Abstract: A prosthetic urethral sphincter valve with an integral spring valve member which comprises an elastic valve element having an upper portion which defines a central fluid passage and a lower diaphragm portion which includes a rolling diaphragm. The prosthetic urethral sphincter valve is placed totally within a patient's urethra. The lower diaphragm portion of the elastic valve element includes a tapered wall structure which provides for a spring action which demonstrates a non-linear force curve. The central fluid passage assumes a kinked or closed position, or a straighten or open position depending upon the position of the rolling diaphragm. Applied bladder pressure effects the position of the rolling diaphragm and thus the opening and closing of the central fluid passage.

Abstract: A combination comprising a syringe, an adaptor, a check valve, and associated connectors for an intravenous infuser for patient-controlled analgesia. The infuser comprises a cradle adapted to receive an annular or disc-shaped element fitting into the cradle and a switch adapted to disable the infuser unless such an element is fitted into the cradle. The syringe comprises a vial, a plunger arranged within the vial for relative movement of the plunger and the vial, a tubular needle extending through an axial hole of the plunger, and a flange mounted around the needle and spaced from the plunger but too small to fit into the cradle. An adaptor having an outer rim adapted to fit over the flange and into the cradle and a check valve mounted operatively in the adaptor are connected by tubular connectors to the flange. The check valve allows an infusible liquid to flow from a chamber within the vial, through the tubular needle, and through the check valve, but not oppositely.

Abstract: A flow control device in which a plurality of flow channels converge in a two-part housing containing a free-floating and pre-biased flow control diaphragm and an injection site. The free-floating diaphragm is at the entry position of an intermediate channel which extends to an output channel of the injection site. The control diaphragm is pre-biased by a prong which extends from a base portion of the two-part housing.

Abstract: A hydrocephalus valve for relieving pressures in the brain by draining cerebrospinal fluid. The valve is coupled at an inlet end to a ventricular catheter for routing fluid from the brain and delivering that fluid to another body region. An outlet portion of the valve unit is coupled to a drainage catheter. Two different construction valves form a valve mechanism that regulates fluid flow from the brain. An inlet valve comprises a check valve to facilitate pumping of the valve unit and in addition, helps break up proteins suspended within the cerebrospinal spinal. At an outlet portion, a pressure control valve having a coiled spring for biasing a ball against a valve seat, controls pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid as it exits the valve mechanism and is delivered to the drainage catheter.

Abstract: The invention is a disposable, positive-displacement piston pump, having a polycarbonate body, a piston, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve. The outlet valve is connected to an exit chamber, which is separated from the exit valve by an elastomeric membrane. The elastomeric membrane encloses an accumulation chamber which is filled with a fluid such as air under atmospheric pressure. Pulsations in outlet pressure caused by stroking of the piston are dampened by the flexing action of the elastomeric membrane, compressing the fluid within the accumulator chamber. The throw out of the pump is pressure-dampened and is of sufficient pressure to flow through very low-profile angioplasty catheters having perfusion lumens extending therethrough. The combination of the pump with a very low-profile balloon angioplasty catheter allows access of the catheter to a constricted passage with the ability to pump a sufficient volume of blood through such a low-profile catheter during balloon inflations.

Abstract: An aspirator device for removing body fluids is disclosed as having a fluid collector with an air-type chamber that communicates with a first sealed passageway in an elongated flexible tube to be inserted in a body cavity for fluid communication with body fluids, and a second sealed passageway which connects the air tight chamber with a manually operable vacuum device or squeeze bulb. The manually operable vacuum means or squeeze bulb is operatively associated with first and second one-way valve which open in the same direction, the first valve establishing a vacuum in the first and second sealed passageways for remvoing and depositing harmful body fluids in the fluid collector, and the second valve means not only working to establish the vacuum, but also serving as an overflow valve for fluids overflowing the fluid collector.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering oral fluid from a reservoir (60) to a patient comprises: a chamber (10,30) suitably formed by connection of a mouthpiece (30) to be held adjacent the gums and/or teeth and a nipple (10) or diaphragm (310) at the mouthpiece rear for tongue activation, with fluid inlet and outlet openings (34,12) formed respectively in the former and latter; a tube (40) connected between the chamber inlet opening and reservoir; and a fluid flow control valve (50) connected in the tube, such valve suitably having a cylinder housing (51) with inlet and outlet ports (54,53) at its ends and a piston valve member (55) freely reciprocable therein a clearance fit to close and open the outlet port. The valve is preferably effectively symmetrical with a ball piston (55) reciprocable also to close and open the inlet port.

Abstract: A medical suction tube which is opened at the distal end thereof and connected at the proximal end thereof to a suction means. A linear cut is made in the intermediate portion of the tube so as to extend obliquely from the proximal end side toward the distal end side of the tube so that, when the tube is bent, the cut is opened and ambient air is sucked into the tube through the cut, whereas, when the tube is straightened, the cut is closed and suction is performed through the distal end opening. A suction control apparatus for an endoscope that utilizes the above-described medical suction tube.

Abstract: A shunt valve for draining of cerebrospinal fluid comprising a deformable housing having a proximal and distal end. A non-deformable valve chamber is disposed within the housing and such as to form an inlet chamber with the distal end and an outlet chamber with the proximal end. The shunt valve has an inlet into the inlet chamber and an outlet from the outlet chamber. The flow of the fluid within the shunt valve is a Z-flow path and the inlet and outlet are provided along the same axis.

Abstract: A fluid injector for use with a needle-less syringe or needle-less add-on IV line is disclosed. The injector is connected to a main IV line and has a fluid passageway from the syringe or the add-on IV set to the main IV line. The injector comprises an anti-backflow valve member where the member is movable under fluid pressure alone between a first position where the fluid can flow through the injector and a second position where the fluid cannot flow through the injector. The injector also comprises a valve located near the syringe end of the injector for receiving the fluid from the syringe or the add-on IV line for injection into the main IV line and for preventing air embolus entering into the IV line. The injector permits leaving a single or a group of drug filled syringes on line at all times with a continuously, rapidly flowing IV line and provides instantaneous "on demand" delivery of drugs or fluids from the syringe.

Abstract: An improved valve assembly is provided for the distal end of a catheter, and particularly a central venous catheter for controlling fluid passage from the catheter to the blood flow passage in which it is inserted, and flow in the opposite direction. A relatively thin sheath wall covers the distal fluid opening of the catheter, and includes a slit for responding rapidly to pressure differentials on either side of the slit opening to allow fluid passage, as required. In addition, the distal end of the catheter, and the side walls thereof adjacent the end, are covered by a thin sheath which serves to impart a small degree of thickness or "body" to the end of the catheter except at the opening thereof. More importantly, with the arrangement here the integrity of the catheter wall is far less compromised.

Abstract: A check valve, including an inlet housing portion and outlet housing portion which are adapted to be snap-fit together, is inexpensively and quickly produced using valve disks which are capable of providing variable fluid flow resistance. The valve disk is stamped from flexible materials having a Shore A durometer hardness in the range of from about thirty to about one hundred (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer). Flat, circular shapes having at least three, arcuately-shaped windows defined therein, with an outer sealing periphery being joined to a circular closing member by webs which separate the windows, provide a valve disk of substantial manufacture ease.

Abstract: A multiline check valve assembly has an elongated body which defines a fluid passageway and which is formed with a plurality of valve cavities that are in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. Each valve cavity has a resilient valve element disposed within the cavity and each valve element rests in the cavity with one end against a protrusion disposed in the cavity for centering the element within the cavity. The resilient valve element is biased to urge its other end against a valve seat that surrounds an opening to the valve cavity to create a fluid tight seal with the valve seat and close the opening. In addition, an access port is formed circumferentially around both the valve seat and opening to establish a fluid communication path through the access port to the fluid passageway in the body when the valve element is separated from the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising, a hollow body member having a cavity, a compression member received on one end of the body member and having an annular flange aligned with the cavity, a device for adjusting the position of the compression member relative to the body member, and a valve device for sealingly engaging against a catheter passing through the valve device, and responsive to compression by the compression member to immobilize the catheter in the valve device.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device that may be placed either endoscopically or percutaneously is disclosed. The catheter is a resilient tube with a resilient T-bar at one end. One wing of the T is provided with a pocket for the tip of an obturator rod. By inserting the rod in the pocket and orienting the rod along the tube, the bar is forced to a position in-line with the tube. The catheter may then be easily inserted into an established stoma. When the rod is removed, the bar returns to its orthogonal position, thereby retaining the catheter within the stomach. The device may be provided with a cup-shaped bolster whose mouth engages the skin about, but not adjacent to, the stoma to hold the bar snugly against the stomach wall. By providing the bolster with air vents, healing of the stoma is encouraged. By providing the device with two diametrically opposed pockets in the T-bar, a forked obturator may be used to fold both wings into a forward oriented, small axial cross section configuration for insertion into a stoma.

Abstract: A liquid transfer assembly comprises a drug container and a syringe. The container has a bag of a flexible polymer with spines forming channels internally of the bag. The container is closed by a valve which has a valve member that is urged outwardly to a closed position by a helical spring. A luer taper bore in the valve is engaged by the nose of the syringe which, when inserted, depresses the valve member and opens the valve. Withdrawing the plunger of the syringe causes liquid drug in the bag to be sucked through the valve into the syringe and the bag to collapse about the remaining contents. The valve reseals the remaining contents on withdrawal of the syringe.

Abstract: Catheter tubes of elastomeric material having novel lumen shapes which prevent occlusion and accommodate continued liquid flow even when kinked. Also, catheter tube slit valves are disclosed, the walls of which are not chemically weakened. Symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of said slit valves are disclosed. Combinations of highly reliable slit valves and catheter tubes are disclosed. Independently operable multi-lumen catheter assemblies of synthetic material, such as silicone rubber are disclosed, wherein the distal end of each lumen is normally closed by a three-position slit valve formed in a catheter tube covering.

Abstract: A reservoir outlet control device for controlling fluid flow from a reservoir. The device is particularly suitable for controlling fluid outflow from a blood collecting and blood delivery reservoir.

Abstract: A medical catheter for intravascular long-term infusion of medication by an implanted or extracorporeal dosage device characterized by the catheter tube being of a single or multi-layer elastomer having a distal end shaped such that the exit opening for the medication is laterally arranged axially offset relative to the distal end of the catheter. The catheter is also coated with an external protective layer composed of a hydrogel.

Abstract: A slit valve medical catheter includes a flexible tube the distal end of which is closed. A length of resilient tubing is mounted coaxially to the distal end segment of the tube so that the tubing extends along the inside or outside surface of the tube. The tubing is slitted lengthwise and an aperture is formed in the tube wall directly opposite each slit with the aperture being wider than the slit so that portions of the tubing wall on opposite sides of each slit overhang the sides of the corresponding aperture.

Abstract: A silicone valve is placed in the orifice of the urethra. The valve tube includes a pair of blade valve elements which extend from the valve side wall forwardly and inwardly. The tube includes a bulb portion in the area of the valve elements to provide pressure cavities for urine to accumulate and apply pressure to the blade elements to maintain them normally closed. Pressure on the opposite sides of the tube walls will open the valve to flow of urine therethrough.

Abstract: A one-way valve comprising flat resilient members in face-to-face relationship which are bonded upon two generally parallel tracks defining a passageway therebetween, where the tracks have a tortuous profile along their inner edges.

Abstract: A one-way valve comprising flat resilient members in face-to-face relationship which are bonded upon two generally parallel tracks defining a passageway therebetween, where the tracks have a tortuous profile along their inner edges, and optionally, where the passageway is creased and/or wetted.

Abstract: A one way valve means for incorporation into a fluid administration set for enteral therapy which arrests retrograde movement of fluid into the set to avoid flow rate interruption or, in the event of extreme fluid back pressure, rupturing of the tubing in the set. The one way valve means is responsive to fluid back pressure and is incorporated in a male connector disposed on a distal end of the administration set tubing. As a result retrograde fluid movement caused by either irrigation or patient originated, fluid back pressure is immediately arrested before fluid enters the administration set.

Abstract: A medical liquid administration set is provided with a check valve which is configured to relieve excess pressure downstream from the check valve. The check valve includes a resilient valve disc and a valve seat, which engages the disc when the valve is closed. The administration set includes primary and secondary liquid sources connected through a Y-connector to a pump, which pumps liquids sequentially from the first and second sources to a patient. The check valve is disposed in the set between the Y-connector and the primary liquid source and is in its closed position with the valve disc on the valve seat when the liquid level in the secondary liquid source is higher than the liquid level in the primary source to thereby prevent backflow of liquid from the secondary source into the primary. The check valve is in its open position, allowing flow from the primary source to the patient when the liquid level in the secondary source has fallen to the level of liquid in the primary source.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding port includes a deformable, conical tip portion having at least one side aperture therethrough, a tube portion which extends rearwardly from the tip portion, a fitting portion on the rear end of the tube portion, a removable valve portion in the fitting portion and a flange portion which extends outwardly from the fitting portion. The feeding port is adapted to be installed in a patient so that the tube portion extends through a preestablished stoma in the patient's stomach with the tip portion located in the patient's stomach and the fitting portion and the flange portion engaging the skin of the patient adjacent the stoma. Since the valve portion is removable received in the fitting portion, it can be repaired or replaced if needed without replacing the entire feeding port.

Abstract: An irrigation system for arthroscopy of a joint includes a high pressure bleed valve assembly and a monitor check valve assembly to control fluid communication to the joint via suitable tubing for the purposes of directing fluid inflow, joint fluid pressure monitoring, and to assist with connection of the tubing for an arthroscope and cannula inserted into the joint. The high pressure bleed valve assembly is pressure responsive to direct fluid to the joint via alternative paths.

Abstract: The catheter includes a user-controlled incontinence portion that is combinable with a fluid drainage member to permit continuous bladder drainage into a fluid collection member. The fluid drainage member can be detached from the incontinence portion fo the catheter while the catheter is installed in the urethra and bladder to convert from a continuous drainage system to a user-controlled system. In some embodiments of the invention the fluid drainage member includes inflation lumen for inflating a bladder balloon and urethral cuff of the incontinence portion. In other embodiments of the invention the bladder engaging portion and the urethral cuff are noninflatable and can be either compressed or distended to facilitate insertion in the urethra and bladder. A palpatable valve means is palpatable through the penis to an open condition to permit user-controlled bladder drainage.

Abstract: An aspirator device for removing body fluids is disclosed as having a fluid collector with an air-tight chamber that communicates with a first sealed passageway in an elongated flexible tube to be inserted in a body cavity for fluid communication with body fluids, and a second sealed passageway which connects the air tight chamber with a manually operable vacuum device or squeeze bulb. The manually operable vacuum means or squeeze bulb is operatively associated with first and second one-way valve which open in the same direction, the first valve establishing a vacuum in the first and second sealed passageways for removing and depositing harmful body fluids in the fluid collector, and the second valve means not only working to establish the vacuum, but also serving as an overflow valve for fluids overflowing the fluid collector.

Abstract: A check valve for providing mono-directional flow in medical devices. The check valve includes a valving means comprised of a valve member and a seat member disposed within a cylindrical channel. The valve member is coaxially aligned within the channel downstream of the seat member and provides a valve cavity into which a portion of the seat member is disposed. The interface between the valve member and the seat member creates a seal length. The valve member is radially stressed by the axial position of the seat member so that the sealing force along the seal length is substantially radial. Fluid flow passes through an axial bore in the valve seat member and upon sufficient pressure unseats the seal length and passes through the annular passageway between the valve member and the seat member.

Abstract: A medical guiding microtube in which at the tip of a synthetic resin tube a balloon having substantially the same outer diameter as said tube is attached and a ball-like body connecting at the tip of said tube through yarn in defined length is provided within the balloon having optionally a hole for leaking fluid, and it can be safely introduced to peripheral blood vessel and when used as leak balloon catheter it can control precisely and in good reproducibility a timing for leaking therapeutic liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus including a manifold and improved check valves for selectively injecting supplemental fluids into a closed IV line extending from a source of saline solution to a patient during an operation. Also disclosed are a plurality of connected manifolds and a device to secure the apparatus in location for easy administration of the supplemental fluids to the IV line.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device for controling the flow of fluid from one region of the body to be drained to another region. The device includes a rigid cartridge combined with an elastomeric valve element. The design of the cartridge and valve element are such that the cartridge incorporates a seat and when the valve element is properly positioned within the valve body by a novel positioning arrangement it has sufficient spring force to push against the seat, thus creating a seal. The valve element ensures uni-directional flow as well as creating a set resistance to that flow. The unit can be easily assembled without the use of adhesives and in one configuration, the valve can be "tuned" to a desired pressure as a final assembly step. Combining two of the basic valving assemblies in series with an elastomeric section therebetween results in a valve system which can actively pump fluid downstream by squeezing the central connecting section.

Abstract: A device for administering liquid in a device for the parenteral administration of liquid, comprising a pump which conveys the liquid through an elastic tube to the patient, the entry of air into the tube is prevented by the provision of a valve (20) in the tube downstream of the pump. This valve opens in the patient's direction under a pressure of such magnitude that the pressure inside the tube upstream of the valve is at least approximately as great as the external air pressure. The check valve provided may be used together with a pump as well as under mere gravity feeding.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising, a hollow body member having a cavity, a compression member received on one end of the body member and having an annular flange aligned with the cavity, a device for adjusting the position of the compression member relative to the body member, and a valve device for sealingly engaging against a catheter passing through the valve device, and responsive to compression by the compression member to immobilize the catheter in the valve device.

Abstract: Hemodialysis port assembly including a port and a catheter assembly. The port includes an inlet septum subtended by an inlet plenum and an outlet septum subtended by an outlet plenum. The catheter assembly includes an inlet channel connected to the inlet plenum and an outlet channel connected to the outlet plenum. The port and catheter assembly are completely implanted in the chest of a patient with the port subcutaneous and the end of the catheter assembly remote from the port injected into the subclavian vein. The blood flow in this vein is in the direction away from the end of the catheter assembly. Near this remote end the catheter assembly or the inlet channel terminates in an inlet valve and the outlet channel terminates in an outlet valve. Each of these valves is essentially a flapper on which the blood is incident in a generally perpendicular direction so that its flow is substantially unimpeded.

Abstract: Methods for preventing needle-stick injuries to healthcare workers during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures as well as for preventing catheter-contamination and blood clotting within the tip of the catheter. Also, novel fluid directing means and catheters which include integral fluid flow control means for use in these methods.

Abstract: A pressure and attitude responsive valve comprises a resilient substantially cylindrical hollow valve body having an opening in one end to receive a pressurized fluid to be regulated. The opposite valve body end is closed by a frusto-conical end wall having a central opening therein. A valve ball, larger than the opening but smaller than the valve body bore, is disposed within the valve body to open or close the opening depending on the attitude of the valve body. Longitudinal slits in the wall of the valve body permit resilient deformation of the wall and an opening of the slits upon occurrence of a predetermined pressure gradient. The valve is disposed in a valve housing in series with a check valve to comprise a shunt valve assembly for treatment of hydrocephalus.

Abstract: A retentive catheter having a cannula tube through which medications may be injected into a patient. A mandrin may be left in the retentive catheter during the injection. The medication is injected through an injection port and flows through a fluid channel between the mandrin and the cannula tube and is discharged from the cannula tube through a valve. The valve may be of the nonreturn type. The mandril tip prevents blood components from entering into the cannula tube. The protection against contamination is increased because the mandrin need not be removed from a proposed injection.

Abstract: A surgically implantable shunt system, including a flow control valve and an antechamber, is provided for controlling the release of entrapped body fluids. The flow control valve includes a pair of molded plastic bases situated, respectively, adjacent to an inlet and an outlet of the valve, which bases are situated within a flexible encasement. Each base includes an outer housing, a valve membrane carrier positioned within the housing, and a flow control member. The flow control members each include a central support and a resilient membrane which is generally arch-shaped and resiliently biased to contact the respective base generally along the outer edge of the membrane in a manner permitting only controlled one-way flow through the valve. The antechamber permits injection of medication into the shunt between a proximal catheter and the distally located flow control valve, and pumping of the medication in either direction.

Abstract: A bladder cycler is provided with a magnetic valve for hospital, nursing home, and home care use in automatic emptying of the bladder of a patient. Manual override also is provided with variable opening pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a tubular medical device, and more particularly to a tubular medical device for fluid feeding to or fluid drainage from a body cavity. The invention describes both a device and a method of making a device that comprises an elongated flexible primary tube forming a lumen having an open end, a secondary tube concentrically surrounding and spaced from the primary tube and extending between the open end and a position spaced from the open end. The primary and secondary tubes have an integral joining portion at the open end. The primary and secondary tubes form a chamber that is sealably closed and filled with a heavy metal so that a weighted tip element, or bolus is formed. Alternatively, the chamber may be pressurized and expanded to form a balloon element by way of a side tube affixed to the primary tube and connected at one end to a source of pressurized air and at the other end to a position within the chamber.

Abstract: Device includes a flexible, hollow tube portion having a resiliently deformable mushroom shape tip at the inner end thereof to retain the tube in the stomach or other viscera of a patient and provide an enlarged internal chamber for the mounting of a one-way flapper valve therein and the seating of the flapper valve against the inner end of the tube portion to prevent reflux of gastric contents while permitting the influx of fluids into the stomach or other viscera of the patient through the tube portion. A pair of oppositely extending, relatively short, flat wings are integrally molded on the outer end of the tube portion to make the tube portion self-retaining and flush up against the skin. The wings are relatively narrow in width, whereby the tube portion may be rotated a part turn to bring the wings into contact with different areas of the skin if irritation should occur.

Abstract: A surgically implantable shunt system, including a flow control valve and an antechamber, is provided for controlling the release of entrapped body fluids. The flow control valve includes a pair of molded plastic bases situated, respectively, adjacent to an inlet and an outlet of the valve, which bases are situated within a flexible encasement. Each base includes an outer housing, a valve membrane carrier positioned within the housing, and a flow control member. The flow control members each include a rigid nail-like central support and a separate flexible resilient membrane positioned on the central support. A first flow control member is capable of selectively occluding the valve inlet, but is normally spaced from its base to permit free fluid flow through the inlet. The second flow control member is generally arch-shaped and resiliently biased to contact its respective base generally along the outer edge of the membrane in a manner permitting only controlled one-way flow through the valve.

Abstract: A first valve has a first input port and first and second output ports with the first output port adapted for connection to a drainage collection bag. A tube connects the input port of the first valve to a patient. A second valve has an input port connected to the second output port of the first valve. A dome member has a first opening for connection with an output port of the second valve, a second opening for receiving a pressure transducer, and a third opening for permitting balancing of the system. Through this configuration, the drainage collection bag is located before the pressure sensor, but at a maximum distance from the patient to reduce the risk of infection. An automatic relief valve may replace the second valve to provide for automatic venting of dangerously high levels of intracranial fluids.

Abstract: A catheter is described to provide perfusion while a body vessel is being blocked by the catheter for angioplasty treatment. Intake apertures and ejection apertures are constructed with one-way valves that permit the upstream apertures to only take fluid into the catheter, and the downstream apertures only to eject fluid from the catheter. A pump cooperates with the one-way valves to eject the drawn in aliquot without having to circulate the body fluid outside of the body vessel.

Abstract: An all-plastic check valve is incorporated into a molded plastic surgical or medical device. A tubular arm of the device serves as a barrel of the one-way check valve and has a unitarily molded seat or sealing ring and a plurality of protuberances or keeper bumps. A hollow cone-shaped or bullet-shaped stopper permits fluid flow in one direction, but in the back direction lodges against the sealing ring or seat. The material of the stopper is softer than the material of the tubular portion. At least limited flexing is possible without breaking the seal.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes an elongated valve body, an elastomeric sheath laterally enclosing the outside surface of the valve body with the sheath being sealed to the valve body at its ends spaced apart in the elongated direction. An inlet channel extends in the elongated direction from one end of the valve body for receiving a fluid from a container, such as a flexible container. An outlet channel is located at the opposite end of the valve body extending in the elongated direction for discharging the fluid received in the inlet channel. At least one port extends outwardly from the inlet channel to the outside surface of the valve body so that the fluid can flow between the outside surface and the elastomeric sheath causing the sheath to expand. The fluid between the outside surface of the valve body and the sheath flows to at least one other port in the valve body directed inwardly to the outlet channel so that the fluid can be discharged.

Abstract: Air entrained in a pumped liquid is released from a pumping chamber operated by a single piston and having an outlet passage controlled by a back-seating valve biased closed by a spring, when the piston near the end of its compression stroke causes positive mechanical engagement to open the outlet valve.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for intravenous administration of fluid to which fluid may be added according to the process also disclosed, by injecting same, using a syringe, but not a needle, directly into the hollow portion of the apparatus through an opening therein. A normally closed backflow check valve device, having a component thereof acting as a means for receiving the fluid by engagement to the syringe, has been permanently sealed into the opening in the hollow portion of the apparatus. The apparatus is capped by a double luer locking cap, the purpose of which is to protect the opening into the apparatus from contamination. This is accomplished by using a cap structure wherein the cap which will ultimately re-cover the opening is locked into and protected by the cap which initially covers the opening and then discarding this initial cap after the apparatus has been filled.