Abstract: A needle protector having a body, a needle hub and a needle. The body has a first end and a second end. The body includes a plurality of side walls extending between the first and second ends in a geometric configuration. The side walls define an interior space. The side walls define a first slot and a second slot. The needle hub including a front end, a back end, a first side and a second side is positioned in the interior space of the body. The front end is adapted to receive a needle. The first and second sides each includes a handle device. The handle device extends through the slots to positions outside of the body. The needle is in communication with the front end of the needle hub. Movement of the handle devices causes corresponding movement of the needle. The needle can be retracted into the body and locked in position.

Abstract: A catheter hub including a housing having a connection end defining a first fluid passageway and a catheter end defining a second fluid passageway. The housing includes a plurality of hub walls arranged in a geometric configuration. The hub walls define a valve chamber. The catheter hub further includes a valve positioned in the valve chamber for controlling fluid flow through the chamber between the first and second fluid passageways. The catheter hub further includes an actuator for actuating the valve. The catheter hub regulates fluid flow between the first and second fluid passageways.

Abstract: Catheter apparatus having a needle protector attached to a catheter hub. The needle protector includes a needle. The catheter hub defines a valve chamber. A valve is positioned in the chamber for controlling fluid flow through the chamber. The catheter apparatus is used to insert a catheter in a blood vessel and to regulate fluid flow between the catheter hub and the blood vessel.

Abstract: A needle protector having a body, a needle hub and a needle. The body includes a first end and a second end. The body consists of a hollow elongated cylinder defined by a continuous wall having a channel extending between the first and second ends. The continuous wall defines a recess adjacent the first end. The needle hub is movably mounted on the body. The needle hub has an external portion, an internal portion and a tracking member extending between the external portions. The tracking member is positioned in the channel. The external portion includes a single locking arm adapted to be received by the recess and the second end. The needle is mounted in the internal portion of the needle hub. Movement of the needle hub from the first end to the second end results in corresponding movement of the needle into the body until the locking arm engages the second end thereby preventing movement of the needle hub and the needle from the second end to the first end of the body.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a body, an end cap, a resilient septum, and an actuator. The body forms a plurality of fluid recesses. The end cap defines a plurality of projections that form channels. The septum is positioned between the body and the end cap. An actuator device is positioned adjacent the septum for moving the septum away from a shoulder defined in the body to allow fluid to pass through the body, actuator, and end cap. The assembly can include a sharp. The sharp extends through the body, the actuator, the septum and the end cap.