Abstract: A medical connector includes a cap having a male connector connecting part; a holder having a medical instrument connecting part; and a valve body configured to block the male connector connecting part and configured to be pushed in by a male connector such that a liquid flow channel in the male connector communicates with a liquid flow channel in the medical instrument connecting part when the male connector is connected to the male connector connecting part. The cap and the holder are linked to each other so as to be rotatable about an axis of the male connector connecting part.

Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a syringe having a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a discharge outlet formed at the distal end of the syringe. The syringe assembly further includes a closure element having a body configured for removable engagement with at least a portion of the discharge outlet. The body of the closure element is porous to define a tortuous internal path through the body to allow venting of excess pressure within the syringe while preventing pathogens from entering the syringe. The discharge outlet is configured as a luer connector and the closure element has at least one engagement feature for engaging the luer connector.

Abstract: An aseptic coupling arrangement includes a first coupling device and a second aseptic coupling device. In one example, the first and second coupling devices are substantially similar, each having a main body having a front face and a fluid passageway therethrough. A first connecting feature on the main body of each coupling device may be provided for aligning and coupling the aseptic devices together. Each coupling device may also include a sealing member received in the main body and a membrane removably coupled to the main body front face to cover the sealing member. The first aseptic coupling device may also include a rotatable protective cover that is removably attached to the main body and connected to the membrane. In one example, the removal of the protective covers away from two coupled main bodies, in a direction parallel to the front faces, causes removal of the membranes.

Abstract: A needleless connector includes a body having a fluid path, a vent path, and a male fitting. The needleless connector also includes a valve disposed within the male fitting. The valve is configured to move between a first configuration, in which the fluid path is blocked, and a second configuration, in which the fluid path is open. The needleless connector further includes a seal disposed around the valve. The seal is configured to separate the fluid path from the vent path in the first and second configurations. Moving the valve from the first configuration to the second configuration also opens the vent path. The seal maintains the separation between the fluid path and the vent path when the valve moves from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a housing having a base and an outer shell, which forms a proximal cavity and a distal cavity joined by a canal; an inner housing configured for longitudinal movement within the distal cavity; a seal positioned within the distal cavity that together with the longitudinal movement of the inner housing regulates the flow of fluid through the valve assembly; and one or more selected from the group consisting of the base notched with one or more notches and the inner housing having one or more through slots aligned to permit access to the one or more notches, the seal being a reversibly deformable sealing pin, and a torque limiter mechanism configured to resist the longitudinal movement of the inner housing distally until a sufficient radial force is applied.

Abstract: A medical connector for minimizing leakage of fluids during connection and disconnection is described. The medical connector includes a body having an inlet port, at least one outlet port adjacent to a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable seal adjacent to the male luer portion of the body and blocks the outlet ports of the body when the male luer portion of the medical connect is in a disconnected state. The retractable seal is positioned on the body such that it is moved away from the outlet ports upon insertion of the male luer portion of the medical connector into a medical access device thereby unblocking the outlet ports and creating a fluid path through the medical connector.

Abstract: A fluid flow connector including a housing assembly, having a first end and a second end arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and a resilient fluid flow conduit member having a forward end, disposed alongside the first end of the housing assembly, formed with a selectably closable slit and with at least one side opening. The resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned in a closed position wherein the slit is closed but the at least one side opening is open and in an open position, allowing the slit to open and leaving the at least one side opening open, whereby when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is in the open position, the selectably closable slit and the at least one side opening each provide a fluid flow pathway between an interior of the resilient fluid flow conduit member and the first end of the housing assembly.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter packaged inside of a handle that is attached to a container. The catheter has a distal end portion that includes a valve. The valve includes a protrusion coupled to an exterior of a distal end portion of the catheter. The handle has a cavity with a flange is formed on an interior surface of the cavity. The flange is sized to engage with the protrusion coupled to the catheter, and the valve of the catheter opens when the protrusion of the catheter contacts the flange.

Abstract: An injection port assembly including a body having first and second mating structures configured to mate with a first connector for a first fluid pathway and a second connector on a device, respectively. A resilient barrier substantially contained within the body and compressible from a first position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is blocked to a more compressed second position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is permitted. A hollow cannula can be coupled with the first mating structure and disposed within the resilient barrier, the hollow cannula having a distal end configured to extend through the resilient barrier when the resilient barrier is in the second position, the distal end having lateral slots. The resilient barrier can have first and second annular sealing rings positioned above and below the lateral slots respectively.

Abstract: A medical connector can include a body having a fluid path with an inlet port, an outlet port, a luer portion, and a post extending through a fluid path. An arm having a latch member is coupled to the body to engage a ridge or thread on an exterior surface of a reciprocal connector. The arm may also include an extension. When the connector is in an open position, the latch member restricts retraction of the reciprocal connector from the outlet port. A seal is coupled to the body and includes a flap extending across the outlet port or a bellows to compress along an axis. In a closed position, the post restricts flow through the luer portion. In an open position, the post permits flow through the luer portion.

Abstract: An anti-free-flow valve for use with an enteral feeding or infusion pump is disclosed. The valve includes a first component connectable to a first tube and has a first cavity and a sealing element and a second component adapted to be connected to the first component and a second tube and having a second cavity, a valve seat and a flexible portion. The sealing element and the valve seat are sealingly engageable to control fluid flow between the first and second cavities. The valve is configured such that applying an axial tension force between the first and second components brings the valve into an open position. The second component's flexible portion includes a bellows which has a spring function in the axial direction and a housing at least partially covering the second component and configured to operate as a stop limiting the axial movement of the second component.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a flow path through which liquid passes, and a male connector connecting portion having a substantially circular tube hole communicating with the flow path; and a valve formed of an elastic material and adapted to block the male connector connecting portion of the housing. The valve includes a top surface exposed from the male connector connecting portion, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and a slit opened at least on the top surface or the bottom surface. The housing includes a stopping portion configured to be engaged with a tip end of a male connector to define an insertion length of the male connector.

Abstract: A valve connector for medical lines includes a tubular body having a male inlet fitting with an external luer cone, which can be coupled to a female tubular fitting with an internal luer cone, wherein the male inlet fitting includes an internally threaded external tubular element for screwed engagement with the female fitting, and an internal tubular element that can be displaced axially from a retracted position of closing to an advanced position of opening of a valve that controls a passage of flow through the connector. The internally threaded external tubular element is free to turn, and an arrangement is such that, when the internally threaded external tubular element is screwed off the female fitting and the passage of flow is closed by the valve, the external luer cone and the internal luer cone remain axially coupled to one another by friction.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a fluid infusion device includes a base plate, a reservoir port receptacle, a flow base component, and a needle sealing element. The receptacle receives the reservoir port, and has proximal and distal ends, and a needle entry in the distal end to receive a hollow needle of a fluid reservoir. The flow base component has an inlet structure defining a fluid chamber, and a needle guide pin protruding therefrom. The end of the guide pin fits within the hollow needle. The needle sealing element has a proximal flange adjacent to the inlet structure, a distal flange opposite the proximal flange, a neck section between the flanges, and a needle opening extending through the neck section. The needle sealing element is positioned within the port receptacle such that the neck section surrounds the end section of the needle guide pin.

Abstract: A connecting module is provided with a first connecting component, which has a first fluid channel and a first contact surface, a second connecting component, which has a second fluid channel and a second contact surface. One of the two contact surfaces is formed as an inner surface and the other of the two contact surfaces is formed as an outer surface which is complementary to the inner surface. The connecting module further includes a receiving sleeve with a first threaded section and a first connecting device for the first connecting component. The first connecting component has a second connecting device, which interacts with the first connecting device in such a way that the first connecting component is detachably connected to the receiving sleeve. The second connecting component has a second threaded section which is complementary to the first threaded section.

Abstract: Bone marrow access apparatus includes a bone attachment part attachable to bone, a tubular conduit part attached to the bone attachment part and defining a conduit communicating with a hollow interior of the bone attachment part, and a port attached to the conduit part. The port defines a hollow interior communicating with the conduit defined by the conduit part. One or more optional flow control components are arranged in a passage defined by the interior of the bone attachment member, the conduit of the conduit part and the interior of the port and operatively restrict inflow or outflow. A localization part is on or integrated into the port and enables the port to be located through skin. In use, a sampling device is inserted through skin overlying the port, into and through the passage defined by the apparatus, through the flow control component(s), when present, and into the marrow space. Marrow is captured and then the sampling device is removed.

Abstract: A rotatable joint includes a body configured for connecting to an external system and provided with an internal hole arranged for being traversed by pressurised fluid, a tubular element on an end of which a hose can be inserted that is sealingly coupled with the joint and provided with a further through hole that defines, together with the internal hole, a longitudinal channel that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis within which the pressurised fluid flows. The joint further includes an annular closing element fixed to the tubular body by a threaded connection and a rotatable coupling arrangement that acts at least in a longitudinal direction to enable mutual rotation between the tubular element and the tubular body.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a valve structure that is hermetically sealed to a lower flange formed on an IV bag to form a one-way outlet accessible with a luer tip syringe that does not have a needle. The valve structure can include a piston in combination with a disc or disc valve. The piston can have a slit septum or opening allowing access to an interior surface of the piston. The disc valve is typically in a closed position that prevents injections or other incursions into the bag, thus preserving the integrity and sterility of the bag contents.

Abstract: A needle free connector for fluid passage having a valve body with a first port; a second port; a hollow resilient membrane disposed in the valve body and having: a first end and a second end is disclosed. A flank is provided and extends between the first end and the second end fitting with the internal surface of the valve body. A slit of the first end is closed when the first end is disposed in the first port or opened when the first end is pushed into the valve body. The disclosure also proposes a drug recipient including a bottle or a bag designed to store drug and the needle free connector. The disclosure offers a needle free connector with a slitted resilient membrane having reduced priming volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element, in particular for connecting vessels and for producing a fluidic connection between vessels or elements joined to the connecting element. The invention also relates to an elastic spring element as a valve element.

Abstract: Provided is a pipe joint for connecting tubular conduits, in particular for connecting lengths of pipe to form a fluid transport system. The pipe joint includes a conduit formed with at least one connection end. The or each connection end includes a wall defining a receiving recess for receiving an end of a pipe length; a groove formed to a depth in an internal surface of the wall of the receiving recess; and a channel communicating between the groove and an external surface of the connection end. The pipe joint further includes a connector formed from a length of material which is seatable within the groove via the channel and which is wider than the depth of the groove so that when seated within the groove the connector extends into the receiving recess.

Abstract: A hub for a sheath, catheter, or other tubular device includes a first hub portion including a first hub lumen sized for receiving a medical device therethrough, and a second hub portion including a second hub lumen, the second hub portion coupled to the first hub portion such that the first and second hub lumens are aligned with one another and the first and second hub portions are spaced apart from one another to define a gap. A valve is secured within the gap between the first and second hub portions that includes a valve passage therethrough, e.g., for accommodating receiving a medical device through the first and second hub lumens into the tubular device, while providing a substantially fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A quick connection arrangement is for detachably connecting a medium line to a (SAE) connecting piece. The quick connection arrangement includes a housing having an opening for receiving the medium line and a connecting piece opening for receiving the (SAE) connecting piece so as to permit a medium to flow through the housing between the medium line and the (SAE) connecting piece. An inner locking element for locking the (SAE) connecting piece in the connecting piece opening is arranged essentially inside the connecting piece opening. An outer locking element is for locking the inner locking element when the (SAE) connecting piece is locked. The inner locking element is arranged essentially outside of the connecting piece opening.

Abstract: A valved male luer connector includes a resilient hollow element enclosing a tubular member having an inlet portion and an outlet portion. A collar is axially displaceable to cause a stretching deformation of the resilient hollow element so as to open a cut of a terminal wall thereof adjacent to an initial end of the inlet portion of the tubular member. The collar has a containment axial appendage of the resilient hollow element up to close to the terminal wall thereof. A stop means for limiting the stretching deformation of the resilient hollow element is provided for in the zone close to the terminal wall thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filling device of a fluid conducting system of an extracorporeal blood treatment device that includes a spike for connecting to the single fluid connector of a medical fluid container and a manually operable fluid blocking mechanism arranged directly downstream of the spike that fluidly connects with the spike while the filling device is in operation. The fluid blocking mechanism has at least one fluid outlet connector that is adapted so that a line section or hose of the fluid conducting system such as the arterial line section of a blood purification device can be connected to it in a detachable manner while the filling device is in operation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing vent channel geometries to compensate for compression forces experienced by a septum within an intravascular device.

Abstract: A medical connector for use with one or more medical implements. In some embodiments, the connector minimizes or eliminates the retrograde flow of fluid into the connector from one end or port upon the disconnection of a medical implement from the other end or port. In some embodiments, the connector generates a positive flow of fluid out of the connector from one end or port when a medical implement is disconnected from the other end or port.

Abstract: A high pressure dispensing nozzle for providing fuel from an inlet reserve to a connector of an outlet receptacle, including a generally tubular nozzle construction having an outer sleeve extending from adjacent a proximal end towards a distal end of the nozzle construction, an internal passageway construction disposed within the outer sleeve, and a plurality of radially movable jaw members disposed between the internal passageway construction and the outer sleeve extending to near the distal end of the tubular construction, wherein the internal passageway construction includes interacting components responsive to insertion of the connector into the distal end and engagement thereof with the internal passageway construction to effect movement of the jaws to lock the connector in engagement and to establish a fuel passageway through the nozzle construction for the delivery of fuel therethrough and wherein the internal passageway construction components include a pistonably slideable outlet tube construction th

Abstract: A female coupling member includes a coupling member body having a fluid passage and being configured to receive a male coupling member from a front end thereof, and a valve member disposed in the coupling member body to traverse the fluid passage. The valve member has an opening and is displaceable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the valve member communicates between a front end side and a rear end side of the fluid passage through the opening. In the closed position, the opening is located outside the fluid passage to close communication between the front end side and the rear end side of the fluid passage. The valve member has a purge passage configured to communicate with both the front end side of the fluid passage and the atmosphere outside the female coupling member when the valve member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A soft grip medical connector comprises a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end and a lumen extending through a central portion thereof. A flexible member comprises a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and is configured to control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve is inverted to envelope at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments the gripping portion is integrally formed with the valve portion. In some embodiments, the connector is also generally configured to create a positive pressure in a catheter lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector. Methods of making a medical fluid connector generally comprise forming a valve member with a sleeve extending there from, and assembling the valve, sleeve and housing.

Abstract: A fluid flow connector including a housing assembly, having a first end and a second end arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and a resilient fluid flow conduit member having a forward end, disposed alongside the first end of the housing assembly, formed with a selectably closable slit and with at least one side opening. The resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned in a closed position wherein the slit is closed but the at least one side opening is open and in an open position, allowing the slit to open and leaving the at least one side opening open, whereby when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is in the open position, the selectably closable slit and the at least one side opening each provide a fluid flow pathway between an interior of the resilient fluid flow conduit member and the first end of the housing assembly.

Abstract: An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided exemplary embodiments of an introducer sheath, wherein the introducer sheath may be formed of multiple components at least one of which may be integrally formed or resiliently assembled to form a single introducer sheath. One embodiment of the introducer sheath includes a hub and a flexible valve. The flexible valve member may be non-planar in a relaxed state.

Abstract: A male needleless connector includes a body having a male fitting with a distal port, a valve disposed within the body and having a first position wherein the valve seals the port and a second position wherein the valve does not seal the port, and a sliding seal disposed over a portion of the male fitting and having a first configuration wherein a first portion of the sliding seal is in sealing contact with the male fitting and a second configuration wherein the first portion is not in sealing contact with the male fitting. Moving the sliding seal to the second configuration opens the seal between the sliding seal and the male fitting and displaces the valve to the second position, thereby opening the seal between the valve and the port.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a fluid infusion device includes a base plate, a reservoir port receptacle, a flow base component, and a needle sealing element. The receptacle receives the reservoir port, and has proximal and distal ends, and a needle entry in the distal end to receive a hollow needle of a fluid reservoir. The flow base component has an inlet structure defining a fluid chamber, and a needle guide pin protruding therefrom. The end of the guide pin fits within the hollow needle. The needle sealing element has a proximal flange adjacent to the inlet structure, a distal flange opposite the proximal flange, a neck section between the flanges, and a needle opening extending through the neck section. The needle sealing element is positioned within the port receptacle such that the neck section surrounds the end section of the needle guide pin.

Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: A bottomed, tubular hollow elastic body that opens toward an outlet side of a drug solution flow path is accommodated and arranged in an accommodation part formed in a housing, and a middle protrusion is provided protruding toward an inlet side of the drug solution flow path from a center part of a bottom wall of the hollow elastic body. Insertion of a male luer causes the bottom wall of the hollow elastic body to be elastically deformed so as to enter inside a peripheral wall, increasing the volume of the drug solution flow path, which is formed between an outer surface of the hollow elastic body and an inner surface of the accommodation part. Removing the male luer and canceling the elastic deformation of the hollow elastic body causes the volume of the drug solution flow path to be reduced.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion.

Abstract: The current invention relates to infusion devices, specifically to peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters. In particular, the invention relates to peripheral IV catheter assemblies having features to enable selective and reversible activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly. Some implementations of the present invention include various configurations of septum valves having a barrier surface that is stressed to bias the barrier surface and provide a pathway through the septum valve.

Abstract: A medical connector providing connection between medical devices comprising a female end connectable with a male end of a first medical device, a generally circular covering portion attached to the female end that is substantially wider than the transverse cross-section of the female end, a second end configured to connect with a second medical device, a housing extending between the female end and the second end comprising a region adjacent the covering portion that is wider than an outer diameter of the covering portion. In a first stage, the female end is configured to remain stationary with respect to the housing while the male end of the first medical device is rotated onto the female end. In a second stage, the female end is configured to rotate with respect to the housing to inhibit disconnection of the male end of the first medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water has an interface and a filtration/purification canister removably mountable onto the interface. Connecting the canister to the interface automatically opens a check valve in the interface to permit water to flow from the interface into and through the canister, and then back to and through the interface to an outlet port. Disconnecting the canister from the interface automatically closes the check valve, stopping the flow of water. The interface provides for water boiler expansion pressure relief, while guarding against any water contaminated downstream of the apparatus from backflowing into the filtration/purification canister and contaminating the portion of the filtration/purification canister downstream of the filter/conditioning/purifying medium held within the filtration/purification canister and thereby causing water exiting the outlet port of the filtration/purification canister to be contaminated.

Abstract: A seal member for an aseptic coupling device includes a cross-sectional area including a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the middle portion being thinner in radial dimension than the first and second end portions.

Abstract: A compact, reliable, and easily manufacture relief valve capable of resolving pressure issues within a fuel cell system and its components or devices. The relief valve comprises a valve body having a first cap, a valve housing and a center post; and an elastomeric member or sealing member contained within the valve body and being secured to the valve body at one end and forming a seal with the valve body at the other end. The seal opens in response to a threshold pressure being exceeded. In one embodiment, the elastomeric member is secured to the interior of the first cap and/or valve housing and forms a seal with the outer diameter of the center post. The elastomeric member may be supported by a reinforcing member.

Abstract: A coupler mechanism comprising plug and receptacle units sealably mates and de-mates first and second reservoirs. In the mating sequence, the plug and receptacle units are brought together so that their end-seals are pressed tightly against each other axially, thus forming a sealed barrier between the units and the outside environment. Once the face-to-face seal between the units has been established, further engagement displaces slidable seal elements laterally, thereby creating an opening between the reservoirs, the opening remaining sealed from the outside environment before, during and after mating. The sequence for demating the units is just the reverse of the mating sequence. One embodiment of the invention applies the aforementioned construction to harsh-environment electrical, fiber-optical, and hybrid electro-optical connectors.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupler (100) includes a first coupling (102) and the second coupling (106) and further includes a fluid cavity (144) defined in a second support (108) for the second coupling (106) configured to eject fluid and clean at least one of the first coupling (102) and the second coupling (106) as the first coupling (102) and the second coupling (106) are mutually engaged.

Abstract: A self-locking T-piece connects an attachment to a breathing gas line. The self-locking T-piece has a line section (2), a connection line (4) branching off therefrom, a movable valve body (10) with a valve disk (12), and a valve seat (14). The valve body (10) is prestressed by a spring (16) into a position to seal the connection line (4) against the line section (2), with the valve disk in the valve seat, and moves out of the sealing position when connecting the attachment to the connection line. The valve body (10) is elastically deformable such that it can be advanced through the connection line (4) and the valve seat (14), while undergoing elastic deformation, and returns to its original shape during the entry of valve disk (12) into the line section, in which it has a sufficient extension to be able to cover the valve seat for sealing.

Abstract: An extendable pressurized fluid coupler is disclosed. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler has a guiding portion having a central fluid channel. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler further has a piston having a central fluid channel, the guiding portion and the piston having a common central axis. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler also has a drive circuit for driving the piston. The piston is extendable with respect to the guiding portion. The guiding portion is arranged for guiding the piston along the central axis. The piston is arranged for connecting the pressurized fluid coupler to a corresponding coupler having a second fluid channel, so that a fluid passage for a main pressurized fluid circuit is established.

Abstract: A non-interchangeable two-component connecting valve capable of connecting a fuel supply to a fuel cell or other device is disclosed. One component of the connecting valve comprises at least one center post and one internal elastomeric seal, which opens when moved or compressed by a correctly sized and dimensioned mating tube from the other component. In one embodiment, only one valve component has one or more internal seals. In alternate embodiments, both valve components have one or more internal seals, which can open simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A connecting device adapted to transmit pressurized gaseous and/or liquid fluids, configured to be coupled with a connecting end provided with an engaging profile and wherein the connecting device includes a tubular body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a front side facing the connecting end in the coupled configuration and a rear side facing opposite the connecting end, a control member that slides relative to the tubular body along the longitudinal axis and at least one coupling member positioned between the tubular body and the control member and including an engaging profile complementary to the engaging profile of the connecting end, and elastically deformable means that push the control member back toward the front side in a maintenance position of the at least one coupling member locked on the connecting end.

Abstract: A shut-off valve or connecting valve capable of connecting a fuel supply to a fuel cell is disclosed. The valve comprises a first valve component and a second valve component. Each valve component has an outer housing and a biased slidable member disposed inside the housing forming an internal seal. During the connection process, the two valve components establish an inter-component seal. Afterward, in one suitable embodiment the slidable member moves inward and opens the internal seal in the valve component to establish a flow path. In another embodiment, the slidable member moves inward and exposes a first filler and the first filler abuts a second filler in the other valve component to establish a flow path. In other embodiments, at least one valve component is sized and dimensioned to limit access to the internal seal.