Abstract: Systems and apparatus for providing fluid communications are described. In an example, a vial access cap includes a connector having an opening for providing access to a fluid pathway; a canella extending into an interior of a vial, the canella having a fluid lumen operatively coupled to the fluid pathway and a gas lumen; and a gravity-assisted valve comprising a valve body defining an elongated valve cavity, a first port, a second port operatively coupled to the gas lumen, and a valve member movable between a sealable end of the elongated valve cavity proximal to the first port and a non-sealable end of the elongated valve cavity proximal to the second port. In other examples, a syringe including a gravity-assisted valve and a system including gravity-assisted valves are described.

Abstract: A needleless connector has a body having an internal cavity with a sealing ridge, a port, an output flow channel, and a fluid flow path between the port and output flow channel. The connector also has a collapsible valve disposed within the cavity. The valve includes a cylindrical wall having a center axis and a shoulder and defining an internal air space, wherein the shoulder is configured to sealingly contact the ridge of the body so as to block the fluid flow path, and a head fixedly attached to the wall, the head having first and second smiley cuts disposed on opposite sides of the head.

Abstract: A vial adapter for side engagement of a vial cap includes a needleless connector having a housing and defining one or more fluid pathways therein; an elongated piercing spike operatively coupled to the needleless connector, the elongated piercing spike having a longitudinal axis and one or more channels for fluid connectivity with the one or more fluid pathways; at least one housing arm coupled to the housing and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a coupling member configured to orthogonally receive a vial cap with respect to the longitudinal axis, the coupling member having a planar surface, an aperture of the planar surface longitudinally aligned with the elongated piercing spike, and at least one support arm extending from the planar surface operatively coupled with the at least one housing arm to allow relative longitudinal movement between the coupling member and the elongated piercing spike.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed that has a housing having a fluid path from a first port through an internal cavity to a second port. The connector also includes a plug that has first and second positions within the internal cavity, where the plug blocks the fluid path between the first port and the internal cavity when in the first position. The plug has a diaphragm that separates the internal cavity into a first volume that is vented and a second volume that includes the fluid path. The plug also includes a biasing element that is disposed within the first volume and that urges the plug toward the first position. Displacement of the plug from the first position toward the second position opens the fluid path and increases the second volume.

Abstract: A prophy angle for storing prophy paste in a controlled releasable manner, the angle having a first drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to a rotatable head assembly at a distal end of prophy angle and an independent second drive mechanism configured to deliver a controlled amount of paste from a chamber to the distal end of the prophy angle, the second drive mechanism comprising an index wheel engaging an actuator so that the wheel may be driven in a stepped rotational manner upon actuation of the actuator by the clinician.

Abstract: A prophy angle is provided that includes a first drive mechanism positioned within a housing for delivering mechanical energy to a rotatable head assembly at the distal end of the housing. A chamber is enclosed within the housing for storing prophy paste. A paste-dispensing assembly that includes an actuator at the proximal end of the housing, a push rod linked to the actuator and supporting a plunger on the push rod is provided, where the push rod is supported by the housing in a biased manner to permit longitudinal movement within the housing in a reciprocating manner as actuated by the actuator, to dispense a controlled quantity of paste out of the prophy angle.

Abstract: A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. Barbs extending along the exterior of the male luer and connected to the retractable post, wherein when the connector is activated, the barbs force the retractable post away from the tip of the male luer thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector. A retention member applies force to the post to force the post to seal the tip of the male luer with the medical connector is not activated.

Abstract: A connector is described which includes a valve housing comprising a valve housing base and a valve cap, the valve housing defining an inlet port, and an outlet port, the valve housing further including a fluid path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the fluid path including a channel formed in an inner wall of the valve housing. A valve insert in the valve housing defines a bowl sealed by a diaphragm, such that the sealed bowl forms an inner volume in the valve housing. A valve plug operable seals the inlet port when the connector is in an unactuated state thereby closing the fluid path through the connector. Upon actuation of the connector the valve plug deforms the diaphragm into the inner volume thereby unsealing the inlet port and opening the fluid path through the connector. Because of the arrangement of the valve plug, valve insert and diaphragm, the connector has a low priming volume and has positive fluid displacement characteristics upon actuation.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed that has a housing having a fluid path from a first port through an internal cavity to a second port. The connector also includes a plug that has first and second positions within the internal cavity, where the plug blocks the fluid path between the first port and the internal cavity when in the first position. The plug has a diaphragm that separates the internal cavity into a first volume that is vented and a second volume that includes the fluid path. The plug also includes a biasing element that is disposed within the first volume and that urges the plug toward the first position. Displacement of the plug from the first position toward the second position opens the fluid path and increases the second volume.

Abstract: A medical connector for minimizing leakage of fluids during connection and disconnection is described. The medical connector includes a body having an inlet port, at least one outlet port adjacent to a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable seal adjacent to the male luer portion of the body and blocks the outlet ports of the body when the male luer portion of the medical connect is in a disconnected state. The retractable seal is positioned on the body such that it is moved away from the outlet ports upon insertion of the male luer portion of the medical connector into a medical access device thereby unblocking the outlet ports and creating a fluid path through the medical connector.

Abstract: A connector is described which includes a valve housing comprising a valve housing base and a valve cap, the valve housing defining an inlet port, and an outlet port, the valve housing further including a fluid path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the fluid path including a channel formed in an inner wall of the valve housing. A valve insert in the valve housing defines a bowl sealed by a diaphragm, such that the sealed bowl forms an inner volume in the valve housing. A valve plug operable seals the inlet port when the connector is in an unactuated state thereby closing the fluid path through the connector. Upon actuation of the connector the valve plug deforms the diaphragm into the inner volume thereby unsealing the inlet port and opening the fluid path through the connector. Because of the arrangement of the valve plug, valve insert and diaphragm, the connector has a low priming volume and has positive fluid displacement characteristics upon actuation.