Patent ID: 6669673
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: A61J,A61M,F21K,Y10S

Abstract:
A medical valve for controlling the flow of fluid between a first medical implement and a second medical implement, said valve comprising:a body comprising an opening adapted to receive the first medical implement, and a wall structure defining an internal cavity adapted for fluid communication with the second medical implement, said cavity comprising a neck portion in fluid communication with said opening and a main portion with a larger internal diameter than the neck portion; and a flexible element positioned in said cavity movable between an uncompressed position in which a portion of the flexible element bears against the wall structure near said opening and obstructs fluid flow through said valve and a compressed position in which fluid flow is permitted through said valve, said flexible element comprising a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, the wall flexing to accommodate axial compression of said flexible element, said flexible element comprising an end fitting against a ring shaped support to assist in securing said flexible element in said cavity, said flexible element in said uncompressed position comprising a first external diameter near said opening, a second external diameter in said neck portion and a third external diameter in said main portion, said second diameter being smaller than said first diameter and said third diameter, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the flexible element between the second diameter and the third diameter being tapered.