Valved male luer connector having sequential valve timing
US7044441B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2039/268
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A male Luer connector that attaches to a standard female Luer connector to open a medical fluid flow channel between the two connectors. The male connector has two internal valves and a vacuum-generating structure. The two valves and the vacuum-generating structure are configured to draw back into the male connector any fluid residing on the interface between the male and female connectors during their disengagement from one another and to then seal the distal tip of the male connector. One valve is located at the proximal end of the male connector while another is located at the distal, interface end of the male connector. Both valves are opened by an actuator plug that is moved to open and close the valves by contact with the front surface of the female connector. A resilient member biases the male valves to the closed position and includes a variable internal volume that creates the partial vacuum upon disengagement of the male and female connectors. The male valves are timed to a particular sequence with the closing of an internal female connector valve so that the partial vacuum generated by the male connector will have the most fluid drawback effect.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.