Devices, systems, and methods for preventing siphoning in a system for supplying fluid to an endoscope

Abstract

Methods and systems for providing fluid flow to an endoscope. An illustrative container and tube set arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope can include a container configured to hold a fluid, a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, and a fluid flow control assembly positioned in series with the water supply tube. The fluid flow control assembly can be configured to selectively control fluid flow through the water supply tube. The fluid flow control assembly can be configured to allow fluid flow in response to an opening pressure.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 595,531, filed November 2, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to medical fluid containers and methods, and more specifically to a container and tubing assembly for supplying fluids and / or gases to an endoscope. Background Technology

[0003] As is customary, endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians can use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing out debris, cleaning optics, and inflating the working lumen. For example, sterile water can be used to irrigate the working lumen during the procedure. Furthermore, during endoscopic procedures, the video lens located at the distal end of the endoscope, used for navigation and visualization of target tissue, can be easily contaminated with blood, mucus, and other debris. To generate lens cleaning, a connector is attached to the endoscope's umbilical cord via a tubing kit. The tubing kit delivers air from the endoscope's umbilical cord to a water container or pressure vessel. A suction tube within this container or pressure vessel is in fluid contact with water and is connected to the connector. This allows pressure to be built into the water bottle or pressure vessel to deliver water along the tubing to the distal end of the endoscope, thereby cleaning the endoscope lens. Tubing kits used to provide irrigation and / or lens cleaning fluids can typically be used for a 24-hour period across multiple endoscopic procedures. However, the same endoscope is not used for multiple patients and must be changed between procedures. At the end of the procedure, the connector is disconnected from the umbilical cord. Residual water in the tubing kit may spill onto the floor upon disconnection. Additionally, residual pressure in the connector or pressure vessel can create a siphon vacuum, causing all water in the container / pressure vessel to spill onto the floor via the tubing kit.

[0004] Incorporating means to prevent water leaks and / or siphoning can prevent users from cleaning water on the floor, prevent damage to capital equipment near or below pipe connectors, or eliminate the need for users to prepare additional water containers or refill them for the next procedure. It is likely desirable to prevent water from siphoning and / or leaking from water bottles and / or pipe kits after the procedure. With these factors in mind, improvements to this disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure is provided to aid understanding, and those skilled in the art will understand that each of the aspects and features of this disclosure can be advantageously used alone in some cases or in combination with other aspects and features of this disclosure in others. The scope of the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited by including or omitting elements, components, etc., in this disclosure. Therefore, while this disclosure is presented in relation to aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that each aspect can be claimed individually or in combination with aspects and features of that embodiment or any other embodiment.

[0006] In a first embodiment, a container and tubing kit arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for use in endoscopic surgery may include: a container configured to contain fluid; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, wherein the first lumen is in selective fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the water supply tube is positioned outside the container; a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, wherein the second lumen is in operative fluid communication with the first container, and the second end of the first gas supply tube is positioned outside the first container; and a fluid flow control assembly positioned in series with the water supply tube, the fluid flow control assembly being configured to selectively control fluid flow through the water supply tube. The fluid flow control assembly may be configured to allow fluid flow in response to an opening pressure.

[0007] In another example, replacing or supplementing any of the examples above, the opening pressure may be greater than the pressure head of the fluid inside the container.

[0008] In another example, alternative to or in addition to any of the examples above, the fluid flow control component may be connected to the first end of the water supply pipe.

[0009] In another example, alternative to or in addition to any of the examples above, the fluid flow control component may be connected near the second end of the water supply pipe.

[0010] In another example, alternative to or in addition to any of the examples above, the fluid flow control component may be located between the first end and the second end of the water supply pipe.

[0011] In another example, alternative to or in addition to any of the examples above, the fluid flow control component may be mounted on the water supply pipe.

[0012] In a different example, alternative to or in addition to any of the examples above, the fluid flow control assembly may include: a first body member; a valve housing; a lumen extending through the first body member and the valve housing; and a valve extending across the lumen and disposed between the body portion and the valve housing.

[0013] In another example, instead of or in addition to any of the examples above, the valve may include one or more openings extending through it.

[0014] In another example, instead of or in addition to any of the examples above, the valve may include a flexible slit valve.

[0015] In another example, instead of or in addition to any of the examples above, the fluid flow control component may further include a second body component.

[0016] In another example, alternative to or in addition to any of the examples above, the valve housing may be disposed between the first body member and the second body member.

[0017] In a different example, alternative to or in addition to any of the examples above, a first end of the fluid flow control assembly may be connected to a first section of the water supply pipe and a first section of the gas supply pipe, and a second end of the fluid flow control assembly may be connected to a second section of the water supply pipe and a second section of the gas supply pipe.

[0018] In a different example, alternative to or supplementing any of the examples above, the fluid flow control assembly may include: a valve housing defining a cavity; and one or more biasing mechanisms disposed within the cavity. The one or more biasing mechanisms may be configured to apply a biasing force to the wall of the water supply pipe to move the wall radially inward.

[0019] In another example, alternative to or supplementing any of the examples above, the valve housing may include a flexible inner diaphragm. This flexible inner diaphragm may be positioned against the water supply pipe.

[0020] In another example, instead of or in addition to any of the examples above, the one or more biasing mechanisms may include a spring.

[0021] In another example, a container and tubing kit arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for use in endoscopic surgery may include: a container configured to contain fluid; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, wherein the first lumen is in selective fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the water supply tube is positioned outside the container; a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, wherein the second lumen is in operative fluid communication with the first container, and the second end of the first gas supply tube is positioned outside the first container; and a fluid flow control assembly positioned in series with the water supply tube. A fluid flow control assembly may include: a body member having a first end region and a second end region, the first end region having a first external dimension and the second end region having a second external dimension smaller than the first external dimension; a valve housing fastened to the second end region of the body member; a lumen extending through the first body member and the valve housing; and a valve extending across the lumen and disposed between the body portion and the valve housing. The fluid flow control assembly may be configured to allow fluid flow in response to an opening pressure.

[0022] In another example, instead of or in addition to any of the examples above, the valve may include one or more openings extending through it.

[0023] In another example, instead of or in addition to any of the examples above, the one or more openings may include a single slit, one or more cross-shaped or "x"-shaped slits, snowflake-shaped slits, or a resealable hole.

[0024] In another example, a container and tubing kit arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for use in endoscopic surgery may include: a container configured to contain fluid; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, wherein the first lumen is in selective fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the water supply tube is positioned outside the container; a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, wherein the second lumen is in operative fluid communication with the first container, and the second end of the first gas supply tube is positioned outside the first container; and a fluid flow control assembly positioned in series with the water supply tube. The fluid flow control assembly may include: a first body member; a second body member; a valve housing fixed between the first body member and the second body member; a third cavity extending from a first end to a second end of the fluid flow control assembly, the third cavity being in selective fluid communication with a first cavity of a water supply pipe; a fourth cavity extending from the first end to the second end of the fluid flow control assembly, the fourth cavity being in fluid communication with a second cavity of a gas supply pipe; and a valve extending across the third cavity and disposed between the first body portion and the valve housing. The fluid flow control assembly may be configured to allow fluid flow in response to an opening pressure.

[0025] In a different example than or in addition to any of the examples above, the fluid flow control component may be configured to be positioned between a first end of the water supply pipe and a second end of the gas supply pipe.

[0026] These and other features and advantages of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the claimed invention being set forth in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included and form part of this specification, and the drawings, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

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

[0029] Figure 2 The components of an endoscope system are described, including an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water reservoir, and a piping assembly for the delivery of air and lens cleaning fluid.

[0030] Figure 3 Another illustrative endoscope system with an alternative fluid supply system is described;

[0031] Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the flow control components;

[0032] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Flow control components in Figure 4A A cross-sectional view taken at line 4B-4B;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow control assembly in Figure 4, which is connected to the illustrative connector for connecting the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply line to the gas / lens cleaning connector on the connector portion.

[0034] Figure 6A This is a three-dimensional view of another illustrative flow control component;

[0035] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Flow control components in Figure 6A A cross-sectional view taken at line 6B-6B;

[0036] Figure 7A A schematic side view depicting an illustrative fluid reservoir having another illustrative flow control component in either a first or open configuration; and

[0037] Figure 7B Depicting with Figure 7A A schematic side view of an illustrative fluid reservoir in the second or closed configuration of a flow control assembly.

[0038] While this disclosure can be modified and alternatively made in various ways, its details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This disclosure will now be described with reference to exemplary 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 scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the core concepts of the disclosed apparatus and related methods of use can be applied to any suitable procedure (medical or other). This disclosure can 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 identical parts.

[0040] The term "distal" refers to the portion furthest from the user when the device is introduced into the patient's body. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the user when the device is placed into the patient's body. As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal." Further, as used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the stated or implied values. Additionally, terms indicating the geometry of a component / surface refer to both exact and approximate shapes.

[0041] The embodiments of this disclosure are specifically described with reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tubing assemblies or kits. It should be understood that such embodiments can be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of purposes, including, for example, facilitating patient inflatation, lens cleaning, and / or irrigating the working channel to aid in flushing / aspiration of debris during endoscopic procedures.

[0042] Although this disclosure includes a description of containers and tubing kits suitable for use with endoscope systems to supply fluids and / or gases to endoscopes, the devices, systems, and methods described herein can be implemented in other medical systems requiring fluid and / or gas delivery and for a variety of other purposes.

[0043] It should be noted that references to "embodiments," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" in the specification 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, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments will be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, the individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a specific combination, are considered to be combinable or arrangeable with each other to form other additional embodiments or to supplement and / or enrich the described embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0044] As used in this specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” include plural references. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used in its sense that it includes “and / or”, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] As is customary, endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians can use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing out debris, cleaning optics, and inflating the working lumen. For example, sterile water can be used to irrigate the working lumen during the procedure. Furthermore, during endoscopic procedures, the video lens located at the distal end of the endoscope, used for navigation and visualization of target tissue, can be easily contaminated with blood, mucus, and other debris. To generate lens cleaning, a connector is attached to the endoscope's umbilical cord via a tubing kit. The tubing kit delivers air from the endoscope's umbilical cord to a water container or pressure vessel. A suction tube within this container or pressure vessel is in fluid contact with water and is connected to the connector. This allows pressure to be built into the water bottle or pressure vessel to deliver water along the tubing to the distal end of the endoscope, thereby cleaning the endoscope lens. Tubing kits used to provide irrigation and / or lens cleaning fluids can typically be used for a 24-hour period across multiple endoscopic procedures. However, the same endoscope is not used for multiple patients and must be changed between procedures. At the end of the procedure, the connector is disconnected from the umbilical cord. Residual water in the tubing kit may spill onto the floor upon disconnection. Additionally, residual pressure in the connector or pressure vessel can create a siphon vacuum, causing all water in the container / pressure vessel to spill onto the floor via the tubing kit. Means to prevent water leakage and / or siphoning can prevent the user from cleaning water from the floor, prevent damage to capital equipment near or below the tubing connector, or eliminate the need for the user to prepare additional water containers or refill them for the next procedure. This document discloses devices and systems for preventing water from siphoning and / or leaking from water bottles and / or tubing kits after surgery.

[0046] refer to Figures 1 to 2 The illustration 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 signals input from the imager and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 also serves as a component of an air / water supply loop by housing a pressure pump 215 (e.g., an air supply pump) within the unit.

[0047] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal end 100c disposed at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible bend 105 proximal to the distal end 100c. The flexible bend 105 may include a hinge joint (not shown) to assist in swivel of the distal end 100c. On the end face 100d of the distal end 100c of the endoscope 100 is a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to inflate the patient at 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 end 100c may also include an illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area, and an opening 230 leading to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing tools to the treatment area. The working channel 235 extends along the shaft 100a to the proximal channel opening 110, which is located distal to the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. The biopsy valve 120 can be used to seal the channel opening 110 to prevent unwanted fluid leakage.

[0048] The operating handle 115 may be provided with knobs 125 for providing remote four-way steering of the distal end via wires connected to articulated joints in the flexible portion 105 (e.g., one knob controls up-and-down steering, while another controls left-and-right steering). Multiple video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 may be arranged on the proximal side of the handle 115. Additionally, the handle 115 is provided with a dual valve well 135. One of the valve wells 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 for operating the injection gas and lens water supply. Gas supply lines 240a and lens cleaning supply lines 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and converge at the distal end 100c proximal to the gas / cleaning nozzle 220. Figure 2 Another valve well 135 receives a suction valve 145 for operating suction operations. A suction supply line 250a extends distally from the suction valve 145 along shaft 100a to a junction in fluid communication with the working passage 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0049] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical cord 260 extending between the operating handle and the video processing unit 210, and a connector portion 265. The flexible umbilical cord 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 a light source 205 in the video processing unit to the light guide when inserted into the video processing unit 210. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical cord 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a to transmit light to the distal end 100c of the endoscope 100. The connector portion 265 also connects an air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b in the umbilical cord 260 when inserted into the video processing unit 210.

[0050] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 via a connector portion 265 and an umbilical cord 260. A gas supply line 240c extends from one end of an air gap 275 located between the top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of the reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a detachable gas / lens cleaning connector 290 on the outside of the connector portion 265. The detachable gas / lens cleaning connector 290 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the gas supply line 240c. A gas supply line 240b from the umbilical cord 260 branches in the connector portion 265 to be in fluid communication with the gas supply line 240c and with an air pump 215 at the detachable gas / lens cleaning connector 290. A lens cleaning line 245c extends from one end located at the bottom of reservoir 270 through the top 280 of reservoir 270 to a detachable connector 290 on connector portion 265 identical to that of gas supply line 240c. In other embodiments, these connectors may be separate and / or independent of each other. Connector portion 265 also has a detachable irrigation connector 293 for the irrigation supply line (not shown) extending from an irrigation water source (not shown) to the irrigation supply line 255b in umbilical conduit 260. Detachable irrigation connector 293 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or irrigation supply line (not shown). In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied from a water source (not shown) independent of water reservoir 270 via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In other embodiments, the irrigation supply line and lens cleaning line 245c may draw water from the same reservoir. The connector portion 265 may also include a detachable suction connector 295 for suction supply lines 250b and 250a, which fluidly connects a vacuum source (e.g., hospital ward suction) (not shown) to the umbilical cord line 260 and the endoscope 100. The detachable suction connector 295 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the suction supply lines 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0051] Gas supply line 240b and lens cleaning supply line 245b are fluidly connected to valve well 135 for gas / water valve 140 and are configured such that operation of gas / water valve 140 in the well controls the supply of gas or lens cleaning water to the distal end 100c of endoscope 100. Suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to valve well 135 for suction valve 145 and is configured such that operation of suction valve in the well controls suction at the working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0052] refer to Figure 2This section explains exemplary operation of an endoscope system 200, which includes an endoscope, such as the endoscope 100 described above. Airflow from an air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 is directed through a connector portion 265 and via a gas supply line 240b in the umbilical conduit 260 to a gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, and via a connector 290 on the connector portion 265 to a water reservoir 270 via a gas supply line 240c. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, the user's finger is not on the valve, and air is allowed to flow from the valve to the atmosphere. In the first position, the user's finger is used to block the vent to the atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow down the gas supply line 240a from the valve 140 and out from the distal end 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to inflate the patient's treatment area. When the gas / water valve 140 is pressed down to the second position, gas is blocked from leaving the valve, allowing the pressure of the air supplied from the air pump 215 in the water reservoir 270 to rise. Pressure is applied to the water source, causing water to exit from the lens cleaning line 245c, pass through the connector portion 265, the umbilical line 260, through the gas / water valve 140, and down the lens cleaning supply line 245a, where it merges with the gas supply line 240a, and then exits the distal end 100c of the endoscope 100 via the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220. The air pump pressure can be calibrated to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the irrigation water supply.

[0053] The flow rate of the lens cleaning water is controlled by the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270. As water is expelled from the water reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning line 245c and the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270 begins to drop, the air pump 215 replaces the lost air supply in the water reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, which in turn provides a substantially constant flow rate of lens cleaning water. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the path of the gas supply line 240c to filter out unwanted contaminants or particles, preventing them 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 cleaning supply line to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after it has passed through the valve.

[0054] Compared to lens cleaning water, irrigation water typically requires a relatively high flow rate because its primary purpose is to remove debris obstructing the user's view in the patient's treatment area. As described, irrigation is typically achieved using a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing placed at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and into the head on the upstream side of the pump. Tubing on the downstream side of the pump is connected via an irrigation connector 293 on connector portion 265 to irrigation supply line 255b in umbilical cord 260 and irrigation supply line 255a of endoscope 100. When irrigation water is needed, fluid is pumped from the water source by operating the irrigation pump (e.g., by pressing a foot switch (not shown)), and the fluid flows through irrigation connector 293, through irrigation supply line 255b in umbilical cord 260, and down the irrigation supply line in the endoscope shaft 100a to the distal end 100c. To balance the pressure in the water source as water is pumped out of the irrigation supply line, a vent (not shown) may be included in the top of the water reservoir. The vent allows atmospheric air into the water source, preventing the buildup of negative pressure that could create a vacuum that would draw unwanted material back from the patient through the endoscope toward the water source. In some embodiments, similar to the lens cleaning line 245c, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply line to help prevent backflow into the reservoir after water has passed through the valve.

[0055] Other arrangements using these fluid sources are conceivable, depending on need. For example, in some cases, water used for irrigation and lens cleaning may come from the same container. Some illustrative systems and methods for supplying fluid to an endoscope are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 419,900, which is commonly assigned and entitled “DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS TO SUPPLY FLUIDS TO ANENDOSCOPE”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another illustrative endoscope system 300 is depicted, which can reduce the frequency of water reservoir replacements and / or reduce the chance of contamination during water reservoir(s) replacement. System 300 may include several advantages over the aforementioned current bottle system. System 300 may include, in relation to... Figures 1 to 2 The described endoscope system and similar components are described; however, not all features can be described or shown herein.

[0057] Typically, system 300 may include a first reservoir 302 and a second reservoir 330. The first reservoir 302 may be configured to supply water or fluid for both rinsing (e.g., via the first reservoir 302) and lens cleaning (e.g., via the second reservoir 330). This allows the use of a single fluid source to supply fluid for both rinsing and lens cleaning. Although not explicitly shown, reservoirs 302, 330 may include printed lines, numbers, or other visual markings to allow a user to easily determine how much fluid remains in reservoirs 302, 330.

[0058] The first reservoir 302 may include a first container 304 configured to contain a first volume of fluid 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the first container 304 is fluidly coupled to an upstream irrigation supply line 328 and configured to supply fluid for irrigation to the endoscope 100. Typically, the irrigation supply line 328 may be a water or fluid supply line or tube for supplying water or other fluids to the endoscope. Additionally, the first container 304 may be optionally fluidly coupled to a second fluid reservoir 330. The second reservoir 330 may include a second container 332 configured to contain a second volume of fluid 334. In the illustrated embodiment, the second container 332 is fluidly coupled to a gas supply line and lens cleaning supply lines 336, 338 and configured to supply fluid for lens cleaning to the endoscope 100. Typically, the lens cleaning supply line 338 may be a water or fluid supply line or tube for supplying water or other fluids to the endoscope. The gas supply line 336 and the lens cleaning supply line 338 may be arranged coaxially. For example, the gas supply line 336 may define a lumen with a diameter large enough to accommodate a smaller diameter lens cleaning line 338 coaxially received within the gas supply line 336, and to supply air to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens cleaning line 338 to pressurize the second reservoir 330. The lens cleaning supply line 338 may be configured to exit the lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply line 336 with any suitable sealing method (e.g., orifice, fitting, collar, and / or similar construction) for the purpose of changing from a coaxial arrangement to a side-by-side arrangement at the detachable gas / lens cleaning connection connected to the endoscope connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the gas supply line 336 and the lens cleaning supply line 338 may be arranged side-by-side.

[0059] The first container 304 and the second container 332 may be formed of one or more lightweight, flexible materials, such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first container 304 and the second container 332 may be completely translucent, completely opaque, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the first container 304 and the second container 332 may be similar to flexible bags used for delivering intravenous fluids in a clinical setting (e.g., intravenous (IV) fluid bags). Such bags may be readily available and familiar to clinicians, as they are widely used in a variety of sizes. The volume of the first container 304 and the second container 332 may be variable. For example, the volume of the first container 304 and / or the second container 332 may be 500 ml or more, 1000 mL or more, 2000 mL or more, 3000 mL, 4000 mL or more, etc. The volume may be less than 500 mL or greater than 4000 mL, depending on the need. One or both of the first reservoir 302 and the second reservoir 330 may be pre-filled with water or other fluids (e.g., before entering the operating room or at the time of manufacture). In some cases, clinicians may select reservoirs 302, 330 from a plurality of available reservoirs of different sizes based on the number and / or type of surgeries expected for a typical day or a particular day. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reservoir 302 may supply fluid to the second reservoir 330. By selecting a first reservoir 302 with a volume large enough to accommodate surgeries throughout the day, the need to replace the sterile fluid source (e.g., the first reservoir 302) can be reduced or eliminated. In some cases, the first reservoir 302 may be used to periodically refill the second reservoir 330. Therefore, the volume of the first reservoir 302 may be larger than the volume of the second reservoir 330, but this is not necessary. It is further envisioned that, in some embodiments, one or both of the first reservoir 302 or the second reservoir 330 may be a rigid bottle.

[0060] It is conceivable that flexible bags can use less plastic (or other materials) than bottles designed to hold a similar amount of fluid. Therefore, using flexible bags as fluid reservoirs 302, 330 can improve the environmental sustainability of system 300. For example, if a user sets up a 3000 mL (3 liter) bag reservoir 302 for the system and therefore does not need to use three separate one-liter bottles, a significant reduction in waste can be achieved. It is further conceivable that when disposed of or discarded, the flexible bag reservoir can occupy a smaller volume than a bottle capable of holding an equivalent volume of fluid.

[0061] The first reservoir 302 may further include one or more ports 308a, 308b, such as, but not limited to, spiked ports or diaphragm ports, which extend from the interior of the first container 304 and are in selective fluid communication with the interior of the container. Ports 308a, 308b may be integrally formed with the first container 304. Ports 308a, 308b may be generally tubular structures, wherein each port 308a, 308b defines a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen of ports 308a, 308b may be configured to selectively fluidly connect the interior of the first container 304 to another component (such as, but not limited to, a fluid or water supply pipe). In some embodiments, ports 308a, 308b may be located adjacent to the bottom end 312 of the first reservoir 302. However, this is not necessary. Ports 308a, 308b may be located at other locations as needed. If ports 308a and 308b are located outside the bottom 312 of the first container 304, a suction tube or tube extension may be required to access the fluid at the bottom of the first container 304. In some cases, at least one port 308b may be configured to connect to an upstream flushing line (or water supply line) 328, while another port 308a may be configured to allow a user to add additives to the fluid 306. In other examples, the upstream flushing line 328 may connect to the first port 308a, while the second reservoir 330 is in fluid communication with the second port 308b. Although the first reservoir 302 is shown to include two ports 308a and 308b, the first reservoir 302 may include one or more ports as needed.

[0062] Although not explicitly shown, ports 308a and 308b may each include a removable cap or seal configured to form a fluid-impermeable seal with ports 308a and 308b. The removable cap or seal helps maintain the sterility of ports 308a and 308b. The removable cap or seal can be attached to the free end of ports 308a and 308b using several different techniques. For example, the cap or seal can be attached to ports 308a and 308b using threaded engagement, friction fit, snap-fit, etc. In other instances, the cap or seal can be removed by a torsional movement configured to disconnect the cap or seal from ports 308a and 308b. Once the cap or seal has been removed, ports 308a and 308b can be pierced using a spiked tip or spiked port adapter 310 connected to the upstream flushing line 328. For example, in addition to a removable cap or seal, ports 308a and 308b may include internal seals disposed within the lumens of ports 308a and 308b, which may be punctured or penetrated by the spike port adapter 310. The internal seals may be configured to prevent fluid 306 from leaking from the first container 304 before the spike port adapter 310 is inserted into ports 308a and 308b. In some embodiments, the internal seals may be self-sealing, preventing fluid leakage from ports 308a and 308b when the spike port adapter 310 is removed. The outer surface of the spike port adapter 310 may form an interference fit with the inner surface of ports 308a and 308b. The fit and / or connection between the spike port adapter 310 and ports 308a and 308b may be sufficient to hold them in place when the flushing supply tube 328, branch connector 350, and / or other piping assemblies are connected to the spike port adapter 310. It is conceivable that the spiked port adapter 310 could be inserted into one of ports 308a and 308b using commonly used aseptic techniques (such as those used with IV fluid bags). This could help reduce the risk of infection by maintaining sterile components and preventing contaminants from being introduced into fluid 306. It is further conceivable that additives could be added to fluid 306 via one of ports 308a and 308b using similar aseptic techniques.

[0063] The first reservoir 302 may include a handle 316 positioned adjacent to its top portion 314. The handle 316 may define an opening or through-hole 318 for receiving a hand or hook to carry the first reservoir 302. In some cases, the handle 316 may include an undulating surface configured to provide a more ergonomic grip for the user. It is conceivable that the handle 316 may be formed from a material similar to or different from the first container 304, as needed. In some examples, the handle 316 may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), etc. The handle 316 may allow the first reservoir 302 to be suspended on a hook, such as, but not limited to, an IV stand. Suspending the first reservoir 302 allows it to be positioned above the height of the endoscope cart, enabling the user to see the fluid level 306 at any time. This can help clinicians avoid fluid depletion during surgery. Additionally, raising the reservoir eliminates the need for clinicians to bend or lean forward during the setup of system 300 and / or replacement of the first reservoir 302. In some cases, the pressure head generated by raising the first reservoir 302 can enable rapid pre-charging of the irrigation circuit (and / or lens cleaning circuit, if so connected), saving time during setup. It is further conceivable that suspending the first reservoir 302 on a hook or IV stand allows it to be positioned away from expensive capital equipment, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of fluid inadvertently flowing onto or onto capital equipment and causing damage or destruction.

[0064] The first reservoir 302 is fluidly connected to the lumen of the upstream irrigation supply line 328. The upstream irrigation supply line 328 extends from a second end region 322 located outside the container 304 and within the pump head 324 of the peristaltic irrigation pump 315 to a first end 320. The first end 320 of the upstream irrigation supply line 328 is coupled to a spiked port adapter 310, which is further configured to extend through the lumen of port 308b and pierce a seal within the lumen of port 308b to fluidly connect the interior of the container 304 to the lumen of the upstream irrigation supply line 328. The second end of the upstream irrigation supply line 328 is configured to fluidly connect to the irrigation lumen of the endoscope 100. When flushing water is required, fluid is pumped from the first container 304 by operating the flushing pump 315 (e.g., by pressing a foot switch (not shown)), and the fluid flows from the first reservoir 302 through the upstream flushing supply line 328 and branch connector 350, through the downstream flushing supply line 255c, through the flushing connector 293, through the flushing supply line 255b in the umbilical line 260, and down along the flushing supply line 255a in the endoscope shaft 100a to the distal end 100c.

[0065] The downstream irrigation supply line 255c may include a loaded check valve or flow control valve 326 positioned in series with the downstream irrigation supply line 255c. The flow control valve 326 can prevent fluid from unintentionally flowing from the first container 304 into the endoscope 100. In some cases, the flow control valve 326 can be configured to open when the pressure in the downstream irrigation supply line 255c reaches a predetermined minimum pressure. It is conceivable that the predetermined minimum pressure may be greater than the head generated by the height difference between the first reservoir 302 and the irrigation pump 315. The flow control valve 326 can also prevent fluid leakage from the downstream irrigation supply line 255c when the endoscope 100 is changed between patients and the tubing kit connector is disconnected from the endoscope water port.

[0066] In some embodiments, the irrigation pump 315 may be omitted. For example, the reservoir 302 may be inserted into a compression sleeve. When irrigation fluid is desired, the compression sleeve can be activated to apply pressure to the outer surface of the reservoir 302 and provide the necessary pressure for performing irrigation at the distal end of the endoscope 100. In another embodiment, the reservoir 302 may be inserted into a compression sleeve that applies a constant pressure to the reservoir 302, wherein a flow switch is positioned along the irrigation supply line 328 to provide binary control of the irrigation flow.

[0067] The second reservoir 330 may further include one or more ports 340, such as, but not limited to, spiked ports or diaphragm ports, extending from the interior of the second container 332 and in selective fluid communication with the interior of the second container. Ports 340 may be integrally formed with the second container 332. Ports 340 may be generally tubular structures, wherein port 340 defines a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen of port 340 may be configured to selectively fluidly connect the interior of the second container 332 to another component (such as, but not limited to, a fluid / water / gas supply line). In some cases, port 340 may be configured to connect to a gas supply line 336 and a lens cleaning supply line 338. In some embodiments, port 340 may be positioned adjacent to the bottom end 342 of the second reservoir 330. However, this is not required. Port 340 may be positioned at other locations as needed. If port 340 is located outside the bottom 342 of the second container 332, a draw tube or tube extension (e.g., connected to the lens cleaning supply line 338) may be needed to access the fluid at the bottom of the second container 332. Although the second reservoir 330 is shown to include one port 340, the second reservoir 330 may include more than one port as needed.

[0068] Although not explicitly shown, port 340 may include a removable cap or seal configured to form a leak-proof seal with port 340. The removable cap or seal helps maintain the sterility of port 340. The removable cap or seal can be attached to the free end of port 340 using several different techniques. For example, the cap or seal can be attached to port 340 using threaded engagement, friction fit, snap-fit, etc., or it can be securely attached using several techniques such as adhesive or solvent bonding. In other instances, the cap or seal can be removed by a torsional movement configured to disconnect the cap or seal from port 340. Once the cap or seal has been removed, port 340 can be pierced with a spiked end or spiked port adapter (not explicitly shown) connected to gas supply line 336 and lens cleaning supply line 338. For example, in addition to the removable cap or seal, port 340 may include an internal seal disposed within the lumen of port 340, which can be pierced or penetrated by the spiked port adapter. An internal seal may be configured to prevent fluid 334 from leaking from the second container 332 before the spike port adapter is inserted into port 340. In some embodiments, the internal seal may be self-sealing, preventing fluid leakage from port 340 when the spike port adapter is removed. The outer surface of the spike port adapter may form an interference fit with the inner surface of port 340. The fit and / or connection between the spike port adapter and port 340 may be sufficient to hold it in place when gas supply lines 336 and fluid supply lines 338 and / or other tubing assemblies are connected to the spike port adapter. It is envisioned that the spike port adapter may be inserted into port 340 using commonly used aseptic techniques, such as those used with IV fluid bags. This can help reduce the risk of infection by maintaining sterile components and preventing contaminants from being introduced into fluid 334. It is further envisioned that, if desired, additives may be added to fluid 334 via port 340 using similar aseptic techniques. In some cases, additional coupling mechanisms may be used as needed to connect the gas supply line 336 and the lens cleaning supply line 338 to the port 340. Some illustrative coupling mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, threaded engagement, snap-fit, friction engagement, quick-connect couplings, etc., or may be used to securely connect using several techniques (such as adhesive or solvent bonding).

[0069] A gas supply line 336 extends from a second end outside the second container 332 to a port 340. The gas supply line 336 may extend into the interior of the second container 332 and terminate within a reservoir gap (e.g., above the level of fluid 334). However, in some cases, the gas supply line 336 may terminate within fluid 334. A lumen extends through the gas supply line 336 to receive air and / or gas flow therethrough. The lumen of the gas supply line 336 may be in operative fluid communication with the top portion of the interior of the second container 332. A lens cleaning supply line 338 extends from a second end outside the second reservoir 330 to a first end in fluid communication with the bottom portion 342 of the second container 332. In some embodiments, the lens cleaning supply line 338 may terminate at port 340. A lumen extends through the lens cleaning supply line 338 to receive fluid flow therethrough. The lumen of the lens cleaning supply line 338 is selectively in operative fluid communication with the bottom portion 342 of the second container 332. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply line 336 and the lens cleaning supply line 338 can be connected to the second container 332 via a single or common opening (e.g., port 340). For example, the gas supply line 336 and the lens cleaning supply line 338 can be arranged coaxially. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply line 336 and the lens cleaning supply line 338 can extend side by side, or can be connected to the second container 332 separately at different locations.

[0070] The second container 332 may further include a first fluid inlet 344 and a second fluid inlet 346. While the first fluid inlet 344 and the second fluid inlet 346 are shown adjacent to or extending from the top portion 348 of the second container 332, the first fluid inlet 344 and / or the second fluid inlet 346 may be positioned at other locations around the second container 332 as needed. In some embodiments, the first fluid inlet 344 and / or the second fluid inlet 346 may be tubular members formed as a single integral structure with the second container 332. In other embodiments, the first fluid inlet 344 and / or the second fluid inlet 346 may include tubular components releasably coupled to ports (similar in form and function to port 340) formed in or with the container 332.

[0071] The first fluid inlet 344 may be in selective fluid communication with the first reservoir 302. For example, the branch connector 350 may be positioned in series with the upstream flushing line 328. In some embodiments, the branch connector 350 may be a "Y" type connector or a "T" type connector having an inlet branch 356 defining a first fluid inlet, a first outlet branch 352 defining a first fluid outlet, and a second outlet branch 354 defining a second fluid outlet. However, it is contemplated that the branch connector 350 may include more than one fluid inlet and fewer than two or more than two fluid outlets, if so required.

[0072] Branch connector 350 can be positioned in series with upstream flushing line 328 such that inlet branch 356 and first outlet branch 352 are fluidly connected to the lumen of upstream flushing line 328. Fluid can flow from first reservoir 302 through upstream flushing line 328, through branch connector 350, and again through upstream flushing line 328. Branch connector 350 can be positioned such that inlet branch 356 is upstream of outlet branches 352, 354 relative to flushing fluid flow. In some embodiments, branch connector 350 and spike port 310 can be molded or formed as a single integral structure. This is contemplated to reduce connection points in the fluid loop. In this case, first end 320 of flushing supply line 328 can be fluidly connected to first outlet branch 352 of branch connector 350.

[0073] The second outlet branch 354 may be fluidly connected to the first fluid inlet 344 of the second reservoir 330. A flow control mechanism (such as, but not limited to, a check valve 358) may be located between the second fluid outlet of the second outlet branch 354 and the first fluid inlet 344 of the second reservoir 330 to selectively connect the second container 332 to the first container 304. The check valve 358 may be configured to open to allow fluid to selectively flow from the first reservoir 302 to the second reservoir 330, while preventing fluid (e.g., gas, water, or other fluid) from leaving the second container 332 and entering the flushing supply line 328 and / or the first container 304. In some embodiments, the check valve 358 may be replaced by a clamp that can compress the first fluid inlet 344 to selectively isolate the second container 332 from the first container 304, and be removed to selectively connect the second container 332 to the first container 304. In yet other embodiments, the check valve 358 may be replaced by a spring-loaded valve, a plug valve, or other two-way valve. When it is desired to add fluid from the first reservoir 302 to the second reservoir 330, the check valve 358 (or other flow control mechanism) can be opened or released. The fluid can then be diverted at least partially from the flushing supply line 328 via the second outlet branch 354 of the branch connector 350 and enter the second container 332 along the flow path 360. Fluid can be added to the second container 332 as needed, either while the flushing pump 315 is operating or when the flushing pump 315 is idle.

[0074] The second fluid inlet (or gas supply line) 346 of the second container 332 may be an alternative gas supply line configured to connect to an alternative gas supply (e.g., a CO2 hospital ward gas source). The second fluid inlet 346 may extend from a second end outside the second container 332 to a first end connected to the second container 332. The alternative gas supply may be used to pressurize the second container 332 to supply lens cleaning water to the endoscope 100 and / or to provide gas injection. A lumen extends through the second fluid inlet 346 to receive the gas flow passing through it. The lumen of the second fluid inlet 346 is in operative fluid communication with the top portion of the second container 332. The flow of CO2 within the system 300 may be similar to the flow described above. For example, in a neutral state, CO2 gas flows into the second container 332 through the second fluid inlet 346, upward along the gas supply line 336 to the connector portion 265, upward along the gas supply line 240b in the umbilical conduit 260, and is discharged to the atmosphere through the gas / water valve 140. In the first position, the user seals the vent in the gas / water valve 140, and CO2 gas flows into the second container 332 through the second fluid inlet 346, ascends along the gas supply line 336 to the connector portion 265, flows through the gas / water valve to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a, and exits the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal end 100c. In the second position, the user presses the valve 140 to the bottom of the valve well 135 while keeping the vent in the gas / water valve closed. The second position blocks the supply of CO2 gas to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope 100, and opens the gas / 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 end 100c. The gas (pressure) in the second reservoir 330 is maintained by delivering gas via the second fluid inlet 346. It is conceivable that the one-way valve 358 is in a closed configuration during the delivery of CO2 gas to allow container 332 to be pressurized. In some instances, the one-way valve 358 may be configured to close without user intervention in response to the delivery of CO2 to the second container 332. 。 In some embodiments, system 300 may include a branch connector (such as, but not limited to, a "Y" or "T" connector) at the second fluid inlet 346 to allow air or CO2 to be used for pressurization or injection. It is further envisioned that the second fluid inlet 346 may include a pressure relief valve 362 (such as, but not limited to, a 3-way stopcock valve, a clamp, or a spring-loaded valve) to release pressure within the second container 332 and / or prevent pressurized gas from flowing into the second container 332 during refilling of the second container 332, during surgical transitions, and / or during device transitions.

[0075] It is conceivable that using a flexible bag instead of a rigid bottle for the second reservoir 330 could reduce or eliminate the risk of air leakage from the bottle and cap connection. This would eliminate the need for clinicians to attempt to remedy a leak by adjusting the cap and bottle assembly, or to discard the cap and / or bottle if a leak is irreparable.

[0076] Because the pressurized second reservoir 332 is fluidly isolated from the first reservoir 304 when the one-way valve 358 is closed, it is conceivable that a clinician could replace the first reservoir 302 with a new (full) reservoir without interrupting patient insufflation. Interruption of patient insufflation could lead to disruption of the positioning of the endoscope 100 within the body. In current one- or two-bottle systems, it may not be possible to replace the water reservoir without interrupting patient insufflation.

[0077] If it is necessary to replace the first reservoir 302 with a new full bag, for example when the first reservoir 302 is empty or nearly empty, the user can suspend the new bag near the first reservoir 302 to be replaced. The user can then disengage the spiked port adapter 310 from port 308b and insert the spiked port adapter 310 into the port of the new bag. This can be performed without requiring the clinician to bend or lean to access the first reservoir 302. Port 308b is self-sealing to prevent fluid leakage from the first reservoir 302 being replaced. This method of replacing the first reservoir 302 can have a lower risk of introducing contaminants into the system compared to conventional bottle systems. For example, the replacement method described herein allows the first reservoir 302 to be replaced without suspending the tubing over the cap (as is done in bottle systems). Furthermore, the system 300 can remain substantially closed while the first reservoir 302 is being replaced.

[0078] As described above, it may be desirable to prevent water / fluid from leaking from gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338 (e.g., configured to connect to gas / lens cleaning connector 290) and / or rinsing lines 255c, 328 (e.g., configured to connect to rinsing connector 293). It is conceivable that fluid flow can be selectively stopped or blocked at multiple different locations in the fluid loop. Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the illustrative fluid flow control component 400. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The fluid flow control component 400 in Figure 4AA cross-sectional view taken at line 4B-4B. The fluid flow control assembly 400 can be configured to connect to the first end of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 to selectively allow fluid flow through the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. The fluid flow control assembly 400 can be disposed within the interior of the reservoirs 270, 330. In some cases, in addition to selectively controlling fluid flow, the fluid flow control assembly 400 can also maintain the first end of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 in a desired position within the reservoirs 270, 330. For example, when the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 extend through the side or top of the reservoirs 270, 330, the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 can extend to the bottom of the reservoirs 270, 330 to approach the fluid at the bottom of the reservoirs 270, 330. The fluid flow control assembly 400 can be configured to maintain the first ends of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 near the bottom of the reservoirs 270, 330. In some cases, a counterweight can be attached to the first ends of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 to prevent them from floating to the top of the fluid within the reservoirs 270, 330. Therefore, the fluid flow control assembly 400 can have a sufficient density (e.g., greater than the density of water or the fluid within the reservoirs 270, 330) to maintain fluid communication between the first ends of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 and the bottom portion of the reservoirs 270, 330.

[0079] The fluid flow control assembly 400 may include a body member 402 extending from a first end 404 to a second end 406. The first end 404 of the body member 402 may be configured to receive a valve housing 408, while the second end 406 of the body member 402 may be configured to connect to the first end of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. In some examples, the first end 404 of the body member 402 may have a first cross-sectional external dimension, and the second end 406 of the body member 402 may have a second cross-sectional external dimension smaller than the first cross-sectional external dimension. The first end region 405 of the body member 402 may take any desired shape, such as, but not limited to, a generally hemispherical, conical, cylindrical, rectangular prism, etc. The second end region 407 of the body member 402 may have a generally tubular configuration, the size and shape of which are determined to connect to the first end of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. In some embodiments, the second end region 407 may be disposed within the lumen of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. In other embodiments, lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may be disposed within the cavity 416 of the fluid flow control assembly 400.

[0080] Valve housing 408 may extend from a first end 410 to a second end 412. The second end region 413 of valve housing 408 may be coupled to the first end region 405 of body member 402. It is conceivable that the second end region 413 of valve housing 408 may be coupled to body member 402 using various techniques, such as, but not limited to, threaded engagement, snap-fit, press-fit, friction fit, overmolding, adhesive bonding, welding, brazing, etc. The first end region 411 of valve housing 408 may extend beyond the first end 404 of body member 402. However, this is not necessary. Valve 414 may be positioned between valve housing 408 and body member 402 within a lumen 416 extending from the first end of fluid flow control assembly 400 to the second end (e.g., from the first end 410 of valve housing 408 to the second end 406 of body member 402). Valve 414 may extend across the cross-section of lumen 416 and may include one or more openings or passages 418 to selectively allow fluid flow through valve 414.

[0081] The lumen 416 may have a first cross-sectional dimension 420 adjacent to a first end region 411 of the valve housing 408 and a second smaller cross-sectional dimension 422 adjacent to a second end region 407 of the body member 402. The transition between the first larger cross-sectional dimension 420 and the second smaller cross-sectional dimension 422 may occur between the valve 414 and the second end 406 of the body member 402. Depending on the requirements, the transition of the cross-sectional dimension may be an abrupt step transition or a gradually sloping transition. It is further conceivable that the lumen 416 may have a third cross-sectional dimension 424 adjacent to the second end 406 of the body member 402. The third cross-sectional dimension 424 may be larger than the second cross-sectional dimension 422, but this is not necessary. In some embodiments, the transition from the second cross-sectional dimension 422 to the third cross-sectional dimension 424 may be a gradually sloping transition. The sloping inner surface of the second end region 407 of the body member 402 may form a frictional fit with the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338.

[0082] Valve 414 can be configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing into or out of lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 unless a minimum opening pressure is achieved. This opening pressure can be greater than the pressure head of the fluid 285, 334 within reservoirs 270, 330. It is conceivable that this minimum pressure can be achieved by the pressure generated by air / gas flowing through gas supply lines 240c, 336 and into the interior of reservoirs 270, 330. Once this minimum pressure is achieved, valve 414 can open, and water / fluid can flow through lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 at a rate sufficient to clean the lens of endoscope 100. Once the clinician releases gas / water valve 140, reservoirs 270, 330 can return to their static pressure, which would close valve 414 and prevent fluid from flowing into and / or out of lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. Valve 414 can be formed as a single integral piece of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), elastic material, other flexible material, etc. In some cases, valve 414 may be formed from more than one component. The one or more openings may be a single slit, one or more cross-shaped or "X"-shaped slits, a snowflake-shaped slit, a single resealable orifice, etc. In other embodiments, valve 414 may be a parasol valve that changes configuration in response to pressure changes. It is further conceivable that other valves may also be used that open in response to an increase in pressure and close as the pressure decreases.

[0083] Valve 414 can be configured to remain closed under the maximum head of water / fluid 285, 334 in the reservoir (e.g., when reservoirs 270, 330 are full). The performance characteristics of valve 414 can be adjusted by changing the size and / or shape of valve 414 and / or opening 418, the material selection of valve 414, the material properties of valve 414, and the design of body component 402 and / or valve housing 408, such as, but not limited to, the head that valve 414 can withstand, the flow rate and / or volume of fluid flowing through valve 414 when the opening pressure is reached.

[0084] In some embodiments, the fluid flow control assembly 400 may be positioned adjacent to the second end of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. For example, the fluid flow control assembly 400 may be positioned between the second end of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 and the gas / lens cleaning connector 290. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a fluid flow control assembly 400 coupled to an illustrative connector 430 is depicted, which is used to connect the endoscope ends of gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338 to a gas / lens cleaning connector 290 on a connector portion 265.

[0085] Connector 430 may include a housing 432 extending from a first inlet end 434 to a second outlet end 436. The first inlet end 434 may be configured to connect to gas supply lines 240c, 336 and lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338, and the second outlet end 436 may be configured to connect to a gas / lens cleaning connector 290 on connector portion 265. In some embodiments, a fluid flow control assembly 400 may be positioned between the second outlet end 436 of connector 430 and the gas / lens cleaning connector 290. Gas supply lines 240c, 336 and lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may be arranged in a coaxial configuration. For example, gas supply lines 240c, 336 may define a cavity 438 of a smaller diameter lens cleaning supply line 245c, 338 coaxially received within the gas supply lines 240c, 336, and supply air to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 to pressurize the water reservoir. Lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may be configured to exit from the cavity 438 defined by the coaxial gas supply lines 240c, 336 with any suitable sealing method (e.g., orifice, fitting, collar, and / or similar construction) for use with the endoscope connector portion (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The purpose of changing the coaxial arrangement to a side-by-side arrangement at the detachable gas / lens cleaning connector portion 265) is as follows. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 432 can convert the cavities 438, 440 of the gas supply lines 240c, 336 and the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 into a side-by-side arrangement. In some embodiments, the gas supply lines 240c, 336 and the lens cleaning supply line 245c can be connected to the first inlet end 434 of the housing 432 in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0086] The housing 432 may define a first fluid cavity 442 extending from a first fluid inlet 444 to a first fluid outlet 446 and a second cavity 448 extending from a second fluid inlet 450 to a second fluid outlet 452. The first cavity 442 and the second cavity 448 may extend from or branch from a common fluid cavity 454. Fluid traveling through the first cavity 442 and the second cavity 448 may be fluidly isolated from each other in the common fluid cavity 454 via gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c. For example, lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may extend distally beyond the second fluid inlet 450 to fluidly isolate the first cavity 442 and the second cavity 448.

[0087] It is conceivable that the position of the first fluid inlet 444 may vary along the length of the housing 432 and may depend at least in part on the position of the second end 456 of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. The first fluid lumen 442 may be in fluid communication with the lumen 440 of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 to supply lens cleaning fluid to the endoscope. Fluid may exit the opening of the lens cleaning supply line at the second end 456 of the lens cleaning supply line 245c, 338 and enter the first fluid lumen 442 of the housing 432. In some embodiments, a section of the lens cleaning supply line 245c, 338 may extend coaxially through a common fluid lumen 454, such that the second end of the lens cleaning supply line is positioned between the first end 434 and the second end 436 of the housing 432. In some embodiments, the diameter of the common fluid lumen 454 may taper or decrease towards the second end 436 of the housing 432. The outer surfaces of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 can frictionally engage the inner surface of the housing 432, which defines a common fluid lumen 454 and / or a first fluid lumen 442 adjacent to its reduced diameter portion. This fluidly isolates the first fluid outlet 446 from the second fluid outlet 452.

[0088] The second end 458 of the gas supply lines 240c, 336 may be disposed adjacent to the first end 434 of the housing 432 on the outer surface of the housing. For example, the second end 458 of the gas supply lines 240c, 336 may be disposed on and frictionally engaged with the neck portion 460 of the housing 432 to provide an airtight connection between the gas supply lines 240c, 336 and the housing 432. In some embodiments, the housing 432 may include radially extending protrusions or ridges 462 configured to provide mechanical stops for the second end 458 of the gas supply lines 240c, 336. In other embodiments, the second end of the gas supply lines 240c, 336 may be disposed and secured within a common fluid cavity 454. The second fluid cavity 448 of the housing 432 may be in fluid communication with the cavity 438 of the gas supply lines 240c, 336. Air / gas may enter the second fluid cavity 448 via a second fluid inlet 450. The engagement of the outer surfaces of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 with the inner surfaces of the housing 432 defining the common fluid cavity 454 and / or the first fluid cavity 442 can prevent air / gas in the cavity 438 of the gas supply lines 240c, 336 from entering the first fluid cavity 442 of the housing 432.

[0089] The fluid flow control assembly 400 can be coupled to the connector 430 by inserting the second end region 407 of the body member 402 into the first fluid cavity 442. The fluid flow control assembly 400 can selectively fluidly connect the first fluid inlet 444 to the gas / lens cleaning connector 290. As described herein, the valve 414 can be configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing into or out of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 unless a minimum opening pressure is achieved. This opening pressure can be greater than the pressure head of the fluids 285, 334 within the reservoirs 270, 330. It is conceivable that this minimum pressure can be achieved by the pressure generated by air / gas flowing through the gas supply lines 240c, 336 and into the interior of the reservoirs 270, 330. Once this minimum pressure is achieved, the valve 414 can open, and water / fluid can flow through the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 at a rate sufficient to clean the lens of the endoscope 100. Once the clinician releases the gas / water valve 140, the reservoirs 270 and 330 can return to their static pressure, which allows them to close the valve 414 and prevent fluid from flowing into and / or out of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c and 338.

[0090] Valve 414 can be configured to remain closed under the maximum head of water / fluid 285, 334 in the reservoir (e.g., when reservoirs 270, 330 are full). The performance characteristics of valve 414 can be adjusted by changing the size and / or shape of valve 414 and / or opening 418, the material selection of valve 414, the material properties of valve 414, and the design of body component 402 and / or valve housing 408, such as, but not limited to, the head that valve 414 can withstand, the flow rate and / or volume of fluid flowing through valve 414 when the opening pressure is reached.

[0091] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of another illustrative fluid flow control component 500. Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The fluid flow control component 500 in Figure 6A A cross-sectional view taken at line 6B-6B. The fluid flow control assembly 500 can be configured to be positioned in series with the gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338 to selectively allow fluid flow through the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. The fluid flow control assembly 500 can be positioned anywhere along the length of the lens cleaning supply line 245c between its first end and the gas / lens cleaning connector 290. The illustrative fluid flow control assembly 500 is configured to be coupled to the coaxially arranged gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338. However, the fluid flow control assembly 500 can be reconfigured to be coupled to the side-by-side extending gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338.

[0092] The fluid flow control assembly 500 can extend from a first end 502 to a second end 504. Typically, the first end 502 and the second end 504 of the fluid flow control assembly 500 can be configured to connect to gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338. It is conceivable that the gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338 can include a first segment or a first length of tubing extending from their first end (in fluid communication with reservoirs 270, 330) to the second end connected to the flow control assembly 500, and a second segment or a second length of tubing extending from the fluid flow control assembly 500 to its second end connected to the gas / lens cleaning connector 290. The fluid flow control assembly 500 can include a first body member 506 extending from the first end 508 to the second end 510 and a second body member 512 extending from the first end 514 to the second end 516.

[0093] A first end portion 508 of the first body member 506 may be configured to connect to the second body member 512 and receive a portion of the valve housing 526, while a second end portion 510 of the first body member 506 may be configured to connect to gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338. In some examples, the first end portion 518 of the first body member 506 may have a first cross-sectional external dimension, and the second end portion 520 of the first body member 506 may have a second cross-sectional external dimension smaller than the first cross-sectional external dimension. The first end portion 518 of the first body member 506 may take any desired shape, such as, but not limited to, generally hemispherical, conical, truncated conical, cylindrical, rectangular prism, etc. The second end portion 520 of the first body member 506 may have a generally tubular configuration, the size and shape of which are determined to connect to a section of gas / lens cleaning supply line 240c, 245c, 336, 338.

[0094] The second end region 520 may include an outer tubular member 528 and an inner tubular member 530. The inner tubular member 530 may extend through a lumen 532 of the outer tubular member 528. Gas supply lines 240c, 336 may be configured to connect to the outer tubular member 528. In some embodiments, the outer tubular member 528 may be disposed within the lumen of the gas supply lines 240c, 336. In other embodiments, the gas supply lines 240c, 336 may be disposed within the lumen 532 of the outer tubular member 528. Lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may be configured to connect to the inner tubular member 530. In some embodiments, the inner tubular member 530 may be disposed within the lumen of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. In other embodiments, the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may be disposed within the inner lumen 524 of the first body member 506.

[0095] A generally annular lumen 522 may extend from the first end 508 of the first body member 506 toward the second end 510 of the first body member 506. The generally annular lumen 522 may be in fluid communication with the lumen 532 of the outer tubular member 528 to fluidly connect the first and second gas supply lines 240c, 336. A lumen 524 of the first body member 506 may extend from the second end 510 to the first end 508. The diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the lumen 524 may be larger near the first end 508 than near the second end 510. For example, the size and shape of the lumen 524 near the first end 508 may be determined to be part of the receiving valve housing 526.

[0096] The second end 516 of the second body member 512 can be configured to connect to the first body member 506 and receive a portion of the valve housing 526, while the first end 514 of the second body member 512 can be configured to connect to gas / lens cleaning supply lines 240c, 245c, 336, 338. In some examples, the first end region 534 of the second body member 512 can have a first cross-sectional external dimension, and the second end region 536 of the second body member 512 can have a second cross-sectional external dimension larger than the first cross-sectional external dimension. The first end region 534 of the second body member 512 can have a generally tubular configuration, the size and shape of which are determined to connect to a section of gas / lens cleaning supply line 240c, 245c, 336, 338. The second end region 536 of the second body member 512 can take any desired shape, such as, but not limited to, generally hemispherical, conical, truncated conical, cylindrical, rectangular prism, etc. In some cases, the first body member 506 and the second body member 512 may be approximately mirror images of each other, but this is not necessary.

[0097] The first end region 534 of the second body member 512 may include an outer tubular member 538 and an inner tubular member 540. The inner tubular member 540 may extend through a lumen 542 of the outer tubular member 538. Gas supply lines 240c, 336 may be configured to connect to the outer tubular member 538. In some embodiments, the outer tubular member 538 may be disposed within the lumen of the gas supply lines 240c, 336. In other embodiments, the gas supply lines 240c, 336 may be disposed within the lumen 542 of the outer tubular member 538. Lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may be configured to connect to the inner tubular member 540. In some embodiments, the inner tubular member 540 may be disposed within the lumen of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. In other embodiments, the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 may be disposed within the inner lumen 544 of the second body member 512.

[0098] A generally annular lumen 546 may extend from the second end 516 of the second body member 512 toward the first end 514 of the second body member 512. The generally annular lumen 546 may be in fluid communication with the lumen 542 of the outer tubular member 538 to fluidly connect the first and second gas supply lines 240c, 336. For example, the generally annular lumen 546 may be fluidly connected to the generally annular lumen 522 of the first body member 506. An internal lumen 544 of the second body member 512 may extend from the first end 514 to the second end 516. The diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the lumen 544 may be larger near the second end 516 than near the first end 514. For example, the size and shape of the lumen 544 near the second end 516 may be determined to be part of the receiving valve housing 526.

[0099] The valve housing 526 can extend from the first end 548 to the second end 550. The first end region 552 of the valve housing 526 can be coupled or secured to the second body member 512, and the second end region 554 of the valve housing 526 can be coupled or secured to the first body member 506. For example, the first end region 552 can be disposed within a portion of the cavity 544 of the second body member 512, and the second end region 554 can be disposed within a portion of the cavity 524 of the first body member 506. It is conceivable that the valve housing 526 can be coupled to the first body member 506 and / or the second body member 512 using various techniques, such as, but not limited to, threaded engagement, snap-fit, friction fit, overmolding, adhesive bonding, welding, brazing, etc. Furthermore, the first body member 506 and the second body member 512 can be secured or coupled to each other using various techniques, such as, but not limited to, threaded engagement, snap-fit, friction fit, overmolding, adhesive bonding, welding, brazing, etc.

[0100] Valve 556 may be disposed within lumen 558 of valve housing 526. Lumen 558 of valve housing 526 may be in fluid communication with central lumen 544 of second body member 512 and in selective fluid communication with central lumen 524 of first body member 506. Lumen 558 of valve housing 526 may have variable diameter or cross-sectional dimensions. In some cases, the diameter of lumen 558 may increase at a transition point to create an edge or protrusion 560 on which a portion of valve 556 rests. Valve 556 may be positioned between the protrusion 560 of valve housing 526 and surface 562 of first body member 506. Valve 556 may extend across the cross-section of lumen 558 of valve housing 526 and may include one or more openings or passages 564 to selectively allow fluid flow through valve 556.

[0101] Valve 556 can be configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing into or out of lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 unless a minimum opening pressure is achieved. This opening pressure can be greater than the pressure head of the fluid 285, 334 within reservoirs 270, 330. It is conceivable that this minimum pressure can be achieved by the pressure generated by air / gas flowing through gas supply lines 240c, 336 and into the interior of reservoirs 270, 330. Once this minimum pressure is achieved, valve 556 can open, and water / fluid can flow through lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 at a rate sufficient to clean the lens of endoscope 100. Once the clinician releases gas / water valve 140, reservoirs 270, 330 can return to their static pressure, which would close valve 556 and prevent fluid from flowing into and / or out of lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338. Valve 556 can be formed as a single integral piece of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), elastic material, other flexible material, etc. In some cases, valve 556 may be formed from more than one component. The one or more openings 564 may be a single slit, one or more cross-shaped or "X"-shaped slits, a snowflake-shaped slit, a single resealable orifice, etc. In other embodiments, valve 556 may be a parasol valve that changes configuration in response to pressure changes. It is further conceivable that other valves may also be used that open in response to an increase in pressure and close as the pressure decreases.

[0102] Valve 556 can be configured to remain closed under the maximum head of water / fluid 285, 334 in the reservoir (e.g., when reservoirs 270, 330 are full). The performance characteristics of valve 556 can be adjusted by changing the size and / or shape of valve 556 and / or opening 564, the material selection of valve 556, the material properties of valve 556, and the design of the first body member 506 and / or valve housing 526, such as, but not limited to, the head that valve 556 can withstand, the flow rate and / or volume of fluid flowing through valve 556 when the opening pressure is reached.

[0103] Figure 7A A schematic side view depicts an illustrative fluid reservoir 270, 330 having another illustrative fluid flow control component 600 in a first configuration or an open configuration, and Figure 7B A schematic side view of an illustrative fluid reservoir 270, 330 with a fluid flow control assembly 600 in a second configuration or a closed configuration is depicted. Typically, the fluid flow control assembly 600 may be a spring-loaded valve configured to selectively apply a biasing force to the outside of lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 to selectively clamp and close them. The fluid flow control assembly 600 may include a valve housing 602 extending from a first end 604 to a second end 606. A lumen 608 may extend from the first end 604 through the valve housing 602 to the second end 606. The size and shape of the lumen 608 may be determined to receive the lens cleaning supply lines 245, 338 passing through it. For example, the fluid flow control assembly 600 can slide on the outside of the lens cleaning supply lines 245, 338, such that the fluid flow control assembly 600 surrounds the lens cleaning supply lines 245, 338 and is inside the reservoirs 270, 330.

[0104] Valve housing 602 may include a cavity 610 configured to receive one or more biasing members 612a, 612b. The biasing members 612a, 612b may extend between a flexible inner diaphragm or wall 614 and a more rigid outer wall 616. The flexible inner wall 614 may form a portion of valve housing 602 that contacts the exterior of lens cleaning supply lines 245, 338. Typically, the one or more biasing members 612a, 612b may be configured to apply a biasing force to the flexible inner wall 614, causing radial inward movement of the walls of the lens cleaning supply lines 245, 338, thereby clamping and closing the lens cleaning supply lines 245, 338. The one or more biasing members 612a, 612b may be springs or other mechanisms configured to apply a biasing force to the flexible inner wall 614. The flexible inner wall 614 can be formed of silicone resin, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), elastic material, or other flexible material, which are configured to allow the inner wall 614 to be in a closed configuration. Figure 7BThe lens cleaning supply lines 245 and 338 can move between a closed configuration and an open configuration, which clamps the walls of the lens cleaning supply lines 245 and 338 together to prevent fluid from flowing through the lines, and an open configuration that allows fluid to flow through the lens cleaning supply lines 245 and 338.

[0105] The fluid flow control assembly 600 can be configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing into or out of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 unless a minimum opening pressure is achieved. This opening pressure can be greater than the pressure head of the fluid 285, 334 within the reservoirs 270, 330. It is conceivable that this minimum pressure can be achieved by the pressure generated by air / gas flowing through the gas supply lines 240c, 336 and into the interior of the reservoirs 270, 330. Once this minimum pressure is achieved, it can overcome the biasing force of the one or more biasing mechanisms 612a, 612b to allow radial expansion (e.g., opening) of the walls of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338, and water / fluid can flow through the lens cleaning supply lines 245c, 338 at a rate sufficient to clean the lens of the endoscope 100. Once the clinician releases the gas / water valve 140, the reservoirs 270 and 330 can return to their static pressure, which allows the biasing components 612a and 612b to clamp and close the lens cleaning supply lines 245c and 338 again to prevent fluid from flowing into and / or out of the lens cleaning supply lines 245c and 338.

[0106] The fluid flow control assembly 600 can be configured to remain closed under the maximum head of water / fluid 285, 334 in the reservoirs (e.g., when reservoirs 270, 330 are full). The performance characteristics of the fluid flow control assembly 600 can be adjusted by varying the size and / or stiffness of the one or more biasing mechanisms 612a, 612b, the material selection of the flexible inner wall 614, etc., such as, but not limited to, the head that the biasing mechanisms 612a, 612b can withstand, the flow rate and / or volume of fluid flowing through the fluid flow control assembly 600 when the opening pressure is reached.

[0107] As will be understood, the lengths of the irrigation tubing, lens cleaning tubing, gas supply tubing, and alternative gas supply tubing can have any suitable dimensions (e.g., diameter). Additionally, the tubing dimensions (e.g., diameter) can vary depending on the application. In one non-limiting embodiment, the irrigation supply tubing can have an inner diameter of approximately 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of 9.7 mm. The lens cleaning supply tubing can have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The gas supply tubing can have an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm and an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. The alternative gas supply tubing can have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm.

[0108] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification and practice of the invention. This specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, wherein the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the appended claims.

[0109] All apparatuses and methods discussed herein are examples of apparatuses and / or methods implemented according to one or more principles of this disclosure. These examples are not the only ways to implement these principles, but are merely examples. Therefore, references to elements or structures or features in the accompanying drawings should be understood as references to examples of embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to the specific elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways of implementing the disclosed principles will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0110] The following will be understood in the foregoing description and appended claims. As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions with both conjunction and disjunction functions. As used herein, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. All references to directions (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used only for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of this disclosure and / or to distinguish areas of associated elements from one another, and do not limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the location, orientation, or purpose of this disclosure. References to connections (e.g., attachment, link, connection, and linkage, etc.) should be understood broadly and may include intermediate members between a series of elements and relative movement between elements, unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, the connection mentioned does not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship with each other. The identifiers of the references (e.g., first-level, second-level, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to suggest importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0111] The foregoing discussion has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to limit this disclosure to the one or more forms disclosed herein. It should be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of this disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of this disclosure, without departing from its concept, spirit, scope, or characteristics, can be implemented in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and using other elements, materials, and components. For example, for the purpose of simplification, various features of this disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations. However, it should be understood that various features of certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of this disclosure can be combined to form alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be used with structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, components, etc., particularly adapted to specific environments and operational requirements and used in the practice of this disclosure, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of the element may be reversed or otherwise varied; the size or dimensions of the element may vary; and features and components of various embodiments may be selectively combined. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the claimed invention is indicated by the appended claims and is not limited to the foregoing description.

[0112] The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the detailed description, wherein each claim is an independent embodiment of this disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprising / including" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or method steps may 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 such combinations of features are not feasible and / or advantageous. Furthermore, the singular reference does not exclude the plural. The terms "a," "an," "first," "second," etc., do not exclude the plural. Reference numerals in the claims are provided as illustrative examples only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A container and tube kit arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope for use in endoscopic surgery, the container and tube kit comprising: A container configured to contain fluid; A water supply pipe, the water supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply pipe, wherein the first lumen is in selective fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the water supply pipe is located outside the container; A gas supply tube, the gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, wherein the second lumen is in operative fluid communication with the first container, and the second end of the first gas supply tube is positioned outside the first container; and A fluid flow control component is positioned in series with the water supply pipe, and the fluid flow control component is configured to selectively control the flow of fluid through the water supply pipe; The fluid flow control component is configured to allow fluid flow in response to an opening pressure.

2. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The opening pressure is greater than the pressure head of the fluid inside the container.

3. The container and tubing assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The fluid flow control component is connected to the first end of the water supply pipe.

4. The container and tubing assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The fluid flow control assembly is connected near the second end of the water supply pipe.

5. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The fluid flow control component is positioned between the first end and the second end of the water supply pipe.

6. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The fluid flow control component is mounted on the water supply pipe.

7. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The fluid flow control component includes: First body component; valve housing; A lumen extending through the first body member and the valve housing; and A valve that extends across the lumen and is disposed between the body portion and the valve housing.

8. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The valve includes one or more openings extending through it.

9. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein, The valve includes a flexible slit valve.

10. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The fluid flow control assembly further includes a second body component.

11. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The valve housing is disposed between the first body component and the second body component.

12. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, The first end of the fluid flow control component is connected to the first section of the water supply pipe and the first section of the gas supply pipe, and the second end of the fluid flow control component is connected to the second section of the water supply pipe and the second section of the gas supply pipe.

13. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2 or 6, wherein, The fluid flow control component includes: Valve housing, the valve housing defining a cavity; and One or more biasing mechanisms are disposed within the cavity, the one or more biasing mechanisms being configured to apply a biasing force to the wall of the water supply pipe to move the wall radially inward.

14. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The valve housing includes a flexible inner membrane, which is positioned against the water supply pipe.

15. The container and tubing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein, The one or more biasing mechanisms include springs.

Images