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: 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.