Abstract: A replaceable component for a dispense head includes a first pipe disposed to pass through an inside of a dispense head, a pressing portion capable of pressing a valve body of a beverage supply valve in a beverage container, and a sealing member. The sealing member includes a first sealing portion capable of coming in contact with a beverage outlet of the beverage container, and a membrane connected to the first sealing portion and inhibiting a beverage from adhering to the dispense head.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting for selectively allowing the passage of a fluid therethrough includes an elongate body with a first open end and a second open end, with a passageway providing for fluid communication between the first open end and the second open end, where at least one of the first open end and/or the second open end include a connection arrangement for connection with a further plumbing fitting or fixture, and a valve for selectively sealing or unsealing the passageway to allow for a flow of fluid between each of the open ends, with the valve being operable from the first open end or the second open end.

Abstract: A neutral pressure split-septum luer access device is described for receiving a luer lock connector. The septum has a plurality of elastomeric columns projecting laterally within a chamber. Each elastomeric column is under sufficient compression so that the columns are bowed and the column strength is reduced by bowing, but the slit sealing force is high. This configuration places the lower portion of the slit in a tightly sealed configuration which is never-the-less receptive to penetration by the male luer which causes the columns to bow further and collapse precipitously with the elastomeric force of the collapsing mass of the columns being carried distally to displace and pop open the central slit distal the tip of the male luer. The septum further provides a transverse separation between the columns and a distal sealing portion so the force of the displacement force to the sealing portion is reduced.

Abstract: A neutral pressure split-septum luer access device is described for receiving a luer lock connector. The septum has a plurality of elastomeric columns projecting laterally within a chamber. Each elastomeric column is under sufficient compression so that the columns are bowed and the column strength is reduced by bowing, but the slit sealing force is high. This configuration places the lower portion of the slit in a tightly sealed configuration which is never-the-less receptive to penetration by the male luer which causes the columns to bow further and collapse precipitously with the elastomeric force of the collapsing mass of the columns being carried distally to displace and pop open the central slit distal the tip of the male luer. The septum further provides a transverse separation between the columns and a distal sealing portion so the force of the displacement force to the sealing portion is reduced.

Abstract: A gas switching device incudes a valve body, a switching assembly, and a manipulating member. The valve body has an inlet portion having an inlet passage and an outlet portion having an outlet port and a receiving chamber. A wall of the receiving chamber has a side opening communicating with the inlet passage. The switching assembly includes a plug member located in the receiving chamber. The manipulating member is detachably connected to the outlet port via the connecting end connected to the plug member, and a gas passage of the connecting end communicates with an axial hole of the plug member. The manipulating member drives the plug member to turn between a first position that an outer peripheral surface of the plug member closes the side opening and a second position that the through hole communicates with the side opening.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed that includes a catheter adapter having a port disposed on its sidewall. A valve is coupled to the port to seal the opening in the port.

Abstract: A coupling device having an integrated stopcock for placement in a flow connection between a first line and a second line includes a carrier body having a connection for the second line, a plug part having a connection for the first line, and a rotary part being rotatable by the plug part, disposed in the carrier body between the connections and having an opening. The two connections are connected for flow through the opening in a rotated end position of the rotary part. A plug-and-rotate lock is formed between the plug part and the carrier body. The plug part is detachably plugged into the rotary part and can be rotated in the carrier body together with the rotary part. A device for supplying a flowable substance from a container to a discharge point is also provided.

Abstract: A neutral pressure split-septum luer access device is described for receiving a luer lock connector. The septum has a plurality of elastomeric columns projecting laterally within a chamber. Each elastomeric column is under sufficient compression so that the columns are bowed and the column strength is reduced by bowing, but the slit sealing force is high. This configuration places the lower portion of the slit in a tightly sealed configuration which is never-the-less receptive to penetration by the male luer which causes the columns to bow further and collapse precipitously with the elastomeric force of the collapsing mass of the columns being carried distally to displace and pop open the central slit distal the tip of the male luer. The septum further provides a transverse separation between the columns and a distal sealing portion so the force of the displacement force to the sealing portion is reduced.

Abstract: A patient ventilating (23) and aspirating system (8) is disclosed that has a suction tube (9) and connector (6) for connecting to a catheter mount that has a sealed passageway (15). The catheter mount passageway (15) is sealed with an elastomeric seal (16) including a perforation or slit (17). A connector (12) with a piercing member is associated with the suction tube (9). When the connector is attached to the catheter mount the piercing member (20) pierces the seal (16) such that the suction tube (9) can pass through the connector (6) and catheter mount.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed, which includes a main body and a valve body. The main body can include a main line flow channel capable of circulating an infusion solution, and valve body arrangement portions and connecting to the main line flow channel. The valve body includes an operable and closable slit provided to a deformed portion. The valve body is provided along an opening/closing direction of the slit, and includes a guide portion configured to facilitate opening and closing of the slit, and a thickened portion protrusively formed so as to extend through near both ends in a longitudinal direction of the slit and on both sides of the guide portion.

Abstract: In one or more aspects, a determination is made as to whether a connector is securely fastened, whether the connector connected within a socket structure is the expected connector for that socket structure, and/or whether connectors coupled to one another via one or more cables are properly positioned for communication between them. Information on selected physical connection elements of a connector is used to determine one or more structural characteristics of the cable(s) connected to the connector and to determine whether the connector is the expected connector for a particular socket structure.

Abstract: An elbow (1), for a respiration mask for the artificial respiration of a patient, includes an angular tube (30), which defines a breathing gas duct (10), with a tube port (11) with an inlet opening (12) for connecting a breathing tube (7) and with a mask port (13) with an outlet opening (14) for connecting the respiration mask (9). The elbow also includes an anti-suffocation valve (18) and carbon dioxide expiration openings (19). The elbow (1) is able to be switched, while being able to be handled in a simple manner, in different open and closed states for the anti-suffocation valve (18) and the carbon dioxide expiration openings (19). The elbow (1) includes only one (a single) switching member (20) for activating and deactivating the anti-suffocation valve (18) and the carbon dioxide expiration openings (19).

Abstract: In one or more aspects, a determination is made as to whether a connector is securely fastened, whether the connector connected within a socket structure is the expected connector for that socket structure, and/or whether connectors coupled to one another via one or more cables are properly positioned for communication between them. Information on selected physical connection elements of a connector is used to determine one or more structural characteristics of the cable(s) connected to the connector and to determine whether the connector is the expected connector for a particular socket structure.

Abstract: An access assembly is provided.

Abstract: Positive displacement using a connector with dual diaphragms is provided. For example, the connector includes a single fluid flow path, an air chamber and a valve. The single fluid flow path is configured for delivering fluid to a person and configured for receiving fluid from a person. The air chamber configured for expelling air from the air chamber when an actuator is inserted into the connector and for receiving air into the chamber when the actuator is removed from the connector. The valve plug comprises two diaphragms that separate the air chamber from the single fluid flow path. The valve plug is configured for creating positive displacement by returning the valve plug to its uncompressed state when the actuator is removed from the connector.

Abstract: A coupling device includes a first half and a second half adapted to be connected to each other. The first half has a body housing a front chamber and a rear chamber separated by a first element and a second element slidably inserted in a bore provided in the first element. The bore forms an inner cavity in fluid communication with the front chamber and communicating with the rear chamber via a first through-hole provided in the first element. The cavity is sealed from the rear chamber and in that upon connection of the coupling device the second element is longitudinally moved on that a second through-hole provided in said second element comes in fluid communication with the first through-hole thereby providing a fluid communication between the two chambers via the cavity.

Abstract: A method for switching a high pressure fluid includes applying a fixed force between a planar surface of a rotor and a planar surface of a stator. The planar surface of the rotor includes a fluidic channel and the planar surface of the stator has a pair of ports to receive and provide the fluid. A control signal is applied to a linear actuator coupled to the rotor to generate a controllable force between the planar surfaces of the rotor and stator. The control signal is responsive to a rotational state of the rotor. The total force between the planar surfaces of the rotor and the stator is substantially equal to a sum of the fixed force and the controllable force. The method reduces the wear and extends the lifetime of components in a rotary shear seal valve.

Abstract: A connector for being inserted into a first channel of a microfluidic device. The connector includes a first end and a second end, when seen in the direction of a longitudinal central axis of said connector, wherein the second end is arranged in a second end portion of the connector; an inner hollow space; a outer circumferential wall extending around said longitudinal central axis, such that said outer circumferential wall extends around said inner hollow space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector against contrary flowing for medical treatment, as to its structure, it includes a connecting seat to connect with a transmitting pipe, an insertion connecting cap fixed on the connecting seat for insertion of an external connecting terminal and a needless injection cylinder, and an elastic valve plug provided between the connecting seat and the insertion connecting cap, when the injection cylinder is pulled out of the insertion connecting cap, the elastic valve plug can impede the reverse pressure generated by the transmitting pipe (or the connecting seat), in order to avoid generating of contrary flowing of blood of a patient to reduce pain.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve system is disclosed that includes a matrix, a hydrophilic acceptor region a hydrophilic transfer region, and a hydrophobic gap between the acceptor region and the transfer region.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling assembly includes a male coupling and a female coupling. The male coupling includes ribs that flex portions of the female coupling as an insert of the male coupling is positioned within the female coupling. Once the insert of male coupling is positioned into the female coupling a predefined distance, the ribs snap into a circumferential retention groove of the female coupling to secure the male coupling to the female coupling and form a fluid seal. The male coupling is decoupled from the female coupling by pinching the female coupling to release the ribs from the retention groove.

Abstract: There is provided a slit valve unit including: a body disposed on an outer side of a process chamber and having an entrance connected to an opening of the process chamber; a slit valve provided in an internal space of the body and selectively opening and closing the entrance; a plurality of packing members provided along the circumference of the entrance on an inner side of the body and tightly attached to the slit valve when the slit valve shields the entrance; and a connection pipe having one end exposed between the plurality of packing members on the inner side of the body so as to be connected to an airtight space formed among the plurality of packing members, the body, and the slit valve, and the other end exposed to the outer side of the body, the connection pipe penetrating the body.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow from a fluid source to a patient includes the step of mating a first connector comprising a first body with a first fluid passage therethrough and a conductive element disposed the first body to a second connector comprising a second body with a second fluid passage therethrough and two separated electrical contacts disposed on the body such that the two electrical contacts engage the conductive element when the first and second connectors are mated. The two electrical contacts are electrically coupled to a normally closed, electrically activated valve that is fluidically coupled to the second fluid passage and configured to open only when a circuit is completed through the two electrical contacts.

Abstract: A method of assembling a fluid interconnect system includes inserting a septum into a septum receiving chamber of the fluid interconnect system, placing the septum in a radial-compressed state during the inserting the septum into the septum receiving chamber, and maintaining the septum in the radial-compressed state in the septum receiving chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow to provide long-term access to the vascular system, and methods of making the same, are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe a wedge or other similarly shaped geometrical feature for fixing an elastic component and controlling an internal stress of the elastic component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic cross connection (90), housed in a housing case (99) to be mounted on a rear planar support (98), comprising inlet and outlet ducts (70, 71), at least one tubular element (105, 106) insertable in each one of said ducts (70, 71), and at least one quick coupling removable hook (91; 991), configured to be inserted in a seat (100) obtained on an outer wall of each one of said ducts (70, 71), the hydraulic system being characterised in that said at least one quick coupling removable hook (91; 991) is configured to be posteriorly inserted in the seat (100) and it comprises at least one rear arm (95; 995), and in that the housing case (99) is shaped so that a distance separating the seat (100) of each one of said ducts (70, 71) from the rear planar support (98) is such that said at least one removable hook (91; 991) is removable from the seat (100) and said at least one tubular element (105, 106) is extractable from the inlet or outlet duct (70, 71)

Abstract: A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance or a system including an appliance and a substance communicating device. The substance communicating device has a service connector component operably engageable with a service connector component of the appliance to permit the communication of a substance between the appliance and the substance communicating device. Information related to the substance can be communicated to the appliance and used to affect the physical cycle of operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A female quick-connect coupling element for releasably joining pipes for pressurized fluid which receives, along a longitudinal axis, an end-piece of a male element, and has at least one locking member for locking the male element, and which includes a fluid flow duct and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the flow duct, which valve includes a movable piston element mounted to move relative to a seat, and wherein the female element also includes a discharge circuit for discharging fluid from the flow duct downstream from the valve seat and the flow duct including a hollow end-piece for bearing against a seal carried by a male element when fitted into the female element, and wherein the hollow end-piece includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve that are coaxial and mounted to move axially relative to each other, and in that a space defined between the two sleeves is in fluid communication with the discharge circuit.

Abstract: Systems and components for providing or receiving a substance through a substance communication coupling system. A substance switch is provided for selectively communicating the substance between a first substance communicating device, such as a host or other substance source and a second substance communicating device, such as a substance consumer. The substance switch is activated to transfer a substance in response to detection of a contactless proximity target associated with one of the substance communicating devices by a proximity sensor associated with the other of the substance communicating devices.

Abstract: An air valve connector is threadly engaged to a nozzle head of an air pump, which is eccentrically and pivotally connected with a cam lever. The cam lever is adapted to press against a plug and an airtight ring disposed in the nozzle head to compel the valve connector to connect with different types of air valves such as a French type valve, a German type valve, a English type valve, and an American type valve. The air valve connector of the present invention is reversed easily between first and second positions to be adapted to connect with the different type valves by the user.

Abstract: An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers.

Abstract: A valve (100) comprising a tubular body (110) closed at a proximal end (111) and open at a distal end (112), outer sealing surfaces (120, 130) provided at the proximal and distal ends for sealing against an inner surface of a tube, the body comprising a flexibly mounted leg (150) between the proximal and distal ends, the leg configured to flex outwards from the body on engagement of the open distal end with a spigot so as to open a fluid flow path through the body.

Abstract: An agricultural liquid material application system broadly includes an agricultural applicator and a fluid-transferring connection assembly. The connection assembly includes complemental fluid connectors associated with a liquid material source and the applicator. The connection assembly includes a valve operably coupled to a corresponding one of the fluid connectors so as to be automatically shifted out of a closed position when the connectors are in sealing engagement with one another and the connection assembly is in a fluid transfer configuration.

Abstract: A system for communicating a substance from between substance communicating devices. A substance switch is provided for selectively transferring the substance from a first substance communicating device, such as a host or other substance source to a first substance communicating device, such as a such as a substance consumer. The substance switch is activated to communicate the substance between the first substance communicating device and the second substance communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the substance communicating devices.

Abstract: Systems and components for providing or receiving a service through a service connector system. A first substance communicating device has a first service connector component and a first switch component. A second substance communicating device has a second service connector component operably actuatable by the first service connector component to permit the communication of a service between the first and second service connector components. One of the substance communicating devices further has a second switch component operably associated with the second service connector component, the second switch component being configured to be actuatable by the first switch component when the first service connector component is adjacent the second service connector component to selectively draw the first and second service connector components into engagement to permit the communication of the service between the substance communicating devices.

Abstract: A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance or a system including an appliance and a consumable holder. The appliance has a first substance service connector component and a first service switch component. The substance communicating device has a second substance service connector component operably engageable with the first substance connector component to permit the communication of a substance between the first and second substance service connector components. The substance communicating device further has a second service switch component operably associated with the second substance service connector component, the second service switch component being configured to engage the first service switch component when the first and second substance service connector components are engaged to selectively permit the communication of the substance between the substance communicating device and the appliance.

Abstract: A quick connect fluid valve assembly comprises a housing, a flow passage insert, and a movable connector. The flow passage insert is disposed at least partially within the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The flow passage insert forms a flow path from a first end of the flow passage insert to a second end of the flow passage insert. The movable connector is disposed in fluid communication with the flow path of the flow passage insert and the movable connector has at least one orifice. The movable connector is movable between a forward fluid flow position that allows forward fluid flow within the flow path of the flow passage insert and a backward fluid flow position that prevents backward fluid flow within the flow path of the flow passage insert.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling assembly includes a male coupling and a female coupling. The male coupling includes ribs that flex portions of the female coupling as an insert of the male coupling is positioned within the female coupling. Once the insert of male coupling is positioned into the female coupling a predefined distance, the ribs snap into a circumferential retention groove of the female coupling to secure the male coupling to the female coupling and form a fluid seal. The male coupling is decoupled from the female coupling by pinching the female coupling to release the ribs from the retention groove.

Abstract: A male adaptor is provided with a nose for penetrating into a housing of the female connector. A septum is disposed over the nose of the male adaptor to maintain a seal with the female connector during coupling and uncoupling. Upon coupling, the septum dilates to allow the nose to pass through. The female connector may have a septum that also dilates to allow penetration of the nose of the male adaptor. Alternatively, the septum of the female connector may be retractable under the force of the nose of the male adaptor.

Abstract: A recirculating valve according to the present invention comprises a fuel supplying passage in fluid communication with a fuel tank and an engine, a return passage in fluid communication with the engine and the fuel tank, a communication passage in fluid communication with the fuel supplying passage and the return passage. A temperature sensitive displacement portion that is provided in the fuel supplying passage and displaces in accordance with the fuel temperature. An on-off valve closes the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is above a first prescribed temperature, and opens the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is below a second prescribed temperature, in accordance with a displacement of the temperature sensitive displacement portion.

Abstract: An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly for a fluid dispenser including a valve body and a valve stem slidably located in the valve body. The valve stem has at least one exit hole located at a tip of the valve stem. A valve stem adapter is located at the tip of the valve stem and affixed thereto. The valve stem adapter includes at least one adapter exit hole to allow exit of a dispensible fluid from the valve assembly. Further disclosed is a dispenser for a fluid including a cannister, an inner bag for dispensible fluid located inside of the cannister, and a valve assembly including a valve stem adapter is located at a tip of a valve stem and affixed thereto. The valve stem adapter includes at least one adapter exit hole to allow exit of a dispensible fluid from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a rotating member with a member channel. The rotating member is rotatable to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode after insertion of a medical implement into the inlet. The member channel fluidly communicates the inlet and the outlet when in the open mode. The medical valve also has a resilient member biasing the rotating member toward the closed mode. The rotating member slides along the resilient member when rotating between the open mode and closed mode.

Abstract: A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing including a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.

Abstract: A luer connector comprising a housing with a hollow bore having first and second ends. The hollow bore also has a male luer tip and a tapering interior surface. The luer connector also comprises a rigid valve member configured to at least partially extend through the housing. The valve member has a first opened end and a second closed end. The valve member also comprises a passageway within the valve member and an outwardly extending flange near the second end adapted to seal the hollow bore at the second end of the housing when placed in contact with a tapering interior surface of the housing. The valve member further comprises at least one opening near the closed end of the valve member extending outward from the passageway through the valve member and at least one strut attached to the valve member. At least a portion of the strut extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the valve member.

Abstract: A luer connector comprising a housing with a hollow bore having first and second ends. The hollow bore also has a male luer tip and a tapering interior surface. The luer connector also comprises a rigid valve member configured to at least partially extend through the housing. The valve member has a first opened end and a second closed end. The valve member also comprises a passageway within the valve member and an outwardly extending flange near the second end adapted to seal the hollow bore at the second end of the housing when placed in contact with a tapering interior surface of the housing. The valve member further comprises at least one opening near the closed end of the valve member extending outward from the passageway through the valve member and at least one strut attached to the valve member. At least a portion of the strut extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the valve member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coaxial coupling which comprises a male part (501) and a female part (502) and comprises a bypass valve (218) so that the female part (502) can be decoupled from the male part (501) while pressurized fluid passes through the female part (502). The nipple pipe (105) of the male part (501) pushes a spring-loaded valve (218) in the female part (502) over said rear holes (301) in the inner pipe (2) of the female part. The female part (502) has a rotatable locking sleeve (207), which is coupled to a sleeve (214) accommodating pins (213).

Abstract: A pipe connector is provided with a valve cartridge. The pipe connector can be modified so as to meet requirements for a variety of uses without changing the basic design of the connector body by simply replacing the valve cartridge with another valve cartridge having valve functions meeting a desired use. The pipe connector includes a tubular connector body 10 through which a fluid flows, and a valve cartridge 30 capable of being fitted in the connector body and of controlling the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided that includes a housing configured for receipt of fluid and/or tissue for collecting fluid therefrom. A holder is configured with the housing to receive an evacuated tube. The holder can include a needle hub supporting a needle cannula in fluid communication with a port extending into a fluid well of the housing. A sloped bottom surface of the housing directs fluid to the fluid well. A sidewall extension or support component extends downward beyond the sloped bottom surface to allow the housing to be stood upright on a flat surface. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a tubular cavity to provide a recessed location of the needle cannula for preventing accidental needle injuries. An optional cap provides further shielding from needle cannula and safely maintains fluid in housing after use.

Abstract: Push fit coupling and method for connecting two fluid lines. The coupling includes a first element having a plug-in opening, a second element insertable into the plug-in opening, a retaining device for detachably holding the first and second elements together, and a valve, insertable into the plug-in opening, located on a front face of the second element.