Abstract: A luer connector assembly is provided for enhancing the frictional engagement between medical devices such as syringes and needle assemblies. The assembly needle includes a female luer fitting having a passageway and a relatively soft, resilient member bounding the passageway. The passageway is also bounded by the body of the fitting, which is harder than the soft, resilient member. A male luer fitting inserted into the passageway engages both the soft, resilient member and the body of the female luer fitting. A method of manufacturing such a connector assembly is further provided. A first material is injected into a mold to form the body of a female luer fitting, the fitting including a passageway and a recess extending into the body. A second material is then injected such that it extends into the recess and bounds the passageway. The second material, when cool, is softer than the first material.

Abstract: A luer connector assembly is provided for enhancing the frictional engagement between medical devices such as syringes and needle assemblies. The assembly needle includes a female luer fitting having a passageway and a relatively soft, resilient member bounding the passageway. The passageway is also bounded by the body of the fitting, which is harder than the soft, resilient member. A male luer fitting inserted into the passageway engages both the soft, resilient member and the body of the female luer fitting. A method of manufacturing such a connector assembly is further provided. A first material is injected into a mold to form the body of a female luer fitting, the fitting including a passageway and a recess extending into the body. A second material is then injected such that it extends into the recess and bounds the passageway. The second material, when cool, is softer than the first material.

Abstract: A needle shield assembly including a hinged needle shield is provided. A ramp is provided in proximity to a hinge that connects the needle shield to base assembly. The ramp is preferably flexible, and, if compressed, resiliently urges the needle shield to a preferred angular position with respect to a syringe. The needle shield is movable between a fully opened position where it is canted at an angle with respect to the syringe and a closed position in which it envelops the needle. One or more locking elements are preferably provided on the needle shield for maintaining it in a locked, needle protecting position.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly includes a hub with a needle cannula that has a pointed distal end that projects distally beyond the hub. A shield is hingedly mounted to the hub for rotation from a first position where the needle cannula is exposed to a second position where the needle cannula is shielded. The cannula finger lock has a base end joined integrally to a sidewall of the shield and a free end that projects angularly from the sidewall towards the top wall. Portions of the cannula finger lock near the base end are relatively rigid, whereas portions of the cannula finger lock towards the free end are more flexible.

Abstract: The invention is a self-venting blood collection needle assembly for the extraction of at least one fluid sample into an evacuated container for laboratory testing, this blood collection needle assembly providing a clear or translucent flashback chamber for blood to flow into, for visualization by the user to confirm successful vein entry. The self-venting mechanism permits escape of air during use, and which, typically, also prevents an outflow of fluid, such as blood. Thus, air under venous pressure will be allowed to escape from the blood collection needle assembly until blood reaches the venting mechanism.

Abstract: The blood collection set includes an IV needle assembly, a length of flexible plastic tubing extending from the IV needle assembly and a non-patient needle assembly. The set is formed with a venting mechanism that permits an outflow of air, while blocking an outflow of blood or other fluids. Thus, the venting mechanism enables air that had existed in interior portions of the blood collection set to be vented allowing for greater flash visualization on venous entry, and avoids the need to employ a discard tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for assembling a safety shield assembly and more particularly a method for assembling a safety shield assembly with a fluid handling device. Preferably, the safety shield assembly may be assembled with a needle assembly, an intravenous infusion set a syringe, a catheter or other fluid handling devices or assemblies that contain piercing elements.

Abstract: A blood collection device includes a needle hub with a flashback chamber and a vent plug covering the flashback chamber. The vent plug permits a flow of air across the vent plug but prevents a flow of liquid across the vent plug. An intravenous cannula is mounted to the hub and extends into the flashback chamber. A non-patient cannula is mounted to the hub and also extends into communication with the flashback chamber. A passive shielding device is mounted to the hub and can be moved from a proximal position where the intravenous cannula is exposed to a distal position where the intravenous cannula is partly shielded. The flashback chamber can be observed to provide an early indication of venous access. A fluid collection tube then can be placed in communication with the non-patient needle and can simultaneously trigger movement of the safety shield.

Abstract: A needle shield assembly including a hinged needle shield is provided. A ramp is provided in proximity to a hinge that connects the needle shield to base assembly. The ramp is preferably flexible, and, if compressed, resliently urges the needle shield to a preferred angular position where it is canted at an angle with respect to the syringe and a closed position in which it envelops the needle. One or more locking elements are preferably provided on the needle shield for maintaining it in a locked, needle protection position.