Abstract: A collapsible valve for use in a needleless access connector to reduce the priming volume of the needleless access connector. A needleless access connector with a small priming volume. A method of connecting a first medical device to a second medical device with a needleless access connector with a small priming volume.

Abstract: A fluid control device for directing fluid flow comprising a needleless access device for transferring fluids and methods of directing fluid flow. The fluid control device may have a first port, a second port, a third port and a connecting portion joining the first, second and third ports. A first valve element may be positioned within the first port and a fluid director may be positioned within the connecting portion. The first valve element may move between an opening position, where fluid may flow past the first valve element, and a closed position, where fluid may be prevented from flowing past the first valve element. The fluid director may have at least one passageway for connecting at least two of the first, second and third ports such that fluid may flow therebetween. An actuation mechanism may be used to orient the fluid director and, consequently, the at least one passageway within the connecting portion.

Abstract: A collapsible valve comprising a first portion with at least one dimple in a side thereof, and a second portion, the second portion being narrower than the first portion and arranged along an axial dimension of the first portion, the second portion including a cut therein.

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 method comprises loading a tooling module onto a module carrier unit, inserting the module carrier unit into a molding press so that the carrier unit rests on a supporting member of an injection molding press, and closing the molding press until the tooling module is mated to an ejection side of a mold base.

Abstract: A fluid control device for directing fluid flow comprising a needleless access device for transferring fluids and methods of directing fluid flow. The fluid control device may have a first port, a second port, a third port and a connecting portion joining the first, second and third ports. A first valve element may be positioned within the first port and a fluid director may be positioned within the connecting portion. The first valve element may move between an opening position, where fluid may flow past the first valve element, and a closed position, where fluid may be prevented from flowing past the first valve element. The fluid director may have at least one passageway for connecting at least two of the first, second and third ports such that fluid may flow therebetween. An actuation mechanism may be used to orient the fluid director and, consequently, the at least one passageway within the connecting portion.

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.

Abstract: A connector for transferring fluid and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be coupled together at a main channel with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the first port. The first valve element is supported by a valve element support positioned between the first port and the third port, and the second port joins the main channel to provide a fluid path around the first valve element and through the third port.

Abstract: A connector comprising a needless access device and a backflow check valve for transferring fluids and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port. A first valve element may be positioned within the first port and a second valve element may be positioned within the second port. The first valve element may be in a first position as a first fluid flows between the first and third ports. The second port may be used to introduce a second fluid into the connector. Upon introduction of the second fluid to the connector, the first valve element may move from the first position to a second position. In the second position, fluid may be prevented from flowing past the first valve element.