The present invention relates to a medical connector with automatic sealing on disconnection and to a method of connecting/disconnecting a medical connector.

A neutral pressure split-septum luer access device is described for receiving a luer lock connector. The septum has a plurality of elastomeric columns projecting laterally within a chamber. Each elastomeric column is under sufficient compression so that the columns are bowed and the column strength is reduced by bowing, but the slit sealing force is high. This configuration places the lower portion of the slit in a tightly sealed configuration which is never-the-less receptive to penetration by the male luer which causes the columns to bow further and collapse precipitously with the elastomeric force of the collapsing mass of the columns being carried distally to displace and pop open the central slit distal the tip of the male luer. The septum further provides a transverse separation between the columns and a distal sealing portion so the force of the displacement force to the sealing portion is reduced.

A neutral pressure split-septum luer access device is described for receiving a luer lock connector. The septum has a plurality of elastomeric columns projecting laterally within a chamber. Each elastomeric column is under sufficient compression so that the columns are bowed and the column strength is reduced by bowing, but the slit sealing force is high. This configuration places the lower portion of the slit in a tightly sealed configuration which is never-the-less receptive to penetration by the male luer which causes the columns to bow further and collapse precipitously with the elastomeric force of the collapsing mass of the columns being carried distally to displace and pop open the central slit distal the tip of the male luer. The septum further provides a transverse separation between the columns and a distal sealing portion so the force of the displacement force to the sealing portion is reduced.

This document describes devices and methods for reducing liquid spillage, such as fluid coupling devices that include one or more apertures that reduce spillage when the fluid coupling devices are disconnected. In some embodiments, the one or more apertures are designed with features to increase a level of acceleration that liquid within an internal volume of the fluid coupling devices would need to be exposed to in order to spill from the internal volume via the one or more apertures.

A catheter assembly configured for use with a male luer is provided herein. The catheter assembly can comprise a catheter hub having an interior chamber and a valve located in the interior chamber. The valve can comprise a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a sidewall extending therebetween to define a valve interior. The valve can include a barrier layer having a concave shape that extends in the valve interior from the sidewall at the distal portion. The barrier layer can have at least one slit extending therethrough that is in a normally closed configuration to prevent a fluid from passing through the barrier layer. The catheter assembly can further comprise a sealing ring located circumferentially at a distal end of the valve distally to the barrier layer. The sealing ring can form a seal between the valve and the interior chamber at the distal end.

The present invention relates to a multiple-use intravenous (IV) catheter assembly septum and septum actuator. In particular, the present invention relates to an IV catheter assembly having a stationary septum actuator and a blood control septum, wherein the blood control septum is configured to slide within a catheter adapter of the IV catheter assembly between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. When in the compressed state, a slit of the blood control septum is opened and the septum comprises stored compressive potential energy. When the septum is released from the compressed state, the stored compressive potential energy is release and the blood control septum is restored to its original shape, thereby closing the septum's slit.

The present invention relates to a multiple-use intravenous (IV) catheter assembly septum and septum actuator. In particular, the present invention relates to an IV catheter assembly having a stationary septum actuator and a blood control septum, wherein the blood control septum is configured to slide within a catheter adapter of the IV catheter assembly between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. When in the compressed state, a slit of the blood control septum is opened and the septum comprises stored compressive potential energy. When the septum is released from the compressed state, the stored compressive potential energy is release and the blood control septum is restored to its original shape, thereby closing the septum's slit.

Some embodiments relate to a luer connector comprising a housing having a hollow bore therethrough, a first end, and a second end, a male luer tip supported by the housing configured to rotate with respect to the housing, the luer tip having a first open end and a passageway through the luer tip in fluid communication with the first open end, and a substantially rigid internal member extending into the passageway of the luer tip toward the first open end of the luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the luer tip and the internal member can be axially moveable between a first closed position and a second open position relative to the other of the luer tip and the internal member. Further, the luer tip and the internal member can cooperate such that rotation of the luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases an axial displacement between the first open end of the luer tip and an end portion of the internal member.

Some embodiments relate to a luer connector comprising a housing having a hollow bore therethrough, a first end, and a second end, a male luer tip supported by the housing configured to rotate with respect to the housing, the luer tip having a first open end and a passageway through the luer tip in fluid communication with the first open end, and a substantially rigid internal member extending into the passageway of the luer tip toward the first open end of the luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the luer tip and the internal member can be axially moveable between a first closed position and a second open position relative to the other of the luer tip and the internal member. Further, the luer tip and the internal member can cooperate such that rotation of the luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases an axial displacement between the first open end of the luer tip and an end portion of the internal member.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway, a male coupler having a second passageway, a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, and a catch-receiving element coupled to the male coupler. The connector system further includes a release element movably coupled to the female coupler, whereby travel of the release element along or over a female coupler outer surface of the female coupler disengages the catch from the catch-receiving element to achieve a disconnected condition of the connector system. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes at least one valve biased by a valve-biasing member disposed external to or outside of the fluid flow path.