Optical connector cleaning device and related methods

CN116475105BActive Publication Date: 2026-09-01BARD ACCESS SYSTEMS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211648904.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-12-22
Filing Date
2022-12-21
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Estimated Expiration
2042-12-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

由于光纤系统具有易碎部件,在使用之前对整个医疗装置进行清洁和净化可能相当困难且耗时

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Abstract

This application relates to an optical connector cleaning device and related methods. The optical connector cleaning device is configured to connect to an optical connector of a medical device and to perform optical cleaning and sterilization on the optical connector. The cleaning device includes a gripping section and a cleaning section extending away from the gripping section, the cleaning section extending through a sterile barrier. A cleaning tape and a sterilizing tape, having a disinfectant absorbed therein, extend across the end of the cleaning device to be clamped between the end and the optical connector. An optical evaluation system of the device evaluates the light transmission of the optical connector. Actuation of an actuator causes the cleaning tape and sterilizing tape to slide and shift on the end of the cleaning device. A replaceable cartridge stores the unused and used portions of the cleaning tape and sterilizing tape.
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Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 293,020, filed December 22, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically to an optical connector cleaning device and related methods. Background Technology

[0004] Fiber optic systems are increasingly being added to medical devices used in both non-invasive and invasive medical procedures. Due to the fragile components of fiber optic systems, cleaning and purifying the entire medical device before use can be quite difficult and time-consuming. Proper cleaning of the fiber optic system is necessary to maintain proper fiber optic connections and extend its lifespan. Purification of the medical device is also necessary to reduce contamination and extend its lifespan. Cleaning equipment configured to clean fiber optic systems and purify medical devices in a timely manner is beneficial to users.

[0005] This article discloses an apparatus and method for solving the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This document discloses an optical connector cleaning apparatus. According to some embodiments, the optical connector cleaning apparatus includes a device body having a gripping section and a cleaning section extending away from the gripping section, wherein the cleaning section is configured to connect with an optical connector of a medical device. The apparatus also includes an optical cleaning system configured for cleaning the fiber facet of the optical connector, wherein the optical cleaning system includes a cleaning element disposed above the end of the cleaning section such that when the cleaning section is connected with the optical connector, the cleaning element is disposed between the end and the fiber facet.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cleaning element includes a strip, and cleaning the fiber facet includes slidably displacing the cleaning element on the fiber facet. In some embodiments, the cleaning element extends along the cleaning section between the holding section and the end. In some embodiments, during use, the unused portion of the cleaning element displaces along the cleaning section from the holding section toward the end, and the used portion of the cleaning element displaces along the cleaning section from the end toward the holding section.

[0008] In some implementations, the optical cleaning system includes a dispensing mechanism coupled to a dispensing actuator, and the dispensing actuator is manipulated to slidably displace the cleaning element on the fiber surface.

[0009] In some implementations, the device is configured for use across a sterile barrier, such that during use, the clean section is positioned within the sterile environment and the grip section is positioned outside the sterile environment.

[0010] In some embodiments, the device also includes a replaceable cleaning cartridge coupled to the grip section, wherein, during use, a certain amount of unused portion of the cleaning element and a certain amount of used portion of the cleaning element are stored in the replaceable cleaning cartridge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cleaning section includes a latching member configured to secure the device to the optical connector, wherein securing the device to the optical connector maintains the cleanliness of the optical connector during periods when the optical connector is not in use.

[0012] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a disinfection system configured to disinfect the optical connector, wherein the disinfection system includes a disinfection element disposed above the end of the clean section such that when the clean section is coupled to the optical connector, the disinfection element is disposed between the end and the optical connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the disinfection element includes a strap, and disinfecting the optical connector includes slidably displacing the disinfection element between the end and the optical connector, and in some embodiments, the disinfection element extends along a clean section between the grip section and the end.

[0014] In some implementations, during use, the unused portion of the disinfection element moves along the clean section from the grip section toward the end, and the used portion of the disinfection element moves along the clean section from the end toward the grip section.

[0015] In some implementations, the disinfection system includes a disinfection mechanism coupled to a disinfection actuator, and the disinfection actuator is manipulated to cause the disinfection element to slide between its end and an optical connector.

[0016] In some embodiments, the device also includes a replaceable sterilization cartridge coupled to the grip section, wherein, during use, a certain amount of unused portion of the sterilization element and a certain amount of used portion of the sterilization element are stored in the replaceable sterilization cartridge.

[0017] In some embodiments, the disinfection element includes a disinfectant absorbed therein, and the disinfection element is slidably displaced between its end and the optical connector to apply the disinfectant to the optical connector for disinfection.

[0018] In some implementations, the cleaning element and the disinfection element are different elements.

[0019] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an optical evaluation system configured to evaluate the light transmission capability through the optical connector, and in some embodiments, the light transmission includes reflected light emitted from a fiber Bragg grating. In some embodiments, the optical evaluation system is configured to evaluate the light transmission capability when the clean section is coupled to the optical connector.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device further includes a cap configured to be placed on the end of the device when it is not in use. In some embodiments, the device also includes a connector cap configured to attach to a cleaning section, the connector being configured to allow the optical connector cleaning device to engage with the optical connector.

[0021] This document also discloses a method for using an optical connector for cleaning medical devices, which, according to some embodiments, includes (i) coupling the cleaning device to the optical connector, (ii) slidably displacing a cleaning strip of the cleaning device between the surfaces of the cleaning device and the optical fiber surface of the optical connector, and transferring a disinfectant from the cleaning device to the optical connector.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method, transferring the disinfectant includes slidably moving the disinfectant strip of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and the optical connector.

[0023] In some implementations, the method further includes (i) inserting the cleaning section of the cleaning device through a sterile barrier into a sterile environment, and (ii) keeping the gripping section of the cleaning device outside the sterile environment.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes evaluating the light transmission capability through the optical connector when the cleaning device is coupled to the optical connector, and in some embodiments of the method, the light transmission includes reflected light emitted from a fiber Bragg grating.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further includes (i) securing the cleaning device to the optical connector and (ii) storing the medical device while the cleaning device is secured to the optical connector.

[0026] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art, taking into account the accompanying drawings which describe specific embodiments of such concepts in more detail and the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0027] A more specific description of the invention will be presented with reference to specific embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional features and details using the drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1A A perspective view of an optical connector cleaning device according to some embodiments is shown;

[0029] Figure 1B It includes cleaning systems based on some implementation plans. Figure 1A Detailed illustration of the end portion of the cleaning device;

[0030] Figure 1C It is based on some implementation plans, including disinfection systems. Figure 1A Detailed illustration of the end portion of the cleaning device;

[0031] Figure 2A The following are examples of methods for placing according to some embodiments. Figure 1A The cap at the end of the cleaning device;

[0032] Figure 2B The following are examples of implementation schemes for use with respect to some embodiments. Figure 1A The connector that connects the cleaning device to the optical connector;

[0033] Figure 3 The following are illustrated according to some implementation schemes. Figure 1A A perspective view of a cleaning device and fiber optic system, depicting an exemplary method for cleaning optical connectors of a fiber optic system; and

[0034] Figure 4 A flowchart of an exemplary method for cleaning an optical connector according to some implementation schemes is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein may have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiments, and may optionally be combined with or substituted with features of any of the many other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0036] Regarding the terminology used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are for the purpose of describing certain specific embodiments, and that they do not limit the scope of the concepts presented herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a set of features or steps, and do not provide for sequential or numerical limitations. For example, features or steps “first,” “second,” and “third” do not necessarily appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Markings such as “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “front,” and “back” are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed position, orientation, or direction. Rather, such markings are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] The phrases “connected to,” “linked to,” and “connected to” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Two components can be connected to each other even if they are not in direct contact. For example, two components can be connected to each other through an intermediate component.

[0038] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for performing the method. Method steps and / or actions may be interchangeable. In other words, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for the correct operation of the implementation.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] Figure 1A A perspective view of an optical connector cleaning apparatus according to some embodiments is shown, which is used to clean the optical connectors (e.g., fiber optic ferrules) of medical devices in a medical setting. The optical connector cleaning apparatus (device) 100 is generally configured to restore the optical connectors of medical devices, including fiber optic ferrules, after, during, and / or before use. In some cases, the surface of the optical fiber disposed within the optical connector may be contaminated, damaged, or unsuitable for use. The device 100 is configured to repair or restore the surface of the optical fiber to enable the medical device to continue to be used.

[0041] In some cases, optical connectors may be used in a sterile environment. Therefore, microbial contamination of the optical connector may render it unsuitable for use in such situations, or even the medical device as a whole. Thus, sterilization of the optical connector may be necessary or beneficial to reduce the risk of infection for the patient. According to some embodiments, device 100 may also be configured to sterilize the optical connector.

[0042] Device 100 includes a device body 102 having a grip section 104 configured for user operation and manipulation, and a cleaning section 110 extending away from the grip section 104, wherein the cleaning section 110 is configured to engage and operatively engage an optical connector 50. The grip section 104 may include a base 106 specifically configured for ergonomic operation by a user. In some embodiments, the device body 102 may include a tapered portion 103 disposed between the grip section 104 and the cleaning section 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, the gripping section 104 can be configured for use outside a sterile environment, and the cleaning section 110 can be configured for use in a sterile environment. Thus, in some embodiments, the device body 102 can be divided into segments to distinguish the cleaning section 110 from the gripping section 104. In some cases, the sterile environment can be separated from the non-sterile environment by a sterile barrier (e.g., a sterile drape). Therefore, in some embodiments, the device 100 can be configured to insert the cleaning section 110 from the non-sterile environment across / through the sterile barrier into the sterile environment, while the gripping section 104 remains outside the sterile environment. The cleaning section 110 may typically define an elongated shape having an end 112 disposed opposite to the gripping section 104.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cleaning section 110 may include a latching member 114, which is configured to secure the device 100 to the optical connector 50. Thus, when the device 100 is secured to the optical connector 50, the device 100 can provide protection for the optical connector 50 against damage or contamination. Similarly, the optical connector 50 can provide protection for the cleaning section 110, thereby protecting the end 112 from damage or contamination.

[0045] The device 100 includes an optical cleaning system 120 configured to restore the optical function of the optical connector 50. More specifically, the optical cleaning system 120 may be configured to restore the optical function of the fiber facet 52A of the optical fiber 52 or each surface of a plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or more optical fibers) of the optical connector 50. In some embodiments, the optical connector 50 may include a plurality of electrical contacts 53. In such embodiments, the optical cleaning system 120 may be configured to clean or otherwise restore the electrical contacts 53, thereby restoring the electrical connection function of the optical connector 50. Note that the optical connector 50 can be associated with any medical device utilizing fiber optic capabilities.

[0046] The optical cleaning system 120 may include a cleaning element 122 configured to contact surface 52A. More specifically, the cleaning element 122 may be configured to slide on surface 52A to clean, polish, or otherwise restore surface 52A. The cleaning element 122 may include a strip or filament extending through an end 112. A cleaning section 110 is configured to engage with an optical connector 50 such that the end 112 abuts against surface 52A, which clamps the cleaning element 122 therebetween. The end 112 may apply a contact force to surface 52A to enhance the sliding engagement of the cleaning element 122 with surface 52A.

[0047] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of the end portion of the cleaning section 110 according to some embodiments, showing details of the optical cleaning system 120. The optical cleaning system 120 is generally configured to dispense a cleaning element 122 to the end 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical cleaning system 120 is configured to dispense an unused portion 122A of the cleaning element 122 from the handheld section 104 to the end 112 along the cleaning section 110. In some embodiments, the optical cleaning system 120 may be configured to retract a used portion 122B of the cleaning element 122 from the end 112 to the handheld section 104 along the cleaning section 110. In some embodiments, retracting the used portion 122B causes the cleaning element 122 to slide between the end 112 and the face 52A. In some embodiments, the volume or amount of the unused portion 122A and the used portion 122B of the cleaning element 122 may be contained within the handheld section 104. In some embodiments, the unused portion 122A may be disposed within the dispensing cavity 113A of the cleaning section 110, and the used portion 122B may be disposed within the retraction cavity 113B of the cleaning section 110, wherein the dispensing cavity 113A and the retraction cavity 113B extend along the cleaning section 110 between the end 112 and the gripping section 104.

[0048] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn some embodiments, the optical cleaning system 120 may include a cartridge system 124 disposed within the handheld section 104, wherein an unused portion 122A is dispensed from the cartridge system 124, and a used portion 122B is retracted from the cartridge system 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge system 124 (or the system 100 as a whole) includes a dispensing mechanism 125 coupled to an actuator 125A, wherein manipulating the actuator 125A causes the cleaning element 122 to slide through the end 112. An exemplary dispensing mechanism 125 may include a retraction spool (not shown) on which the used portion 122B is wound, and pressing the actuator 125A causes the retraction spool to rotate to pull the used portion 122B away from the end 112. In some embodiments, the cleaning cartridge system 124 may be a consumable or disposable item, i.e., the cleaning cartridge system 124 may be replaceable within the handheld section 104.

[0049] The device 100 also includes a disinfection system 130, which is typically configured to disinfect the optical connector 50. The disinfection system 130 is typically configured to apply a disinfectant 133 (i.e., a disinfectant solution) to the optical connector 50. More specifically, the disinfection system 130 is configured to wipe the optical connector 50 with the disinfectant 133. In some embodiments, the disinfection system 130 may, in some respects, resemble the components and functions of the optical cleaning system 120.

[0050] The disinfection system 130 may include a disinfection element 132 configured to disinfect an optical connector 50. More specifically, the disinfection element 132 may be configured to contact the optical connector 50, which includes a face 52A and electrical contacts 53, thereby applying disinfectant 133 thereto. The disinfection element 132 may include a strip or filament extending across an end 112, wherein the disinfection element 132 contains disinfectant 133. A cleaning section 110 is configured to engage the optical connector 50 such that the end 112 engages the optical connector, clamping the disinfection element 132 therebetween. The end 112 may apply a contact force to the optical connector 50 to enhance the application of disinfectant 133 to the optical connector 50.

[0051] The disinfection system 130 is typically configured to dispense a disinfection element 132 to the end cap 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the disinfection system 130 is configured to dispense an unused portion 132A of the disinfection element 132 from the handheld section 104 to the end cap 112 along the clean section 110. In some embodiments, the disinfection system 130 may be configured to retract a used portion 132B of the disinfection element 132 from the end cap 112 to the handheld section 104 along the clean section 110. In some embodiments, retracting the used portion 132B may allow the disinfection element 132 to slide between the end cap 112 and the optical connector 50. In some embodiments, a significant portion of the unused portion 132A and the used portion 132B of the disinfection element 132 may be contained within the handheld section 104.

[0052] Figure 1C This is a cross-sectional view of the end portion of the clean section 110 according to some embodiments, showing details of the disinfection system 130. The disinfection system 130 is generally configured to dispense a disinfection element 132 to the end 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the disinfection system 130 is configured to dispense an unused portion 132A of the disinfection element 132 from the handheld section 104 to the end 112 along the clean section 110. In some embodiments, the disinfection system 130 may be configured to retract a used portion 132B of the disinfection element 132 from the end 112 to the handheld section 104 along the clean section 110. In some embodiments, retracting the used portion 132B allows the disinfection element 132 to slide between the end 112 and the optical connector 50. In some embodiments, a significant portion of the unused portion 132A and the used portion 132B of the disinfection element 132 may be contained within the handheld section 104. In some embodiments, the unused portion 132A may be disposed within the dispensing cavity 115A of the cleaning section 110, and the used portion 132B may be disposed within the retraction cavity 115B of the cleaning section 110, wherein the dispensing cavity 115A and the retraction cavity 115B extend along the cleaning section 110 between the end 112 and the gripping section 104.

[0053] The cleaning element 122 and the disinfection element 132 can be arranged in various configurations relative to the end 112. According to some embodiments, the cleaning element 122 can be positioned on top of the disinfection element 132. According to some embodiments, the cleaning element 122 can be arranged across the end 112 parallel to the disinfection element 132. According to some embodiments, the disinfection element 132 can cross the end 112 in the same direction as the cleaning element 122. According to some embodiments, the cleaning element 122 can be arranged perpendicular to the disinfection element 132.

[0054] refer to Figure 1A , Figure 1CIn some embodiments, the disinfection system 130 may include a disinfection cartridge system 134 disposed within a handheld section 104, wherein an unused portion 132A is dispensed from the disinfection cartridge system 134, and a used portion 132B is retracted from the disinfection cartridge system 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the disinfection cartridge system 134 (or the system 100 as a whole) includes a dispensing mechanism 135 coupled to a disinfection actuator 135A, wherein the disinfection actuator 135A is manipulated to slide the disinfection element 132 past the end 112. An exemplary dispensing mechanism 135 may include a retraction spool (not shown) having the used portion 132B wound thereon, and pressing the disinfection actuator 135A causes the retraction spool to rotate to pull the used portion 132B away from the end 112, thereby disposing a section of the unused portion 132A on the end 112. Such an exemplary dispensing mechanism 135 may also include a solution container (not shown) having disinfectant 133 stored therein and the unused portion 132A. In some implementations, the sterilization cylinder system 134 may be a consumable or disposable item, that is, the sterilization cylinder system 134 may be replaceable within the grip section 104.

[0055] In some embodiments, the disinfection system 130 may be combined with the optical cleaning system 120. According to one example, multiple components of the cleaning system 120 may be shared with the disinfection system 130. According to another example, the disinfection system 130 may be integrated into the optical cleaning system 120. In some embodiments, the disinfection element 132 may be integrated into the cleaning element 122; for example, the cleaning element 122 or a portion thereof may include a disinfectant 133.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the disinfection system 130 can be configured to dispense disinfectant 133 to end 112 via a fluid lumen (not shown) extending along the cleaning section 110. In such an embodiment, a disinfection actuator 135A is manipulated to deliver disinfectant 133 via the fluid lumen at end 112 to cleaning element 122, wherein cleaning element 122 applies disinfectant 133 to optical connector 50.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the disinfection element 132 includes a separate pad that can be individually attached to the end 112. During use, the user can physically attach the pad to the end 112 such that engagement of the end 112 with the optical connector 50 applies disinfectant 133 to the optical connector 50.

[0058] refer to Figure 1AAccording to some embodiments, clean section 110 may include an optical fiber evaluation system 150. The optical fiber evaluation system 150 may be configured to generally evaluate (or detect) the optical transmission capability of facet 52A through optical fiber 52 or the optical function of optical connector 50 or optical fiber 52. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may be configured to evaluate the light reflection capability of optical fiber 52, as defined by a Bragg grating of optical fiber 52. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may include part of an optical loss detection device or part of an optical time-domain reflectometer. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may be activated when optical connector 50 is coupled to end 112. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may include a console, a power source, a light source, an optical receiver, one or more optical fibers, a non-transient computer-readable medium, and multiple logic modules configured to evaluate the optical transmission and / or optical fiber reflection capability of optical fiber 52. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may wirelessly communicate with a computing device and transmit the capability and light reflection of optical connector 50 to it. In some implementations, the fiber optic evaluation system 150 may include a notification device, such as a lighting device, for example, to indicate the results of the evaluation.

[0059] See Figure 2A In some embodiments, device 100 may include a cap 210 configured to engage with cleaning section 110 and cover end 112. In some embodiments, device 100 may include a tether 211 extending between cap 210 and device body 106 (e.g., grip section 104). In some embodiments, cleaning element 122 and / or disinfection element 132 may be easily damaged. Therefore, cap 210 may be configured to generally protect cleaning element 122, disinfection element 132, and / or end 112 during non-use of device 100. Cap 210 may also be configured to prevent disinfectant 133 from evaporating from disinfection element 132.

[0060] See Figure 2B In some embodiments, device 100 may include a plurality of (e.g., one, two, three or more) connectors 220, which can be attached to cleaning section 110. Connectors 220 enable device 100 (e.g., cleaning section 110) to be coupled to different configurations of optical connector 50. During use, a user can select a connector 220 consistent with the optical connector 50 and attach the selected connector 220 to cleaning section 110. The user can then connect and / or secure device 100 to optical connector 50 via the selected connector 220.

[0061] Figure 3A perspective view of a cleaning apparatus 100 is shown according to an exemplary method of cleaning one or more optical connectors 140 of a fiber optic system 170 using device 100. In some embodiments, the fiber optic system 170 may include an optical interrogator 172 configured to connect to a plug cable 174 having an optical connector 140A. In some embodiments, device 100 may be used to clean the optical connector 140B of the optical interrogator 172. In some embodiments, a first connector 220A may be coupled to device 100 to enable device 100 to connect to the optical connector 140A of the plug cable 174. In some embodiments, a second connector 220B may be coupled to device 100 to allow device 100 to connect to the optical connector 140B of the optical interrogator 172.

[0062] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for cleaning an optical connector 140 according to some embodiments is shown. Method 400 may include all or any subset of the following steps, actions, or processes. Method 400 may include coupling a cleaning device to the optical connector (block 410).

[0063] Method 400 may further include slidably displacing the cleaning tape of the cleaning device (box 420), wherein the slidable displacing of the cleaning tape occurs between the cleaning device and the fiber facet of the optical connector.

[0064] Method 400 may include transferring a disinfectant from a cleaning device to an optical connector (box 430). In some embodiments of method 400, transferring the disinfectant includes slidably displacing a disinfection band of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and the optical connector.

[0065] Method 400 may further include inserting a cleaning section of the cleaning device through a sterile barrier into a sterile environment (box 440) while keeping a gripping section of the cleaning device outside the sterile environment.

[0066] Method 400 may further include evaluating the light transmission capability through the optical connector (box 450). In some embodiments, the evaluation of the light transmission capability may occur when the cleaning device is coupled to the optical connector. In some embodiments of method 400, the light transmission includes evaluating reflected light emitted from a fiber Bragg grating.

[0067] Method 400 may further include securing the cleaning device to the optical connector (box 460), and method 400 may further include storing the medical device while the cleaning device is secured to the optical connector.

[0068] While certain specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while these specific embodiments have been disclosed in detail, they are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Other changes and / or modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and are included in a broader sense. Therefore, deviations from the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. An optical connector cleaning device, characterized in that, include: The device body includes a gripping section and a cleaning section extending away from the gripping section, the cleaning section being configured to connect to an optical connector of a medical device. An optical cleaning system configured to clean the fiber facet of the optical connector, the optical cleaning system including a cleaning element disposed above the end of the cleaning section, such that when the cleaning section is connected to the optical connector, the cleaning element is disposed between the end and the fiber facet; and An optical evaluation system configured to evaluate the light transmission capability through the optical connector, wherein the light transmission includes reflected light emitted from a fiber Bragg grating.

2. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning element includes a belt, and Cleaning the fiber surface includes slidably displacing the cleaning element on the fiber surface.

3. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cleaning element extends along the cleaning section between the grip section and the end.

4. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, During use: The unused portion of the cleaning element shifts along the cleaning section from the grip section toward the end, and The used portion of the cleaning element is moved along the cleaning section from the end to the gripping section.

5. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The optical cleaning system includes a dispensing mechanism coupled to a dispensing actuator, and Manipulating the dispensing actuator causes the cleaning element to slidably move on the fiber surface.

6. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A replaceable cleaning cartridge connected to the grip section, During use, a certain amount of unused portion and a certain amount of used portion of the cleaning element are stored in the replaceable cleaning cartridge.

7. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is configured for use across sterile barriers, such that during use: The clean zone is arranged in a sterile environment, and The gripping section is located outside the sterile environment.

8. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning section includes a latching member configured to secure the device to the optical connector to maintain the optical connector in a clean state during periods when the optical connector is not in use.

9. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A disinfection system configured to disinfect the optical connector, the disinfection system including a disinfection element disposed above the end of the clean section, such that when the clean section is connected to the optical connector, the disinfection element is disposed between the end and the optical connector.

10. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The disinfection element includes a strip, and Disinfecting the optical connector includes slidably moving the disinfection element between the end and the optical connector.

11. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The disinfection element extends along the cleaning section between the gripping section and the end.

12. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 11, characterized in that, During use: The unused portion of the disinfection element shifts along the cleaning section from the grip section toward the end, and The used portion of the disinfection element is moved along the cleaning section from the end to the gripping section.

13. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The disinfection system includes a disinfection mechanism connected to a disinfection actuator, and Manipulating the disinfection actuator causes the disinfection element to slide between the end and the optical connector.

14. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: A replaceable disinfection cartridge connected to the grip section. During use, a certain amount of unused portion and a certain amount of used portion of the disinfection element are stored in the replaceable disinfection cylinder.

15. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The disinfection element includes a disinfectant absorbed therein, and The disinfection element is slidably moved between its end and the optical connector to apply the disinfectant to the optical connector for disinfection.

16. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cleaning element and the disinfection element are different elements.

17. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical evaluation system is configured to evaluate the optical transmission capability when the clean section is connected to the optical connector.

18. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A cap, configured to be placed on the end of the device when it is not in use, The cap is configured to cover the end.

19. The optical connector cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A connector cap configured to attach to the cleaning section, the connector being configured to allow the optical connector cleaning device to be connected to the optical connector.

20. A method for cleaning an optical connector for a medical device, characterized in that, include: The cleaning device is connected to the optical connector, and when the cleaning device is connected to the optical connector, the light transmission capability through the optical connector is evaluated, wherein the light transmission includes reflected light emitted from the fiber Bragg grating; The cleaning strip of the cleaning device can be slidably moved between the cleaning device and the optical fiber surface of the optical connector. and The disinfectant is transferred from the cleaning device to the optical connector.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Transferring the disinfectant includes: slidably moving the disinfection strip of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and the optical connector.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Connecting the cleaning device includes: The cleaning section of the cleaning device is inserted into a sterile environment through a sterile barrier; and Keep the grip section of the cleaning device outside the sterile environment.

23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: Secure the cleaning device to the optical connector; and The medical device is stored with the cleaning device fixed to the optical connector.

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