#$%^&*AU2014201175A120140327.pdf#####H:\tzs\Interwoven\NRPortbI\DCC\TZS\6067715_ .DOC-4/03/2014 ABSTRACT A catheter insertion device comprising: a catheter hub comprising an interior cavity having a perimeter defining an opening at a proximal end, and a catheter tube having a distal end opening extending distally of the first hub a needle having a needle shaft defining a needle axis projecting distally of an end of a needle hub, said needle projecting through the catheter tube and comprising a needle tip a valve positioned inside the interior cavity of the catheter hub, said valve being sized and shaped to obstruct fluid flow and comprises a slit said valve remaining inside the interior cavity of the catheter hub when the needle is removed from the catheter tube and the catheter hub a valve actuating element slidingly disposed in the interior cavity of the catheter hub to actuate the valve, the valve actuating element comprising a nose section having a base, a tapered end with an opening structured to push the valve to open the slit, and at least one plunger element extending proximally of the base of the nose section and having a transverse cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the base of the nose section wherein the at least one plunger element is slidable distally within the catheter hub when a male implement projects into the opening of the catheter hub to push against the at least one plunger element to then transfer a distally directed force to the nose section to push the valve to open the slit a needle protective device positioned proximal of the valve and at least in part around the needle and distal of the proximal end of the needle hub in a ready position, the needle protective device is movable to prevent unintended needle sticks in a protective position.113 coj _ 0- La I-j.C) La.
