Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of mixing syringes are provided. Inventive key to all of the embodiments is a piston valve which divides a barrel to create a pair of chambers in which matter and liquid can be disparately and securely disposed before mixing. Each disclosed piston valve is actuated by force on an associated plunger rod which produces pressure within an associated syringe resulting in a change of the valve state from closed to open. In addition, each such valve comprises check valve action which is permissive to only distal flow through the syringe. Embodiments for both a basic mixing syringe and a mixing syringe with flush are disclosed. Considerations and methods for chamber filling without valve actuation are provided. A mixing syringe system with flush system utilizing a dual chamber syringe having a male luer fitting and a separate diluent containing vessel having a female luer fitting is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a field environment filled proximal chamber of a multi-chamber syringe and for filling a prime-free syringe are disclosed. In addition, methods for resetting valves of a multi-chamber syringe without special tools or insertion of foreign objects into the syringe are disclosed. A valve for interfacing with syringes telescopically inserted into a larger syringe and which are generally used as proximal chambers in multi-chamber syringes used in mixing and serial delivery applications is disclosed. Four embodiments of novel resettable valves are disclosed. Also, a syringe assembly for delivering a saline-dose-saline medication sequence is disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic shield for a conventional syringe is disclosed. In addition, two embodiments for providing a prime free syringe are disclosed. A first embodiment employs a tube which delivers liquid only from a liquid only zone within an associated syringe while a second embodiment is disclosed to discharge gas out of a proximal side of a plunger to void gas from a syringe delivery chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for disposing a valve within a barrel of a conventional syringe to provide, first, a mixing syringe embodiment and, second, a sequential delivery syringe embodiment. Generally, the valve divides the syringe barrel into a proximal and a distal chamber. When used for mixing, the valve is self-displaceable by expansion of decompressing matter disposed within the valve against exterior matter permitting proximal displacement of the valve independent of character of matter in the distal chamber. For sequential delivery, switching of the valve occurs after switch opening causing pressure is relieved, thereby reducing inadvertent uncontrolled flow when the valve opens. In addition, a combination mixing and flush syringe is disclosed whereby a mixing and a flush capability is provided within a conventional syringe.

Abstract: A needleless connector for controllably permitting fluid communication between a cannula and a port usually associated with a patient catheter or line. The connector is made from three parts, two of which form an elongated housing for a valve part. The valve part comprises a domed slit valve which is in a closed state before a cannula is inserted into the housing. Insertion of the cannula inverts the dome valve to open a slit permitting fluid communication there through. Insertion of the cannula also displaces the valve part about and along a post internally disposed in the housing. Assembled, the valve part is initially disposed about the post in a compressive sealed relationship to form a secure pathway therebetween. The post is shaped to store greater energy by stretching portions of the valve part as the valve part is displaced therealong.