120 within body 110 (e.g., prevent translation during installation). In various embodiments, the retainer 390 is a C-ring that expands to allow attachment to the retaining groove 380 or is contracted to secure the retainer 390 in the retaining groove 380 .

[0033] 3C, the handle 320 includes a sealing surface 360 ​​that includes a through hole that forms a portion of the flow path 210 when aligned with a port that blocks or allows fluid communication depending on the rotational position of the shaft 120 relative to the body 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C), eliminating the sealing groove 330 and associated O-ring 370 and instead establishing a seal by matching the outer diameter of the shaft 320 to the inner diameter of the body 110. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shaft 120 includes a rotation block 350 that is configured to interact with a blocking feature (460) in an opening in the body 110 through which the shaft 120 is inserted to limit the amount of rotation the shaft 120 can rotate (e.g., to 360 degrees or less). In some embodiments, the handle 320 includes a retention groove 380 at the distal end of the shaft 120 relative to the handle 310 that is shaped to receive a retainer 390 to retain the shaft 120 within the body 110 (e.g., prevent translation when mounted). In various embodiments, the retainer 390 is a C-ring that flexes to allow attachment to the retaining groove 380 or is rounded to secure the retainer 390 in the retaining groove 380 .

[0034] 3D, handle 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively, sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b shaped to receive a first O-ring 370a and a second O-ring 370b, respectively, on the circumferential side of handle 320 opposite sealing surface 360. As shown in FIG. 3D, sealing surface 360 ​​includes through holes with openings on either side of handle 320 that form a portion of flow path 210 when aligned with ports that block or allow fluid communication depending on the rotational position of shaft 120 relative to body 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C).

[0035] 3E, handle 320 includes first and second sealing grooves 330a, 330b shaped to receive first and second O-rings 370a, 370b, respectively, on a circumference of handle 320 opposite sealing surface 360. Between second sealing groove 330b and handle 310, handle 320 in FIG. 3E includes first and second rotational grooves 340a, 340b on a circumference of handle 320 opposite translational groove 340c oriented non-parallel to first and second rotational grooves 340a, 340b. In some embodiments, sealing surface 360 ​​includes a through-hole that forms a portion of flow path 210 when aligned with a port that blocks or allows fluid communication depending on the rotational and translational position of shaft 120 relative to body 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-2F). In some embodiments, alignment tabs (455) are inserted into grooves 340a-340c to limit inward / outward translation of shaft 120 between the fully inserted and fully withdrawn configurations to a rotational state that aligns alignment tabs (455) with translation grooves 340c and flow channels 210.

[0036] For example, in Figure 3F, handle 320 includes first and second sealing grooves 330a and 330b shaped to receive first and second O-rings 370a and 370b, respectively, on the circumferential side of handle 320 opposite sealing surface 360. As shown in Figure 3F, sealing surface 360 ​​includes a through-hole with three openings (one not shown) that form part of flow path 210 when aligned with ports that block or allow fluid communication depending on the rotational position of shaft 120 relative to body 110 (see, e.g., Figures 2A-2C). Flow path 210 in Figure 3E includes a first bore extending through the diameter of handle 320 and a second bore extending through the radius of handle 320 to form a T- or Y-shaped flow path 210. In a T-shaped flow channel 210, the openings of the flow channel 210 are arranged (in opposite directions) with a first opening at a 180 degree arc from a second opening and a third opening at a 90 degree arc from both the first and second openings, although a Y-shaped arrangement describes any other arc arrangement of the openings.

[0037] 4A-4D illustrate features of the body 110 of the stopcock 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the illustrated bodies 110 can include features that can be freely combined with features of the other illustrated bodies.

[0038] Body 110 includes a shell 410 having an outer diameter and defines a cavity with an inner diameter configured to mate with a sealing surface 360 ​​and / or O-ring 370 of an associated shaft 120. Shell 410 includes an opening 440 (or first opening 440a) on the opposite side of body 110 from base 430 to allow shaft 120 to be inserted into the cavity, and first and second ports 420a (generally or collectively ports 420) and 420b through which fluid communication is established when in the flow-permitting configuration and blocked when in the blocking configuration.

[0039] If included, O-rings 370 act as sealing devices to prevent or reduce fluid flow through paths other than between ports 420 in body 110. O-rings 370 are sized with an O-ring inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of shaft 120 and an O-ring outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of body 110 such that O-rings 370 fit into respective sealing grooves 330 in shaft 120 and are compressed by the inner diameter of body 110.

[0040] In various embodiments, base 430 may be apertureless (e.g., no through-hole, as in FIG. 4A ), may include second openings 440 b sized to allow shaft 120 to be inserted through both ends of body 110 (e.g., as in FIG. 4B ), or may include second openings 440 b sized as vents or third ports 420 that do not allow shaft 120 to be inserted through both ends of body 110 (e.g., as in FIG. 4C ). Additionally, although shown on opposite sides of body 110 (e.g., 180 degrees apart), at equal distances relative to base 430, and with equal sizes (e.g., bore or outer diameter), in various embodiments, ports 420 may be positioned at different orientations around body 110, at different distances relative to base 430, and with different sizes from each other.

[0041] Figure 4A shows a body 110 that can be used with any of the shafts 120 illustrated in Figures 3A-3F. The body 110 includes an aperture 440 on a first side and an open base 430 on the opposite side (e.g., omitting the second aperture 440b). Because the body 110 in Figure 4A has an open base 430, the flow paths 210 between the ports 420 can operate according to any of the arrangements illustrated in Figures 2A-2J.

[0042] In some embodiments, the shaft 120 inserted through the opening 400 may be retained in the cavity of the body 110 via friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the shaft 120 or the outer diameter of the O-ring 370, if included).

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the body 110 includes a stopper 450 that is attached to a crevice defined in the body 110 after the shaft 120 is inserted into the cavity of the body 110. The stopper 450 may be bonded in place in the crevice with various epoxies or thermal bonds, or may be held in place via friction, overlapping adhesive strips, one-way tabs, etc. Alignment tabs 344 may extend from the stopper 450 beyond the inner diameter of the cavity to mate with grooves 340a-340c of the shaft 120 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3E ) to limit rotational and translational movement of the shaft 120 relative to the body 110 and at least partially retain the shaft 120 within the cavity of the body 110. The stopper 450 may be omitted (or removed) when used with a shaft 120 that does not have grooves 340a-340c configured to receive the alignment tabs 455 (e.g., with the shaft 120 shown in Figures 3B-3D), or when the user does not want to constrain the rotation and translation of the shaft 120 along the path defined by the grooves 340a-340c or when the user wants to remove the shaft 120 from the body 110.

[0044] Figure 4B shows a body 110 that can be used with any of the shafts 120 shown in Figures 3A-3F. The body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side opposite the first side through which the shaft 120 can be inserted. Because the base 430 includes the second opening, the flow paths 210 between the ports 420 can operate according to any of the arrangements shown in Figures 2A-2G.

[0045] In various embodiments, after insertion, shaft 120 is held in place within the cavity of body 110 via a retainer 390 held in a retention groove 380 of shaft 120 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B ). In various embodiments including a retainer 290, retainer 390 may prevent or limit outward translation of shaft 120 relative to body 110 to prevent a user from opening or closing flow channel 210 via translation (e.g., via FIGS. 2D-2J ) or to prevent a user from accidentally translating shaft 120 too far out of body 110 when opening or closing flow channel 210 via translation.

[0046] In other embodiments, the shaft 120 is held in place via friction (eg, between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the shaft 120 or the outer diameter of the O-ring 370, if included).

[0047] 4B includes a block feature 460 in the first opening 440a that is configured to mate with a rotation block 350 included on the axle 120 to limit the amount of rotation (e.g., less than 360 degrees) that the axle 120 can rotate relative to the body 110. In various embodiments, multiple block features 460 may be present in the opening 440 of the body 110, or the block features 460 may occupy different amounts of arc around the opening 440, affecting the amount of allowable rotation of the axle 120 relative to the body 110 by different amounts (e.g., between 0-90 degrees, between 0-180 degrees, between 0-X degrees).

[0048] 4C shows a body 110 that can be used with any of the shafts 120 shown in FIGS. 3A-3F. The body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side opposite the first side that is smaller in diameter than the shaft 120. As shown, the second opening 440b is positioned parallel to and concentric with the first opening 440a and has the same generally circular shape, although in other embodiments the vent may be positioned non-concentrically and have a different shape relative to the first opening 440a.

[0049] In various embodiments, smaller second opening 440b can be used as a vent to allow air within the cavity to escape more quickly when shaft 120 is inserted into body 110. Additionally or alternatively, smaller second opening 440b can be used as an additional port in stopcock 100. In embodiments using smaller second opening 440b as a vent, flow paths 210 between ports 420 can operate according to any of the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, while in embodiments using smaller second opening 440a as an additional port 420, flow paths 210 between three ports 420 can operate according to the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2H-2J. In some embodiments using smaller second opening 440b as a port, the port can be sealed with a temporary gasket (e.g., made from foam, rubber, or plastic) designed to be punctured via insertion of a trocar, needle, catheter, or similar device.

[0050] In various embodiments, the shaft 120 is held in place via friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the shaft 120 or the outer diameter of the O-ring 370, if included). In some embodiments, the shaft 120 includes a retention protrusion that protrudes through the vent and has a smaller diameter than the rest of the shaft 120, thereby extending the retention groove 380 out of the second opening 440b and can be held in place via an appropriately sized retainer 390.

[0051] 4D shows a body 110 that can be used with any of the shafts 120 shown in FIGS. 3F-3F. The body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side opposite the first side that is smaller in diameter than the shaft 120. As shown, the second opening 440b is positioned parallel to and concentric with the first opening 440a and has the same generally circular shape, although in other embodiments the vent may be positioned non-concentrically and have a different shape relative to the first opening 440a.

[0052] 4D includes three ports 420a-420c, with a first port 420a and a second port 420b shown on opposite sides of the body 110 and a third port 430c shown in a 90 degree arc between the first port 420a and the second port 420b in a T-shaped arrangement. In various embodiments, the various arc distances between the ports 420 can be defined at different arc distances to define various Y-shaped arrangements. As shown, the first port 420a and the second port 420b are sized to couple with various tubes 130, while the third port 420c is sized to couple with a different device (e.g., a syringe) having a bore different from that of the other ports 420 for connecting a syringe to flush one of the tubes 130 or to inject a substance (e.g., a dye or contrast agent) through one of the tubes 130, such as when the stopcock 100 is in the first or fourth configuration (e.g., as in FIG. 1E or FIG. 1G).

[0053] 2A-2G, in embodiments using smaller second opening 440a as an additional port 420, the flow paths 210 between the three ports 420 may operate according to the arrangement shown in Figures 2H-2J. In some embodiments using smaller second opening 440b as a port, the port may be sealed with a temporary gasket (e.g., made from foam, rubber, or plastic) designed to be punctured via insertion of a trocar, needle, catheter, or similar device.

[0054] In various embodiments, the shaft 120 is held in place via friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the shaft 120 or the outer diameter of the O-ring 370, if included). In some embodiments, the shaft 120 includes a retention protrusion that protrudes through the vent and has a smaller diameter than the rest of the shaft 120, thereby extending the retention groove 380 out of the second opening 440b and can be held in place via an appropriately sized retainer 390.

[0055] The present disclosure may also be understood with reference to the following numbered sections:

[0056] Item 1: A stopcock comprising: a body including an opening to a cavity having an inner diameter, a first port disposed at a first position about the inner diameter, and a second port disposed at a second position about the inner diameter; a shaft disposed partially within the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter and including a rotary groove with a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the shaft configured, when the shaft is in an unlocked configuration, to transition between a flow configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stop configuration blocking the flow path between the first port and the second port; and a stopper projecting into the cavity and the rotary groove, wherein the shaft is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

[0057] Item 2: The stopcock described in any one of Items 1, 3-11, further comprising a first sealing device attached to the outer periphery of the shaft at a first location and a second sealing device attached to the outer periphery of the shaft at a second location, wherein the distance between the first location and the second location is greater than a port diameter of the first port or the second port, and when the shaft is in the stopped configuration, the first location is on a first side relative to the first port and the second port, and the second location is on a second side opposite the first side relative to the first port and the second port.

[0058] Item 3: The stopcock described in Item 2, wherein the first sealing device and the second sealing device are O-rings having an O-ring inner diameter smaller than the first outer diameter of the shaft and an O-ring outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the body, and the first sealing device is fitted into a first sealing groove of the shaft and the second sealing device is fitted into a second sealing groove of the shaft.

[0059] Clause 4: A stopcock described in any one of clauses 1-3 and 5-11, wherein the rotation groove includes a first path defined in a first plane along which the stopper rotates relative to the shaft, and a second path along which the stopper translates relative to the shaft, and the shaft is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper protrudes into the first path, and is in the locked configuration when the stopper protrudes into the second path.

[0060] Item 5: The stopcock described in Item 4, wherein the rotary groove includes a third passage defined in a second plane different from the first plane, the third passage being connected to the first passage by the second passage, and the shaft being in the locked configuration when the stopper protrudes into the third passage.

[0061] Item 6: A stopcock according to any one of items 1-5 and 7-11, wherein the stem is in the flow configuration when in the locked configuration.

[0062] Item 7: A stopcock according to any one of items 1-6 and 8-11, wherein the shaft is in the stop configuration when in the lock configuration.

[0063] Item 8: The stopcock according to any one of Items 1-7 and 9-11, wherein the rotation groove surrounds less than 360 degrees of the axis.

[0064] Item 9: A stopcock described in any one of items 1-8, 10, and 11, wherein the shaft includes a through hole through which the flow path is defined, the through hole being aligned with the first port and the second port when in the flow configuration, and not aligned with the first port or the second port when in the stop configuration, and the through hole being aligned or out of alignment by translation or rotation according to the rotation groove.

[0065] Item 10: A stopcock described in any one of Items 1-9 and 11, wherein the main body further includes a vent on a second side of the main body opposite the opening, the vent having a second inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0066] Clause 11: The stopcock of any of claims 1-10, wherein the body further comprises a third port disposed at a third position around the inner diameter, and the shaft is further configured to transition, when in the unlocked configuration, between at least three configurations: a first rotational configuration defining the flow paths between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a second rotational configuration defining the flow paths between the first port and the second port but not defining any flow paths between the first port and the third port; a third rotational configuration defining the flow paths between the first port and the third port but not defining any flow paths between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration defining the flow paths between the second port and the third port but not defining any flow paths between the second port and the third port.

[0067] Clause 12: A stopcock comprising: a body including an opening to a cavity defined in a first plane and having a first inner diameter, a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter, and a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; a shaft disposed in the cavity and protruding from the cavity in a first direction perpendicular to the first plane and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the shaft having a first outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter; and a retainer, wherein the shaft is a through hole that is aligned with the first port and the second port and passes through the body and the shaft. a through hole configured to allow the shaft to rotate between a flow configuration that opens a flow path and a stop configuration in which the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port and blocks the flow path through the body and the shaft; a stopper protruding from a portion of the shaft, protruding from the cavity in the first direction and protruding beyond the inner diameter of the cavity in the first plane; and a retention groove protruding from the cavity in the second direction and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein the retainer is disposed in the retention groove and extends beyond the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0068] Item 13: A stopcock according to any one of Items 12, 14-16, further comprising: a first sealing device fitted into a first groove on the outer periphery of the shaft on a first side relative to the through hole; and a second sealing device fitted into a second groove on the outer periphery of the shaft on a second side opposite the first side relative to the through hole, wherein the first groove has a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and the second groove has a fourth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0069] Item 14: A stopcock described in any one of items 12, 13, 15, and 16, wherein the main body further includes a rotation stopper protruding from the opening in a first direction, the rotation stopper being inserted into a cleft included in the main body, and the rotation stopper prevents the shaft from rotating more than 360 degrees via the stopper.

[0070] Item 15: A stopcock according to any one of items 12-14 and 16, wherein the flow path is configured to apply a vacuum to a fluid object.

[0071] Clause 16: The stopcock described in any of clauses 12-15, wherein the body includes a third port, and the shaft is further configured to rotate between at least two of the following configurations: a first rotational configuration defining the flow path between the first port and the second port but not defining any flow path between the shaft and the third port; a second rotational configuration defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration defining the flow path between the first port and the third port but not defining any flow path between the shaft and the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration defining the flow path between the second port and the third port but not defining any flow path between the shaft and the first port.

[0072] Clause 17: A body including an opening to a cavity on a first side of the body and having a first inner diameter, a first port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a first position around the inner diameter, a second port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a second position around the inner diameter, and a vent on a second side of the body opposite the first side and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; a shaft disposed in the cavity and protruding from the opening to the cavity and having a first outer diameter; first sealing means and second sealing means, the shaft having a through hole and a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter defined on an outer periphery of the shaft on the first side of the through hole. a first sealing groove having an outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined in an outer periphery of the shaft on a second side of the through bore opposite the first side, the second sealing groove having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein the shaft is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through bore is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the shaft, and a stop configuration in which the through bore is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the shaft, wherein the first sealing means and the second sealing means are disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove, respectively, and have sealing outer diameters equal to or greater than the first outer diameter.

[0073] Item 18: The stopcock according to any one of Items 17 and 19-24, wherein the vent is parallel to and concentric with the opening.

[0074] Item 19: The stopcock according to any one of Items 17, 18, and 20-24, wherein the first sealing means and the second sealing means are compressible, and when the first sealing means and the second sealing means are in a non-compressed state, the sealing outer diameter is larger than the sealing inner diameter.

[0075] Item 20: The shaft further includes a rotation groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; A stopcock as described in any of items 17-19 and 21-24, further comprising a stopper protruding into the cavity and the rotation groove, wherein the shaft is configured to translate relative to the body and transition between an unlocked configuration in which the shaft is allowed to rotate relative to the body and transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration, and a locked configuration in which the shaft is prevented from transitioning between the flow state and the stop state.

[0076] Item 21: A stopcock described in any one of Items 17-20, 22-24, wherein the rotary groove includes a first path defined in a first plane, a second path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path, and the shaft is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper protrudes into the first path, and the shaft is in the locked configuration when the stopper protrudes into the second path or the third path.

[0077] Item 22: The stopcock according to any one of Items 17 to 21, 23, and 24, wherein the through-hole has a first through-hole diameter that is smaller than the port diameter of the first port or the second port.

[0078] Item 23: A stopcock described in any one of Items 17-22 and 24, wherein the shaft includes a retaining protrusion that protrudes through the vent and outside the cavity and includes a retaining groove, and the retainer has a diameter larger than the second inner diameter of the vent.

[0079] Clause 24: A stopcock as described in any of clauses 17-23, wherein the body includes a third port, and the shaft is further configured to rotate between at least two of the following configurations: a first rotational configuration defining the flow path between the first port and the second port but not defining any flow path between the first port and the second port; a second rotational configuration defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration defining the flow path between the first port and the third port but not defining any flow path between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration defining the flow path between the second port and the third port but not defining any flow path between the second port and the third port.

[0080] Clause 25: A body including an opening to a cavity on a first side of the body and having a first inner diameter, a first port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a first position around the first inner diameter, a second port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a second position around the inner diameter, a third port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a third position around the inner diameter, and a vent on a second side of the body opposite the first side and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; a shaft disposed in the cavity and protruding from the opening to the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter, a through hole; a first sealing groove defined in an outer periphery of the shaft on the first side of the through hole and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined in an outer periphery of the shaft on a second side of the through hole opposite the first side and having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein the through hole is adapted to be in communication with the first port or the second port. a stop configuration that does not align with a port and blocks a flow path through the body and the shaft; a first rotation configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port but does not define any flow path between the first port and the second port; a second rotation configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotation configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port; and a fourth rotation configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port and the third port; and first and second sealing means disposed in the first and second sealing grooves, respectively, and having sealing outer diameters equal to or greater than the first outer diameter.

[0081] Item 26: The stopcock according to any one of Items 25, 27, and 28, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are arranged in a Y-shape on the outer periphery of the main body.

[0082] Clause 27: A stopcock according to any one of clauses 25, 26, and 28, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are arranged in a T-shape on the outer periphery of the body, the first port being arranged on a 90-degree arc from the third port, and the second port being arranged on a 90-degree arc from the third port.

[0083] Item 28: The stopcock according to any one of Items 25, 26, and 27, wherein the third port has a bore size different from the first port and the second port.

[0084] The descriptions and illustrations of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide a full and complete disclosure of the entire scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the relevant art and are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are believed to be sufficient to enable those skilled in the relevant art to transfer ownership and practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and acts that are believed to be well-known to those skilled in the relevant art may be summarized or omitted to avoid obscuring lesser-known or unique aspects of the disclosed subject matter. The claimed subject matter should not be construed as limited to any of the embodiments, aspects, examples, or details provided in this disclosure, unless explicitly stated herein. Various features (both structures and methods), whether presented or described collectively or independently, are intended to be selectively included or omitted to create embodiments having particular sets of features. Furthermore, any or all of the functions and acts shown or described may be performed simultaneously in any order.

[0085] Having provided the description and drawings of this disclosure, those skilled in the relevant art may conceive variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments that fall within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concepts presented in this disclosure without departing from the broader scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] As used in this disclosure, a phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets with single elements and any potential combinations thereof. For example, when referring to "at least one of A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B, or C," this phrase is intended to cover the following sets: A, B, C, AB, BC, and ABC, where a set may include one or more instances of a given element (e.g., AA, AAA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.), and any order thereof.

[0087] As used in this disclosure, the term "determining" encompasses various operations that may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, examining, retrieving (e.g., via a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), retrieving, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0088] As used in this disclosure, the terms "substantially," "approximately," "about," and other related terms encompass values ​​within ±5% of the stated amount, percentage, or range, unless a different approximation is explicitly stated for the stated amount, percentage, or range, or unless the context of the value indicates that a different approximation is more appropriate. For example, a value specified as approximately X% may be understood to include percent values ​​between 0.95*X% and 1.05*X%, or between X-0.05X and X+0.05X, but may remain at zero or 100% in various contexts. In another example, a feature described as being substantially parallel or perpendicular to another feature is understood to be within ±9 degrees of parallelism or perpendicularity. Values ​​stated in relative terms are understood to include ranges or subranges between the stated value and the stated or implied extremes.

[0089] As used in this disclosure, all numerical values ​​given in the examples (whether or not indicated as approximations) inherently include values ​​within the precision and rounding error of that numerical value. For example, the numerical value 4.5 is understood to include values ​​from 4.45 to 4.54, and the numerical value 4.50 is understood to include values ​​from 4.495 to 4.504. Furthermore, numerical values ​​or ranges that explicitly or by context refer to integer quantities (e.g., between about X users, about Y and about states) are understood to be rounded down or up to the next integer value (e.g., X±1 users, Y−1 and Z+1 states).

[0090] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather to the full extent consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, reference to an element in the singular is intended to mean "one or more" or "at least one" rather than "only one" unless specifically so recited. The term "some" refers to one or more unless specifically recited otherwise. Claim elements are not to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or "step for." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described in this disclosure that are known or later become known to those skilled in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this disclosure is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims.

[0091] (Addendum) (Appendix 1) The main body is an opening to a cavity having an inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first location about the inner diameter; a second port disposed at a second location about the inner diameter; and Including, The main body and a shaft partially disposed within the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter and including a rotational groove with a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the shaft configured to transition between a flow configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stop configuration blocking the flow path between the first port and the second port when the shaft is in an unlocked configuration; a stopper projecting into the cavity and the rotation groove; Equipped with the shaft is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration. Stopcock.

[0092] (Appendix 2) a first sealing device attached to the outer periphery of the shaft at a first location; a second sealing device attached to the outer periphery of the shaft at a second location; a distance between the first location and the second location is greater than a port diameter of the first port or the second port, and when the shaft is in the stopped configuration, the first location is on a first side relative to the first port and the second port, and the second location is on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the first port and the second port; Stopcock as described in Appendix 1.

[0093] (Appendix 3) the first sealing device and the second sealing device are O-rings having an O-ring inner diameter smaller than the first outer diameter of the shaft and an O-ring outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the body, the first sealing device being fitted into a first sealing groove of the shaft, and the second sealing device being fitted into a second sealing groove of the shaft; Stopcock as described in Appendix 2.

[0094] (Appendix 4) the rotational groove includes a first path defined in a first plane along which the stopper rotates relative to the shaft, and a second path along which the stopper translates relative to the shaft; The shaft is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path, and in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path. Stopcock as described in Appendix 1.

[0095] (Appendix 5) the rotary groove includes a third path defined in a second plane different from the first plane; the third path is connected to the first path by the second path; the shaft is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into a third path; Stopcock as described in Appendix 4.

[0096] (Appendix 6) 2. The stopcock of claim 1, wherein the stem is in the flow configuration when in the locked configuration.

[0097] (Appendix 7) 2. The stopcock of claim 1, wherein the stem is in the stopped configuration when in the locked configuration.

[0098] (Appendix 8) 2. The stopcock of claim 1, wherein the rotational groove circumscribes less than 360 degrees of the axis.

[0099] (Appendix 9) the shaft includes a throughbore, the flow path being defined through the throughbore; the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port when in the flow configuration and is not aligned with the first port or the second port when in the stop configuration; the through-hole translates or rotates into or out of alignment with the rotation groove; Stopcock as described in Appendix 1.

[0100] (Appendix 10) the body further includes a vent on a second side of the body opposite the opening, the vent having a second inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity. A stopcock as described in Appendix 9.

[0101] (Appendix 11) the body further comprising a third port disposed at a third location around the inner diameter; When the shaft is in the unlocked configuration: a first rotational arrangement defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a second rotational arrangement that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but does not define any flow path between the first port and the second port and the third port; and a third rotational arrangement that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port and the third port; and At least three of the following configurations: and further configured to transition between Stopcock as described in Appendix 1.

[0102] (Appendix 12) The main body is an opening to a cavity on a first side of the body, the cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a first location about the first inner diameter; a second port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a second location about the first inner diameter; a vent on a second side of the body opposite the first side, the vent having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; Including, The main body and a shaft disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter; a first sealing means and a second sealing means; Equipped with The axis is A through hole; a first sealing groove defined in the outer periphery of the shaft on a first side of the through hole, the first sealing groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; a second sealing groove defined in the outer periphery of the shaft on a second side of the through hole opposite the first side, the second sealing groove having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; the shaft is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the shaft, and a stop configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the shaft; the first sealing means and the second sealing means are disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove, respectively, and have sealing outer diameters equal to or larger than the first outer diameter; Stopcock.

[0103] (Appendix 13) 13. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the vent is parallel and concentric with the opening.

[0104] (Appendix 14) the first sealing means and the second sealing means are compressible, and when the first sealing means and the second sealing means are in an uncompressed state, the sealing outer diameter is greater than the first sealing inner diameter; A stopcock as described in Appendix 12.

[0105] (Appendix 15) the shaft further includes a rotation groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; a stopper protruding into the cavity and the rotation groove; the shaft is configured to translate relative to the body and transition between an unlocked configuration in which the shaft is permitted to rotate relative to the body and transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration, and a locked configuration in which the shaft is prevented from transitioning between the flow configuration and the stop configuration. A stopcock as described in Appendix 12.

[0106] (Appendix 16) the rotary groove includes a first path defined in a first plane, a second path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path; the shaft is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path; the shaft is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path or the third path; A stopcock as described in Appendix 15.

[0107] (Appendix 17) The through hole has a first through diameter that is smaller than a port diameter of the first port or the second port. A stopcock as described in Appendix 12.

[0108] (Appendix 18) the shaft includes a retention protrusion that protrudes through the vent and outside the cavity and includes a retention groove; the retainer has a diameter greater than the second inner diameter of the vent. A stopcock as described in Appendix 12.

[0109] (Appendix 19) the body includes a third port; the flow configuration as a first rotational configuration, wherein the shaft defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but does not define any flow path between the shaft and the third port; a second rotational arrangement defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational arrangement that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port and the third port; and and at least two of the following: and further configured to rotate between A stopcock as described in Appendix 12.

[0110] (Appendix 20) The main body is an opening to a cavity on a first side of the body, the cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a first location about the first inner diameter; a second port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a second location about the first inner diameter; a third port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a third location about the first inner diameter; a vent on a second side of the body opposite the first side, the vent having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; Including, The main body and a shaft disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter; A through hole; a first sealing groove defined in the outer periphery of the shaft on a first side of the through hole, the first sealing groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; a second sealing groove defined in the shaft on a second side of the through hole opposite the first side, the second sealing groove having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; Including, a stop arrangement where the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block a flow path through the body and the shaft; a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but does not define any flow path between the first port and the third port; a second rotational arrangement defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational arrangement that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port and the third port; and a flow configuration selected from at least three of: configured to rotate between Axle and a first sealing means and a second sealing means, which are respectively disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and have a sealing outer diameter equal to or larger than the first outer diameter; Equipped with Stopcock.

Claims

1. The main body is an opening to a cavity having an inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first location around the inner diameter; a second port disposed at a second location around the inner diameter; and Including, The main body and a shaft partially disposed within the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter and including a rotational groove of a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the shaft configured to transition between a flow configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stop configuration blocking the flow path between the first port and the second port when the shaft is in an unlocked configuration; a stopper projecting into the cavity and the rotation groove; Equipped with the shaft is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration. Stopcock.

2. a first sealing device attached to the outer periphery of the shaft at a first location; a second sealing device attached to the outer periphery of the shaft at a second location; a distance between the first location and the second location is greater than a port diameter of the first port or the second port, and when the shaft is in the stopped configuration, the first location is on a first side relative to the first port and the second port, and the second location is on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the first port and the second port; The stopcock of claim 1.

3. the first sealing device and the second sealing device are O-rings having an O-ring inner diameter smaller than the first outer diameter of the shaft and an O-ring outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the body, the first sealing device being fitted into a first sealing groove of the shaft, and the second sealing device being fitted into a second sealing groove of the shaft; The stopcock of claim 2.

4. the rotational groove includes a first path defined in a first plane along which the stopper rotates relative to the shaft, and a second path along which the stopper translates relative to the shaft; The shaft is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path, and in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path. The stopcock of claim 1.

5. the rotary groove includes a third path defined in a second plane different from the first plane; the third path is connected to the first path by the second path; the shaft is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into a third path; The stopcock of claim 4.

6. 2. The stopcock of claim 1, wherein said stem is in said flow configuration when in said locked configuration.

7. The stopcock of claim 1 , wherein the shaft is in the stop configuration when in the locked configuration.

8. 2. The stopcock of claim 1, wherein the rotational groove circumscribes less than 360 degrees of the shaft.

9. the shaft includes a throughbore, the flow path being defined through the throughbore; the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port when in the flow configuration and is not aligned with the first port or the second port when in the stop configuration; the through-hole translates or rotates into or out of alignment with the rotation groove; The stopcock of claim 1.

10. the body further includes a vent on a second side of the body opposite the opening, the vent having a second inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity. The stopcock of claim 9.

11. the body further comprising a third port disposed at a third location around the inner diameter; When the shaft is in the unlocked configuration: a first rotational arrangement defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a second rotational arrangement that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but does not define any flow path between the first port and the second port and the third port; and a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but does not define any flow path between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port and the third port; and At least three of the following configurations: and further configured to transition between The stopcock of claim 1.

12. The main body is an opening to a cavity on a first side of the body, the cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a first location about the first inner diameter; a second port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a second location about the first inner diameter; a vent on a second side of the body opposite the first side, the vent having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; Including, The main body and a shaft disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter; a first sealing means and a second sealing means; Equipped with The axis is A through hole; a first sealing groove defined in the shaft on a first side of the through hole, the first sealing groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; a second sealing groove defined in the outer periphery of the shaft on a second side of the through hole opposite the first side, the second sealing groove having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; the shaft is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the shaft, and a stop configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the shaft; the first sealing means and the second sealing means are disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove, respectively, and have sealing outer diameters equal to or larger than the first outer diameter; Stopcock.

13. 13. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the vent is parallel and concentric with the opening.

14. the first sealing means and the second sealing means are compressible, and when the first sealing means and the second sealing means are in an uncompressed state, the sealing outer diameter is greater than the first sealing inner diameter; The stopcock of claim 12.

15. the shaft further includes a rotation groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; a stopper protruding into the cavity and the rotation groove; the shaft is configured to translate relative to the body and transition between an unlocked configuration in which the shaft is permitted to rotate relative to the body and transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration, and a locked configuration in which the shaft is prevented from transitioning between the flow configuration and the stop configuration. The stopcock of claim 12.

16. the rotary groove includes a first path defined in a first plane, a second path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path; the shaft is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path; the shaft is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path or the third path; 16. The stopcock of claim 15.

17. the through hole has a first through diameter that is smaller than a port diameter of the first port or the second port; The stopcock of claim 12.

18. the shaft includes a retention protrusion that protrudes through the vent and outside the cavity and includes a retention groove; the retainer has a diameter greater than the second inner diameter of the vent. The stopcock of claim 12.

19. the body includes a third port; the flow configuration as a first rotational configuration, wherein the shaft defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but does not define any flow path between the shaft and the third port; a second rotational arrangement defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but does not define any flow path between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port and the third port; and and at least two of the following: and further configured to rotate between The stopcock of claim 12.

20. The main body is an opening to a cavity on a first side of the body, the cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a first location about the first inner diameter; a second port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a second location about the first inner diameter; a third port disposed perpendicular to the opening at a third location about the first inner diameter; a vent on a second side of the body opposite the first side, the vent having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; Including, The main body and a shaft disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the shaft having a first outer diameter; A through hole; a first sealing groove defined in the shaft on a first side of the through hole, the first sealing groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; a second sealing groove defined in the shaft on a second side of the through hole opposite the first side, the second sealing groove having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; Including, a stop arrangement where the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block a flow path through the body and the shaft; a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but does not define any flow path between the first port and the second port and the third port; a second rotational arrangement defining the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but does not define any flow path between the first port and the third port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define any flow path between the second port and the third port; and a flow configuration selected from at least three of: configured to rotate between Axle and a first sealing means and a second sealing means, which are respectively disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and have a sealing outer diameter equal to or larger than the first outer diameter; Equipped with Stopcock.