Multi-endoscope platform coupling

Abstract

A connector arranged and configured to couple a tube stack to an endoscope is disclosed. An illustrative connector may include a housing having a generally tubular body, the housing including a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending therethrough; a first coupling mechanism adjacent to the first end of the housing; and a second coupling mechanism extending from a first end adjacent to the first end of the housing to a second end, the second end of the second coupling mechanism being positioned between the first end and the second end of the housing. The second coupling mechanism may be different than the first coupling mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 429,337, filed on December 1, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical device coupling assemblies and methods, and particularly to coupling mechanisms for supplying fluids and / or gases to endoscopes. Background Art

[0003] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. Endoscopic devices are typically connected to additional devices, such as, but not limited to, a processor, a light source, a water source, an air source, and the like. For example, water is supplied to the endoscope for irrigation and lens cleaning, while air / gas is supplied for insufflating the working chamber. As new endoscopic technologies emerge, the new technologies may not be backwards compatible with the older technologies. Furthermore, endoscopes of different brands may include different connection types. This may require that more than one connector or multiple types of connectors be available for connecting additional devices to the endoscope. However, having multiple pieces of tubing, hoses, connectors, and the like in an operating room can be cumbersome.

[0004] With these factors in mind, improvements to the present invention may be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to aid understanding, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the present invention may, in some cases, be advantageously used alone or in other cases in combination with other aspects and features of the present invention. The inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, and the like in this summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, although the present invention is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that each aspect may be claimed alone or in combination with aspects and features of that or any other embodiment.

[0006] In a first example, a connector arranged and configured to couple a tubing set to an endoscope may include: a housing having a generally tubular body, the housing including a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therethrough; a first coupling mechanism adjacent the first end of the housing; and a second coupling mechanism extending from a first end of the second coupling mechanism adjacent the first end of the housing to a second end of the second coupling mechanism, the second end of the second coupling mechanism being positioned between the first and second ends of the housing. The second coupling mechanism may be different from the first coupling mechanism.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the connector may further include a third coupling mechanism positioned between the second end of the second coupling mechanism and the second end of the housing, and the third coupling mechanism may be different from the first and second coupling mechanisms.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first coupling mechanism may include external threads extending around an outer surface of the tubular body.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the external threads may be discontinuous around the circumference of the generally tubular body.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first coupling mechanism may include a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments may each have an arc length less than 180°, and may be separated by first and second cutout regions.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first and second segments may include threads extending around their outer surfaces.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second coupling mechanism may include a first helically extending recess and a second helically extending recess formed in the inner surface of the generally tubular body, and the first and second helically extending recesses may be spatially separated from each other.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, each of the first and second helically extending recesses may extend less than 180° around the inner circumference of the generally tubular body.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, each of the first and second helically extending recesses may extend from a first end to a second end.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the connector may further include a mechanical stop positioned adjacent the second end of each of the first and second helically extending recesses.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the third coupling mechanism can include internal threads extending around an inner surface of the generally tubular body.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, internal threads may be formed around an inner surface of a radially inwardly extending annular flange.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the connector may further include a sealing member positioned adjacent the first coupling mechanism.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the connector can further include a sealing member positioned adjacent the second coupling mechanism.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the connector may further include a sealing member positioned adjacent the third coupling mechanism.

[0021] In another example, a connector arranged and configured to couple a tubing set to an endoscope may include: a housing having a generally tubular body, the housing including a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therethrough; a first coupling mechanism adjacent the first end of the housing, the first coupling mechanism including a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments each having an arc length less than 180° and separated by a first cutout region and a second cutout region; and a second coupling mechanism including a first helically extending recess and a second helically extending recess formed in an inner surface of the generally tubular body, the first helically extending recess extending from the first end adjacent the first cutout region to the second end, and the second helically extending recess extending from the first end adjacent the second cutout region to the second end. The first coupling mechanism may be configured to couple to a first receptacle type, and the second coupling mechanism may be configured to couple to a second receptacle type, which may be different from the first receptacle type.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the connector can further include a third coupling mechanism, and the third coupling mechanism can include internal threads extending around an inner surface of the generally tubular body.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the connector may further include at least one sealing member positioned adjacent to the first or second coupling mechanism.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first receiver type can include a female threaded receiver and the second receiver type can include a female Luer-type receiver.

[0025] In another example, a connector arranged and configured to couple a tube set to an endoscope may include: a shell having a generally tubular body, the shell including a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending therethrough; a radially inwardly extending flange positioned within the cavity of the shell between the first and second ends of the shell; a first coupling mechanism adjacent the first end of the shell, the first coupling mechanism including a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments each having an arc length less than 180° and separated by a first cutout area and a second cutout area; a second coupling mechanism, the second coupling mechanism including a first helically extending recess and a second helically extending recess formed in an inner surface of the generally tubular body, the first helically extending recess extending from the first end adjacent the first cutout area to the second end, and the second helically extending recess extending from the first end adjacent the second cutout area to the second end; and a third coupling mechanism including an internal thread extending around the inner surface of the radially inwardly extending flange. The first coupling mechanism may be configured to couple to a first receiver type, the second coupling mechanism may be configured to couple to a second receiver type, and the third coupling mechanism may be configured to couple to a third receiver type, the second receiver type may be different from the first receiver type, and the third receiver type may be different from the first and second receiver types.

[0026] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the invention being set forth in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 1 The components of an endoscope are depicted;

[0029] Figure 2 Depicts components of an endoscope system having an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water reservoir, and a tubing assembly for air and lens cleaning fluid delivery;

[0030] Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative connector;

[0031] Figure 3A Depicted in Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the illustrative connector taken at line 3A-3A;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of an illustrative connector;

[0033] Figure 5 Depicts Figure 3 A first side view of an illustrative connector;

[0034] Figure 5A Depicted in Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the illustrative connector taken at line 5A-5A;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 a second side view of an illustrative connector;

[0036] Figure 6A Depicted in Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the illustrative connector taken at line 6A-6A;

[0037] Figure 7 Depicts a first receiver having a first type Figure 3 a perspective view of an illustrative connector;

[0038] Figure 8 Depicts a second receiver having a second type Figure 3 a side view of an illustrative connector of ; and

[0039] Figure 9 Depicts a third receiver having a third type Figure 3 A side view of an illustrative connector.

[0040] While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in greater detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention will now be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that can be used in endoscopic medical procedures. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed apparatus and associated methods of use can be used in any suitable surgical, medical, or other context. The present invention may be understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0042] The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device that is farthest from the user when introduced into the patient's body. Conversely, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device that is closest to the user when placed in the patient's body. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "model." Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "approximately," "approximately," and "substantially" refer to a range of values ​​that are within + / - 10% of a stated or implied value. Additionally, terms referring to component / surface geometry refer to both precise and approximate shapes.

[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention are described with particular reference to coupling water and / or gas tubing to a connector portion of an endoscope, it will be appreciated that such embodiments may be used to couple a variety of tubes in a variety of applications.

[0044] Although the present invention includes a description of bottles and tubing sets, couplers, connectors, and / or caps suitable for use with an endoscopic system to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope, the devices, systems, and methods herein may also be implemented in other medical systems requiring fluid and / or gas delivery and for various other purposes.

[0045] It should be noted that references in the specification to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc. indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a particular combination, can still be considered to be combinable or arranged with each other to form other additional embodiments, or to supplement and / or enrich the described embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0046] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0047] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic treatments. Endoscopic devices are typically connected to additional devices, such as, but not limited to, a processor, a light source, a water source, a gas source, and the like. For example, water is supplied to the endoscope for irrigation and lens cleaning, while air / gas is supplied for insufflating the working lumen. As new endoscopic technologies emerge, the new technologies may not be backward compatible with the older technologies. In addition, each brand of endoscope may include different connection types for connecting the tubing set to the endoscope. This may require that more than one connector or multiple types of connectors be available for connecting additional devices to the endoscope. However, having multiple pieces of tubing, hoses, connectors, and the like in the operating room can be cumbersome. Disclosed herein are methods and systems for connecting fluid and gas lines across multiple endoscopic platforms using a single connector.

[0048] refer to Figures 1 to 2 , depicts an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 that can include an elongated shaft 100a that is inserted into a patient. A light source 205 transmits illumination light to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which can house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed in a video processing unit 210 that processes the signal input from the imager and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 also serves as a component of the air supply circuit / water supply circuit by housing a pressurizing pump 215, such as an air supply pump, in the unit.

[0049] Endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c disposed at distal portion 100b of shaft 100a and a flexible, curved portion 105 proximal to distal tip 100c. Flexible, curved portion 105 may include an articulating joint (not shown) to assist in steering distal tip 100c. On end face 100d of distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 is a gas / lens wash nozzle 220 for supplying gas for insufflating the patient's interior at the treatment area and for supplying water for washing the lens covering the imager. Irrigation openings 225 in end face 100d supply irrigation fluid to the patient's treatment area. Distal tip 100c may also include an illumination window (not shown) on face 100d for delivering illumination light to the treatment area, as well as an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along shaft 100a for delivering tools to the treatment area. The working channel 235 extends along the shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 located distal to the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be utilized to seal the channel opening 110 to prevent unwanted fluid from escaping.

[0050] The operating handle 115 can be provided with a knob 125 for providing remote four-way steering of the distal tip (for example, one knob controls up and down steering, and another knob controls left and right steering) via a wire connected to an articulated joint in the bendable flexible portion 105. A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 can be arranged on the proximal side of the handle 115. In addition, the handle 115 is provided with a dual valve well 135. One of the valve wells 135 can receive a gas / water valve 140 for operating the insufflation gas and lens water supply operations. The gas supply line 240a and the lens cleaning supply line 245a travel distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the axis 100a and merge at the distal tip 100c proximal to the gas / cleaning nozzle 220 ( Figure 2 ). Another valve well 135 receives a suction valve 145 for suction operation. A suction supply line 250a runs distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100a to a junction in fluid communication with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0051] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidically connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilicus 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilicus 260 has a gas (e.g., air or CO2) supply line 240b, a lens cleaning supply line 245b, a suction supply line 250b, an irrigation supply line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). The connector portion 265, when inserted into the video processing unit 210, connects the light source 205 in the video processing unit to the light guide. The light guide runs along the length of the umbilicus 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a to transmit light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The connector portion 265, when inserted into the video processing unit 210, also connects the air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b in the umbilicus 260.

[0052] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 via the connector portion 265 and the umbilicus 260. A length of gas supply tubing 240c extends from one end positioned in an air gap 275 between the top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of the reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a removable gas / lens wash connector 290 on the exterior of the connector portion 265. The removable gas / lens wash connector 290 is removable from the connector portion 265 and / or the gas supply tubing 240c. The gas supply line 240b from the umbilicus 260 branches in the connector portion 265 to fluidically communicate with the gas supply tubing 240c at the removable gas / lens wash connector 290 and the air pump 215. When the gas supply tubing 240c is on the connector portion 265, a length of lens cleaning tubing 245c, one end of which is positioned at the bottom of the reservoir 270, passes through the top 280 of the reservoir 270 to the same removable connector 290. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or separate from each other. The connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connector 293 for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) running from an irrigation water source (not shown) to the irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260. The removable irrigation connector 293 is removable from the connector portion 265 and / or the irrigation supply tubing (not shown). In some embodiments, irrigation water may be supplied from a water source (not shown) independent of the water reservoir 270 via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In other embodiments, the irrigation supply tubing and the lens cleaning tubing 245c may draw water from the same reservoir. The connector portion 265 may also include a detachable suction connector 295 for fluidly connecting a vacuum source (e.g., hospital house suction) (not shown) to the umbilicus 260 and the suction supply line 250b and the suction supply line 250a of the endoscope 100. The detachable suction connector 295 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the suction supply line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0053] The gas supply line 240b and the lens wash supply line 245b are fluidly connected to the valve well 135 of the gas / water valve 140 and are configured such that operation of the gas / water valve in the well controls the supply of gas or lens wash to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to the valve well 135 of the suction valve 145 and is configured such that operation of the suction valve in the well controls the suction applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0054] refer to Figure 2, explains an exemplary operation of an endoscope system 200 including an endoscope, such as the endoscope 100 described above. Air from the air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows through the connector portion 265 and branches through the gas supply line 240b in the umbilicus 260 to the air / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, and then through the gas supply tubing 240c via the connector 290 on the connector portion 265 to the water reservoir 270. When the air / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, air is allowed to flow out of the valve to the atmosphere without the user having to place a finger on the valve. In the first position, the user's finger is used to block the vent to the atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow from the valve 140 down the gas supply line 240a and out the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to insufflate a treatment area of ​​a patient. When the air / water valve 140 is depressed to the second position, air is prevented from flowing from the valve, thereby allowing the pressure of air passing from the air pump 215 to rise in the water reservoir 270. Pressurizing the water source forces water out of the lens wash tubing 245c, through the connector portion 265, the umbilicus 265, through the air / water valve 140, and along the lens wash supply line 245a to merge with the gas supply line 240a before exiting the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 via the gas / lens wash nozzle 220. The air pump pressure can be calibrated to provide lens wash water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the supply of irrigation water.

[0055] The magnitude of the lens cleaning flow rate is determined by the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270. When the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270 begins to drop, as water is pushed out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning tubing 245c, the air pump 215 replaces the lost air supply in the reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, which in turn provides a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) can be placed in the path of the gas supply tubing 240c to filter out unwanted contaminants or particulates from entering the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve arrangement (not shown) can be placed in the path of the lens cleaning supply tubing to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after the water passes through the valve.

[0056] Irrigation water typically requires a relatively high flow rate compared to lens cleaning because the primary purpose is to remove debris that obstructs the user's field of view in the treatment area within the patient's body. Irrigation is typically achieved using a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In an embodiment with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing placed at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and through a head on the upstream side of the pump. Tubing on the downstream side of the pump is connected to the irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260 and the irrigation supply line 255a of the endoscope 100 via an irrigation connector 293 on the connector portion 265. When irrigation water is needed, the fluid is pumped from the water source by operating the irrigation pump, such as by depressing a foot switch (not shown), and flows through the irrigation connector 293, through the irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilicus, and along the irrigation supply line in the shaft 100a of the endoscope to the distal tip 100c. In order to balance the pressure in the water source as water is pumped out of the irrigation supply tubing, a vent (not shown) can be included in the top 280 of the water reservoir 270. The vent allows atmospheric air to enter the water source, thereby preventing negative pressure from accumulating in the water source, which could create a vacuum that would draw unwanted material from the patient's body back through the endoscope toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve arrangement similar to the lens wash tubing 245c (not shown) can be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tubing to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir after passing through the valve. In some cases, irrigation water can be supplied from the water reservoir 270. Some illustrative systems in which supply tubing for irrigation and lens cleaning is connected to and draws from a single water reservoir are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,239, entitled Integrated Container and Tubing Assembly for Fluid Delivery with an Endoscope, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,256, entitled Tubing Assembly and Method for Fluid Delivery, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] In some cases, the type of receptacle or coupling arrangement of the gas / lens purge connector 290 for receiving the lens purge supply tube 245c on the exterior of the connector portion 265 may vary depending on the manufacturer and / or age of the connector portion 265. While the illustrative connectors are described with respect to the lens purge tubing 245c and / or its corresponding receptacle or coupling on the connector portion 265, it should be understood that the receptacles and coupling arrangements described herein may also be used at other connection points as desired.

[0058] Figure 3 A perspective view of an illustrative connector 300 that may be used to couple lens cleaning tubing 245c to connector portion 265 is depicted. Figure 3A Depicted in Figure 3 3A-3A cross-sectional view of the illustrative connector 300. Figure 4is a partial cross-sectional view of an illustrative connector 300 . Figure 5 A first side view of an illustrative connector 300 is depicted. Figure 5A Depicted in Figure 5 5A-5A of FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative connector 300 . Figure 6 A second side view of illustrative connector 300 is depicted. Figure 6A Depicted in Figure 6 FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative connector 300 taken at line 6A-6A of FIG6. In general, the connector 300 can include two or more coupling mechanisms configured to allow the connector 300 to be coupled to two or more different types of receivers or coupling mechanisms on (or coupled to) the connector portion 265. Although the connector 300 is described with respect to the lens cleaning tubing 245 c, it should be understood that the connector 300 can be used in other connection points through the endoscope 100 and the system 200. In some cases, the connector 300 can be used to couple the coaxially extending gas / lens cleaning tubing 240 c, 245 c to the connector portion 265.

[0059] The connector 300 may include a generally tubular body 302 extending from a first end 304 to a second end 306. Generally, the first end 304 may be configured to couple to the connector portion 265 of the umbilicus 260, while the second end 306 may be configured to couple to the lens cleaning tubing 245c. The body 302 may define a cavity 308 extending from the first end 304 to the second end 306. The diameter of the cavity 308 may vary along its length. Figure 3A , the body 302 can have a first outer diameter D1 adjacent to the first end 304 and a second outer diameter D2 adjacent to the second end 306. The second outer diameter D2 can be greater than the first outer diameter D1. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) can be placed in the cavity 308 of the connector 300 to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after the water passes through the valve.

[0060] In some embodiments, the body 302 can be formed from a first portion 312 and a second portion 314. In some cases, the first and second portions 312, 314 can be formed from separate components that are subsequently assembled together (e.g., press-fit, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, etc.). For example, the outer diameter D1 of the first portion 312 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the second portion 314 adjacent its first end 310, and the first portion 312 can be at least partially positioned within the cavity of the second portion 314. In some cases, the second end 313 of the first portion 312 can abut against a first radially inwardly extending flange 332 of the second portion 314. The inwardly extending flange 332 can transition the cavity of the connector 300 from a first diameter adjacent its first end 310 to a second, smaller diameter. In other examples, the first and second portions 312, 314 can be formed as a single, unitary structure.

[0061] The first portion 312 can extend from the first end 304 of the connector 300 to the second end 313. The second portion 314 can extend from the first end 310 to the second end 306 of the connector 300. In some embodiments, the first end 310 of the second portion 314 can be located at a transition point between the first outer diameter D1 and the second outer diameter D2, however, this is not required. The second end 313 of the first portion 312 can be positioned between the first end 310 of the second portion 314 and the second end 306 of the connector 300. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second end 313 of the first portion 312 can be positioned adjacent to or substantially aligned with the first end 310 of the second portion 314.

[0062] The second portion 314 can have a generally cylindrical outer surface. In some embodiments, the second portion 314 can include one or more flat areas 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d spaced apart around the circumference of the second portion 314 adjacent to the second end 306. In some embodiments, the second portion 314 can include four flat areas 316a-d evenly spaced apart around the circumference of the second portion 314. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second portion 314 can include fewer than four or more than four flat areas, if desired. It is also contemplated that the flat areas can be positioned off-center around the second portion 314. The flat areas 316a-d can extend over less than the entire length of the second portion 314 or along its entire length. In other examples, the flat areas can be omitted entirely. It is contemplated that the flat areas 316a-d can enhance the ability of the connector 300 to be securely gripped.

[0063] The first portion 312 can be discontinuous at least partially around its circumference. For example, the first portion 312 can include a first segment 318a and a second segment 318b that extend together for approximately less than 360°. The first and second segments 318a, 318b can be separated from each other by a first cutout region 320a defining a first area devoid of material and a second cutout region 320b defining a second area devoid of material. The first and second cutout regions 320a, 320b can extend from the first end 304 of the connector 300 toward the second end 313 of the first portion 312. In some examples, the first and second cutout regions 320a, 320b can extend along the entire length of the first portion 312 (e.g., from the first end 304 of the connector to the second end 313 of the first portion 312). In other examples, the first and second cutout regions 320a, 320b can extend along less than the entire length of the first portion 312. It is contemplated that the first and second cutout regions 320a, 320b can have similar lengths or can have different lengths as desired. Each of the first and second segments 318a, 318b can extend less than 180° around the circumference of the first portion 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second segments 318a, 318b have similar arc lengths. However, this is not required. It is contemplated that the arc lengths of the first and second segments 318a, 318b can be determined at least in part by the arc lengths of the cutout regions 320a, 320b, which are sized to receive a tabbed hub of a female Luer-type connector, as will be described in greater detail herein.

[0064] The first and second sections 318a, 318b of the first portion 312 can define a first connection mechanism for coupling the connector 300 to a first type of receiver attached to the connector portion 265. For example, the first and second sections 318a, 318b of the first portion 312 can include external (or male) threads 322 formed on their outer surfaces. The external threads 322 can be configured to couple with internal (or female) threads of a receiver attached to the connector portion 265. Figure 7A perspective view of an illustrative connector 300 having a first type of first receiver 400 is depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, the first receiver 400 can generally be an internally threaded receiver. The receiver 400 can have a generally tubular body 402 defining a cavity 404 extending therethrough. One or more internal threads 406 can be formed in the inner wall of the tubular body 402. The external threads 322 of the first portion 312 can be configured to engage the internal threads 406 of the first receiver 400. It is contemplated that the first portion 312 of the connector 300 can be inserted into the cavity 404 of the receiver 400. The external threads 322 of the connector 300 can engage the internal threads 406 of the receiver 400, and the connector 300 can be rotated to secure the connector 300 to the receiver 400. The number of rotations required to secure the connector 300 to the receiver 400 can depend at least in part on the length of the first portion 312 and / or the number of threads present.

[0065] return Figure 3A 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 6 and Figure 6AConnector 300 may also include a first helically extending recess 324a and a second helically extending recess 324b. Together, first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b may define a second coupling mechanism for coupling connector 300 to a second type of receiver, different from first type of receiver 400, attached to connector portion 265. First helically extending recess 324a may extend from a first end 326a to a second end 328a. First end 326a of first helically extending recess 324a may be adjacent to first cutout region 320a, allowing a first tab of a tabbed hub of a female Luer-type connector to be inserted into first cutout region 320a and subsequently into first helically extending recess 324a. Adjacent to second end 328a of first helically extending recess 324a may be sidewall 330a. Sidewall 330a may extend radially inward to provide a mechanical stop when connector 300 is coupled to the second type of receiver, as described in greater detail herein. Similar to the first helically extending recess 324a, the second helically extending recess 324b can extend from a first end 326b to a second end 328b. The first end 326b of the second helically extending recess 324b can be adjacent to the second cutout area 320b, allowing the second tab of the tabbed hub of the female Luer connector to be inserted into the second cutout area 320b and into the second helically extending recess 324b. Adjacent to the second end 328b of the first helically extending recess 324b can be a sidewall 330b. When the connector 300 is coupled to the second receiver type, the sidewall 330b can extend radially inward to provide a mechanical stop. The first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b can be spatially spaced apart from each other. For example, the first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b can be positioned approximately 180° apart. However, other spacing arrangements can also be used as desired.

[0066] The first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b can be formed in the inner surface of the second portion 314 of the connector 300. For example, the first ends 326a, 326b of the first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b can be positioned adjacent to the second end 313 of the first portion 312. In some cases, the first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b can be at least partially formed in the inner surface of the first portion 312.

[0067] Figure 8A side view of an illustrative connector 300 is depicted, having a second type of second receiver 500. The second receiver 500 may have a different connection mechanism than the first receiver 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the second receiver 500 may typically be a female Luer lock. The receiver 500 may have a generally tubular body 502 defining a lumen extending therethrough. The receiver 500 may include a first tab 504a extending radially from the outer surface of the tubular body 502. A second tab 504b may also extend radially from the outer surface of the tubular body 502. The first and second tabs 504a, 504b may be spaced approximately 180° apart from each other. However, this is not required. The tabs 504a, 504b may be spaced apart as desired. The tabs 504a, 504b may be configured to be inserted into the lumen 308 of the connector 300. For example, the tabs 504a, 504b may align with the first and second cutout areas 320a, 320b of the connector 300. It is contemplated that the first and second cutout regions 320a, 320b may allow the tabs 504a, 504b to bypass the first and second sections 318a, 318b and enter the cavity 308. The connector 300 may be advanced along the longitudinal axis of the receiver 500 until the tabs 504a, 504b abut the inwardly extending flange 332. The connector 300 may then be rotated to move the first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b along the tabs 504a, 504b until the tabs 504a, 504b engage the sidewalls 330a, 330b. The number of rotations required to secure the connector 300 to the receiver 500 may depend, at least in part, on the number of turns of the first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b. For example, although each of the first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b is shown as extending approximately 180° around the inner circumference of the connector 300, the first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b may also extend less than 180°, greater than 180°, greater than 270°, or greater than 360° around the inner circumference of the connector 300.

[0068] return Figure 3A 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 6 and Figure 6AConnector 300 may also include a second radially inwardly extending flange 334 formed within its second portion 314. Second flange 334 may divide connector 300 into a first region 350 having a variable inner diameter for engaging a plurality of connection features of the receiver and a second region 352 having a substantially uniform inner diameter for engaging lens cleaning tubing 245c. Second flange 334 may be generally annular, defining a through-hole 336 extending through the thickness of second flange 334 (e.g., from first side 338 to second side 340). The diameter of cavity 308 of connector 300 may decrease at through-hole 336 relative to the diameter of cavity 308 adjacent first and / or second ends 304, 306 of connector 300. A plurality of internal (or female) threads 342 may be formed in the inner surface of second flange 334. Internal threads 342 may define a third connection mechanism for coupling connector 300 to a third type of receiver attached to connector portion 265, different from first and second types of receivers 400, 500.

[0069] Figure 9 A side view of an illustrative connector 300 is depicted, having a first receiver 600 of a third type, different from the first and second receiver types 400 and 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the third receiver 600 can generally be an externally threaded receiver. The receiver 600 can have a generally tubular body 602 defining a lumen extending therethrough. One or more external threads 604 can be formed in the outer wall of the tubular body 602. The internal threads 342 of the connector 300 can be configured to engage the external threads 604 of the third receiver 600. It is contemplated that the first portion 312 of the connector 300 can be inserted onto the exterior of the body 602 of the third receiver 600. The internal threads 342 of the connector 300 can engage the external threads 604 of the third receiver 600, and the connector 300 can be rotated to secure the connector 300 to the third receiver 600. The number of rotations required to secure the connector 300 to the third receiver 600 can depend at least in part on the thickness of the flange 334 and / or the number of threads present.

[0070] In some cases, an O-ring, gasket, or other sealing member may be provided between the connector 300 and the corresponding receiver 400, 500, 600. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 6 and Figure 6AThree O-rings 344, 346, 348 are depicted, but in some cases, connector 300 may include only a single O-ring positioned to provide a seal with a particular receptacle 400, 500, 600. For example, O-ring 344 may be positioned adjacent first end 310 of second portion 314 such that when connector 300 is assembled with first receptacle type 400, O-ring 344 compresses to provide a fluid-tight seal between the components. O-ring 344 may be sized to have an inner diameter similar in size to first outer diameter D1 of connector 300, but this is not required. In another example, O-ring 346 may be positioned adjacent second ends 328a, 328b of first and second helically extending recesses 324a, 324b such that when connector 300 is assembled with second receptacle type 500, O-ring 346 compresses to provide a fluid-tight seal between the components. In another example, an O-ring 348 may be disposed on the first side 338 of the second flange 334 adjacent the through-hole 336 such that when the connector 300 is assembled with the third receptacle type 600 , the O-ring 348 compresses to provide a fluid-tight seal between the components.

[0071] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of this specification and practice of the disclosed invention. It is intended that the description and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0072] All devices and methods discussed herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented according to one or more principles of the present invention. These examples are not the only way to implement these principles, but are merely examples. Therefore, references to elements or structures or features in the accompanying drawings must be understood as references to examples of embodiments of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting the present invention to the specific elements, structures or features shown. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other examples of the ways of implementing the disclosed principles when reading this invention.

[0073] In the description above and the claims below, the following will be understood. As used herein, the phrases "at least one", "one or more" and "and / or" are open expressions that are both conjunctions and non-conjunctions in operation. As used herein, the term "one" or "an" entity refers to one or more of these entities. Therefore, the terms "one" (or "one"), "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise and / or similar) are only used for identification purposes to help the reader understand the present invention, and / or for distinguishing the regions of associated elements from each other, and do not limit the associated elements, particularly do not limit the position, orientation or use of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection and combination) will be broadly interpreted and may include intermediate members between element sets and relative movement between elements. In this regard, connective references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (eg, primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but rather are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0074] The above discussion is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed herein. It should be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the present invention. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from its concept, spirit, scope, or characteristics. For example, various features of the present invention may be combined together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations to simplify the present invention. However, it should be understood that various features of certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the present invention may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be used with numerous modifications to the structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, components, and other features used in the practice of the present invention, such modifications being particularly suited to specific environments and operational requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements shown as being integrally formed, the operation of an element may be reversed or otherwise varied, the size or dimensions of an element may be varied, and features and components of various embodiments may be selectively combined. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

[0075] The following claims are hereby incorporated by this reference into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the invention. In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. In addition, although listed separately, multiple devices, elements or method steps may also be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these features may be advantageously combined, and inclusion in different claims does not mean that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude the plural. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as examples of clarification and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A connector arranged and configured to couple a tubing set to an endoscope, the connector comprising: a housing having a generally tubular body, the housing including a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therethrough; a first coupling mechanism adjacent the first end of the housing; as well as a second coupling mechanism extending from a first end of the second coupling mechanism adjacent the first end of the housing to a second end of the second coupling mechanism, the second end of the second coupling mechanism being positioned between the first and second ends of the housing; Wherein, the second connecting mechanism is different from the first connecting mechanism.

2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a third coupling mechanism positioned between the second end of the second coupling mechanism and the second end of the housing, the third coupling mechanism being different from the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism.

3. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first coupling mechanism includes external threads extending around an outer surface of the tubular body.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein The external threads are discontinuous around the circumference of the generally tubular body.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first coupling mechanism includes a first segment and a second segment, each having an arc length less than 180° and separated by a first cutout area and a second cutout area. The connector according to claim 5 , wherein: The first segment and the second segment include threads extending around outer surfaces thereof.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second coupling mechanism includes first and second helically extending recesses formed in an inner surface of the generally tubular body, the first and second helically extending recesses being spatially separated from one another.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein Each of the first helically extending recess and the second helically extending recess extends less than 180° around the inner circumference of the generally tubular body.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein: Each of the first helically extending recess and the second helically extending recess extends from a first end to a second end.

10. The connector of claim 9, further comprising a mechanical stop positioned adjacent the second end of each of the first helically extending recess and the second helically extending recess.

11. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: The third coupling mechanism includes internal threads extending around an inner surface of the generally tubular body.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein The internal threads are formed around the inner surface of the radially inwardly extending annular flange.

13. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a sealing member positioned adjacent the first coupling mechanism.

14. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a sealing member positioned adjacent the second coupling mechanism.

15. The connector of any one of claims 2 to 14, further comprising a sealing member positioned adjacent the third coupling mechanism.

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