Connector for a establishing a fluid communication controlled by a valve essentially used in the field of medicine
Inventors
Carrez, Jean-Luc • Dalle, Valery • Guyomarc'h, Pierrick • Huet, Jean-Max
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-8603048-B2
Publication Date
2013-12-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
According to the invention, the spring-effect deformation capacity of the valve (5) essentially relates to the plug (Sa) and to an intermediate valve portion (5c) between the plug (Sa) and a tubular gap (6). The valve (5) and the fixed end piece (3) are conformed so that the valve can be permanently tightened on the fixed end piece without forming a significant dead volume in said gap independently from the deformation of the valve, and so that the valve can be maintained on the fixed end piece (3) without any flexion under the action of the mobile end piece. The slot (9) of the valve includes a moulded proximal slot (9A) followed by a pierced distal slot (9B) for communication between the moulded slot and said gap when the slot is open. Application in medical fluid connectors.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a connector for establishing a fluid communication for use in the medical field. The connector comprises a rigid casing defining an elongated chamber along an axis, with a distal end and a proximal end, and an axial channel adjacent the proximal end of the chamber. A truncated cone-shaped section transitions from the proximal end of the chamber into the axial channel and is adapted to receive a movable end piece.
Inside the chamber, an elastically deformable valve is housed. The valve is a single-piece, leak-proof walled tubular body made of an elastomeric material, and it is formed such that there is no dead volume in the tubular space between a fixed end piece and the valve. The proximal end of the valve forms a plug inside the axial channel, and the plug has an axial slot with two stages: a proximal stage normally open by a bore that closes when the plug moves inside the channel, and a distal stage formed by a split in the plug for connecting the proximal stage with the tubular space.
The plug is elastically movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the proximal end of the plug obstructs and is in sealed contact with and laterally constrained by the wall of the axial channel to close the slot, while in the open position within the chamber the plug is no longer laterally constrained by the wall of the channel and the proximal end of the plug abuts against the upper wall. The valve is sufficiently deformable to enlarge the slot and expand radially into a space between the valve outer circumference and an inner wall, permitting the movable end piece to penetrate the slot and to resume the initial shape when the movable end piece is withdrawn.
Claims Coverage
The provided patent text includes one independent claim. Its inventive features cover the rigid connector architecture, the truncated-cone transition into an axial channel, and the single-piece leak-proof elastomeric tubular valve with a proximal plug and two-stage axial slot that opens and closes in response to movement of a movable end piece.
Rigid medical fluid connector with elongated chamber and truncated-cone transition to an axial channel
A connector with a rigid casing defining an elongated chamber along an axis, with a distal end and proximal end, and an axial channel adjacent the proximal end. The casing includes a truncated cone-shaped section transitioning from the proximal end of the chamber into the axial channel and adapted to receive a movable end piece.
Single-piece leak-proof elastomeric tubular valve with no dead volume
An elastically deformable valve housed inside the chamber, made of an elastomeric material and formed as a single-piece, leak-proof walled tubular body, with no dead volume in the tubular space between the fixed end piece and the valve.
Two-stage axial slot plug that seals in the axial channel and opens in the chamber upon end-piece penetration
A valve proximal end that forms a plug inside the axial channel, with an axial slot comprising a proximal stage normally open by a bore that closes when the plug moves inside the channel, and a distal stage formed by a split in the plug for connecting the proximal stage with the tubular space. The plug is elastically movable between a closed position with sealed contact and lateral constraint by the channel wall, and an open position within the chamber where the plug is no longer laterally constrained and abuts against the upper wall.
Elastic deformation enabling slot enlargement and radial expansion for movable end-piece penetration
The valve enlarges the slot and expands radially into a space between the valve outer circumference and an inner wall, permitting the movable end piece to penetrate the slot and allowing the valve to resume the initial shape when the movable end piece is withdrawn.
Overall, the claim coverage is centered on a rigid medical fluid connector with a deformable tubular valve whose axial slot closes under lateral constraint in the axial channel and opens by elastic deformation to receive a movable end piece.
Stated Advantages
No dead volume in the tubular space between the fixed end piece and the valve.
The valve provides sealed contact with and lateral constraint by the axial channel wall to close the slot.
The valve is sufficiently deformable to enlarge the slot and expand radially into a space to permit the movable end piece to penetrate the slot.
The valve resumes the initial shape when the movable end piece is withdrawn from the slot.
The collar prevents the valve from exiting from the connector when it rises again due to counter-pressure.
The protruding stubs compress the slot during valve rebound under counter-pressure.
Cleaning ease is addressed by minimizing recesses/holes and ensuring the valve rises back after disconnection.
Documented Applications
Use in the medical field to establish fluid communication using the connector.
Interested in licensing this patent?