Abstract: A coupler including a first connector having a mating portion with a first opening, and a first torsion member disposed within the mating portion with a first channel. The first torsion member being rotatable relative to the mating portion. The coupler including a second connector having a second torsion member with a second channel, and a coupling portion having a second opening and at least partially disposed within the second torsion member. The second torsion member configured to couple to the first torsion member to couple the first connector to the second connector such that rotation of the second torsion member causes rotation of the first torsion member to cause alignment of the first channel, the first opening, the second channel, and the second opening to form a fluid pathway. The first connector is configured to decouple from the second connector in response to a force exceeding a threshold force.

Abstract: A coupler including a first connector having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first valve disposed between the first end and the second end. The first valve having a compressed state and an expanded state. The coupler includes a second connector having a housing, a connecting portion extending from the housing, and a second valve disposed at least partially within the housing, the second valve having a compressed state and an expanded state. The coupler further includes a collar coupled to the housing of the second connector and configured to receive at least a portion of the first connector to detachably couple the first connector to the collar and the second connector such that the housing of the second connector is at least partially disposed within the first connector.

Abstract: A coupler including a first connector having a mating portion with a first opening, and a first torsion member disposed within the mating portion with a first channel. The first torsion member being rotatable relative to the mating portion. The coupler including a second connector having a second torsion member with a second channel, and a coupling portion having a second opening and at least partially disposed within the second torsion member. The second torsion member configured to couple to the first torsion member to couple the first connector to the second connector such that rotation of the second torsion member causes rotation of the first torsion member to cause alignment of the first channel, the first opening, the second channel, and the second opening to form a fluid pathway. The first connector is configured to decouple from the second connector in response to a force exceeding a threshold force.

Abstract: Fluid connectors assemblies that provide neutral fluid displacement without overlapping connectors are disclosed. A fluid connector assembly may include a housing and a pair of connectors (e.g., luers) coupled with the housing. A compressible member (e.g., bellow) is located within the housing. The first connector and the second connector each include a post with an opening. The compressible member can seal off the opening of the first connector from fluid entry. However, when the post of the second connector is inserted into the housing, the post of the second connector displaces the compressible member, causing the compressible member to uncover the opening, and further causes the compressible member to open in another location and receive fluid. Further, the compressible member seals each of the first connector and the second connector and forms a fluid path through the posts and the compressible member, with the seals regulating fluid flow.

Abstract: A coupler assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a ring having a first portion coupled to an outer surface of a first end of the first connector, and a second portion having a plurality of arms extending axially away from the first portion and detachably engaged with an exterior rim of a second end of the second connector. A coupling assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A needle-free connector assembly is provided that includes a main housing coupled to an indicator housing. A plunger is coupled to a bellows disposed in the main housing. An inlet port is disposed at an upstream end of the indicator housing and an outlet port is disposed at a downstream end of the main housing, with a valve disposed within the indicator housing and adjacent the inlet port. A switch member is slidingly disposed in the main housing, wherein the needle-free connector assembly provides both flow regulation and pressure indication when the switch member is in a downstream position and only pressure indication when the switch member is in an upstream position. Infusion sets and methods of operating a needle-free connector are also provided.

Abstract: Fluid connectors assemblies that provide neutral fluid displacement without overlapping connectors are disclosed. A fluid connector assembly may include a housing and a pair of connectors (e.g., luers) coupled with the housing. A compressible member (e.g., bellow) is located within the housing. The first connector and the second connector each include a post with an opening. The compressible member can seal off the opening of the first connector from fluid entry. However, when the post of the second connector is inserted into the housing, the post of the second connector displaces the compressible member, causing the compressible member to uncover the opening, and further causes the compressible member to open in another location and receive fluid. Further, the compressible member seals each of the first connector and the second connector and forms a fluid path through the posts and the compressible member, with the seals regulating fluid flow.

Abstract: A single use disposable elapsed time indicator and methods for using same include an indicator that can have a flexible chamber for holding an aqueous medium and a slot with a viewing window and a longitudinal axis. The slot is connected to the chamber via a passage having a breakable seal therein. An absorbable material is located within and at a first end of the slot that swells upon exposure to the aqueous medium. A graded scale is also included along the longitudinal axis of the slot to indicate periods of elapsed time. The absorbable material is configured to expand from the first end of the slot toward an opposing end of the slot along the longitudinal axis and thereby mark elapsed time on the graded scale.

Abstract: Fluid connector assemblies with fluid connectors connected via a detachable ring are disclosed. A fluid connector assembly may include a pair of fluid connectors and a ring that couples the pair of connectors. The ring may be configured to detach from either connector upon experiencing a separating force that exceeds a predetermined threshold force. The detachment of the ring may decouple the pair of fluid connectors. When the pair of fluid connectors are connected, fluid may flow between them. When the pair of fluid connectors are disconnected, fluid may not flow.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a container containing a medical fluid to a vascular access device may include an upper housing defining a first internal chamber, and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing and defining a second internal chamber for circulation of the medical fluid into the outlet. The connector may further include a slider disposed at least partially in the first and second internal chambers, and a plug coupled to a distal end of the slider. The slider may be reciprocally movable between (i) an open position, where the plug is spaced apart from a floor of the internal chamber to allow the medical fluid to flow through the outlet, and (ii) a closed position where the plug abuts the floor of the second internal chamber to block the medical fluid from flowing through the outlet.

Abstract: A needle-free connector assembly is provided that includes a main housing coupled to an indicator housing. A plunger is coupled to a bellows disposed in the main housing. An inlet port is disposed at an upstream end of the indicator housing and an outlet port is disposed at a downstream end of the main housing, with a valve disposed within the indicator housing and adjacent the inlet port. A switch member is slidingly disposed in the main housing, wherein the needle-free connector assembly provides both flow regulation and pressure indication when the switch member is in a downstream position and only pressure indication when the switch member is in an upstream position. Infusion sets and methods of operating a needle-free connector are also provided.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a container containing a medical fluid to a vascular access device may include an upper housing defining a first internal chamber, and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing and defining a second internal chamber for circulation of the medical fluid into the outlet. The connector may further include a slider disposed at least partially in the first and second internal chambers, and a plug coupled to a distal end of the slider. The slider may be reciprocally movable between (i) an open position, where the plug is spaced apart from a floor of the internal chamber to allow the medical fluid to flow through the outlet, and (ii) a closed position where the plug abuts the floor of the second internal chamber to block the medical fluid from flowing through the outlet.

Abstract: Fluid connectors assemblies that provide neutral fluid displacement without overlapping connectors are disclosed. A fluid connector assembly may include a housing and a pair of connectors (e.g., luers) coupled with the housing. A compressible member is located within the housing. The first connector and the second connector each include a post with an opening. The compressible member can seal off the opening of the first connector from fluid entry. However, when the post of the second connector is inserted into the housing, the post of the second connector displaces the compressible member, causing the compressible member to create a fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the internal volume of the housing. Further, the compressible member seals the housing until each of the first connector and the second connector are coupled therewith forming a fluid path through the posts.

Abstract: Fluid connectors assemblies that provide neutral fluid displacement without overlapping connectors are disclosed. A fluid connector assembly may include a housing and a pair of connectors (e.g., luers) coupled with the housing. A compressible member is located within the housing. The first connector and the second connector each include a post with an opening. The compressible member can seal off the opening of the first connector from fluid entry. However, when the post of the second connector is inserted into the housing, the post of the second connector displaces the compressible member, causing the compressible member to create a fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the internal volume of the housing. Further, the compressible member seals the housing until each of the first connector and the second connector are coupled therewith forming a fluid path through the posts.

Abstract: Fluid connector assemblies that seal off fluid paths in the respective connectors are disclosed. When connectors of a fluid connector assembly are connected to each other, respective compressible members in the connectors are displaced, allowing downstream fluid passage through the fluid connector assembly. The connectors maintain a connection by a snap mechanism that provides a threshold retention force. When an external force greater than the threshold force is applied to the fluid connector assembly, the snap mechanism may no longer maintain the connectors together, causing the connectors to decouple from each other. However, each of the compressible members can return to their respective original positions and shapes to seal off respective fluid paths in the connectors, thus preventing further downstream and upstream flow through the fluid connector assembly and limiting or preventing fluid loss.

Abstract: Fluid connector assemblies that seal off fluid paths in the respective connectors are disclosed. When connectors of a fluid connector assembly are connected to each other, respective compressible members in the connectors are displaced, allowing downstream fluid passage through the fluid connector assembly. The connectors maintain a connection by a snap mechanism that provides a threshold retention force. When an external force greater than the threshold force is applied to the fluid connector assembly, the snap mechanism may no longer maintain the connectors together, causing the connectors to decouple from each other. However, each of the compressible members can return to their respective original positions and shapes to seal off respective fluid paths in the connectors, thus preventing further downstream and upstream flow through the fluid connector assembly and limiting or preventing fluid loss.

Abstract: Fluid connector systems including first and second connector portions couplable together to form a fluid pathway therethrough and can resist separation or permit separation as desired. A connector portion can include a connector housing and a cover portion. The connector housing includes a connector body and an engagement portion. The connector body defines a tubing opening and a mating opening. The connector body defines a flow path between the tubing opening and the mating opening. The engagement portion at least partially surrounds the connector body. The engagement portion defines an engagement lip extending radially toward the connector body and is configured to releasably engage the connector housing. The flow path includes at least one portion that is normal to the engagement portion. Fluid flow through the flow path exerts a normal force on the connector housing and prevent release of the connector housing with the mating connector portion.

Abstract: Fluid connector assemblies that seal off fluid paths in the respective connectors are disclosed. When connectors of a fluid connector assembly are connected to each other, respective compressible members in the connectors are displaced, allowing downstream fluid passage through the fluid connector assembly. The connectors may be coupled via a connecting mechanism that that provides a threshold retention force. When an external force greater than the threshold force is applied to the fluid connector assembly, the snap mechanism may no longer maintain the connectors together, causing the connectors to decouple from each other.

Abstract: Fluid connector assemblies with fluid connectors connected via a detachable ring are disclosed. A fluid connector assembly may include a pair of fluid connectors and a ring that couples the pair of connectors. The ring may be configured to detach from either connector upon experiencing a separating force that exceeds a predetermined threshold force. The detachment of the ring may decouple the pair of fluid connectors. When the pair of fluid connectors are connected, fluid may flow between them. When the pair of fluid connectors are disconnected, fluid may not flow.

Abstract: A flow restriction device may include a male luer connector portion and a female luer connector portion. The male luer connector portion can define a first lumen and the female luer connector portion can define a second lumen. A flexible tubing preferably provides fluid communication between the first lumen and second lumen. The flexible tubing can be helically wound around a solid core, and the flexible tubing can be helically wound within a hollow chamber. The flexible tubing is configured to increase flow resistance through the tubing to reduce shear stress on the fluid, thereby decreasing the incidence of hemolysis.