Coupling means for use with blood sampling apparatus

Claim 1

A coupling device for use with blood sampling apparatus comprising a needle carrier portion and a junction portion, and means for fitting said portions to one another into an operative unit, said needle carrier portion comprising: a. valve means having an axial duct, a vent hole, and at least one groove at the lower end of the valve means, b. a resilient valve sleeve surrounding said valve means, and including means for sealing said vent hole, said junction portion having an axial bore, and comprising: 1. a junction sleeve disposed in said bore, constructed for moving axially within said bore a predetermined length, said junction sleeve having an axial duct and a lateral hole, 2. means associated with the junction portion to close and open said hole by axial displacement of said junction sleeve, 3. said junction sleeve constructed to be capable of being pushed over said valve means, 4. said junction sleeve having an orifice portion at the upper end of said axial duct, 5. said orifice portion being slightly wider than said valve means, 6. said orifice portion comprising lateral grooves at the upper end thereof and a stop surface at the lower end thereof, 7. said junction sleeve being removably coupled to said valve means, whereby in connecting the two portions of the device no air is forced into the first portion by reason of the junction sleeve lifting part of the resilient valve sleeve thereby opening the vent hole, and said vent hole being connected with said grooves to enable escape of air to the atmosphere.