Fluid Connector Assembly Using Neutral Fluid Displacement to Limit Connector Damage

Abstract

A fluid connector assembly is disclosed that provides neutral fluid displacement without connector overlap. The fluid connector assembly may include a housing and a pair of connectors (e.g., luers) coupled to the housing. A compressible member (e.g., a bellows) is located within the housing. The first connector and the second connector each include a post having an opening. The compressible member can seal the opening of the first connector from fluid intrusion. However, when the post of the second connector is inserted into the housing, the post of the second connector displaces the compressible member, causing the compressible member to uncover the opening and, in turn, open at another location to receive fluid. Furthermore, the compressible member seals each of the first connector and the second connector, forming a fluid path through the post and the compressible member with the seal regulating fluid flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid connectors, and more particularly to a neutral displacement needle-free connector that maintains separation between a central post and a luer to reduce the possibility of the luer damaging the central post. [Background technology]

[0002] Needleless connectors, including neutral displacement needleless connectors, offer a solution for delivering medical fluids to a patient. In an exemplary embodiment, the needleless connector assembly facilitates fluid transfer between a medical fluid source and a catheter line. The medical fluid source and catheter line are secured to respective luers, which are secured to the connector body. To deliver fluid, the luer connected to the medical fluid source is inserted into the connector body and overlaps the central post of the luer connected to the catheter line.

[0003] Overlap between the luer and the central post can lead to problems. For example, movement of the luer relative to the central post, or vice versa, can cause contact between the luer and the central post, increasing the risk of cracking or breaking the central post. When this occurs, the damaged area can cause fluid leakage, resulting in fluid loss and contamination. Additionally, luers used with neutral displacement connectors are often non-compliant luers, making them susceptible to fluid leakage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In accordance with at least some embodiments disclosed herein, it is recognized that components used with neutral fluid displacement, such as luers and posts, can break if they overlap and contact one another, which can result in leakage of medical fluids and reduced delivery of medication to the patient. If the broken component is located in the connector body, it may not be readily apparent to medical personnel, leading to delayed response. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a needleless fluid connector assembly that provides a neutral fluid displacement connection while minimizing the risk of damaging one or more components of the needleless fluid connector assembly. The neutral fluid displacement limits or prevents fluid from entering the catheter lumen during connection or disconnection of medical fluids. Based on the positioning of the posts of each of the connectors of the fluid connector assembly, the posts do not overlap each other.

[0006] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having a first end, a second end, and an internal volume fluidly connected to the first end and the second end; a first connector secured to the housing at the first end, the first connector comprising a compressible member disposed in the internal volume, the compressible member having a cavity, a post located in the cavity, and an opening formed in the post; and a second connector that, when secured to the housing at the second end, displaces the compressible member and forms a seal that allows fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening.

[0007] Some examples of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having an internal volume; a compressible member disposed in the internal volume having an inner wall and a cavity defined by the inner wall; a first connector secured to the housing having a post located in the cavity and an opening formed in the post and covered by the inner wall; and a second connector, wherein a first position of the second compressible member forms an inner wall that covers the opening and a second position of the second compressible member forms an inner wall that does not cover the opening based on the second connector.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for regulating intravenous fluid with a fluid connector assembly, the method including the steps of: providing a housing having an internal volume; receiving a compressible member in the housing in the internal volume; receiving a first connector at a first end of the housing, the first connector having a post and an opening formed in the post; receiving a second connector at a second end of the housing; displacing the compressible member based on receiving the second connector; and forming a seal that allows intravenous fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening based on displacing the compressible member.

[0009] Thus, the present application addresses several operational challenges faced in prior neutral displacement connector assemblies that are prone to breakage.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and examples herein, as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology.

[0012] Various features of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not limit, the present invention. The drawings include the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an IV set connected to a patient, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid connector assembly for use with an IV set, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a fluid connector assembly showing additional features according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly showing a connector and a compressible member positioned in a housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly showing the connector inserted into the housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly showing the connector removed from the housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid connector assembly showing a biasing component integrated with the fluid connector assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting intravenous fluid according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring the subject technology.

[0015] Furthermore, while the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. In addition, while particular embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of an IV set, it is contemplated that such embodiments may be used in other fluid delivery systems. Still further, various applications of and modifications to such embodiments that may occur to those skilled in the art are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0016] According to several embodiments, the present disclosure includes various features and advantages that maintain separation between the post and the luer, thus minimizing the possibility of damaging the post and / or the luer.

[0017] Referring now to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates an IV set 1 connected to a patient 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. IV set 1 includes a medication bag 12, a drip chamber 14, and tubing 22. Tubing 22 extends between drip chamber 14 of IV set 1 and a fluid connector assembly 100. To resist unintentional removal or disconnection of tubing 16 or catheter 18 from the patient, tape 26 is placed across tubing 16 and catheter 18 such that tape 26 engages tubing 16, catheter 18, and patient 10.

[0018] 2 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid connector assembly 100 for use with an IV set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluid connector assembly 100 is designed for use in medical applications such as the IV set 1 (shown in FIG. 1) and other IV medical fluid delivery applications that use catheters, including, by way of non-limiting example, PIVC catheters.

[0019] The fluid connector assembly 100 provides a regulated fluid path throughout the components of the fluid connector assembly 100. As shown, the fluid connector assembly 100 includes a housing 102 that serves as a central body for carrying and / or connecting with one or more components. The housing 102 may include a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body. Additionally, the housing 102 may include a hollow or generally hollow body that forms an interior volume for receiving one or more components.

[0020] Fluid connector assembly 100 further includes connector 104 and connector 106, each of which can be coupled, including mechanically coupled, to housing 102. As shown, housing 102 includes end 105 and end 107, and connectors 104 and 106 are connected to end 105 and end 107, respectively. Connectors 104 and 106 may be referred to as a first connector and a second connector, respectively. End 105 and end 107 may also be referred to as a first end and a second end, respectively. However, "first" and "second" may be interchangeable for connectors 104 and 106 and end 105 and 107. Each of connectors 104 and 106 may also be referred to as a medical connector. In some embodiments, connector 106 is connected to a medical fluid supply, such as medication bag 12 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Additionally, in some embodiments, connector 104 connects to a catheter line (e.g., tubing 16 in FIG. 1 ) that delivers medical fluid to a catheter, such as catheter 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Additionally, each of connectors 104 and 106 may take the form of a luer designed to prevent leakage of fluid through their respective connection with housing 102. In this regard, each of connectors 104 and 106 may conform to standards established by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) to improve patient safety, minimize leakage of medical fluids, and reduce misconnections with other connecting devices.

[0021] The connector 104 includes a post 108, which includes a channel fluidly connected to an opening (not shown in FIG. 2 ) at the end of the post 108. As a result, a fluid outlet 110 serves as a fluid transport location for the fluid connector assembly 100. The connector 106 also includes a post 112 that includes an opening 114. The opening 114 serves as a fluid inlet for the fluid connector assembly 100. Thus, the opening 114 serves as a fluid inlet for the fluid connector assembly 100. Each post 108 and 112 may pass through the center, or at least approximately the center, of the connectors 104 and 106, respectively. The posts 108 and 112 may be referred to as a first post and a second post, respectively. However, the terms “first” and “second” may be used interchangeably. Additionally, each of the posts 108 and 112 includes a cylindrical or generally cylindrical shape. However, other shapes are possible.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a fluid connector assembly 100 showing additional features according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Connector 104 includes an opening 116 formed in a post of connector 104. Opening 116 provides a fluid inlet for connector 104. Opening 116 is fluidly connected to fluid outlet 110. Additionally, connectors 104 and 106 each include a connector portion integrated with their respective posts. For example, connector 104 includes connector portion 118, and connector 106 includes connector portion 120. As shown in FIG. 3, posts 108 and 112 extend through opposing ends of connector portions 118 and 120, respectively.

[0023] Additionally, the fluid connector assembly 100 includes a compressible member 122. In some embodiments, the compressible member 122 includes a resiliently compressible bellows. Thus, the compressible member 122 can be compressed by an external force (or by multiple external forces) and then return to its original, uncompressed state when the external force is removed. The compressible member 122 is designed to regulate the flow of fluid through the fluid connector assembly 100. Thus, the compressible member 122 functions as a valve for the fluid connector assembly 100. This is described in more detail below.

[0024] 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly 100 showing a connector 104 and a compressible member 122 positioned in the housing 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Based on a hollow design, the housing 102 includes an interior volume 124 that forms a three-dimensional space or void in the housing 102, thus allowing the housing 102 to receive one or more components. For example, the compressible member 122 and a portion of the post 108 of the connector 104 are positioned in the interior volume 124. The housing 102 further includes an interior surface 126 or wall that at least partially defines the interior volume 124 of the housing 102.

[0025] Additionally, a portion of the post 108 is positioned within the compressible member 122. In this regard, the compressible member 122 includes an interior volume 128 through which a portion of the post 108 is positioned. The compressible member 122 further includes an inner surface 130, or wall, that at least partially defines the interior volume 128 of the compressible member 122. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , the inner surface 130 of the compressible member 122 surrounds the post 108, including the opening 116 of the post 108. Furthermore, the inner surface 130 of the compressible member 122 is in contact with the post 108. As a result of this relationship between the inner surface 130 and the opening 116, the compressible member 122 prevents fluid flow through the opening 116. In some embodiments, the compressible member 122 includes a septum 132 that provides a liquid seal, forming a seal between the post 108 and the compressible member 122 to prevent leakage of fluid between the post 108 and the compressible member 122. In some embodiments, the septum 132 can be integral with the compressible member 122 , and in some embodiments, the septum 132 can be separate from the compressible member 122 .

[0026] The compressible member 122 further includes a slit 134 or opening that separates based on an applied force. As shown in FIG. 4, the slit 134 may be closed and resist fluid flow therethrough. However, when the connector 106 (shown in FIG. 3) is coupled with the housing 102, the post 112 of the connector 106 engages the compressible member 122 and can cause the slit 134 to open based on the applied force provided by the post 112.

[0027] Additionally, compressible member 122 includes dimension 136 that defines the major axial longitudinal dimension of compressible member 122. When no external force is acting on compressible member 122 to displace (e.g., compress) compressible member 122, the longitudinal dimension of compressible member 122 is defined by dimension 136. Thus, dimension 136 of compressible member 122 represents an initial dimension, and the size and shape of compressible member 122 depicted in FIG. 4 represents the initial size and shape.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly 100 showing a connector 106 inserted into a housing 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a post 112 of the connector 106 is at least partially disposed in the housing 102 and engages a compressible member 122, displacing the compressible member 122. For example, the compressible member 122 is compressed and reduces to a dimension 138 that is smaller than dimension 136 (the original, uncompressed dimension shown in FIG. 4 ). Based on the displacement of the compressible member 122, an internal volume 128 and an internal surface 130 of the compressible member 122 each deform. For example, the internal volume 128 contracts and expands around the opening 116 of the post 108 of the connector 104, and the internal surface 130 of the compressible member 122 no longer engages the post 108 at a location surrounding the opening 116 of the post 108. Additionally, the displacement of compressible member 122 opens slit 134 in compressible member 122. As a result, fluid passing through slit 134 in compressible member 122 can also pass through opening 116 in post 108. Thus, in the displaced configuration of compressible member 122, opening 116 in post 108 is fluidly connected to slit 134 in compressible member 122.

[0029] Based on the engagement between the compressible member 122 and the connectors 104 and 106, several seals are formed. For example, seal 140 is formed between the compressible member 122 and the post 108. Seal 140 prevents fluid entering the interior volume 128 of the compressible member 122 from passing through the location between the post 108 and the compressible member 122, and fluid entering the compressible member 122 downstream passes through the opening 116. Seal 142 is also formed between the compressible member 122 and the post 112. Seal 142 prevents fluid entering a channel 144 in the post 112 of the connector 106 from passing through the location between the post 112 and the compressible member 122, and fluid in the channel 144 passes through the slit 134. Seals 140 and 142 may be referred to as a first seal and a second seal, respectively, although the terms "first" and "second" may be interchangeable.

[0030] The dotted arrows indicate the fluid path through the fluid connector assembly 100. When a medical fluid line is connected to the connector 106, fluid enters the opening 114 (i.e., the fluid inlet) of the connector 106. The fluid can then pass through the channel 144 in the post 112 and enter the compressible member 122 through the slit 134 in the compressible member 122. The fluid can then enter the opening 116 in the post 108 and then pass through the channel 146 in the post 108. The fluid can exit the fluid connector assembly 100 through the fluid outlet 110 formed in the post 108.

[0031] Based on the flow of fluid through fluid connector assembly 100, fluid connector assembly 100 provides a neutral fluid displacement in which blood and / or other fluids are prevented, or at least substantially limited, from entering a catheter lumen (not shown) located in connector 104 and fluidly connected to fluid connector assembly 100 during connection or disconnection between fluid connector assembly 100 and a catheter lumen, or when a medical fluid line is connected or disconnected to connector 106. However, unlike conventional neutral fluid displacement connector assemblies, post 108 of connector 104 does not insert into post 112 of connector 106. In other words, post 112 of connector 106 does not overlap post 108 of connector 104. As shown in FIG. 5 , a gap 148, or separation, exists between post 108 and post 112. Thus, when connectors 104 and 106 are coupled with housing 102, posts 108 and 112 are separated by gap 148 in a direction along a longitudinal axis passing through housing 102, connectors 104 and 106, and compressible member 122.

[0032] Despite the gap 148, the seals 140 and 142 promote fluid flow through the compressible member 122, rather than around it. For example, the seal 140 urges fluid exiting the compressible member 122 into the opening 116 in the post 108, preventing the fluid from flowing outside the post 108 and into the interior volume 124 of the housing 102. The seal 142 also urges fluid to exit the channel 144 in the post 112 through the slit 134 in the compressible member 122, preventing the fluid from flowing outside the compressible member 122 and into the interior volume 124 of the housing 102. As a result, fluid entering the fluid connector assembly 100 remains within the connector 106, the compressible member 122, and the connector 106 and does not come into contact with the interior surface 126 of the housing 102. Based on its features and functionality, the fluid connector assembly 100 does not push fluid into the catheter lumen during connection or disconnection, unlike a positive fluid displacement connector assembly. Also, the fluid connector assembly 100 does not allow fluid to flow back into the catheter lumen during connection or disconnection, unlike a negative fluid displacement connector assembly. Thus, the fluid connector assembly 100 comprises a neutral displacement connector assembly with no overlapping posts.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid connector assembly 100 showing the connector 106 removed from the housing 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Upon removal of the connector 106, the compressible member 122 expands and returns to its original shape and size. In this regard, the compressible member 122 returns to a state having a dimension 136, which represents the original longitudinal dimension of the compressible member 122 before displacement by the post 112 of the connector 106. Furthermore, the slit 134 of the compressible member 122 closes after removal of the connector 106, preventing fluid from passing therethrough. Additionally, the interior volume 128 of the compressible member 122 returns to its previous, uncompressed volume, and the inner surface 130 of the compressible member 122 covers the opening 116 in the post 108, resealing the opening 116.

[0034] 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid connector assembly 200, showing a biasing component 250 integrated with the fluid connector assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluid connector assembly 200 may include any of the structures and associated features previously shown and described for the fluid connector assembly, along with additional features described herein. Thus, the fluid connector assembly 200 may provide a neutral fluid displacement.

[0035] As shown, fluid connector assembly 200 includes housing 202, connector 204, and connector 206. Fluid connector assembly 200 further includes a compressible member 222 disposed within an interior volume (not shown) of housing 202. Connector 204 includes a post 208 at least partially disposed within housing 202 and compressible member 222. Connector 206 also includes a post 212 having an opening 214 that forms a fluid inlet for fluid connector assembly 200. While post 212 is not disposed within housing 202 and does not displace compressible member 222 in FIG. 7, post 212 may engage and displace, or at least substantially displace, compressible member 222 (see, e.g., post 112 and compressible member 122 in FIG. 5). Connector 204 also includes post 208 having an opening 216. Post 208 also includes a fluid outlet 210 for fluid connector assembly 200. Additionally, compressible member 222 includes a septum 232 that provides a liquid seal, forming a seal between post 208 and compressible member 222 to prevent leakage of fluid between post 208 and compressible member 222. In some embodiments, septum 232 can be integral with compressible member 222, and in some embodiments, septum 232 may be separate from compressible member 222.

[0036] As shown, biasing component 250 is located in housing 202. Biasing component 250 may include a spring or other flexible structure designed to resiliently compress. Biasing component 250 is designed to increase the stiffness of bulkhead 232 of compressible member 222. By integrating biasing component 250, the effective spring constant of compressible member 222 is increased, and therefore, an increased force must be applied to compressible member 222 to displace it. In this regard, biasing component 250 can improve the overall sealing ability of compressible member 222 because the compressible member 222 has increased stiffness, providing greater resistance to displacement by, for example, post 212 of connector 206.

[0037] 8 illustrates a flow chart 300 showing a method for regulating intravenous fluid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluid connector assemblies shown or described herein are capable of performing the method steps shown in flow chart 300. In this regard, a fluid connector assembly using neutral fluid displacement may perform the method steps shown in flow chart 300.

[0038] In step 302, a housing is provided. The housing serves as a central body of the fluid connector assembly. The housing may include an interior volume designed to receive, or at least partially receive, one or more components of the fluid connector assembly.

[0039] In step 304, a compressible member is received in the housing. Further, the compressible member is received in the interior volume of the housing. The compressible member may include a bellows. Further, the compressible member may resiliently compress based on an external force and return to its original shape after the external force is removed.

[0040] In step 306, a first connector is received at the first end of the housing. The first connector may include a post and an opening formed in the post. The post, including the opening in the post, may be insertable into the housing and may also be insertable into the compressible member. The post of the first connector may also form a fluid outlet for the fluid connector assembly.

[0041] At step 308, a second connector is received in the second end of the housing. The second connector may include a post that engages the compressible member. The post of the second connector may also include an opening that forms a fluid inlet for the fluid connector assembly.

[0042] In step 310, the compressible member is displaced based on receiving the second connector. The displacement of the compressible member may include compression, which reduces a dimension (e.g., length) of the compressible member. However, based on the resilient characteristics of the compressible member, the compressible member may return to its original size and shape when the second connector no longer engages the compressible member.

[0043] In step 312, a seal is formed based on the displacement of the compressible member. The seal allows intravenous fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening in the post of the first connector. Furthermore, the seal promotes neutral fluid displacement by restricting or preventing blood and / or other fluids from entering the catheter lumen when connection or disconnection with the fluid connector assembly occurs. Additionally, fluid within the fluid connector assembly does not expand into the interior volume of the housing or come into contact with the interior surface of the housing.

[0044] Additionally, based on the location of the posts of the first and second connectors within the housing, the posts do not overlap one another. In other words, the posts of the first connector ("first posts") do not intersect with the posts of the second connector ("second posts"), and the second posts do not surround the first posts. In this regard, the gaps located along the longitudinal axes of the first and second posts provide separation between the first and second posts, thus minimizing the possibility of contact between the posts that could cause damage to at least one of the first and second posts.

[0045] A feature of the present disclosure provides a fluid connector assembly having a compressible member that can be displaced to form a fluid pathway therebetween. When first and second connectors are coupled together with a housing carrying the compressible member, the compressible member can compress to allow fluid flow while also providing a plurality of seals to prevent undesired fluid leakage. However, when the connector that displaces the compressible member is removed, either unintentionally or intentionally, the fluid pathway of the fluid connector assembly closes or is blocked to prevent fluid loss therefrom as the compressible member returns to its uncompressed state, closing the fluid pathway. A feature of the present disclosure also provides that upon separation of the first and second connectors, either the first or second connector can be cleaned and sterilized, and the first and second connectors can be recoupled together so that the compressible member forms a fluid pathway therebetween.

[0046] Examples of subject matter art as clauses The subject technology is exemplified by various aspects described below, for example. Various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the subject technology. Any of the dependent clauses may be combined in any combination and incorporated into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause 1, clause 8, or clause 15. Other clauses may be presented similarly.

[0047] Clause 1. A fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having a first end, a second end, and an interior volume fluidly connected to the first end and the second end; a first connector secured to the housing at the first end, the first connector comprising a compressible member disposed in the interior volume, the compressible member having a cavity, a post located in the cavity, and an opening formed in the post; and a second connector that, when secured to the housing at the second end, displaces the compressible member and forms a seal that allows fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening.

[0048] Clause 2. The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the seal includes a first seal, and the second connector and compressible member form a second seal.

[0049] Clause 3. The fluid connector assembly of clause 2, wherein the compressible member comprises a slit that opens and is sealed by a second seal.

[0050] Clause 4. The fluid connector assembly of clause 2, wherein the housing has an inner surface, and the first seal and the second seal prevent fluid from contacting the inner surface.

[0051] Clause 5. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 1, wherein the posts include a first post disposed in the housing, the second connector has a second post, and the first post does not overlap the second post.

[0052] Clause 6. The fluid connector assembly of clause 5, wherein the compressible member is positioned between the first post and the second post.

[0053] Clause 7. The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the second connector compresses the compressible member from a first dimension to a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.

[0054] Clause 8. A fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having an internal volume; a compressible member disposed in the internal volume, the compressible member having an inner wall and a cavity defined by the inner wall; a first connector secured to the housing, the first connector having a post located in the cavity and an opening formed in the post and covered by the inner wall; and a second connector, wherein a first position of the second compressible member forms an inner wall that covers the opening and a second position of the second compressible member forms an inner wall that does not cover the opening based on the second connector.

[0055] Clause 9. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 8, wherein the posts include a first post disposed in the housing, the second connector has a second post, and the first post does not overlap the second post.

[0056] Clause 10. The fluid connector assembly of clause 9, wherein the first post and the second post are separated by a gap.

[0057] Clause 11. The fluid connector assembly of clause 10, wherein the compressible member includes a slit located in the gap.

[0058] Clause 12. The fluid connector assembly of clause 8, wherein the connectors form a first seal with the first connector and a second seal with the second connector.

[0059] Clause 13. A fluid connector assembly as described in Clause 12, wherein the inner wall comprises a first inner wall and the housing comprises a second inner wall defining an internal volume, and wherein fluid entering the second connector is prevented from contacting the second inner wall based on the first seal and the second seal.

[0060] Clause 14. The fluid connector assembly of clause 12, wherein the first seal and the second seal allow fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening.

[0061] Clause 15. A method of regulating intravenous fluid by a fluid connector assembly, the method comprising: providing a housing having an internal volume; receiving a compressible member in the housing in the internal volume; receiving a first connector at a first end of the housing, the first connector having a post and an opening formed in the post; receiving a second connector at a second end of the housing; displacing the compressible member based on receiving the second connector; and forming a seal that allows intravenous fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening based on displacing the compressible member.

[0062] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, wherein forming the seal includes forming a first seal, and the method further includes forming a second seal with a second connector and a compressible member.

[0063] Clause 17. The method of clause 16, further comprising directing the intravenous fluid through the compressible member based on the first seal and the second seal such that the intravenous fluid does not contact the interior surface of the housing.

[0064] Clause 18. The method of clause 15, wherein the post includes a first post and the second connector includes a second post, and the step of receiving the first connector and the second connector includes the step of maintaining separation from the first post and the second post.

[0065] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein maintaining separation includes positioning the second post in a manner that does not overlap the first post.

[0066] Clause 20. The method of clause 15, wherein displacing the second connector includes compressing the compressible member from a first dimension to a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.

[0067] Further Considerations In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein may depend on any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In an aspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) may be combined with any other clause or clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, actions, means, or components) recited in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In an aspect, some of the words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be removed. In an aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0068] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. While this disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0069] Reference to a singular element is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if present, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0070] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0071] The use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0072] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, estimates, locations, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including the following claims, are approximate and not precise, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and with that which is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0073] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can refer to being indirectly coupled.

[0074] As used in this disclosure, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," etc., should be understood to refer to any frame of reference other than the typical gravity-based frame of reference. Thus, upper, lower, front, and rear surfaces may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravity-based frame of reference.

[0075] Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., placed in a different order or divided in a different manner) without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Still further, with respect to the use of the terms "comprising," "having," and the like, such terms are intended to be as inclusive as "comprising," as the term "comprising" would be interpreted when used as a transitional phrase in a claim.

[0076] The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as a limiting description. This disclosure is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the Detailed Description, it may be recognized that the description provides exemplary illustrations, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0077] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims as written and to encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to, and should not be construed to, encompass subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. A first end, a second end; and an interior volume fluidly connected to the first end and the second end; a housing comprising: a compressible member disposed in the interior volume, the compressible member comprising a cavity; a post located in the cavity; and An opening formed in the post a first connector secured to the housing at the first end, the first connector comprising: a second connector, when secured to the housing at a second end thereof, a second connector displacing the compressible member to form a seal that allows fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening; and A fluid connector assembly comprising:

2. the seal includes a first seal; the second connector and the compressible member form a second seal; The fluid connector assembly of claim 1 .

3. 3. The fluid connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the compressible member comprises a slit that opens and is sealed by the second seal.

4. the housing having an inner surface; the first seal and the second seal prevent the fluid from contacting the interior surface; 3. The fluid connector assembly of claim 2.

5. the posts include a first post disposed on the housing; the second connector includes a second post; the first post does not overlap the second post; The fluid connector assembly of claim 1 .

6. The fluid connector assembly of claim 5 , wherein the compressible member is positioned between the first post and the second post.

7. 2. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the second connector compresses the compressible member from a first dimension to a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.

8. a housing having an interior volume; Inner walls, and a cavity defined by said inner wall a compressible member disposed in the interior volume, comprising: a post located in the cavity; and An opening formed in the post and covered by the inner wall a first connector secured to the housing, a second connector, a first position of the second compressible member defining the inner wall covering the opening; a second position of the second compressible member that defines the inner wall not covering the opening based on the second connector; a second connector; A fluid connector assembly comprising:

9. the posts include a first post disposed on the housing; the second connector includes a second post; the first post does not overlap the second post; 9. The fluid connector assembly of claim 8.

10. 10. The fluid connector assembly of claim 9, wherein the first post and the second post are separated by a gap.

11. The fluid connector assembly of claim 10 , wherein the compressible member includes a slit located in the gap.

12. The connector a first seal with the first connector; and Second connector seal 9. The fluid connector assembly of claim 8, wherein:

13. the inner wall comprises a first inner wall; the housing includes a second interior wall defining the interior volume; Fluid entering the second connector is prevented from contacting the second inner wall based on the first seal and the second seal.

13. The fluid connector assembly of claim 12.

14. 13. The fluid connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the first seal and the second seal allow fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening.

15. 1. A method of regulating intravenous fluids, comprising: providing a housing having an interior volume; receiving a compressible member in the interior volume of the housing; receiving a first connector at a first end of the housing, the first connector comprising a post and an opening formed in the post; receiving a second connector at a second end of the housing; displacing the compressible member based on receiving the second connector; forming a seal based on the displacing the compressible member to allow the intravenous fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening; A method comprising:

16. The step of forming the seal includes forming a first seal, and the method comprises: The method of claim 15 , further comprising forming a second seal with the second connector and the compressible member.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising directing the intravenous fluid through the compressible member based on the first seal and the second seal so that the intravenous fluid does not contact an interior surface of the housing.

18. the posts include a first post; the second connector includes a second post; receiving the first connector and the second connector includes maintaining separation from the first post and the second post; 16. The method of claim 15.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein maintaining the separation comprises positioning the second post in a non-overlapping manner with the first post.

20. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein displacing the second connector comprises compressing the compressible member from a first dimension to a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.

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