Abstract:
A drip chamber includes an elongated transparent container, and a cap. The container has open proximal and distal ends. The cap covers the distal end and further includes a drip forming tube, a cannula and an attachment element used to removably attach the chamber to a connector. The cannula extends distally away from the chamber and is surrounded by the attachment element. A pathway for fluid is established through the cannula and into the chamber.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of and claims priority from the following co-pending U.S. patent applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/040,886 for an invention entitled “Spikeless Connection and Drip Chamber with Valve”, filed Jan. 21, 2005, which in turn claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/768,636 for an invention entitled “IV Sets With Needleless/Spikeless Fittings And Valves”, filed Dec. 18, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,538, filed on Mar. 12, 1996 for an invention entitled “Needleless Valve For Use In Intravenous Infusion”, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,333 filed on Sep. 16, 1993 for an invention entitled “Liquid Medicament Bag With Needleless Connector Fitting Using Boat Assembly.” 
         [0002]    Additionally, this application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/751,310 for an invention entitled “Drip Chamber With Female Luer Fitting” filed Nov. 18, 1996, which in turn claimed priority from Ser. No. 08/377,514 for an invention entitled “Drip Chamber With Female Luer Fitting” filed Jan. 24, 1995, which in turn is a divisional application of issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,623, issued on Aug. 29, 1995 for an invention entitled “Drip Chamber With Luer Fitting”. All are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to intravenous (IV) liquid medicament infusion equipment, and more particularly to drip chambers, valves and attachment mechanisms. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One of the most widely used methods of medical therapy is the intravenous (IV) infusion of liquid medicaments and/or nutrients into the bloodstream of a patient. A familiar apparatus that is used in many IV infusion applications is an IV container, such as an IV bag or bottle, which contains the liquid to be infused into the patient. 
         [0005]    When the IV container is a bag, or bottle, a rigid, hollow, sharpened IV spike is pushed into the container to establish a pathway for fluid communication through which the liquid can flow out of the container. The spike, in turn, is connected to or formed integrally with an inlet port of a small, elongated, transparent hollow container familiarly referred to as a “drip chamber”, with the fluid pathway of the spike in fluid communication with the inlet port of the drip chamber or by means of a port in a matching configuration to male or female connector with or without an integral valve. 
         [0006]    Additionally, an IV line is connected to the bottom or distal end of the drip chamber. Preferably, a means for controlling the flow (a roller clamp, pump, or other suitable flow regulating device) is engaged with the IV line, and a medical technician can manipulate the flow controlling means and thereby regulate fluid flow through the IV line. To complete the path for fluid communication from the IV container to the patient, a sharp needle is connected to the IV line to puncture the patient. 
         [0007]    Usually, the container is elevated above the patient to establish a positive pressure head to force the fluid that is within the container through the drip chamber into the patient. Because the drip chamber is transparent, a medical technician can view the medicament as it passes (normally by dripping) through the drip chamber to aid the medical technician in establishing a predetermined flow rate of medicament into the patient as the medical technician adjusts the flow controlling means on the IV line. 
         [0008]    While effective as aiding in the establishment of a predetermined fluid flow to the patient, existing drip chambers, as noted above, require the use of sharpened spikes to puncture the IV container containing the liquid. This is undesirable, particularly in the era of AIDS, because spikes, like other sharps instruments, can inadvertently puncture the bag or medical technician who is manipulating the spike and thereby potentially contaminate the container contents or infect the technician with AIDS or other disease. Thus, as recognized by the present invention, it is desirable to avoid the use of sharp instruments whenever possible while preserving the quick connection such instruments provide. 
         [0009]    Further, it is desirable to connect and disconnect the drip chamber or other components in the IV system without spillage of medicament. As recognized by the present invention, such reduction in spillage can be obtained through the use of reflex valves which are compatible with spikeless drip chambers and other needleless IV components. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a valve apparatus in an IV drip chamber or other IV component for engaging a complementary fitting, without the need to use a sharp connector. Another object of the present invention is to allow connection and disconnection of components without the spillage of medicament. Yet another object of the present invention to provide a drip chamber which is easy to use and cost-effective to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    A drip chamber includes an elongated transparent container defining an elongated hollow chamber. The container has both a proximal end and a distal end. A cap covers the proximal end of the container, and it includes a drip-forming tube, a cannula and an attachment element. The drip forming tube is disposed within the container while the cannula extends distally away from the tube and establishes a pathway for fluid communication between a IV medicament container and the drip chamber. The attachment element surrounds the cannula and is configured so as to removably engage the chamber with a connector. 
         [0012]    In one presently preferred embodiment, the distal end of the drip chamber is engageable with an IV tube and connector to establish a pathway for fluid communication between the drip chamber and a patient. 
         [0013]    The cannula in the presently preferred embodiment, is metal, but the present invention recognizes that it may be formed from other materials such as plastic. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the distal end of the container is a solvent bondable port element in fluid communication with the chamber. In yet another embodiment, the proximal and/or distal end of the container is also configurable as a luer fitting. The present invention recognizes that either a male or female luer fitting may be used in this embodiment. 
         [0015]    On the proximal side of the container, to retain the chamber with an IV medicament connector, an attachment element is used. In one embodiment, the attachment element is configured as a threaded collar fitting. In another embodiment, the attachment element is configured as a so called “goal post style” clamp. The “goal post style” clamp has an open and a normal retention configuration, and is biased to the normal configuration. Preferably, the clamp includes two clamp elements, two fulcrum bars and two retaining lips. More clamp elements, fulcrum bars and lips are possible, but two of each is the most efficient. Specifically then, the clamp elements each have a proximal pincer end and a distal squeezeable end. The fulcrum bars are then attached on one side to the clamp element and on the opposite side to the cannula element or cannula holding element. The fulcrum bars are long enough such that the proximal pincer ends are separated when the clamp is in the normal configuration. Ideally, the pincer ends open to facilitate easy assembly of the connector. The proximal pincer ends may also be configured with a lip to engage a complementary surface on the connector. The connector can be the port of any IV device, but the port of an IV bag, or other source of fluid, is preferable. To further facilitate engagement of the “goal post style” clamp, the lips include an angular surface which, when urged against the connector port, move the pincer ends open sufficiently to allow mating of the lip and the complementary connector surface. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a drip chamber includes an elongated container defining a hollow chamber. The chamber has both a proximal end and a distal end. A cap preferably covers the proximal end of the container and it includes a drip forming tube, a valve body, at least one valve member disposed in the valve body and a valve actuating element. The drip forming tube is disposed within the container while the valve body defines a pathway for fluid communication through the cap. The valve member is disposed in the body and is biased to a first configuration where the path for fluid communication is not established. That is, in the first configuration, fluid may not pass through the body. Additionally, the valve member is movable to a second configuration where fluid communication through the body is permitted. Also disposed in the valve body is the valve actuating element. This element defines at least one engagement surface for contacting a mating element. Contact with the mating element causes the valve actuating element to move against the valve member which causes the valve member to move to the second configuration. 
         [0017]    A variation of the above includes a valve member defining an outer periphery that is interrupted at least once within the periphery. The interruption within the periphery allows the fluid to pass directly through the member when in the second configuration rather than around the member (although the fluid could also pass through and around the member as envisioned above). In other words, when the valve member is in the second configuration, the interruption within the periphery defines an opening in the valve member allowing fluid through the valve member and thus, through the body. 
         [0018]    In another variation, valves that may be utilized include valves that include a resilient valve member. In this aspect, the resilient valve member defines an outer periphery that is uninterrupted within the periphery. The valve member is deformable to a configuration wherein fluid communication is permitted. 
         [0019]    The proximal and distal ends of the drip chamber may be configured in a variety of ways. In one embodiment the proximal or distal end is configured as a male or male luer fitting. In another the proximal or distal end is configured with a solvent bonded IV tube. And in yet another the proximal or distal end is configured as a female or female luer fitting. 
         [0020]    In another preferred embodiment, an IV component connector includes a valve body, a valve member and a valve element. In this embodiment, the valve body has a proximal and a distal end which define a path providing fluid communication through the body. The proximal end has an attachment element to engage a complementarily shaped connector or surface. The distal end has an outlet providing fluid communication with a connected component. 
         [0021]    The valve member in this embodiment is disposed in the body and defines an outer periphery that is interrupted within the periphery at least once. The valve member is biased to a first configuration where the path for fluid communication is not established through the body. Also, the member is movable to a second configuration where fluid communication is permitted. The valve element is also disposed in the body and defines at least one engagement surface distally beyond the body. This surface contacts a mating element from another component that causes the valve element to move against the valve member thus moving the valve member to the second configuration. 
         [0022]    In one presently preferred embodiment, the attachment element is configured as a male or male luer fitting to removably engage a female or female luer connector. 
         [0023]    In another variation, the component connected to the proximal end may be any of various other IV components as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,538 to Richmond and incorporated herein by reference. Particular attention is directed to  FIGS. 13 ,  15 ,  18 ,  19 ,  22 - 30 ; and the Specification, column 2, lines 14-18. 
         [0024]    Another aspect of the invention is directed to a drip-chamber that includes a cap and a drip forming tube with a blunt cannula integrally attached to the cap and drip forming tub. The drip-chamber includes an additional means of attachment which is integrally attached to the cap. 
         [0025]    These and other aspects of the present invention can best be appreciated in reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts, and in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a valve of the present invention showing a male cannula fitting drip chamber combined with a goal post style clamp; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate inserted male cannula fitting drip chamber combined with a goal post style clamp; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a drip chamber with an embedded cannula fitting combined with a threaded collar fitting; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a drip chamber with a cannula combined with a threaded collar fitting; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the IV component connector; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the IV component connector; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the IV component connector; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the connector as shown in  FIG. 5  combined with a drip chamber and a distal end configured as a male luer fitting; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the connector as shown in  FIG. 6  combined with a drip chamber and a distal end configured as a solvent bonded IV tube; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the connector as shown in  FIG. 7  combined with a drip chamber and a proximal end configured as a female luer fitting. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view of an IV set of the present invention, showing various drip chamber upper connections and various drip chamber lower connections in exploded relationships. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a male reflux valve bonded to a “T”-site connector. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a male reflux valve bonded to a “Y”-site connector. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a plan cross-sectional view of a plurality of reflux valves operably engaged with a stopcock. 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is an exploded cross-sectional view of various reflux valves in combination with a filter assembly. 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  is an exploded isometric view of a four-way valve with various associated components including luer fittings with reflux valves. 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a male luer fitting with male reflux valve in combination with a check valve. 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  is an exploded cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the liquid medicament bag with portions broken away showing a valve connected to a medicament bag by a tubular connector. 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of a male reflux valve shown disposed in a male luer fitting, with portions broken away for clarity. 
           [0045]      FIG. 20A  is a view of one of the valves of the IV bag with the valve in the closed position. 
           [0046]      FIG. 20B  is a view of one of the valves of the IV bag with the valve in the open position. 
           [0047]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a liquid medicament bag having a male and a female reflex valve, with portions of the bag broken away. 
           [0048]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid medicament bag of the present invention, as seen along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid medicament bag of the present invention, as seen along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 21 , with the valve in the closed configuration. 
           [0050]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid medicament bag of the present invention, as would be seen along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 21 , with a female luer fitting shown in phantom engaging the valve, with the valve in the open configuration; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0051]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , the drip chamber with cannula of the present invention is shown and is generally designated as  10 . Preferably, the drip chamber  10  is made of a plastic (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) or glass or metal. As shown, the drip chamber  10  has a proximal end  12  which can be engaged with a source of fluid, such as an IV container (not shown). It is to be understood that the source of fluid can be any container suitable for holding fluid medicaments, e.g., the source can be an IV bag, vial, IV bottle, semi-rigid container, syringe, etc. 
         [0052]    As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the drip chamber  10  has a distal end  14  that can be engaged with an IV tube (shown as  39  in  FIG. 2 ). Specifically, the IV tube  39  is advanced onto the distal end  14  of the drip chamber  10  and is held on the distal end  14  by solvent bonding, RF sealing, ultrasonic welding techniques, or other techniques known by those skilled in the arts. 
         [0053]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the drip chamber  10  includes a hollow transparent glass or plastic container  16 , and the container  16  defines a hollow chamber  18 . As shown, the proximal end  12  is configured as a cap including a drip forming tube  20 , a cannula  22  formed integrally with a cannula holding element  24  and an attaching mechanism generally designated  26 . 
         [0054]    Cross referencing  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the attaching mechanism  26  is a goal post style clamp. As shown, the goal post style clamp consists of two clamp elements  28   a ,  28   b . The clamp elements  28   a ,  28   b  are attached to the cannula holding element  24  by two fulcrum bars  30   a ,  30   b . It can be noted now that the goal post style clamp is biased to the retention configuration shown in the FIGS. The clamp elements  28   a ,  28   b  each have a lip  32  on the distal pincer end to engage a ledge  34  on the fluid source connector port  36 . The lip  32  is configured with an angular surface  38  to facilitate engagement of the connector port  36 . The distal end of the clamp elements  28   a ,  28   b  can have bumps  35   a ,  35   b  to improve the operator&#39;s grip while applying pressure to the clamp elements  28   a ,  28   b . Squeezing pressure on the clamp elements  28   a ,  28   b , below the fulcrum bars  30   a ,  30   b , urges the clamp elements  28   a ,  28   b , to an open configuration. 
         [0055]      FIG. 2  shows an alternate embodiment which is identical to  FIG. 1  in all essential respects, except that the cannula  37  is embedded into the cannula holding element  24 . Additionally,  FIG. 2  also shows the IV tube  39  inserted into the distal end  14  of the drip chamber  10  and held in the distal end  14  by solvent bonding, RF sealing, ultrasonic welding techniques, or other techniques known by those skilled in the arts. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  shows an alternate embodiment which is identical in all essential respects to  FIG. 2  except that the attaching mechanism  26  is alternately configured as a threaded collar surrounding the embedded cannula  37 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  shows an alternate embodiment which is identical in all essential respects to  FIG. 1  except that the attaching mechanism  26  is configured as a threaded collar surrounding the integral cannula  22 . 
         [0058]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , an IV component connector is shown and generally designated as  40 . The connector  40  has a valve body  42  which has a proximal end  44  and a distal end  46 . The body defines a fluid passageway  48  which provides a pathway for fluid communication through the body  42 . As can be readily observed in  FIG. 5 , the proximal end  44  is configured as a male fitting for connection to a corresponding female fitting (not shown). Fluid communication through the body  42  ends at the distal end  46  where an outlet  50  is provided. The distal end  46  attaches to various other IV components as disclosed in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,538 to Richmond and incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0059]    Still referring to  FIG. 5 , a valve member  52  is shown disposed in the body  42  to selectively block the fluid passageway  48 . The valve member  52  is preferably made from plastic, silicone, rubber, etc., and defines an outer periphery that may be interrupted by a fluid orifice  56 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that more than one fluid orifice  56  is possible and that the orifice  56  may be shaped in a variety of ways. When the valve is in place in a closed configuration, the orifice  56  is sealed and consequentially, a fluid tight seal between the valve member  52  and the interior surface of the body  42  is established. It is to be understood that the valve member  52  is biased to the closed configuration as shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein no fluid communication is permitted through the valve body  42  (and hence through the outlet  50 ). On the other hand, when pressure is exerted on the member  52  from the proximal side  44  of the valve member  52 , the member  52  is moved to cause the fluid orifice  56  to open and, thus, to move the member  52  to the open configuration. 
         [0060]      FIG. 5  additionally shows that a valve element  60  is reciprocably disposed in the fluid passageway  48 . The valve element  60  is formed with a lower probe  62 , a retention element  63  and an upper contact flange  64 . When the valve element  60  is urged into the valve body  42 , the lower probe  62  exerts pressure, thus opening the valve member  52  as discussed above. As shown, the retention element  63  retains the valve element  60  in the valve body  42  by contacting a surface  66 . 
         [0061]    Still referring to  FIG. 5 , it can now be understood that the proximal end  44 , configured as a male luer fitting, can be engaged with a complementarily shaped female luer fitting (not shown). This engagement causes the upper contact flange  64  of the valve element  60  to be contacted by the female luer fitting (not shown) and to urge the valve element  60  into the valve body  42 . When the valve element  60  is urged sufficiently, it contacts the valve member  52  and urges the valve member  52  to the open configuration, thereby allowing fluid communication through the orifice  56 , and hence through the fluid passageway  48 . 
         [0062]    Now referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternate embodiment of the IV component connector is shown. This is in all essential respects identical to  FIG. 5 , except that the valve element  60  has a skirt  65  for urging the valve member  52  downwardly and further urging the fluid orifice  56  to the open configuration. Also, as can best be seen in  FIG. 6 , the valve member  52  need not be rigidly attached to the valve body  42 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 7  shows yet another alternative embodiment of the IV component connector of the present invention. This is in all essential respects identical to  FIG. 5 , except that the valve member  52  can also be held in place by trapping between the separate sub-components of the valve body  42 . This Figure also best illustrates an alternate valve member  52 . In this embodiment, the distal side of the valve member  52  is essentially flat while the proximal side bulges in the center. Said another way, the thickness of the valve member  52  increases towards the center. Importantly, because of the thickening of the valve member  52  towards the center on the proximal side of the valve member  52 , pressure from the proximal side  46  of the valve member  52  will cause the valve member  52  to close more tightly. That is, backflow pressure will act to dose the valve member  52  and increased pressure will more tightly close the valve  52 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10  show the various embodiments of the component connector of the present invention in combination with drip chambers.  FIG. 8  also shows the distal end configured as a male luer fitting  70 . The male luer fitting  70  can then be connected and disconnected from a corresponding female fitting  72 .  FIG. 9  shows the distal end configured as a solvent bonded IV tube  74 .  FIG. 10  shows the distal end configured as a female luer fitting  76 . The female luer fitting  76  can then be connected and disconnected from a corresponding male fitting  78 . 
         [0065]    Now referring to  FIG. 11 , an IV set is shown, generally designated  80 . As can be appreciated in reference to  FIG. 11 , the present IV set includes a drip chamber, an upper needleless connector on the top of the drip chamber to connect the top to a needleless fitting (such as any of those shown herein), an IV tube connected to the bottom of the drip chamber, a flow restrictor engaged with the IV tube, and a lower needleless connector connected to the end of the IV tube to connect the tube to a needleless fitting (such as any of those shown herein). 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the drip chamber can be an elongated hollow transparent plastic cylindrical drip chamber  82  or tapered drip chamber  84 . In any case, the present drip chamber is “elongated” in that its length is at least half again as great as its diameter. The IV tube is a hollow plastic IV tube known in the art, with the flow restrictor being an open slide clamp  86  having an open head end  88  ( FIG. 11 ). 
         [0067]    in the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , an IV tube  102  can be connected by attaching the tube  102  by means well-known known in the art to an exit port  104  of the cylindrical drip chamber  82  or to and exit port  106  of the tapered drip chamber  84 . For succinctness of disclosure, the discussion below will focus on the cylindrical drip chamber  82 , but it is to be understood that the discussion below is equally relevant to the tapered drip chamber  84  or indeed any well-known drip chamber. The open clamp  86  can be manipulated by means well-known in the art to constrict the IV tube  102  to stop fluid flow therethrough. 
         [0068]      FIG. 12  shows a male member valve  198  which is disposed in a port  200  of a so-called “T”-site connector  202 . The T-site connector  202  defines a main fluid passageway  204  and a secondary fluid passageway  206 , and the male valve  198  can be manipulated as described above to selectively permit fluid communication through the secondary fluid passageway  206  of the T-site connector. 
         [0069]      FIG. 13  shows a male member valve  208  which is disposed in a port  210  of a so-called “Y”-site connector  212 . As shown, the Y-site connector  212  defines a main cylindrical fluid passageway  214  and a secondary fluid passageway  216 . The valve  208  can be operated as disclosed above to selectively block fluid communication through the secondary passageway  216  of the Y-site connector  212 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 14  shows an IV stopcock, generally designated  220 . In accordance with principles well known in the art, the stopcock  220  includes a central fluid passageway that is covered by a cover plate  222 , and an operating hand wheel  224 . Additionally, the stopcock  220  can include at least two ports, and can include additional ports. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the IV component can be a tubular IV connector  290  having a filter  292  disposed athwart a fluid passageway  294  defined by the connector  290 . The connector  290  has an inlet port  296  and an outlet port  298 . The inlet port  296  can be selectively blocked by engaging the port  296  with any one of a female member valve  300 , a first male member valve  302 , or a second male member valve  304 . Similarly, the outlet port  298  can be selectively blocked by engaging the port  298  with any one of a female member valve  306 , a first male member valve  308 , or a second male member valve  310 . Accordingly, the IV component shown in  FIG. 15  is resealable, in that upon disconnecting a fitting from the valve member in one of the ports  296 ,  298 , fluid flow through the component is prevented by the valve member in the disconnected port. 
         [0072]    Now referring to  FIG. 16 , a novel multiport IV valve of the present invention, generally designated  674 , can be seen. As shown, the multiport valve  674  includes a first port  676  which is generally cylindrically shaped, and a second port  678  which is also generally cylindrically shaped and is configured as a female Luer fitting. 
         [0073]      FIG. 16 , the first and second ports  676 ,  678  are coaxial and establish a main fluid passageway therebetween. A first male luer valve  680  is fixedly engaged with the first port  676  for selectively blocking fluid communication therethrough. 
         [0074]      FIG. 16  additionally shows that the multiport valve  674  includes third, fourth, fifth and sixth ports  682 ,  684 ,  686 ,  688 , all of which are generally cylindrically shaped. As shown, the third and fifth ports  682 ,  686  are coaxial with each other. Likewise, the fourth and sixth ports  684 ,  688  are coaxial with each other. Each of the third through sixth ports  682 ,  684 ,  686 ,  688  defines a respective fluid pathway, and fluid communication through the fluid pathway can be selectively established or otherwise effected as disclosed below. 
         [0075]    Still referring to  FIG. 16 , for example, a female reflux valve  690  can be disposed in the third fluid port  682  for selectively establishing fluid communication through the port  682  and into the main fluid passageway  679  in accordance with principles disclosed previously. Moreover, a combination male reflux valve-check valve  692 ,  694 , can be disposed in the fourth fluid inlet port  684  of the multiport valve  674 . If desired, the male reflux valve  692  can be replaced with a female reflux valve (not shown) which is substantially identical to the female reflux valve  308  and/or  310  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0076]    Still referring to  FIG. 16 , additionally, fluid communication through the fifth inlet port  686  can be permanently blocked if desired by bonding a plug  696  within the port  686  by means well known in the art. Alternatively, the fifth fluid inlet port  686  can hold a fluid filter, e.g. a filter  698 . As shown, the filter  698  includes a filter element  700  having a membrane  702  through which air can pass. The filter  698  also includes a plug element  704  which engages filter element  700  and which holds the filter element  700  within the sixth fluid port  686 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 17  shows a valve assembly, generally designated  360 , which has a so-called boat shape, and is accordingly referred to in the art familiarly as a “boat”. The assembly  360  also has two openings  362 ,  364  and two valves  366 ,  368  respectively positioned in the openings  362 ,  364 . The valves  366 ,  368  can be female or male valves. 
         [0078]    As can be appreciated in reference to  FIG. 17 , the assembly  360  has a hull surface  370  which is generally shaped like the gently rounded hull of a boat, and which consequently can be positioned between the juncture of two sides of a bag  372 , and then attached to the bag by means well-known in the art. In other words, the hull surface  370  of the assembly  360  can be positioned in the seam of a liquid medicament bag. 
         [0079]    In addition to the openings discussed above, the assemblies  308 ,  370 ,  460  can have additional openings (not shown) which can be blocked by respective reflex valves or by pierceable membranes. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 17 and 18  show multi-layer medicament bags having multiple individual tubular connectors for receiving associated valves. More specifically,  FIG. 18  shows a bag  460  which has a first tubular connector  462  and a second tubular connector  464 . The first tubular connector  462  includes a hollow cylindrical tube  466  which is bonded to the bag  460  by means well-known in the art. 
         [0081]    Now referring to  FIG. 18 , a hollow male luer connector  468  is closely received in the tube  466 , and a female luer fitting  472  can be engaged with the male luer connector  468 . A valve  470  may be bonded to the female luer fitting  472 . 
         [0082]    Still referring to  FIG. 18 , likewise, the second tubular connector  464  includes a hollow cylindrical tube  474  which is bonded to the bag  460  by means well-known in the art. A female luer connector  476  is closely received in the tube  474 , and a male luer fitting  478  can be engaged with the female luer connector  476 . A valve  480  may be bonded to the male luer fitting  478 . IV lines or other components, e.g., spikes and drip chambers (not shown) having luer fittings can be engaged with the valves  470 ,  480  to selectively establish fluid flow through the connectors  462 ,  464  in accordance with the principles set forth above. 
         [0083]      FIG. 19  shows that a multi-layer medicament bag  382  has a plurality of resilient plastic tubular connectors  384 ,  386 . The connector  384  can closely receive a valve  388 . If desired, the valve  388  can be bonded to the connector  384 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 19  also shows that an intermediate connector tube  390  can be bonded to the connector  386 , and a hollow Y-fitting  392  in turn bonded to the intermediate connector tube  390 . If desired, an extender tube  393  can be connected to a first leg tube  392   a  of the Y-fitting  392 , and a first luer bulkhead fitting  394 , can be advanced into the extender tube  393 . A second luer bulkhead fitting  396  can be advanced into a second leg tube  392   b  of the Y-fitting  392  or extension tubes (not shown) that are connected to the second leg tube  392   b.    
         [0085]    Each of the luer bulkhead fittings  394 ,  396  has respective ratchet rings  394   a ,  396   a  which are configured as shown for permitting the luer bulkhead fittings  394 ,  396  to be advanced into their respective tubes  393 ,  392   b , and for preventing the luer bulkhead fittings  394 ,  396  from being easily retracted from their respective tubes  393 ,  392   b . If desired, the luer bulkhead fitting  394  can also include a locking ring assembly, generally designated  398 , which includes a threaded body  400 , a locking ring  402  threadably engaged with the body  400 , and a backing ring  404 . The luer bulkhead fittings  394 ,  396  can advantageously be similar to any one of the luer bulkhead fittings made by Value Plastics, Inc. of Fort Collins, Colo. 
         [0086]    A male reflex valve  406  may be bonded by means well-known in the art to the first bulkhead luer fitting  394 . Likewise, a female reflex valve  408  may be bonded by means well-known in the art to the second bulkhead luer fitting  396 . IV lines or other components, e.g., spikes and drip chambers (not shown) having luer fittings can be engaged with the valves  388 ,  406 ,  408  to selectively establish fluid flow through the connector  384  and Y-leg tubes  392   a ,  392   b  (and extension tubes thereof e.g., the tube  393 ) in accordance with the principles set forth above. 
         [0087]    Now referring to  FIG. 20A , the details of the spikeless/needleless port  28  can be seen. As shown, the spikeless/needleless port  28  includes a hollow tube  44 , and the valve body  30  is positioned in the tube  44  to selectively prevent fluid communication through the tube  44 . The valve body  30  includes a rigid, preferably plastic (e.g., PVC, etc.) valve body  46  that has a fluid inlet  48 , a fluid outlet  50 , and a fluid passageway  52  formed in the valve body  46  between the inlet  48  and outlet  50 . The valve body  46  can be a unitary structure, or be made of two or more pieces that are bonded together, as shown. For example, the inlet  48  can be formed from a first piece  49 , the outlet  50  can be formed from a second piece  51 , and the two pieces can be bonded together by means well-known in the art, e.g., solvent bonding, ultrasonic sealing, or RF welding. 
         [0088]    In cross-reference to  FIG. 20A , the valve body  30  also includes a flexible resilient plastic or silicon rubber valve  54  that is disposed in the fluid passageway  52 . Specifically, the periphery of the valve  54  rests on a seating surface  56  of the valve body  46  to establish a fluid-fight seal between the valve  54  and seating surface  56 . In other words, the valve  54  is biased to the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 20A . A support element  58  is formed in the fluid passageway  52  and extends across the fluid passageway  52 . 
         [0089]    Still referring to  FIG. 20A , the support element  58  supports the valve  54  in the center thereof. To this end, a slight depression may be formed in the center of the valve  54  to receive the support element  58  and thereby prevent side-to-side motion of the valve  54  relative to the support element  58 . As shown, the support element  58  is shaped as a cylinder, but it is to be understood that the support element  58  can have other suitable shapes, e.g., the support element  58  can have a triangular shape. 
         [0090]    Additionally, in  FIG. 20A , a retainer element  60  is formed on the valve body  46  and extends across the fluid passageway  52 . As shown, the retainer element  60  is positioned on the valve body  46  on the opposite side of the valve  54  from the support element  58 . Accordingly, the retainer element  60  holds the center of the valve  54  against the support element  58 . 
         [0091]    Still referring to  FIG. 20A , a rigid urging member  62  is shown slidably disposed in the fluid passageway  52  for reciprocal movement therein. As shown, the urging member  62  has an annular head  64  and a skirt  66  that depends from the head  64 . As further shown, the skirt  66  includes a plurality of, preferably two, legs. The urging member  62  can be forced against the valve  54  by advancing an appropriate connector fitting (not shown), such as a male luer fitting, into the fluid passageway  52  and against the urging member  62 . 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 20B , when the urging member  62  is forced against the valve  54 , the skirt  66  of the urging member  62  contacts the surface of the valve  54 . This deforms the valve  54 , causing the sealing surface of the  54  to be distanced from the seating surface  56  of the valve body  46 , and thereby permitting fluid communication through the fluid passageway  52 . Stated differently, a spikeless/needleless connector can be advanced into the fluid passageway  52  to force the urging member  62  against the valve disc  54  and deform the disc  54  into an open configuration. When the spikeless/needleless connector is retracted from the fluid passageway  52 , the resiliency of the valve  54  causes the valve  54  to resume its normally dosed configuration, shown in  FIG. 20A . 
         [0093]      FIG. 21  shows that a liquid medicament bag  300  has a first multi-laminate side  302 , a second multilaminate side  304 , and a seam  306  that is established at the juncture of the sides  302 ,  304 . Thus, the sides  302 ,  304  with seam  306  establish a container of the type well-known in the art for holding, e.g., liquid medicament, cell culture, and other biotech fluids. The skilled artisan will accordingly appreciate that the material and thickness of the laminated layers are selected for strength, puncture resistance, gas permeability, and compatibility with the fluid contained in the bag  300 . For example,  FIG. 22  shows that the side  302  has two layers  302   a ,  302   b . It is to be appreciated that the side  302  can have additional layers, if desired. 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , a rigid plastic valve assembly  308  is fixedly positioned on the seam  306  during manufacture by means well-known in the art, e.g., by RF sealing, spin welding, or ultrasonic welding, and the sides  302 ,  304  of the bag  300  are likewise connected, as indicated by a bond line  303 . The assembly  308  in the perspective view shown has a catenary shape when looked at from above. 
         [0095]      FIGS. 22 and 23  show that the valve assembly  308  is “H”-shaped in transverse cross-section, and has first and second openings  310 ,  312  which are established by flanges  310   a ,  310   b . As shown, the flanges  310   a ,  310  bare bonded to the sides  304 ,  302 , respectively, of the bag  300 . A first reflex valve  314  is positioned in the first opening  310  and a second reflex valve  316  is positioned in the second opening  312 . 
         [0096]    As shown in  FIG. 22 , the first valve  314  is in all essential respects identical in construction to the valve  30  disclosed above, except that the first valve  314  has grooves  315  formed in place of the protrusions  42   a  shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B . It is to be understood that the grooves  315  fulfill the same function as the protrusions  42   a , i.e., the grooves  315  prevent a vacuum lock from being established between a valve  317  and a valve body  319 . 
         [0097]    As shown best in  FIG. 23 , the second valve  316  also is identical to the valve  30 , except that the second valve  316  has a male valve element  318 . More particularly, the male valve element  318  has a cylindrical skirt  320  and a contact surface, preferably a disc-shaped head  322  which extends radially outwardly from the skirt  320 . Alternatively, the valve element  318  can have a non-rounded shape. 
         [0098]    As shown, the second valve  316  is configured as a male luer fitting. Consequently, a female luer fitting  324  ( FIG. 24 ) can be engaged with the valve  316  such that a tapered inner surface  326  of the female luer fitting  324  urges against the head  322  to move the second valve  316  to the open configuration. 
         [0099]    While  FIGS. 22 and 23  show a valve assembly  308  having two valves  314 ,  316  positioned therein, it is to be understood that the assembly  308  can have one or more openings, and that one or more of the openings can have a piercable membrane positioned therein, if desired. It is to be further understood that the male valve  316  can be used in place of the valves previously disclosed, e.g., the male valve  316  can be used in place of the valve  30  shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B . 
         [0100]    While the particular drip chamber with valve as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects stated above, it is to be understood that it is but the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims where singular nouns do not mean “one and only one,” but rather, “at least one” unless otherwise specifically noted as “one and only one.”