Abstract:
A fluid conduit connector apparatus that the approximates pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component when a fluid conduit is removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus includes a port portion having a valve disposed therein. The valve closes to provide a reduced fluid orifice when a fluid conduit is removed from the port. The reduced fluid orifice is configured to provide pneumatic characteristics of the device being disconnected to facilitate uninterrupted operation of a timed pressure source having pneumatic sensing capability.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/784,639 filed Feb. 23, 2004, hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to the field of fluid conduit connectors for application to multiple fluid line systems and more particularly to fluid line connectors having a valved port. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Medical conditions that form clots in the blood, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral edema, are a major concern to immobile medical patients. Such patients include those undergoing surgery, anesthesia, extended periods of bed rest, etc. These blood clotting conditions generally occur in the deep veins of the lower extremities and/or pelvis. These veins, such as the iliac, femoral, popiteal and tibial return deoxygenated blood to the heart. When blood circulation in these veins is retarded due to illness, injury or inactivity, there is a tendency for blood to accumulate or pool. A static pool of blood provides an ideal environment for dangerous clot formations. A major risk associated with this condition is interference with cardiovascular circulation. Most seriously, a fragment of the blood clot can break loose and migrate. A pulmonary emboli can form a potentially life-threatening blockage in a main pulmonary artery. 
         [0004]    The conditions and resulting risks associated with patient immobility can be controlled or alleviated by applying intermittent pressure to a patient&#39;s limb to assist in blood circulation. Known devices such as one piece pads and compression boots have been employed to assist in blood circulation. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,662 and 6,494,852. 
         [0005]    Sequential compression devices have been used, which consist of an air pump connected to a disposable wraparound pad by a series of fluid conduits such as air tubes, for example. The wraparound pad is placed around the patient&#39;s leg. Air is then forced into different parts of the wraparound pad in sequence, creating pressure around the calves and improving venous return. These known devices suffer from various drawbacks due to their bulk and cumbersome nature of use. These drawbacks cause patient discomfort, reduce compliance and can prevent mobility of the patient as recovery progresses after surgery. It would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages of such known devices with a compression apparatus that employs a fluid connector apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one aspect of the present invention, a fluid connector apparatus adapted for use with a compression apparatus generally comprises a first connector including a first plurality of fluid ports, at least one of the fluid ports comprising a coupling port having a port seat therein defining a fluid orifice. A coupling fitting is adapted for removably mating with the coupling port. A valve is disposed in the coupling port for movement relative to the coupling port. The valve is operatively engaged with the coupling fitting when the coupling fitting is mated with the coupling port of the first connector to hold the valve away from the fluid orifice. The valve is disengaged from the coupling fitting when the coupling fitting is removed from the coupling port of the first connector. The valve moves 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. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the present invention, a fluid connector generally comprises a plurality of fluid ports. At least one of the fluid ports comprises a coupling port having a port seat therein defining a fluid orifice. A valve is disposed in the coupling port for movement relative to the coupling port. The valve includes a valve seat and is biased toward engagement of the valve seat with the port seat. The valve seat and valve port are constructed to permit fluid flow through the fluid orifice between the valve seat and port seat when the valve seat engages the port seat. 
         [0008]    Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a fluid conduit connector apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first and second connector according to an illustrative embodiment of the fluid conduit connector apparatus of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side partial cross-sectional view of the illustrative fluid conduit connector apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top cross sectional view of the illustrative fluid conduit connector apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is front cross sectional view of the coupling port in an illustrative fluid conduit connector apparatus according to the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side cross sectional perspective view of the fluid conduit connector apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6A  is a cutaway perspective view of the fluid conduit connector apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6B  is a cutaway perspective view of the fluid conduit connector apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the various components of an illustrative fluid conduit connector apparatus according to the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the various components of an illustrative first connector in a fluid conduit connector apparatus according to the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the first connector shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the first connector shown in  FIG. 8A  and an alternate embodiment of the second connector shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional plan view of the first connector and the second connector shown in  FIG. 8B ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an illustrative coupling fitting according to the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a top view of a first or second connector including a detent cavity according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a first or second connector including an interference rib according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a front view of webbed tubing having an increased webbing volume according to an illustrative embodiment of the present; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is an end view of a first or second connector including an interference key according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view of two embodiments of a first connector and two embodiments of a second connector; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic view of a controller and fluid pressure source used with the fluid conduit connector apparatus. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    The exemplary embodiments of the fluid conduit connector apparatus and methods of operation disclosed are discussed in terms of prophylaxis compression apparatus and vascular therapy including a prophylaxis compression apparatus for application to a limb of a body and more particularly in terms of a compression apparatus having removable portions. It is envisioned that the present disclosure, however, finds application with a wide variety of pneumatic systems having removable fluid conduits, such as, for example, medical and industrial applications requiring timed sequences of compressed air in a plurality of air tubes. 
         [0031]    In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a structure that is closer to a torso of a subject and the term “distal” refers to a portion that is further from the torso. As used herein the term “subject” refers to a patient undergoing vascular therapy using the prophylaxis sequential compression apparatus. According to the present disclosure, the term “practitioner” refers to an individual administering the prophylaxis sequential compression apparatus and may include support personnel. 
         [0032]    The following discussion includes a description of the fluid conduit connector apparatus, followed by a description of an exemplary method of operating the fluid conduit connector apparatus in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments and disclosure, which are illustrated with the accompanying figures. 
         [0033]    Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is illustrated a fluid conduit connector apparatus  10 , constructed in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure. The fluid conduit connector apparatus  10  includes a connector having a first connector  12  and second connector  14 . First connector  12  is configured for removable engagement with a second connector  14 . 
         [0034]    The first connector  12  includes a first plurality of fluid ports  16  extending proximally therefrom and adapted for receiving a first plurality of fluid conduits  18 . Fluid conduits  18  are connected to a compression apparatus, including for example, a compression sleeve  19  (see  FIG. 15 ) adapted for disposal and treatment about a limb of a subject (not shown). The second connector  14  includes a second plurality of fluid ports  20  extending distally therefrom and adapted for receiving a second plurality of fluid conduits  22 . Fluid conduits  22  fluidly communicate with a pressurized fluid source  23  that is adapted to inflate the compression sleeve via the advantageous configuration of fluid conduit connector apparatus  10 , as described in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The pressurized fluid source  23  is controlled by a controller  25  that includes instructions providing a timed sequence of the pressurized fluid to the compression sleeve  19 . It is envisioned that conduits  18 ,  22  may include various tubing such as, for example, non-webbed tubing, etc. 
         [0035]    The fluid ports  16 ,  20  of connectors  12 ,  14  respectively, each define an inner fluid orifice or passageway that facilitate fluid communication between connectors  12 ,  14 . In turn, connectors  12 ,  14  facilitate fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the compression sleeve. Although the fluid conduit connector apparatus  10  is illustrated as having a set of three fluid ports in each connector for connecting sets of three fluid conduits, it is contemplated that each connector can have any number of fluid ports without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0036]    The first connector  12  includes a sleeve  24  defining a cavity  26  having a distal opening. The cavity  26  houses distal portions of the first plurality of fluid ports  16  which extend distally within the cavity  26 . The second connector  14  includes a plurality of fluid couplings  28  extending proximally therefrom. The plurality of fluid couplings  28  is formed by proximal portions of the second plurality of fluid ports  20  for alignment with the distal portions of the first plurality of fluid ports  16 . A locking arm  30  extends proximally from the body portion  32  of the second connector  14 . A slot  34  in the sleeve  24  of first connector  12  includes a window  36  adapted for removably accepting the locking arm  30  to retain the first connector  12  to the second connector  14 . 
         [0037]    At least one of the first plurality of ports is a coupling port  38  adapted for receiving a coupling fitting  40 . The coupling fitting  40  is permanently attached to the distal end of a corresponding one of the first plurality of fluid conduits  18 . A locking tab extending radially from the coupling fitting  40  is configured for engaging a detent cavity  44  in the first connector  12 , for example in the sleeve  24  as shown in  FIG. 1 . A streamlined outer surface  25  prevents the connectors from snagging on patient clothing or bedding. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3-7 , the various components of the fluid conduit connector apparatus will be described in further detail. 
         [0039]    A gasket  46  conforms to the space between the plurality of couplings  28  and the distal portion of the first plurality of fluid ports  16  within the cavity  26  when the first  12  is engaged with the second connector  14 . The gasket  46  provides sealing for pressurized fluid communication between corresponding fluid conduits by providing a sealed fluid channel including the first plurality of fluid ports and second plurality of fluid ports. It is envisioned that the gasket  46  can be efficiently and inexpensively manufactured using a variety of common materials or fabrication methods, for example by injection molding an elastomeric material or dye cutting a cork or paper based gasket material. It is envisioned that the gasket  46  can be configured for retention to one or the other of the first connector  12  and second connector  14 . In the illustrative embodiment, the gasket includes a proximal lip  48  configured to engage the distal portion of each of the first plurality of fluid ports to provide fluid sealing between the first connector  12  and the second connector  14 . The gasket includes a retention portion extending therefrom. The sleeve  24  includes a gasket retention groove adapted to accept the retention portion and thereby retain the gasket to the sleeve  24  when the second connector  14  is removed therefrom. 
         [0040]    The slot  34  at least partially bifurcates the sleeve  24  to allow spreading of the sleeve  24  under stress when the locking arm  30  is pressed into the slot  34  at its distal end as the first connector  12  is mated to the second connector  14 . When an engagement portion  48  of the locking arm  30  reaches the window portion  36  of the slot  34  the sleeve returns to its relaxed shape to releasably retain the second connector  14  by its locking arms  30 . The locking arm  48  is formed with a leading surface  39  inclined at an angle (i.e., first angle) and a trailing surface  41  inclined at a second angle. In the illustrative embodiment, the leading surface  39  is inclined at a shallower angle than the trailing  41  surface so that the force to connect the first connector  12  to the second connector  14  is lighter than the force to disconnect the first connector  12  from the second connector  14 . Predetermined connection/disconnection forces can thereby be achieved by proper selection of the first and second angle when designing a particular locking arm  48 . 
         [0041]    Although the illustrative embodiment described herein refers to a particular locking arm and slot configuration, it is envisioned that virtually any type of removable retention method may be used to removably retain the first connector to the second connector without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, an interference fit may be provided between the first connector  12  and second connector  14  or may be provided by a properly configured deformable gasket  46 . Alternatively, a snap or detent arrangement known in the art may be used to retain the first connector  12  to the second connector  14 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C, first connector  12  includes a locking arm  234  that is configured for mating engagement with corresponding slot  230  formed in second connector  14 , similar to the arm and slot structure described. 
         [0042]    An alignment rib  59  ( FIG. 1 ) extends radially from at least one of the plurality of couplings  28  along its longitudinal axis. A corresponding alignment slot (not shown) is provided in the inner surface of the sleeve  24  extending to the distal end thereof for accepting the alignment rib  59 . It is contemplated that virtually any type of alignment rib/slot configuration commonly used in the art of for alignment of mating connectors can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0043]    The coupling fitting  40  includes a proximal cylinder  52  and a distal cylinder  54  aligned along a longitudinal axis  56 . The proximal cylinder  52  includes a proximal opening  58  and an inside diameter  60  defining an inner surface  62  configured for a press fit corresponding to the outside diameter of one of the first plurality of fluid conduits  18 . In the illustrative embodiment, the corresponding fluid conduit is an air tube which is press fit into the proximal cylinder  52  through its proximal opening  58 . In an illustrative embodiment, the fluid conduit is substantially permanently attached to the proximal cylinder  52  by friction. In alternative embodiments a variety of suitable adhesives may be applied to the inner surface  62  of the proximal cylinder  52  to permanently attach the fluid conduit and provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. For example, it is envisioned that a silicon adhesive, rubber cement, a material specific adhesive compound, an o-ring, a gasket or the like can be used according to methods well known in the art to attach the fluid conduit to the coupling fitting. 
         [0044]    The distal cylinder  54  comprises an inner surface defined by an inside contour  64  revolved about the longitudinal axis  56  and an outer surface  66  defined by an outside diameter. In the illustrative embodiment, the inside contour  64  includes a sealing portion  68 , a flexing portion  70  and an annular lip portion  72 . The sealing portion  68  has an inside diameter adapted for a tight fit against the outside surface of the coupling port  38  to provide at least partial fluid sealing therebetween. The annular lip portion  72  defines an annular ring that compresses against the outside surface of coupling port  38  and provides fluid sealing therebetween. The flexing portion  70  is defined by a reduced wall thickness which allows the distal cylinder  54  to deflect inwardly to facilitate engagement of the locking tab  42  to the detent cavity  44 . 
         [0045]    Although the illustrative embodiment is described with respect to a particular retention and sealing configuration between the coupling fitting  40  and coupling port  38 , it is envisioned that virtually any type of coupling fitting retention and sealing method known in the art can be used between the coupling fitting  40  and the external surface of the coupling port  38  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that a threaded collar, a cantilever snap arm or the like can be used for attachment of the coupling fitting  40  to the coupling port  38  or to the first connector  12 . 
         [0046]    In another example referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the sleeve  24  or interior surface of the first connector  12  can include a detent cavity  44  extending at least partially into the interior surface and adapted for accepting the locking tab  42  of the coupling fitting  40 . A detent  57  of tab  42  is inserted into sleeve  24  to become disposed in cavity  44 . Detent  57  is rotated through cavity  44 , via manipulation of fitting  40  and retained in position by bump formed in the wall of cavity  44 . In an alternate embodiment, the detent cavity shown in  FIG. 10  includes a longitudinal track portion  55  (shown in phantom) adapted for guiding the locking tab  42  ( FIG. 9 ) during engagement and disengagement and an annular portion  57  adapted for retaining the locking tab  42  ( FIG. 9 ) when the coupling fitting  40  is rotated about its longitudinal axis  56 . Along its length, the detent cavity  44  can have varying depth or width into the interior surface. The varying depth of the detent cavity  44  provides a predetermined engagement/disengagement force/displacement profile between the locking tab  42  and the detent cavity. In one embodiment, the locking tab has an outer portion with an enlarged manual engagement surface  43  to assist manipulation of the locking tab  42 . 
         [0047]    In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the coupling fitting includes an engagement portion  74  adapted for opening a valve  76  disposed within the coupling port  38 . The engagement portion  74  extends distally from a transverse wall  78  within the coupling fitting  40  to displace a plunger  80  in the valve  76 . In the illustrative embodiment, the transverse wall  78  is disposed within the coupling fitting  40  about between the proximal cylinder  52  and the distal cylinder  54  and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  56 . At least one fluid passageway extends through the transverse wall. 
         [0048]    Although the illustrative embodiment is described in terms of a distally extending engagement portion, it is envisioned that virtually any type of valve engagement structure can be used to displace a valve plunger  80  within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a flat surface of the transverse wall  78  or a rib extending from the inner surface of the distal cylinder  54 , can be aligned with a complementary structure within a valve  76  to displace a valve plunger  80  when the coupling fitting  40  is engaged with the coupling port  38 . 
         [0049]    The illustrative embodiment includes a valve  76  is disposed within the coupling port  38 . The valve  76  includes a plunger  80  movable along the longitudinal axis of the coupling port  38  and biased proximally by a spring  82 . The spring  82  is supported by the gasket  46  which is held in place in cavity  26  by protrusion  51  on the gasket  46 . Adhesive may alternatively be used to maintain gasket  46  in position. The gasket  46  includes a spring seat formed along the longitudinal axis of any gasket passageway to be aligned with a coupling port. ( FIGS. 4-5 ) The spring seat in the illustrative embodiment includes a central stub  84  supported by radial spars  86  within the gasket opening. 
         [0050]    The valve can be easily assembled by installing the spring  82  over the distal end of the plunger  80  to form a plunger and spring sub-assembly. The plunger  80  includes a step  88  to engage the proximal end of the spring  82 . The plunger and spring sub-assembly can then be installed into the coupling port  38  from its proximal end. The gasket  46  can then be installed into the cavity  26 . Alternatively, the plunger and spring sub-assembly can be installed to the gasket  46  by fitting the spring  82  to the spring seat before installing the gasket  46  spring  82  and plunger  80  together to the first connector  12 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  provide two illustrative embodiments of a plunger  80  according to the present disclosure. 
         [0051]    Although the present disclosure illustrates the use of a coil spring  82  to bias the plunger  80 , it is contemplated that virtually any type of plunger and spring arrangement known in the art can be used to provide biasing of the plunger  80  within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that spring force could be applied to the plunger  80  by forming a plastic cantilever spring arm that could be formed within the first connector  12 . Alternatively a structure similar to the spring seat could be formed of elastomeric material as part of the gasket  46  to provide a biasing force to the plunger  80  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0052]    When the coupling fitting  40  is engaged with the coupling port  38 , the engagement portion  74  of the coupling fitting forces the plunger  80  to move distally against the force of the spring  82  which is thereby compressed. An open fluid connection is thereby provided from the fluid conduit connected to the coupling fitting  40 , through the coupling port  38  to the corresponding one of the second plurality of fluid conduits  22 , i.e., the corresponding air tube. 
         [0053]    For example, a portion of the compression sleeve that fluidly communicates with the pressurized fluid source via coupling port  38  may be removed from the remainder of the compression sleeve. The remaining portion of the compression sleeve continues to provide treatment to the limb of the subject. Upon removal of the selected portion, the coupling fitting  40  is disconnected and not engaged to the coupling port  38 . Spring  82  forces the plunger  80  to its proximal limit of travel where the plunger  80  engages a proximal stop such that valve  76  is in a closed position. 
         [0054]    The plunger  80  is configured to cooperate with an internal structure in the coupling port  38  to define a reduced fluid orifice when the plunger  80  is displaced to its proximal limit. The reduced fluid orifice is designed to provide pneumatic characteristics approximating the pneumatic characteristics of a detached device. 
         [0055]    In an illustrative embodiment, ( FIGS. 6-7 ), a cap  90  having a fluid passageway  92  therethrough is disposed in the proximal opening of the coupling port  38 . The cap  90  provides a stop defining a proximal limit of plunger travel and is configured to cooperate with the plunger  80  of valve  76 , such that valve  76  reduces the dimension of the fluid orifice of coupling port  38 . 
         [0056]    For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , coupling fitting  40  is connected to the coupling port  38  to force plunger  80  distally and open the fluid connection ( FIG. 6A ), described above, for inflating a removable portion of an inflatable compression sleeve (not shown). To provide such an open connection, a valve seat  282  of plunger  80  is disposed via spring  82  (not shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  for clarity), out of engagement with a conical seat  284  of cap  90 . This configuration allows air to flow around the conical seat  284  and through conduit  22  (not shown), and out to the inflatable removable portion of the compression sleeve, as shown by arrows A. 
         [0057]    For removal of the removable portion of the compression sleeve, coupling fitting  40  is removed from coupling port  38 . Spring  82  forces valve seat  282  into engagement with a counter bore edge of conical seat  284 . Thus, this configuration advantageously reduces the dimension of the fluid orifice of coupling port  38  such that air only flows through cavities defined by semi-circular slots  286  of valve seat  282  and the bore edge of conical seat  284 . Slots  286  are formed on the sides of valve seat  282 . The cavities defined by slots  286  and conical seat  284  facilitate fluid flow that approximates the pneumatic behavior of the removable portion of the compression sleeve when coupling fitting  40  is connected to coupling port  38  during an open fluid connection. The cavities defined by slots  286  and conical seat  284  may have various configurations and dimensions including geometries such as, for example, elliptical, polygonal, etc. 
         [0058]    This configuration advantageously approximates the pneumatic characteristics of a detached device. It is contemplated that the fluid orifice of coupling port  38  may be variously configured such that corresponding engagement with plunger  80  reduces the orifice dimension to approximate fluid flow through coupling port  38  that would otherwise occur with valve  76  in the open position. It is further contemplated that plunger  80  may includes openings to approximate fluid flow. It is envisioned that valve  76  is operable to reduce the dimension of the fluid orifice of coupling port  38  over a range of closed positions, including partial fluid flow, leakage, etc. to approximate fluid in the port or alternatively, the orifice may completely close to prevent fluid flow through the corresponding port. In a completely closed configuration, pump speed or other settings may be adjusted. 
         [0059]    In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure provides an air tubing connector for use with a compression apparatus having removable portions, see, for example, the compression sleeve described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,282,038, filed on Feb. 23, 2004 and entitled Compression Apparatus. Three separate air tube are connected to an ankle portion, a calf portion and a knee portion of the apparatus. Each portion is supplied with a timed sequence of compressed air through its respective air tube. The proximal end of each of the three air tubes is connected to the first plurality of fluid ports  16  in a first connector  12  according to the present disclosure. A mating set of three air tubes extends from a timed pressure source and is connected to the second plurality of fluid ports  18  in a second connector  14  according to the present disclosure. 
         [0060]    In the illustrative embodiment, the distal end of the thigh tube is connected to the first connector  12  via a coupling fitting  40  and port  38  as described hereinbefore. When a patient no longer requires the thigh portion of the prophylaxis compression apparatus, the thigh portion can be removed and the tubing attached thereto can be disconnected from the first connector at the coupling port  38 . Operation of the valve  76  in the coupling port  38  provides a reduced fluid orifice that restricts airflow therethrough to approximate the pneumatic characteristics of the thigh portion and its corresponding air tube. Thus, sensors in the timed pressure source will not detect a change in fluid pressure or flow rate when the thigh portion is removed. This allows the timed pressure source to continue supplying uninterrupted timed air pressure to the ankle and calf portions of the prophylaxis compression apparatus. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , certain embodiments are provided wherein the first plurality of fluid conduits  18  is a set of webbed tubing  98  having increased webbing volume  100  between at least one pair of adjacent conduits. At least one interference rib  94  is formed between at least one pair of adjacent fluid ports in the first plurality of fluid ports. The increased webbing volume  100  is aligned with the interference rib  94  if the set of webbed tubing  98  is improperly oriented with the first connector  12 . The interference rib  94  thereby prevents attachment of improperly oriented fluid conduits to the first connector  12 . Similarly, the second plurality of fluid conduits  22  can include an increased webbing volume configured to interfere with an interference rib between adjacent ports in the second connector  14  to prevent attachment of improperly oriented fluid conduits to the second connector  14 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , one embodiment includes a first connector  12  having an interference key  96  in the cavity  26  to prevent the first connector  12  from mating with legacy connector components. The second connector  14  includes a clearance space for the interference key  96 .  FIG. 14  schematically depicts the function of an interference key  96  to prevent connection of certain embodiments of a first connector  12  to certain embodiments of a second connector  13 . For example, key slot  98  in second connector  13 B provides clearance for interference key  96  in first connector  12 B to facilitate mating one to the other. Second connector  13 B can also be mated to certain first connectors such as  12 A which do not include an interference key. Second connector  13 A does not include a key slot and therefore can not be mated with first connector  12 B. In at least one embodiment, second connector  13 A is a legacy connector. In the illustrative embodiment, the interference key  96  in a non-compatible connector such as first connector  12 B is used to prevent connection of the non-compatible connector to the legacy connector. 
         [0063]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the connector of the present disclosure may be used with various single and plural bladder compression sleeve devices including, for example, the compression sleeve described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,282,038, filed on Feb. 23, 2004 and entitled Compression Apparatus, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0064]    Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. 
         [0065]    When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
         [0066]    In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. 
         [0067]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.