Antimicrobial stopcock medical connector
US10149971B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K11/0853
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Various embodiments of an antimicrobial stopcock medical connector is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stopcock tap having fluid channels provided on portions of the outer surface of the stopcock tap, whereby fluid bypasses the stopcock through the fluid channels by flowing between the outer surface of the stopcock tap and the inner surface of the stopcock housing. Some embodiments further comprise an antimicrobial coating or insert that is provided in the one or more fluid channel, whereby fluid flowing through the fluid channels contacts the antimicrobial coating or an antimicrobial agent that is eluted from the antimicrobial coating. Further still, some embodiments of the present invention comprise an antimicrobial groove that is positioned opposite the fluid channel, whereby when the stopcock is in an “off” position, the antimicrobial groove contacts fluid within a blocked port thereby preventing microbial growth therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.