Valve for fluid lines and structures containing the same

Claim 2

A T-connector valve comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected passages therethrough, a check valve in at least one of said passages movable between open and clOsed positions and controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, the check valve being of resilient material and self-biased towards a closed position, resiliently moving into an open position under a first predetermined forward fluid pressure, a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, resiliently resisting opening of the check valve until a second predetermined forward fluid pressure is reached higher than the first predetermined forward fluid pressure, and means at an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, and a syringe, the body being formed of plastic and holding the valves therein as one unit.

Claim 3

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the valve is a duckbill valve.

Claim 4

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 2, having duckbill valves in two passages.

Claim 5

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the valve is an umbrella valve.

Claim 6

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the valve is a flap valve.

Claim 7

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, comprising a coupling housing having in at least one valve-containing passage a fitting retaining the valve in the passage and having a passage therethrough connecting with the coupling housing passage at the inner end and the connection means at the outer end.

Claim 8

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 6, having two check valves in two passages, and such fittings in each such valve-containing passage.

Claim 9

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 6, wherein the fitting is secured to the coupling housing, and the coupling housing is in one piece.

Claim 10

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 6, in which the coupling housing and fittings therein are bonded together.

Claim 11

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the passage for delivery of fluid is in alignment with the passage to which the syringe is attached, and the passage connected to the fluid supply is at right angles to said passages.

Claim 12

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the passages are provided with Luer fittings for connection to the medicament supply container and to the fluid delivery device.

Claim 13

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the interior volume of the coupling body between the valves is less than 1 cc.

Claim 14

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the coupling body is formed of molded plastic.

Claim 15

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the coupling body is made of a relatively rigid plastic.

Claim 16

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 1, in which the passages are interconnected at a central portion of the body.

Claim 17

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; a check valve in at least one of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valve comprising a valve member of rubbery material fixedly held in the passage at one portion thereof in a leak-tight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage a valve seat or like valve member in a relatively leaktight planar seal, so as to close the passage, and to crack open in a flex-action movement with respect to the fixed portion away from the valve seat or like valve member so as to open the passage, the rubbery valve member presenting a surface responsive to fluid pressure on each side thereof, and being responsive to fluid pressure on one side tending to bias the valve member against the valve seat or like valve member in a leaktight seal thereWith and thus prevent flow from that side, and being responsive to fluid pressure on the other side to move away from the valve seat or like valve member and thus permit flow from that side at the crack-open pressure and thereafter; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, and means in an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe and interconnecting tubing, the valves being held permanently in the coupling body.

Claim 18

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; a check valve in at least one of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valve comprising a valve member of rubbery material fixedly held in the passage at one portion thereof in a leak-tight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage a valve seat or like valve member in a relatively leaktight planar seal, so as to close the passage, and to crack open in a flex-action movement with respect to the fixed portion away from the valve seat or like valve member so as to open the passage, the rubbery valve member presenting a surface responsive to fluid pressure on each side thereof, and being responsive to fluid pressure on one side tending to bias the valve member against the valve seat or like valve member in a leaktight seal thereWith and thus prevent flow from that side, and being responsive to fluid pressure on the other side to move away from the valve seat or like valve member and thus permit flow from that side at the crack-open pressure and thereafter; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, and means in an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe and interconnecting tubing, the valves being held permanently in the coupling body.

Claim 19

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of fluid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected smooth straight-sided passages therein; a check valve in at least one of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valve comprising a valve member of rubbery material fixedly held in its passage at one portion thereof in a leaktight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage valve seat or a like valve member in the passage in a relatively leaktight seal and to crack open in a flex-action movement away from the valve seat or like valve member so as to open the passage in response to fluid pressure from one side; the through passages and valves when open together defining a smooth substantially uninterrupted flow path through the T-connector allowing the venting of all air therewith in at least one position of the T-connector; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, and means in an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 20

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of fluid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected smooth straight-sided passages therein; a check valve in at least one of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valve comprising a valve member of rubbery material fixedly held in its passage at one portion thereof in a leaktight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage valve seat or a like valve member in the passage in a relatively leaktight seal and to crack open in a flex-action movement away from the valve seat or like valve member so as to open the passage in response to fluid pressure from one side; the through passages and valves when open together defining a smooth substantially uninterrupted flow path through the T-connector allowing the venting of all air therewith in at least one position of the T-connector; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, and means in an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 21

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body of plastic material having three interconnected passages therethrough; a check valve in at least one of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, the check valve in at least one of said passages having retaining means at an outer peripheral portion thereof, a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, a fitting insert in each valve-containing passage, comprising a plastic material which is either the same as or compatible with the plastic material of the coupling body, the fitting insert extending into the said passage from the outside of the coupling body, and having a central passage therethrough for passage of fluid into and out from the T-connector, said valve retaining means being retained by the fitting insert against the coupling body and a peripheral portion of the fitting insert closely abutting an inner wall of the passage, and being integrated with the plastic material of the coupling body, obliterating any seal therebetween at that portion, and forming a leaktight barrier, the fitting insert thus retaining the valve in the coupling body in a permanent leaktight fit; and means at an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 22

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body of plastic material having three interconnected passages therethrough; a check valve in at least one of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, the check valve in at least one of said passages having retaining means at an outer peripheral portion thereof, a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, a fitting insert in each valve-containing passage, comprising a plastic material which is either the same as or compatible with the plastic material of the coupling body, the fitting insert extending into the said passage from the outside of the coupling body, and having a central passage therethrough for passage of fluid into and out from the T-connector, said valve retaining means being retained by the fitting insert against the coupling body and a peripheral portion of the fitting insert closely abutting an inner wall of the passage, and being integrated with the plastic material of the coupling body, obliterating any seal therebetween at that portion, and forming a leaktight barrier, the fitting insert thus retaining the valve in the coupling body in a permanent leaktight fit; and means at an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 23

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 18, in which the coupling body and inserts are formed of the same plastic material.

Claim 24

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 19, in which the couPling body is molded in one piece, in a T-shape, with three interconnected passages therethrough.

Claim 25

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 19, in which the inserts are fitted in a recess in each passage so that the only surface thereof presented to fluid pressure are side wall surfaces of the internal passages therethrough.

Claim 26

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 19, in which the check valves are each made of rubbery material, fixedly held in the passage at one peripheral retaining portion thereof engaging a valve seat or a like valve member, adapted to crack open in a flexaction movement away from the valve seat or like valve member so as to open the passage.

Claim 27

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; check valves in two of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valves each comprising a valve member of rubbery material fixedly held in the passage at one portion thereof in a leaktight seal, and at a peripheral portion thereof engaging a valve seat or a like valve member in a relatively leaktight seal, so as to close the passage, and adapted to crack open in a flex-action movement to a short distance away from the valve seat or like valve member, so as to open the passage; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, the total open volume of the flow passages within the T-connector, including the space into which the valves open, being less than about 1 cc.; and means in an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of the passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe and interconnecting tubing; the body being formed of plastic, and the valves being held therein permanently as one unit.

Claim 28

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; check valves in two of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valves each comprising a valve member of rubbery material fixedly held in the passage at one portion thereof in a leaktight seal, and at a peripheral portion thereof engaging a valve seat or a like valve member in a relatively leaktight seal, so as to close the passage, and adapted to crack open in a flex-action movement to a short distance away from the valve seat or like valve member, so as to open the passage; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, the total open volume of the flow passages within the T-connector, including the space into which the valves open, being less than about 1 cc.; and means in an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of the passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe and interconnecting tubing; the body being formed of plastic, and the valves being held therein permanently as one unit.

Claim 29

A T-connector valve according to claim 23, in which the valves are duckbill valves.

Claim 30

A T-connector valve according to claim 23, in which the valves are umbrella valves.

Claim 31

A T-connector valve according to claim 23, in which the valves are flap valves.

Claim 32

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination a plastic coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; check valves in two of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valves each comprising a valve member of rubbery material, having retaining means thereon held in a fixed position in its passage in a leak-tight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage a valve seat or like valve member in a relatively leak-tight planar seal, so as to close the passage, and to crack open in a flex-action movement with respect to the fixed portion away from the valve seat or like valve member, said valve member presenting a surface exposed and responsive to fluid pressure on each side thereof and being responsive to a fluid pressure on one side tending to bias the valve member against the valve seat or like valve member in a leak-tight seal therewith and thus prevent flow from that side, and being responsive to fluid pressure on the other side to move away from the valve seat or like valve member and thus permit flow from that side at the crack-open pressure and thereafter; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, a fitting insert in each valve-containing passage of a plastic material which is the same as, or compatible with, the plastic material of the coupling body, the fitting insert extendIng into the said passage from the outside of the coupling body, and having a central passage therethrough for passage of fluid into and out from the T-connector, each fitting insert engaging the valve in its passage so as to capture the retaining means on the valve between the body and the insert, and having a peripheral sidewall abutting the side walls of the passage and being integrated with the plastic material of the coupling body there, obliterating any seam at that portion therebetween, and forming a leak-tight barrier, the fitting inserts thus retaining the valves in the coupling body in a permanent leak-tight fit, and means at an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 33

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination a plastic coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; check valves in two of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valves each comprising a valve member of rubbery material, having retaining means thereon held in a fixed position in its passage in a leak-tight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage a valve seat or like valve member in a relatively leak-tight planar seal, so as to close the passage, and to crack open in a flex-action movement with respect to the fixed portion away from the valve seat or like valve member, said valve member presenting a surface exposed and responsive to fluid pressure on each side thereof and being responsive to a fluid pressure on one side tending to bias the valve member against the valve seat or like valve member in a leak-tight seal therewith and thus prevent flow from that side, and being responsive to fluid pressure on the other side to move away from the valve seat or like valve member and thus permit flow from that side at the crack-open pressure and thereafter; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, a fitting insert in each valve-containing passage of a plastic material which is the same as, or compatible with, the plastic material of the coupling body, the fitting insert extendIng into the said passage from the outside of the coupling body, and having a central passage therethrough for passage of fluid into and out from the T-connector, each fitting insert engaging the valve in its passage so as to capture the retaining means on the valve between the body and the insert, and having a peripheral sidewall abutting the side walls of the passage and being integrated with the plastic material of the coupling body there, obliterating any seam at that portion therebetween, and forming a leak-tight barrier, the fitting inserts thus retaining the valves in the coupling body in a permanent leak-tight fit, and means at an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply supply container, a fluid delivery device, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 34

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 27, in which the total open volume of the flow passages within the T-connector including the space into which the valves open is less than 1 cc.

Claim 35

A T-connector valve in accordance with claim 27, in which the valves are duckbill valves having tapered walls diminishing in thickness from the neck to the bill of the valve.

Claim 36

A twin valve T-connector in accordance with claim 27, in which the through passages and valves when open together define a smooth substantially uninterrupted flow path through the T-connector, all of the open passages being straight-sided, allowing the venting of all air therewithin in at least one position of the T-connector.

Claim 37

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; check valves in two of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valves each comprising a valve member of rubbery material, having retaining means thereon held in a fixed position in its passage in a leak-tight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage a valve seat or valve like member in a relatively leak-tight planar seal, so as to close the passage, and to crack open in a flex-action movement with respect to the fixed portion away from the valve seat or like valve member, said valve member presenting a surface exposed and responsive to fluid pressure on each side thereof and being responsive to a fluid pressure on one side tending to bias the valve member against the valve seat or like valve member in a leak-tight seal therewith and thus prevent flow from that side, and being responsive to fluid pressure on the other side to move away from the valve seat or like valve member and thus permit flow from that side at the crack-open pressure and thereafter; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, a fitting insert in each valve-containing passage of a plastic material which is the same as, or compatible with the plastic material of the coupling body, the fitting insert extending into the said passage from the outside of the coupling body, and having a central passage therethrough for passage of fluid into and out from the T-connector, each fitting insert engaging the valve in its passage so as to capture the retaining means on the valve between the body and the insert, and having a peripheral sidewall abutting the side walls of the passage and being bonded with the material of the coupling body, forming a leaktight barrier, the fitting inserts thus retaining the valves in the coupling body in a permanent leaktight fit, and means at an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery deVice, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 38

A T-connector valve for coupling a syringe to a liquid medicament supply, for delivery to a body via a fluid delivery device of a volume of liquid medicament in excess of the capacity of the syringe, comprising, in combination, a coupling body having three interconnected passages therein; check valves in two of said passages controlling flow of fluid therethrough in a single direction, said check valves each comprising a valve member of rubbery material, having retaining means thereon held in a fixed position in its passage in a leak-tight seal, and movable in a flex-action movement at a peripheral portion thereof to engage a valve seat or valve like member in a relatively leak-tight planar seal, so as to close the passage, and to crack open in a flex-action movement with respect to the fixed portion away from the valve seat or like valve member, said valve member presenting a surface exposed and responsive to fluid pressure on each side thereof and being responsive to a fluid pressure on one side tending to bias the valve member against the valve seat or like valve member in a leak-tight seal therewith and thus prevent flow from that side, and being responsive to fluid pressure on the other side to move away from the valve seat or like valve member and thus permit flow from that side at the crack-open pressure and thereafter; a resilient foam spring means arranged to hold the valve closed, and to be compressed when the valve opens, a fitting insert in each valve-containing passage of a plastic material which is the same as, or compatible with the plastic material of the coupling body, the fitting insert extending into the said passage from the outside of the coupling body, and having a central passage therethrough for passage of fluid into and out from the T-connector, each fitting insert engaging the valve in its passage so as to capture the retaining means on the valve between the body and the insert, and having a peripheral sidewall abutting the side walls of the passage and being bonded with the material of the coupling body, forming a leaktight barrier, the fitting inserts thus retaining the valves in the coupling body in a permanent leaktight fit, and means at an outer portion of each passage adapted for connection of said passage and the coupling to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid medicament supply container, a fluid delivery deVice, a syringe, and interconnecting tubing.

Claim 39

A valve which is useful in fluid lines to close off flow, but is adapted to open whenever fluid pressure upstream of the valve exceeds a predetermined minimum, comprising a resilient valve member movable between open and closed positions, and normally self-biased towards a closed position, resiliently moving into an open position under a first predetermined forward fluid pressure, and a resilient foam spring supplementing the selfbiasing force applied to hold the valve member closed and together with the self-biasing force resiliently resisting opening of the valve member until a second predetermined forward fluid pressure is reached that is higher than the first predetermined forward fluid pressure.

Claim 40

A valve which is useful in fluid lines to close off flow, but is adapted to open whenever fluid pressure upstream of the valve exceeds a predetermined minimum, comprising a resilient valve member movable between open and closed positions, and normally self-biased towards a closed position, resiliently moving into an open position under a first predetermined forward fluid pressure, and a resilient foam spring supplementing the selfbiasing force applied to hold the valve member closed and together with the self-biasing force resiliently resisting opening of the valve member until a second predetermined forward fluid pressure is reached that is higher than the first predetermined forward fluid pressure.

Claim 41

A valve in accordance with claim 32, in which the valve member is a duckbill member.

Claim 42

A valve in accordance with claim 32, in which the valve member is a flap member.

Claim 43

A valve in accordance with claim 32, in which the valve member is an umbrella member.

Claim 44

A valve in accordance with claim 32, disposed in a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing being adapted to receive a fluid line connection at the inlet and/or the outlet, and the valve member being interposed in the housing across the line of fluid flow between the inlet and outlet.

Claim 45

A valve in accordance with claim 36, in which the line pressure downstream of the valve is atmospheric.

Claim 46

A valve in accordance with claim 32, in which the foam spring is of foam plastic.

Claim 47

A valve in accordance with claim 32, in which the valve member and the foam spring are of plastic, and are disposed in a plastic housing.

Claim 48

A valve in accordance with claim 39, in which the valve member is held in place in the housing by an insert member.

Claim 49

A valve in accordance with claim 40, in which the insert member is bonded to the housing, to form an integral unit therewith.