Having Flow Closing Or Opening Means (e.g., Plug, Cap, Seal, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/256)
  • Patent number: 8348895
    Abstract: The tamper evident cap assembly is structured for protective connection to a syringe of the type having a nozzle and a discharge port, wherein the cap assembly includes a body configured to receive and access to the nozzle. A flow restricting member is connected to the body to at least initially define a one piece construction. The flow restricting member is disposed in flow restricting relation to the discharge port of the nozzle. An attachment assembly interconnects the body and the flow restricting member and is structured, such as by being frangible to facilitate detachment of the body from the flow restricting member upon the body being removed from the syringe. A connecting assembly is structured for a snap-fit connection to the nozzle and retains the flow restricting member thereon upon removal of the body from the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Device Engineering, LLC.
    Inventor: Jonathan Vitello
  • Publication number: 20130006199
    Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Belley, Richard Fiser, Eugene E. Weilbacher
  • Publication number: 20130006107
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing circuit is provided with: a multi-way cock; a first line; a second line; a third line; a fourth line; a fifth line; and a casing which houses some of the above. When a cock in the multi-way cock is situated in a priming position, a distal opening in a second part of a first flow channel communicates with a first port, and a distal opening in a third part communicates with a second port; thus, the first port and the second port are in an open state wherein the ports are connected to each other via the first flow channel, whereas a third port, a fourth port, and a sixth port are in an open state wherein the ports are connected to one another via a second flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shingo KOYAMA
  • Patent number: 8343111
    Abstract: An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing and a mounting structure. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by placement in the mounting structure. However, unless force is applied to keep the occluder mechanism in the mounting structure, the occluder will move relative to the mounting structure and return to the first, closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Beck, Jason Bultman, Jeff Juretich, Philip Eggers, Ryan Federspiel, Blake Allen
  • Patent number: 8343041
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member, and a central opening that extends to the channel. The inner seal member may include a plurality of flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Daniel W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, Gary A. Jordan, Douglas Pleskow, Brian Tinkham
  • Patent number: 8343104
    Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) having an outer catheter (12) and an inner catheter (14) extending coaxially through the outer catheter, and a hub (16). The inner catheter (14) is axially movable within and with respect to the outer catheter (14) by use of an actuator assembly (130) such that the catheter assembly has an opened condition permitting fluid communication with vasculature of a patient, and a closed condition preventing fluid communication with the vasculature of the patient. The opened condition permits the intended use of the catheter assembly such as for hemodialysis of the patient. In the closed condition, locking solution may be maintained in the catheter assembly and later removed therefrom, with essentially no locking solution leaving the catheter assembly or entering the patient. The actuator assembly (130) is secured to a proximal end portion (128) of the inner catheter (14) as it protrudes proximally from the hub (16), where it is accessible to the practitioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventors: John Martin, Timothy Schweikert, Christopher Linden, Kevin Sanford, Mark S. Fisher, W. Shaun Wall, Angela Wentling
  • Patent number: 8343112
    Abstract: Some assemblies can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which can be used to cover separated medical connectors. In certain arrangements, a male cap can include a movable carriage that transitions from a retracted position when an assembly with which the male cap is associated is in a closed state to an extended position when the assembly is in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Catheter Connections, Inc., The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett, Robert Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 8343113
    Abstract: A medical valve assembly including a rigid external housing and a valve stem of a resilient material. The valve stem includes a passageway for conveying a fluid which has an hourglass shape to create a venturi effect when cleaning the valve stem to improve the efficiency of the cleaning process. The passageway also includes no sharp edges, thus reducing the risk of fluid getting trapped inside the passageway when the medical valve assembly is not in use. Even further, when a needleless syringe is removed from the valve stem, the valve stem expands to an uncompressed state with its top end being generally flush with an end of the housing to present a swabable surface for cleaning purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Hokanson
  • Publication number: 20120330247
    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 defines 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120330279
    Abstract: A device for administering liquids to an animal, in particular therapeutic agents, comprises a vessel (10; 50; 70; 100; 200) defining a collection chamber (11) therein. The following components are provided on the vessel: an inlet opening (13) for the therapeutic agent into the collection chamber, a first outlet duct (14) connected to a cannula element (3) which is prearranged so as to be introduced into the animal, the opening (14a) of the first outlet duct into the collection chamber being provided at a distance from a base (16) of the vessel, a second outlet duct (15) connected to a cannula element (3) which is prearranged so as to be introduced into the animal, the opening (15a) of the second outlet duct being provided substantially at the base of the vessel, and first shut-off means (17) for selectively shutting off the second outlet duct (15), the means being provided for preventing or allowing the flow from the collection chamber through the second outlet duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Shahar Tsabari, Carla Emilia Pace
  • Patent number: 8337470
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating fluid flow between an internal body structure and a device external to the body comprises a housing having proximal and distal chambers separated from one another by a wall and fluidly connected to proximal port and distal ports. The wall includes a valve selectively sealing first and second openings thereof and a canopy biased toward a sealing position sealingly surrounding the first opening. The bias of the canopy is set to define a first pressure differential at which the canopy is moved out of the sealing position to permit fluid transfer therepast in a first direction. A duck-bill stem extends through the second opening and includes a lumen extending therethrough with walls of the stem being biased toward a sealing position and configured so that, when a second pressure differential is applied at at least a second level, the first end opens to permit flow therepast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayanthi Prasad, Tom Fisk, Jeff Gray
  • Publication number: 20120323188
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew William Yavorsky, Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen
  • Publication number: 20120316512
    Abstract: Devices and methods for vacuum-assisted removal of surgically contaminated gas from an insufflated body cavity, the contaminants comprising smoke, aerosols, vapor, mist and the like generated during surgical procedures in order to clear the surgeon's vision of the surgical site and prevent exposure of the surgical staff to the gas. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a series of flow restriction devices to enable stepping down of the flow rate generated by an external vacuum. This reduced flow rate allows safe yet rapid removal of the toxic and vision-obstructing surgical byproducts from the patient's body cavity. The initial flow restriction device may comprise a perforated trocar sleeve in fluid communication with the vacuum source that allows retention of the surgical instrument within the trocar's inner lumen with concurrent smoke removal. The flow rate is infinitely variable, adjustable and selectable using a flow control adjuster comprising a smoothly varying orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Lexion Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Ott, Nathaniel V. Tran
  • Publication number: 20120316514
    Abstract: A positive-displacement needleless access connector is disclosed that has a housing with a first luer fitting at a proximal end thereof, a base with a second luer fitting at a distal end thereof, and a valve element with a proximal end that creates a seal at the first luer fitting and fastens to the base so that a surface of the valve element is substantially flush with a surface of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: George M. Mansour
  • Publication number: 20120316513
    Abstract: Instruments and associated methods are disclosed for treating joints, and particularly bone tissue. In general, the embodiments relate to instruments and associated methods for the surgical treatment of a joint, and particularly to a subchondral bone defect at that joint region. More specifically, the embodiments relate to instruments that allow fast, easy, precise, and controllable subchondral delivery to, or removal of materials from, a bone joint being treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Knee Creations, LLC.
    Inventors: Peter F. SHARKEY, Christopher D. Mandeen, Shaun B. Hanson, Jamie A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8328769
    Abstract: A pressure actuated flow control valve for an infusion catheter permits gravity flow of a liquid through the catheter and into a patient while resisting back flow of blood from the patient and into the catheter. The valve has a hemispherical body with an outstanding circumferential flange and a normally closed, diametric slit. The slit is longer on the convex outer surface than on the concave inner surface. Dome thickness diminishes in the area adjacent the slit, reducing total apical deflection upon collapse of the slit toward the concave surface. An inner orthogonal rib biases the slit closed. Upon application of a predetermined pressure, the slit opens toward the concave surface to permit forward fluid flow. At lower pressures, the slit closes to check fluid flow. Greater reverse pressure is required to collapse the slit toward the concave surface to permit reverse fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nexus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: W. Cary Dikeman, Thomas J. Solomon, Kerry L. Spiker
  • Publication number: 20120310163
    Abstract: A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Ulrich Haueter, Florian Kuehni
  • Patent number: 8322756
    Abstract: A disconnectable connector assembly is provided, including a first fitting having a movable stem therein, the stem being movable from one end toward the other end of the first fitting; a valve releasably attached to the stem, the valve including legs engageable with a lip; a second fitting connected to the first fitting, the second fitting including the lip, the second fitting being in fluid communication with the stem and the first fitting when the stem is in a first position, and wherein fluid flow between the second fitting and the stem and the first fitting is blocked when the stem is in a second position; the first fitting being disconnectable from the second fitting after the stem has been moved and the valve is released from the stem with the legs engaged with the lip when the first and second fittings are disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Darren Elton, Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 8323255
    Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventors: Nick Martino, James G. Schneider, Peter M. von Dyck, Jae Hwang Kim, John S. Minasi
  • Publication number: 20120302961
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez, Michael M. Martin, Anil K. Patnala
  • Patent number: 8308726
    Abstract: A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Atul Kumar, Alka Kumar
  • Patent number: 8298196
    Abstract: A positive-displacement needleless access connector includes a housing with a female luer fitting, a base with a male luer fitting, and a valve element with a proximal end that creates a seal in the housing, a septum, and a distal end that fastens to the base to vent the septum; the base and the valve element coupling to each other to create an assembly that has a greatest outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: George M. Mansour
  • Patent number: 8292919
    Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic workspace while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
  • Publication number: 20120259292
    Abstract: Among other things, a flow-controlling catheter hub configured to connect with and adjust fluid flow to a catheter is shown. The hub includes a main body, a valve, and a luer fitting adapter. The main body, valve, and luer fitting adapter each have an interior passageway to receive and conduct fluid flow when the parts are assembled together. The valve is configured to engage the interior passageway of the main body to block fluid flow when the valve is in a closed position. When the valve is in an open position the valve is moved away from the interior passageway of the main body and fluid flows through the interior passageway of the main body. The luer fitting adapter freely rotates in the valve while the valve is adjusted relative to the main body. Adjustment of fluid flow to the catheter is possible without disturbing connections between parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Cleve Koehler
  • Patent number: 8277424
    Abstract: A needle-less syringe adapter has a tube, a resilient valve, a piercing member and an injection member. The tube has a body has a cavity and an outlet hole. The resilient valve is mounted in the cavity and has a chamber, a top slit and a bottom slit. The piercing conduit is mounted in the chamber, is driven to move when the resilient valve is compressed, selectively extends out through the top and bottom slits and has a through hole defined through the piercing conduit. The injection member is mounted on the tube and is selectively sealed by the resilient valve. The needle-less syringe adapter has excellent hermetical characteristics to prevent air infiltration and backflow of bloody and liquid medicine in a patient's blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Hsiu-Feng Pan
  • Patent number: 8277413
    Abstract: An administering device for a fluid product includes a product receptacle that accommodates the product to be administered, a fluid reservoir for a driving fluid, a driving means, a product chamber, and a fluid connection. The product receptacle includes an opening at a forward end and a product stopper at a rear end. The driving means acts upon the fluid reservoir, the pressure chamber adjoins the product stopper while the fluid connection is located between the fluid reservoir and the pressure chamber, and the driving means acts upon the fluid reservoir in such a way that the pressure chamber is impinged upon by pressure which affects the product stopper and the product is discharged from the product receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: TecPharma Licensing AG
    Inventor: Fritz Kirchhofer
  • Publication number: 20120238965
    Abstract: A manual switch has a body, a button, a valve rod and a biasing member. The body has a valve mount having multiple holding ribs. The valve rod is mounted slidably in the valve mount, is pressed by the button and has a valve rod, a mounting tube and an O-ring. The rod body has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the valve mount. The mounting tube is mounted securely around the rod body and has an outer diameter being equal to the inner diameter of the valve mount and an outer surface abutting with the holding ribs in the valve mount. The O-ring is mounted around the rod body and abuts with the inner surface of the valve mount to provide a sealing effect to the valve rod and the valve mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ti-Li CHANG
  • Patent number: 8267891
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve includes an elongated, resilient, tubular body section configured to surround a portion of a shaft of a phacoemulsification needle, the tubular body section having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inner surface and an outer surface. An enlarged section formed on the proximal end of the tubular body portion surrounds a hub of the phacoemulsification needle and connects the irrigation sleeve to a phacoemulsification handpiece. The irrigation sleeve further comprises at least one slitted irrigation port formed adjacent to the distal end of the body section and configured to splay in response to a drop in pressure between the inner surface and the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ramon Dimalanta, Grace Liao
  • Publication number: 20120232499
    Abstract: Systems and methods to provide an intravenous device having flashback capabilities and features to permit a flashback notch of an introducer needle to bypass a septum of the device without incurring an undesirable contact between the flashback notch of the introducer needle and a related contact surface of the septum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Marty L. Stout, Shaun Staley, Weston F. Harding, Ralph L. Sonderegger
  • Publication number: 20120232498
    Abstract: A system and method for providing vent channel geometries to compensate for compression forces experienced by a septum within an intravascular device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Yiping Ma, Marty L. Stout
  • Publication number: 20120220955
    Abstract: A cap for preventing re-knitting of an aperture within a proximal seal of a medical valve includes a body portion, a securing portion, and an interacting portion. The securing portion removably secures the cap to the inlet of the medical valve. The interacting portion interacts with the aperture to prevent the proximal seal from re-knitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: NP MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Luis Maseda, Todd M. Chelak, AnnMarie L. Fisher, Ian Kimball, William Siopes
  • Patent number: 8251945
    Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: U.S. Endoscopy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean J. Secrest, Christopher J. Kaye, Paul Davis, John P. Winstanley
  • Patent number: 8251067
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control device for a bronchial passageway. The device can includes a valve member that regulates fluid flow through the flow control device, a frame coupled to the valve member, and a membrane attached to the frame. At least a portion of the flow control device forms a seal with the interior wall of the bronchial passageway when the flow control device is implanted in the bronchial passageway. The membrane forms a fluid pathway from the seal into the valve member to direct fluid flowing through the bronchial passageway into the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Pulmonx Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hendricksen, Peter Wilson, Ronald Hundertmark, Antony J. Fields
  • Publication number: 20120215182
    Abstract: A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. There is a seal between the retractable post and the body that forms a fluid volume within a portion of the cavity. The fluid path passes through the fluid volume. When actuated, the retractable post is forced away from the tip of the male luer, thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector and decreasing the fluid volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: George M. Mansour, Matthew P. Fried
  • Publication number: 20120215088
    Abstract: A catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular member, and an inner member extending through the tubular member. The inner member is movable axially relative to the tubular member. The catheter also includes a seal member including a first portion and a second portion. The seal member extends between the tubular member and the inner member. The first portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the tubular member, and the second portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the inner member during relative axial movement between the tubular member and the inner member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Dale Just
  • Publication number: 20120215178
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Patent number: 8246585
    Abstract: A device for inhibiting blood leakage from the proximal end of a catheter. The device includes a resilient body having a proximal portion and a distal extension portion extending away from the proximal portion and terminating at a first end. The proximal portion and the distal extension portion share a common axis and together define a generally cylindrical passage at least partially therethrough. The distal extension portion is shaped to interface with the catheter and in a substantially sealing relationship. The cylindrical passage is sized to receive a surgical guidewire therein in close apposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Vascular Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Hani Schennib
  • Patent number: 8241252
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the assembly is a low profile percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) device and comprises a body, a feeding tube, a cap and an inner sleeve assembly. The body includes a base portion and a sleeve portion, the base portion dimensioned to engage the skin of a patient, the sleeve portion extending upwardly from the base portion. The feeding tube has a distal end adapted to be anchored to the inside of a patient and a proximal end inserted up through the base portion and the sleeve portion. An inner sleeve, sized to engage the inside surface of the feeding tube, is removably inserted through the feeding tube, the inner sleeve having a proximal end to which a tubular fitting is secured. Food and/or medications are dispensed to the patient through the fitting and the inner sleeve and, in this manner, prevent clogging of the feeding tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Laddvanh Bouphavichith
  • Patent number: 8235946
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tri-leaflet valve (100) in which the leaflets (102) extend for substantially the entire length of the valve (100). The valve (100) is provide with a waist (106). An element (16) inserted in the tri-leaflet valve (100) can be sealed by closure of the valve (100), for example by pressurization or twisting. The seat is more effective then prior art seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Arne Molgaard-Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8231587
    Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and disinfect a male protrusion portion of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male protrusion to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen the protrusion. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: Catheter Connections, The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Robert Hitchcock, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett
  • Patent number: 8221363
    Abstract: A luer activated device includes an inlet adapted to receive a male luer, an outlet associable with a fluid flow system, and a fluid flow path therebetween. The flow path is defined by an elastomeric flow controller extending between the inlet and outlet and maintained in a tensioned state. When a male luer is inserted into the inlet, some of the tension in the flow controller is relieved, allowing the flow path to deform and change in volume. The flow path is adapted such that the change in volume results in no net fluid displacement or minimal positive fluid displacement when the male luer is inserted into the inlet. Other aspects include tensioned flow controllers having a plurality of sealing layers for the inlet and methods of manufacturing valves having a tensioned fluid flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Steven C. Jepson
  • Publication number: 20120179117
    Abstract: One embodiment of a blood transfusion device includes a drip chamber (10) comprising a bottom outlet (113); a filter (40) fixedly disposed in the drip chamber (10); and a float regulator (20) moveably disposed in the drip chamber (10) under the filter (40). the float regulator (20) comprising an inverted upper cup (21) including a top projection (212), a lower cup (22) secured to the upper cup (21), and a suction cup (23) secured to an underside of the lower cup (22). An inner diameter of the upper cup (21) is greater than an outer diameter of the lower cup (22). The projection (212) contacts an underside of the filter (40) when blood from a blood bag (90) sufficiently fills the drip chamber (10). The suction cup (23) falls to permanently close the outlet (113) when blood in the drip chamber (10) completely drains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Hsien-Tsung WANG
  • Publication number: 20120179094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament container, comprising a cavity at least partially defined by a container wall comprising a soft, flexible inner layer consisting of a soft material and a rigid outer layer consisting of a rigid material, wherein the layers are arranged as a one-piece part by two component injection moulding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, René Richter, Robert Witt
  • Publication number: 20120172819
    Abstract: The magnetically sealed intravenous access valve is an implantable port and valve for vascular access. The magnetically sealed intravenous access valve includes a housing and a pair of hollow tubes provided for interconnection and communication with the patient's blood vessel. Each tube is partially slidably received within a lower portion of the housing. A hollow key is used to selectively open and close the valve and also to inject medication into the patient's blood vessel. The hollow key is removably received within channels formed through a retainer and a rotatable obturator so that the lower end of the hollow key releasably engages the obturator. Selective rotation thereof allows eccentric spout formed in the obturator to align with an eccentric aperture formed in a valve plate. Fluids flow through the hollow key, the aligned spout and plate opening, the lower portion of the housing, and the opposing tubes for fluid transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: MANUEL DUGROT
  • Patent number: 8211069
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120157933
    Abstract: A gland member within a medical valve is configured to have a substantially consistent or enlarging internal volume as the valve transitions from a closed mode to an open mode. The valve has a housing forming an interior containing a flow path, and a stationary post member within the interior. The post member has a lumen that is a part of the flow path. The lumen has an opening to the interior of the housing. The valve further includes a gland member circumscribing the post member to produce a variable volume region formed at least in part between the gland member itself and the post member. The variable volume region is a part of the flow path, while the gland member occludes the post lumen opening when in the closed mode. The variable volume region has an open volume that is no less than its closed volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: NYPRO INC.
    Inventors: Brian L. Newton, Andrew L. Cote, SR., Charles F. Ganem, David B. Woyak, Richard T. Boisjoly
  • Patent number: 8202266
    Abstract: Equipment for use in changing a catheter, preferably of the type used for drainage of the urinary tract. The urinary catheter is used as an aid in emptying the urinary bladder in conditions where this cannot be done in the normal manner. The equipment of the present invention includes a sleeve mounting unit which is mounted to an indwelling catheter, and which has a branch member formed in one piece therewith and extending at an acute angle therefrom, for reception of an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal slit. The sleeve is positioned on the branch member and then progressively advanced onto the catheter, causing the slit to become enlarged as the sleeve surrounds the upstream portion of the catheter in a yielding manner. The catheter may then be quickly removed through the sleeve and a new catheter inserted in its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Urological AS
    Inventor: Knut Eilert Karlsen
  • Patent number: 8197452
    Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body and a layer of the body that communicates with a pathogenic environment to discourage adhesion of a pathogen to the layer and thus repress pathogenic activity. A method of repressing pathogenic activity in a vascular access device includes providing the device with a body, and coating the body with a layer that discourages adhesion of a pathogen to the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Weston F. Harding, Austin Jason McKinnon, Mark A. Crawford, Lantao Guo, Glade H. Howell, David Ou-Yang
  • Patent number: 8197448
    Abstract: A device for retaining and dispensing a free-flowing substance includes a syringe-like retaining body (12) in which a retaining space (46) is formed. A displaceable piston (22) is axially introduced into the retaining space (46) and the retaining body (12) is provided with a dispensing nozzle (18) on its front end facing away from the piston (22). A locking pin (36) through which at least one transverse channel (44) passes, with an axial channel (42) branching off therefrom, is provided on the inside of the dispensing nozzle (18). In a closed position of the locking pin (36), a flow connection between the retaining space (46) and the transverse channel (44) is blocked. In an activation position of the locking pin (36), the transverse channel (44) is connected to the retaining space (46), so that the free-flowing substance can be dispensed from the retaining space (46) via the transverse channel (44) and the axial channel (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventor: Alberto C. Sogaro
  • Patent number: 8197749
    Abstract: Illustrative pairs of caps are disclosed, each of the caps being sized and shaped to provide a protective union about a separated medical connector. A pair of caps can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which is configured to be coupled to the other cap in an assembly. The assembly is sealed until the caps are separated for use, thereby maintaining sterility of the internal surfaces of the caps. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael W. Howlett, James V. Mercer