Tamper proof luer lock connector and a valve arrangement for an adaptor

Abstract

Some embodiments are directed to a connector for connection with a fluid transfer device, including an outer body having a longitudinal axis; and a luer lock connection port positioned within the outer body and configured to be coupled with an external port of said fluid transfer device. The luer lock connection port can be rotatable about the longitudinal axis at least in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction at least prior to initiation of coupling thereof with the external port. The outer body can be structured, and the luer lock connection port is positioned therewithin, such that to prevent an operator to access, through the outer body, directly by fingertips an exterior of the luer lock connection port after the luer lock connection port has been coupled with the external port.

Claims

1. An adaptor configured for connection to a syringe, the syringe having a piston dividing an internal volume of the syringe into an air chamber and a liquid chamber, the syringe further comprising an air needle extending from the air chamber to an exterior of the syringe via a throat of the syringe, the adaptor being configured to facilitate discharge of air pressure from the air chamber of the syringe into ambiance when the adaptor is connected to the syringe and is in communication with the air chamber of the syringe during transfer of liquids, the adaptor comprising: a liquid channel configured to be in communication with the liquid chamber of the syringe when the adaptor is connected to the syringe; an air channel configured to at least partially receive therewithin the air needle to be in communication with the air chamber of the syringe via the air needle when the adaptor is connected to the syringe; a first valve in fluid communication with the air channel, the first valve having a first valve open state at which it allows, when the air needle is at least partially received within the air channel, air in the air chamber of the syringe to escape into ambiance via the air needle and the air channel for discharging the air pressure from the air chamber of the syringe into the ambiance, and a first valve normally closed state.

2. The adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the first valve is configured to automatically displace into the first valve open state in response to air pressure within the air channel exceeding a first predetermined threshold.

3. The adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the first valve comprises a first valve seating member at least partially defining a first valve passage being in fluid communication with the air channel at said first valve open state, and a first valve sealing member engaging the first valve seating member at said first valve normally closed state thereby sealing said first valve passage, wherein at the first valve open state, the first valve sealing member at least partially disengages from the first valve seating member thereby unsealing the first valve passage.

4. The adaptor according to claim 3, wherein the first valve passage defines at least a portion of a first fluid path extending between the air channel and the ambiance, the first fluid path being selectively sealable by the first valve at the first valve normally closed state, wherein the first valve, at the first valve normally closed state, seals the first fluid path, and at the first valve open state, unseals the first fluid path to allow air in the air channel to escape into the ambiance.

5. The adaptor according to claim 1, further comprising a second valve in fluid communication with the air channel, and having a second valve open state at which it allows air to enter into the air channel from the ambiance, and a second valve normally closed state, wherein the second valve is configured to automatically displace into the second valve open state in response to air pressure within the air channel falling below a second pre-determined threshold lesser than the first predetermined threshold, wherein the second valve comprises a second valve seating member having a second valve passage being in fluid communication with the air channel at said second valve open state, and a second valve sealing member engaging the second valve seating member at said second valve normally closed state thereby sealing said second valve passage, wherein at the second valve open state, the second valve sealing member at least partially disengages from the second valve seating member thereby unsealing the second valve passage.

6. The adaptor according to claim 5, wherein the second valve passage defines at least a portion of a second fluid path extending between the air channel and the ambiance, the second fluid path being selectively sealable by the second valve at the second valve normally closed state, wherein the second valve, at the second valve normally closed state, seals the second fluid path, and at the second valve open state, unseals the second fluid path to allow air to enter in the air channel from the ambiance.

7. The adaptor according to claim 5, wherein the first valve and the second valve are positioned within a single common valve housing.

8. The adaptor according to claim 5, wherein the first valve and the second valve are integrated as a single valve arrangement, wherein the valve arrangement comprises the first and second sealing members configured as a single integrated sealing member configured to displace the valve arrangement into a first valve open state at which it allows the air in the air channel to escape into the ambiance, a second valve open state at which it allows air to enter into the air channel from the ambiance, and a normal fully closed state, the valve arrangement being normally at the normal fully closed state, wherein the valve arrangement automatically displaces into the first valve open state in response to an air pressure within the valve arrangement rising above the first predetermined threshold, wherein the valve arrangement automatically displaces into the second valve open state in response to the air pressure within the valve arrangement falling below the second predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold is greater than the second predetermined threshold.

9. The adaptor according to claim 8, wherein the valve arrangement further comprises the first valve seating member and the second valve seating member, the single integrated sealing member having a sealing member first portion configured to selectively engage and at least partially disengage the first valve seating member thereby selectively sealing and unsealing the first valve passage, and a sealing member second portion configured to selectively engage and at least partially disengage the second valve seating member thereby selectively sealing and unsealing the second valve passage, wherein: at the normal fully closed state, the sealing member first portion engages with the first valve seating member thereby sealing the first valve passage and the sealing member second portion engages with the second valve seating member thereby sealing the second valve passage; at the first valve open state, the sealing member first portion at least partially disengages from the first valve seating member thereby unsealing the first valve passage, wherein at the first valve open state, the sealing member second portion engages with the second valve seating member, thereby sealing the second valve passage; at the second valve open state, the sealing member second portion at least partially disengages from the second valve seating member thereby unsealing the second valve passage, wherein at the second valve open state, the sealing member first portion engages with the first valve seating member, thereby sealing the first valve passage; and at the first valve open state, the valve arrangement allows the air to escape from within the valve arrangement to outside the valve arrangement via the first valve passage, and at the second valve open state, the valve arrangement allows the air to enter into the valve arrangement from outside the valve arrangement via the second valve passage.

10. The adaptor according to claim 9, wherein at the first valve open state, the sealing member second portion engages with the second valve seating member further tighter as compared to that at the normally fully closed state; and at the second valve open state, the sealing member first portion engages with the first valve seating member further tightly as compared to that at the normally fully closed state.

11. The adaptor according to claim 8, wherein the second valve seating member comprises a valve seat having a valve seat opening, and the first valve seating member comprises a central member extending through the valve seat opening, the sealing member being positioned at least partially within the valve seat opening and radially between the valve seat and the central member, wherein the sealing member first portion is configured to selectively engage and at least partially disengage the central member thereby selectively displacing the valve arrangement into its first valve open state allowing the air to pass through the first valve passage defined between the central member and the sealing member, and the sealing member second portion is configured to selectively engage and at least partially disengage the valve seat thereby selectively displacing the valve arrangement into its second valve open state allowing the air to pass through the second valve passage defined between the valve seat and the sealing member.

12. The adaptor according to claim 11, the valve seat having a valve seat internal surface facing the air channel, and an opposite valve seat external surface, wherein the sealing member second portion engages the valve seat internal surface, the sealing member further comprising a sealing member third portion having a fixing member configured to engage the external surface of the valve seat, thereby holding the sealing member in its position.

13. The adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor further comprises an actuator configured to selectively switch the adaptor between a fully operational state at which the adaptor is fully operable for transfer of liquid through the liquid channel, and an at least partial inoperational state at which the adaptor is at least partially inoperable for said transfer of liquid through the liquid channel, wherein at the at least partial inoperational state, the actuator is configured to at least partially block the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel indirectly.

14. The adaptor according to claim 13, wherein the transfer of fluid through the liquid channel at least partially depends upon passage of air through the first valve, and the actuator is configured to selectively prevent said passage of air thereby displacing the adaptor into its at least partial inoperational state and thereby indirectly at least partially blocking the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel.

15. The adaptor according to claim 14, wherein at the fully operational state, the adaptor is operable for the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel in a first direction and an opposite second direction, and at the at least partial inoperational state, the adaptor is inoperable for transfer of liquid through the liquid channel in at least one of first and the second direction, wherein the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel in the first direction depends upon discharge of air from within the adaptor through the first valve, and at the at least partial inoperational state, the actuator prevents said discharge of air thereby rendering the adaptor inoperable for the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel in the first direction.

16. The adaptor according to claim 15, wherein the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel in the second direction depends upon intake of air into the adaptor through the first valve, and at the at least partial inoperational state, the actuator prevents said intake of air thereby rendering the adaptor inoperable for the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel in the second direction.

17. The adaptor according to claim 14, wherein the actuator has a first actuator state associated with the fully operational state of the adaptor, and a second actuator state associated with the at least partial inoperational state of the adaptor, wherein the actuator is displaceable between the first actuator state and the second actuator state upon application of an external force.

18. The adaptor according to claim 17, wherein the actuator is configured to remain in each of the first and the second actuator states upon removal of the external force.

19. The adaptor according to claim 17, wherein the actuator is configured to be normally at one of the first and the second actuator state and is configured to be displaced into other one of the first and the second actuator state upon application of the external force, and to automatically return to said one of the first and the second actuator state upon removal of the external force.

20. The adaptor according to claim 19, wherein the actuator is configured to be normally at the second actuator state, and is configured to be displaced into the first actuator state upon application of the external force, and to automatically return to the second actuator state upon removal of the external force.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an adaptor according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter along with a fluid transfer device disconnected from each other;

(3) FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the adaptor and the fluid transfer device of FIG. 1A connected to each other;

(4) FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 1B, illustrating the adaptor in its decoupling disabled state;

(5) FIG. 2A is a side view of the adaptor of FIG. 1A along with a syringe and a syringe adaptor connected to each other, but disconnected from the adaptor;

(6) FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 2A;

(7) FIG. 2C is a side view of the adaptor, and the syringe and the syringe adaptor of FIG. 2A connected to each other as well as to the adaptor;

(8) FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view along line C-C in FIG. 2C;

(9) FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of section A2 of FIG. 2D;

(10) FIG. 3A is a side view of the adaptor of FIG. 1A with its luer lock connection port extracted outside the adaptor for illustration purposes;

(11) FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 3A;

(12) FIG. 3C is a front perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 3A;

(13) FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of section A3 of FIG. 3C;

(14) FIG. 3E is a top perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 1A;

(15) FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view along line D-D in FIG. 3E, illustrating the adaptor in its coupling disabled state;

(16) FIG. 3G is an enlarged view of section A4 of FIG. 3F;

(17) FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view along line D-D in FIG. 3E illustrating the adaptor in its coupling enabled state;

(18) FIG. 3I is an enlarged view of section A5 of FIG. 3H;

(19) FIG. 4A is the same view as FIG. 1C illustrating the adaptor in its decoupling enabled state;

(20) FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of section A6 of FIG. 4A;

(21) FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of section A1 of FIG. 1C;

(22) FIG. 4D is a rear perspective view of the adaptor and the external device of FIG. 1B, illustrating the adaptor in its decoupling enabled state;

(23) FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view along line E-E in FIG. 4D;

(24) FIG. 4F is an enlarged view of section A7 of FIG. 4E;

(25) FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of an adaptor according to a second example of the presently disclosed subject matter, in its decoupling disabled state;

(26) FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view along line F-F in FIG. 5A, illustrating the adaptor with its luer lock connection port in its normal position;

(27) FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of section A8 of FIG. 5B;

(28) FIG. 5D is the same view as FIG. 5C, illustrating the adaptor with its luer lock connection port in its first position;

(29) FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 1A;

(30) FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view along line G-G in FIG. 6A;

(31) FIG. 6C is an enlarged view of section A9 of FIG. 6B;

(32) FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 6A;

(33) FIG. 6E is cross-sectional view along line H-H in FIG. 6D;

(34) FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of an adaptor according to a third example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

(35) FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view along line I-I in FIG. 7A;

(36) FIG. 7C is an enlarged view of section A10 of FIG. 7B;

(37) FIG. 7D is a front perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 7A;

(38) FIG. 7E is cross-sectional view along line J-J in FIG. 7D;

(39) FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of an adaptor according to a fourth example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

(40) FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view along line K-K in FIG. 8A;

(41) FIG. 8C is a side perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 8A;

(42) FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view along line L-L in FIG. 8C;

(43) FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view along line M-M in FIG. 8C;

(44) FIG. 9A is a side view of the adaptor of FIG. 8A;

(45) FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view along line N-N in FIG. 9A;

(46) FIG. 9C is an enlarged view of section A11 of FIG. 9B;

(47) FIG. 10A is a back perspective view of an adaptor according to a fifth example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

(48) FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view along line O-O in FIG. 10A;

(49) FIG. 10C is an enlarged view of section A12 of FIG. 10B;

(50) FIG. 10D is another cross-sectional view of the portion shown in FIG. 10C but with the cross section taken along a line perpendicular to the line O-O;

(51) FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an adaptor according to a sixth example of the presently disclosed subject matter, illustrating its valve arrangement and an actuator in its first actuator state;

(52) FIG. 11B is a front view of the actuator of FIG. 11A;

(53) FIG. 11C is the same view as that of FIG. 11A illustrating the actuator in its second actuator state;

(54) FIG. 11D is a front view of the actuator of FIG. 11C;

(55) FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of an adaptor according to a seventh example of the presently disclosed subject matter, illustrating its valve arrangement and an actuator in its second actuator state;

(56) FIG. 12B is the same view as that of FIG. 12A illustrating the actuator in its first actuator state;

(57) FIG. 13A is side perspective view of an adaptor according to a seventh example of the presently disclosed subject matter, illustrating an actuator configured to directly block a liquid channel thereof, the actuator in its first actuator state;

(58) FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view along line P-P in FIG. 13A;

(59) FIG. 13C is the same view as that of FIG. 13A illustrating the actuator in its second actuator state; and

(60) FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view along line Q-Q in FIG. 13C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(61) Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1A-1C of the drawings illustrating an adaptor 1 according to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter, configured for connection with a fluid transfer device 300. The fluid transfer device 300 is a known in the art luer lock connection device comprising an external port 310 which is a female luer lock connection port. The external port 310 comprises threads 320 configured to be threaded to corresponding threads of another luer lock connection port. The adaptor 1 comprises a connector 10 having a luer lock connection port 100 and an outer body 200. The adaptor further comprises a housing 20 extending along a longitudinal axis X. In the illustrated example, the outer body 200 and the housing 20 are integrally formed, and eventually, the outer body 200 constitutes part of the housing 20. However, in some other examples (not shown), the outer body 200 and the housing 20 can be separately manufactured and then connected to each other. In some examples, the housing 20 can be manufactured in more than two parts and then assembled together.

(62) As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the connector 10 and the external port 310 are connected to each other, thereby connecting the adaptor 1 and the fluid transfer device 300 together. The connector 10 is a male luer lock connector configured to receive the corresponding external port 310, i.e., the female luer lock connector of the fluid transfer device 300. The luer lock connection port 100 of the connector 10 is positioned within the outer body 200 and has a longitudinal axis X, which is also the longitudinal axis of the adaptor 1. The luer lock connection port 100 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis X in either or both of a clockwise direction, represented by arrow R1 in FIG. 1A, and a counter-clockwise direction, represented by arrow R2 in FIG. 1A, prior to initiation of coupling with the fluid transfer device 300, as shown in FIG. 1A. The luer lock connection port 100 is so placed in the outer body 200, and the outer body 200 is so structured as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C that an operator cannot access the luer lock connection port 100 through the outer body 200 directly by fingertips after the luer lock connection port 100 has been coupled to the external port 310. The luer lock connection port 100 is rotatable in the clockwise direction and the counter-clockwise direction upon coupling thereof with the fluid transfer device 300.

(63) As the luer lock connection port 100 is configured to rotate within the outer body 200, thus, in order to couple and decouple the connector with or from the fluid transfer device 300, the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 needs to be restricted to enable the coupling and decoupling. The connector 10 comprises a coupling facilitating mechanism configured to assume a coupling enabled state to restrict the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 in the clockwise direction to enable coupling of the connector 10 with the fluid transfer device 300, and a coupling disabled state in which it allows the rotation of the luer lock connection port in the clockwise direction, explained in detail later herein below with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3I. The connector 10 further comprises a decoupling facilitating mechanism configured to assume a decoupling enabled state to restrict the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 in the counter-clockwise direction to enable decoupling of the connector 10 from the fluid transfer device 300, and a decoupling disabled state in which it allows the rotation of the luer lock connection port in the counter-clockwise direction, explained in detail later herein below with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F.

(64) It is to be understood herein that the directions clockwise and counter-clockwise have been referred to for the purposes of this description as being seen from the direction of the fluid transfer device 300 into the connector 10 along the longitudinal axis X.

(65) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 2A-2E of the drawings illustrating the adaptor 1 along with a syringe adaptor 400 and a syringe 500. FIG. 2A illustrates the syringe adaptor 400 and the syringe 500 connected to each other, and the adaptor 1 not connected to the syringe adaptor 400. The syringe 500 is a known in the art syringe used for drug mixing, and adapted to draw a desired volume of a drug from one container and to subsequently transfer the drug to a second container. The syringe 500 comprises a cylinder 510, a piston rod 520 having a cap 525, and a throat 530. The piston rod 520 extends from the cap 525 to a piston 540, which sealingly engages the inner wall of, and is displaceable with respect to, the cylinder 510. The piston 540 divides an internal volume of the cylinder 510 into two chambers having variable volumes defined by position of the piston 540 within the cylinder 510an air chamber 550 and a liquid chamber 560. The piston rod 520 has an internal volume 570, which is in fluid communication with the air chamber 550 through a hole 580 formed in the piston rod 510, thereby rendering the internal volume 570 a part of the air chamber 550. The syringe 500 further comprises an air needle 590 extending from the air chamber 550 to an exterior of the syringe via the throat 530.

(66) The syringe adaptor 400 comprises a syringe adaptor body 410 having a neck 420 configured to be connected to the throat 530 of the syringe. In the illustrated example, the throat 530 is a male luer lock connector and the neck 420 is a female luer lock connector, and they are heat-welded to each other. The syringe adaptor body 410 further comprises flanges 430 configured to get locked with a corresponding element of the adaptor 1 when the syringe adaptor 400 is connected to the adaptor 1. The syringe adaptor 400 further comprises an internal locking arrangement 440 comprising leaves 450 configured to get locked with a corresponding element of the adaptor 1 when the syringe adaptor 400 is connected to the adaptor 1. The internal locking arrangement 440 defines an air duct 460 and a liquid duct 470, both the air duct 460 and the liquid duct 470 extending into a septum 480. The air duct 460 is configured to receive the tip of the air needle 590 when the syringe adaptor 400 is connected to the syringe 500 and is not connected to the adaptor 1, as shown in FIG. 2B. The syringe adaptor 400 further comprises a liquid needle 490 in fluid communication with the liquid chamber 560 via the neck 420 and the throat 530 when the syringe adaptor 400 is connected to the syringe 500, and extending from the neck 420 to the liquid duct 470 when the syringe adaptor 400 is not connected to the adaptor 1, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some examples (not shown), the liquid needle 490 can be a part of the syringe 500 extending therefrom.

(67) The adaptor 1 comprises the housing 20 having on an external surface thereof, a notch 21 configured to receive and lock thereto the leaves 450 when the syringe adaptor 400 is connected to the adaptor 1. The housing 20 further comprises a lever 22 having a lever notch 23 configured to receive and lock thereto the flange 430 when the syringe adaptor 400 is connected to the adaptor 1. The housing 20 further comprises a first outlet 24 and the lever 22 comprises a lever button 25 positioned in the first outlet 24. The housing 20 further comprises a liquid channel 26 in fluid communication with the connector 10, and configured to receive therewithin the liquid needle 490 when the syringe adaptor 400 is connected to the adaptor 1. The housing 20 further comprises an air channel 27 configured to receive therewithin the air needle 590 when the syringe adaptor 400, having the syringe 500 connected thereto, is connected to the adaptor 1. The housing 20 further comprises a second outlet 28. The adaptor 1 further comprises a septum 30 configured to engage with the septum 480 and configured to be punctured by the air needle 590 and the liquid needle 490 when the syringe adaptor 400, having the syringe 500 connected thereto, is connected to the adaptor 1. The adaptor 1 further comprises a first valve 40 in fluid communication with the air channel 27, and having a first valve open state at which it allows air in the air channel to escape into ambiance, and a first valve normally closed state, explained in detail later herein below with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6E. The adaptor 1 further comprises a second valve 50 in fluid communication with the air channel 27, and having a second valve open state at which it allows air to enter into the air channel 27 from the ambiance, and a second valve normally closed state, explained in detail later herein below with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6E.

(68) When the adaptor 1 is connected to the syringe adaptor 400 having the syringe 500 connected thereto, as shown in FIGS. 2C to 2E, the septum 30 engages with the septum 480 and pushes the septum 480 and the internal locking arrangement 440 towards the syringe 500, thereby causing the air needle 590 and the liquid needle 490 to puncture first the septum 480 and then the septum 30 so that the tips thereof enters into the air channel 27 and the liquid channel 26, respectively. Further, the leaves 450 engage and get locked with the notch 21, and the flange 430 engages and gets locked with the lever notch 23. When the adaptor 1 is to be disconnected from the syringe adaptor 400, the lever button 25 is pressed further into the first outlet 24, thereby releasing the flange 430 from the lever notch 23.

(69) Thus, the adaptor 1 can facilitate connection between the female connector of the syringe adaptor 400 and the female external port 310 of the fluid transfer device 300, thereby facilitating the conversion of a standard female luer lock port of the fluid transfer device 300 into a docking port for safe connection with female connector of the syringe adaptor 400.

(70) When an overpressure is generated in the syringe 500, it is then released into the ambiance through the first valve 40, as described in detail further below with reference to FIG. 6A to 6E. When an underpressure is generated in the syringe 500, it causes the operation of the second valve 50 to allow the air to enter from the ambiance into the air channel 27, as described in detail further below with reference to FIG. 6A to 6E. The syringe adaptor can be separated from the adaptor 1 by pressing the lever button 25 into the first outlet 24 thereby causing the lever notch 23 to disengage from the flange 430.

(71) Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A to 3I and 4A to 4F of the drawings in order to explain in detail the connector 10. FIGS. 3A-3D depict various views of the adaptor 1 with the connector 10 having the luer lock connection port 100 extracted from the outer body 200 along longitudinal axis X of the adaptor 1 for illustration purposes. The luer lock connection port 100 is a male luer lock connection port comprising an elongate central member 110, extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The elongate central member 110 has a front portion 110A, a middle portion 110B, and a rear portion 110C. The luer lock connection port 100 further comprises a collar 120 surrounding the middle portion 110B of the elongate central member 110. The collar 120 has a sidewall 121 constituting the sidewall of the luer lock connection port 100 and extending generally parallel to the elongate central member 110, and a back wall 122 constituting the back wall of the luer lock connection port 100 extending from and generally perpendicular to the elongate central member 110. The length of the collar 120 in a direction along the longitudinal axis X, i.e., the length of the sidewall 121 of the collar 120, designated as L1 (shown in FIG. 3A), ranges between 5.4 mm to 8 mm. In the illustrated example, the elongate central member 110 and the collar 120 are integrally formed. However, in other examples (not shown), the elongate central member 110 and the collar 120 can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. The sidewall 121 has an internal surface 121A facing the elongate central member 110, and an opposite external surface 121B. The internal surface 121A comprises threads 123 configured to be threaded to the corresponding threads 320 of the fluid transfer device 300 when the fluid transfer device 300 is coupled with the luer lock connection port 100. As can be best seen in FIG. 1C, the threads 123 are in threaded engagement with the threads 320, thereby coupling the fluid transfer device 300 with the luer lock connection port 100, and the external port 310 of the fluid transfer device 300 is received between the elongate central member 110 and the collar 120 such that the collar 120 is positioned between the external port 310 and the outer body 200. The external surface 121B comprises a plurality of protrusions 124 protruding outwardly from the external surface 121B. Each of the protrusions 124 has a first protrusion side surface 124A and a second protrusion side surface 124B defining therebetween a thickness of the protrusion 124 in a direction parallel to circumference of the sidewall 121. The protrusions 124 comprise a connecting member 124C connecting the protrusions 124 with each other along the external surface 121B. In other examples, the external surface 121B can comprise a single protrusion 124.

(72) The back wall 122 has an internal surface 122A (as best seen in FIGS. 3F and 3G) facing in a direction from which the fluid transfer device 300 is coupled to the connector 10, and an opposite external surface 122B. The external surface 122B comprises a plurality of locking members 125 protruding therefrom. In other examples, the external surface 122B can comprise only one locking member 125. Each of the locking members 125 has a locking surface 125A extending generally perpendicular to the external surface 122B as well as to the elongate central member 110, and having an edge 125B distal to the external surface 122B. In other examples, the locking surface 125A can extend at an angle, other than being perpendicular, with respect to either or both of the external surface 122B and to the elongate central member 110. The locking surface 125A faces towards the clockwise direction of rotation of the luer lock connection port 100. The locking member 125 further comprises a slope 125C extending from the edge 125B to the external surface 122B in the counter-clockwise direction of rotation of the luer lock connection port 100. The slope 125C, in the illustrated example, has a gradient slope, however, in other examples, the slope 125C can be a plain slope.

(73) The outer body 200 comprises a sidewall 210 corresponding to, and extending generally parallel to, the sidewall 121 of the luer lock connection port 100, and a back wall 220 (as best seen in FIG. 3G) corresponding to, and extending generally parallel to, the back wall 122 of the luer lock connection port 100. The back wall 220 has an internal surface 220A (seen in FIG. 3G) facing the luer lock connection port 100 and an opposite external surface 220B. As shown in FIG. 4B, the back wall 220 further comprises a through-hole 221 in fluid communication with the liquid channel 26. The outer body 200 comprises a central member 230 extending from the internal surface 220A in a direction generally parallel to the sidewall 210. The central member 230 receives therewithin the rear portion 110C of the elongate central member 110 of the luer lock connection port 100, such that the elongate central member 110 is in fluid communication with the liquid channel 26 via the through-hole 221. The central member 230 has a rim 231 (seen in FIGS. 3C and 3D) generally facing the back wall 122 of the luer lock connection port 100. As shown in FIG. 3D, the rim 231 comprises a rim surface 231A extending parallel to the external surface 122B of the back wall 122 of the luer lock connection port 100, and has a plurality of arresting members 232 protruding therefrom. In other examples, the rim 231 can comprise only one arresting member 232. Each of the arresting members 232 has an arresting surface 232A extending generally parallel to the locking surface 125A, and having an edge 232B distal to the rim surface 231A. The arresting surface 232A faces towards the counter-clockwise direction of rotation of the luer lock connection port 100. The arresting member 232 further comprises a ramp 232C extending from the edge 232B to the rim surface 231A in the clockwise direction of rotation of the luer lock connection port 100. In the illustrated example, the arresting member 232 is connected to the internal surface 210A of the sidewall 210 of the outer body 200 via a bridge 232D. In other examples, the adaptor 1 may not comprise the bridge 232D.

(74) The ramp 232C, in the illustrated example, has a gradient slope, however, in other examples, the ramp 232C can have a plain slope The locking members 125 and the arresting members 232 constitute a coupling facilitating mechanism according to the illustrated example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The coupling facilitating mechanism is configured to selectively assume a coupling enabled state at which it restricts the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 at least in the clockwise direction R1, and a coupling disabled state at which it allows the rotation of the luer lock connection port at least in the clockwise direction R1. When the coupling facilitating mechanism is at the coupling disabled state, as shown in FIG. 1A, upon actuation by an operator that applies a pushing force on the luer lock connection port 100, the coupling facilitating mechanism is configured to assume a coupling enabled state.

(75) The sidewall 210 of the outer body 200 has an internal surface 210A facing the central member 230, and an opposite external surface 210B. The sidewall 210 further comprises an opening 211 extending between the internal surface 210A and the external surface 210B. The opening 211 has a rim 212 (seen in FIG. 4B) having an internal surface 212A facing the luer lock connection port 100 and coinciding with the internal surface 210A, and an opposite external surface 212B coinciding with the external surface 210B. The connector 10 further comprises an actuator 240 positioned at least partially in the opening 211. In the illustrated example, the actuator 240 has been shown as being formed with the housing 20. However, in other examples, the actuator 240 can be formed with or connected to the outer body 200, for example at the sidewall 210, the back wall 220, or the rim of the opening 211. The actuator 240 has an internal surface 240A facing and extending parallel to the luer lock connection port 100, and an opposite external surface 240B. The actuator 240 is formed in two portions, a first portion 241 extending from the housing 20, and a second portion 242 extending from the first portion 241. The first portion 241 and the second portion 242 constitute a lever configured to be pivoted in and out of the opening 211 along a connection between either the first portion 241 and the housing 20 or the first portion 241 and the second portion 242. The internal surface 240A comprises a tooth 243 having a first tooth side surface 243A extending from (in the illustrated example, but not necessarily perpendicular to) the luer lock connection port 100 and parallel to the first and the second protrusion side surfaces 124A and 124B of the protrusions 124, and an opposite second side surface (not shown). The actuator 240 and the protrusions 124 constitute a decoupling facilitating mechanism according to the illustrated example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The decoupling facilitating mechanism is configured to selectively assume a decoupling disabled state at which it allows rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 about the longitudinal axis X at least in the counter-clockwise direction R2, and a decoupling enabled state at which it restricts the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 at least in the counter-clockwise direction R2 so as to allow decoupling of the external port from the luer lock connection port. The decoupling facilitating mechanism is configured to be at the decoupling disabled state, as shown in FIG. 4C, assume, upon actuation by an operator, a decoupling enabled state when the decoupling is to be done, as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the decoupling facilitating mechanism needs to be kept in the decoupling enabled state only during the decoupling is under process.

(76) In the illustrated example, the adaptor 1 further comprises an O-ring 250 positioned between the rear portion 110C of the elongate central member 110 of the luer lock connection port 100 and the central member 230 facilitating an efficient fitting of the rear portion 110C of the elongate central member 110 within the central member 230. In other examples, the adaptor 1 may not comprise the O-ring 250.

(77) Reference is now made again to FIGS. 3A to 3I in order to explain coupling of the connector 10 to the fluid transfer device 300. As can be best seen in FIGS. 3F and 3G, the luer lock connection port 100 is within the outer body 200 such that the locking member 125 does not engage with the arresting member 232 and the coupling facilitating mechanism is in its coupling disabled state. At this state, the luer lock connection port 100 is at its first (normal) position along the longitudinal axis X, within the outer body 200, and can freely rotate about the longitudinal axis in both the clockwise as well as counterclockwise direction. At the first normal position of the luer lock connection port 100, a proximal end 100A is a first extent E1 within the outer body 200 from a proximal end 200A of the outer body 200, as can be best seen in FIG. 3F. As the luer lock connection port 100 can rotate freely at this position, no external element can thus be threaded to the threads 123 of the luer lock connection port 100 unless the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 is restricted at least in the direction of the threading, which in the illustrated example is clockwise. When the fluid transfer device 300 is to be coupled to the connector 10, the coupling facilitating mechanism needs to be displaced into its coupling enabled state. The luer lock connection port 100 is pushed further inside the outer body 200 along the longitudinal axis X, as can be best seen in FIGS. 3H and 3I, for example by force applied by the fluid transfer device 300, when an operator pushes the same for coupling it with the connector 10, along the longitudinal axis X during coupling. As shown in FIGS. 3H and 3I, the luer lock connection port 100 is in its second pushed position along the longitudinal axis X, within the outer body 200, and the locking member 125 engages with the arresting member 232 such that the rotation of the luer lock connection port is restricted in the clockwise direction, and thus the coupling facilitating mechanism is in its coupling enabled state, thereby enabling the coupling of the connector 10 with the fluid transfer device 300, for example. At the second pushed position of the luer lock connection port 100, the proximal end 100A is a second extent E2, greater than the first extent E1, within the outer body 200 from a proximal end 200A of the outer body 200, as can be best seen in FIG. 3H. At this state, as the luer lock connection port 100 cannot rotate in the clockwise direction, thus threads of an external port, for example that of the fluid transfer device 300, can be threaded onto the threads 123 of the luer lock connection port thereby coupling the same with the connector 10. As can be seen in FIG. 3I, at the coupling enabled state, the locking surface 125A engages with the arresting surface 232A thereby restricting the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 in the clockwise direction. The slope 125C engages with the ramp 232C, and the inclination of the slope 125C and the ramp 232C allows the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 in the counter-clockwise direction. In other examples, the coupling facilitating mechanism can have any other structure capable of achieving the similar purpose of restricting the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 with respect to the outer body 200 at least in the direction of threading.

(78) Reference is now made again to FIGS. 1C and 4A to 4F in order to explain decoupling of the connector 10 from the fluid transfer device 300. As can be seen in FIGS. 1C and 4C the fluid transfer device 300 is coupled to the connector 10 and the actuator 240 is not pressed, and thus the decoupling facilitating mechanism is in its decoupling disabled state. At the decoupling disabled state of the decoupling facilitating mechanism, the luer lock connection port 100 can rotate freely at least in the direction of unthreading, which in the illustrated example is counter-clockwise. When the fluid transfer device 300, while it is coupled to the connector 10, is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction, the luer lock connection port 100 rotate therewith thereby preventing the decoupling of the fluid transfer device 300 from the connector 10. For decoupling to take place, the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 needs to be restricted in the counter-clockwise direction. However, as can be seen in FIGS. 1A to 1C and 4A to 4F, there is no enough space in the opening 211 around the actuator 240 for an average (or even smaller than the average) sized fingertip of an operator (or even a child) to be inserted, thus, the outer body 200 prevents an operator from directly accessing by fingertips the luer lock connection port 100, thus, the operator needs to indirectly access the luer lock connection port 100 facilitated by the actuator 240 in conjunction with the opening 211. Thus, when the fluid transfer device 300 is to be decoupled from the connector 10, the actuator 240 is pressed into the opening 211. As can be best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4D to 4F, when the actuator 240 is pressed (by the operator) with a pressing force, the tooth 243 engages with the protrusion 124 thereby shifting the decoupling facilitating mechanism into its decoupling enabled state. As shown in FIG. 4F, the first tooth side surface 243A of the tooth 243 engages with the second tooth side surface 124B of the protrusion 124, thereby restricting the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 in the counter-clockwise direction. As is clear from FIG. 4F, for the first tooth side surface 243A of the tooth 243 engages with the second side surface 124B of the protrusion 124, the actuator 240 has to be, can only be, pressed when no portion of the tooth 243 is not directly above the protrusion 124. In other words, for the decoupling to be performed, the luer lock connection port 100 needs to be rotated so as the tooth 243 and the protrusion 124 are not radially aligned, and then the actuator 240 can be pressed. In fact, if the tooth 243 would be directly above the protrusion 124, the protrusion would prevent the actuator from being pressed effectively thereby not allowing the decoupling facilitating mechanism to effectively restrict the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100. In the examples where there are more than one protrusions (one example shown in FIG. 3B), the tooth has to be aligned between two such protrusions and then the actuator be pressed to displace the decoupling facilitating mechanism into its decoupling enabled state. At this state of the decoupling facilitating mechanism, when the fluid transfer device 300 is rotated counter-clockwise, the luer lock connection port 100 does not rotate therewith, thereby enabling decoupling of the fluid transfer device 300 from the connector 10 by rotation of the fluid transfer device 300 in the counter-clockwise direction by the operator. The actuator 240 returns to its original not-pressed state upon removal of the pressing force by the operator. In other examples, the decoupling facilitating mechanism can have any other structure capable of achieving the similar purpose of restricting the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100 with respect to the outer body 200 at least in the direction of unthreading.

(79) As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, at the decoupling enabled state, the actuator 240 is sunk into the opening 211 such that a minimal distance D1 between the external surface 240B of the actuator 240 and the longitudinal axis X is less than a minimum distance D2 between the external surface 212B of the rim 212 of the opening 211 and the longitudinal axis X. In other words, at the decoupling enabled state, the external surface 240B of the actuator 240 lies below an imaginary plane extending over the opening 211, and defined by, and/or comprising, the external surface 212B of the rim 212.

(80) As can be seen in FIG. 4C, at the decoupling disabled state, i.e., when the actuator 240 is not pressed, the external surface 240B, or at least a majority thereof, of the actuator 240 lies below an imaginary plane parallel to the outer body 200 and comprising a portion of the external surface 210B farthest from the longitudinal axis, for example, the portion 210BB as shown in FIG. 4C. In other words, a maximum distance D3 between the external surface 210B and the longitudinal axis X is greater than a maximum distance D4 between the external surface 240B and the longitudinal axis X. Such a configuration of the actuator with the outer body 200 renders the actuator as a hidden button, inasmuch as an operator would not even presume the actuator 240 to be an element equipped to facilitate the decoupling of the fluid transfer device 300 from the connector 10.

(81) It is to be understood herein that though drawings illustrate two openings 211 and two corresponding actuators 240, only one opening 211 and one actuator 240 have been described herein for the ease of understanding, and the other ones operate in the same manner as to the ones described herein. In fact, both the actuators 240 can be used together, from opposite sides of the connector 10, to improve the efficiency of the decoupling facilitating mechanism by more effectively restricting the rotation of the luer lock connection port 100.

(82) Further, as can be in FIGS. 1A to 1C, 2A to 2E, 3A to 3I, and 4A to 4F, the outer body 200 radially covers the majority of the luer lock connection port 100, or at least the sidewall 121 thereof. An operator can not access, without the use of the decoupling facilitating mechanism, or directly by fingertips, the luer lock connection port 100 so as to restrict its rotation in any direction to facilitate coupling or decoupling of the connector 10 to or from the fluid transfer device 300. In other examples, the outer body 200 can have a plurality of openings or through holes on the sidewall 210 thereof, to radially cover at least 90 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 60 percent, or at least 50 percent of the luer lock connection port 100, or at least the sidewall 121 thereof. However, each one of such openings would have at least one dimension smaller than an average diameter of a fingertip of a child. For instance, the average diameter of the fingertips of a child of about 3-10 years of age is approximately 10-12 mm. Thus, in some examples, every opening would have at least one dimension smaller than 10 mm. Such a configuration of the outer body 200 with the luer lock connection port 100 renders the connector 10 to be a tamper proof connection, i.e., direct access to the luer lock connection port 100 through the outer body 200 by fingertips is prevented, at least after the connector 10 has been coupled to the fluid transfer device 300.

(83) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 5A-5D of the drawings illustrating an adaptor 1 according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The adaptor 1 has at least some of the elements corresponding to those of the adaptor 1 as described above, and have been depicted by corresponding reference numerals for ease of understanding. Additionally, the adaptor 1 comprises a bump 240C formed on the external surface 240B of the actuator 240. The bump 240C gives the actuator 240 a look and feel of an actual button, unlike the hidden button as that of actuator 240 as described above. In some examples (not shown), instead of the bump, there can be any other shape, structure or the like for the actuator to have a desired look and feel. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the tooth 243 is so formed and positioned on the internal surface 240A of the actuator 240 that when the luer lock connection port 100 is in its second position along the longitudinal axis X (which for example could have been attained during coupling and been left in that position thereafter), the tooth 243 is vertically aligned above the connecting member 124C. At this position of the luer lock connection port 100, the connecting member 124C prevents the actuator 240 from being pressed and thereby preventing the decoupling facilitating mechanism to attain its decoupling enabled state. In order to displace the decoupling facilitating mechanism to attain its decoupling enabled state, i.e., to press the actuator 240, it is necessary to pull the luer lock connection port 100 into a third position position along the longitudinal axis X, as shown in FIG. 5D (which in the illustrated example is the first position). In some examples, the third position can be any position between the first position and the second position. In some examples, the third position can be such as the first position may lie between the third and the second positions. In this position of the luer lock connection port 100, the connecting member 124C displaces from under the tooth 243 and thus, the actuator 240 can be pressed for the decoupling facilitating mechanism to attain its decoupling enabled state. The luer lock connection port 100 can be pulled along the longitudinal axis X into its third position by a pulling force applied by an operator pulling the fluid transfer device 300, when coupled to the adaptor 1.

(84) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 6A-6E of the drawings illustrating the adaptor 1 which has been briefly described in connection with FIGS. 1A to 1C, 2A to 2E, 3A to 3I, and 4A to 4F, configured for connection to the syringe 500 via the syringe adaptor 400, as described in connection with FIGS. 2A to 2E. The adaptor 1 is configured to solve the problem of overpressure and underpressure in the syringe 500, which may arise in the syringe 500. The adaptor 1 comprises the first valve 40 positioned within the housing 20 and in fluid communication with the first outlet 24. The first valve 40 comprises a first valve seating member 41, which in the illustrated example is a valve seat, defining a first valve passage 42 formed therein. The first valve seating member 41 has a first surface 41A facing the first outlet 24 and an opposite second surface 41B, and the first valve passage 42 extends between the first surface 41A and the second surface 41B. The adaptor 1 comprises a first fluid path extending between the air channel 27 and the first outlet 24. The first fluid path passes through the first valve passage 42 and is selectively sealable by the first valve 40 at the first valve passage 42. The first valve 40 further comprises a first valve sealing member 43 having a central portion 44 and a skirt portion 45 extending radially outwards therefrom. The first valve sealing member 43 has a first surface 43A facing the first outlet 24, and an opposite second surface 43B facing the first valve seating member 41. The portion of the second surface 43B corresponding to the central portion 44 comprises flanges 46. The first valve 40 further comprises a rigid central member 47 positioned in the first valve passage 42, having a first end 47A and a second end 47B. The portion of the second surface 43B of the first valve sealing member 43 corresponding to the central portion 44 is attached to the first end 47A of the rigid central member 47 via flanges 46. The rigid central member 47 comprises bridges 47C (seen in FIG. 6E) connecting the rigid central member 47 to the first valve seating member 41.

(85) The adaptor 1 further comprises the second valve 50 positioned within the housing 20 and in fluid communication with the second outlet 28. The second outlet 28 is defined by the opening 211 formed in the sidewall 210 of the outer body 200. The second valve 50 comprises a second valve seating member 51, which in the illustrated example is a valve seat, defining a second valve passage 52. The second valve seating member 51 has a first surface 51A facing the first valve seating member 41, and an opposite second surface 51B, and the second valve passage 52 extends between the first surface 51A and the second surface 51B. In the illustrated embodiment, the second surface 51B of the second valve seating member 51 forms a portion of an internal surface 26A of the liquid channel 26. The adaptor 1 comprises a second fluid path extending between the air channel 27 and the second outlet 28. The first fluid path passes through the second valve passage 52 and is selectively sealable by the second valve 50 at the second valve passage 52. The second valve 50 further comprises a second valve sealing member 53 having a central portion 54 and a skirt portion 55 extending radially outwards therefrom. The second valve sealing member 53 has a first surface 53A facing the first valve seating member 41, and an opposite second surface 53B facing the second valve seating member 51. The second end 47B of the of the rigid central member 47 rests on the central portion 54 of the second valve sealing member 53.

(86) It is to be understood herein that the first and the second valves have been described above having the structures as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and as described herein for the purpose of illustration only, and that the valves can have another structure serving the same purpose, an example of which (especially the first valve) can be seen in FIGS. 5A-5D. In other words, it is to be understood herein that the valves (especially the first valve) that can be seen in FIGS. 5A-5D can be used in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6E.

(87) As can be seen in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the first valve 40 is normally at its first valve normally closed state, and a rim 45A of the skirt portion 45 rests on the first surface 41A of the first valve seating member 41, thereby sealing the first valve passage 42, i.e., not allowing air flow between the air channel 27 and the first outlet 24. When an overpressure is created in the air channel 27, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E, the air pressure within the air channel 27 exerts force on the second surface 43B of the first valve sealing member 43 via the first valve passage 42. When the air pressure within the air channel 27 exceeds a first predetermined threshold (e.g., having a value of 0.5 bar), the force applied thereby on the second surface 43B causes the rim 45A of the skirt portion 45 to automatically lift up from the first surface 41A of the first valve seating member 41 thereby displacing the first valve 40 into its first valve open state and unsealing the first valve passage 42. At this first valve open state of the first valve 40, the air flows from the air channel 27 through the first valve passage 42 and escapes in the ambiance via the first outlet 24, thereby releasing the overpressure from the air channel 27. When the air pressure being released from the air channel 27 falls below the first predetermined threshold, the rim 45A again returns to its original position thereby automatically displacing the first valve 40 into its first valve normally closed state. It is to be understood herein that the first predetermined threshold is greater than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the air channel 27 into the ambiance. Further, the skirt portion 45 of the first valve sealing member 43 is a resilient member, whose resilience, along with its geometry and the parts surrounding it, is selected on the basis of the first predetermined threshold, which further depends on how much pressure is intended to be a maximum pressure that can be built within the air channel 27 before being released into the ambiance.

(88) As further shown in FIGS. 6C and 6E, the second valve 50 is normally at its second valve normally closed state, and a rim 55A of the skirt portion 55 rests on the first surface 51A of the second valve seating member 51, thereby sealing the second valve passage 52, i.e., not allowing air flow between the air channel 27 and the second outlet 28. The air pressure within the air channel 27 exerts force on the first surface 53A of the second valve sealing member 53 against the force applied by the ambient pressure on the second surface 53B of the second valve sealing member 53 via the second outlet 28, an air filter 56, and the second valve passage 52, thereby keeping the rim 55A engaged with the first surface 51A of the second valve seating member 51. When an underpressure is created in the air channel 27 and the air pressure within the air channel 27 falls below a second predetermined threshold (e.g., having a value of 0.2 bar), the force applied by the ambient pressure on the second surface 53B of the second valve sealing member 53 activates the second valve 50, thereby causing the rim 55A of the skirt portion 55 to automatically lift up from the first surface 51A of the second valve seating member 51 thereby displacing the second valve 50 into its second valve open state and unsealing the second valve passage 52. At this second valve open state of the second valve 50, the air flows from the ambiance into the air channel 27 through the second outlet 28, the filter 56 and the second valve passage 52, thereby balancing the underpressure created in the air channel 27. When the air pressure in the air channel 27 rises above the second predetermined threshold, the rim 55A returns to its original position thereby automatically displacing the second valve 50 into its second valve normally closed state. It is to be understood herein that the second predetermined threshold is lesser than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the ambiance into the air channel 27. Further, the skirt portion 55 of the second valve sealing member 53 is a resilient member, whose resilience, along with its geometry and the parts surrounding it, is selected on the basis of the second predetermined threshold, which further depends on how much pressure is intended to be a minimum pressure that can be allowed within the air channel 27 before being balanced from the ambiance.

(89) It is to be understood herein that when the pressure within the air channel 27 is between the first predetermined threshold and the second threshold pressure, both the first valve 40 and the second valve 50 are in their respective closed states. In particular, when the pressure within the air channel 27 is equal to the ambient pressure, both the first valve 40 and the second valve 50 are in their respective closed states.

(90) It is to be further understood herein that at the first valve open state, the second valve 50 remains in its second valve normally closed state, and at the second valve open state, the first valve 40 remains at its first valve normally closed state.

(91) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 7A-7E of the drawings illustrating an adaptor 1 according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, configured for connection to the syringe 500 via the syringe adaptor 400. The adaptor 1 has at least some of the elements corresponding to those of the adaptor 1 as described above, and have been depicted by corresponding reference numerals for ease of understanding. Alternative to the first valve 40 and the second valve 50 as of the adaptor 1, the adaptor 1 comprises a valve arrangement 60 in fluid communication with the ambiance via the first outlet 24 as well as the second outlet 28. The valve arrangement 60 is a dual function valve configured to perform the functioning of both of the first valve 40 and the second valve 50. For instance, the adaptor 1 is configured to solve the problem of overpressure and underpressure in the syringe 500, which may arise in the syringe 500, in that, the valve arrangement 60 is configured to facilitate escape of air from within the valve arrangement 60 to the ambiance in case of overpressure, and to facilitate entry of air from the ambiance into the valve arrangement 60 in case of underpressure.

(92) The valve arrangement 60 comprises a first valve seating member 61, which in the illustrated example is a valve seat, defining a first valve passage 62. The first valve seating member 61 has a first surface 61A facing the outlet 24 and an opposite second surface 61B, and the first valve passage 62 extends between the first surface 61A and the second surface 61B. The valve arrangement further comprises a second valve seating member 71, which in the illustrated example is a valve seat, defining a second valve passage 72. The second valve seating member 71 has a first surface 71A facing the first valve seating member 61 and an opposite second surface 71B, and the second valve passage 72 extends between the first surface 71A and the second surface 71B. The valve arrangement 60 further comprises a sealing member 63 including a central member 64 extending between the first valve seating member 61 and the second valve seating member 71. The central member 64 has a first end 65 positioned towards the first valve seating member 61 and having a face 65A, facing the second surface 61B of the first valve seating member 61, constituting a sealing member first portion. The central member 64 has an opposite second end 66 positioned towards the second valve seating member 71 and having a face 66A facing the first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71. The sealing member 63 comprises a resilient skirt portion 67 diverging from a periphery of the second end 66 towards the first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71. The skirt portion 67 extends between a first rim 68 connected to the second end 66 of the central member 64, and a second rim 69 constituting a sealing member second portion. The skirt portion 67 has a first surface 67A facing the first valve seating member 61 and an opposite second surface 67B facing the second valve seating member 71. The first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71 comprises a protrusion 73 corresponding to a groove 66B formed in the face 66A of the second end 66 of the central member 64. The sealing member 63 is so positioned in the valve arrangement 60 that the groove 66B securely receives therewithin the protrusion 73 to prevent movement of the sealing member 63 in a plane parallel to the first and the second valve seating members 61 and 71. The valve arrangement 60 further comprises a sidewall 70 extending from the first valve seating member 61 to the second valve seating member 71. The valve arrangement 60 can be in fluid communication with a fluid transfer system where pressure needs to be maintained within a range via the sidewall 70, for example the air channel 27 in the illustrated example. However, in other examples, the valve arrangement 60 can be used to serve similar purposes in conjunction with fluid transfer systems not related to medical systems.

(93) As can be seen in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the valve arrangement 60 is normally at its normal fully closed state. The sealing member first portion 65A engages with the second surface 61B of the first valve seating member 61, thereby sealing the first valve passage 62. Also, the sealing member second portion 69 engages with the first surface 71A of the second valve seat, thereby sealing the second valve passage 72. At this state, there is a gap G between the face 66A and the first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71. Further, at this normal fully closed state, the volume V defined between the second surface 61B of the first valve seating member 61, the sealing member 63, the first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71, and the sidewall 70 defines the volume within the valve arrangement 60.

(94) When an overpressure is created in the volume V, the air pressure within the valve arrangement exerts force on the first surface 67A of the skirt portion 67 of the sealing member 63. When the air pressure within the valve arrangement 60 exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the force applied thereby on the first surface 67A causes the first rim 68 of the skirt portion 67 flexes towards the second valve seating member 71 such that the face 66A of the second end 66 of the central member 64 flexes into the gap G towards the first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71. This causes the sealing member first portion 65A to disengage from the second surface 61B of the first valve seating member 61, thereby unsealing the first valve passage 62 and automatically displacing the valve arrangement 60 into its first valve open state. At this first valve open state, the air flows from the volume V through the first valve passage 62 and escapes into the ambiance via the first outlet 24, thereby releasing the overpressure from the valve arrangement 60. When the air pressure being released from the valve arrangement 60 falls below the first predetermined threshold, the first rim 68 of the skirt portion 67 flexes back to its normal position thereby automatically displacing the valve arrangement 60 into its normal fully closed state. It is to be understood herein that the first predetermined threshold is greater than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the valve arrangement 60 into the ambiance, and is selected based on how much pressure is intended to be a maximum pressure that can be built within the valve arrangement 60 before being released into the ambiance.

(95) At the normal fully closed state of the valve arrangement 60, the air pressure within the valve arrangement 60 exerts force on the first surface 67A of the skirt portion 67 against the force applied by the ambient pressure on the second surface 67B of the skirt portion 67 via the second outlet 28, an air filter 56, and the second valve passage 72, thereby keeping the sealing member second portion 69 engaged with the first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71.

(96) When an underpressure is created in the volume V, the force applied by the air pressure within the valve arrangement 60 on the first surface 67A of the skirt portion 67 decreases. When the air pressure within the valve arrangement 60 falls below a second predetermined threshold, the sealing member second portion 69 automatically lifts up from the first surface 71A of the second valve seating member 71, thereby displacing the valve arrangement 60 into its second valve open state and unsealing the second valve passage 72. At this second valve open state, the air enters from the ambiance into the volume V via the second outlet 28, thereby balancing the underpressure created in the valve arrangement 60. When the air pressure in the valve arrangement 60 rises above the second predetermined threshold, the sealing member second portion 59 returns to its original position thereby automatically displacing the valve arrangement 60 into its normal fully closed state. It is to be understood herein that the second predetermined threshold is lesser than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the ambiance into the valve arrangement 60, and is selected based on how much pressure is intended to be a minimum pressure that can be allowed within the valve arrangement before being balanced from the ambiance.

(97) It is to be understood herein that when the pressure within the valve arrangement 60 is between the first predetermined threshold and the second threshold pressure, the valve arrangement 60 is in its fully closed state. In particular, when the pressure within the valve arrangement 60 is equal to the ambient pressure, the valve arrangement 60 is in its fully closed state.

(98) It is to be further understood that the resilience of the skirt portion 67 is selected based on the first predetermined threshold and the second predetermined threshold. It is to be further understood herein that at the first valve open state of the valve arrangement 60, the sealing member second portion 69 seals the second valve passage 72, and at the second valve open state, the sealing member first portion 65A seals the first valve passage 62.

(99) The valve arrangement 60 as described above can be used with any fluid transfer apparatus that requires an air pressure to be maintained within a range. Also, the valve arrangement 60 as described above can be used with the adaptor 1 as described above with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D, wherein the first valve 40 and second valve 50 can be realized as the valve arrangement 60, with the sealing members 43 and 53 being configured as a single common sealing member, such as sealing member 63.

(100) It should be understood herein that the application of the dual function valve 60 is advantageous over application of two valves 40 and 50, in that, a single sealing member needs to be manufactured and assembled instead of two separate sealing members. Further, the single valve arrangement occupies lesser space than the two separate valves within the housing of the adaptor.

(101) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 8A-8E of the drawings illustrating an adaptor 600, which, in this non-limiting example, is a spike adaptor configured to be connected between at least two other devices, at a time, in order to establish a fluid connection therebetween when the adaptor 600 is the intermediate device. It is noted that spike adaptors and their basic functionality are generally known in the art and are described herein briefly for the sake of clarity and completeness.

(102) As shown in the figures, the adaptor 600 includes a body 601 having three body portions 610, 620 and 630 each being terminated with at least one fluid inlet and/or outlet. The body portion 610 includes a spike port 611 configured to receive therein a medical spike and establish fluid communication between the medical spike and the adaptor 600. The body portion 610 is therefore referred to as the spike receiving portion. The medical spike will basically form the inlet and/or outlet into a medical device such as an infusion set configured to be connected to a patient body to transfer a drug thereto.

(103) The body portion 620 is configured as a second medical spike 621 terminated with at least one fluid inlet/outlet 622. Therefore, the body portion 620 is referred to as a spike terminal portion. The medical spike 621 is configured to be connected to a spike port of a medical device and establish a fluid communication therewith via the at least one fluid inlet/outlet 622 such that a fluid communication is established between the medical device and the adaptor 600. For example, the medical device can be an IV bag having a spike port that receives the spike 621 and such that a fluid communication is established, through the adaptor 600, between the IV bag connected to the spike 621 and the patient connected to the spike received in the spike port 611.

(104) The body portion 630 is configured as a fluid transfer device 631 utilizing a contamination-free fluid transfer. The contamination-free fluid transfer device 631, referred to as a drug injection portion of the adaptor 600, is terminated with a fluid inlet 632 configured to connect to an external fluid transfer device, such as a syringe, to receive therefrom a fluid and transport it through the adaptor 600, via dedicated internal ducts/channels, to another external device, such as an IV bag, connected to the spike 621. This fluid transfer, controlled by fluid transfer device 631, can be used to transfer a drug into an IV bag, possibly containing another drug or saline water, and also to transfer a liquid from the IV bag to the syringe.

(105) The syringe can be similar to the syringe 500, as described above, and include at least some of the features of the syringe 500, and particularly the air needle, the liquid needle, the air chamber, and the liquid chamber. As described above, the syringe can be used to deliver a liquid from the syringe as well as to extract a liquid into the syringe. When the syringe is connected to the adaptor 600, for example via a syringe adaptor similar to the syringe adaptor 400 described above, a fluid communication is established between the air chamber of the syringe and an air channel 633 of the fluid transfer device 631 via the air needle, and a fluid communication is established between the liquid chamber of the syringe and a liquid channel 634 of the fluid transfer device 631 via the liquid needle. The adaptor 600 includes a septum 630A configured to facilitate introduction of the needles into the fluid transfer device 631.

(106) In some medical procedures, it is required that a syringe is used to extract a volume of saline water from an IV bag, and then replacing the extracted volume of saline water with a drug from a syringe (generally a different one). For a single spike adaptor to be able to be used for both the operations between the syringe(s) and the IV bag, the spike adaptor needs to be configured to facilitate flow of air between the air chamber of the syringe and the ambiance in both directions, i.e., discharge of air from the air chamber as well as intake of air into the air chamber, especially when the syringes to be used are similar to syringe 500, i.e., having air chamber which is sealed from fluid communication with the ambiance other than through an air needle extending from the air chamber to an exterior of the syringe.

(107) A flow of the liquid (drug and saline water) between the syringe and the IV bag through the adaptor 600 is depicted by double sided arrow AR1, and a flow of air between the air channel 633 and a valve arrangement (detailed further below) associated with the adaptor 600 is depicted by arrow AR2. When the syringe is used to deliver the liquid through the adaptor 600, the air pressure in the air chamber of the syringe reduces, and when the syringe is operated in the opposite direction, i.e., to extract a liquid through the adaptor 600, the air pressure in the air chamber of the syringe increases. The pressure, if not controlled, can render the syringe at least partially inoperable. For instance, if the reduced air pressure in the air chamber is not compensated, the syringe and the adaptor 600 would not be usable for delivering the liquid from the syringe through the adaptor 600, and if the increased pressure in the air chamber is not discharged, the syringe and the adaptor 600 would not be usable to extract the liquid into the syringe through the adaptor 600, thereby limiting the use/operability of the adaptor. The adaptor 600, thus, includes valves 640 and 650 to regulate the pressure in the air channel of the adaptor 600, and consequently in the air chamber of the syringe, as described below.

(108) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 9A-9C of the drawings illustrating the adaptor 600, more particularly illustrating the valves 640 and 650 for describing the control of air pressure within the adaptor 600, and consequently the syringe. The first valve 640 and the second valve 650, in the illustrated embodiment, are positioned within the body 601 and constitute a part of a common valve housing 602 constituting a fourth body portion of the body 601 of the adaptor 600. In some examples, the valves can be positioned in a separate valve housing that can be operationally articulated to the body 601. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve housing 602, and hence the valves are in fluid communication with the air channel 633 through the paths 635 (seen in FIG. 8B) and an air filter 606.

(109) The first valve 640 comprises a first valve seating member 641, which in the illustrated example is a valve seat, defining a first valve passage 642 formed therein. The first valve seating member 641 has a first surface 641A and an opposite second surface 641B, and the first valve passage 642 extends between the first surface 641A and the second surface 641B. The adaptor 600 comprises a first fluid path, illustrated by arrow AR3, extending between the air channel 633 and the ambience through the first valve passage 642 and is selectively sealable by the first valve 640 at the first valve passage 642. The first valve 640 further comprises a first valve sealing member 643 having a central portion 644 and a skirt portion 645 extending radially outwards therefrom. The first valve sealing member 643 has a first surface 643A, and an opposite second surface 643B facing the first valve seating member 641. The first valve 640 further comprises a central member 647 extending from the central portion 644 and through the first valve passage 642, and having a first end 647A towards the central portion 644 and an opposite second end 647B. The central member 647 has flanges 646 extending from the second end 647B configured to engage the second surface 641B of the first valve seating member 641 thereby firmly holding the first valve sealing member 643 in place.

(110) The first valve 640 is particularly in operation in association with a syringe that is used to withdraw the saline water from the IV bag through the adaptor 600. In some medical procedures, it is a protocol that only a new/unused syringe is to be used to withdraw the saline water from the IV bag, because a syringe that has already been used to handle hazardous drugs might have some harmful hazardous fumes in its air chamber that should be prevented from being released into the ambiance. Thus, as the operation of the first valve 640 is associated with the operation of the syringe that is used to withdraw the saline water from the IV bag, by controlling the operation of the first valve 650, the operation of the syringe can be controlled, as described later herein below.

(111) The adaptor 600 further comprises the second valve 650 positioned within the housing 602. The second valve 650 comprises a second valve seating member 651, which in the illustrated example is a valve seat, defining a second valve passage 652. The second valve seating member 651 has a first surface 651A, and an opposite second surface 651B, and the second valve passage 652 extends between the first surface 651A and the second surface 651B. The adaptor 600 comprises a second fluid path, illustrated by arrow AR4, extending between the air channel 633 and the ambience through the second valve passage 652 and is selectively sealable by the second valve 650 at the second valve passage 652. The second valve 650 further comprises a second valve sealing member 653 having a central portion 654 and a skirt portion 655 extending radially outwards therefrom. The second valve sealing member 653 has a first surface 653A, and an opposite second surface 653B facing the second valve seating member 651. The central portion 654 is connected to the second valve seating member 651 by a rigid central member 656 thereby holding the second valve sealing member 653 in place.

(112) As can be seen in FIG. 9C, the first valve 640 is normally at its first valve normally closed state, and a rim 645A of the skirt portion 645 rests on the first surface 641A of the first valve seating member 641, thereby sealing the first valve passage 642, i.e., not allowing air flow between the air channel 633 and the ambiance. When an overpressure is created in the air channel 633, for example, when the syringe is used to extract a liquid into the syringe through the adaptor 600, the air pressure within the air channel 633 exerts force on the second surface 643B of the first valve sealing member 643 via the first valve passage 642. When the air pressure within the air channel 633 exceeds a first predetermined threshold (e.g., having a value of 0.3 bar), the force applied thereby on the second surface 643B causes the rim 645A of the skirt portion 645 to automatically lift up from the first surface 641A of the first valve seating member 641 thereby displacing the first valve 640 into its first valve open state and unsealing the first valve passage 642. At this first valve open state of the first valve 640, the air flows from the air channel 633 through the first valve passage 642 and escapes in the ambiance, illustrated by the arrow AR3, thereby releasing the overpressure from the air channel 633. When the air pressure being released from the air channel 633 falls below the first predetermined threshold, the rim 645A again returns to its original position thereby automatically displacing the first valve 640 into its first valve normally closed state. It is to be understood herein that the first predetermined threshold is generally greater than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the air channel 627 into the ambiance. Further, the skirt portion 645 of the first valve sealing member 643 is a resilient member, whose resilience, along with its geometry and the parts surrounding it, is selected on the basis of the first predetermined threshold, which further depends on how much pressure is intended to be a maximum pressure that can be built within the air channel 633 before being released into the ambiance.

(113) As further shown in FIG. 9C, the second valve 650 is normally at its second valve normally closed state, and a rim 655A of the skirt portion 655 rests on the first surface 651A of the second valve seating member 651, thereby sealing the second valve passage 652, i.e., not allowing air flow between the air channel 633 and the ambiance. The air pressure within the air channel 633 exerts force on the first surface 653A of the second valve sealing member 653 against the force applied by the ambient pressure on the second surface 653B of the second valve sealing member 653 through the second valve passage 652, thereby keeping the rim 655A engaged with the first surface 651A of the second valve seating member 651. When an underpressure is created in the air channel 633, for example, when the syringe is used to deliver a drug from the syringe through the adaptor 600, and the air pressure within the air channel 633 falls below a second predetermined threshold (e.g., having a value of 0.03 bar), the force applied by the ambient pressure on the second surface 653B of the second valve sealing member 653 activates the second valve 650, thereby causing the rim 655A of the skirt portion 655 to automatically lift up from the first surface 651A of the second valve seating member 651 thereby displacing the second valve 650 into its second valve open state and unsealing the second valve passage 652. At this second valve open state of the second valve 650, the air flows from the ambiance into the air channel 633 through the second valve passage 652, thereby balancing the underpressure created in the air channel 633. When the air pressure in the air channel 633 rises above the second predetermined threshold, the rim 655A returns to its original position thereby automatically displacing the second valve 650 into its second valve normally closed state.

(114) The second valve is particularly in operation in association with a syringe that is used to deliver the drug into the IV bag through the adaptor.

(115) It is to be understood herein that the second predetermined threshold is generally lesser than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the ambiance into the air channel 633. Further, the skirt portion 655 of the second valve sealing member 653 is a resilient member, whose resilience, along with its geometry and the parts surrounding it, is selected on the basis of the second predetermined threshold, which further depends on how much pressure is intended to be a minimum pressure that can be allowed within the air channel 633 before being balanced from the ambiance.

(116) It is to be understood herein that when the pressure within the air channel 633 is between the first predetermined threshold and the second threshold pressure, both the first valve 640 and the second valve 650 are in their respective closed states. In particular, when the pressure within the air channel 633 is equal to the ambient pressure, both the first valve 640 and the second valve 650 are in their respective closed states.

(117) It is to be further understood herein that at the first valve open state, the second valve 650 remains in its second valve normally closed state, and at the second valve open state, the first valve 640 remains at its first valve normally closed state.

(118) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 10A-10D of the drawings illustrating an adaptor 600 according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, configured for connection to the syringe 500. The adaptor 600 has at least some of the elements corresponding to those of the adaptor 600 as described above, and have been depicted by corresponding reference numerals for ease of understanding. Alternative to the first valve 640 and the second valve 650 as of the adaptor 600, the adaptor 600 comprises a valve arrangement 660 in fluid communication with the ambiance. The valve arrangement 660 is a dual function valve configured to perform the functioning of both of the first valve 640 and the second valve 650. For instance, the adaptor 600 is configured to solve the problem of overpressure and underpressure in the syringe 500, in that, the valve arrangement 660 is configured to facilitate escape of air from within the adaptor 600 to the ambiance in case of overpressure, and to facilitate entry of air from the ambiance into the adaptor 600 in case of underpressure.

(119) The valve arrangement 660 comprises a first valve seating member 661, which in the illustrated example, is a central member 661, and a second valve seating member 671, which in the illustrated example, is a valve seat 671 having a seat opening 672. The central member 661 extends through the seat opening 672. In the illustrated example, the central member 661 extends from a bottom 604 of the valve housing 602. In some examples, the central member 661 can extend from a bottom portion 631A of the fluid transfer device 631, through an air filter 606. The valve arrangement 660 further comprises a sealing member 663 including a longitudinal member 664 having a first end 664A and an opposite second end 664B. The sealing member 663 further comprises a sealing member first portion 665 extending radially from the first end 664A of the longitudinal member 664 towards the central member 661, and being configured to selectively engage and disengage the central member 661. The sealing member first portion 665 and the central member 661 define therebetween a first valve passage 662. The sealing member 663 further comprises a sealing member second portion 666 extending radially from the first end 664A of the longitudinal member 664 towards the valve seat 671, and being configured to selectively engage and disengage the valve seat 671. The sealing member second portion 666 and the valve seat 671 define therebetween a second valve passage 672.

(120) The valve seat 671 has a valve seat internal surface 671A facing the air channel 633, and an opposite valve seat external surface 671B. The sealing member second portion 666 engages, and selectively disengages, the valve seat internal surface 671A. The sealing member 663 further comprises a sealing member third portion 667, which in the illustrated example is configured as a fixing member 667 extending radially from the second end 664B of the longitudinal member 664 towards the valve seat 671, and configured to engage the external surface 671B of the valve seat 671, without blocking the second valve passage 672, thereby holding the sealing member 663 in its position. The sealing member second portion 666 and the fixing member 667 holds the sealing member 663 in its position relative to the valve seat 671. For instance, when the sealing member second portion 666 disengages the valve seat 671, the fixing member 667 engaging the valve seat external surface 671B prevents axial displacement of the sealing member 663.

(121) In the valve arrangement 660, the coordination of the central member 661 and the sealing member first portion 665 acts as the first valve, and the coordination between the valve seat 671 and the sealing member second portions 666 acts as the second valve.

(122) As can be seen in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the valve arrangement 660 is normally at its normal fully closed state. The sealing member first portion 665 engages with the central member 661, thereby sealing the first valve passage 662. Also, the sealing member second portion 666 engages with the first surface 671A of the valve seat 671, thereby sealing the second valve passage 672. At this normal fully closed state, the volume V defined between the sealing member 663, a portion 671 of the valve seat 671 not covered by the sealing member second portion, bottom portion 631A of the fluid transfer device 631, and the sidewall 670 defines the volume within the valve arrangement 660.

(123) When an overpressure is created in the air channel 633 and consequently in the volume V, the air pressure within the valve arrangement exerts force on the sealing member first portion 665. When the air pressure within the valve arrangement exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the force applied thereby on the sealing member first portion 665 causes the sealing member first portion 665 to flex away from the central member 661, thereby causing the sealing member first portion 665 to disengage from the central member 661, thereby unsealing the first valve passage 662 and automatically displacing the valve arrangement 660 into its first valve open state. At this first valve open state, the air flows from the air channel 633/volume V through the first valve passage 662 and escapes into the ambiance, the flow depicted by arrows AR5 in FIG. 10D. This releases the overpressure from the valve arrangement 660. When the air pressure being released from the valve arrangement 660 falls below the first predetermined threshold, the sealing member first portion 665 flexes back to its normal position thereby automatically displacing the valve arrangement 660 into its normal fully closed state. It is to be understood herein that the first predetermined threshold is generally greater than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the valve arrangement 660 into the ambiance, and is selected based on how much pressure is intended to be a maximum pressure that can be built within the valve arrangement 660 before being released into the ambiance.

(124) At the normal fully closed state of the valve arrangement 660, the air pressure within the volume V of the valve arrangement 660, or the air channel 633, exerts force on the sealing member second portion 666 against the force applied by the ambient pressure on the sealing member second portion 666 via the second valve passage 672, thereby keeping the sealing member second portion 666 engaged with the first surface 671A of the valve seat 671.

(125) When an underpressure is created in the air channel 633 and consequently in the volume V, the force applied by the air pressure within the valve arrangement 660 on the sealing member second portion 666 decreases. When the air pressure within the valve arrangement 660 falls below a second predetermined threshold, the sealing member second portion 666 automatically lifts up from the first surface 671A of the second valve seating member 671, thereby displacing the valve arrangement 60 into its second valve open state and unsealing the second valve passage 672. At this second valve open state, the air enters from the ambiance into the volume V via the second valve passage 672, as depicted by arrow AR6 in FIG. 10C, thereby balancing the underpressure created in the valve arrangement 660. When the air pressure in the valve arrangement 660 rises above the second predetermined threshold, the sealing member second portion 666 returns to its original position thereby automatically displacing the valve arrangement 660 into its normal fully closed state. It is to be understood herein that the second predetermined threshold is lesser than the ambient pressure for the air to flow from the ambiance into the valve arrangement 660, and is selected based on how much pressure is intended to be a minimum pressure that can be allowed within the valve arrangement 660 before being balanced from the ambiance.

(126) It is to be understood herein that when the pressure within the valve arrangement 660 is between the first predetermined threshold and the second threshold pressure, the valve arrangement 660 is in its fully closed state. In particular, when the pressure within the valve arrangement 660 is equal to the ambient pressure, the valve arrangement 660 is in its fully closed state.

(127) It is to be further understood that the resilience of the sealing member first and second portions is selected based on the first predetermined threshold and the second predetermined threshold. It is to be further understood herein that at the first valve open state of the valve arrangement 660, the sealing member second portion 666 seals the second valve passage 772, and at the second valve open state, the sealing member first portion 665 seals the first valve passage 662.

(128) The valve arrangement 660 as described above can be used with any fluid transfer apparatus that requires an air pressure to be maintained within a range. Also, the valve arrangement 660 as described above can be used with the adaptor 600 as described above with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9C, wherein the first valve 640 and second valve 650 can be realized as the valve arrangement 660, with the sealing members 643 and 653 being configured as a single common sealing member, such as sealing member 663.

(129) It should be understood herein that the application of the dual function valve 660 is advantageous over application of two valves 640 and 650, in that, a single sealing member needs to be manufactured and assembled instead of two separate sealing members. Further, the single valve arrangement occupies lesser space than the two separate valves within the housing of the adaptor.

(130) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 11A to 11D of the drawings illustrating a cross-sectional view of a portion of an adaptor 700 according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, for the purposes of describing the selective usage of the adaptor 700 in its fully operational and at least partial inoperational state. The adaptor 700 is similar in structure and operation to the adaptor 600 described above and incorporates at least some of the features of the adaptor 600 which have been designated by corresponding reference numerals for the adaptor 700.

(131) The adaptor 700 has a valve arrangement 760 similar in structure and operation to the valve arrangement 660 as described above, with one difference being that a central member 761 extends from the bottom portion 731A of the fluid transfer device 731. In addition to the features of the adaptor 600; the adaptor 700 includes an actuator 780, with FIGS. 11B and 11D showing a front view of the actuator 780. The actuator 780 is configured to switch the adaptor 700 between its fully operational state and at least partial inoperational state.

(132) As also described above, the adaptor, being a spike adaptor in the illustrated example, is configured to facilitate transfer of liquid between an IV bag and a syringe in two directions via the liquid channel 734. The spike adaptor can be used to inject the liquid from within the syringe into the IV bag and to withdraw the liquid from the IV bag into the syringe through the liquid channel 734. During said transfer of the liquid, the air pressure within the air chamber of the syringe, and consequently in the air channel 733 of the adaptor 700 varies based on whether a plunger of the syringe is pulled or pushed. The spike adaptor is configured to facilitate the discharge and intake of air from and into the air channel, and consequently to the air chamber, via the valve arrangement 760. In the present application, the term fully operational state has been referred to as a state in which the spike adaptor is configured to facilitate transfer of liquid in both the directions, i.e., from the IV bag into the syringe and vice versa through the liquid channel 734, and the term at least partial inoperational state has been referred to as a state in which the spike adaptor is configured to block transfer of liquid in at least one of the two directions, which in the illustrated example is from the syringe into the IV bag and preventing the transfer of liquid in the opposite direction, i.e., from the IV bag into the syringe through the liquid channel 734.

(133) As described above, the protocol can require a medical practitioner to use a new/unused syringe for withdrawing the saline water from the IV bag through the adaptor 700. The adaptor is configured to be selectively at its at least partial operational state so as to act as a reminder for the practitioner that a new syringe needs to be used for withdrawing the saline water from the IV bag. For instance, the adaptor 700 is configured to be normally at its at least partial inoperational state at which the flow of the liquid through the adaptor in the direction from the IV bag to the syringe is blocked. Thus, when the practitioner would want to use the adaptor for the purpose of withdrawing the saline water from the IV bag into the syringe, the adaptor would be required to be manually switched into its fully operational state by the practitioner using the actuator, thereby preventing the practitioner to accidentally and carelessly use an already used syringe for the purpose, and reminding the practitioner that as the adaptor is switched to its fully operational state, a new syringe is to be used.

(134) In the illustrated example, at the at least partial inoperational state, the actuator 780 is configured to partially block the transfer of liquid through the liquid channel 734, i.e., in one direction, indirectly by controlling the passage of air between the ambiance and the air channel 733. As described above as well, the flow of liquid depends upon the discharge and intake of air from and into the air chamber of the syringe via the air channel 733. For instance, if the pressure is not discharged from the air chamber of the syringe, the syringe cannot be operated to extract a liquid into the syringe through the adaptor 700, in that, the air pressure in the air chamber of the syringe prevents the movement of the plunger of the syringe towards the air chamber, thereby rendering the syringe inoperable to extract the liquid into the syringe when the air pressure is not discharged. Thus, by controlling the passage of air through the air channel, the transfer of liquid can be indirectly controlled.

(135) In the illustrated example, the actuator 780 is configured as a switch 780, which is configured to displace between a first actuator state, as shown in FIG. 11A, and a second actuator state, as shown in FIG. 11B. The switch 780 has a knob 781 configured to be held by a user to rotate the switch, in the illustrated example, to displace between first actuator state and the second actuator state. In some examples (not shown), the actuator can be displaced between the two actuator states by any other movement than rotation, for example by pushing/pulling. The switch 780 has an actuator internal surface 782 configured to engage the sealing member third portion 767 of the sealing member 763, at the actuator second state, as can be seen in FIG. 11B.

(136) When the actuator is at its actuator first state, in FIG. 11A, the valve arrangement 760 facilitates the discharge as well as intake of air though the valve arrangement 760 between the air channel 733 and the ambiance, as described above with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D. Thus, the actuator first state is associated with the fully operational state of the adaptor 700.

(137) When the actuator is at its actuator second state, in FIG. 11B, the valve arrangement 760 is configured to facilitate intake of air through the second valve passage 772, however, as can be seen in FIG. 11B, the actuator internal surface 782 engages the sealing member third portion 767 so as to seal the discharge of air through the first valve passage 762. At this actuator second state, the discharge of the air from the air channel 733 and consequently from the air chamber of the syringe is prevented, thus, the syringe and hence the adaptor is inoperable, as described above, for transfer of the liquid in the direction from the IV bag into the syringe, i.e., from the spike terminal portion towards the fluid transfer device. Thus, the actuator second state is associated with the at least partial inoperational state of the adaptor 700.

(138) The actuator 780, at its actuator second state engages the sealing member third portion 767 with the sealing member third portion being tightly engaged between the switch 780 and the second surface 771B of the valve seat 771. The valve arrangement 760 can still be displaced into the first valve open state but that would not discharge the air from the air channel, in that the air is prevented from escaping by the tight engagement between the sealing member third portion and the actuator 780. Thus, the actuator 780, at its second actuator state, is configured to prevent the discharge of the air irrespective of the state of the valve arrangement 760.

(139) The actuator/switch 780 is configured to be normally at its actuator first state, shown in FIG. 11A, and is configured to be displaced into its actuator second state upon application of a force by a user, in the illustrated example, for rotating the switch 780. The switch 780 is configured to remain in its actuator second state upon removal of the force. The switch 780 can then be displaced to its first actuator state by rotating it in a reverse direction.

(140) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 12A and 12B of the drawings illustrating a cross-sectional view of a portion of an adaptor 800 according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, for the purposes of describing the selective usage of the adaptor 800 in its fully operational and at least partial inoperational state. The adaptor 800 is similar in structure and operation to the adaptor 600 and/or 700 described above and incorporates at least some of the features of the adaptor 600 and/or 700 which have been designated by corresponding reference numerals for the adaptor 800. The major difference between the adaptor 800 from the adaptor 600 being in the structure of the valve arrangement, and the major difference between the adaptor 800 from the adaptor 700 being in the structure of the valve arrangement and the actuator. Apart form these, the adaptor 800 operates, specifically related to the transfer of liquid and air, in the similar manner as to the adaptors 600 and 700.

(141) The adaptor 800 has a valve arrangement 860 having a seating member 861 defining a valve passage 862 configured to allow flow of air (intake as well as discharge) therethrough between the ambiance and the air channel 833 of the adaptor 800. The valve arrangement 860 further comprises a sealing member 863 including a central portion 864 extending through the valve passage 862 and having a first end 864A and an opposite second end 864B. The sealing member 863 has a skirt portion 865 extending radially outwards from the first end 864A of the central member 864, and configured to selectively engage the seating member 761 thereby sealing the valve passage 862.

(142) The valve arrangement 860 is configured to be at its normally closed state, in which the skirt portion 865 engages the seating member 861 and seals the valve passage 862. When an underpressure is created in the air channel 833, and the pressure within the air channel falls below a predetermined threshold, a force exerted by the air pressure within the air channel on the skirt portion 865 becomes lesser than a force exerted by the ambient pressure on the skirt portion 865 via the valve passage 862, thereby resulting in lifting up and disengagement of the skirt portion 865 from the seating member 861 thereby unsealing the valve passage 862 and displacing the valve arrangement into its open state. The air from the ambiance can thus flow through the valve passage 862 into the air channel 833, as illustrated by arrow AR7, and subsequently into the air chamber of the syringe. However, when an overpressure is created in the air channel 833, the air pressure is not discharged through the valve passage 862, as the air pressure would not disengage the skirt portion 865 from the seating member 861.

(143) The adaptor 800 further comprises an actuator 880 configured to be displaced between a first actuator state, as shown in FIG. 12B, and a second actuator state, as shown in FIG. 12A. In the illustrated example, the actuator 880 is a button configured to be pressed for displacing the same from its normal second actuator state (FIG. 12A) to its first actuator state (FIG. 12B). As can be seen in FIG. 12A, when the actuator is in its second actuator state, the intake of the air into the adaptor is allowed while the discharge of the air is prevented, thereby rendering the syringe and the adaptor 800 inoperable for transfer of the liquid in the direction from the IV bag to the syringe, as described above with reference to the adaptor 700. Thus, the second actuator state of the actuator is associated with the at least partial inoperational state of the actuator.

(144) When the actuator 880 is in its first actuator state, as shown in FIG. 12B, the actuator 880 engages the second end 864B of the central member 864 of the sealing member 863 and lifts the central member 864 and consequently lifting the skirt portion 865 from the seating member 861 thereby unsealing the valve passage 862. At this state of the actuator, the air can flow into and/or out of the adaptor 800 via the valve passage 862, illustrated by arrows ARB, thereby rendering the adaptor usable for transfer of liquid through its liquid channel in both the directions as described above with reference to adaptor 700. Thus, the first actuator state is associated with the fully operational state of the adaptor 800.

(145) In the valve arrangement 860, when the air is discharged through the valve passage 862, the valve arrangement acts as a first valve and when the air enters from the ambience into the adaptor, the valve arrangement acts as a second valve.

(146) In the illustrated example, the actuator comprises a breakable tab 883 configured to prevent the actuator from being displaced into its first actuator state from its normal second actuator state. When the actuator is required to be displaced into its first actuator state, a user can exert a pushing force onto the button 880 thereby breaking the breaking tab 883 and pushing the button 880 into its first actuator state. As can be seen in FIG. 12B, the actuator further comprises a hinge 884 configured to facilitate pivoting of the button 880 thereabout to be displaced between its first actuator state and second actuator state. In the illustrated example, the button is configured to return automatically into its second actuator state upon removal of the pushing force. Thus, when the fully operational state of the adaptor is intended, the user has to push the button 880 until the desired fully operational state is intended, and then release the button when the at least partial inoperational state of the adaptor is intended.

(147) In the examples illustrated herein, the actuator has been described as constituting a part of the adaptors 700 and 800, however, it is to be understood herein that, in some examples (not shown), the actuators can constitute a part of the valve arrangement and can be disposed within or constitute a part of the valve housing.

(148) Attention is now directed to FIGS. 13A to 13D of the drawings illustrating an adaptor 900 according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, for the purposes of describing the actuator being configured to directly block the flow of liquid through the adaptor by blocking a liquid channel of the adaptor directly.

(149) The adaptor 900, in the illustrated example, is a luer lock adaptor configured to facilitate transfer of liquids between a syringe and an external container through a liquid channel 926. A syringe (not shown) can be connected to the adaptor 900 while inserting a liquid needle of the syringe through a septum 930 of the adaptor 900. An external container (not shown) can be connected to a luer lock connector 910 of the adaptor 900. The luer lock connector 910 is similar in construction and operation to that of the luer lock connector 10 described above. The adaptor 900 has a valve arrangement 920 configured to facilitate flow of air between the ambiance and an interior of the adaptor 900.

(150) The adaptor 90 further includes an actuator 980 positioned partially in the liquid channel 926 so as to selective block the passage of liquid therethrough. The actuator 980 has a knob 981 that is configured to be held by a user to displace the actuator 980 between its first actuator state as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B and a second actuator state as shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D.

(151) As can be seen in FIGS. 13B and 13D, the actuator comprises a flow path 82, which in the first actuator state, shown in FIG. 13B is aligned with the liquid channel 926 to allow flow of liquid therethrough in both the directions, i.e., from the septum 930 to the connector 910 and vice versa, thus, at this actuator state, the adaptor 900 is at its fully operational state. In FIG. 13D, the actuator is in its second actuator state and the flow path 982 is not aligned with the liquid channel 926 thereby blocking the flow of the liquid therethrough in both the directions, thus, at this actuator state, the adaptor 900 is at its at least partial inoperational state. In the illustrated example, at the at least partial inopertional state, the adaptor is fully inoperable to facilitate the flow of liquid therethrough.

(152) The actuator 980 is configured to be displaceable between the first and the second actuator state upon application of a force by a user, which in the illustrated example, is a rotational force. In some examples, the actuator can be displaceable between its states by a push/pull or a combination of a push/pull and rotation. In some examples, the actuator can be configured to be normally at one of its first and second state and to be displaced into the other state upon application of force and return automatically into the normal state upon removal of the force. In some examples, the actuator can be configured to independently retain both of its states in the absence of the force.

(153) In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 900 is different from those described above, for instance, does not include an air channel unlike the luer lock adaptor 1 described above, and the adaptor 900 can be used with a syringe having only a liquid needle unlike the syringe 500 described above. However, in some examples, the actuator 980 can be used with any of the adaptors (luer lock adaptors as well as spike adaptors) described above while being positioned in the corresponding liquid channels of those adaptors without affecting the additional functioning of those adaptors.

(154) In some examples (not shown), a no-return valve or a one-way valve can be positioned within the flow path of the actuator such that in the second actuator state, the flow of liquid through the liquid channel of the adaptor is blocked in one direction and allowed in the opposite direction.