Patent ID: 8256459
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: A61M,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fluid connector apparatus adapted for use with a pneumatic compression apparatus for applying compression treatment to a user of the pneumatic compression apparatus, the pneumatic compression apparatus having a pneumatic characteristic when the fluid connector apparatus is in fluid communication with to the pneumatic compression apparatus and fluid is being delivered through the fluid connector apparatus, the connector apparatus comprising: a first connector including a first plurality of fluid ports each having proximal ends and distal ends, at least one of the fluid ports comprising a coupling port having a port seat therein defining a fluid orifice, the first connector being adapted for nondestructive, releasable connection with a second connector at a distal end of the first connector; a fluid conduit for each of the fluid ports configured for connecting to the pneumatic compression apparatus, each fluid conduit being connected to a proximal end of a respective one of the fluid ports, a first of the fluid conduits being connected to the coupling port; a coupling fitting connected to the first fluid conduit and removably mated with the coupling port thereby to connect the first fluid conduit to the coupling port; and a valve disposed in the coupling port for movement relative to the coupling port, the valve being arranged in the coupling port for operatively engaging the coupling fitting when the coupling fitting is mated with the coupling port of the first connector so that movement of the coupling port and coupling fitting into mating connection is transmitted by the operative engagement of the coupling fitting with the valve to move and hold the valve away from the fluid orifice, the valve being disengaged from the coupling fitting when the coupling fitting and first conduit are removed from the coupling port of the first connector, the valve moving upon removal of the coupling fitting from the coupling port into engagement with the port seat to reduce a dimension of the fluid orifice without completely closing the fluid orifice to approximate the pneumatic characteristic of the pneumatic compression apparatus when the fluid connector apparatus is in fluid communication with the pneumatic compression apparatus and fluid is being delivered through the fluid connector apparatus.