Refillable water reservoir for endoscope

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and system for refilling a container during an endoscopic procedure. An illustrative container may include a container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving a fluid; a water outlet; a gas inlet and a port. The port may include a sealing ring defining a bore extending from a first end to a second end of the sealing ring, the bore in fluid communication with an opening in the container; a cap positioned adjacent a first end of the bore of the seal ring; and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 356,701, filed on June 29, 2022, entitled "Refillable Water Reservoir for Endoscope," which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to medical fluid containers and methods, and more particularly to refillable containers for supplying fluids and / or gases to an endoscope. Background Art

[0004] Typically, endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic treatments. During endoscopic surgery, physicians can use a combination of air, flushing, and lens cleaning as a way to flush away debris, clean optical devices, and blow the working chamber. To achieve these functions, compressed gas from a processor or other source is used to increase the pressure in the fluid bottle, which can blow the working chamber or clean the lens of the endoscope. Additionally, a peristaltic pump can be used to flush debris from the working chamber. One of the challenges faced during endoscopic surgery is that the ordinary water bottles and tube sets used can contain up to 1 liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This may force nurses / technicians to change water bottles multiple times a day. This may introduce multiple contamination opportunities to the tube set due to contact with non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor.

[0005] With these factors in mind, improvements to the present invention may be useful. Summary of the invention

[0006] A summary of the invention is given to aid understanding, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various aspects and features of the invention may be advantageously used alone in some cases, or in combination with other aspects and features of the invention in other cases. The inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, although the following disclosure is presented in terms of various aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that individual aspects may be claimed alone or in combination with various aspects and features of that or any other embodiment.

[0007] In a first example, a reservoir arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for use in endoscopic surgery may include a container configured to contain a fluid therein, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving the fluid; a water outlet; a gas inlet, and a port. The port may include a sealing ring defining a hole extending from a first end of the sealing ring to a second end, the hole being in fluid communication with the opening in the container; a cap positioned adjacent to a first end of the hole of the sealing ring; and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the water outlet may include a water supply pipe, the water supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and a first cavity extending therethrough, wherein the first cavity is fluidically connected to a bottom portion of the container, and the second end of the water supply pipe is positioned outside the container; and the gas inlet may include a gas supply pipe, the gas supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and a second cavity extending therethrough, wherein the second cavity is operably fluidically connected to the container, and the second end of the gas supply pipe is positioned outside the container.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring away from the first end of the container.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring can be moved between a first form configured to fluidly seal an opening in the container and a second form configured to provide a fluid path from outside the container and through the hole of the sealing ring and the opening in the container.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the second configuration, the sealing ring may be pressed toward the first end of the container.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring may extend around at least a portion of the reduced diameter stem of the container.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the cap can be maintained in a fixed orientation relative to the container.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further include a tether extending between the interior of the container and the cap.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, a tether can include a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the interior of the container.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second end of the tether can be deformed between a first expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the first expanded configuration, the width of the second end of the tether can be greater than the width of the opening in the container.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the second collapsed configuration, the width of the second end of the tether can be less than the width of the opening in the container.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring into the cap.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the diameter of the bore of the sealing ring may be substantially constant from the second end to a mid-position and may increase from the mid-position to the first end to form a tapered first end region.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the outer diameter of the cap may be tapered and configured to mate with a tapered first end region of the bore of the sealing ring.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reduced diameter rod may include a hollow cylindrical rod.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further include an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the container.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, a system may include the reservoir of any of the above examples and a filling bottle having a mouth, wherein the mouth may be configured to engage a surface of the sealing ring along a perimeter beyond the outermost extent of the cap.

[0025] In another example, a reservoir arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for endoscopic surgery may include a container configured to contain a fluid therein and having an inlet opening for receiving the fluid; a water outlet; a gas inlet and a port. The port may include a housing including a reduced diameter stem defining an inlet opening in the housing for receiving the fluid, the housing also including an outlet opening; a sealing ring defining a hole extending from a first end of the sealing ring to a second end, the hole being in fluid communication with the inlet opening in the housing; a cap positioned adjacent to the first end of the hole of the sealing ring; and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring. The reservoir may also include a flexible piping line providing fluid communication between the outlet opening of the housing and the inlet opening of the container.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the water outlet may include a water supply pipe, the water supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and a first cavity extending therethrough, wherein the first cavity is fluidically connected to a bottom portion of the container, and the second end of the water supply pipe is positioned outside the container; and the gas inlet may include a gas supply pipe, the gas supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and a second cavity extending therethrough, wherein the second cavity is operably fluidically connected to the container, and the second end of the gas supply pipe is positioned outside the container.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring away from the first end of the housing.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring is movable between a first form configured to fluidly seal an inlet opening in the housing and a second form configured to provide a fluid path from outside the housing and through the aperture of the sealing ring and the inlet opening in the housing.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the second configuration, the sealing ring may be pressed toward the housing.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring may extend around at least a portion of the reduced diameter stem of the housing.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the cap can be retained in a fixed orientation relative to the housing.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further include a tether extending between the interior of the housing and the cap.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the tether can include a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the interior of the housing.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second end of the tether can be deformed between a first expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the first expanded configuration, the width of the second end of the tether can be greater than a width of the inlet opening in the housing.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the second collapsed configuration, the width of the second end of the tether can be less than a width of the inlet opening in the housing.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring into the cap.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the diameter of the bore of the sealing ring may be substantially constant from the second end to a mid-position and may increase from the mid-position to the first end to form a tapered first end region.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the outer diameter of the cap may be tapered and configured to mate with a tapered first end region of the bore of the sealing ring.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reduced diameter rod may include a hollow cylindrical rod.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further include an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the housing.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, a system may include the reservoir of any of the above examples and a filling bottle having a mouth, wherein the mouth may be configured to engage a surface of the sealing ring along a perimeter beyond the outermost extent of the cap.

[0043] In another example, a reservoir arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for endoscopic surgery may include a container configured to contain a fluid therein, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving the fluid; a water inlet; a gas inlet, and a port. The port may include a sealing ring defining a hole extending from a first end of the sealing ring to a second end, the hole being in fluid communication with the opening in the container; a cap positioned adjacent to a first end of the hole of the sealing ring and configured to selectively form a fluid seal with the sealing ring; and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring. The sealing ring is movable between a first closed configuration and a second open configuration.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the first closed configuration, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring against the cap.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the second open configuration, a force may be applied on the first end of the sealing ring to move the sealing ring away from the cap.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further include a tether extending between the interior of the container and the cap.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, a tether can include a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the interior of the container.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second end of the tether can be deformed between a first expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the first expanded configuration, the width of the second end of the tether can be greater than the width of the opening in the container.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the second collapsed configuration, the width of the second end of the tether can be less than the width of the opening in the container.

[0051] In another example, a reservoir arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for endoscopic surgery may include a container configured to contain a fluid therein, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving the fluid; a water inlet, a gas inlet, and a port disposed partially around the reduced diameter stem of the container. The port may include a sealing ring defining a hole extending from the first end of the sealing ring to the second end, the hole being in fluid communication with the opening in the container; an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the container; a cap positioned adjacent to a first end of the hole of the sealing ring; and a biasing mechanism disposed between the first end of the container and the second end of the sealing ring, the biasing mechanism configured to bias the sealing ring to a sealed configuration with the cap. The sealing ring may be configured to move from a sealed configuration to an open configuration in response to a force applied to the first end of the sealing ring.

[0052] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the claimed invention being set forth in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] 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.

[0054] Figure 1 The components of an endoscope are depicted;

[0055] Figure 2 Depicted are 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;

[0056] Figure 3A depicts an endoscope system having an endoscope, a light source, a water reservoir, and a tubing assembly for mixed air, lens cleaning, and flushing fluid delivery, wherein the system is activated to deliver air to atmosphere;

[0057] Figure 3B Depicted Figure 3A an endoscope system wherein the system is activated to deliver air to a patient through a patient end of the endoscope;

[0058] Figure 3C Depicted Figure 3A an endoscope system wherein the system is activated to deliver a lens cleaning fluid through a patient end of the endoscope;

[0059] Figure 3D Depicted Figure 3A an endoscope system, wherein the system is activated to deliver an irrigation fluid through a patient end of the endoscope;

[0060] Figure 4 depicts a hybrid endoscope system including a video processing unit, a connector section, a peristaltic irrigation pump, a water reservoir and tip, gas and lens wash coaxial supply tubing, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubing, and alternative gas supply tubing;

[0061] Figure 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative refillable reservoir in a first configuration;

[0062] Figure 6 Depicted Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of an illustrative refillable reservoir in a second configuration;

[0063] Figure 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of another illustrative refillable reservoir in a first configuration;

[0064] Figure 8 is a side view of an alternative illustrative tether; and

[0065] Fig. 9 is another stereogram of an illustrative tether.

[0066] Although the present invention is suitable for various modifications and alternative forms, its specific details have been shown in the drawings by way of example and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and substitutes that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The present invention will now be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that can be used in an endoscopic medical procedure. 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 related 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.

[0068] The term "distal" refers to the portion farthest from the user when the device is introduced into the patient's body. Conversely, the term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the user when the device is placed in the patient's body. As used herein, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive content, so that a process, method, article or device including a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or are not inherent to such a process, method, article or device. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "exemplary". In addition, as used herein, the terms "approximately", "roughly" and "substantially" represent a numerical range within + / -10% of the stated value or implied value. Additionally, the terms indicating the geometric shape of a component / surface refer to accurate and approximate shapes.

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention are described with particular reference to a bottle (e.g., container, reservoir, etc.) and tube assembly or set. It should be appreciated that such embodiments may be used to supply fluid and / or gas to an endoscope for a variety of purposes including, for example, facilitating patient insufflation, lens washing, and / or flushing a working channel to help flush / aspirate debris during endoscopic surgery.

[0070] Although the present invention includes a description of containers and tubing sets suitable for use with endoscopic systems 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 a variety of other purposes.

[0071] It should be noted that references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc. indicate that the embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. That is, even if not explicitly shown in a particular combination, the various individual elements described below are still 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 of ordinary skill in the art.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Typically, endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic treatments. During endoscopic surgery, physicians may use a combination of air, flushing, and lens cleaning as a way to flush away debris, clean optical devices, and blow the working chamber. To achieve these functions, compressed gas from a processor or other source is used to increase the pressure in the fluid bottle, which can blow the working chamber or clean the lens of the endoscope. Additionally, a peristaltic pump can be used to flush debris from the working chamber. One of the challenges faced during endoscopic surgery is that the ordinary water bottles and tube sets used contain a maximum of 1 liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This may force nurses / technicians to change water bottles multiple times a day. This may introduce multiple contamination opportunities to the tube set due to contact with non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor. This article discloses methods and systems that reduce or eliminate the need to disconnect the tube set and use a second bottle.

[0074] refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2 , depicts an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200, which may include an elongated shaft 100a inserted into a patient's body. A light source 205 supplies illumination light to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may 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, which 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 acts as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressurizing pump 215, such as an air supply pump, in the unit.

[0075] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c disposed at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a, and a flexible curved portion 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible curved portion 105 may include an articulated joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. A gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 is provided on the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 for supplying gas for insufflation of the interior of the patient at the treatment area, and water for cleaning the lens covering the imager. A flushing opening 225 on the end face 100d supplies flushing fluid to the treatment area of ​​the patient. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 may also be included on the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c, which extends along the 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 distally of the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. The channel opening 110 may be sealed with a biopsy valve 120 to prevent unnecessary fluid flow out.

[0076] The operating handle 115 may be provided with a knob 125 that provides remote 4-way steering of the distal tip via a wire connected to an articulated joint in the bendable flexible portion 105 (e.g., one knob controls up and down steering, and another knob controls left and right steering). A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 may be arranged on the proximal side of the handle 115. In addition, the handle 115 is provided with a dual valve hole 135. One of the valve holes 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 to operate 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 converge at the distal tip 100c proximal to the gas / cleaning nozzle 220 ( Figure 2 ). Another valve hole 135 receives a suction valve 145 for operating a 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.

[0077] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidically connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical tube 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilical tube 260 has a gas (e.g., air or CO 2 ) supply line 240b, lens cleaning supply line 245b, suction supply line 250b, flushing supply line 255b, light guide (not shown), and electrical signal cable (not shown). Connector portion 265 connects light source 205 in video processing unit to light guide when inserted into video processing unit 210. Light guide runs along the length of umbilicus 260 and endoscope shaft 100a to transmit light to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Connector portion 265 also connects air pump 215 to gas supply line 240b in umbilicus 260 when inserted into video processing unit 210.

[0078] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 through the connector portion 265 and the umbilicus 260. A length of gas supply tubing 240c passes from one end positioned in an air gap 275 between a 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 external to 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 be in fluid communication with the gas supply tubing 240c at the removable gas / lens wash connector 290 and in fluid communication with the air pump 215. A length of lens cleaning tubing 245c, one end of which is located at the bottom of the reservoir 270, passes through the top 280 of the reservoir 270 to a removable connector 290 that is identical to the gas supply tubing 240c on the connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connectors may be separate and / or separate from one another. The connector portion 265 also has a removable flushing connector 293 for flushing supply tubing (not shown) that travels from a flushing water source (not shown) to the flushing supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260. The removable flushing connector 293 may be removable from the connector portion 265 and / or the flushing supply tubing (not shown). In some embodiments, flushing water is supplied from a water source (not shown) that is independent of the water reservoir 270 via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In other embodiments, the flushing supply tubing and the lens cleaning tubing 245c may obtain water from the same reservoir. The connector portion 265 may also include a removable suction connection 295 for use in the suction supply line 250b and for fluidly connecting a vacuum source (e.g., hospital house suction) (not shown) to the umbilicus 260 and the suction supply line 250a of the endoscope 100. The removable suction connection 295 may be removable from the connector portion 265 and / or the suction supply line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0079] The gas supply line 240b and the lens cleaning supply line 245b are fluidly connected to the valve hole 135 of the gas / water valve 140 and are configured to operate the gas / water valve in the hole to control the supply of gas or lens cleaning to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to the valve hole 135 for the suction valve 145 and is configured to operate the suction valve in the hole to control the suction applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0080] 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 connecting portion 265 and branches to the air / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 through the gas supply line 240b in the umbilicus 260, and branches to the water reservoir 270 through the gas supply piping 240c via the connector 290 on the connector portion 265. When the air / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, if the user's finger is not on the valve, air will flow out of the valve to the atmosphere. In the first position, the user's finger is used to block the discharge to the atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow from the valve 140 along the gas supply line 240a and out of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 to, for example, insufflate the treatment area of ​​the patient. When the air / water valve 140 is pressed down to the second position, the gas is blocked from leaving the valve, thereby allowing the pressure of the air 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 260, through the air / water valve 140 and along the lens wash supply line 245a to converge 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 flush water supply.

[0081] The magnitude of the lens wash flow rate is determined by the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270. As the water is pushed out of the reservoir 270 through the lens wash tubing 245c, when the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270 begins to drop, 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 wash flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may 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 configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the lens wash supply tubing to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after passing through the valve.

[0082] Rinse 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 view in the treatment area of ​​the patient's body. Rinse is typically achieved using a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In an embodiment with a separate water source for flushing, tubing placed at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and is threaded through a head on the upstream side of the pump. The tubing on the downstream side of the pump is connected to the flush supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260 and the flush supply line 255a of the endoscope 100 via a flush connector 293 on the connector portion 265. When flush water is needed, the fluid is pumped out of the water source by operating the flush pump, such as depressing a foot switch (not shown), and flows through the flush connector 293, through the flush supply line 255b in the umbilicus and along the flush supply line in the shaft 100a of the endoscope to the distal tip 100c. In order to balance the pressure of the water source when water is pumped out of the flush supply tubing, an exhaust port (not shown) may be included in the top 280 of the 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 draws unwanted material from the patient through the endoscope toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) similar to lens wash tubing 245c may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tubing to help prevent backflow of water into the reservoir after it passes through the valve.

[0083] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an embodiment of a hybrid system 300 in which supply tubing for flushing and lens cleaning is connected to and draws from a single water reservoir. It is contemplated that fluids other than water may be used, such as, but not limited to, saline. The hybrid system 300 includes a single water reservoir 305, a cap 310 for the reservoir, a gas supply tubing 240c, a lens cleaning supply tubing 245c, a flush pump 315 with a foot switch 318, an upstream flush tubing 320, and a downstream flush supply tubing 255c. The cap 310 may be configured to be attached to the water reservoir 305 in a sealing manner by a typical threaded arrangement. The cap 310 may include a gasket for blocking the cap 310 from the reservoir 305. The gasket may be an O-ring, a flange, a collar, etc. and may be formed of any suitable material. A plurality of through holes (325a, 325b, 325c) are provided in the cap 310 to receive the gas supply piping 240c, the lens cleaning supply piping 245c and the upstream flushing supply piping 320, respectively. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , the system depicted includes separate plumbing for gas supply, lens cleaning and flushing.

[0084] In other embodiments, the gas supply tubing 240c and the lens cleaning tubing 245c can be combined in a coaxial arrangement. Some illustrative coaxial arrangements are described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 558,239, entitled "Integrated Container and Tubing Set for Fluid Delivery with an Endoscope," and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 558,256, entitled "Tubing Assembly and Method for Fluid Delivery," the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, the gas supply tubing can define a cavity having a diameter large enough to contain a smaller diameter lens cleaning tubing coaxially received in the gas supply tubing, and a water source that provides air to the annular space surrounding the lens cleaning tubing to pressurize the water reservoir (see, e.g., gas and lens cleaning supply tubing 240c, 245c). The lens cleaning supply tubing can be configured to leave the cavity defined by the coaxial gas supply tubing in any suitable sealing manner, such as, for example, a hole, a fitting, a collar, etc., so as to be sealed to the endoscope connector portion (e.g., Figure 2 The removable gas / lens cleaning connection of the connector portion 265) is converted from a coaxial arrangement to a side-by-side arrangement.

[0085] In various embodiments, different configurations of valves (not shown) may be incorporated into the various embodiments disclosed herein, including the piping of the systems 200, 300. For example, an inflow check valve may be provided in the path of the gas supply piping 240c to help prevent backflow into the air pump 215. In this manner, the pressure built up within the water reservoir 305 creates a pressure differential between the water source and the gas supply piping 240c, thereby helping to maintain a positive pressure in the water source, even when a large amount of water is removed from the water source during the flushing function. This arrangement compensates for any time lag in the delivery of air from the air pump 215 to the water reservoir 305, which may otherwise result in a negative pressure vacuum in the water reservoir. Similarly, an outflow check valve, such as a one-way valve with an inlet / outlet and a valve insert, may be incorporated into the lens wash supply piping 245c, the upstream rinse supply piping 320, and / or the downstream rinse supply piping 225c to help prevent backflow of water from either or both of the lens wash and rinse piping in the event of a negative pressure condition.

[0086] More generally, in many embodiments, a check valve may refer to any type of configuration that allows a fluid to flow in only one direction in a passive manner. For example, a check valve may include or refer to one or more of a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disc check valve, a flapper valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, a straight-through check valve, a duckbill valve, a pneumatic one-way valve, a reed valve, or a flow check valve. Thus, a check valve as used herein is intended to be separated and distinguished from an active valve (e.g., a stop cock, a solenoid valve, a peristaltic pump) that operates in a binary manner as an on / off valve or switch to allow flow to be initiated or to allow flow to be shut off.

[0087] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D During operation of the system, water flow for flushing can be achieved by operating the flushing pump 315. Water flow for lens cleaning can be achieved by depressing the air / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. These functions can be performed independently of each other or simultaneously. When operating lens cleaning and flushing simultaneously, when fluid is removed from the water reservoir 305, the pressure in the system can be controlled to maintain the lens cleaning supply piping 245c substantially at the pressure required to achieve a lower flow rate lens cleaning while compensating for the pressure drop in the water reservoir 305 caused by supplying a high flow rate flush. When the pressure in the water reservoir is reduced by using the lens cleaning function, the flushing function, or both functions, the reduced pressure can be compensated by the air pump 215 via the gas supply piping 245c.

[0088] Already highlighted FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D Schematic arrangement in to illustrate different flow paths, wherein the hybrid system 300 has a flushing supply conduit 320 and a lens cleaning supply conduit 245c connected to and drawn from a single water reservoir 305. Figure 3A , the endoscope 100 is shown in a neutral state, wherein the air / water valve 140 is in an open position. The neutral state delivers neither gas nor lens wash to the distal tip of the endoscope. Instead, gas (pressure) is delivered along path A from the pressurized air pump 215 and exhausted to atmosphere via the connector portion 265 through the gas supply line 240b in the umbilicus 260 and through the air / water valve. Since the system is open at the vent hole in the air / water valve 140, there is no accumulation to pressurize the water reservoir 305, and therefore no water is pushed through the lens wash supply tubing 245c.

[0089] like Figure 3B As shown, the endoscope 100 is in a gas delivery state, wherein the air / water valve 140 is in a first position. When gas is needed at the distal tip 100c, for example, to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip or to insufflate the patient's body at a treatment area, the user closes the vent hole (first position) in the air / water valve 140 with a thumb, finger, etc. In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path B, flows through the gas supply line 240b in the umbilicus 260 via the connector portion 265. The gas continues through the air / water valve 140 to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a and exits the gas / lens wash nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. Since the system is open at the air / lens water nozzle 220, there is no accumulation to pressurize the water reservoir, and therefore no water is pushed through the lens wash supply tubing 245c.

[0090] like Figure 3C100 is shown in the endoscope 100 in a lens cleaning delivery state, wherein the air / water valve 140 is in the second position. When gas is needed at the distal tip 100c, for example, to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c, the user, keeping the vent hole in the air / water valve closed, depresses the valve 140 to the farthest point in its valve hole 135. The second position blocks the gas supply to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope, and opens the air / water valve 140 to allow lens cleaning water to pass through the lens cleaning supply line 245a in the endoscope shaft 100a and exit the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path C, through the branch line in the connector portion 265, and exits the gas supply tubing 240c to the water reservoir 305. The gas (pressure) pressurizes the surface of the remaining water 285 in the reservoir 305 and pushes the water up the lens cleaning supply tube 245c to the connector portion 265. The pressurized lens cleaning water is further pushed through the lens cleaning supply line 245b in the umbilicus 260 and through the gas / water valve 140. Since the system 300 is closed, the gas pressure is allowed to build and maintain the calibrated pressure level in the water reservoir 305 instead of exhausting to the atmosphere or delivering to the patient. This pressure, along with the endoscope feed and supply lines and external tubing, translates into a range of flow rates for lens cleaning.

[0091] like Figure 3D As shown, the endoscope 100 is in a flush delivery state. This can be performed at the same or different time as the delivery of gas and / or lens wash. When flushing is required at the distal tip 100c, for example, if visibility in the treatment area is poor or obscured by debris, etc., the user activates the flush pump 315 (e.g., by depressing the foot switch 318) to deliver water along the path D. As the pump 315 is activated, water is drawn through the upstream flush supply tubing 320 and pumped along the downstream flush supply tubing 255c to the connector portion 265. The flush pump pressure head pushes the flush water further through the flush supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260, through the flush supply line 255a in the endoscope shaft 100a and out of the flush opening 225 at the distal tip 100c without passing through the air / water valve 140. The flush pump pressure can be calibrated, along with the endoscope flush supply and supply lines and external tubing, to deliver a range of flow rates of flush fluid.

[0092] Figure 4 4 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a hybrid system 400, which includes a video processing unit 210, a connector portion 265, a peristaltic rinse pump 315, a water reservoir 405 and a top 407, gas and lens wash coaxial supply tubing 410, upstream and downstream rinse supply tubing 320, 255c, and an alternative gas (e.g., CO 2) supply piping 415. A length of alternative gas supply piping 415 is connected from the air gap 275 (see FIG. 27) between the top 407 of the water reservoir 405 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir. Figure 2 ) through an additional opening 420 in the top of the reservoir to an alternative gas supply (e.g., CO 2 When an alternative gas supply is required, such as CO 2 When the gas is in the air, the gas pump 215 on the video processing unit 210 can be turned off, so that the CO 2 Gas, rather than air, flows to the water reservoir 405, thereby pressurizing the surface of the water. Typically, CO 2 The flow through the endoscope 100 is similar to the flow of air. In a neutral state, CO 2 The gas flows back up along the gas supply piping 240c to the connector portion 265, up along the gas supply line 240b and out to the atmosphere through the gas / water valve 140. In the first position, the user closes the exhaust hole in the gas / water valve 140, so that CO 2 Gas flows through the gas / water valve to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a and out of the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. In the second position, the user presses the valve 140 down to the bottom of the valve hole 135, thereby keeping the exhaust hole in the gas / water valve closed. The second position blocks CO to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope 100a. 2 The gas supply is opened and the gas / water valve 140 is opened to allow lens cleaning water to pass through the lens cleaning supply line 245a into the endoscope shaft 100a and out of the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. The gas (pressure) in the reservoir 405 is increased by the replacement gas (e.g., CO 2 ) supply pipe 415 to deliver gas to maintain. The flushing function can be the same as above Figure 3D The operations described are implemented in a similar manner.

[0093] As discussed above, it may be desirable to reduce the chance of contamination of the tube sets 240c, 245c, 320, 410, 415 during replacement of the water reservoir by providing a refillable water reservoir 270, 305, 405. Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative refillable fluid reservoir 500 is depicted. The reservoir 500 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and include a fluid reservoir similar to that described with respect to FIG. Figures 1 to 4The components of the endoscope and endoscope system; however, not all features may be described or shown here if they are not relevant to the fluid circuit of the system. The reservoir 500 includes a container 502 configured to hold a fluid 542. In some embodiments, the container 502 can be configured to hold a fluid in the range of about 5 liters (L) to about 10 L. However, if desired, the container 502 can be configured to hold less than 5 L or more than 10 L of fluid.

[0094] The container 502 extends from a first end or distal end 504 to a second end or proximal end 506. A rod 508 of reduced diameter may extend away from the first end 504 in a direction opposite to the second end 506 of the container 502. Typically, the rod 508 may be a hollow cylindrical rod that is fluidly connected to the opening 524 of the container 502 and configured to selectively provide a fluid connection between the exterior of the container 502 and the interior 540 of the container 502 to allow the fluid 542 to be transferred into the container 502. The diameter or cross-sectional dimensions of the rod 508 may be smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimensions of the first end 504 or the second end 506 of the container 502. In some cases, the container 502 and / or the rod 508 may have a generally cylindrical shape. However, this is not required. The container 502 and / or the rod 508 may take any desired shape.

[0095] The port 510 can be disposed adjacent to the stem 508 of the container 502. The port 510 in conjunction with the stem 508 can selectively fluidly couple a filling bottle or water bottle 570 (see, e.g., Figure 6 ) with the container 502 to allow fluid to pass from the filling bottle 570 to the interior 540 of the container 502. The port 510 may include a sealing ring 512, a cap 514, and a biasing mechanism 516. Each of the sealing ring 512, the cap 514, and the biasing mechanism 516 may be formed as separate components that are assembled together to form the port 510. Generally, the sealing ring 512 may be used in a closed configuration ( Figure 5 ) and an open configuration for refilling the reservoir 500 ( Figure 6 ). Although port 510 is shown adjacent to first end 504 or top of container 502, port 510 may be positioned at other locations on container 502 as desired. In some embodiments, port 510 may be at the end of a flexible attachment that is in fluid communication with rod 508. It is contemplated that such an arrangement may allow filling bottle 570 to engage port 510 prior to inverting filling bottle 570, which may limit spillage when filling bottle 570 is inverted.

[0096] The sealing ring 512 extends from a first end or distal end 518 to a second end or proximal end 520. The hole 522 extends from the first end 518 of the sealing ring 512 to the second end 520. The hole 522 may have a generally circular cross-section and a diameter that is generally equal to or greater than the outer diameter (or cross-sectional dimension) of the rod 508 so that the rod 508 can be received within the hole 522. The hole 522 may be disposed around at least a portion of the outer surface of the rod 508. In some embodiments, an O-ring 526 or other sealing member may be disposed between the inner wall of the hole 522 and the outer surface of the rod 508. When so disposed, the O-ring 526 may provide a fluid seal between the rod 508 and the port 510. This may allow the container 502 to be pressurized. The O-ring 526 may be positioned in a groove or recess formed in the outer surface of the rod 508 to maintain the O-ring 526 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 512 is displaced, however this is not required. Alternatively, the O-ring 526 may be positioned in a groove or recess formed in the inner surface of the sealing ring 512 to maintain the O-ring 526 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 512 is displaced, however this is not required. The O-ring 526 may be positioned so that the sealing ring is in a closed configuration ( Figure 5 ) or open the pattern ( Figure 6 ), it provides an air-tight and liquid-tight connection between the sealing ring 512 and the rod 508. In other embodiments, the inner wall of the hole 522 may contact the outer surface of the rod 508 to form a fluid-tight seal.

[0097] The diameter of the hole 522 can decrease from a first diameter at the first end 518 to a second, smaller diameter at an intermediate position 528 between the first end 518 and the second end 520 to form a tapered first end region 530. The diameter of the hole 522 can be substantially constant from the intermediate position 528 to the second end 520, but this is not required. It is contemplated that the diameter of the hole 522 can take any desired form. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter can taper or decrease in size from the first end 518 to the second end 520. The tapered first end region 530 can be configured to mate with an outer diameter or outer surface of the cap 514, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0098] The sealing ring 512 extends radially outward from the hole 522. The outer surface 532 of the sealing ring 512 can extend radially beyond the outermost range 534 of the cap 514 so that the first end surface 536 is configured to engage with the mouth of the filling bottle 570 (see, for example, Figure 6). In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 512 can be tapered and increase from the first end 518 to the second end 520. It is contemplated that the tapered outer diameter can form an air-tight and liquid-tight connection with a range of filling bottle mouth diameters, for example, by inserting the first end 518 of the sealing ring 512 into the mouth of the filling bottle so that the tapered outer diameter engages the mouth of the filling bottle (not shown). However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 512 can be substantially constant, but in other embodiments, the outer diameter can decrease from the first end 518 to the second end 520.

[0099] The cap 514 may generally be in the shape of a truncated cone. For example, the diameter of the cap 514 may decrease from a first diameter adjacent to the first or distal end 538 to a second diameter adjacent to the second or proximal end 544. The slope of the outer surface 546 of the cap 514 may be substantially consistent with the slope of the tapered first end region 530 of the hole 522 of the sealing ring 512, so that when the sealing ring 512 is biased toward the cap 514, a fluid seal is formed between the sealing ring 512 and the cap 514. The cap 514 may be kept spaced apart from the rod 508 distally by the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 516 and / or the pressure within the interior 540 of the container 502. The tether 548 may extend between the second end 544 of the cap 514 and the interior 540 of the container 502. For example, the first end 550 of the tether 548 may be coupled to the second end 544 of the cap 514, and the second end 552 of the tether 548 may be positioned within the interior 540 of the container 502. The second end 552 of the tether 548 may include one or more radially extending elongated arms 554a, 554b (collectively, 554). The arms 554 may be in a first expanded configuration ( Figure 5 The arms 554 may be configured to deform or move between a first collapsed configuration and a second collapsed configuration. The thickness of the arms 554 may be less than the diameter of the opening 524 so that water and / or air may flow through the arms 554 and through the opening 524. For example, the arms 554 may have a generally rod-like shape, which may have different cross-sections (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal cross-sections). However, other shapes may also be used as desired.

[0100] In the expanded configuration, the arm 554 can extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 548. In some embodiments, the arm 554 can extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tether 548 in a "T-shaped" configuration, such as Figure 5As shown. However, this is not required. Arm 554 can extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of tether 548, which allows the width of the second end 552 of tether 548 to be greater than the diameter of container opening 524. In the collapsed configuration, arm 554 can be biased toward the longitudinal axis of tether 548 to reduce its outer profile. This allows arm 554 to be inserted through rod 508 and into the interior 540 of container 502. When the compressive force is released, arm 554 can return to the expanded first configuration. In the expanded configuration, the width of arm 554 is greater than the inner diameter of rod 508. Therefore, once the second end 552 of tether 548 is inserted into the interior 540 of container 502, the arm 554 of tether 548 will prevent cap 514 from being removed from reservoir 500. For example, arm 554 engages the inner surface of container 502 to prevent removal of cap 514.

[0101] The biasing mechanism 516 may be positioned between the sealing ring 512 and the container 502. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 516 may be positioned between the second end 520 of the sealing ring 512 and the first end 504 of the container 502. The biasing mechanism 516 may be a mechanism configured to apply a distal force on the sealing ring 512. Some illustrative and non-limiting biasing mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a coil spring, a wave spring, a compressible elastomer, a shape memory ring or coil, a bellows, a hydraulic cylinder, and the like. In some cases, the biasing mechanism 516 may be generally cylindrical and disposed around the rod 508 of the container 502 and radially spaced therefrom. The biasing mechanism 516 may be configured to compress in response to a proximal force applied to the sealing ring 512, which in turn allows the sealing ring 512 to move proximally, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0102] To assemble the port 510 with the container 502, the O-ring 526 may be mounted on the stem 508 of the container 502 (or mounted together with the sealing ring 512). The biasing mechanism 516 may then be placed around the stem 508. The second end of the biasing mechanism 516 may rest against the first end 504 of the container 502. The sealing ring 512 may then be placed around the stem 508. The second end 520 of the sealing ring 512 may contact the first end of the biasing mechanism 516. The cap 514 is then installed by inserting the second end 552 of the tether 548 through the stem 508 into the interior 540 of the container 502. The second end 552 of the tether 548 engages the container 502 to prevent the cap 514 from being separated from the container. In addition, the outer surface 546 of the cap 514 engages the tapered first end region 530 of the sealing ring 512 to secure the sealing ring 512 and the biasing mechanism 516 to the container 502.

[0103] The reservoir 500 may include a gas inlet 560 and a water outlet 562 to be connected to a gas supply pipe and a water supply pipe. In some embodiments, the gas inlet 560 and / or the water outlet 562 may be one or more ports that connect a gas supply line and / or a water supply line provided separately. In other embodiments, the gas inlet 560 and / or the water outlet 562 may be a part of a gas supply piping 564 or a water supply piping 566. For example, the reservoir 500 may be connected in a fluid communication manner with a gas supply / alternative gas supply piping (or a gas supply piping) 564 and a lens cleaning supply / rinsing supply piping (or a water supply piping) 566. The gas supply piping 564 extends from the second end outside the reservoir 500 through a reservoir opening 568 at or near the first end 504 of the container 502. The shared gas supply piping 564 may terminate in the reservoir interval at or below the opening 568, but will not extend into the remaining fluid 542 in the container 502, as shown. However, in some cases, the gas supply piping 564 may extend into the fluid 542. For example, the opening 568 may be located at the bottom or side of the container 502 so that the shared gas supply piping 564 terminates in the fluid, wherein the gas bubbles upward through the fluid 542 to pressurize the container 502. A cavity extends through the gas supply piping 564 to receive a flow of air and / or gas therethrough. The cavity of the gas supply piping 564 is operably fluidly connected to the interior of the reservoir 500. The water supply piping 566 extends from a second end outside the reservoir 500 through the reservoir opening 568, terminating in a first end within the remaining fluid 542 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 502. In some embodiments, the water supply piping 566 may terminate at the opening 568. For example, when the opening 568 is located at or near the second end 506 of the container 502, a dip tube may not be required. The cavity extends through the water supply piping 566 to receive a flow of fluid therethrough. The lumen of the lens cleaning supply / rinsing supply conduit 566 is selectively operably fluidically connected to the bottom portion of the container 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply conduit 564 and the water supply conduit 566 can enter the container 502 through a single or common opening 568. For example, the gas supply conduit 564 and the water supply conduit 566 can be coaxially arranged, as shown. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply conduit 564 and the water supply conduit 566 can be arranged to extend side by side or can be separately connected to the container 502 at different locations. The opening 568 may include a grommet, a heat seal, or other sealing mechanism configured to seal the container 502 around the conduits 564, 566 in a fluid and pressure-tight manner.

[0104] A portion of the gas supply tubing 564 and a portion of the lens cleaning supply tubing 566 may extend from the reservoir 500, respectively, and may be connected in fluid communication with the endoscope at the gas / lens cleaning connection 290 on the connector portion 265 of the umbilicus. Within the connector portion 265, the gas supply tubing 564 is connected in fluid communication with an air pump (not explicitly shown) and / or a gas supply line (not explicitly shown), and the lens cleaning supply tubing 566 is connected in fluid communication with a lens cleaning supply line (not explicitly shown). Although not explicitly shown, the flush supply tubing may be coupled to the water supply tubing 566 via a manifold to supply flush fluid from the reservoir 500, or a separate flush supply tubing may be provided. For example, the flush supply tubing (not shown) may extend from a second end external to the reservoir 500 through a reservoir opening (not shown), terminating in a first end within the remaining fluid 542 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 502.

[0105] Now turn to Figure 6 It is conceivable that the reservoir 500 can be filled and refilled as needed by displacing the sealing ring 512 proximally. The reservoir 500 can be refilled as needed during surgery or between surgeries. The water can be sterile or non-sterile as needed. For example, sterile water can be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water can be used for diagnostic procedures. Since the outer surface of the connection port 510 is non-sterile, the exterior can be wiped with a disinfectant before filling / refilling and subsequent contact with sterile water. It is conceivable that refilling the reservoir 500 with sterile or non-sterile water can create greater flexibility and reduce the need to store the same amount of sterile water. In addition, refilling the reservoir 500 via the port 510 can also eliminate the need to disconnect the reservoir 500 from the piping 564, 566 throughout the day, thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the possibility of cross-contamination by eliminating the need to replace the water container.

[0106] exist Figure 6502. In the embodiment shown, the second end 552 of the tether 548 is not shown to more clearly illustrate the flow of water and air between the filling bottle 570 and the container 502. However, it should be understood that the second end 552 of the tether 548 remains within the container 502 during the filling of the container 502. In order to fill the container 502, the mouth 572 of the filling bottle 570 is placed on or above the sealing ring 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouth 572 of the filling bottle 570 is placed against the first end surface 536 of the sealing ring 512. However, in some cases, the mouth 572 of the filling bottle 570 may be placed against the tapered outer surface 532 of the sealing ring 512. A proximal force is applied to the filling bottle 570, which compresses the biasing mechanism 516 and allows the sealing ring 512 to move proximally toward the container. When the container 502 is pressurized during use, the positive pressure inside the container 502 maintains the cap 514 in a fixed relationship with the container 502. In other words, as the sealing ring 512 moves proximally, the cap 514 remains relatively stationary to define a gap 556 between the outer surface 546 of the cap 514 and the tapered first end region 530. The gap 556 allows water to flow downwardly along flow path A into the container 502 while air moves upwardly along flow path B into the filling bottle 570. As water continues to flow into the container 502, buoyancy maintains the cap 514 in a configuration spaced apart from the sealing ring 512. When the filling bottle 570 is empty and / or when the container 502 is filled to a desired amount, the proximal force on the filling bottle 570 can be removed. This eliminates the proximal force on the biasing mechanism 516, and the biasing mechanism 516 presses the sealing ring 512 distally until the sealing ring 512 engages the cap 514, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In some cases, more than one filling bottle 570 may be used to fill container 502 .

[0107] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of another illustrative refillable fluid reservoir 600 is depicted. The reservoir 600 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and includes a fluid reservoir similar to that described with respect to FIG. Figures 1 to 4 Components of the endoscope and endoscope system described herein; however, not all features may be described or shown herein if not relevant to the fluid circuit of the system. The reservoir 600 includes a container 602 configured to hold a fluid 642. In some embodiments, the container 602 may be configured to hold a fluid in the range of about 5 liters (L) to about 10 L. However, if desired, the container 602 may be configured to hold less than 5 L or more than 10 L of fluid.

[0108] The container 602 extends from a first end or distal end 604 to a second end or proximal end 606. A rod 608 of reduced diameter may extend distally away from the first end 604 in a direction opposite to the second end 606 of the container 602. Typically, the rod 608 may be a hollow cylindrical rod that is fluidly connected to the opening 624 of the container 602 and configured to selectively provide a fluid connection between the exterior of the container 602 and the interior 640 of the container 602 to allow the fluid 642 to be transferred into the container 602. In some embodiments, the diameter or cross-sectional dimensions of the rod 608 may be smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimensions of the first end 604 or the second end 606 of the container 602, however this is not required. In some cases, the container 602 and / or the rod 608 may have a generally cylindrical shape. However, this is not required. The container 602 and / or the rod 608 may take any desired shape.

[0109] The port 610 can be connected to the stem 608 of the container 602 via a flexible tubing line 680. For example, a first end 682 of the flexible tubing line 680 can be fluidly coupled to the port 610, while a second end 684 of the line 680 is fluidly coupled to the container 602 via the stem 608. In some cases, the stem 608 can be omitted, so the flexible tubing line 680 is directly coupled to the opening 624 or other port in the container 602. The flexible tubing line 680 can be a separate component from the container 602 and / or the port 610, or can be formed as an integral structure with the container 602 and / or the port 610. The port 610 in combination with the stem 608 can selectively fluidly couple a fill bottle or water bottle with the container 602 to allow fluid to be transferred from the fill bottle to the interior 640 of the container 602. The port 610 can include a sealing ring 612, a cap 614, a biasing mechanism 616, and a housing 690. Each of the sealing ring 612, the cap 614, the biasing mechanism 616, and the housing 690 can be formed as separate components that are assembled together to form the port 610. Typically, the sealing ring 612 can be used in a closed configuration (eg, when the reservoir 600 is in use during endoscopic surgery) of the reservoir 600. Figure 7 ) and an open configuration (not explicitly shown) for refilling the reservoir 600. It is contemplated that the sealing ring 612 may be similar to that described with respect to Figure 6 It is contemplated that spacing the port 610 from the container 602 may allow the filling bottle to engage the port 610 prior to inverting the filling bottle, which may limit or eliminate spillage when the filling bottle is inverted.

[0110] The housing 690 extends from a first end or distal end 692 to a second end or proximal end 694. A housing rod 696 of reduced diameter may extend distally away from the first end 692 in a direction opposite to the second end 694 of the housing 690. Typically, the housing rod 696 may be a hollow cylindrical rod that is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 690 via an opening 698 and a flexible piping line 680 to selectively provide a fluid connection between the exterior of the container 602 and the interior 640 of the container 602 to allow the fluid 642 to be transferred into the container 602. In some embodiments, the diameter or cross-sectional dimensions of the housing rod 696 may be smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimensions of the first end 692 or the second end 694 of the housing 690, however this is not required. In some cases, the housing 690 and / or the housing rod 696 may have a generally cylindrical shape. However, this is not required. The housing 690 and / or the housing rod 696 may take any desired shape.

[0111] The sealing ring 612 extends from a first or distal end 618 to a second or proximal end 620. The hole 622 extends from the first end 618 of the sealing ring 612 to the second end 620. The hole 622 may have a generally circular cross-section and a diameter that is generally equal to or greater than the outer diameter (or cross-sectional dimension) of the housing stem 696, such that the housing stem 696 may be received within the hole 622. The hole 622 may be disposed around at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing stem 696. In some embodiments, an O-ring 626 or other sealing member may be disposed between the inner wall of the hole 622 and the outer surface of the housing stem 696. When so disposed, the O-ring 626 may provide a fluid seal between the housing stem 696 and the port 610. This may allow the container 602 to be pressurized. The O-ring 626 may be positioned in a groove or recess formed in the outer surface of the housing stem 696 to maintain the O-ring 626 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 612 is displaced, however this is not required. Alternatively, the O-ring 626 may be positioned in a groove or recess formed in the inner surface of the sealing ring 612 to maintain the O-ring 626 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 612 is displaced, however this is not required. The O-ring 626 may be positioned so that when the sealing ring is in the closed configuration ( Figure 7 ) or an open configuration (not explicitly shown), it provides an air-tight and fluid-tight connection between the sealing ring 612 and the housing rod 696. In other embodiments, the inner wall of the hole 622 may contact the outer surface of the housing rod 696 to form a fluid-tight seal.

[0112] The diameter of the hole 622 can decrease from a first diameter at the first end 618 to a second smaller diameter at an intermediate position 628 between the first end 618 and the second end 620 to form a tapered first end region 630. The diameter of the hole 622 can be substantially constant from the intermediate position 628 to the second end 620, but this is not required. It is contemplated that the diameter of the hole 622 can take any desired form. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter can taper or decrease in size from the first end 618 to the second end 620. The tapered first end region 630 can be configured to mate with an outer diameter or outer surface of the cap 614, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0113] The sealing ring 612 extends radially outward from the hole 622. The outer surface 632 of the sealing ring 612 may extend radially beyond the outermost range 634 of the cap 614 so that the first end surface 636 is configured to engage the mouth of the filling bottle. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 612 may be tapered and increase from the first end 618 to the second end 620. It is conceivable that the tapered outer diameter may form an airtight and liquid-tight connection with a filling bottle mouth diameter within a certain range, for example, by inserting the first end 618 of the sealing ring 612 into the mouth of the filling bottle so that the tapered outer diameter engages with the filling bottle mouth (not shown). However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 612 may be substantially constant, while in other embodiments, the outer diameter may decrease from the first end 618 to the second end 620.

[0114] The cap 614 may generally be in the shape of a truncated cone. For example, the diameter of the cap 614 may decrease from a first diameter adjacent to the first or distal end 638 to a second diameter adjacent to the second or proximal end 644. The slope of the outer surface 646 of the cap 614 may be substantially consistent with the slope of the tapered first end region 630 of the hole 622 of the sealing ring 612, so that when the sealing ring 612 is biased toward the cap 614, a fluid seal is formed between the sealing ring 612 and the cap 614. The cap 614 may be kept spaced distally from the housing rod 696 by the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 616 and / or the pressure within the interior 640 of the container 602. The tether 648 may extend between the second end 644 of the cap 614 and the interior of the housing 690. For example, the first end 650 of the tether 648 may be coupled to the second end 644 of the cap 614, and the second end 652 of the tether 648 may be positioned within the interior of the housing 690. The second end 652 of the tether 648 may include one or more radially extending elongated arms 654a, 654b (collectively, 654). The arms 654 may be in a first expanded configuration ( Figure 7The arms 654 can be deformed or moved between a collapsed configuration (shown) and a second collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown). The thickness of the arms 654 can be less than the diameter of the opening 698 of the housing 690 so that water and / or air can flow through the arms 654 and through the opening 698. For example, the arms 654 can have a generally rod-like shape, which can have different cross-sections (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal cross-sections). However, other shapes can also be used as desired.

[0115] In the expanded configuration, the arm 654 can extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tether 648. In some embodiments, the arm 654 can extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tether 648 in a "T-shaped" configuration, such as Figure 7 As shown. However, this is not required. The arm 654 can extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 648, which allows the width of the second end 652 of the tether 648 to be greater than the diameter of the opening 698 of the housing 690. In the collapsed configuration, the arm 654 can be biased toward the longitudinal axis of the tether 648 to reduce its outer profile. This allows the arm 654 to be inserted through the housing rod 696 and into the interior of the housing 690. When the compressive force is released, the arm 654 can return to the expanded first configuration. In the expanded configuration, the width of the arm 654 is greater than the inner diameter of the housing rod 696. Therefore, once the second end 652 of the tether 648 is inserted into the interior of the housing 690, the arm 654 of the tether 648 will prevent the cap 614 from being removed from the housing 690. For example, the arm 654 engages the inner surface of the housing 690 to prevent the cap 614 from being removed.

[0116] The biasing mechanism 616 can be positioned between the sealing ring 612 and the housing 690. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 616 can be positioned between the second end 620 of the sealing ring 612 and the first end 692 of the housing 690. The biasing mechanism 616 can be a spring or other mechanism configured to exert a distal force on the sealing ring 612. In some cases, the biasing mechanism 616 can be generally cylindrical and disposed about and radially spaced from the housing rod 696 of the housing 690. The biasing mechanism 616 can be configured to compress in response to a proximal force exerted on the sealing ring 612, which in turn allows the sealing ring 612 to move proximally, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0117] To assemble the port 610 with the housing 690, the O-ring 626 may be installed onto the housing stem 696 of the container 690 (or installed together with the sealing ring 612). The biasing mechanism 616 may then be placed around the housing stem 696. The second end of the biasing mechanism 616 may rest against the first end 692 of the housing 690. The sealing ring 612 may then be placed around the housing stem 696. The second end 620 of the sealing ring 612 may contact the first end of the biasing mechanism 616. The cap 614 may then be installed by inserting the second end 652 of the tether 648 through the housing stem 696 and into the interior of the housing 690. The second end 652 of the tether 648 engages the housing 690 and prevents the cap 614 from being separated from the container. In addition, the outer surface 646 of the cap 614 engages the tapered first end region 630 of the sealing ring 612 to secure the sealing ring 612 and the biasing mechanism 616 to the housing 690.

[0118] The reservoir 600 may include a gas inlet 660 and a water outlet 662 to be connected to a gas supply pipe and a water supply pipe. In some embodiments, the gas inlet 660 and / or the water outlet 662 may be one or more ports for connecting a gas supply line and / or a water supply line provided separately. In other embodiments, the gas inlet 660 and / or the water outlet 662 may be a part of a gas supply piping 664 or a water supply piping 670. For example, the reservoir 600 may be connected in a fluid-connected manner with a gas supply / alternative gas supply piping (or a gas supply piping) 664 and a lens cleaning supply / rinsing supply piping (or a water supply piping) 670. The gas supply piping 664 extends from the second end outside the reservoir 600 through a reservoir opening 668 at or near the first end 604 of the container 602. The shared gas supply piping 664 may terminate in the reservoir interval at or below the opening 668, but will not extend into the remaining fluid 642 in the container 602, as shown. However, in some cases, the gas supply piping 664 may extend into the fluid 642. For example, the opening 668 may be located at the bottom or side of the container 602 so that the shared gas supply piping 664 terminates in the fluid, wherein the gas bubbles upward through the fluid 642 to pressurize the container 602. A cavity extends through the gas supply piping 664 to receive a flow of air and / or gas therethrough. The cavity of the gas supply piping 664 is in operative fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 600. The water supply piping 670 extends from a second end outside the reservoir 600 through the reservoir opening 668, thereby terminating at a first end within the remaining fluid 642 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 602. In some embodiments, the water supply piping 670 may terminate at the opening 668. For example, when the opening 668 is located at or near the second end 606 of the container 602, a dip tube may not be required. The cavity extends through the water supply piping 670 to receive a flow of fluid therethrough. The lumen of the lens cleaning supply / rinsing supply tubing 670 is selectively operably fluidically connected to the bottom portion of the container 602. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply tubing 664 and the water supply tubing 670 may enter the container 602 through a single or common opening 668. For example, the gas supply tubing 664 and the water supply tubing 670 may be coaxially arranged, as shown. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply tubing 664 and the water supply tubing 670 may extend side by side or may be separately connected to the container 602 at different locations. The opening 668 may include a grommet, a heat seal, or other sealing mechanism configured to seal the container 602 around the tubing 664, 670 in a fluid and pressure-tight manner.

[0119] A portion of the gas supply tubing 664 and a portion of the lens cleaning supply tubing 670 may extend from the reservoir 600, respectively, and may be connected in fluid communication with the endoscope at the gas / lens cleaning connection 290 on the connector portion 265 of the umbilicus 260. Within the connector portion 265, the gas supply tubing 664 is connected in fluid communication with an air pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas supply line (not explicitly shown), and the lens cleaning supply tubing 670 is connected in fluid communication with a lens cleaning supply line (not explicitly shown). Although not explicitly shown, the flush supply tubing may be coupled to the water supply tubing 670 via a manifold to supply flush fluid from the reservoir 600, or a separate flush supply tubing may be provided. For example, the flush supply tubing (not shown) may extend from a second end external to the reservoir 600, through a reservoir opening (not shown), terminating in a first end within the remaining fluid 642 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 602.

[0120] It is contemplated that the reservoir 600 can be filled and refilled by displacing the sealing ring 612 proximally as needed. The reservoir 600 can be filled / refilled in a manner similar to the above-mentioned reservoir 500. The reservoir 600 can be refilled during surgery or between surgeries as needed. As needed, the water can be sterile or non-sterile. For example, sterile water can be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water can be used for diagnostic procedures. Since the outer surface of the connection port 610 is non-sterile, before filling / refilling and subsequent contact with sterile water, the exterior can be wiped with a disinfectant. It is contemplated that refilling the reservoir 600 with sterile or non-sterile water can create greater flexibility and reduce the need to store the same amount of sterile water. In addition, refilling the reservoir 600 via the port 610 can also eliminate the need to disconnect the reservoir 600 from the piping 664, 670 throughout the day, thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the possibility of cross contamination by eliminating the need to replace the water container.

[0121] In order to fill the container 602, the mouth of the filling bottle is placed on or above the sealing ring 612. The mouth of the filling bottle can be placed against the first end surface of the sealing ring 612 or against the tapered outer surface 632 of the sealing ring 612, depending on the size of the mouth. It is conceivable that the flexible piping line 680 can allow the filling bottle to remain upright until the mouth engages with the sealing ring 612. This can prevent or limit overflow from the filling bottle during the inverted filling bottle. Once engaged with the sealing ring 612, the filling bottle can be inverted and a proximal force is applied to the filling bottle, which compresses the biasing mechanism 616 and allows the sealing ring 612 to move toward the housing 690 proximally. When the container 602 is pressurized during use, the positive pressure inside the container 602 extends through the flexible piping line 680 to maintain the cap 614 in a fixed relationship with the housing 690. In other words, as the sealing ring 612 moves proximally, the cap 614 remains relatively stationary to define a gap between the outer surface 646 of the cap 614 and the tapered first end region 630. This gap allows water to flow downwardly along the flexible piping line 680 into the container 602 while air moves upwardly through the flexible piping line 680 into the filling bottle. As water continues to flow into the container 602, buoyancy maintains the cap 614 in a configuration spaced apart from the sealing ring 612. When the filling bottle is empty and / or when the container 602 is filled to a desired amount, the proximal force on the filling bottle can be removed. This eliminates the proximal force on the biasing mechanism 616, and the biasing mechanism 616 presses the sealing ring 612 distally until the sealing ring 612 engages the cap 614, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 In some cases, more than one filling bottle may be used to fill container 602.

[0122] Figure 8 A side view of a portion of another illustrative tether 700 is depicted. Tether 700 can be configured to extend between cap 514, 614 and container 502 and / or housing 690. For example, first end 702 of tether 700 can be coupled to cap 514, 614, and second end 704 of tether 700 can be positioned within the interior of container 502 and / or housing 690. Second end 704 of tether 700 can include one or more radially extending elongated arms 706a, 706b (collectively 706). Arms 706 can be in a first expanded configuration ( Figure 8 The arms 706 can be deformed or moved between a collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown) and a second collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown). The thickness of the arms 706 can be less than the diameter of the openings 524, 698 of the container 502 or housing 690 so that water and / or air can flow through the arms 706 and through the openings 524, 698. For example, the arms 706 can have a generally rod-like shape. However, other shapes can also be used as desired.

[0123] In the expanded configuration, the arm 706 can extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tether 700. In some embodiments, the arm 706 can extend at an angle to the free end of the tether 700, with the free end pointing toward the first end 702 of the tether 700 in an arrow or "V-shaped" configuration, such as Figure 7 As shown. However, this is not required. The arm 706 can extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 700, which allows the width of the second end 704 of the tether 700 to be greater than the diameter of the opening 524, 698 of the container 502 or the shell 690. In the collapsed configuration, the arm 706 can be biased toward the longitudinal axis of the tether 700 to reduce its outer profile. This allows the arm 706 to be inserted through the shell rod 696 and into the interior of the shell 690 or through the rod 508 and into the interior 540 of the container 502. When the compressive force is released, the arm 706 can return to the expanded first configuration. In the expanded configuration, the width of the arm 706 is greater than the inner diameter of the rod 508 or the shell rod 696. Therefore, once the second end 704 of the tether 700 is inserted into the interior of the shell 690, the arm 706 of the tether 700 will prevent the cap 514, 614 from being removed from the container 502 or the shell 690. For example, the arms 706 engage an interior surface of the container 502 or housing 690 to prevent the caps 514, 614 from being removed.

[0124] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a portion of another illustrative tether 800 is depicted. The tether 800 may be configured to extend between the cap 514, 614 and the container 502 and / or the housing 690. For example, the first end 802 of the tether 800 may be coupled to the cap 514, 614, and the second end 804 of the tether 800 may be positioned within the interior of the container 502 and / or the housing 690. The second end 804 of the tether 800 may include a ferrule 806 configured to be secured to the middle portion 808. The ferrule 806 may be a sheath configured to surround a portion of the middle portion 808. In some cases, the ferrule 808 may be made of a more rigid material than the middle portion 808, however this is not required. The ferrule 806 may include a generally closed connecting portion 810 and a free end 812. The connecting portion 810 may be coupled to the middle portion 808, while the free end 812 is not. The free end 812 may be in a first expanded configuration ( Figure 8 The free end 812 can move between a first collapsed configuration (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a second collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown). In some cases, the free end 812 can define a cavity 814 configured to receive the intermediate portion 808 when the ferrule 806 is in the collapsed configuration. The ferrule 806 can have a thickness less than the diameter of the opening 524, 698 of the container 502 or the housing 690, such that water and / or air can flow through the ferrule 806 and through the opening 524, 698.

[0125] In the expanded configuration, the ferrule 806 may extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tether 800. In some embodiments, the ferrule 806 may be substantially perpendicular to the middle portion 808. However, this is not required. The ferrule 806 may extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 800, which allows the width of the second end 804 of the tether 800 to be greater than the diameter of the opening 524, 698 of the container 502 or the shell 690. In the collapsed configuration, the free end 812 of the ferrule 806 may be biased toward the middle portion 808 of the tether 800 to reduce its outer profile. This allows the ferrule 806 to be inserted through the housing rod 696 and into the interior of the housing 690 or through the rod 508 and into the interior 540 of the container 502. When the compressive force is released, the ferrule 806 may return to the expanded first configuration. In the expanded configuration, the width of the ferrule 806 is greater than the inner diameter of the rod 508 or the housing rod 696. Thus, once the second end 804 of the tether 800 is inserted into the interior of the housing 690, the ferrule 806 of the tether 800 prevents the cap 514, 614 from being removed from the container 502 or the housing 690. For example, the ferrule 806 engages the interior surface of the container 502 or the housing 690 to prevent the cap 514, 614 from being removed.

[0126] As will be appreciated, the lengths of the flushing, lens cleaning, gas supply, and alternative gas supply tubing may have any suitable dimensions (e.g., diameters). Additionally, the dimensions (e.g., diameters) of the tubing may vary depending on the application. In one non-limiting embodiment, the flushing supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of 9.7 mm. The lens cleaning supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The gas supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm and an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. The alternative gas supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm.

[0127] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may 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 the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered merely exemplary, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0128] 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. Other examples of the way in which the disclosed principles are implemented will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art when reading the present invention.

[0129] In the description above and the claims below, the following should be understood. As used herein, the phrases "at least one", "one or more" and "and / or" are open expressions, which are both conjunctions and non-conjunctions in operation. The term "one" entity used herein refers to one or more of the entities. Therefore, the terms "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 readers understand the present invention, and / or for distinguishing the regions of related elements from each other, and do not limit related 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 interpreted broadly, and may include intermediate members between element sets and relative movement between elements. In this regard, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and are in a fixed relationship with 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.

[0130] The above discussion is presented for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the present invention to the form disclosed herein. It should be understood that various supplements, 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 or scope or characteristics. For example, in order to simplify the present invention, various features of the present invention are combined together in one or more aspects, embodiments or forms. However, it should be understood that various features of certain aspects, embodiments or forms of the present invention may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments or forms. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be used with many changes to the structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, components and other components used in the practice of the present invention, which are particularly suitable for specific environments and operational requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. For example, an element shown as being formed as a whole may be composed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts that may be formed as a whole, the operation of the element may be reversed or otherwise changed, the size or dimensions of the element may be changed, and the 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.

[0131] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description by such reference, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment of the present invention. In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. In addition, although listed separately, multiple modes, 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 the combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude pluralities. The terms "one", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude multiples. The reference symbols in the claims are provided only as examples of clarification and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A reservoir arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for use in endoscopic surgery, the reservoir comprising: a container configured to contain a fluid therein, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving the fluid; Water outlet; Gas inlet; as well as A port, the port comprising: a sealing ring defining a bore extending from a first end to a second end of the sealing ring, the bore being in fluid communication with the opening in the container; a cap positioned adjacent the first end of the bore of the sealing ring; and A biasing mechanism is disposed between the container and the sealing ring.

2. The reservoir of claim 1 , wherein the water outlet comprises a water supply tube comprising a first end, a second end, and a first cavity extending therethrough, wherein the first cavity is in fluid communication with a bottom portion of the container, and the second end of the water supply tube is positioned outside of the container; and wherein the gas inlet comprises a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending therethrough, wherein the second lumen is in operable fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the gas supply tube is positioned outside of the container.

3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the sealing ring away from the first end of the container.

4. A reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing ring is movable between a first form configured to fluidly seal the opening in the container and a second form configured to provide a fluid path from outside the container and through the hole of the sealing ring and the opening in the container.

5. A container according to claim 4, wherein when in the second configuration, the sealing ring is pressed towards the first end of the container.

6. The reservoir of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a tether extending between the interior of the container and the cap.

7. The reservoir of claim 6, wherein the tether comprises a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the interior of the container.

8. A reservoir according to claim 7, wherein the second end of the tether is deformable between a first expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

9. The reservoir of claim 10, wherein when the second end of the tether is in the first expanded configuration, the width of the second end of the tether is greater than the width of the opening in the container; and Wherein when the second end of the tether is in the second collapsed state, the width of the second end of the tether is smaller than the width of the opening in the container.

10. The reservoir of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the sealing ring into the cap.

11. The reservoir of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the diameter of the aperture of the sealing ring is substantially constant from the second end to a mid-position and increases from the mid-position to the first end to form a tapered first end region.

12. The reservoir of claim 11, wherein the outer diameter of the cap is tapered and configured to mate with a tapered first end region of the aperture of the sealing ring.

13. A reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the reduced diameter rod comprises a hollow cylindrical rod.

14. A reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the container.

15. A system comprising a reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a filling bottle having a mouth, wherein the mouth is configured to engage a surface of the sealing ring along a periphery beyond an outermost extent of the cap.

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