Patent ID: 7484768

Claim:
A connector comprising a male component and a female receptacle, wherein the male component is to be connected into the female receptacle to establish a fluid flow path between the male component and the female receptacle, the male component having means for making initial engagement with the receptacle and means for pulling itself fully into the receptacle by pushing against the initial engagement means, and the female receptacle comprising a body with a tubular bore open at both ends to accept the male component from either end, and a branch passage between the ends of the bore and opening into the bore, wherein the male component has a central bore, a closed end and a lateral opening or openings at one point around its circumference, the lateral openings being adapted to communicate with the branch passage when the male and female components are fully engaged with one another to establish a flow path between said central bore of the male component, through one or more of the said lateral openings and into said branch passage.