Patent attributes
An in-line connector for use in an enteral feeding system includes a first component connectable to a first feeding device of the feeding system, and a second component connectable to a second feeding device of the feeding system. A releasable coupling is configured between the first and second components, wherein in a connected state the first and second components define a fluid passage between the different feeding devices. Each of the first and second components includes a one-way automatic shutoff valve configured therein such that in a disconnected state of the components, the shutoff valve in the first component prevents flow out of the first component in a first direction and the shutoff valve in the second component prevents flow out of the second component in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction.