Abstract: A fluid handling device, such as a needlefree access device, includes a housing having an inlet and an inlet channel; and a flow control member comprising a combination outlet, biasing and piston member. The flow control member includes a piston section moveable between a closed position in which the piston section is in the inlet channel and an open position in which the piston section is inside the housing below the inlet channel but allows fluid to flow through the inlet channel; a biasing section connected to the piston section that normally biases the piston section into the inlet channel; and an outlet section connected to the biasing section having an outlet fitting in fluid communication with the inside of the housing. The piston section, biasing section and outlet section are connected together such that they can be handled as one piece when assembled with the housing to make the needlefree access device.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of valve apparatus and combination filter valve assemblies. One exemplary embodiment provides a combination filter valve apparatus suitable for filtering objectionable particulate matter from a fluid and for selectively occluding a fluid flow opening. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus generally includes an outer member, a sealing member, and filtration media disposed generally between the outer member and the sealing member. The filtration media may be configured to generally support the sealing member for resilient movement relative to a fluid flow opening between open and closed positions. In the open position, the sealing member may be spaced apart from the fluid flow opening. In the closed position, the sealing member may be in sealing engagement with and substantially blocking the fluid flow opening, thereby inhibiting the ingress of fluid into or egress of fluid out of the fluid flow opening.

Abstract: A fluid handling device, such as a needlefree access device, includes a housing having an inlet and an inlet channel; and a flow control member comprising a combination outlet, biasing and piston member. The flow control member includes a piston section moveable between a closed position in which the piston section is in the inlet channel and an open position in which the piston section is inside the housing below the inlet channel but allows fluid to flow through the inlet channel; a biasing section connected to the piston section that normally biases the piston section into the inlet channel; and an outlet section connected to the biasing section having an outlet fitting in fluid communication with the inside of the housing. The piston section, biasing section and outlet section are connected together such that they can be handled as one piece when assembled with the housing to make the needlefree access device.

Abstract: A fluid handling device, such as a needlefree access device, includes a housing having an inlet and an inlet channel; and a flow control member comprising a combination outlet, biasing and piston member. The flow control member includes a piston section moveable between a closed position in which the piston section is inside the housing below the inlet channel but allows fluid to flow through the inlet channel; a biasing section connected to the piston section that normally biases the piston section into the inlet channel; and an outlet section connected to the biasing section having an outlet fitting in fluid communication with the inside of the housing.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of valve apparatus and combination filter valve assemblies. One exemplary embodiment provides a combination filter valve apparatus suitable for filtering objectionable particulate matter from a fluid and for selectively occluding a fluid flow opening. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus generally includes an outer member, a sealing member, and filtration media disposed generally between the outer member and the sealing member. The filtration media may be configured to generally support the sealing member for resilient movement relative to a fluid flow opening between open and closed positions. In the open position, the sealing member may be spaced apart from the fluid flow opening. In the closed position, the sealing member may be in sealing engagement with and substantially blocking the fluid flow opening, thereby inhibiting the ingress of fluid into or egress of fluid out of the fluid flow opening.

Abstract: An intravenous filter device comprises a filter housing having a front side, a back side, a first end, a second end, an inlet and an outlet, the housing containing a hydrophilic filtration media and defining a flow path such that intravenous fluid entering the housing through the inlet passes through the filtration media before passing out of the housing through the outlet. Inlet and outlet tubing connectors, both preferably attached to the front side of the filter housing, form, respectively, the housing inlet and outlet. In the preferred embodiment the connectors are raised above the front side or the housing such that tubing connected to the connectors does not intersect the front side of the housing. At least one vent hole in the housing provides a passageway for gas to escape from the housing, the vent hole being preferably open to the front side of the housing.

Abstract: An air elimination device for removing air or gas bubbles from aqueous liquids flowing through an intravenous delivery system. The device comprises a housing having an interior chamber, an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and one or more vent openings. The inlet passage delivers the liquid into the interior chamber. The outlet passage delivers the liquid from the interior chamber. A hydrophobic membrane is attached to the housing and positioned over the vent openings. The hydrophobic membrane allows gas bubbles in the aqueous liquid that enter the interior chamber of the housing to pass through the vent openings while preventing the liquid from passing through the vent openings. The outlet passage comprises a stem which extends inwardly into the interior chamber and terminates in an interior end.

Abstract: A center flow check valve of the diaphragm type is inexpensive to manufacture and has reliably great sensitivity in both forward and reverse flow. The valve includes an imperforate diaphragm that is loose, e.g., is not affirmatively held in place by a pin or the like, and the center portion of the diaphragm as well as the periphery move axially in various modes of operation. Various elements help to keep the diaphragm centered. A reverse flow path directs back flow to the center of the downstream surface of the diaphragm. The back flow lifts the diaphragm from support edges about which it flexes during forward flow and seals it against a concave sealing surface. The diaphragm is protected against strong pressure in the forward direction by a flow deflector and against strong back flow pressure by the concave sealing surface.

Abstract: A drip chamber assembly is provided which includes a chamber that is flexible but is non-collapsible under a negative pressure condition. The chamber, being flexible, yields to priming easily, but when restriction is added to the inlet port the chamber will not collapse and aspirate air to the patient. A flexible chamber is formed of a vinyl plastic material having a thickness of about 0.04 inch to 0.08 inch and a durometer reading of about 61 shore A to 81 shore A. End caps rigidly support each of the ends of the chamber with the end caps each having a contact length along the chamber of at least 0.2 inch.

Abstract: A luer connection system is provided in which a male luer connector (20) has a main body portion (22) and a front luer portion (24) with a locking ring (42) that is axially slidable along the main body portion (22). The locking ring (42) is adapted to threadedly engage a mating female luer device (52). A collar (26) is carried by the male luer connector (20) between the main body portion (22) and the front luer portion (24). The luer connector has a flexible member (38) which flexes to a stressed position when the locking ring (42) is in threaded engagement with the mating female luer device (52). In this manner, there is some stress provided in the threaded engagement to prevent the locking ring (42) from inadvertently disengaging.

Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed which separates gas from liquid and vents the separated gas from the filter. The filter includes a vented housing through which the fluid stream passes. Liquid-wetting filter means carried in the housing in the path of the fluid stream permits the passage of liquid only. Gas separated from the fluid is vented through vent opening means which is covered by a liquid-repellent filter to permit the passage of gas only. An automatic pressure sensitive control means may be used to seal the vent opening means against the entry of ambient air but to automatically release separated gas from the filter. The liquid-repellent filter may be secured to the housing by a mechanical bond between the housing and a fibrous backing carried by the filter, or a continuous band of medical grade tape may be used to attach the filter to the housing.

Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed which separates gas from liquid and vents the separated gas from the filter. The filter includes a vented housing through which the fluid stream passes. Liquid-wetting filter means carried in the housing in the path of the fluid stream permits the passage of liquid only. Gas separated from the fluid is vented through vent opening means which is covered by a liquid-repellent filter to permit the passage of gas only. An automatic, pressure sensitive control means may be used to seal the vent opening means against the entry of ambient air but to automatically release separated gas from the filter. The liquid-repellent filter may be secured to the housing by a mechanical bond between the housing and a fibrous backing carried by the filter, or a continuous band of medical grade tape may be used to attach the filter to the housing.

Abstract: A check valve is provided comprising a cap having an inlet port and a body with an internal recess whose periphery is engaged with the cap and contains an outlet port. A rib extends across the body recess and is supported and urged against the cap by the rib substantially along the entire length of the rib. The diaphragm is engaged against the cap to close the valve, with the peripheral edges of the diaphragm being adapted to bend away from the cap to open the valve when a predetermined fluid pressure is exerted at the inlet port.

Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed which separates gas from liquid and vents the separated gas from the filter. The filter includes a vented housing through which the fluid stream passes. Liquid-wetting filter means carried in the housing in the path of the fluid stream permits the passage of liquid only. Gas separated from the fluid is vented through vent opening means which is covered by a liquid-repellent filter to permit the passage of gas only. An automatic, pressure sensitive control means may be used to seal the vent opening means against the entry of ambient air but to automatically release separated gas from the filter. The liquid-repellent filter may be secured to the housing by a mechanical bond between the housing and a fibrous backing carried by the filter, or a continuous band of medical grade tape may be used to attach the filter to the housing.