#$%^&*AU2014256399C120170622.pdf#####H: dxl lntrovn NRPortbl DCC DXL 6935969_I.doc-31/10/2014 ABSTRACT A catheter insertion device comprising: a catheter hub comprising an interior cavity, an opening at a proximal end, and a catheter tube attached thereto and extending from a distal 5 end； 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 sized and shaped to obstruct fluid flow through the catheter hub comprising a wall surface comprising a slit positioned inside the interior cavity of the catheter hub and abutting a shoulder in the interior cavity of the catheter hub； said valve remaining inside 10 the interior cavity when the needle is removed from the catheter tube and the catheter hub； a valve actuating element slidingly disposed in the catheter hub to actuate the valve, the valve actuating element comprising a nose section having a tapered end for pushing the valve to open the slit of the valve and at least two plunger elements extending proximally of the nose section and having a gap therebetween to permit fluid flow to flow 15 therethrough； the two plunger elements structured to transfer a distally directed force to the nose section to push the valve to open the slit； a needle protective device spaced from the needle tip in a ready position and movable relative to the needle tip to a protective position, at least in part, distally of the needle tip to prevent unintended needle sticks.113 coj _ 0- La I-j.C) La.
