Abstract: A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.

Abstract: An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate control system and method comprises a capillary tube having a proximal end that projects into a chamber with a cross-sectional area that is larger than or equal to the fluid supply tube's cross-sectional area. The inner cross-sectional area of the capillary tube is configured less than the inner cross-sectional area of the chamber. The chamber has a volume large enough to slow the fluid conducted to it by the upstream fluid line to permit contaminants to fall out of solution. In another aspect, a sleeve is used to mount the capillary tube into the chamber. The sleeve provides a mounting surface for tube segments from the pump and downstream of the capillary restrictor.

Abstract: An infusion status indicator disposed in the medical infusion line includes a housing with an opening through which the status of the infusion may be determined. A flexible membrane is located at the opening to indicate the status of fluid in the cavity. A recessed flexible membrane indicates insufficient flow of medical fluid into the cavity from the fluid supply, a level flexible membrane indicates correct flow of fluid through the indicator, and a concave flexible membrane indicates an insufficient flow of medical fluid out of the cavity, possibly indicating an occlusion of the fluid line downstream of the indicator. Check valves may be included upstream and downstream of the cavity so that a bolus of fluid may be forced out of the cavity to the patient by pressing the flexible membrane into the cavity.

Abstract: Flexible medical grade PVC tubing has inner and outer layers coextruded with different plasticizers, with the first, inside layer of the tubing containing a plasticizer, such as di-ethylhexyl adipate, and having a thickness adapted to limit migration of a second plasticizer, such as di-ethylhexyl phthalate, from a second, outer layer of the tubing to the inside of the tubing. The flexible medical grade tubing can optionally include a third, outermost layer surrounding the second layer and containing a plasticizer such as di-ethylhexyl adipate, so that the third layer limits migration of the second plasticizer to the outside of the tubing.

Abstract: Flexible medical grade PVC tubing has inner and outer layers coextruded with different plasticizers, with the first, inside layer of the tubing containing a plasticizer, such as di-ethylhexyl adipate, and having a thickness adapted to limit migration of a second plasticizer, such as di-ethylhexyl phthalate, from a second, outer layer of the tubing to the inside of the tubing. The flexible medical grade tubing can optionally include a third, outermost layer surrounding the second layer and containing a plasticizer such as di-ethylhexyl adipate, so that the third layer limits migration of the second plasticizer to the outside of the tubing.