Abstract: Adapter (24) is adapted to be permanently secured into a tank, or other enclosure. The adapter is configured to receive a replaceable fitting, which is adapted for aseptically transferring fluid material between enclosures. The fitting has a plurality of needle guide channels (86) leading from the outside of the fluid receiver assembly (12) toward the interior of the enclosure (10), and a seal means (26) at the ends of the channels (86). Pierceable, self-closing seal means (26) is between ends of each of the channels (86) and the interior of the enclosure. Projected extensions of the channels pass through corresponding holes (40) in the adapter, so that needles (101) inserted into the channels (86) can penetrate the seal means (26 and enter the interior of the enclosure (10).

Abstract: A modular constructed connector for interconnecting with a single male and female connector a plurality of electrical lines and fluid lines while maintaining a consistent bubble-tight fluid interconnection. The modular design permits the number of fluidic and electrical connections to be varied depending upon the particular application. In one embodiment, a programmable microchip is mounted within this connector. This chip stores the response characteristics of a flow meter used, for example, as an air flow measurement device in a respiratory circuit.

Abstract: An adaptor for delivering a tube to a patient by way of the adaptor and an anesthesia mask includes a compressable seal core of separable sections which define a passageway for the tube when the sections are assembled. A body and a head of the adaptor include seats for receiving the seal core with the passageway oriented for delivering the tube through the adaptor by way of an opening in the head. The seal core is adjustably compressed by the seats to form an adjustable seal around the tube. The openings in the head and body of the adaptor for the tube are larger in diameter than the back of the tube, and can be removed completely from the tube over the back end of the tube.

Abstract: A needle protective assembly includes a ratchet and pawl arrangement for permitting the unidirectional movement of a protective sleeve along a body of a dispenser, such as a hypodermic syringe. The sleeve is adapted to cover a standard Y-site diaphragm, and includes a lock to secure the sleeve to the Y-site while in use. The assembly may also include indicia on the exterior thereof to measure the amount of needle exposed beyond the end of the sleeve, if the sleeve is not in its fully extended position. The assembly may further include a luer lock, for attaching the assembly to pre-existing standardized fittings.

Abstract: A protector shield is provided for a needle to protect from injury to the hand and touch contamination of the needle. The protector shield comprises an arcuate wall, longitudinally positionable about the pointed end of a tubular needle in spaced relation to it. The arcuate wall defines an open side, and an arcuate arm extends from the arcuate wall across a portion of the open side. The arm extends generally circumferentially about the needle so that the protector shield may be used to lock the needle into engagement with a Y-type injection site.

Abstract: A sterilant cartiridge-cap for use in peritoneal dialysis and other inline sterilant delivery applications including an elongated flexible tubular clear body member of substantially uniform cross section closed at one end and having a clear male Luer connector on its opposite end for attachment to an associated female Luer member at the end of the tube such as an extension set connected to a tube protruding form a patient's body, an O-ring on the female Luer member for engagement between such shoulder and a rim of a collar on the mal Luer member, sterilant liquid in the tubular body member, and an air bubble in the sterilant liquid. The male and female portions of the Luer connectors provide an inner seal, and the rim of the male member provides an outer seal with the O-ring. During detachment of the male and female members, the inner seal is broken before the outer seal is broken, and the volume between the male and female members increases as they move apart while the outer seal is maintained.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting hose lines for medical purposes including a first coupling member (1) having supported therein an axially shiftable hollow plug (2) with a tapered connector (16) for connecting thereto a first hose length and extending in its operating position through a sponge member (9) soaked with a disinfectant and capable of being pierced through a diaphragm (11) for coupling with a second coupling member (5), both coupling members (1, 5) being releasably connected together. Hollow plug (2) consists of outer and inner parts (3, 4) concentrically and telescopically arranged relative to each other so that both parts (3, 4) of the plug (2) are relatively axially and rotatably shiftable whereby a transverse flow passage (19) in outer part (3) is closed by inner part (4) or communicates with channel grooves (20) in the inner part to facilitate flow through the coupling.

Abstract: Protective structure for a connection site for medical use, including connection sites having at least one valve (3) integral with an attachment panel, and a housing slidably mounted on the panel including two half-shells made of synthetic material. The half-shells are at lengthwise rear walls, provided on lengthwise front walls with elastic closing means and provided with foam padding, having depressions for fitting valves and tubes of the connection site.According to the invention the half-shells are articulated by independent, spaced hinges on thin, lengthwise edges of a rear transverse wall integral with a slide and movably mounted on the panel. The length of the panel is at least equal to a distance that the slide must travel to achieve total clearance of the connection site by the two half-shells in an open position.

Abstract: A tubular adaptor releasably interconnects an IV conventional catheter hub to fluid supply tubing. A latching clip slidably mounted on the adaptor cooperates with flange portions on the catheter hub to secure the interconnection between the hub and the adaptor. The adaptor is snapped into a base attached to the patient's skin by an adhesive pad. After the catheter connection is made, the adaptor, together with the clip, is rotated about 90.degree. on the base into a low profile position, wherein the clip is close to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A releasable coupling connector apparatus for catheter applications is provided wherein the connector is partially filled wtih anti-infective solution during manufacture and capped so that a patient or medical technician does not have the task of opening the fluid pathway and introducing the anti-infective solution at point of use into the connector apparatus. The connector apparatus being partially filled with anti-infective solution and capped during manufacture is further sterilized by Gamma radiation in order to eliminate any organism resistant to the anti-infective solution. The releasable coupling connector apparatus provides the first practical double seal connector means wherein a double seal connector defining dual sterilant liquid containing chambers for use with catheter applications and particularly with CAPD whereby sterilization is assuredly and easily achieved by an impaired, unskilled patient even under adverse conditions.

Abstract: A closing appliance used in a flexible tube comprising a communicating tube, a column-like portion, and a thin-walled portion formed between the communicating tube and column-like portion. The column-like portion has two wings facing to each other at an end opposite to the thin-walled portion. The wings have rounded surface on the side of the inner surface of the flexible tube, and a total lateral sectional area of the two wings is from 25 to 50% of a sectional area of a hollow portion of the flexible tube. Thanks to wings, damage of the flexible tube on centrifugal separation process can be avoided.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided which comprises a flexible, collapsible fluid container in fluid communication with an adjustable volume multi-dose dispensing means.

Abstract: An arrangement suitable for transcutaneous filling or replenishment of liquid medications in a medication reservoir of an implantable medical dosing device, the implantable device being of the type having a pierceable septum in fluid communication with the reservoir, has a cannula adapted at one end for piercing the septum from the exterior, and having a flexible conduit connected to an opposite end. The flexible conduit is terminated by a further pierceable septum. A syringe containing the medication can be inserted through the further septum for transferring the medication from the syringe through the flexible conduit and cannula to the medication reservoir.

Abstract: One of the two confined volumes, for example the "supplying" one (2), is provided with a tubular perforating element (3) confined within a space closed by a diaphragm or perforable wall (503); the second confined volume (1) also has a perforable diaphragm (301); the surfaces of the two diaphragms (503, 301) directed towards the external environment are permanently bonded together after which the perforator (3) is manipulated from the outside so as to perforate the two diaphragms, placing in communication, via the tubular duct of the perforator, the confined environment of the supplying volume with that of the second volume.

Abstract: A drug storage and delivery system that includes a drug containing vial assembly, a syringe assembly, and an adapter assembly for attaching the vial assembly to the adapter assembly. The vial assembly includes a vial that is provided with a pierceable stopper and a skirt member that circumscribes the outside of the vial. The syringe assembly includes a cannula extending longitudinally therethrough. The adapter assembly attaches the vial assembly to the syringe assembly in a manner that permits communication between the interior of the vial and the cannula extending through the syringe. The system also permits attachment of the syringe assembly to a container filled with a diluent and means for delivering the diluent into the vial assembly and subsequently directing the mixed solution back into the container.

Abstract: An annular mounting member is bonded to the pouch wall to define a vent opening. The mounting member is made of material which is compatible with the pouch film and has a smooth exterior surface adapted to facilitate removable mounting of an adhesive coated element in alignment with the opening. The element may be a deodorizing filter assembly including a filter disk surrounded by an annular border member coated with pressure sensitive adhesive or a gas impermeable cover member designed to close the vent.

Abstract: A connector provides access to intravenous fluid lines, bags, and vials with either conventional needles or needleless fittings. The connector has a housing with at least one input port and an output port. Two valves normally biased to closed positions control passage of fluid between the one input port and the output port, One of the valves is displaceable to an open position by a needleless fitting, and the other valve is displaceable to an open position by a conventional needle.

Abstract: A needle-shielding fluid transfer device for safely transferring fluid from a needle-bearing medical device to a separate container. The device includes a housing having a passage therethrough. At one end section of the housing, the passage has a relatively large diameter and the housing is adapted to easily accept and hold the needle-bearing medical device from which fluid is to be transferred. At a second end section, the housing is adapted to accept the container into which fluid is to be transferred. When a needle-bearing medical device is inserted into the passage at the first end section of the passage and a container is inserted into the second end section of the housing the needle of the needle-bearing medical device enters the container and fluid may be transferred. In one embodiment, the housing is split into two housing components to form a clamshell-like structure.

Abstract: A slide valve, especially a drain valve, for collection bags, such as urine collecting bags, including an external tubular member and an internal tubular member, both members having a flow passage and being telescoped inside one another in an axially slidable manner. The external tubular member is provided with a valve body and the internal tubular member is provided with a valve seat mating the valve body of the external tubular member. The two tubular members are mutually slidable between a first position, in which the valve body sealingly engages the valve seat to prevent passage through the valve, and a second position in which passage is allowed through the valve. The external tubular member includes a first finger engaging portion at its outer circumference, and the internal tubular member comprises a second finger engaging portion situated substantially diametrically opposite the first finger engaging portion.

Abstract: A heat tipping method and apparatus for surgical sutures to facilitate inserting the sutures into the barrel ends of surgical needles. The method includes tensioning the suture, heating a portion of the suture to be heat tipped by blowing a current of hot air across the portion of the suture, and releasing the tension and cutting the portion of the suture to create heat tipped ends. The apparatus includes a cylindrical drum around which the suture is wound, a concave channel in the drum for delimiting a portion of the suture to be heated, and hot air blowers for heating the delimited portions of the suture to a heat tipping temperature.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe with a permanent cylindrical needle guard extending beyond the tip of the needle is disclosed. The needle guard is integral with the syringe holder so as to provide no exposure, selective or otherwise, of the needle. A removable needle guard is further provided. A tubing set is provided with a puncture port which fits in a liquid-tight manner into the cylindrical needle guard. The tubing set further includes anti-siphoning means and low volume tubing.

Abstract: A medical device which presents the backflow of fluid therethrough is particularly useful as a bloodless catheter assembly, that is, prevents the backflow of blood through the catheter by utilization of a self-closing valve carried in a hollow catheter housing to one end of which a catheter is fixed so as to provide a fluid passage through the catheter and catheter housing. The fluid passage in the catheter housing is sealed by a self-sealing valve element extending transversely across the passage upstream from the catheter. A hollow needle is held in the catheter housing downstream of and pointed at the valve element. Attachment of a fluid dispensing medical appliance to the other catheter housing end forces the valve element downstream onto the needle so as to pierce the valve element and open a fluid passage from the catheter housing upstream of the valve element through the hollow needle to the catheter.

Abstract: An assembly of a tube having a breakaway plug mounted on one opening thereof is provided. The plug includes a hollow cylindrical segment fixedly secured to the tube, a closing segment, and a frangible annular portion located in the hollow segment apart from the secured portion. The plug is formed of material having a Shore A hardness of 68-76 such that the plug can be torn off at the frangible portion by twisting. Since the plug of relatively flexible material having a Shore A hardness of 68 to 76 is attached to the tubular body, the gas tightness and intimate contact therebetween are substantially improved to minimize the risk of the plug being accidentally ruptured by an external force when the tubular body is not on use, while maintaining the ability of breakage of the plug when the tubular body is on use.Preferably, there is provided a protector with such a hardness that it may not prevent breakage of the plug at the frangible portion for safeguard and easy breakage of the plug.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe with a permanent cylindrical needle guard extending beyond the tip of the needle is disclosed. The needle guard is integral with the syringe holder so as to provide no exposure, selective or otherwise, of the needle. A removable needle guard is further provided. A tubing set is provided with a puncture port which fits in a liquid-tight manner into the cylindrical needle guard. The tubing set further includes anti-siphoning means and low volume tubing.

Abstract: A medical instrument whose distal end is inserted into a body cavity of a subject in cooperation with a treating unit, comprises an insertion section including a distal end inserted into the body cavity and having a first opening exposed there, a proximal base end located outside the body of the subject, and a channel provided in the insertion section and extending from the proximal base end toward the first opening, an operation section connected to the proximal base end and having a second opening leading to the channel, a mount piece provided around the second opening. A valve is provided on the mount piece including a body having a slit adapted to be opened when the treating unit is inserted into the channel and closed when it is withdrawn from the channel and an annular groove detachably fitted on the mount piece, and a thin-walled portion for destroying the valve when the valve is removed from the mount piece.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a catheter assembly including a hollow T-shaped member having a patient end and a rear end which is blocked from the patient end by a wall. A catheter is adapted to be introduced through the rear end of the member into a patient and the rear end includes a sponge, located out of the airway of the patient by the wall but the wall includes means for opening the wall to let the catheter through it for introduction into the patient. The sponge cleans the catheter as it is withdrawn but mucus cannot be returned to the airway to the patient.

Abstract: An IV quick-connect/disconnect device is provided and generally comprises suitably molded single piece male and female connectors. The male connector has a male luer-lock on one end, one or more outwardly extending bayonet knobs on a middle portion and a reduced diameter second end which terminates in a resilient septum. The female connector has a female luer-lock on one end and a receiving cylinder with a bayonet cut out on the other; the luer-lock and the cylinder being separated by a wall through which a hollow needle extends that has been insert molded in the wall. The male and female connectors are mated by sliding the reduced diameter second end of the male connector into the receiving cylinder of the female connector, with the bayonet cutouts of the female connector serving as a track for the extended knobs of the male connector.

Abstract: An universal medical connector for manually connecting a first fluid conveying conduit in fluid connection with a patient's vasculature and having a junction terminal with a septum at an end thereof to a second fluid conduit for administration of fluid to a patient. The connector is formed of two elements. The first element defines an integral needle hub, to which a needle is mounted, a base extending from the hub, and fingers extending from the base. The second locking element includes a collar with a support and bars extending therefrom so as to be manually slidable along the first element in the direction the needle extends between a retracted and a locking position in which the connector locks onto a junction terminal and the septum penetrated by the needle. The fingers flex at a flexing line or joint or in a flexure region covered by the bars in the retracted position. Detents are provided on the base and on a detent carrier formed by slots extending into the collar.

Abstract: A port/spike assembly including an enteral spike having a diameter substantially less than the diameter of a standard parenteral spike. The assembly also includes a port having a tube with an outer wall which defines a generally cylindrical elongated bore. A frangible membrane is disposed inside the elongated bore, and divides the bore into upper and lower bore sections. A selector ring is provided in the upper bore section for permitting insertion of the reduced diameter enteral spike and for preventing the insertion of a standard parenteral spike through the membrane. The assembly prevents inadvertent insertion of a parenteral spike into an enteral feeding system.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268). A blood sampling system utilizing an in-line pre-slit injetion site (492) and a shielded blunt cannula (512).

Abstract: A connector for detachably securing an end of a tube, such as a catheter, to a fluid port of a fluid transfer assembly, such as an implantable device, the connector having a body part which defines a coupler for coupling to a coupler receiver of the transfer assembly. The connector includes a sleeve which fits within the body part and defines an aperture for compressively receiving an end of the tube which has been fitted over a fluid port of the transfer assembly. The body part is rotatable about the sleeve to facilitate coupling of the coupler and coupler receiver. In one embodiment, the connector further includes bayonet pins for twist locking the coupler in the coupling receiver. A tie down may be provided to prohibit the coupler from being inadvertently detached from the coupling receiver. A tactile indicator may be included to indicate correct coupling of the coupler and the coupler receiver. The sleeve generates a compressive force to secure the tube to the fluid port.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sealing around shafts or tubes of varying diameter. Its basic element comprises an elastomeric sealing body with an axial passage which is radially compressed from more than two sides to compress the passage into sealing engagement with a member extending through the passage. Radial compression is achieved by cams and followers disposed around the body which cooperate with angularly spaced radially extending lugs formed integrally with the body. The cams are spring biased to normally compress the axial passage of the sealing body. Levers operable by one hand of the user are provided to selectively release the apparatus.

Abstract: The sample coupler device is used to connect a sample collector container to a pipe used to transport gases or liquids. The coupler device permits collecting of blood or intravenous fluid sample material without it becoming contaminated. The coupler's most significant feature is the combination of the conical snout on the housing containing the integral feeder tube so that the blood or intravenous fluid may be collected without utilizing any external needles. This is significant when the person to whom this intravenous feeding system is connected has been exposed to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, hepatitis or any other non-curable or potentially fatal malady.

Abstract: The closed system connector assembly is formed with a male connector and a female connector. Both connectors have rubber membranes which can be pierced by a hollow needle disposed within the female connector. In some embodiments, the membrane of the female connector is mounted on a collapsible tube disposed about the hollow needle. During insertion of the male connector, this tube collapses and, upon withdrawal, the tube expands. In another embodiment, the female connector has a housing which carries the needle and is slidable within a sleeve which carries the membrane.

Abstract: A protected needle coupling for connecting to a conventional IV injection site comprises an elongated tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end, needle mounting means at the proximal end for mounting a conventional needle in a protected position within the housing, connecting means at the proximal end for connecting to an IV tubing, and clamping means at the distal end for extending over and gripping a standard IV injection site when the needle is inserted into the site.

Abstract: One of the two confined volumes, for example the "supplying" one (2), is provided with a tubular perforating element (3) confined within a space closed by a diaphragm or perforable wall (503); the second confined volume (1) also has a perforable diaphragm (301); the surfaces of the two diaphragms (503, 301) directed towards the external environment are permanently bonded together after which the perforator (3) is manipulated from the outside so as to perforate the two diaphragms, placing in communication, via the tubular duct of the perforator, the confined environment of the supplying volume with that of the second volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hemostasis valve which is formed of a longitudinally extended valve housing having a first opening and a central longitudinal passage communicating with an opposite second opening. A cap means is provided for enclosing the first opening of the housing, said cap means having a hole to permit insertion of a catheter. Also provided is a one-piece seal means located within the longitudinally extended housing, said seal means comprising a sealing neck having a relatively small opening therein and communicating with a slit concave exit base.

Abstract: A blood withdrawal apparatus and method in which a blunt cannula or needle penetrates an elastomeric septum into a pressurized flow channel such as an arterial line. After blood is withdrawn into the attached syringe, the needle tip is withdrawn into the septum until an indication is detected, for example by engagement of a detent on a shroud surrounding the cannula or needle with a detent on the housing for the septum. The nurse can then depressurize the syringe by operating the piston and thus prevent blood spurt when the needle tip is subsequently fully withdrawn from the septum.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve to accommodate the passage of elongate elements. The valve comprises an elastomeric body having a passage extending therethrough which is held in compression by an elastomeric sleeve disposed around the body. The passage includes an enlarged chamber intermediate its ends and at least a portion of the passage takes the form of a puncture. In use, the passage functions to seal around an elongate element extended therethrough and the chamber reduces friction on the element and provides a void into which the material of the elastomeric body may be displaced without disturbing the seal. A method of forming the valve with a bulbous-ended mandrel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical instrument whose distal end is inserted into a body cavity of a subject in cooperation with a treating unit, comprises an insertion section including a distal end inserted into the body cavity and having a first opening exposed there, a proximal base end located outside the body of the subject, and a channel provided in the insertion section and extending from the proximal base end toward the first opening, an operation section connected to the proximal base end and having a second opening leading to the channel, a mount piece provided around the second opening. A valve is provided on the mount piece including a body having a slit adapted to be opened when the treating unit is inserted into the channel and closed when it is withdrawn from the channel and an annular groove detachably fitted on the mount piece, and a thin-walled portion for destroying the valve when the valve is removed from the mount piece.

Abstract: A flexible spray tip device is provides so that the user may bend and rigidly hold a spray tip at the end of a syringe. Alternately, the spray tip may be rotated around 360.degree., to provide orientation and angulation of the device while simultaneously attached to the syringe.

Abstract: A safety syringe having both apparatus for shielding the needle and apparatus for removing the needle after it is used. The apparatus for removing the needle is an elongated member that includes means for grasping the needle and removing it from the syringe body. An elongated cavity is disposed in the extension arm extending from the piston member of the syringe for receiving and storing the apparatus for removing the needle. The apparatus for shielding the needle is a cylindrical member that is attached over the syringe body and movable to and from an extended position over the needle. The safety syringe prevents inadvertent exposure of the needle prior to, during and after use of the syringe.

Abstract: A dual-purpose catheter for performing suction or oxygen feed on a patient including two cylindrical bodies rotatably coupled together and held together by a spring which is biased to hold the bodies in a first position with respect to each other but permits rotation to a second position. One body includes first and second tubes which can be coupled to a source of suction or a source of oxygen, and the other body includes means for receiving said tubes in a tight fit and tube means for coupling either suction or oxygen to the patient, depending on the rotation state of the two bodies with respect to each other. The catheter bodies include solid tubes positioned to block the oxygen path to the patient when suction is operating and to block the suction path to the patient when oxygen is operating.

Abstract: A medical connector (10) disclosed comprises first and second connector members (12, 22) including a flashback chamber (26), a needle (20) penetrable into said chamber and an improved one-way valve (32) spaced from said needle for closing said chamber and for establishing fluid communication through the connector (10) when the connector members (12, 22) are joined to administer medication or food to the patient while preventing a patient's blood from entering the chamber (22) and coming in contact with the needle.

Abstract: A port and closure assembly for a container is provided. The port and closure assembly includes a port having a tubular portion that extends from a base and terminates at an end including an opening. The tubular portion is divided into an upper and lower section by a pierceable membrane. The upper section including an end that terminates at the opening and including a resealing injection site. A closure member for removably surrounding at least a portion of the end of the port including the opening is provided. The closure includes a sleeve that circumscribes at least a portion of an outer surface of the upper section of the tubular portion. The sleeve is so constructed and arranged as to cause portions of the upper section to contact the resealing member during a sterilization step that softens the portions and further causes the portions of the upper section to retain the resealing injection site within the tubular portion after the portions have hardened.

Abstract: Apparatus for aseptically transferring material between enclosures. Apparatus for transferring the material includes a fluid receiver assembly (12) comprising an adapter (24), and a fitting (93) mounted in the adapter (24). The fitting has a plurality of needle guide channels (86) leading from the outside of the fluid receiver assembly (12) toward the interior of the enclosure (10), and a seal (26) at the ends of the channels (86). A pierceable, self-closing seal (26) is between ends of each of the channels (86) and the interior of the enclosure. Projected extensions of the channels pass through corresponding holes (40) in the adapter, so that needles (101) inserted into the channels (86) can penetrate the seal (26) and enter the interior of the enclosure (10). A plurality of needles (101) in a novel needle bundle (95) may be used in making the transfer. An assembly for transferring material between two stationary enclosures comprises a pair of novel needle bundles (295) and connecting tubing (266).

Abstract: A catheter with a double membrane gasket and a locking needle guard is disclosed. The gasket prevents blood from seeping through the catheter hub. The locking needle guard prevents the user from inadvertent needle sticks.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly of a protective shield for a needle channel and a self-sealing diaphragm, wherein the protective shield is generally cup-shaped and is provided with an aperture, said self-sealing diaphragm being retained in the aperture, the arrangement being such as to protect the fingers of the operative from needle-stick by the miss-direction of a hypodermic needle. The diameter of the aperture may approximate to, or be smaller than, the internal diameter of the inlet of the needle channel so that only is needle-stick obviated, but also the tendency of the needle point to tear the seal-sealing diaphragm is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A universal connector is described, being capable of both connection with female luer connectors and penetration of resealable-diaphragm connection sites. The connector comprises a tubular member defining a first tubular section having a distal end capable of resealably penetrating a latex resealable-diaphragm injection site. Aperture means are provided adjacent the distal end of the tubular member for communication with the lumen of the tubular member with the exterior. The tubular member also defines a frustoconical male luer section positioned proximally of the first tubular section and proportioned to be sealable with female luer connectors. The male luer section has a minimum diameter that is greater than the maximum diameter of the first tubular section. Annular step means are provided separating the first tubular section and male luer section, and means are provided, spaced proximally of the frustoconical male luer section, for providing connection with a fluid conduit.

Abstract: A connector that permits safe and convenient attachment of a wound drainage tube to a fluid reservoir includes a hollow penetrator whose one end is attachable to the drainage tube and whose other end is sharpened to permit it to pierce a penetrable plug that initially seals an inlet tube of the reservoir. The penetrator is covered with a stocking that initially prevents fluid from flowing out of the sharpened end. A protective skirt has one end attached to the penetrator. Its other end is open and permits the skirt to surround the inlet tube as the penetrator is moved toward the plug and then pierces the stocking and plug to permit fluid to flow from the drainage tube to the reservoir.