Neutral Displacement Connector

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 is located within the housing. A first connector and a second connector each include a post having an opening. The compressible member can seal the opening of the first connector to prevent 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 form a fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the interior volume of the housing. Furthermore, the compressible member seals the housing until each of the first connector and the second connector is coupled to the housing and forms a fluid path through the post.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid connectors, and more particularly to neutral displacement needleless connectors that utilize a deformable member to control fluid flow. [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.

[0006] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having a first end in fluid communication with a second end through a cavity; a compressible member disposed within the housing, the compressible member comprising at least one sealing element and a gate; a first connector configured to couple to the housing at the first end and configured to deliver fluid through the housing; and a second connector configured to couple to the housing at the second end and configured to receive fluid from the housing.

[0007] Some examples of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having a first end in fluid communication with a second end through a cavity; a compressible member disposed within the housing, the compressible member comprising at least one sealing element and a gate; a first connector configured to couple to the housing at the first end and configured to deliver fluid through the housing; and a second connector configured to couple to the housing at the second end and configured to receive fluid from the housing, wherein the compressible member is configured to deform from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration when the first connector is coupled to the housing, and wherein the compressible member is configured to deform substantially toward a first side of the cavity in the compressed configuration.

[0008] Thus, the present application addresses several operational challenges faced in prior neutral displacement connector assemblies that are prone to breakage.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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]

[0012] [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 first connector, an insert, and a compressible member positioned in a housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly showing a first connector, a second connector, an insert, and a compressible member inserted into a housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an insert according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an insert according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a method for adjusting intravenous fluid according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 intravenous ("IV") set, it is contemplated that such embodiments may be used in other fluid delivery systems. Moreover, 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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, by way of non-limiting example, IV set 1 (shown in FIG. 1) using catheters, including peripheral intravenous catheters ("PIVCs"), as well as other IV medical fluid delivery applications.

[0018] 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. In some embodiments, the housing 102 is made from polycarbonate, a polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend, or another material, such as a plastic or metal.

[0019] 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 fluid leakage 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 medical fluid leakage, and reduce misconnections with other connecting devices. In some embodiments, each of connectors 104 and 106 may not conform to standards established by ISO. In some embodiments, connectors 104 and 106 are made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend, or another material, such as plastic or metal.

[0020] 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 receiving location for the fluid connector assembly 100. Each of the posts 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. Each of the posts 108 and 112 may also include a conical or generally conical shape. However, other shapes are possible, including, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a fluid connector assembly 100 showing additional features according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector 104 includes an opening 116 formed in a post of the connector 104. The opening 116 provides a fluid inlet for the connector 104. The opening 116 is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet 110. Additionally, each of the connectors 104 and 106 includes a connector portion integrated with the respective post. For example, the connector 104 includes a connector portion 118, and the connector 106 includes a connector portion 120. As shown in FIG. 3 , the posts 108 and 112 extend through the connector portions 118 and 120, respectively. The fluid connector assembly 100 further includes an insert 180. In some embodiments, the insert 180 is located between the connector 104 and the housing 102. In some embodiments, insert 180 is made from polycarbonate, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend, or another material, such as plastic or metal. In some embodiments, connector 104 is welded to insert 180. In some embodiments, insert 180 is welded to housing 102. In some embodiments, connector 104 is welded to insert 180 and housing 102 is welded to insert 180. In some embodiments, fluid connector assembly 100 comprises four parts: connector 104, insert 180, housing 102, and compressible member 122. In some embodiments, fluid connector assembly 100 comprises fewer than two parts when insert 180, housing 102, and compressible member 122 are welded together. In some embodiments, the fluid connector assembly 100 comprises fewer than two parts, where the insert 180 and either the housing 102 or the compressible member 122 are welded together.

[0022] Additionally, the fluid connector assembly 100 includes a compressible member 122. In some embodiments, the compressible member 122 is resiliently compressible. 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.

[0023] 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly 100 showing the connector 104 and 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 insert 180 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.

[0024] Additionally, a portion of the insert 180 is located within the compressible member 122. In this regard, the compressible member 122 includes an interior volume 128 within a gate 132, through which a portion of the insert 180 is positioned. The gate 132 of the compressible member 122 further includes an interior surface 130 or wall that at least partially defines the interior volume 128 of the compressible member 122. In some embodiments, the gate 132 is a septum. In some embodiments, a portion of the gate is a septum. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , the interior surface 130 of the compressible member 122 surrounds the insert 180. Furthermore, the interior surface 130 of the compressible member 122 contacts the insert 180. As a result of this relationship between the interior surface 130 and the insert 180, the compressible member 122 prevents fluid flow through the insert 180. In some embodiments, the gate 132 of the compressible member 122 provides a liquid seal that forms a seal between the insert 180 and the compressible member 122 to prevent leakage of fluid between the insert 180 and the compressible member 122. In some embodiments, the gate 132 can be integral with the compressible member 122, and in some embodiments, the gate 132 may be separate from the compressible member 122. In some embodiments, the compressible member 122 is made from another material, such as liquid silicone rubber or plastic.

[0025] Compressible member 122 further includes a primary seal 133 and a secondary seal 134 that extend circumferentially within interior volume 124 of housing 102. As shown in FIG. 4 , primary seal 133 and secondary seal 134 may resist fluid flow by contacting inner surface 126 of housing 102. However, when connector 106 (shown in FIG. 3 ) is coupled with housing 102, post 112 of connector 106 engages compressible member 122 and can shift primary seal 133 and secondary seal 134 based on an applied force exerted by post 112.

[0026] Additionally, compressible member 122 includes dimension 136 that defines the longitudinal dimension of the major axis 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.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid connector assembly 100 showing the connector 106 inserted into the housing 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the post 112 of the connector 106 is at least partially disposed in the housing 102 and engages the compressible member 122, displacing the compressible member 122. For example, the compressible member 122 compresses and reduces to a dimension 138 that is smaller than the dimension 136 (the original, uncompressed dimension shown in FIG. 4 ). Based on the displacement of the compressible member 122, the internal volume 128 and the inner surface 130 of the compressible member 122 each deform. For example, the internal volume 128 contracts and expands around the insert 180, and the inner surface 130 of the compressible member 122 no longer circumferentially engages the inner surface 126. Furthermore, the displacement of the compressible member 122 separates the primary seal 133 and the secondary seal 134 of the compressible member 122 from the inner surface 126. As a result, fluid passing through post 112 of connector 106 can pass through interior volume 124, past gate 132, through insert 180, and through opening 116 in post 108. Thus, in the displaced configuration of compressible member 122, opening 116 in post 108 is fluidly connected to primary seal 133 and secondary seal 134 of compressible member 122. In some embodiments, gate 132 prevents fluid from flowing when connector 106 is moved 0.5 mm away from housing 102. In some embodiments, gate 132 prevents fluid from flowing when connector 106 is moved less than 0.5 mm away from housing 102.

[0028] The compressible member 122 is shaped so that its deformation is highly predictable and repeatable. Thus, the compressible member 122 is intended to undergo greater deformation between the gate 132 and the connector 106 than between the gate 132 and the insert 180. As shown in FIG. 5 , the secondary seal 134 and the primary seal 133 both deform axially toward the gate 132 and radially toward the side of the interior volume 124 in which the gate 132 is located. The gate 132 is also designed to deform axially on one side as well. This deformation allows a fluid path to be formed between the compressible member 122 and the inner surface 126. This designed deformation allows fluid to reach the target outlet of the housing 102, here the gate 132, thereby directing the fluid through the insert 180 and into the connector 104.

[0029] The 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 then passes through the channel 144 in the post 112 and can enter the interior volume 124 of the housing 102. The fluid then passes through the space between the gate 132 and the inner surface 126 and can enter the insert 180. The fluid then enters the opening 116 in the post 108 and can 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.

[0030] Upon removal of connector 106, compressible member 122 expands and returns to its original shape and size. In this regard, compressible member 122 returns to having dimension 136, which represents the original longitudinal dimension of compressible member 122 before displacement by post 112 of connector 106. Furthermore, primary seal 133 and secondary seal 134 are moved back into circumferential contact with inner surface 126 after removal of connector 106, and primary seal 133 and secondary seal 134 prevent fluid from passing therethrough. Additionally, interior volume 128 of compressible member 122 returns to its previous, uncompressed volume, and gate 132 of compressible member 122 returns to its position relative to inner surface 126, preventing fluid from passing therethrough.

[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 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 a gap in a direction along a longitudinal axis passing through housing 102, connectors 104 and 106, and compressible member 122.

[0032] Despite the gap, the primary seal 133 and the secondary seal 134 facilitate fluid flow around one side of the compressible member 122. For example, the secondary seal 134 encourages fluid to exit the post 112 to a first side of the interior volume 124 and prevents fluid from flowing to a second side of the interior volume 124. The primary seal 133 also encourages fluid to flow through the first side of the interior volume 124. As a result, fluid entering the fluid connector assembly 100 remains within the connector 106, the interior volume 124, the insert 180, and the connector 104. 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. Furthermore, 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, fluid connector assembly 100 comprises a neutral displacement connector assembly with no overlapping posts. In some embodiments, fluid connector assembly 100 provides positive pressure fluid displacement during connection or disconnection. In some embodiments, fluid connector assembly 100 provides positive pressure fluid displacement of less than 0.01 mL during connection or disconnection.

[0033] 6A and 6B illustrate insert 180. FIG. 6A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of insert 180. In some embodiments, insert 180 is generally cylindrical. In some embodiments, insert 180 includes two holes: fluid channel 182 and air channel 184. In some embodiments, insert 180 may include only fluid channel 182. Insert 180 may include a rim 188 around which inner surface 130 of compressible member 122 fits. When connector 106 is coupled to housing 102, gate 132 moves as compressible member 122 deforms, moving inner surface 130 so that inner surface 130 covers rim 188. Insert 180 further includes a trough 190 designed to collect fluid and direct the fluid into fluid channel 182. The trough 190 may extend circumferentially around the insert 180, or in some embodiments, may extend only partially around the insert 180. The fluid channel 182 directs fluid from the interior volume 124 of the housing 102 to the opening 116 of the connector 104, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The air channel 184 supplies air to the interior volume 124 to facilitate fluid flow through the fluid connector assembly. As shown in FIG. 6B , the side of the insert 180 that interfaces with the connector 104 includes a recess 186 to ensure proper alignment with the connector 104. In some embodiments, the insert 180 may include more than one recess 186.

[0034] 7 illustrates a connector 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the connector 104 includes two holes: a channel 146 for directing fluid and an air channel 194. In some embodiments, the connector 104 may include only the channel 146. The side of the connector 104 that interfaces with the insert 180 may include a protrusion 192 to ensure proper alignment with the insert 180. In some embodiments, the connector 104 may include more than one protrusion 192.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In step 304, a compressible member is received in the housing. The compressible member is further received in the interior volume of the housing. The compressible member is further capable of resiliently compressing based on an external force and returning to its original shape after the external force is removed.

[0038] 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 coupled to an insert and inserted into the housing, such that the insert contacts the compressible member. The post of the first connector may also form a fluid outlet for the fluid connector assembly.

[0039] At step 308, a second connector is received at 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.

[0040] 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 the 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.

[0041] In step 312, the seal is released based on displacement of the compressible member. Release of the seal allows intravenous fluid entering the second connector to pass through the opening in the post of the first connector. Additionally, 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 compresses, allowing 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.

[0044] Examples of subject matter art as clauses The subject technology is exemplified by various aspects, for example, as described below. 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. Note that 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.

[0045] Clause 1. A fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having a first end in fluid communication with a second end through a cavity; a compressible member disposed within the housing, the compressible member comprising at least one sealing element and a gate; a first connector configured to couple to the housing at the first end and to deliver fluid through the housing; and a second connector configured to couple to the housing at the second end and to receive fluid from the housing.

[0046] Clause 2. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 1, wherein the second end of the housing has a first passage configured to direct fluid to the second connector and a second passage configured to take in air.

[0047] Clause 3. The fluid connector assembly of clause 2, wherein the second connector includes an outside air hole in fluid communication with the second passageway.

[0048] Clause 4. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 3, wherein the second connector is configured to supply air to the cavity when the first connector is coupled to the first end of the housing.

[0049] Clause 5. The fluid connector assembly of clause 4, wherein the second connector includes at least one protrusion configured to align with at least one recess in the second end of the housing.

[0050] Clause 6. The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the compressible member is configured to deform substantially to a first side of the cavity in a compressed configuration.

[0051] Clause 7. The fluid connector assembly of clause 6, wherein the gate is located on a first side of the cavity.

[0052] Clause 8. The fluid connector assembly of clause 7, wherein the gate is configured to transition from the second position when the compressible member is in the compressed configuration.

[0053] Clause 9. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 8, wherein the gate is configured to allow fluid to pass to the second end of the housing and enter the second connector when the gate is in the second position.

[0054] Clause 10. The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the compressible member further comprises a first portion and a second portion separated by a gate.

[0055] Clause 11. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 10, wherein the first portion extends from the gate toward a first end of the housing and the second portion extends from the gate toward a second end of the housing.

[0056] Clause 12. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 11, wherein the first portion is configured to undergo a greater deformation than the second portion when the first connector is coupled to the first end of the housing.

[0057] Clause 13. The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein at least one sealing element is configured to extend radially within the cavity of the housing.

[0058] Clause 14. The fluid connector assembly of clause 13, wherein the at least one sealing element comprises a primary seal and a secondary seal.

[0059] Clause 15. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 14, wherein the secondary seal is located adjacent to the first end of the housing and the primary seal is located in a cavity of the housing between the first end and the second end.

[0060] Clause 16. The fluid connector assembly of clause 1, wherein the compressible member is configured to deform from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration when the first connector is coupled to the housing.

[0061] Clause 17. A fluid connector assembly as described in Clause 16, wherein at least one sealing element is configured to prevent fluid communication between the first end and the second end through the gate when the compressible member is in an expanded configuration.

[0062] Clause 18. A fluid connector assembly as described in Clause 17, wherein at least one sealing element is configured to allow fluid communication between the first end and the second end through the gate when the compressible member is in a compressed configuration.

[0063] Clause 19. A fluid connector assembly comprising: a housing having a first end in fluid communication with a second end through a cavity; a compressible member disposed within the housing, the compressible member comprising at least one sealing element and a gate; a first connector configured to couple to the housing at the first end and configured to deliver fluid through the housing; and a second connector configured to couple to the housing at the second end and configured to receive fluid from the housing, wherein the compressible member is configured to deform from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration when the first connector is coupled to the housing, and wherein the compressible member is configured to deform substantially toward a first side of the cavity in the compressed configuration.

[0064] Clause 20. A fluid connector assembly as described in clause 19, wherein the gate is configured to allow fluid flow between the first end and the second end past the gate when the compressible member is in a compressed configuration.

[0065] 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 one aspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) may be combined with one or more other clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In one 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 one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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. A disclosure of an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to 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. A disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to 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. A disclosure of a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] As used in this disclosure, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," etc., should be understood to refer to any frame of reference, rather 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.

[0073] 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." Furthermore, with respect to the use of the terms "comprises," "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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 housing having a first end in fluid communication with a second end through a cavity; a compressible member disposed within the housing, at least one sealing element; Gate and a compressible member comprising: a first connector configured to couple to the housing at the second end and configured to receive fluid from the housing; a second connector configured to couple to the housing at the first end and configured to deliver fluid to the housing; and A fluid connector assembly comprising:

2. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compressible member is configured to deform from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration when the second connector is coupled to the housing.

3. 3. The fluid connector assembly of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the gate is configured to transition from a first position to a second position when the second connector is coupled to the housing.

4. the compressible member is configured to deform substantially toward a first side of the cavity when the second connector is coupled to the housing; the gate is configured to deform substantially toward the first side of the cavity when the second connector is coupled to the housing.

4. The fluid connector assembly of claim 3.

5. The fluid connector assembly of claim 4 , wherein the gate is configured to allow the fluid to pass to the first connector when the gate is in the second position.

6. The second end of the housing further includes an insert, the insert comprising: a first passageway configured to direct the fluid to the first connector; and a second passageway configured to deliver air to the cavity; The fluid connector assembly of claim 1 , comprising:

7. The fluid connector assembly of claim 6 , wherein the first connector includes an air hole in fluid communication with the second passageway.

8. 8. The fluid connector assembly of claim 7, wherein the first connector is configured to supply air to the cavity when the second connector is coupled to the first end of the housing.

9. The fluid connector assembly of claim 8 , wherein the first connector includes at least one protrusion configured to align with at least one recess in the insert.

10. 2. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the compressible member further comprises a first portion and a second portion separated by the gate.

11. 11. The fluid connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the first portion extends from the gate toward the first end of the housing and the second portion extends from the gate toward the second end of the housing.

12. 12. The fluid connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the first portion is configured to undergo a greater deformation than the second portion when the first connector is coupled to the housing.

13. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sealing element is configured to extend circumferentially within the cavity of the housing.

14. The fluid connector assembly of claim 13 , wherein the at least one sealing element comprises a primary seal and a secondary seal.

15. 15. The fluid connector assembly of claim 14, wherein the secondary seal is located proximate the first end of the housing and the primary seal is located between the secondary seal and the gate.

16. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compressible member is configured to deform from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration when the second connector is coupled to the housing.

17. 17. The fluid connector assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one sealing element is configured to prevent fluid communication between the first end and the second end when the compressible member is in the expanded configuration.

18. 18. The fluid connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the at least one sealing element is configured to allow fluid communication between the first end and the second end when the compressible member is in the compressed configuration.

19. a housing having a first end in fluid communication with a second end through a cavity; a compressible member disposed within the housing, at least one sealing element; Gate and a compressible member comprising: a first connector configured to couple to the housing at the second end and configured to receive fluid from the housing; a second connector configured to couple to the housing at the first end and configured to deliver fluid to the housing; and 1. A fluid connector assembly comprising: the compressible member is configured to deform from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration when the second connector is coupled to the housing; the compressible member is configured to deform substantially to a first side of the cavity in the compressed configuration; Fluid connector assembly.

20. 20. The fluid connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the gate is configured to allow fluid flow between the first end and the second end past the gate when the compressible member is in the compressed configuration.

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