Patent ID: 7645274
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A self-sealing male connector for connection with a female connector, the male connector comprising: a rigid housing having a distal end and a proximal end, the housing comprising at the distal end a rigid tubular male portion having a shape selected for engagement with a female connector; a distal valve located at the distal end of the housing, the distal valve comprising an internal valve seat disposed in the tubular male portion; a proximal valve located at the proximal end of the housing; a rigid actuator movably disposed within the housing for movement toward the proximal end of the housing to open both the distal and proximal valves, the actuator comprising a rigid actuator arm disposed adjacent and wholly outside the tubular male portion and extending axially in a proximal to distal direction wherein movement of the actuator arm towards the proximal end of the housing will cause the actuator to move towards the proximal end of the housing and open both the distal and proximal valves; whereby as a female connector is engaged with the tubular male portion, the female connector will move the actuator arm towards the proximal end of the housing thereby opening both the distal and proximal valves and wherein the actuator comprises a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end comprising a piercing element located so at to pierce the proximal valve upon movement of the actuator in the proximal direction.