Septum with a needle stop at the fluid transfer port

Abstract

The septum includes a fill chamber having a port that is reinforced or otherwise protected by a needle stop structure. The needle stop structure prevents a needle that has accessed the fill chamber from penetrating the fluid flow structure that extends from the fill chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the needle stop structure overhangs the port thereby preventing a needle from entering the port. In a further embodiment of the invention the needle stop structure includes a nozzle-like annular collar which extends from the port into the fill chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, the needle stop structure includes a nozzle-like annular collar that extends from the port into the fluid flow structure. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the needle stop structure includes a cup-shaped structure that extends from the port into the fluid flow structure and has an opening in the fluid flow structure. In still another embodiment of the invention, the needle stop structure includes a conduit that extends from the port across the fill chamber. In all embodiments of the invention the needle stop structure is impermeable to penetrations by a needle and thus protects the fluid transfer structure from penetrations by a needle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.