Abstract: An IV manifold includes a plurality of injection/aspiration ports including a needleless access port (NAC). A check valve included in the manifold is generally located at an upstream end of the manifold. However, the check valve may alternatively be located between injection ports. An aspiration port can be formed with a second seal disposed on the side of the valve element opposite a first seal. Two-way aspiration can be provided by a valve having a cage with or without compressible characteristics to accommodate low tolerance fittings. Alternatively, two way aspiration can be provided by the NAC having a single elongate valve element including a plug at one end. The elongate valve element has properties for resiliently and sealingly biasing the plug into an aperture of the NAC. In use the Plug is mechanically displaced by insertion of a male Luer for injection or aspiration.

Abstract: An IV manifold includes a plurality of injection/aspiration ports and has an elongate configuration with a width greater than the diameter of the ports. A flow channel is formed between mating members of a housing and provided with a U-shaped configuration. Projections along the flow channel direct fluid flow into valve cavities associated with the ports to clear dead spots around the valve elements. A check valve included in the manifold tends to direct high pressures against the valve elements which respond by forming surface seals thereby avoiding deformation. An aspiration port can be formed with a second seal disposed on the side of the valve element opposite the first seal. Opening this second seal by negative pressure in the lumen of the port provides for the aspiration of fluids in the flow channel. Two-way aspiration can be provided by a valve having a cage with or without compressible characteristics to accommodate low tolerance fittings.

Abstract: A protective cap for use with a luer lock system. The protective cap includes a tubular body having an inner surface and a closed end. Internal threads are formed on the inner surface which are sized and shaped to engage with an external threads on the associated luer component. A crush thread is formed adjacent to a portion of the inner threads and protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the protective cap. The crush thread is configured for engagement with the external threads on the luer component such that when the protective cap is threaded onto the luer component, the crush threads frictionally interfere with the external threads. This frictional interference resists decoupling and thus removal of the protective cap from the luer component.

Abstract: A connector adapted to facilitate medicinal access into an intravenous tube includes a housing having a base and a cap defining a channel through the housing. A valve element disposed in the channel includes a plug and elastomeric shaft which biases the plug into sealing engagement with the housing. Operation of the connector by inserting a male Luer fitting in the housing axially compresses the valve element to a canted position thereby permitting medicinal access through the channel and into the intravenous tube. Canting of the valve element can be facilitated by providing a finger along the channel or by providing a predetermined buckling section along the valve element. The shaft of the valve element can be rounded and disposed in an arcuate cavity of the housing to further facilitate canting of the valve element.

Abstract: A device for transferring fluid with minimum fluid displacement includes a valve internal chamber adapted for receiving an actuator therethrough for facilitating introduction of fluid into the valve internal chamber. A biased member abuts against either a compressible gas or an ambient atmosphere, and is adapted for being moved by the actuator. Movement of the biased member results in displacement of either the compressible gas or the ambient atmosphere to thereby offset a displacement of fluid in the valve internal chamber that was introduced by insertion of the actuator into the valve internal chamber. A valve outlet port is adapted for outputting fluid from the valve internal chamber. The valve outlet port is configured in fluid communication with the valve internal chamber at all times, and is adapted for allowing fluid to freely flow between the valve internal chamber and the valve outlet port.

Abstract: An improved luer lock connector having a pair of tapered engagement surfaces between the hub and one of the two components of the luer connector. The tapered engagement surfaces provide a gradual frictional engagement when tightening the hub to minimize inadvertent reverse rotation and loosening of the hub. The tubular body is also provided with a plurality of axially extending splines for engagement with a plurality of inwardly radially directed ribs on the hub to positively rotationally lock the two components when the hub is in a proximal position. A small circumferential ridge provides tactile feedback to an operator to indicate when the hub is in a positive rotationally interlocked relationship with the tubular body. The hub may be completely removed in a proximal direction from the tubular body and retracted proximally along a supply line to remove it from the connector site.

Abstract: A rotating stream sprinkler is provided with an improved spray head for sweeping one or more outwardly projected water streams through a prescribed arcuate spray path, wherein the spray head is adapted for enhanced self-flushing operation to prevent accumulation of grit and the like which could otherwise impair sprinkler performance. In the preferred form, the spray head is mounted at the upper end of a pop-up stem for movement to an elevated spraying position upon supply of water under pressure to the sprinkler. The water flows to the spray head and normally pressure-loads a plurality of valve balls onto a respective plurality of seats to prevent water flow through the seats to associated nozzle passages. A drive assembly rotates the spray head relative to a nonrotating cam positioned to lift one or more of the valve balls from their respective seats to permit outward discharge of one or more water streams through the nozzle passages, within the limits of the prescribed arcuate path.