Break-away connectors are disclosed. The break-away connectors may be configured to be coupled in at least two configurations, for example, a high force configuration and a low force configuration. The break-away connectors may also be incrementally adjustable between the high force configuration and the low force configuration. The break-away connectors may be coupled to a first medical device and a second medical device. Methods of using and/or coupling the break-away connectors are also disclosed.

A luer connector including a rigid housing having a first end and a second end. The housing further including a rigid tubular male portion at the first end, a rigid tubular female portion at the second end, and a longitudinal opening therethrough. The male portion is configured to be engageable with a female connector. The female portion is configured to be engageable with a male connector and to prevent the disengagement of the male connector from the female portion. In some embodiments, the female portion is configured to maintain a fixed rotational position when the male connector is being threaded therewith, but to rotate with the male connector once the male connector has become fully engaged with the female portion so as to prevent the male connector from becoming unthreaded from the female portion.

A surgical instrument system that includes a housing and a rotatable drive shaft, a motor operably coupled to the drive shaft, and a plurality of replaceable end effectors that can be connected to the housing. Each replaceable end effector includes a drive screw that is turned a fixed number of revolutions by the motor-driven rotatable drive shaft when the end effector is connected to the housing. Each end effector further comprises a firing member operably coupled with the drive screw of the end effector. The drive screw is configured to displace the firing member over a firing length as a result of the fixed number of revolutions. In certain embodiments, each replaceable end effector can include a drive screw with a thread pitch set to the firing length divided by the fixed number of revolutions.

A breakaway connector apparatus for joining a first tubing section to a second tubing section includes a first member and a second member positioned axially opposite the first member. The second member includes a male portion extending from the second member. A housing is disposed between the first and second members, the housing including a socket shaped to receive the male portion of the second member. An axial passage provides a flow path defined inside the housing between the first and second members. A stem is disposed in the axial passage between the first and second members. A first valve is disposed on the first or second member, and the stem engages the first valve and opens the first valve to allow flow between the first and second members through the axial passage when the male portion of the second member is fully received in the socket of the housing.

A releasable coupling mechanism for coupling a delivery catheter and a dilator. The delivery catheter comprising a first mating member at the proximal end and the dilator comprising a second mating member at the proximal end. The proximal end of the first mating member comprises a first coupling means for releasably receiving a second coupling means which is positioned at a distal end of the second mating member. The first mating member further comprising a coupling member the coupling member comprising a pair of engagement members positioned on opposing sides of the coupling member and configured to releasably engage the second coupling means. The first mating member further comprising at least one indicia perpendicular from the pair of engagement members. The indicia indicate an orientation of the first mating member such that the second mating member disengages from the coupling member by simultaneously deflecting the pair of engagement members.

A male reflux valve comprising a distal body portion and a proximal body portion, the proximal body portion having a male connection for connection to a female connection of an access device, a valve element operatively positioned within the distal body portion, a core operatively positioned within the distal body portion to retain the valve element into sealing engagement with the distal body portion and an actuator reciprocably retained within a generally circular cylindrical longitudinal bore of the proximal body portion in engagement with the valve element to open the valve element when engaged by the female connection of the access device.

A breakaway connector generally includes a first valve having a first rotating-type fluid control member, and a second valve that is attachable to the first valve and has a second rotating-type fluid control member. Each of the fluid control members has an open position in which fluid is permitted to flow through the respective valve, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the respective valve. Each one of the valves is configured to engage the fluid control member of the other one of the valves to move the fluid control member from the open position to the closed position upon detachment of the valves from one another.

A luer connector including a rigid housing having a first end and a second end. The housing further including a rigid tubular male portion at the first end, a rigid tubular female portion at the second end, and a longitudinal opening therethrough. The male portion is configured to be engageable with a female connector. The female portion is configured to be engageable with a male connector and to prevent the disengagement of the male connector from the female portion. In some embodiments, the female portion is configured to maintain a fixed rotational position when the male connector is being threaded therewith, but to rotate with the male connector once the male connector has become fully engaged with the female portion so as to prevent the male connector from becoming unthreaded from the female portion.

A surgical instrument system that includes a housing and a rotatable drive shaft, a motor operably coupled to the drive shaft, and a plurality of replaceable end effectors that can be connected to the housing. Each replaceable end effector includes a drive screw that is turned a fixed number of revolutions by the motor-driven rotatable drive shaft when the end effector is connected to the housing. Each end effector further comprises a firing member operably coupled with the drive screw of the end effector. The drive screw is configured to displace the firing member over a firing length as a result of the fixed number of revolutions. In certain embodiments, each replaceable end effector can include a drive screw with a thread pitch set to the firing length divided by the fixed number of revolutions.

Break-away connectors are disclosed. The break-away connectors may be configured to be coupled in at least two configurations, for example, a high force configuration and a low force configuration. The break-away connectors may also be incrementally adjustable between the high force configuration and the low force configuration. The break-away connectors may be coupled to a first medical device and a second medical device. Methods of using and/or coupling the break-away connectors are also disclosed.