Patent ID: 8187232
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A connecting structure for connecting a first member in fluid flow connection with a second member, the connecting structure comprising: a receptacle structure provided on the first member and having an interior chamber and an opening into the interior chamber; a first septum provided within the interior chamber, adjacent the opening of the receptacle structure; a hollow needle supported within the interior chamber of the receptacle structure, the hollow needle having a sharp end with a first opening into which fluid may flow, the sharp end facing the first septum, the hollow needle having a second opening out of which fluid may flow; a connection portion provided on the second member, the connection portion having a hollow interior chamber and an opening that opens to the hollow interior chamber, the connection portion having a size and shape suitable to be inserted at least partially into the opening of the receptacle structure; a second septum supported by the connection portion of the second member in a position to cover the opening in the connection portion; and a needle injection site structure provided on the first member, the needle injection site structure having a needle injection site channel in which an injection needle or cannula from a needle inserting device is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position, and a manifold arranged in fluid flow communication with the injection needle or cannula when the injection needle or cannula is in the extended position and out of fluid flow communication with the injection needle or cannula when the injection needle or cannula is in the retracted position; the first septum having an end portion configured to be pierced by the hollow needle and a skirt structure extending from the end portion of the first septum, the skirt structure providing a bias force on the end portion of the first septum, the bias force being directed toward the opening of the receptacle structure; wherein upon receiving the connection portion within the opening of the receptacle structure, the connection portion pushes the first septum toward the sharp end of the hollow needle against the bias force of the skirt structure, and the sharp end of the hollow needle is caused to pierce the first septum and the second septum to come into fluid flow communication with the hollow interior chamber of the connection portion; and wherein the second opening of the hollow needle is provided in fluid flow communication with the manifold of the needle injection site structure.