Self sealing luer receiving stopcock

• US 7,033,339 B1
• Filed: 08/08/2000
• Issued: 04/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Co
• Original Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Co
• Inventors: Lynn, Lawrence A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rodriguez, Cris
• Application Number:
  US09/635,153
• Time in Patent Office: 2,086 Days
• Field of Search: 604/30, 604/533, 604236-238, 604/244, 604/246, 604/256, 604/536, 604/535, 604/537, 604/905, 604/411, 604/414, 604/415, 604/248, 251/149, 251/334, 251/339, 251/297, 251/309, 251/904, 137/625.47, 137/556, 215/234, 215/247, 128/912
• US Class Current: 604/256
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/153 Devices specially adapted for taking samples of venous or arterial blood, e.g. with syringes
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2044 having slits
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2058 having multiple connecting ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2062 with directional valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/2096 Combination of a vial and a syringe for transferring or mixing their contents
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0054 Multiple layers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/263 where the fluid space within the valve is decreasing upon disconnection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/02 Access sites
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/045 pre-slit to be pierced by blunt instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/26 Valves closing automatically on disconnecting the line and opening on reconnection thereof check valves A61M39/24
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 604/905 Aseptic connectors or couplings, e.g. frangible, piercable

Abstract

An improved luer lock receiving septum having a configuration which provides rapid and tight resealing and yet allows penetration of the septum by the luer tip with a low penetration force. The elongated septum includes an upper portion of enlarged diameter having a target surface, a central slit, and a central, lower septum extension projecting about the slit below the upper portion and into a housing so that following luer insertion there is provided sufficient room for both the laterally displaced extension of the septum, the luer taper, and the housing to be received into a conventional luer lock connector. The septum is further preferably configured to minimize or eliminate the negative pressure deflection normally associated with the withdrawal of the large diameter luer cannula from an enclosed fluid filled lumen or chamber, by substantially isolating the lumen or chamber from the septum material displacement resultant from luer insertion. In an exemplary embodiment, the luer receiving septum is provided at a port of a stop cock.

Claims

1. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly engaged with said luer lock connector of said fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied by a portion of said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to induce a dominant seal creating force serving to seal said slit at said outer face, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer end into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum.

2. The luer receiving stopcock of claim 1, wherein said upper portion defines an inferior wall and said extension portion defines a lateral wall and wherein said at least one cavity is defined by said inferior wall and said lateral wall.

3. The luer receiving stopcock of claim 2, wherein the septum further includes a lower portion having a transverse width greater than said extension portion and defining an upper surface, said cavity being further defined by said upper surface of said lower portion.

4. The luer receiving stopcock of claim 1, wherein said flow passage of said core communicates between three orifices for selective alignment with up to three of said ports.

5. The luer receiving stopcock of claim 1, wherein said ports are disposed at respective right angles to define a substantial T-shape.

6. The luer receiving stopcock of claim 1, further comprising a second septum, said second septum being disposed in a third one of said ports.

7. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly engaged with said luer lock connector of said fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper position, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied by said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to seal said slit at said outer face, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer end into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum;

wherein said flow passage includes a first curved portion for selectively communicating said second port with said first port disposed at 90°

thereto and a second curved portion for selectively communicating said second port with a third one of said ports.

8. The luer receiving stopcock of claim 7, wherein said first and second curved portions merge adjacent said second port.

9. A luer receiver for receiving a male luer tip, the receiver comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three ports in fluid communication with the central chamber;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, and having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing; and

a septum having a longitudinal axis and mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within one of said ports, said septum being formed at least in part from a first elastomeric material and having a proximal portion, an extension portion, and a central slit defined at least partially therethrough, said septum proximal portion including an upper portion having a width greater than a width of said extension portion,

a proximal end of said one port of said housing comprising a substantially continuous ring structure defining a platform, said upper portion of said septum being seated on said platform,

wherein upper surfaces of diametrically opposed first and second portions of said ring structure are inclined from a more distal radially inner edge to a more proximal radially outer edge.

10. A luer receiver for receiving a male luer tip, the receiver comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three ports in fluid communication with the central chamber;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, and having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing; and

a septum having a longitudinal axis and mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within one of said ports, said septum being formed at least in part from a first elastomeric material and having a proximal portion, an extension portion, and a central slit defined at least partially therethrough, said septum proximal portion including an upper portion having a width greater than a width of said extension portion;

a proximal end of said one port of said housing comprising a substantially continuous ring structure defining a platform, said upper portion of said septum being seated on said platform,

wherein said ring structure includes diametrically opposed radially inwardly extending projections.

11. A luer receiver of as in claim 10, wherein said extension portion is disposed in said one port of said housing and has at least one reduced diameter section having a transverse diameter less than an inner diameter of said one port.

12. The luer receiver of claim 10,

wherein said extension portion includes at least one cutout portion thereby to define said width thereof that is less than said width of said upper portion.

13. A luer receiver for receiving a male luer tip, the receiver comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three ports in fluid communication with the central chamber;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, and having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing; and

a septum having a longitudinal axis and mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within one of said ports, said septum being formed as least in part from a first elastomeric material and having a proximal portion, an extension portion, and a central slit defined at least partially therethrough, said septum proximal portion including an upper portion having a width greater than a width of said extension portion,

a proximal end of said one port of said housing comprising a substantially continuous ring structure defining a platform, said upper portion of said septum being seated on said platform,

wherein at least first and second diametrically opposed lateral voids are defined in said one port of said housing, distal of said ring structure.

14. The luer receiver of claim 13, wherein said voids are defined by cut outs that extend into a wall of said one port of said housing so as to define slots therein.

15. A luer receiver for receiving a male luer tip, the receiver comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber;

a stop cock valve stem mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said valve stem having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said stem for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing; and

a septum having a longitudinal axis and mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a first one of said ports, said septum being mounted adjacent a proximal end of said first one of said ports, said septum having an upper face and a slit extending from said face at least partially through said septum, said septum being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer tip into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion;

a receptacle being defined by at least one of an outer wall of said septum and a side wall of said first one of said ports, said receptacle and said septum being sized and configured such that said displaced septum portion is received into said receptacle when said luer tip is advanced into said slit,

wherein said ports are disposed at respective right angles to define a substantial T-shape, and

wherein said flow passage includes a first curved portion for selectively communicating said first one of said ports with a second one of said ports disposed at 90°

thereto and a second curved portion for selectively communicating said first one of said ports with a third one of said ports.

16. The luer receiver of claim 15, wherein said septum has an upper portion with said upper face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, wherein said upper portion defines an inferior wall and said extension portion defines a lateral wall, and wherein said receptacle is defined by said inferior wall and said lateral wall.

17. The luer receiver of claim 16, wherein the septum further includes a lower portion having a transverse width greater than said extension portion and defining an upper surface, said cavity being further defined by said upper surface of said lower portion.

18. The luer receiver of claim 15, wherein said stopcock valve stem flow passage communicates between three orifices for selective alignment with up to three of said ports.

19. The luer receiver of claim 15, wherein said first and second curved portions merge adjacent said first one of said ports.

20. The luer receiver of claim 15, further comprising a second septum, said second septum being disposed in a second one of said ports.

21. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter, said housing having an upper surface at said second port;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and, a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly engaged with said luer lock connector of said, fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face, said, upper portion mounted above said housing upper surface, and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied by said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to seal said slit adjacent said outer face, said sealing force at least partially induced by said housing upper surface, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer end into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum.

22. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly engaged with said luer lock connector of said fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied by said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to seal said slit at said outer face, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer end into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum;

wherein;

said housing defines a proximal end of said second port; and

at least a portion of said septum upper portion is deflected upward by said housing, adjacent said proximal end, to forcibly seal said slit at said septum outer face.

23. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly engaged with said luer lock connector of said fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied by said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to seal said slit at said outer face, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer end into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum;

wherein;

said housing defines a proximal end of said second port; and

said housing further comprises a means for capturing said septum, said means positioned adjacent said proximal end for capturing said septum adjacent said proximal end.

24. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly engaged with said luer lock connector of said fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied by said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to seal said slit it said outer face, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer end into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum;

wherein;

said housing at said second port defines a longitudinal axis and a bore extending along said axis, said bore having a proximal end;

said housing at said second port having a projecting portion adjacent said proximal end extending inwardly at least partially transverse to said longitudinal axis, said projecting portion projecting above at least a portion of said septum, engaging said septum so that said housing captures said septum adjacent said proximal end.

25. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly engaged with said luer lock connector of said fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to seal said slit at said outer face, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum;

wherein;

said housing at said second end defines a bore having a proximal end, said housing having a projecting portion adjacent said proximal end, said projecting portion projecting against and capturing at least a portion of said septum adjacent said proximal end.

26. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 25, wherein:

said projecting portion further compresses at least a portion of said septum upper portion.

27. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 25, wherein:

said septum upper portion defines at least one lateral edge, said projecting portion compressing at least a portion of said septum upper portion adjacent one of said at least one lateral edges, capturing said septum adjacent thereto.

28. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 27, wherein:

at least a portion of said projecting portion projects radially inward.

29. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 28, wherein:

said septum has at least one perforation, adjacent said proximal end of said bore, extending at least partially through said septum adjacent said at least one lateral edge, said projecting portion projecting into said at least one perforation.

30. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 25, wherein:

said projecting portion projects inwardly.

31. A luer receiving stopcock, for fluid connection between a catheter in communication with a patient'"'"'s vasculature and at least one fluid system, the fluid system having a luer lock connector including a luer tip, the luer receiving stopcock comprising:

a housing defining a central chamber and at least three integral ports in fluid communication with the central chamber, a first one of said ports being adapted for fluid connection to said catheter;

a core mounted in sealed relation to said central chamber and rotatable therewithin, said core having a flow passage defined therethrough that extends between at least first and second orifices in a surface of said core for selectively communicating respective pairs of ports of said housing;

an elastomeric septum mounted to said housing so as to be disposed at least partially within a second of said ports, said septum having an outer face and a sealed slit, said second port being sized to receive said luer tip of said fluid system luer lock connector, said second port defining a female luer sized to be received into and lockingly with said luer lock connector of said fluid system when said luer tip is advanced against said septum;

wherein said septum has a longitudinal axis, an upper portion with said outer face and an extension portion projecting downwardly from said upper portion, said slit extending from adjacent said outer face through said upper portion and at least partially through said extension portion, a sealing force being applied by said housing to said septum adjacent said outer face thereby to seal said slit at said outer face, said extension portion having a width in a direction transverse to said slit that is less than a transverse width of said upper portion, said septum and said slit therein being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of said male luer end into said septum through said face and through at least a portion of said slit, at least a portion of said septum being displaced lateral to said longitudinal axis by said luer tip when said luer tip is advanced into said septum to define a displaced septum portion; and

at least one cavity defined lateral to said septum for receiving said displaced septum portion when said luer tip is advanced into said septum;

wherein;

said housing at said second port defines a bore having a proximal end, said housing at said second port having an upward-facing surface adjacent said proximal end, at least a portion of said septum upper portion being mounted above said upward-facing surface.

32. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein:

at least a portion of said septum upper portion is mounted upon said upward-facing surface.

33. The luer receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein:

said upward-facing surface comprises a proximal rim of said housing at said second port.

34. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of said septum upper portion contacts said upward-facing surface.

35. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein:

at least a portion of said septum upper portion covers at least a portion of said upward-facing surface.

36. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein:

said upward-facing surface is a substantially circular annular surface.

37. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein:

at least a portion of said septum upper portion is deflected by said upward-facing surface, to forcibly seal said slit at said septum outer face.

38. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein:

at least a portion of said septum upper portion is compressed by said upward-facing surface, to forcibly seal said slit at said septum outer face.

39. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 31, wherein:

said upward facing surface has an inner edge, said septum upper portion projecting proximal thereof.

40. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 39, wherein:

at least a portion of said septum upper portion is deflected by said inner edge, to forcibly seal said slit at said septum outer face.

41. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 39, wherein:

said inner edge extends substantially around a circumference of said bore.

42. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 39, wherein:

said septum upper portion is mounted upon said upward-facing surface and above said inner edge, thereby covering said inner edge.

43. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 42, wherein:

said septum upper portion covers substantially all of said inner edge.

44. The luer-receiving stopcock of claim 43, wherein said inner edge is substantially circular.