Fluid path for endoscope valve

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for gas and water valve assemblies for medical devices are disclosed. The valve assembly includes a bonnet and a stem having a central cavity that travels from an air inlet in a sidewall of the stem to an air hole of the bonnet. Improvements to the valve include adding an air outlet cavity, adding a seal to the air outlet cavity, and / or adding directional ribs to the water flow seal.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 520,808, filed August 21, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to valve assemblies and methods, and more particularly to air-water supply valve assemblies and methods for endoscopes. Background Technology

[0003] A wide variety of intraoperative medical devices and systems have been developed for medical applications, such as endoscopic surgery. Some of these devices and systems include guidewires, catheters, catheter systems, endoscopic instruments, etc. These devices and systems are manufactured using any of a wide variety of different manufacturing methods and can be used according to any of these methods. Each of these medical devices, systems, and methods is known to have certain advantages and disadvantages. There is currently a need to provide alternative medical devices and systems, as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and using these medical devices and systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides designs, materials, manufacturing methods, and alternatives for use in medical devices and medical systems. In a first example, a valve assembly for a medical device includes a valve body having an air inlet passage, an air outlet passage, a water inlet passage, and a water outlet passage; a valve cap having an air vent; and a valve stem connected to the valve cap and configured to translate within the valve body between an upper position and a lower position. The valve stem includes an air inlet, a central cavity extending from the air inlet of the valve stem to the air vent of the valve cap, and an air outlet cavity extending from the central cavity to a side wall of the valve stem. The air outlet cavity is configured to be in fluid communication with the air outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally, the valve may also include an outlet seal in the outlet chamber, the seal being configured to extend into the outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position, and to move with the outlet chamber when the valve stem is translated from the upper position to the lower position without impeding the movement of the valve stem. The outlet seal may be a wiperseal seal.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the outlet seal is a flexible seal formed of a material with a hardness less than that of the material forming the valve stem.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve may also include an upper seal that extends circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position located above the outlet chamber and below the valve cap, the upper seal having a scraper flange that contacts the valve body when the valve stem is positioned within the valve body.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve may also include an intermediate seal that extends circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position located below the outlet chamber and above the inlet port, the intermediate seal having a scraper flange that contacts the valve body when the valve stem is in the lower position within the valve body.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve may also include a lower seal extending circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position below the air inlet. The lower seal has a first scraper flange and a second scraper flange positioned such that when the valve stem is in the upper position within the valve body, the second scraper flange is positioned above the inlet passage of the valve body and contacts the valve body to impede water flow between the inlet and outlet passages; and when the valve stem is in the lower position within the valve body, the first scraper flange is positioned above the inlet and outlet passages of the valve body and contacts the valve body to impede water flow within the valve body above the lower seal, while the second scraper flange is positioned below the inlet and outlet passages of the valve body to allow water flow between the inlet and outlet passages.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, for any of the above examples, at least one seal surrounding the valve stem may be a flexible seal formed of a material with a hardness less than that of the material forming the valve stem.

[0011] In another example, a valve assembly for a medical device may include a valve body having an air inlet passage, an air outlet passage, a water inlet passage, and a water outlet passage; a valve cap having an air vent; and a valve stem connected to the valve cap and configured to translate within the valve body between an upper position and a lower position. The valve stem may include an air inlet, a central cavity extending from the air inlet in the valve stem to an air vent in the valve cap, and a lower seal extending circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position below the air inlet. The lower seal may include a first scraper flange, a second scraper flange located below the first scraper flange, and a sealing body located between the first and second scraper flanges. The sealing body includes ribbed surfaces configured to guide water flow through the sealing body in a preferred rotational direction. The lower seal can be positioned on the valve stem such that when the valve stem is in the upper position within the valve body, the second scraper flange is positioned above the inlet passage of the valve body and contacts the valve body to impede water flow between the inlet and outlet passages; and when the valve stem is in the lower position within the valve body, the first scraper flange is positioned above the inlet and outlet passages of the valve body and contacts the valve body to impede water flow within the valve body above the lower seal, while the second scraper flange is positioned below the inlet and outlet passages of the valve body to allow water flow between the inlet and outlet passages.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve stem also includes an external recess such that when the valve stem is in the upper position within the valve body, a passage is formed between the stem and the valve body to allow airflow between the intake passage and the outlet passage.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve stem may also include an outlet chamber extending from the central cavity to the side wall of the valve stem, the outlet chamber being configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve assembly may also include an outlet seal in the outlet chamber, the seal being configured to extend into the outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position, and to move together with the outlet chamber when the valve stem is translated from the upper position to the lower position without impeding the movement of the valve stem.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve assembly may also include an upper seal extending circumferentially around the valve stem, the upper seal having a scraper flange that contacts the valve body at an axial position below the valve cap and above the vent passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position within the valve body.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve assembly may also include an intermediate seal that extends circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position above the air inlet, the intermediate seal having a scraper flange that contacts the valve body when the valve stem is in a lower position within the valve body.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, for any of the above examples, at least one seal surrounding the valve stem may be a flexible seal formed of a material with a hardness less than that of the material forming the valve stem.

[0018] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, in which the scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram depicts the components of an illustrative endoscope.

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the components of an illustrative endoscope system is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of an illustrative supply valve is depicted.

[0023] Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative supply valve is depicted, with the valve in a first configuration.

[0024] Figure 3B A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative supply valve is depicted, in which the valve is in a second configuration.

[0025] Figure 3C A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative supply valve is depicted, in which the valve is in a third configuration.

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative valve stem with an exhaust chamber is depicted.

[0027] Figure 5A A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative valve stem with an outlet chamber and an outlet seal is depicted.

[0028] Figure 5B and Figure 5C An illustrative side view of a valve stem with an outlet seal is depicted.

[0029] Figure 5DA top-view perspective view depicting an illustrative valve stem with markings for the vent chamber and vent seal.

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative valve stem with an expanded external recess is depicted.

[0031] Figure 7 An illustrative side view of a valve stem with a lower seal having a ribbed surface is depicted.

[0032] While the invention is adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, its specific details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to limit its aspects to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The invention will now be described with reference to illustrative medical systems that can be used in endoscopic medical procedures. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts upon which the disclosed apparatus and related methods of use are based can be used in any suitable procedure, medicine, or other field. The invention can be understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are referred to by like reference numerals.

[0034] All numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether or not explicitly stated. In the context of numerical values, the term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the referenced value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure. Unless otherwise specified, the term "about" (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) may be assumed to have its common and customary definition, as understood and consistent with the context of this specification.

[0035] A description of a range of numbers represented by an endpoint includes all numbers within that range (including the endpoint) (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). While some suitable dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​for various components, characteristics, and / or specifications are disclosed, those skilled in the art to whom this invention relates will understand that desired dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​can be derived from those explicitly disclosed.

[0036] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless otherwise expressly indicated. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used in the sense of including “and / or” unless otherwise expressly indicated. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, certain features of the invention may be described in the singular, even if those features may be plural or repeated in the disclosed embodiments. Each instance of a feature may include and / or contain the singular disclosure unless expressly stated otherwise. For simplicity and clarity, not all elements of the invention will necessarily be shown in every figure or discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, the following discussion can equally apply to any and / or all of the more than one component. Additionally, for clarity, not all cases of certain elements or features may be not shown in each figure.

[0037] It should be noted that references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, the use of that specific feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, whether explicitly described or not, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a specific combination, can still be considered as being combinable or arranged to form other additional embodiments, or to supplement and / or enrich the described embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0038] For clarity, a distinctive numerical designation (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the specification and / or claims to name and / or distinguish various described and / or claimed features. It should be understood that the numerical designation is not intended to be limiting and is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, for brevity and clarity, the numerical designation may be modified and deviated from previously used. That is, a feature identified as a “first” element may later be referred to as a “second” element, a “third” element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be referred to as a “first” element. The meaning and / or name in each case will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0039] The detailed description is intended to illustrate, and not limit, the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 The illustrative endoscope 100 is described, and Figure 2 An illustrative endoscope system 200 is depicted. The endoscope 100 may include an elongated tube or shaft 100a configured for insertion into a subject (e.g., a patient).

[0041] The light source 205 of the endoscope system 200 can feed illumination light to the distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100. The distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100 can house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) can be located 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 can also serve as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air pump, within the unit 210.

[0042] The endoscope axis 100a may include a distal tip 100c (e.g., a distal tip unit) disposed at a distal portion 100b of the axis 100a, and a flexible bend 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible bend 105 may include a hinge joint (not shown) to assist in the rotation of the distal tip 100c. On the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 is a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to irrigate the patient's interior in the treatment area and for supplying water to clean the lens covering the imager. An irrigation opening 225 in the end face 100d supplies irrigation fluid to the patient's treatment area. The end face 100d of the distal tip 100c may also include an illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the axis 100a for passing tools to the treatment area. The working channel 235 can extend along axis 100a to the proximal channel opening 110 located distal to the operating handle 115 (e.g., proximal handle) of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 can be used to seal the channel opening 110 to prevent accidental fluid leakage.

[0043] The operating handle 115 may be provided with a knob 125 for providing remote four-way steering to the distal end via a wire connected to a hinged joint in the 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.

[0044] Handle 115 may be provided with a dual-valve position 135. One of the valve positions 135 may receive an air / water valve 140 for operating the blow-in gas and lens water supply. Gas supply line 240a and lens cleaning supply line 245a travel distally from the air / water valve 140 along axis 100a and converge at the distal tip 100c proximal to the gas / cleaning nozzle 220. Figure 2 ).

[0045] Another valve position 135 can receive a suction valve 145 for suction operation. The suction supply line 250a can travel distally from the suction valve 145 along the axis 100a to a junction in fluid communication with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0046] The operating handle 115 can be electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilicus 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilicus 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) supply line 240b, a lens cleaning supply line 245b, a suction supply line 250b, an irrigation supply line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). The connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 in the video processing unit to the light guide when inserted into the video processing unit 210. The light guide travels along the length of the umbilicus 260 and the endoscope axis 100a to transmit light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The connector portion 265 also connects an air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b in the umbilicus 260 when the video processing unit 210 is inserted.

[0047] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) can be fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 via connector portion 265 and umbilical tube 260. A length of gas supply tubing 240c extends from one end positioned in an air gap 275 (between the top 280 of the reservoir 270 (e.g., a bottle cap) and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir) to a detachable gas / lens cleaning connector 290 outside connector portion 265. A gas supply line 240b from umbilical tube 260 branches in connector portion 265 to fluidly communicate with the gas supply tubing 240c at the detachable gas / lens cleaning connector 290 and the air pump 215. When the gas supply tubing 240c is on connector portion 265, a length of lens cleaning tubing 245c, one end positioned at the bottom of the reservoir 270, can extend from the top 280 of the reservoir to the same detachable connector 290. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or isolated from each other. Connector portion 265 may also have a detachable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply piping (not shown) traveling from an irrigation water source (not shown) to the irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260. In some embodiments, irrigation water may be supplied from a water source (not shown) independent of the water reservoir 270 via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In other embodiments, the irrigation supply piping and lens cleaning piping 245c may obtain water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a detachable suction connection 295 for fluidly connecting a vacuum source (e.g., hospital central aspiration) (not shown) to the umbilicus 260 and the aspiration supply lines 250b and 250a of the endoscope 100.

[0048] Gas supply line 240b and lens cleaning supply line 245b are fluidly connected to valve position 135 of gas / water valve 140 and are configured such that the operation control of the gas / water valve in the well controls the supply of gas or lens cleaning fluid to the distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to valve position 135 of suction valve 145 and is configured such that the operation control of suction valve 145 in the well is applied to suction through the working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0049] exist Figure 3 And in Figures 3A to 3C An example of a removable air / water valve 300 is shown. The valve cap 302 includes a vent 304 and a spring member 306. The valve stem 308 includes a central cavity 310 connected to the vent 304 and the air inlet 312.

[0050] Valve 300 is inserted into valve body 330, as described above and in Figure 1 and Figure 2One of the positions 135 shown. Valve body 330 is sized and shaped to receive the stem 308 of valve 300, and employs alternative valve designs (including each of those shown and described below). Valve body 330 includes an inlet passage 332 that communicates with the gas source described above in relation to gas supply line 240a. Similarly, outlet passage 334 communicates with gas supply line 240b.

[0051] Figure 3A The diagram shows the valve in its open position when the exhaust port 304 is not blocked, with air passing through the intake port 312, moving upwards along the central cavity 310, and being discharged into the room. Figure 3B A second configuration of the valve is shown, in which the vent 304 is blocked. In some embodiments, a user can place a finger on the vent 304. In other embodiments, a baffle or other device may also be included to be placed on the vent 304. When the vent 304 is blocked, air instead flows through a path defined by the external recess 314 in the valve stem 308 and the inner sidewall of the valve body 330. Air passes through the inlet passage 332, through the outlet passage 334, and into the endoscope for inflation, as described herein.

[0052] Seals 320a-c surround the valve stem 308 along its length and each includes one or two wiper flanges configured to impede fluid flow when stationary without hindering vertical movement of the valve 300 within the valve body 330. The upper seal 320a is positioned below the valve cap 302 and above the outer recess 314, thereby impeding flow in the valve well above the outlet passage 334. The intermediate seal 320b intersects the outer recess 314 in the valve stem 308, but is positioned when the valve 300 is in a position... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The upper position shown does not obstruct airflow. The lower seal 320c includes two scraper flanges.

[0053] Valve body 330 also includes an inlet passage 336 connected to a water supply device and an outlet passage 338 connected to a water supply line located at the lowest part of the valve well. When valve 300 is in such a state... Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the upper position shown, the lower one of the two scraper flanges of the lower seal 320c is located above the water inlet passage 336, thereby preventing water from continuing to flow upward along the valve well or into the water outlet passage 338.

[0054] Figure 3CThe third configuration is shown, in which valve 300 is positioned at a lower position within valve body 330. A downward force on valve cap 302 achieves and maintains this position; when valve cap 302 is released, spring member 306 returns valve 300 to its previous position. In this configuration, the outer recess 314 is no longer aligned with the air inlet 332 and air outlet 334 in valve body 330. Intermediate seal 320b sits along the inner wall of valve body 330 to impede airflow above air inlet 334. In this configuration, the two scraper flanges of lower seal 320c are positioned above outlet passage 338 and below inlet passage 336, thereby creating an annular passage between valve stem 308 and valve body 330, through which water can flow from inlet passage 336 to outlet passage 338. After the downward force is released and valve cap 302 returns to its previous position, lower seal 320c is repositioned to prevent further water from entering the supply line through the annular passage.

[0055] Figure 4 Valve 400 is shown, which has similar features to valve 300, but with one significant change: an outlet chamber 414 connected to the central chamber 310. When the exhaust port 304 is blocked, as... Figure 3B In the second configuration shown, air is no longer diverted to the outer recess but flows through the inlet 312, upwards through the central cavity 310, and out of the outlet cavity 414 to enter the outlet passage 334. Since the diversion point of the airflow is closer downstream, increasing the outlet cavity 414 reduces the delay between blocking the outlet 304 and the blow-in. Furthermore, the inner cavity 414 can have a larger cross-section transverse to the flow than the outer recess, thereby achieving a larger flow volume without unduly increasing air pressure.

[0056] Figures 5A to 5D A valve 500 is shown, which has a modified outlet path 414, but further includes a seal 518 inserted within the outlet path 414 for a more secure connection to the valve well passage and the associated air supply line. The seal 518 may be made of a resilient material, and the outer lip may be shaped as a wiper seal to allow the valve 500 to move up and down along the valve well. Figure 5D As shown, a mark 522 can be added to the valve cap 302 so that the valve 500 is placed in the well of the valve body 330 and the vent chamber 414 with the seal 518 is aligned with the vent passage 332 and the air supply line.

[0057] Figure 6Valve 600 is shown, which has features similar to valve 300 described above, but with a thinner profile corresponding to the increased external recess 614, thereby providing a wider passage for air to travel between inlet 332 and outlet 334. In some embodiments, the recess reflects variations in the cross-sectional diameter of the rod 308 in all orientations to maintain rotational symmetry. For example, where the inner wall of valve body 330 has a diameter of 9.5 mm, and the rod of valve 300 as described above has a diameter of 6.8 mm at the same axial location, valve 600 instead has a diameter of 3 mm at the same point. Thus, the recess 614 has a width of 3.25 mm on each side, allowing for a significantly greater airflow during purging.

[0058] Figure 7 Valve 700 is shown, which has features similar to valve 300 described above, but with a lower seal 720c having a ribbed surface to better guide water flow. Water entering the annular passage from inlet 336 is influenced by the shape of seal 720c to flow around the central portion of valve stem 308 in a specific direction, such as counterclockwise, to flow out via outlet 338. Other shapes and sizes of the seal's textured features are also possible depending on the water supply requirements described above.

[0059] Although described as a separate valve design, it should be understood that... Figure 7 The modification of the seal 720c shown can be incorporated into the relevant Figures 4 to 6 Modifications are applicable to any of valves 400, 500, or 600 as described herein. Modifications are not limited to valve 300 as described herein; those skilled in the art will recognize that other valves can be modified based on the improvements described herein.

[0060] The valve stem 308 can be coupled to the cap 302 in any suitable manner. In some cases, a portion of the valve stem 308 extending proximal to the vent 304 (e.g., a proximal portion) can be coupled to the cap 302 via one or more suitable coupling mechanisms. Examples of suitable coupling mechanisms include, but are not limited to, adhesives, threaded connections, Luer lock connections, snap-fit ​​connections, ball-pawl connectors, friction fits, and / or additional or alternative coupling mechanisms.

[0061] The valve stem 308 can have any suitable configuration, which is configured to adjust its position within the valve well, adjust the flow path to the air and water supply and supply, and connect to the cap 302.

[0062] Valves 300, 400, 500, 600, or 700 can be formed in any suitable manner. In some cases, although not required, valves 300, 400, 500, 600, or 700 can be formed using molding processes, injection molding processes, casting processes, finishing processes, grinding, and / or by or using one or more additional or alternative manufacturing techniques. In an illustrative example, valves 300, 400, 500, 600, or 700 can be formed using an injection molding process.

[0063] The valve stem 308 and seals 320a-c and 518 can be formed of any suitable material. In some cases, the valve stem 308 can be formed of a first material, and the seals 320a-c and 518 can be formed of a second material, wherein the second material may be the same as or different from the first material. The valve stem 308 can be formed of a rigid or stiff polymer, and the seals 320a-c and 518 can be formed of a flexible polymer, but this is not required. In one example, the valve stem 308 can be formed of one or more of metal, polymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, and / or other suitable materials. In another example, the seals 320a-c and 518 can be formed of one or more of polymer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), liquid silicone rubber (LSR), and / or other suitable materials.

[0064] The materials for seals 320a-c and 518 can have any suitable hardness. In one example, the materials for seals 320a-c and 518, when formed on valve stem 308, can have a hardness in the range of about 20-80 Shore A, about 30-60 Shore A, and / or other suitable values ​​in one or more other suitable hardness ranges, but can also be softer or harder depending on the geometry of the seal and the amount of interference required for the inner wall of valve body 330. In one example, seals 320a-c and 518 can be formed of silicone resin with a hardness in the range of 40 to 50 Shore A, but this is not required.

[0065] It should be understood that the present invention is illustrative in many respects only. Changes may be made in details, particularly in terms of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without departing from the scope of the invention. To the appropriate extent, this may include the use of any of the features of an exemplary embodiment used in other embodiments. Of course, the scope of the invention is defined by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for a medical device, comprising: The valve body has an air inlet passage, an air outlet passage, a water inlet passage, and a water outlet passage; A valve cap with vent holes; as well as A valve stem, connected to the valve cap and configured to translate within the valve body between an upper and a lower position, the valve stem comprising: air intake, A central cavity extending from the air inlet of the valve stem to the air hole of the valve cap, and An outlet chamber extending from the central cavity to the side wall of the valve stem is configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: An outlet seal in the outlet chamber is configured to extend into the outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position, and to move together with the outlet chamber when the valve stem is translated from the upper position to the lower position without obstructing the movement of the valve stem.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outlet seal is a scraper seal.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outlet seal is a flexible seal, and the hardness of the material forming it is less than the hardness of the material forming the valve stem.

5. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: An upper seal extends circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position located above the air outlet chamber and below the valve cap. The upper seal has a scraper flange that contacts the valve body when the valve stem is positioned within the valve body.

6. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: An intermediate seal extends circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position located below the air outlet and above the air inlet. The intermediate seal has a scraper flange that contacts the valve body when the valve stem is located in the lower position within the valve body.

7. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A lower seal extends circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position below the air inlet, the lower seal having a first scraper flange and a second scraper flange, the first scraper flange and the second scraper flange being positioned such that: When the valve stem is located in the upper position within the valve body, the second scraper flange is located above the water inlet passage of the valve body and contacts the valve body to obstruct the water flow between the water inlet passage and the water outlet passage; as well as When the valve stem is located in the lower position within the valve body, the first scraper flange is positioned above and in contact with the valve body's inlet and outlet passages to impede water flow within the valve body above the lower seal. Simultaneously, the second scraper flange is positioned below the valve body's inlet and outlet passages to allow water flow between the inlet and outlet passages.

8. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least one seal surrounding the valve stem is a flexible seal, the hardness of which is less than the hardness of the material forming the valve stem.

9. A valve assembly for a medical device, comprising: The valve body has an air inlet passage, an air outlet passage, a water inlet passage, and a water outlet passage; A valve cap with vent holes; as well as A valve stem, connected to the valve cap and configured to translate within the valve body between an upper and a lower position, the valve stem comprising: air intake, A central cavity extending from the air inlet of the valve stem to the air hole of the valve cap, and A lower seal extending circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position below the air inlet, the lower seal comprising: First scraper flange The second scraper flange located below the first scraper flange, and A sealing body located between the first scraper flange and the second scraper flange, the sealing body including a ribbed surface configured to guide water flow through the sealing body in a preferred rotational direction; The lower seal is positioned on the valve stem such that: When the valve stem is in the upper position within the valve body, the second scraper flange is positioned above the inlet passage of the valve body and contacts the valve body to impede water flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage; and When the valve stem is located in the lower position within the valve body, the first scraper flange is positioned above and in contact with the valve body's inlet and outlet passages to impede water flow within the valve body above the lower seal. Simultaneously, the second scraper flange is positioned below the valve body's inlet and outlet passages to allow water flow between the inlet and outlet passages.

10. The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the valve stem further comprises an external recess such that when the valve stem is located in the upper position within the valve body, a passage is formed between the stem and the valve body to allow airflow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

11. The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the valve stem further comprises an outlet chamber extending from the central cavity to a side wall of the valve stem, the outlet chamber being configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position.

12. The valve assembly of claim 11, further comprising: An outlet seal in the outlet chamber is configured to extend into the outlet passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position, and to move together with the outlet chamber when the valve stem is translated from the upper position to the lower position without obstructing the movement of the valve stem.

13. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising: An upper seal extending circumferentially around the valve stem has a scraper flange that contacts the valve body at an axial position below the valve cap and above the vent passage of the valve body when the valve stem is in the upper position within the valve body.

14. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising: An intermediate seal extends circumferentially around the valve stem at an axial position above the air inlet, the intermediate seal having a scraper flange that contacts the valve body when the valve stem is in the lower position within the valve body.

15. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein at least one seal surrounding the valve stem is a flexible seal, the hardness of which is less than the hardness of the material forming the valve stem.

Images