Self-healing seals and connector ports

Abstract

Provided is a self-repairing seal and connector port comprising: a body including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a cap secured to the third port; and a self-repairing seal secured to the third port by the cap, wherein the self-repairing seal has a circular surface and includes: a first ring located on an edge of the circular surface and held between the body and the cap; and a second ring located in the center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface that defines an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on a second side of the circular surface that is centered on the inverted conical bevel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 426,236, entitled "Self-Healing Seal and Connector Port," filed November 17, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] When aspirating bodily fluids and any solids carried by the bodily fluids (e.g., emboli in blood), the fluids and solids are aspirated by applying negative pressure to the fluid target (e.g., a vein). The catheter carries these trapped fluids and solids to a port, but the continuous application of negative pressure may require periodic removal of solids and liquids to prevent clogging of the negative pressure source and to identify whether the solids have been successfully removed from the fluid target. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to self-healing connector seals and port(s) that allow a user to insert a needle or other instrument through a connector (e.g., to unclog or remove solid material from a port used in a suction catheter) and then withdraw the needle or other instrument while maintaining negative pressure on the fluid target. The connector port and seal include several features to ensure that insertion of the needle or instrument punctures the seal cleanly so that negative pressure can be continuously applied as the needle or instrument is inserted and withdrawn.

[0004] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a device comprising a body including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a cap secured to the third port; and a self-healing seal having a circular surface secured to the third port by the cap, the self-healing seal including: a first ring located at an edge of the circular surface and held between the body and the cap; and a second ring located in the center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface that defines an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on a second side of the circular surface that is centered on the inverted conical bevel.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a self-healing seal that includes a first ring located at the edge of a circular surface and a second ring located in the center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on the first side of the circular surface that defines an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on the second side of the circular surface that is centered on the inverted conical bevel.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a device comprising: a body including a first port, a second port, and a third port; and a sealing means connected to the third port and configured to maintain a seal when pressure is applied to the first port through the second port, the sealing means including a first ring located at an edge of the circular surface; and a second ring located in the center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on the first side of the circular surface defining an inverted conical bevel and a cleavage guide on the second side of the circular surface centered on the inverted conical bevel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate 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 drawings, some elements may be shown to a different scale than other elements to more clearly show detail, and like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to refer to like elements between the drawings.

[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, because the figures may depict different perspectives and time periods, the omission of various elements shown in a first figure from those shown in a second figure does not necessarily mean that those elements are not included in the embodiment illustrated or described in connection with the second figure.

[0010] [Figure 1A] 1A shows a diagram of an assembled device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure: FIG 1A is a cross-sectional view of a single valve embodiment; [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B show diagrams of an assembled device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure: FIG. 1B is a top view of the assembled device; [Figure 1C] 1A-1C show a diagram of an assembled device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dual valve. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a body used in a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a cap used in a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a diagram of a self-healing seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a diagram of a self-healing seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C shows a diagram of a self-healing seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D shows a diagram of a self-healing seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E shows a diagram of a self-healing seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F shows a diagram of a self-healing seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4G] FIG. 4G shows a diagram of a self-healing seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a self-healing seal in various operating states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates cross-sectional views of a self-healing seal in various operating states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C illustrates cross-sectional views of a self-healing seal in various operating states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure relates generally to an improved syringe plunger lock for use with a syringe and plunger system as part of a suction device or aspirator. The improvements described herein provide various advantages, including, but not limited to, easier use of the associated device, more precise control of the suction force generated by the manual suction system, and improved or simplified manufacturing techniques.

[0012] The described system includes a rotation lock that secures the plunger in a known position within the syringe, making it easier and more precise to maintain the vacuum. When the plunger is pulled outward, ribs on the plunger pass over locking teeth on the rotation lock, preventing the resulting negative pressure from moving the plunger inward into the syringe until the user manually releases the lock.

[0013] 1A-1B show views of an assembled port adapter 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of port adapter 100, and FIG. 1B shows a top view of port adapter 100.

[0014] 1A , catheter 110 is secured within body 120, and instrument 150 (e.g., a dilator or guidewire) is inserted through self-healing seal 140, which is held in place relative to body 120 by cap 130. Body 120 defines a first passageway 122 and a second passageway 124, through which instrument 150 is guided into (and out of) catheter 110, and which connects first passageway 122 (and a fluid target in fluid communication with catheter 110) to a pressure source 160, such as a vacuum pump, syringe, or the like. Self-healing seal 140 acts as a seal for port adapter 100, allowing instrument 150 to be inserted and removed without compromising effective pressure application to the fluid target. In other words, the self-healing seal 140 operates to isolate the first passage 122 from the surrounding air, both in an intact state and in a punctured state, so that the pressure source 160 applies pressure to the fluid target and does not draw excess air through the first passage 122.

[0015] In Figure 1B, port adapter 100 is shown in a plan view perpendicular to the cross-sectional view of Figure 1A. Cap 130 is secured to one end of body 120 opposite the end to which catheter 110 is secured, concealing self-healing seal 140 that was shown in the view shown in Figure 1A. First passageway 122 extends along the longitudinal length of port adapter 100, and second passageway 124 is oriented in a non-parallel plane to intersect first passageway 122, thereby placing the two passageways in fluid communication with each other.

[0016] 1C, catheter 110 is secured within body 120, and an instrument 150 (e.g., a dilator or guidewire) is inserted through first and second self-healing seals 140a, 140b, which are held in place relative to body 120 by cap 130. Body 120 defines a first passageway 122 and a second passageway 124, through which first passageway 122 instrument 150 is guided into (and out of) catheter 110, and second passageway 124 connects first passageway 122 (and a fluid target in fluid communication with catheter 110) to a pressure source 160, such as a vacuum pump, syringe, or the like.

[0017] An additional third passageway 126 (along with an associated fourth port) is also shown, secured by a Luer-activated valve 170 that selectively blocks the passageway from the external environment while allowing an operator to inject fluids (e.g., dye, saline, contrast) into the system. First and second self-healing seals 140a, 140b function as a sealing means for port adapter 100, allowing instrument 150 to be inserted and removed without compromising effective pressure application to the fluid target. In other words, in both an intact and punctured state, self-healing seal 140 operates to isolate first passageway 122 from the ambient air, preventing pressure source 160 from applying pressure to the fluid target and drawing in excess air through first passageway 122. The use of two (or more) self-healing seals 140 provides an airlock 128 between the pair of self-healing seals 140. The airlock 128 provides an intermediate pressure differential (e.g., between the external air pressure and the airlock pressure, and between the airlock pressure and the internal passageway pressure) that allows the pair of self-healing seals 140 to maintain a seal when a pressure source 160 applies a larger pressure differential than a single self-healing seal 140 can provide.

[0018] The volume of the airlock 128 is determined by the geometry of the two self-healing seals 140. For example, if two self-healing seals 140 are used, each with a height of 0.20 inches (shown in the X direction in FIG. 1C ), a distance from the top of the outer ring to the circular surface of 0.065 inches, and a distance from the bottom of the outer ring to the circular surface of 0.065 inches, an outer diameter of 0.715 inches (shown in the Y direction in FIG. 1C ), and a thickness of the outer ring (shown in the Y direction in FIG. 1C ) of 0.06 inches, the volume will be approximately 0.07 cubic inches. As will be appreciated, this approximate volume does not take into account the volume occupied by an inserted instrument 150 or the relative volume occupied or vacated by the raised ridges or tear guide features of the self-healing seals 140.

[0019] 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a body 120 used in a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The body 120 includes a first port 210, a second port 220, and a third port 230 that are in fluid communication with each other via a first passageway 122 and a second passageway 124. The first port 210 is aligned with the third port 230 on a common axis along the longitudinal length of the body 120, with the first passageway 122 extending from the first port 210 to the third port 230. The second port 220 is disposed between the first port 210 and the third port 230 at an intersection angle A1 with the common longitudinal axis, connecting the second passageway 124 to the first passageway 122. As illustrated, the intersection angle A1 is 45°, but in various embodiments, the intersection angle A1 may be other angles, such as 90°, 60°, 30°, etc.

[0020] The first port 210 includes a first bore B1 and a second bore B2, each sized differently from the other. In various embodiments, the first bore B1 is sized to allow insertion of the catheter 110, and the second bore B2 is smaller in diameter than the catheter 110 to prevent or inhibit over-insertion of the catheter 110 into the first passageway 122. In various embodiments, the size of the first bore B1 is configured to frictionally engage the inserted catheter 110 within a generally cylindrical cavity the diameter of the first bore B1, although various adhesives, welded joints, or other connectors may be used in addition to or instead of a friction fit. The first bore B1 matches the inner diameter of the shaft, thereby reducing the possibility of throttling and Venturi effects across the through-diameter, thereby reducing the risk of clogging during aspiration due to turbulence at the throttling.

[0021] The second port 220 includes a third bore B3 and a fourth bore B4, which are different in size. In various embodiments, the third bore B3 is sized to accommodate the insertion of a pneumatic tube connected to the pressure source 160, and the fourth bore B2 is smaller in diameter than the pneumatic tube to prevent or inhibit over-insertion of the pneumatic tube into the second passageway 124. In various embodiments, the size of the third bore B3 is configured to frictionally (or by adhesive, a welded joint, or other connector) engage the inserted pneumatic tube within a generally cylindrical cavity of the diameter of the third bore B3.

[0022] The third port 230 includes a fifth bore B5 and a sixth bore B6, which are different in size. The third port 230 is where the self-repairing seal 140 mates with the body 120, with the fifth bore B5 being larger than the sixth bore B6 and narrowing into the sixth bore B6 via an inward chamfer 240. As shown, the narrowing angle A2 of the inward chamfer 240 is approximately 45°, although in various embodiments, the narrowing angle A2 may be other angles between 0° and 90°, including 45°, 60°, 30°, 15°, etc.

[0023] The chamfer 240 contributes to the formation of a seal when pressure is applied after a perforation is formed through the self-healing seal 140. For example, when a vacuum is applied to the system, the self-healing seal 140 may be drawn toward the chamfer 240, thereby compressing or "squishing" to fill the reduced volume. This compression of the self-healing seal 140 against the chamfer 240 forces any tears or gaps (e.g., tears or gaps caused by one or more inserted instruments) to close with the body of the self-healing seal 140, thereby maintaining a seal under vacuum pressure. Additionally, the inward chamfer 240 can guide the flexing of the self-healing seal 140, thereby reducing the risk of undesired tears when an instrument 150 punctures the self-healing seal 140 and ensuring that any holes are properly closed when the instrument 150 is removed. Although described in this disclosure as a "chamfer" and illustrated as having a substantially flat surface that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of port adapter 100 (when assembled), the chamfer described herein may also refer to a curved bevel or a series of linear chamfers that define multiple different angles across the series of linear chamfers.

[0024] The body 120 further includes threads 250 located on a side of the body 120 including the third port 230, the threads 250 being provided to interface and secure the cap 130 to the body 120, thereby holding the self-repairing seal 140 in place.

[0025] 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of cap 130 for use with port adapter 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Cap 130 is provided to secure self-repairing seal 140 to the body and to guide insertion of instrument 150 through self-repairing seal 140. Cap 130 includes a first opening 310 on a first side and a second opening 320 on an opposite side. A retention cavity 330 is defined between first opening 310 and second opening 320, and self-repairing seal 140 is retained within cap 130 between cavity 330 and third port 230.

[0026] First opening 310 includes an inward chamfer 340 having a fourth angle A4 to help guide instrument 150 during insertion. As shown, fourth angle A4 is 45°, but in various embodiments, it can include other angles, including 60°, 30°, 15°, etc. First opening 310 also includes an outward chamfer 360 having a fifth angle A5 to affect the amount of outward bending that self-healing seal 140 can bend (e.g., toward first opening 310 versus toward second opening 320), thereby affecting where self-healing seal 140 bends and affecting closure of the hole through self-healing seal 140. As shown, fifth angle A5 is 10°, but in various embodiments, it can include other angles, including 5°, 15°, 30°, etc.

[0027] The second opening 320 includes threads 350 that interface with threads 250 defined in the body 120 to hold the cap 130 and self-repairing seal 140 in place relative to the body 120. The second opening 320 is sized to interface with the third port 230 of the body 120 and allow the self-repairing seal 140 to be inserted into the cavity 330. Thus, a user can first insert the self-repairing seal 140 into the cavity 330 through the second opening 320 and then screw the cap 130 onto the body 120 via the corresponding threads 250 / 350. Similarly, a user can remove the cap 130 from the body 120 by loosening the corresponding threads 250 / 350 from one another, and then remove the self-repairing seal 140 from the cavity 330 through the second opening 320 (e.g., to replace the self-repairing seal 140).

[0028] 4A-4F show views of a self-healing seal 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of the self-healing seal 140, FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the self-healing seal 140, FIG. 4C shows a detailed view of a tear guide, FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional view of the self-healing seal 140 inserted into a cavity 330, FIG. 4E shows a cross-sectional view of a pair of self-healing seals 140 inserted into cavities 330, FIG. 4F shows a top view of the self-healing seal 140, and FIG. 4G shows a perforation path through the self-healing seal 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] In various embodiments, the self-repairing seal 140 is made of a variety of flexible materials that allow the cap 130 and body 120 to compress the self-repairing seal 140 (thereby forming a seal around the periphery of the self-repairing seal 140) and allow the self-repairing seal 140 to bend or collapse toward the lower pressure side under applied pressure. For example, the self-repairing seal 140 can be made of a variety of rubbers, silicones, nylons, and other materials selected to have a high resilience and a low durometer. In various embodiments, a material selected to have a "high resilience" refers to a material having a modulus of elasticity of at least 400%, preferably at least 500%, more preferably at least 600%, and even more preferably at least 700%. In various embodiments, a material selected to have a "low durometer" refers to a material having a Shore hardness of 55A or less, preferably 50A or less, more preferably 40A or less, and even more preferably 30A or less.

[0030] Various features of the self-healing seal 140 control the size and location of the resulting piercing hole and control the collapse of the self-healing seal 140 around the piercing hole when the instrument is removed, thereby sealing the piercing hole.

[0031] 4A-4F, the self-repairing seal 140 has a generally circular surface and includes a first ring 410 located at the outer edge of the circular surface that extends from a first side and a second side of the self-repairing seal 140. In various embodiments, the first ring 410 extends so as to protrude equally from the first and second sides of the self-repairing seal 140, although in other embodiments, the first ring 410 may protrude unevenly from the first and second sides.

[0032] The self-repairing seal 140 also includes a second ring 420 centrally located on the first side and a tear guide 470 centrally located on the second side. The second ring 420 includes a raised ridge that defines an inverted conical bevel 440. The conical bevel 440 is aligned with (e.g., centered on) the tear guide 470 on the second side and forms a sealing surface after a through-hole is formed through the self-repairing seal 140 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C ). Additionally, the conical bevel 440 helps direct the instrument 150 to the center of the self-repairing seal 140 during insertion; in some embodiments, the center of the self-repairing seal 140 includes a first dimple 450 on the first side and a second dimple 460 on the second side, although in some embodiments, one or both of the first dimple 450 and the second dimple 460 can be omitted. The first dimple 450 and / or the second dimple 460 define a thinned area in the self-healing seal 140 that can be more easily penetrated by the instrument 150 during insertion, allowing the formation of a through hole while inhibiting tearing in other directions, thereby reducing the size of the through hole to be sealed.

[0033] A thin-walled third ring 430 (compared to the thickness of the first ring 410 and the second ring 420 in the X direction) is disposed between the first ring 410 and the second ring 420. The thin walled third ring 430 makes bending of the self-healing seal 140 more likely to occur at the third ring 430 than at the other rings 410 / 420.

[0034] The second ring 420 has legs that rest on the third ring 430, causing the second ring 420 to rise above the third ring 430 and extend to an apex (in the X direction) equal to the apex of the first ring 410 (as viewed from the first side). The bottom of the inverted conical bevel 440 is located above the apex of the legs of the second ring 420 (e.g., the inverted conical bevel 440 does not extend beyond the plane defined by the third ring 430 on the first side of the self-healing seal 140 when in the neutral position). In contrast, the tear guide 470 extends inward from the surface of the third ring 430 on the second side of the self-repairing seal 140 and extends so as to align the second dimple 460 with the height of the plane defined by the third ring 430 on the first side of the self-repairing seal 140 when in a neutral position.

[0035] In various embodiments, the self-healing seal 140 is made of various rubbers or plastics, allowing the self-healing seal 140 to bend, flex, or otherwise deform within the first passageway 122 when pushed or pulled by the pressure applied by the pressure source 160. FIG. 4D shows the neutral position of the self-healing seal 140 when the pressure applied to the first and second sides is substantially equal. In various embodiments, the self-healing seal 140 is designed to operate at various pressures to partially collapse over a perforation after it has been drilled, thereby restoring the seal and preventing or reducing the amount of external air passing through the self-healing seal 140 into the first passageway 122 or the amount of internal air (or other fluid) passing through the self-healing seal 140 and out of the first passageway 122. In various embodiments, the self-healing seal 140 is configured to operate under an applied pressure of ±20 pounds per square inch (psi), ±40 psi, etc.

[0036] In various embodiments, the cap 130 is sized to accommodate two or more self-repairing seals 140, such as the first and second self-repairing seals 140a and 140b shown in FIG. 4E. FIG. 4E shows the two self-repairing seals 140a, 140b in a neutral position. Each self-repairing seal 140a, 140b is concentrically aligned (e.g., coaxially aligned) on a common axis, allowing an instrument 150 to be inserted through each inverted conical bevel 440 and tear guide 470 to form a centrally aligned through-hole. The self-repairing seals 140a, 140b interface with each other via their respective outer first rings 410 and are configured to define an airlock 128 between their inner surfaces (e.g., between the second side of the first self-repairing seal 140a and the first side of the second self-repairing seal 140b) to provide an intermediate pressure differential (e.g., between the external air pressure and the airlock pressure, and between the airlock pressure and the internal passage pressure), which enables the pair of self-repairing seals 140a, 140b to maintain a seal when a pressure differential greater than that which a single self-repairing seal 140 can provide is applied.

[0037] The pair of self-healing seals are designed to operate under various pressures such that after a hole is drilled through the pair of self-healing seals 140 a, 140 b, they partially collapse over the hole to restore the seal and prevent or reduce the amount of outside air entering the airlock 128 through the first and second self-healing seals 140 a, 140 b or the amount of internal air (or other fluid) exiting the first passageway 122 through the self-healing seals 140 a, 140 b. In various embodiments, the pair of self-healing seals 140 are configured to operate under applied pressures of ±40 psi, ±80 psi, etc.

[0038] In various embodiments, the pair of self-repairing seals 140a, 140b are of the same design, although in some embodiments the first self-repairing seal 140a may be made of a different material, different dimensions, or a combination thereof than the second self-repairing seal 140b.

[0039] Although the self-repairing seal 140 has generally been described as having a generally circular cross-section and for use with an instrument 150 that self-pierces the self-repairing seal 140 (e.g., a needle with a sharp tip), in various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4F , the self-repairing seal 140 can include a perforation slit 480 that assists in permitting the insertion of other devices through the self-repairing seal 140. The perforation slit 480 can be a non-circular configuration located in the center of the self-repairing seal 140 that defines a thinned region in the self-repairing seal 140 that is adapted to allow a non-circular instrument 150 (e.g., to inhibit tearing of the circular surface outside of the region when forming a piercing hole), a circular instrument 150 with a larger diameter than the first dimple 450, a circular instrument 150 without a cutting tip, or an auxiliary instrument (e.g., a razor) to pierce the self-repairing seal 140 in an orderly and controllable manner.

[0040] 4F , perforation slit 480 extends a length (shown in the Y direction) that includes the interior of conical bevel 440; however, in various embodiments, perforation slit 480 may extend a different (longer or shorter) length than shown. When perforation slit 480 extends to portions of self-healing seal 140 with different protrusions (e.g., heights in the Z direction), perforation slit 480 may extend a uniform depth from the surface or to a uniform position defined on the Z axis. In various embodiments, perforation slit 480 may be a score line that does not completely penetrate self-healing seal 140 (until an instrument is passed through it), or may be manufactured to penetrate self-healing seal 140 without instrument 150 (e.g., by providing a pre-formed through-hole).

[0041] 4F illustrates perforation slit 480 on a first side of self-repairing seal 140, in some embodiments, perforation slit 480 may instead be defined on a second side of self-repairing seal 140, or a pair of perforation slits 480 may be provided on opposite sides (in line with one another) of self-repairing seal 140. In various embodiments, one or more perforation slits 480 may be provided in addition to or instead of one or both of first dimple 450 and second dimple 460.

[0042] In various embodiments, perforation slit 480 terminates at both ends with tear prevention portions 482 a, 482 b, which reduce the likelihood of perforating self-healing seal 140 with holes extending beyond the edges of perforation slit 480. Tear prevention portions 482 a, 482 b define thinned areas in self-healing seal 140 having a width greater than the major length of perforation slit 480 (e.g., circular holes or voids in self-healing seal 140 having a diameter greater than the height (as shown in the Z direction in FIG. 4F ) of the remainder of perforation slit 480).

[0043] 4G illustrates perforation paths 490a, 490b (generally or collectively referred to as perforation path 490) penetrating the self-healing seal 140. Depending on the size and cross-sectional shape of the instrument 150 to be inserted through the self-healing seal 140, the perforation path 490 can have different sizes and shapes to accommodate the instrument 150. For example, a razor blade can be guided by the perforation slit 480 and inserted through the first puncture path 490a to form a through-hole through which various instruments 150 can be inserted. In another example, a needle with a sharp tip can be guided by the first dimple 450 and inserted through the second perforation path 490b to form a through-hole through which various instruments 150 can be inserted.

[0044] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the self-healing seal 140 in various operating states, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 5A-5C, the first ring 410 remains stationary, held in place by the cap 130 and body 120 (not shown in FIGS. 5A-5C), while the third ring 430 flexes to reposition the second ring 420. In various embodiments, the second ring 420 abuts (either initially or through flexing of the third ring 430) against the outward chamfer 360 of the cap 130 or the inward chamfer 240 of the third port 230, which further directs how the self-healing seal 140 flexes under uneven pressure.

[0045] FIG. 5A shows a through hole 510 formed between a first side and a second side of the self-healing seal 140 (e.g., by inserting an instrument 150 from a first side, shown on the left, to a second side, shown on the right). In FIG. 5A, the self-healing seal 140 is shown in a neutral position with substantially equal pressure applied to the first and second sides. The inverted conical bevel 440 helps position the instrument 150 so that the through hole 510 is substantially aligned with the centerline of the self-healing seal 140, and the first dimple 450 and the second dimple 460 (not shown in FIG. 5A) help position the tear and minimize unintended or secondary tearing. Depending on the gauge size of the instrument 150 and whether the instrument 150 is hollow or solid, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 510 may be larger or smaller than the cross-sectional area shown in FIG. 5A.

[0046] 5B, third ring 430 flexes inward (relative to first passageway 122), such as when negative pressure (such as vacuum suction) is applied into first passageway 122 by pressure source 160. When pulled inward, the walls of inverted conical bevel 440 are drawn toward each other, thereby sealing through-hole 510 (not shown in FIG. 5B) while pressure source 160 operates to apply suction force to a fluid target through port adapter 100 using perforated self-healing seal 140 (e.g., to aspirate a blood clot from a vein). In various embodiments, the second side of the third ring 430 abuts the inward chamfer 240 of the third port 230, which directs how the self-healing seal 140 flexes inward, thereby prompting the third ring 430 and the second ring 420 to move inward toward the center to seal the through-hole 510 when a threshold negative pressure is applied to the second side of the self-healing seal 140. In various embodiments, the threshold negative pressure is less in absolute value than the applied negative pressure (e.g., −X psi if the pressure source applies −n*X psi to the fluid target, where n is a negative pressure safety factor of 1.1, 1.5, 2, 3, etc., selected by the designer).

[0047] 5C, third ring 430 flexes outward (relative to first passageway 122), such as when positive pressure is applied into first passageway 122 by pressure source 160. When pushed outward, the walls of split guide 470 are drawn together, thereby sealing through-hole 510 (not shown in FIG. 5B) while pressure source 160 operates to apply positive pressure to a fluid target through port adapter 100 using perforated self-healing seal 140 (e.g., to inject a substance into a vein). In addition to or instead of the walls of the cleavage guide 470 being drawn together to seal the through-hole 510, the outer edge of the second ring 420 may be pressed toward the center by the outward chamfer 360 of the cap 130, which allows at least a portion of the inverted conical bevel 440 to be pressed together to seal the through-hole 510, thereby urging the third ring 430 and the second ring 420 to move inward toward the center to seal the through-hole 510 when a threshold positive pressure is applied to the second side of the self-healing seal 140. In various embodiments, the threshold positive pressure is less in absolute value than the positive pressure applied from the pressure source 160 (e.g., -Y psi if the pressure source applies -p*Y psi to the fluid target, where p is a positive pressure safety factor of 1.1, 1.5, 2, 3, etc., selected by the designer).

[0048] In various embodiments, a designer can select different materials for the self-healing seal 140, adjust the absolute and relative circumferences (e.g., in the ZY plane) of the various rings 410 / 420 / 430, and adjust the absolute and relative thicknesses of the various rings 410 / 420 / 430 to affect how easily (e.g., at what threshold pressure) the self-healing seal 140 closes the through-hole 510 when a pressure differential is applied to the self-healing seal 140. Additionally or alternatively, a designer can change where the edge (e.g., 360) of the through-hole in the cap 130 is located relative to the diameter of the second ring 420 to position the cap 130 so that it abuts the raised ridge later or earlier as the self-healing seal 140 flexes outward. Additionally or alternatively, the designer can change where the edge of the third port 230 meets the second side of the self-healing seal 140 (e.g., by adjusting the fifth bore B5, the sixth bore B6, the second angle A2, and combinations thereof) to cause the self-healing seal 140 to begin and end contact with the third ring 430 earlier or later as the self-healing seal 140 flexes inward.

[0049] This disclosure can also be understood with reference to the following numbered items:

[0050] Item 1: A device comprising: a body including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a cap secured to the third port; and a self-repairing seal having a circular surface secured to the third port by the cap, the self-repairing seal including: a first ring located on an edge of the circular surface and held between the body and the cap; and a second ring located in a center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface that defines an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on a second side of the circular surface that is centered on the inverted conical bevel.

[0051] Item 2: The device described in any one of Items 1 and 3 to 11, wherein the first port is aligned with the third port on a common axis, and the second port is disposed between the first port and the third port at an angle that intersects with the common axis.

[0052] Item 3: The device described in any one of items 1, 2, and 4 to 11, wherein the third port includes an inward chamfer that mates with the self-repair seal at the inward chamfer.

[0053] Item 4: The device described in any one of items 1 to 3 and 5 to 11, wherein the cap includes a through hole having a bore sized relative to the diameter of the second ring, and an edge of the through hole is positioned to abut the raised ridge when positive pressure is applied to the second side of the circular surface.

[0054] Item 5: The device described in any one of Items 1 to 4 and 6 to 11, wherein the self-repairing seal includes a third ring positioned between the first ring and the second ring, the third ring being thinner than the first ring and the second ring.

[0055] Item 6: The device described in any one of Items 1 to 5 and 7 to 11, wherein the self-repairing seal is configured to crush the inverted conical bevel to seal the through hole when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the cleavage guide when negative pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

[0056] Item 7: The device described in any one of Items 1 to 6 and 8 to 11, wherein the self-repairing seal is configured to collapse the cleavage guide and seal the through hole when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the cleavage guide when positive pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

[0057] Item 8: The device described in any one of Items 1 to 7 and 9 to 11, wherein the circular surface is configured to collapse inward toward a lower pressure when a pressure difference of up to 40 pounds per square inch is applied between the first side and the second side of the circular surface when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side of the self-healing seal, thereby maintaining a seal between the first side and the second side.

[0058] Item 9: The device described in any one of items 1 to 8, 10, and 11, further comprising a luer-activated valve disposed within a fourth port of the body.

[0059] Item 10: The device of any one of Items 1 to 9 and 11, further comprising a second self-repairing seal having a circular surface secured to the self-repairing seal by the cap, the second self-repairing seal including: a first ring located on an edge of the circular surface and held between the body and the cap; and a second ring located in a center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on the first side of the circular surface defining an inverted conical bevel, and a second tear guide on the second side of the circular surface centered on the inverted conical bevel, the second self-repairing seal being concentrically aligned with the self-repairing seal on a common axis passing through the tear guide and the second tear guide, and the second self-repairing seal and the self-repairing seal forming an airlock between the first side of the circular surface of the second self-repairing seal and the second side of the circular surface of the self-repairing seal.

[0060] Item 11: The device described in any one of Items 1 to 10, wherein when through holes are formed from the first side to the second side of the self-repairing seal and from the first side to the second side of the second self-repairing seal, the circular surface of the self-repairing seal and the circular surface of the second self-repairing seal are configured to collapse inward in the direction of lower pressure when a pressure difference of up to 80 pounds per square inch is applied between the first side of the circular surface of the self-repairing seal and the second side of the circular surface of the second self-repairing seal, thereby maintaining a seal between the first side of the circular surface and the second side of the second circular surface.

[0061] Item 12: A self-healing seal comprising: a first ring located at an edge of a circular surface; and a second ring located at a center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface that defines an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on a second side of the circular surface that is centered on the inverted conical bevel.

[0062] Item 13: The self-repairing seal according to any one of Items 12 and 14 to 19, wherein the tearing guide is a cavity centered on the inverted conical bevel and having a smaller radius than the second ring, and the tearing guide includes a second bottom of the inverted conical bevel and a first bottom aligned in a straight line at the thinnest point of the self-repairing seal.

[0063] Item 14: The self-repairing seal according to any one of Items 12, 13, and 14 to 19, wherein the second ring has a through hole formed from the first side to the second side, and is configured to collapse the inverted conical bevel inward to seal the through hole when negative pressure is applied to the second side.

[0064] Item 15: The self-repairing seal according to any one of Items 12 to 14 and 16 to 19, wherein the tear guide has a through hole formed from the first side to the second side, and is configured to collapse inward to seal the through hole when positive pressure is applied to the second side.

[0065] Item 16: A self-repairing seal according to any one of Items 12 to 15 and 17 to 19, wherein the circular surface is configured to collapse inward in the direction of lower pressure when a pressure difference of up to 40 pounds per square inch is applied between the first and second sides of the circular surface when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side, thereby maintaining a seal between the first side and the second side.

[0066] Item 17: A self-healing seal described in any one of items 12 to 16 and 18 to 19, wherein the first ring is configured to interface with a ring of a second self-healing seal to define an airlock between the second side of the circular surface and the second self-healing seal when the first ring is concentrically aligned with the ring.

[0067] Item 18: A self-healing seal according to any one of items 12 to 17 and 19, wherein the first ring is configured to interface with a ring of a second self-healing seal to define an airlock between the first side of the circular surface and the second self-healing seal when the first ring is concentrically aligned with the ring.

[0068] Item 19: The self-healing seal according to any one of items 12 to 18, further comprising a perforation slit defined on the circular surface, located at the center of the circular surface, defining a thin-walled region in the self-healing seal, the perforation slit suppressing tearing of the circular surface outside the thin-walled region when forming a through hole.

[0069] Item 20: A device comprising: a body including a first port, a second port, and a third port; and sealing means connected to the third port and configured to maintain a seal when pressure is applied to the first port through the second port, the sealing means comprising: a first ring located at an edge of a circular surface; and a second ring located in a center of the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface that defines an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on a second side of the circular surface that is centered on the inverted conical bevel.

[0070] Item 21: An apparatus described in any one of Items 20 and 22 to 31, wherein the bottom of the inverted conical bevel is located at a height between the top of the raised ridge and the foot of the raised ridge.

[0071] Item 22: The device of any one of Items 20, 21, and 23-31, wherein the top of the raised ridge is aligned with the top of the first ring.

[0072] Item 23: The device described in any one of Items 20 to 22 and 24 to 31, wherein the first port is aligned with the third port on a common axis, and the second port is disposed between the first port and the third port at an angle that intersects with the common axis.

[0073] Item 24: The device according to any one of Items 20 to 23 and 25 to 31, wherein the third port includes an inward chamfered portion and mates with the sealing means at the inward chamfered portion.

[0074] Item 25: An apparatus described in any one of Items 20 to 24 and 26 to 31, wherein the sealing means includes a cap including a through hole having a bore dimensioned relative to the diameter of the second ring, and an edge of the through hole is positioned to abut against the raised ridge when positive pressure is applied to the second side of the circular surface.

[0075] Item 26: The device according to any one of Items 20 to 25 and 27 to 31, wherein the sealing means includes a third ring positioned between the first ring and the second ring and having a thinner wall than the first ring and the second ring.

[0076] Item 27: The device described in any one of Items 20 to 26 and 28 to 31, wherein the sealing means is configured to crush the inverted conical bevel to seal the through hole when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the cleavage guide when negative pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

[0077] Item 28: The device described in any one of Items 20 to 27 and 29 to 31, wherein the sealing means is configured to crush the split guide and seal the through hole when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the split guide when positive pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

[0078] Item 29: The device described in any one of items 20 to 28, 30, and 31, further comprising a luer-activated valve disposed within a fourth port of the main body.

[0079] Item 30: The apparatus of any one of Items 20 to 29 and 31, wherein the sealing means further comprises a third ring located on a second edge of the second circular surface, and a fourth ring located in a center of the second circular surface, the fourth ring including a second raised ridge on a first side of the second circular surface that defines a second inverted conical bevel, and a second tear guide on a second side of the second circular surface that is centered on the second inverted conical bevel, wherein the first side of the second circular surface and the second side of the circular surface form an airlock, and the second ring and the fourth ring are coaxially aligned.

[0080] Item 31: The device described in any one of Items 20 to 30, wherein the sealing means is configured to maintain a seal after the circular surface and the second circular surface are pierced when a pressure differential of 80 pounds per square inch is applied between the first side of the circular surface and the second side of the second circular surface.

[0081] The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide those skilled in the relevant art with a thorough and complete disclosure of the entire scope of the subject matter and are not intended to limit or restrict in any way the scope of the claimed subject matter. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are believed to be sufficient to convey possession and enable those skilled in the relevant art to 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 simplified 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 embodiment, aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure unless explicitly stated herein. Whether collectively or individually illustrated or described, various features (both structural and methodological features) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to result in embodiments having particular sets of features. Furthermore, some or all of the functions and operations illustrated or described can be performed in any order or simultaneously.

[0082] Having provided the description and illustration of this disclosure, those skilled in the relevant art will be able to envision variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments that are within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concepts presented in this disclosure and do not depart from the broader scope of the disclosure.

[0083] In this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of" a group of items refers to any set of those items, including sets containing single elements and all possible combinations thereof. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B, and C" is intended to encompass the sets A, B, C, AB, BC, and ABC, which may include one or more instances of a given element (e.g., AA, AAA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.) and any order thereof.

[0084] In this disclosure, the term "determining" encompasses various operations that may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., via a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), obtaining, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0085] In this disclosure, terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "about," and other relative 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 the context of the value suggests that a different approximation is more appropriate. For example, a value specified as approximately X% can be understood to include values ​​from 0.95*X% to 1.05*X%, or from X-0.05X% to X+0.05X%, although it may stop at 0% 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° from parallel or perpendicular. Any values ​​stated in relative terms are understood to include the stated value and any range or subrange between the stated or implied extremes.

[0086] In this disclosure, all numerical values ​​given in examples (whether or not indicated as approximate values) inherently include values ​​within the range of precision and rounding error for that numerical value. For example, a numerical value of 4.5 is understood to include values ​​from 4.45 to 4.54, and a numerical value of 4.50 is understood to include values ​​from 4.495 to 4.504. Furthermore, any numerical value or range that explicitly or by context refers to an integer quantity (e.g., approximately X users across approximately Y states to Z states) is understood to be rounded down or up to the next integer quantity (e.g., X±1 users across Y-1 states to Z+1 states).

[0087] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claim language. In the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one" or "one or more" or "at least one" unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "some" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. No element of a claim is 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 of 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.

Claims

1. a body including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a cap secured to the third port; a self-repairing seal having a circular surface secured to the third port by the cap; Equipped with The self-repairing seal comprises: a first ring located on the edge of the circular surface and held between the body and the cap; a second ring centrally located on the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface defining an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on a second side of the circular surface centered on the inverted conical bevel; Including, Device.

2. the first port is aligned on a common axis with the third port; the second port is disposed between the first port and the third port at an angle intersecting the common axis; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the third port includes an inward chamfer that mates with the self-repairing seal at the inward chamfer; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. the cap includes a through hole having a bore sized relative to a diameter of the second ring, an edge of the through hole positioned to abut the raised ridge when positive pressure is applied to the second side of the circular surface; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

5. the self-repairing seal includes a third ring positioned between the first ring and the second ring, the third ring being thinner than the first ring and the second ring; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

6. the self-repairing seal is configured to collapse the inverted conical bevel to seal the through hole when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the tearing guide, when negative pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

7. the self-repairing seal is configured to collapse the split guide and seal the through hole when a through hole is formed between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the split guide from the first side to the second side when a positive pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

8. the circular surface is configured to collapse inward toward a lower pressure when a pressure differential of up to 40 pounds per square inch is applied between the first and second sides of the circular surface when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side of the self-healing seal to maintain a seal between the first and second sides.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

9. further comprising a luer-activated valve disposed within a fourth port of the body.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

10. a second self-repairing seal having a circular surface secured to the self-repairing seal by the cap; The second self-repairing seal comprises: a first ring located on the edge of the circular surface and held between the body and the cap; a second ring centrally located on the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface defining an inverted conical bevel, and a second tear guide on a second side of the circular surface centered on the inverted conical bevel; Including, the second self-repairing seal is concentrically aligned with the self-repairing seal on a common axis passing through the tear guide and the second tear guide; the second self-repairing seal and the self-repairing seal form an airlock between the first side of the circular surface of the second self-repairing seal and the second side of the circular surface of the self-repairing seal.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

11. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein when perforations are formed from the first side to the second side of the self-repairing seal and from the first side to the second side of the second self-repairing seal, the circular surfaces of the self-repairing seal and the second self-repairing seal are configured to collapse inward toward a lower pressure when a pressure differential of up to 80 pounds per square inch is applied between the first side of the circular surface of the self-repairing seal and the second side of the circular surface of the second self-repairing seal to maintain a seal between the first side of the circular surface and the second side of the second circular surface.

12. a first ring located at the edge of the circular surface; a second ring centrally located on the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface defining an inverted conical bevel and a cleavage guide on a second side of the circular surface centered on the inverted conical bevel; Self-healing seal.

13. the tear guide is a cavity centered on the inverted conical bevel and having a smaller radius than the second ring, and the tear guide includes a first bottom aligned with a second bottom of the inverted conical bevel at the thinnest point of the self-healing seal; The self-repairing seal of claim 12.

14. the second ring has a through hole formed from the first side to the second side, and is configured to collapse the inverted conical bevel inward to seal the through hole when negative pressure is applied to the second side. The self-repairing seal of claim 12.

15. The tearing guide has a through hole formed from the first side to the second side, and is configured to collapse inward to seal the through hole when a positive pressure is applied to the second side. The self-repairing seal of claim 12.

16. the circular surface is configured to collapse inward toward a lower pressure when a pressure differential of up to 40 pounds per square inch is applied between the first and second sides of the circular surface when a through hole is formed from the first side to the second side to maintain a seal between the first and second sides. The self-repairing seal of claim 12.

17. the first ring is configured to interface with a ring of a second self-healing seal to define an airlock between the second side of the circular surface and the second self-healing seal when the first ring is concentrically aligned with the ring; The self-repairing seal of claim 12.

18. the first ring is configured to interface with a ring of a second self-healing seal to define an airlock between the first side of the circular surface and the second self-healing seal when the first ring is concentrically aligned with the ring; The self-repairing seal of claim 12.

19. a perforation slit defined on the circular surface, the perforation slit being centrally located on the circular surface and defining a thinned area in the self-healing seal, the perforation slit inhibiting tearing of the circular surface outside of the thinned area when forming a through hole; The self-repairing seal of claim 12.

20. a body including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a sealing means connected to the third port and configured to maintain a seal when pressure is applied to the first port through the second port; Equipped with The sealing means is a first ring located at the edge of the circular surface; a second ring centrally located on the circular surface, the second ring including a raised ridge on a first side of the circular surface defining an inverted conical bevel and a tear guide on a second side of the circular surface centered on the inverted conical bevel; Including, Device.

21. the bottom of the inverted conical bevel is located at a height between the top of the raised ridge and the base of the raised ridge; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

22. the top of the raised ridge is aligned with the top of the first ring; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

23. the first port is aligned on a common axis with the third port; the second port is disposed between the first port and the third port at an angle intersecting the common axis; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

24. the third port includes an inwardly facing chamfer that mates with the sealing means at the inwardly facing chamfer; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

25. the sealing means includes a cap including a through hole having a bore sized to a diameter of the second ring, an edge of the through hole being positioned to abut the raised ridge when positive pressure is applied to the second side of the circular surface; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

26. the sealing means includes a third ring positioned between the first ring and the second ring, the third ring being thinner than the first ring and the second ring; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

27. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the sealing means is configured to collapse the inverted conical bevel to seal the through hole when a through hole is formed between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the tear guide from the first side to the second side when negative pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

28. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the sealing means is configured to collapse the split guide and seal the through hole when a through hole is formed between the bottom of the inverted conical bevel and the split guide from the first side to the second side when positive pressure is applied from the second port to the first port.

29. further comprising a luer-activated valve disposed within a fourth port of the body.

21. The apparatus of claim 20.

30. The sealing means is a third ring located on a second edge of the second circular surface; a fourth ring centrally located on the second circular surface, the fourth ring including a second raised ridge on a first side of the second circular surface that defines a second inverted conical bevel, and a second tear guide on a second side of the second circular surface that is centered on the second inverted conical bevel; Furthermore, the first side of the second circular surface and the second side of the circular surface form an airlock; the second ring and the fourth ring are coaxially aligned; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

31. the sealing means is configured to maintain a seal after the circular surface and the second circular surface are pierced when a pressure differential of 80 pounds per square inch is applied between the first side of the circular surface and the second side of the second circular surface.

31. The apparatus of claim 30.

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