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: 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: A dual-chamber syringe system is disclosed. Critical system oriented elements are disclosed, including plunger valve designs for accurate measurement and true, non-canting displacement; tamper and inadvertent valve actuation indicators, as well as, valve status indicators; anti-reflux construction; novel indicia patterns for dual-chamber syringe operation; structure and method for quality assurance that no gas can be delivered from a proximal chamber of the dual-chamber syringe and a kit for single step dose transfer. In addition, a tapered fitting valve is disclosed. The tapered fitting valve comprises a single molded incompressible, but supple part and a skeletal support whereby the tapered fitting valve is opened by insertion into a tapered fitting. The preferred embodiment of an actuator portion of the valve is elliptical in shape.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A discharge assembly is disclosed which partitions a conventional syringe into proximal and distal chambers to provide a multi-chamber, sequentially dispensing syringe apparatus. Incorporated in the discharge assembly is a syringe stopper body and an associated valve stem which in combination form a valve. A syringe plunger communicates through fluid in the proximal chamber to force displacement of the discharge assembly. The valve is actuated by collision between a rigid member which is a part of the valve stem and the distal internal surface of the syringe. The discharge assembly may be made from two parts: (1) the stopper body (made from conventional syringe stopper material); (2) the valve (actuating) stem made from rigid material similar to material from which the syringe barrel is made.

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.