Patent ID: 8540698

Claim:
A fluid path for use in a fluid delivery system, the fluid path comprising: a connector member defining a lumen for fluid flow through the connector member, and comprising a luer member in fluid connection with the lumen and an annular member disposed about the luer member; a check valve disposed in the lumen of the connector member, wherein the check valve is configured to limit fluid flow to one direction through the connector member, the check valve comprising: an axially deformable stopper element of generally uniform diameter along its length disposed in the lumen of the connector member; and a retaining sleeve disposed in the lumen of the connector member, the retaining sleeve defining a central bore and a distal end against which the stopper element is adapted to seat to prevent fluid flow through the lumen until a sufficient fluid pressure is present within the lumen to axially deform the stopper element in a longitudinal direction and thereby unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve, wherein the lumen defines a receiving cavity accommodating the stopper element, and wherein one or more grooves are defined in a wall of the receiving cavity and are adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the central bore of the retaining sleeve for fluid flow through the receiving cavity when the sufficient fluid pressure is present within the lumen to unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve; a first tubing section in fluid connection with the central bore of the retaining sleeve; a drip chamber in fluid connection with the first tubing section, the drip chamber comprising an elongated body having a top end, a bottom end, and a projection formed thereon, wherein the projection extends longitudinally along the elongated body; a second tubing section in fluid connection with the drip chamber; and a spike in fluid connection with the second tubing section.