Weighted manifold for endoscope

Abstract

A method and system for coupling gas and water supply tubes to a container may include a container configured to contain a fluid, the container having a bottom and a top; a water supply tube (245c) including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen; a gas supply tube (240c) including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen; and a weight (500) coupled to the first end of the water supply tube (245c) and the first end of the gas supply tube (240c). The first lumen is in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the container and the second end of the water supply tube (245c) located outside the container. The second lumen is in operative fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the gas supply tube (240c) is located outside the container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid containers and methods, and more particularly to containers and tubing sets for delivering fluids and / or gases to an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians may use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning solution to flush out debris, clean the optics, and insufflate the working lumen. To enable these functions, the endoscope umbilical is connected to a water bottle via a set of tubes. One of the tubes delivers pressurized air from a processor to the water bottle. Another tube is a water tube suspended in water at the bottom of the bottle. To ensure the tube remains at the bottom of the water bottle, a weight may be attached to the distal tip to prevent the tube from floating to the top of the water surface. Additionally, a cap with multiple functions and components is attached to the top of the bottle to ensure desired performance is achieved. It is with these considerations in mind that the improvements of the present disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary of the disclosure is provided to aid in understanding, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may be used advantageously in some cases separately, or in other cases in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure. No limitations on the scope of the claimed subject matter are intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary. Thus, while the disclosure is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that individual aspects may be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that or any other embodiment.

[0004] In a first example, a container and tubing set positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include: a container configured to contain a fluid, the container having a bottom and a top; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, the first lumen being in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the container, the second end of the water supply tube being disposed external to the container; a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the container, the second end of the gas supply tube being disposed external to the container; and a weight coupled to the first end of the water supply tube and the first end of the gas supply tube.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the weight may include a housing having a housing lumen extending from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing.

[0006] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the container and tubing set may further comprise one or more openings extending through the sidewall of the housing, the one or more openings being disposed between the first and second ends of the housing.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the housing lumen may have a cross-sectional dimension that gradually decreases from the first end to the second end. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the housing lumen may have a first cross-sectional dimension from the first end of the housing to a first intermediate position between the first end and the second end of the housing.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the housing lumen may have a second cross-sectional dimension from the first intermediate position to a second intermediate position between the first end and the second end of the housing, and the second cross-sectional dimension may be smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the housing lumen may have a third cross-sectional dimension from the second intermediate position to the second end, and the third cross-sectional dimension may be smaller than the second cross-sectional dimension.

[0010] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in other examples, a first transition in the cross-sectional dimension of the housing lumen may define a first ledge.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first end of the gas supply tube may be configured to abut the first ledge. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the one or more openings may be disposed between the first shelf and the second end of the housing.

[0012] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in other examples, the second transition in the cross-sectional dimension of the housing lumen may define a second shelf. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first end of the water supply tube may be configured to abut the second ledge.

[0013] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the flow of gas through the second lumen may be configured to exit through one or more openings. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the flow of water may be configured to enter the first lumen through the second end of the housing upon pressurization of the container.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the container and tubing set may further comprise a one-way valve coupled to one or more of the openings. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the one-way valve may include an umbrella valve.

[0015] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the one-way valve may be configured to allow gas flow out of the housing and into the container. In another example, a container and tubing set arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include: a container configured to contain a fluid, the container having a bottom and a top; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, the first lumen being in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the container and the second end of the water supply tube being disposed external to the container; a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the container and the second end of the gas supply tube being disposed external to the container; and a weight coupled to the first end of the water supply tube and the first end of the gas supply tube. The weight may include a housing having a first housing lumen extending from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a second housing lumen extending through a sidewall of the housing.

[0016] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the container and tubing set may further comprise one or more openings formed in the second end of the housing.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first housing lumen may have a cross-sectional dimension that gradually decreases from the first end to the second end. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in other examples, the first transition in the cross-sectional dimension of the housing lumen may define a first shelf.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first end of the gas supply tube may be configured to abut the first ledge. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first opening of the second housing lumen may be disposed between the first shelf and the second end of the housing.

[0019] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the second opening of the second housing lumen may be located adjacent to the second end of the housing.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first lumen of the water supply tube may be in fluid communication with the second housing lumen. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the container and tubing set may further comprise one or more openings extending through the second end of the housing.

[0021] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the second lumen of the gas delivery tube may be in fluid communication with one or more openings. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the container and tubing set can further comprise a one-way valve coupled to one or more of the openings.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the one-way valve may include an umbrella valve. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the one-way valve may be configured to allow gas flow out of the housing and into the container.

[0023] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the second housing lumen may extend at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the first housing lumen. In another example, a container and tubing set arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include: a container configured to contain a fluid, the container having a bottom and a top; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, the first lumen being in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the container, the second end of the water supply tube being disposed external to the container; a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the container, the second end of the gas supply tube being disposed external to the container; and a weight coupled to the first end of the water supply tube and the first end of the gas supply tube. The weight may include a housing having a first housing lumen extending from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and one or more through holes radially spaced from the first housing lumen.

[0024] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the one or more through holes may be formed in the second end of the housing. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the housing may have an inner cross-sectional dimension that gradually decreases from the first end to the second end.

[0025] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in other examples, the first transition in the interior cross-sectional dimension of the housing may define a first shelf. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first end of the gas supply tube may be configured to abut the first ledge.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, a second transition in the inner cross-sectional dimension of the housing may define a second ledge. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first end of the water supply tube may be configured to abut the second ledge.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the first lumen of the water supply tube may be in fluid communication with the first housing lumen. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second lumen of the gas supply tube may be in fluid communication with one or more through holes in the second end of the housing.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the container and tubing set can further comprise a one-way valve coupled to one or more of the through-holes.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the one-way valve may include an umbrella valve. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the one-way valve may be configured to allow gas flow out of the housing and into the container.

[0030] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the one-way valve may be configured to prevent the passage of water into the housing. In another example, a container arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a flexible container configured to contain a fluid in a first receptacle, the flexible container having a bottom and a top, a water outlet disposed adjacent the bottom of the container, and a gas inlet in fluid communication with a second receptacle of the container, the second receptacle may include a hydrophobic membrane.

[0031] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the hydrophobic membrane may be configured to allow gas to pass from the second receptacle to the first receptacle.

[0032] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the hydrophobic membrane may be configured to prevent the passage of water from the first receptacle to the second receptacle.

[0033] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the container may further include a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending therethrough, the first lumen being in fluid communication with a first receptacle at a bottom of the container, and the second end of the water supply tube being disposed outside the container; and a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending therethrough, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the first receptacle, and the second end of the gas supply tube being disposed outside the container.

[0034] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the container may further include a port disposed adjacent the top of the container, the port configured to selectively fluidly couple the first receptacle of the container with an external water source, and a removable cap selectively coupled to the port.

[0035] In another example, a container and tubing set positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include: a container configured to contain a fluid, the container having a bottom and a top; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, the first lumen being in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the container, the second end of the water supply tube being disposed external to the container; and a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the container, the second end of the gas supply tube being disposed external to the container, the first end of the gas supply tube being disposed internal to the container and extending to the bottom of the container, the gas supply tube having a sidewall configured to prevent water from flowing from the container into the second lumen while allowing gas to pass from the second lumen into the container. The water supply tube may extend coaxially with the gas supply tube, with the first end of the water supply tube being generally aligned with the first end of the gas supply tube.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the annular opening at the first end of the gas delivery tube may be closed. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the container and tubing set may further comprise a weight coupled to the first end of the gas supply tube and / or the first end of the water supply tube.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sidewall may have a plurality of pinholes extending therethrough. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sidewalls may be formed from an elastomer.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sidewalls may be formed from a finely woven mesh. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sidewall may include a hydrophobic membrane.

[0039] In another example, a container and tubing set arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include an outer chamber; an inner chamber disposed within the outer chamber and configured to contain a fluid; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, the first lumen being in fluid communication with the inner chamber, and the second end of the water supply tube being disposed exterior to the container; and a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, the second lumen being in operative communication with the outer chamber, and the second end of the gas supply tube being disposed exterior to the container.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the outer chamber may be configured to compress the inner chamber to expel fluid from the inner chamber. In another example, a container arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a flexible container configured to contain a fluid in a first receptacle, the container having a bottom and a top, a water outlet disposed adjacent the bottom of the container, and a gas inlet, the gas inlet in fluid communication with an internal channel of the container. The internal channel may include a flow control mechanism disposed adjacent a second end of the internal channel.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may include a duckbill valve. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may include an umbrella valve.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may include a hydrophobic membrane. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may be configured to prevent the passage of water from the first receptacle to the interior channel receptacle.

[0043] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the container may further include a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending therethrough, the first lumen being in fluid communication with a first receptacle at a bottom of the container, and the second end of the water supply tube being disposed outside the container; and a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending therethrough, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the first receptacle, and the second end of the gas supply tube being disposed outside the container.

[0044] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the claimed invention being set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates components of an endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates components of an endoscope system with an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water reservoir, and a tube assembly for air and lens cleaning fluid delivery. [Figure 3A]FIG. 1 illustrates an endoscope system with an endoscope, a light source, a water reservoir, and a tube assembly for hybrid air, lens cleaning solution, and irrigation fluid delivery, with the system activated to deliver air to the atmosphere. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A, where the system is activated to deliver air to the patient through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A, wherein the system is activated to deliver lens cleaning fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3B illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A, wherein the system is activated to deliver irrigation fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a hybrid endoscope system including a video processing unit, a connector portion, a peristaltic irrigation pump, a water reservoir and head, coaxial gas and lens cleaning solution supply tubes, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubes, and an alternative gas supply tube. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal tube weight. [Figure 5B] 5B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] 5C is a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary distal tube weight taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5D] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 5A assembled with a gas supply tube and a water supply tube. [Figure 5E] 5B is a schematic diagram of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 5A assembled with a gas supply tube, a water supply tube, and a reservoir. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight. [Figure 6B] 6B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 6A taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 6A assembled with a gas supply tube and a water supply tube. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7D] 7B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 7A assembled with a gas supply tube and a water supply tube. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight. [Figure 8B] 8B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 8A taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8E] 8B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 8A assembled with a gas supply tube and a water supply tube. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight. [Figure 9B] 9B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 9A taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9B is a bottom view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9E] 9B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight of FIG. 9A assembled with a gas supply tube and a water supply tube. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary refillable fluid reservoir. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a side view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir and tubing set. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of region B in FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary reservoir for use with an endoscopic system. [Figure 13A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary fluid reservoir in a first configuration. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a schematic side view of the exemplary reservoir of FIG. 13A in a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics of which have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that may be used in an endoscopic medical procedure. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed devices and associated methods of use may be utilized in any suitable procedure, medical or otherwise. The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar reference numerals are used to refer to like or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0048] The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device farthest from the user when the device is introduced into a patient. Conversely, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device closest to the user when the device is positioned within a patient. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used to mean "example" rather than "ideal." Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the stated or implied value. Furthermore, terms indicating the geometry of components / surfaces refer to exact and approximate shapes.

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with specific reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tubing assemblies or sets. It will be understood that such embodiments may be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of different purposes, including, for example, to insufflate a patient, facilitate lens cleaning, and / or to assist in irrigating the working channel to flush / aspirate debris during an endoscopic procedure.

[0050] Although the present disclosure includes a description of containers and tubing sets suitable for use with endoscopic systems for supplying fluids and / or gases to an endoscope, the devices, systems, and methods herein may be implemented in other medical systems requiring fluid and / or gas delivery and for a variety of other purposes.

[0051] It should be noted that references herein to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, if a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to provide such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, it is contemplated that various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, can be combined or arranged with one another to form other or additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is used generally in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0053] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians may use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning solution to flush out debris, clean the optics, and ventilate the working lumen. To enable these features, the endoscope umbilical is connected to a water bottle via a set of tubes. One of the tubes delivers pressurized air from a processor to the water bottle. Another tube is a water tube suspended in water at the bottom of the bottle. To ensure the tube remains at the bottom of the water bottle, a weight may be attached to the distal tip to prevent the tube from floating to the top of the water. Additionally, a cap with multiple functions and components is attached to the top of the bottle to ensure desired performance is achieved. Disclosed herein is a container and tubing set that combines multiple components and functions into a single part, thereby reducing the number of parts required to achieve the same performance.

[0054] 1-2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 are shown, which may include an elongated shaft 100a for insertion into a patient. A light source 205 provides illumination to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may house an imaging device (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imaging device) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed within a video processing unit 210, which processes signals input from the imaging device and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 also houses a pressure pump 215, such as an air supply pump, within the unit, thereby functioning as a component of an air / water supply circuit.

[0055] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c located at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible curved portion 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible curved portion 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. On the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 is a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to insufflate the patient's interior at the treatment area and water to clean the lens covering the imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 in the end face 100d supply irrigation fluid to the patient's treatment area. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing a tool to the treatment area may also be included on the face 100d of the distal tip 100c. Working channel 235 extends along shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 positioned distally of operating handle 115 of endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be utilized to seal channel opening 110 against unwanted fluid outflow.

[0056] The operating handle 115 may include a knob 125 for providing remote four-way steering of the distal tip via a wire connected to an articulation joint within the bendable flexible section 105 (e.g., one knob controls up / down steering and another knob controls left / right steering). A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115. The handle 115 also includes two valve wells 135. One of the valve wells 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 for controlling the operation of the insufflation gas and lens water supply. A gas supply line 240a and a lens cleaning solution supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and converge at the distal tip 100c, proximal to the gas / cleaning solution nozzle 220 (FIG. 2). The other valve well 135 receives a suction valve 145 for controlling the suction operation. A suction supply line 250 a extends distally along shaft 100 a from suction valve 145 to a junction in fluid communication with working channel 235 of endoscope 100 .

[0057] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the image processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilical 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) delivery line 240b, a lens cleaning fluid delivery line 245b, a suction delivery line 250b, an irrigation delivery line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). When plugged into the image processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 and the light guide within the image processing unit. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a and transmits light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. When plugged into the image processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 also connects the air pump 215 to the gas delivery line 240b within the umbilical 260.

[0058] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to endoscope 100 through connector portion 265 and umbilical 260. A length of gas supply tube 240c passes from one end positioned in a space 275 between the top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a removable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 outside connector portion 265. Removable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or gas supply tube 240c. Gas delivery line 240b from umbilical 260 branches within connector portion 265 to fluidly communicate with gas supply tube 240c at removable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290, as well as air pump 215. A length of lens cleaning solution tubing 245c, with one end positioned at the bottom of reservoir 270, passes through top 280 of reservoir 270 to the same removable connection 290 as gas supply tubing 240c of connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or separate from one another. Connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) extending from an irrigation water source (not shown) to irrigation feed line 255b within umbilical 260. Removable irrigation connection 293 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or the irrigation supply tubing (not shown). In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) independent of water reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens cleaning solution tubing 245c may source water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a removable suction connection 295 for suction feed line 250b and suction supply line 250a that fluidly connects a vacuum source (e.g., hospital house suction) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100. Removable suction connection 295 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or suction feed line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0059] Gas delivery line 240b and lens cleaning solution delivery line 245b are fluidly connected to valve well 135 for gas / water valve 140, such that operation of the gas / water valve within the well controls the supply of gas or lens cleaning solution to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction delivery line 250b is fluidly connected to valve well 135 for suction valve 145, such that operation of the suction valve within the well controls suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary operation of an endoscopic system 200 including an endoscope such as the endoscope 100 described above will be described. Air from an air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows through a connector portion 265, branches through a gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260 to the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, and flows through a gas supply tube 240c via a connection 290 on the connector portion 265 to a water reservoir 270. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, with the user's finger not over the valve, air is allowed to flow out of the valve to atmosphere. In the first position, the user's finger is used to block ventilation to atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow from the valve 140 down the gas supply line 240a and out the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to insufflate a treatment site on a patient. When gas / water valve 140 is pushed downward to a second position, gas is prevented from exiting the valve, allowing the pressure of air passing from air pump 215 to build up in water reservoir 270. Pressurizing the water source forces water from lens cleaning solution tubing 245c, through connector portion 265, umbilical 260, through gas / water valve 140, down lens cleaning solution supply line 245a, and converges with gas supply line 240a before exiting distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 via gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220. The air pump pressure may be calibrated to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the irrigation water supply.

[0061] The flow rate of the lens cleaning solution is governed by the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270. As the gas pressure begins to drop within the water reservoir 270 as water is forced out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning solution tube 245c, the air pump 215 maintains a substantially constant pressure by replenishing the lost air supply within the reservoir 270, which in turn provides a substantially constant lens cleaning solution flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed within the path of the gas supply tube 240c to filter out undesirable contaminants or particulate matter from passing into the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed within the path of the lens cleaning solution supply tube to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after passing through the valve.

[0062] Because its primary use is to remove debris from a patient's treatment site that would obstruct the user's field of vision, a relatively high flow rate of irrigation water is typically required compared to lens cleaning solution. Irrigation is typically achieved through the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing located at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and into the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tubing of the pump is connected via irrigation connection 293 on connector portion 265 to irrigation feed line 255b in umbilical 260 and irrigation supply line 255a of endoscope 100. When irrigation water is needed, fluid is drawn from the water source by operating the irrigation pump, such as by depressing a footswitch (not shown), through irrigation connection 293, through irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in endoscope shaft 100a, and to distal tip 100c. A vent (not shown) may be included in the top 280 of the water reservoir 270 to equalize pressure within the water source as water is drawn through the irrigation supply tube. The vent allows atmospheric air to enter the water source, preventing a buildup of negative pressure within the water source, which may create a vacuum that draws undesirable material from the patient through the endoscope toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown), similar to lens cleaning solution tube 245c, may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tube to help prevent backflow of water into the reservoir after it has passed through the valve.

[0063] 3A-3D are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of one embodiment of a hybrid system 300 in which supply tubes for irrigation and lens cleaning solution are connected to and drawn from a single water reservoir. It is contemplated that fluids other than water (e.g., but not limited to, saline) may be used. The hybrid system 300 includes a single water reservoir 305, a cap 310 for the reservoir, a gas supply tube 240c, a lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, an irrigation pump 315 with a foot switch 318, an upstream irrigation tube 320, and a downstream irrigation supply tube 255c. The cap 310 may be configured to tightly and sealingly attach to the water reservoir 305, typically by a threaded arrangement. The cap 310 may include a gasket for sealing the cap 310 to the reservoir 305. The gasket may be an O-ring, a flange, a collar, and / or the like, and may be formed from any suitable material. Several through openings (325a, 325b, 325c) in cap 310 are provided to respectively receive gas supply tube 240c, lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, and upstream irrigation supply tube 320. In Figures 3A-3D, the illustrated system includes separate tubes for gas supply, lens cleaning, and irrigation.

[0064] In other embodiments, the gas delivery tube 240c and the lens cleaning solution tube 245c may be combined in a coaxial arrangement. Some exemplary coaxial arrangements are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,239, entitled "INTEGRATED CONTAINER AND TUBE SET FOR FLUID DELIVERY WITH AN ENDOSCOPE," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,256, entitled "TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the gas delivery tube may define a lumen of a diameter large enough to surround a smaller diameter lens cleaning solution tube coaxially received within the gas delivery tube, and air may be supplied to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution tube to pressurize a water reservoir (see, e.g., gas delivery tube 240c and lens cleaning solution delivery tube 245c). The lens cleaning fluid supply tube may be configured to exit the lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply tube in any suitable sealed manner, such as, for example, an opening, a fitting, a collar, etc., to transition from a coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement at a detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection to an endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2).

[0065] In various embodiments, different configurations of valves (not shown) may be incorporated into the various embodiments disclosed herein, including the tubing of systems 200, 300. For example, placing an inflow check valve in the path of gas delivery tubing 240c may help prevent backflow into air pump 215. In this way, increased pressure in water reservoir 305 creates a pressure differential between the water source and gas delivery tubing 240c, helping to maintain positive pressure in the water source even when large amounts of water may be removed from the water source during the irrigation function. This arrangement offsets any time lag in air being delivered from air pump 215 to water reservoir 305, which may otherwise create a negative vacuum in the water reservoir. Similarly, incorporating an outflow check valve, such as a one-way valve with an inlet / outlet and a valve insert, into the lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c, the upstream irrigation supply tube 320, and / or the downstream irrigation supply tube 255c can help prevent backflow of water from either or both of the lens cleaning solution tube and the irrigation tube in the event of a negative pressure situation, as described.

[0066] More generally, in many embodiments, a check valve may refer to any type of configuration for passively allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. For example, a check valve may include or refer to one or more of a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disk check valve, a flapper valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, an in-line check valve, a duckbill valve, a pneumatic non-return valve, a reed valve, and a flow check. Thus, as used herein, a check valve is meant to be distinct from and different from an active valve (e.g., a stopcock valve, a solenoid valve, a peristaltic pump) that is operated in a binary manner as an on / off valve or switch that allows flow to be turned on or off.

[0067] During operation of the system of FIGS. 3A-3D, water flow for irrigation can be achieved by operating the irrigation pump 315. Water flow for lens cleaning can be achieved by depressing the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. These functions may be performed independently of one another or simultaneously. When performing simultaneous lens cleaning and irrigation, as fluid is removed from the water reservoir 305, the pressure within the system can be controlled to offset the reduced pressure in the water reservoir 305 caused by providing high-flow irrigation while maintaining the lens cleaning fluid supply tube 240c at a pressure required to achieve substantially low-flow lens cleaning. If pressure drops within the water reservoir due to simultaneous use of the lens cleaning function, the irrigation function, or both functions, the reduced pressure may be offset by the air pump 215 via the gas supply tube 240c.

[0068] The schematic configuration of Figures 3A-3D is emphasized to illustrate the different flow paths possible with hybrid system 300, which has supply tube 320 for irrigation and supply tube 240c for lens cleaning solution connected to and drawing from a single water reservoir 305. As shown in Figure 3A, endoscope 100 is in a neutral state with gas / water valve 140 in an open position. The neutral state delivers neither gas nor lens cleaning solution to the distal tip of the endoscope. Rather, gas (pressure) is delivered along path A from pressurized air pump 215 and vented to atmosphere through gas delivery line 240b in umbilical 260 via connector portion 265 and through the gas / water valve. Because the system is open at the vent port of gas / water valve 140, there is no buildup pressurizing water reservoir 305, and therefore no water is forced through lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3B, the endoscope 100 is in a gas delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in a first position. When gas is required at the distal tip 100c, for example, to irrigate the distal tip end face 100d or to insufflate the patient's body in the treatment area, the user closes the vent hole in the gas / water valve 140 with a thumb, finger, or the like (first position). In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path B and flows through the gas delivery line 240b in the umbilical 260 via the connector portion 265. The gas passes through the gas / water valve 140, continues to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a, and exits the gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. Because the system is open at the gas / lens water nozzle 220, there is no buildup to pressurize the water reservoir, and therefore water is not forced through the lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3C , the endoscope 100 is in a lens cleaning solution delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in the second position. When lens cleaning solution is required at the distal tip 100 c, for example to clean the end face 100 d of the distal tip 100 c, the user presses the valve 140 down to its farthest point within the valve well 135 while keeping the vent hole in the gas / water valve closed. The second position blocks gas supply to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240 a within the endoscope, and opens the gas / water valve 140 to allow lens cleaning water to pass through the lens cleaning solution supply line 245 a within the endoscope shaft 100 a and exit the gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100 c. In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered along path C from the air pump 215, through the branch line in the connector portion 265, out the gas supply tube 240 c, and to the water reservoir 305. The gas (pressure) pressurizes the surface of the remaining water 285 in reservoir 305, forcing the water up lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c and into connector portion 265. The pressurized lens cleaning water is forced further through lens cleaning solution feed line 245b in umbilical 260 and through gas / water valve 140. Because system 300 is closed, the gas pressure is allowed to build and maintain a calibrated pressure level within water reservoir 305, rather than being vented to atmosphere or delivered to the patient. This pressure is translated into a specific range of lens cleaning solution flow rates through the endoscope's delivery and supply lines and external tubing.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3D , endoscope 100 is in an irrigation delivery state. This may occur simultaneously with or at a different time than the delivery of gas and / or lens cleaning solution. When irrigation is needed at distal tip 100 c, for example, because visibility in the treatment area is poor or blocked by debris, the user activates irrigation pump 315 (e.g., by depressing footswitch 318) to deliver water along path D. When pump 315 is activated, water is drawn from water reservoir 305 through upstream irrigation supply tubing 320 and pumped along downstream irrigation supply tubing 255 c to connector portion 265. Irrigation pump head pressure further forces irrigation water through irrigation feed line 255 b in umbilical 260, through irrigation supply line 255 a in endoscope shaft 100 a, and out irrigation opening 225 at distal tip 100 c. The irrigation pump pressure may be calibrated along with the irrigation delivery and supply lines and external tubing of the endoscope to deliver irrigation fluid at a certain range of flow rates.

[0072] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further embodiment of a hybrid system 400 including a video processing unit 210, a connector portion 265, a peristaltic irrigation pump 315, a water reservoir 405 and top 407, a coaxial gas and lens cleaning solution supply tube 410, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubes 320, 255c, and an alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply tube 415. A length of alternative gas supply tube 415 passes from one end positioned in the gas gap 275 (see FIG. 2) between the top 407 of the water reservoir 405 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir, through an additional opening 420 in the top of the reservoir, to a removable connection 425 for an alternative gas source (e.g., a CO2 hospital gas source). When an alternative gas supply, such as CO2 gas, is desired, the air pump 215 on the image processing unit 210 may be turned off, allowing CO2 gas, rather than air, to flow into the water reservoir 405 and pressurize the water surface. Generally, the flow of CO2 through the endoscope 100 is similar to the flow of air. In the neutral state, CO2 gas flows back up the gas supply tube 240c to the connector portion 265, up the gas delivery line 240b, and through the gas / water valve 140 to be vented to the atmosphere. In a first position, the user closes the vent hole in the gas / water valve 140, allowing CO2 gas to flow through the gas / water valve, into the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a, and out the gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. In the second position, the user presses valve 140 down to the bottom of valve well 135, leaving the vent in the gas / water valve closed. The second position shuts off CO2 gas supply to both the atmosphere and gas supply line 240a within endoscope 100, while opening gas / water valve 140 to allow lens cleaning water to pass through lens cleaning solution supply line 245a within endoscope shaft 100a and exit gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at distal tip 100c. Gas (pressure) within reservoir 405 is maintained by delivery gas through alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply tube 415. Irrigation functions can be accomplished in a manner similar to the operations described above with respect to FIG. 3D.

[0073] As mentioned above, it may be desirable to reduce the number of parts in system 200 while achieving the same performance. FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an exemplary distal tube weight 500 for use with gas supply tube 240c, lens cleaning solution tube 245c, and reservoirs 270, 305, 405. FIG. 5B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of exemplary distal tube weight 500 taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C shows a perspective cross-sectional view of exemplary distal tube weight 500 taken along line 5C-5C in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of exemplary distal tube weight 500 assembled with gas supply tube 240c and water supply tube 245c. FIG. 5E shows a schematic view of exemplary distal tube weight 500 assembled with gas supply tube 240c, water supply tube 245c, and reservoir 270. The distal tube weight 500 may be configured to house the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c within the reservoir 270, 305, 405 in a configuration that reduces the complexity of the water bottle cap or top 280, 407 while maintaining the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c in a desired configuration.

[0074] The distal tube weight 500 includes a housing 502 extending from a first or proximal end 504 to a second or distal end 506. In some cases, the first end 504 may be considered the top of the housing 502, while the second end 506 may be considered the bottom of the housing 502. The exemplary housing 502 includes a front face 508, a rear face 510, and at least a first side face 512 and an opposite second side face 514. The first and second sides 512, 514 may each extend from the front face 508 to the rear face 510 or between the front face 508 and the rear face 510. The first and second ends 504, 506 may extend from the first and second side faces 512, 514 or between the first side face 512 and the second side face 514. The use of the terms "front," "rear," "first," "second," "top," and "bottom" is not intended to limit the distal tube weight 500 to a particular orientation, but rather to facilitate the description of relative orientations. Furthermore, the housing 502 is not limited to a rectangular or generally rectangular configuration. Other shapes may be used for the housing 502, including, among others, cylindrical or square pyramidal configurations, if desired.

[0075] The housing 502 may define a first housing lumen 520 that extends distally from the first end 504 to a point proximal to the second end 506. The first housing lumen 520 may define an opening 524 at the first end 504 of the housing 502 and terminate at a second end 525 proximal to the second end 506 of the housing 502. The first housing lumen 520 may vary in cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension along its length. For example, the first housing lumen 520 may have a first cross-sectional shape having a first cross-sectional dimension 516 adjacent the first end 504 of the housing 502 and a second cross-sectional shape having a second cross-sectional dimension 518 adjacent the second end 506 of the housing 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 520 is generally circular, and the second cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 520 may have a generally "C" or crescent shape. However, the first cross-sectional shape and / or the second cross-sectional shape may take on other cross-sectional shapes, as desired. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape may be the same general shape. The second cross-sectional dimension 518 may be smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension 516. The cross-sectional dimensions 516, 518 (and / or cross-sectional shape) of the first housing lumen 520 may change abruptly or gradually to define a first shoulder or first shelf 526.

[0076] The housing 502 may further define an air outlet 528 extending through a side wall of the housing 502. While the air outlet 528 is shown extending through the front wall 508, the air outlet 528 may extend through any side wall 508, 510, 512, 514 as desired. In yet other embodiments, the air outlet 528 may extend through the second end 506 of the housing 502. The air outlet 528 may include multiple openings 530a-e. While the first air outlet 528 is shown and described as having five openings 530a-e, the first air outlet 528 may have fewer or more than five openings, as desired. The air outlet 528 is configured to be in fluid communication with the first housing lumen 520 and, via the first housing lumen 520, with the lumen of the gas delivery tube 240c.

[0077] A one-way valve 532 (FIG. 5D) may be disposed within or adjacent to the first air outlet 528. In some examples, the one-way valve 532 may be a flap valve, although other one-way valves, including those described elsewhere herein, may be used if desired. The one-way valve 532 may be configured to allow air to travel from the first housing lumen 520 of the housing 502 and exit through the openings 530a-d, as indicated by arrows 534. For example, air or gas flowing through the first housing lumen 520 may deflect the flap 536 away from the housing 502. However, the one-way valve 532 may prevent air from traveling in the reverse direction. This may allow air to enter the reservoir and pressurize it. The one-way valve 532 may also prevent water from entering the first housing lumen 520 of the housing 502. The one-way valve 532 may be coupled to the first air outlet 528 using several techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, glue, sonic welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In some cases, a central post 538 of the one-way valve 532 may extend through the central opening 530e to secure the one-way valve 532 to the housing 502, for example, by a snap fit or friction fit.

[0078] The gas supply tube 240c may extend into the first housing lumen 520 of the housing 502, as shown in FIG. 5D . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the gas supply tube 240c may abut the first shelf 526. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the first end of the gas supply tube 240c may be proximal to the first shoulder 526. The gas supply tube 240c may be secured to the housing 502 using several techniques, including, but not limited to, a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesives, glue, etc. As described above, air from the air pump 215 (or gas from an alternative source) can flow through the connector portion 265 to the reservoir 270 (depending on the position of the gas / water valve 140). Once the air exits the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c, it enters the first housing lumen 520 and exits the housing 502 via the air outlet 528. One-way valve 532 allows air to enter reservoir 270, 305, 405 and pressurize reservoir 270, 305, 405, but does not allow air to re-enter housing 502 and / or gas supply tube 240c. It is contemplated that the first end of gas supply tube 240c and / or air outlet 528 is positioned proximal to water inlet 542 so that air can enter housing 502 and be discharged into the reservoir, but not up water supply tube 245c.

[0079] The housing 502 may further include a second housing lumen 522 that may extend distally from a point distal to the first end 504 to the second end 506. In some cases, a portion of the second housing lumen 522 may be defined by a tubular member 540 that extends proximally from a first shoulder 526. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the second housing lumen 522 may begin at the first shoulder 526 and extend distally from the first shoulder 526. The tubular member 540 may have an outer diameter that increases distally. While this is not required, the increasing diameter facilitates coupling of the water supply tube 245c to the tubular member 540.

[0080] The second housing lumen 522 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the water supply tube 245c. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 245c may be disposed over the tubular member 540 to fluidly couple the lumen of the water supply tube 245c with the second housing lumen 522, as shown in FIG. 5D . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the water supply tube 245c may abut the first shoulder 526. However, this is not required. In other embodiments, the first end of the water supply tube 245c may be inserted into the second housing lumen 522. When the water supply tube 245c is fluidly coupled with the second housing lumen 522, the first housing lumen 520 and the second housing lumen 522 are fluidly isolated from each other. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c such that only a single opening in the cap 280, 407 is required. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the gas supply tube 240c such that the longitudinal axis of the water supply tube 245c is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the gas supply tube 240c. In other examples, the water supply tube 245c and the gas supply tube 240c may extend coaxially. When the reservoir 270, 305, 405 is pressurized, water can enter the housing 502 through the water inlet 542 at the distal end of the second housing lumen 522. The water can then flow proximally through the second housing lumen 522 and into the lumen of the water supply tube 245c to provide a lens cleaning function.

[0081] The housing 502 may be formed from a material having a density greater than that of water. This may allow the housing 502 to act as a weight to prevent the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c from floating to the top of the reservoir 270, 305, 405. The housing 502 may begin with a substantially solid member from which the lumens 520, 522 and openings 530a-e are separately formed. For example, the lumens 520, 522 and openings 530a-e may be machined into the substantially solid housing. In other examples, the housing 502 may be molded as a single monolithic structure including the lumens 520, 522 and openings 530a-e.

[0082] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight 600 for use with the gas delivery tube 240c, the lens cleaning solution tube 245c, and the reservoir 270, 305, 405. FIG. 6B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight 600 taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C shows a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight 600 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight 600 assembled with the gas delivery tube 240c and the water delivery tube 245c. The distal tube weight 600 may be configured to house the gas delivery tube 240c and the water delivery tube 245c within the reservoir 270, 305, 405 in a configuration that reduces the complexity of the water bottle cap or top 280, 407 while maintaining the gas delivery tube 240c and the water delivery tube 245c in a desired configuration.

[0083] The distal tube weight 600 includes a housing 602 extending from a first or proximal end 604 to a second or distal end 606. In some cases, the first end 604 may be considered the top of the housing 602, while the second end 606 may be considered the bottom of the housing 602. The exemplary housing 602 may include a first portion 608 having a generally rectangular prism shape and a second portion 610 having a generally truncated square pyramid shape. However, the housing 602 is not limited to a rectangular or generally rectangular structure or a square pyramid structure. Other shapes or combinations of shapes may be used for the housing 602, including, among others, a cylindrical structure, if desired. The first portion 608 includes a front surface 612, a rear surface 614, at least a first side surface 646, and an opposite second side surface 648. The first and second sides 646, 648 may each extend from the front face 612 to the rear face 614 or between the front face 612 and the rear face 614. The first end 604 may extend from the first and second sides 646, 648 or between the first and second sides 646, 648. The second portion 610 extends distally from the second end 644 of the first portion 608 and may include multiple sides. The use of the terms “front,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “top,” and “bottom” is not intended to limit the distal tube weight 600 to a particular orientation, but rather to facilitate description of relative orientations.

[0084] The housing 602 may define a first housing lumen 620 extending distally from the first end 604 to a point proximal to the second end 606. The first housing lumen 620 may define an opening 624 at the first end 604 of the housing 602 and terminate at a second end 625 proximal to the second end 606 of the housing 602. The first housing lumen 620 may vary in cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension along its length. For example, the first housing lumen 620 may have a first cross-sectional shape having a first cross-sectional dimension 616 adjacent the first end 604 of the housing 602 and a second cross-sectional shape having a second cross-sectional dimension 618 adjacent the second end 606 of the housing 602. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 620 is generally circular, and the second cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 620 may be generally non-circular. In some cases, a portion of the second cross-sectional shape may be semicircular, with a linear sidewall similar to a portion of a stadium or capsule. However, the first cross-sectional shape and / or the second cross-sectional shape may take on other cross-sectional shapes as desired. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape may be the same general shape. The cross-sectional dimensions 616, 618 (and / or cross-sectional shape) of the first housing lumen 620 may change abruptly or gradually to define a first shoulder or shoulders 626.

[0085] The housing 602 may further define an air outlet 628 extending through a sidewall of the housing 602. While the air outlet 628 is shown extending through the front wall 612, the air outlet 628 may extend through any sidewall 612, 614, 646, 648 as desired. In yet other embodiments, the air outlet 628 may extend through a face of the second portion 610 of the housing 606. The air outlet 628 may include multiple openings 630a-e. While the first air outlet 628 is shown and described as having five openings 630a-e, the first air outlet 628 may have fewer or more than five openings, as desired. The air outlet 628 is configured to be in fluid communication with the first housing lumen 620 and, via the first housing lumen 620, with the lumen of the gas delivery tube 240c.

[0086] A one-way valve 632 (FIG. 5D) may be disposed within or adjacent to the first air outlet 628. In some examples, the one-way valve 632 may be a flap valve, although other one-way valves, including those described elsewhere herein, may be used if desired. The one-way valve 632 may be configured to allow air to travel from the first housing lumen 620 of the housing 602 and exit through openings 630a-d, as indicated by arrows 634. For example, air or gas flowing through the first housing lumen 620 may deflect the flap 636 away from the housing 602. However, the one-way valve 632 may prevent air from traveling in the reverse direction. This may allow air to enter the reservoir and pressurize it. The one-way valve 632 may also prevent water from entering the first housing lumen 620 of the housing 602. The one-way valve 632 may be coupled to the first air outlet 628 using several techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, glue, sonic welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In some cases, a central post 638 of the one-way valve 632 may extend through the central opening 630e to secure the one-way valve 632 to the housing 602, for example, by a snap fit or friction fit.

[0087] The gas supply tube 240c may extend into the first housing lumen 620 of the housing 602, as shown in FIG. 6D . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the gas supply tube 240c may abut the first shoulder 626. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the first end of the gas supply tube 240c may be proximal to the first shoulder 626. The gas supply tube 240c may be secured to the housing 602 using several techniques, including, but not limited to, a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesives, glue, etc. As described above, air from the air pump 215 (or gas from an alternative source) can flow through the connector portion 265 to the reservoir 270 (depending on the position of the gas / water valve 140). Once the air exits the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c, it enters the first housing lumen 620 and exits the housing 602 via the air outlet 628. The one-way valve 632 allows air to enter the reservoir 270, 305, 405 and pressurize the reservoir 270, 305, 405, but does not allow air to re-enter the housing 602 and / or the gas supply tube 240c. It is contemplated that the first end of the gas supply tube 240c and / or the air outlet 628 will be positioned proximal to the water inlet 642 so that air can enter the housing and be discharged into the reservoir, but not up the water supply tube 245c.

[0088] The housing 602 may further include a second housing lumen 622 that may extend distally from a first end 623 distal to the first end 604 to a second end 606. In some cases, a portion of the second housing lumen 622 may begin at the second end 625 of the first housing lumen 622. In the absence of the water supply tube 245c, the second housing lumen 622 may be fluidly coupled to the first housing lumen 620. The second housing lumen 622 may have a different cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension than the second cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension 618 of the first housing lumen 620. For example, the second housing lumen 622 may have a third cross-sectional shape having a third cross-sectional dimension 650. The third cross-sectional shape and / or third cross-sectional dimension 650 may be substantially constant along the length of the second housing lumen 622. However, this is not required. The second housing lumen 622 may vary in cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the third cross-sectional shape of the second housing lumen 622 may be general. However, the third cross-sectional shape may take on other cross-sectional shapes as desired. The third cross-sectional dimension 650 may be smaller than the second cross-sectional dimension 618. However, this is not required. The cross-sectional dimensions 618, 650 (and / or shapes) between the first housing lumen 620 and the second housing lumen 622 may change abruptly or gradually to define a second shoulder or second shelf 652.

[0089] The second housing lumen 622 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the water supply tube 245c. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 245c may be at least partially disposed within the second housing lumen 622 to fluidly couple the lumen of the water supply tube 245c with the second housing lumen 622, as shown in FIG. 6D . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the water supply tube 245c may abut the second shoulder 650. However, this is not required. When the water supply tube 245c is fluidly coupled with the second housing lumen 622, the first housing lumen 620 and the second housing lumen 622 are fluidly isolated from each other. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c such that only a single opening in the cap 280, 407 is required. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the gas supply tube 240c such that the longitudinal axis of the water supply tube 245c is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas supply tube 240c. In other examples, the water supply tube 245c and the gas supply tube 240c may extend such that their longitudinal axes are laterally offset. When the reservoir 270, 305, 405 is pressurized, water can enter the housing 602 through the water inlet 642 at the distal end of the second housing lumen 622. The water can then flow proximally through the second housing lumen 622 and into the lumen of the water supply tube 245c to provide a lens cleaning function.

[0090] The housing 602 may be formed from a material having a density greater than that of water. This may allow the housing 602 to act as a weight to prevent the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c from floating to the top of the reservoirs 270, 305, 405. The housing 602 may begin with a substantially solid member from which the lumens 620, 622 and openings 630a-e are separately formed. For example, the lumens 620, 622 and openings 630a-e may be machined into the substantially solid housing. In other examples, the housing 602 may be molded as a single monolithic structure including the lumens 620, 622 and openings 630a-e.

[0091] FIG. 7A shows a top perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight 700 for use with the gas delivery tube 240c, the lens cleaning solution tube 245c, and the reservoir 270, 305, 405. FIG. 7B shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary distal tube weight 700. FIG. 7C shows a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight 700 of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7D shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight 700 assembled with the gas delivery tube 240c and the water delivery tube 245c. The distal tube weight 700 may be configured to house the gas delivery tube 240c and the water delivery tube 245c within the reservoir 270, 305, 405 in a configuration that reduces the complexity of the water bottle cap or top 280, 407 while maintaining the gas delivery tube 240c and the water delivery tube 245c in a desired configuration.

[0092] The distal tube weight 700 includes a housing 702 extending from a first or proximal end 704 to a second or distal end 706. In some cases, the first end 704 may be considered the top of the housing 702, while the second end 706 may be considered the bottom of the housing 702. The exemplary housing 702 may have a generally cylindrical configuration. However, the housing 702 is not limited to a cylindrical configuration. If desired, other shapes or combinations of shapes may be used for the housing 702, including, but not limited to, a cubic configuration, a rectangular or generally rectangular configuration, or a square pyramidal configuration. The housing 702 includes a circumferentially extending sidewall 708. In some embodiments, the housing 702 may have a first portion 70 having a substantially constant outer diameter and a second portion 712 having an outer diameter that increases distally. However, this is not required. In some cases, the outer diameter of the housing 702 may be substantially constant from the first end 704 to the second end 706. In still other embodiments, the outer diameter may increase or taper from the first end 704 to the second end 706 .

[0093] The housing 702 may define a first housing lumen 720 that extends distally from the first end 704 to a point proximal to the second end 706. The first housing lumen 720 may define an opening 724 at the first end 704 of the housing 702 and terminate at a second end 725 proximal to the second end 706 of the housing 702. The first housing lumen 720 may vary in cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension along its length. For example, the first housing lumen 720 may have a first cross-sectional shape having a first cross-sectional dimension 716 adjacent the first end 704 of the housing 702 and a second cross-sectional shape having a second cross-sectional dimension 718 adjacent the second end 706 of the housing 702. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 720 is generally circular, and the second cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 720 may also be generally circular. However, the first cross-sectional shape and / or the second cross-sectional shape may assume other cross-sectional shapes as desired. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape may be different shapes. The cross-sectional dimensions 716, 718 (and / or cross-sectional shapes) of the first housing lumen 720 may change abruptly or gradually to define a first shoulder or shelf 726.

[0094] The housing 702 may further define an air outlet 728 extending through the bottom 706 of the housing 702. However, the air outlet 728 may extend through the sidewall 708, if desired. The air outlet 728 may include multiple openings 730a-d. While the first air outlet 728 is shown and described as having four openings 730a-d, the first air outlet 728 may have fewer or more than four openings, if desired. The air outlet 728 is configured to be in fluid communication with the first housing lumen 720 and, via the first housing lumen 720, in fluid communication with the lumen of the gas delivery tube 240c. In some embodiments, at least some of the openings 730a-c may extend proximally from the second end 706 to the shoulder 726 to create air flow channels 760a-c. It is contemplated that the airflow channels 730a-c may form part of the second cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 720. In such cases, the second cross-sectional shape may be non-circular.

[0095] A one-way valve 732 (FIG. 7D) may be disposed within or adjacent to the first air outlet 728. In some examples, the one-way valve 732 may be a flap valve, although other one-way valves, including those described elsewhere herein, may be used if desired. The one-way valve 732 may be configured to allow air to travel from the first housing lumen 720 of the housing 702 and exit through openings 730a-d, as indicated by arrows 734. For example, air or gas flowing through the first housing lumen 720 may deflect the flap 736 away from the housing 702. However, the one-way valve 732 may prevent air from traveling in the reverse direction. This may allow air to enter the reservoir and pressurize it. The one-way valve 732 may also prevent water from entering the first housing lumen 720 of the housing 702. The one-way valve 732 may be coupled to the first air outlet 728 using a number of techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, glue, sonic welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In some cases, a central post 738 of the one-way valve 732 may extend through the central opening 730d to secure the one-way valve 732 to the housing 702, for example, by a snap fit or friction fit.

[0096] The gas supply tube 240c may extend into the first housing lumen 720 of the housing 702, as shown in FIG. 7D . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the gas supply tube 240c may abut the first shoulder 726. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the first end of the gas supply tube 240c may be proximal to the first shoulder 726. The gas supply tube 240c may be secured to the housing 702 using several techniques, including, but not limited to, a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesives, glue, etc. As described above, air from the air pump 215 (or gas from an alternative source) can flow through the connector portion 265 to the reservoir 270 (depending on the position of the gas / water valve 140). Once the air exits the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c, it enters the first housing lumen 720 and exits the housing 702 via the air outlet 728. The one-way valve 732 allows air to enter the reservoir 270, 305, 405 and pressurize the reservoir 270, 305, 405, but does not allow air to re-enter the housing 702 and / or the gas supply tube 240c. It is contemplated that the first end of the gas supply tube 240c and / or the air outlet 728 will be positioned proximal to the water inlet 742 so that air can enter the housing and be discharged into the reservoir, but not up the water supply tube 245c.

[0097] The housing 702 may further include a notch or recess 768 formed in the first end 704 of the housing 702 at the opening 724. The recess 768 may be curved to provide a lead-in mechanism for the gas supply tube 240c and / or the water supply tube 245c, which may help prevent kinking of the gas supply tube 240c and / or the water supply tube 245c.

[0098] The housing 702 may further include a second housing lumen 722 that may extend distally from a first end 723 distal to the first end 704 toward a fluid outlet 742 that extends at least partially through a sidewall 708 of the housing 702. The second housing lumen 722 may extend along a longitudinal axis 764 that extends at an angle 766 relative to the longitudinal axis 762 of the first housing lumen 720. The angle 766 may generally be non-orthogonal and may be within a range of greater than 0° and less than about 90°. In the absence of the water supply tube 245c, the second housing lumen 722 may be fluidly coupled to the first housing lumen 720.

[0099] The second housing lumen 722 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the water supply tube 245c. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 245c may be at least partially disposed within the second housing lumen 722 to fluidly couple the lumen of the water supply tube 245c with the second housing lumen 722, as shown in FIG. 7D . When the water supply tube 245c is fluidly coupled with the second housing lumen 722, the first housing lumen 720 and the second housing lumen 722 are fluidly isolated from each other. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c so that only a single opening in the cap 280, 407 is required. When the reservoir 270, 305, 405 is pressurized, water can enter the housing 702 through a water inlet 742 at the distal end of the second housing lumen 722. The water can then flow proximally through the second housing lumen 722 and into the lumen of the water supply tube 245c to provide a lens cleaning function.

[0100] The housing 702 may be formed from a material having a density greater than that of water. This may allow the housing 702 to act as a weight to prevent the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c from floating to the top of the reservoir 270, 305, 405. The housing 702 may begin with a substantially solid member from which the lumens 720, 722 and openings 730a-d are separately formed. For example, the lumens 720, 722 and openings 730a-d may be machined into the substantially solid housing. In other examples, the housing 702 may be molded as a single monolithic structure including the lumens 720, 722 and openings 730a-d.

[0101] Figure 8A shows a top perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight 800 for use with gas delivery tube 240c, lens cleaning solution tube 245c, and reservoirs 270, 305, 405. Figure 8B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight 800 taken along line 8B-8B in Figure 8A. Figure 8C shows a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight 800 of Figure 8A. Figure 8D shows a bottom view of the exemplary distal tube weight 800 of Figure 8A. Figure 8E shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight 800 assembled with gas delivery tube 240c and water delivery tube 245c. The distal tube weight 800 may be configured to house the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c within the reservoir 270, 305, 405 in a configuration that reduces the complexity of the water bottle cap or top 280, 407 while maintaining the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c in a desired configuration.

[0102] The distal tube weight 800 includes a housing 802 extending from a first or proximal end 804 to a second or distal end 806. In some cases, the first end 804 may be considered the top of the housing 802, while the second end 806 may be considered the bottom of the housing 802. The exemplary housing 802 may have a generally cylindrical configuration. However, the housing 802 is not limited to a cylindrical configuration. Other shapes or combinations of shapes may be used for the housing 802, if desired, including, but not limited to, a cubic configuration, a rectangular or generally rectangular configuration, or a square pyramidal configuration. The housing 802 includes a circumferentially extending sidewall 808. In some cases, the outer diameter of the housing 802 may be substantially constant from the first end 804 to the second end 806. In still other embodiments, the outer diameter may increase or taper from the first end 804 to the second end 806.

[0103] The housing 802 may define a first housing lumen formed from a plurality of channels 820a-d extending distally from the first end 804 to the second end 806. The annular lumen 824 may be disposed radially from the channels 820a-d. The annular lumen 824 may extend distally from the first end 804 to a point proximal to the second end 806. The annular lumen 824 may terminate at a shoulder or shelf 826. The annular lumen 824 may be configured to receive the first end of the gas delivery tube 240c. However, if the gas delivery tube 240c is not present, the annular lumen 824 may be fluidly coupled to the plurality of channels 820a-d. Each of the plurality of channels 820a-d may have a uniform cross-sectional shape from the first end 804 of the housing 802 to the second end 806 of the housing 802. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimensions of one or more of the plurality of channels 820a-d may vary along its length.

[0104] The housing 802 may further define an air outlet 828 extending through the bottom 806 of the housing 802. The air outlet 828 may be formed by second ends 830a-d of the plurality of channels 820a-d. Although the first air outlet 828 is shown and described as having four channels 820a-d, the first air outlet 828 may have fewer or more than four channels 820a-d, as desired. The air outlet 828 is configured to be in fluid communication with the plurality of channels 820a-d and, via the plurality of channels 820a-d, with the lumen of the gas delivery tube 240c.

[0105] A one-way valve 832 (FIG. 8E) may be disposed within or adjacent to the first air outlet 828. In some examples, the one-way valve 832 may be a flap valve, although other one-way valves, including those described elsewhere herein, may be used if desired. The one-way valve 832 may be configured to allow air to travel from the plurality of channels 820a-d of the housing 802 and exit through the second end 830a-d, as indicated by arrow 834. For example, air or gas flowing through the plurality of channels 820a-d may deflect the flap 836 away from the housing 802. However, the one-way valve 832 may prevent air from traveling in the reverse direction. This may allow air to enter the reservoir and pressurize it. The one-way valve 832 may also prevent water from entering the plurality of channels 820a-d of the housing 802. The one-way valve 832 may be coupled to the first air outlet 828 using a number of techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, glue, sonic welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In some cases, a central post 838 of the one-way valve 832 may extend through the second housing lumen 822 to secure the one-way valve 832 to the housing 802, for example, by a snap fit or friction fit. As described in more detail herein, the central post 838 may define a lumen 870 to allow fluid to enter the second housing lumen 822 and the water supply tube 245c.

[0106] The gas delivery tube 240c may extend within the annular lumen 824 of the housing 802, as shown in FIG. 8E. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the gas delivery tube 240c may abut the first shoulder 826. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the first end of the gas delivery tube 240c may be proximal to the first shoulder 826. The inner surface of the gas delivery tube 240c may contact a body portion of the housing 802 that is generally disposed between the plurality of channels 820a-d. The body portion 821 may be generally solid and configured to fluidly isolate the plurality of channels 820a-d from the second housing lumen 822. The gas delivery tube 240c may be secured to the housing 802 using several techniques, including, but not limited to, a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesives, glue, etc. As described above, air from the air pump 215 (or gas from an alternate source) can flow through the connector portion 265 (depending on the position of the gas / water valve 140) to the reservoir 270. As the air exits the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c, it enters the plurality of channels 820a-d and exits the housing 802 via the air outlet 728. The one-way valve 832 allows air to enter the reservoirs 270, 305, 405 and pressurize them, but does not allow the air to re-enter the housing 802 and / or the gas supply tube 240c. It is contemplated that the first end of the gas supply tube 240c and / or the air outlet 828 will be positioned relative to the water inlet 842 so that air can enter the housing 802 and be discharged into the reservoirs but not up the water supply tube 245c.

[0107] The housing 802 may further include a second housing lumen 822 that may extend distally from the first end 804 of the housing 802 toward a fluid outlet 842 at the second end 806 of the housing 802. The second housing lumen 822 may vary in cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension along its length. For example, the second housing lumen 822 may have a first cross-sectional shape having a first cross-sectional dimension 872 adjacent the first end 804 of the housing 802 and a second cross-sectional shape having a second cross-sectional dimension 874 adjacent the second end 806 of the housing 802. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second cross-sectional shapes of the second housing lumen 822 may be generally circular. However, the first cross-sectional shape and / or the second cross-sectional shape may take on other cross-sectional shapes, if desired. The second cross-sectional dimension 874 may be smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension 872. The cross-sectional dimensions 872, 874 (and / or shape) of the second housing lumen 822 may change abruptly or gradually to define a second shoulder or shelf 878. In some cases, a portion of the second housing lumen 822 may be defined by a tubular member 876 extending proximally from the second shoulder 878. However, this is not required. The tubular member 876 may increase in outer diameter distally. While this is not required, the increasing diameter facilitates coupling of the water supply tube 245c to the tubular member 876.

[0108] The second housing lumen 822 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the water supply tube 245c. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 245c may be positioned over the tubular member 876 to fluidly couple the lumen of the water supply tube 245c with the second housing lumen 822, as shown in FIG. 8E. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the water supply tube 245c may abut against the second shoulder 878. However, this is not required. In other embodiments, the first end of the water supply tube 245c may be inserted within the tubular member 876. When the water supply tube 245c is fluidly coupled with the second housing lumen 822, the multiple channels 820a-d and the second housing lumen 822 are fluidly isolated from one another. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c such that only a single opening in the cap 280, 407 is required. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the gas supply tube 240c such that the longitudinal axis of the water supply tube 245c is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas supply tube 240c. In other examples, the water supply tube 245c and the gas supply tube 240c may extend such that their longitudinal axes are laterally offset. When the reservoir 270, 305, 405 is pressurized, water can enter the housing 802 through a water inlet 842 at the distal end of the second housing lumen 822. The water can then flow through a lumen 870 of the valve 832 and into the lumen of the water supply tube 245c to provide a lens cleaning function.

[0109] The housing 802 may be formed from a material having a density greater than that of water. This may allow the housing 802 to act as a weight to prevent the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c from floating to the top of the reservoir 270, 305, 405. The housing 802 may begin with a substantially solid member from which the multiple channels 820a-d and lumens 822, 824 are separately formed. For example, the multiple channels 820a-d and lumens 822, 824 may be machined into the substantially solid housing. In other examples, the housing 802 may be molded as a single monolithic structure including the multiple channels 820a-d and lumens 822, 824.

[0110] Figure 9A shows a top perspective view of another exemplary distal tube weight 900 for use with gas delivery tube 240c, lens cleaning solution tube 245c, and reservoirs 270, 305, 405. Figure 9B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight 900 taken along line 9B-9B of Figure 9A. Figure 9C shows a top view of the exemplary distal tube weight 900 of Figure 9A. Figure 9D shows a bottom view of the exemplary distal tube weight 900 of Figure 9A. Figure 9E shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary distal tube weight 900 assembled with gas delivery tube 240c and water delivery tube 245c. The distal tube weight 900 may be configured to house the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c within the reservoir 270, 305, 405 in a configuration that reduces the complexity of the water bottle cap or top 290, 407 while maintaining the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c in a desired configuration.

[0111] The distal tube weight 900 includes a housing 902 extending from a first or proximal end 904 to a second or distal end 906. In some cases, the first end 904 may be considered the top of the housing 902, while the second end 906 may be considered the bottom of the housing 902. The exemplary housing 902 may have a generally cylindrical configuration. However, the housing 902 is not limited to a cylindrical configuration. Other shapes or combinations of shapes may be used for the housing 902, if desired, including, but not limited to, a cubic configuration, a rectangular or generally rectangular configuration, or a square pyramidal configuration. The housing 902 includes a circumferentially extending sidewall 908. In some cases, the outer diameter of the housing 902 may be substantially constant from the first end 904 to the second end 906. In still other embodiments, the outer diameter may increase or taper from the first end 904 to the second end 906.

[0112] The housing 902 may define a first housing lumen 920 including a first portion 916 and a second portion 918 including a plurality of channels 910a-d. The first housing lumen 920 may extend distally from the first end 904 to the second end 906 of the housing 902. The first housing lumen 920 may vary in cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension along its length. For example, the first portion 916 of the first housing lumen 920 may have a first cross-sectional shape having a first cross-sectional dimension adjacent the first end 904 of the housing 902, and the second portion 918 may have a second cross-sectional shape having a second cross-sectional dimension adjacent the second end 906 of the housing 902. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 920 may be generally circular, and the second cross-sectional shape of the first housing lumen 920 may have a plurality of curved oval shapes. However, the first cross-sectional shape and / or the second cross-sectional shape may have other cross-sectional shapes, as desired. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape may be the same general shape. The second cross-sectional dimension may be smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension. The first portion 916 of the first housing lumen 920 may abruptly transition into the second portion 918 of the first housing lumen 920 to define a first shelf or shoulder 926. The first portion 916 of the first housing lumen 920 may be configured to receive the gas delivery tube 240c. Each of the plurality of channels 910a-d may have a uniform cross-sectional shape from the first shoulder 926 of the housing 902 to the second end 906 of the housing 902. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension of one or more of the plurality of channels 910a-d may vary along its length.

[0113] The housing 902 may further define an air outlet 928 extending through the bottom 906 of the housing 902. The air outlet 928 may be formed by second ends 930a-d of the plurality of channels 910a-d. Although the first air outlet 928 is shown and described as having four channels 910a-d, the first air outlet 928 may have fewer or more than four channels 910a-d, as desired. The air outlet 928 is configured to be in fluid communication with the plurality of channels 910a-d and, via the plurality of channels 910a-d and / or the first housing lumen 920, with the lumen of the gas delivery tube 240c.

[0114] A one-way valve 932 (FIG. 9E) may be disposed within or adjacent to the first air outlet 928. In some examples, the one-way valve 932 may be a flap valve, although other one-way valves, including those described elsewhere herein, may be used if desired. The one-way valve 932 may be configured to allow air to travel from the plurality of channels 910a-d of the housing 902 and exit through the second end 930a-d, as indicated by arrow 934. For example, air or gas flowing through the plurality of channels 910a-d may deflect the flap 936 away from the housing 902. However, the one-way valve 932 may prevent air from traveling in the reverse direction. This may allow air to enter the reservoir and pressurize the reservoir. The one-way valve 932 may also prevent water from entering the plurality of channels 910a-d of the housing 902. The one-way valve 932 may be coupled to the first air outlet 928 using a number of techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, glue, sonic welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In some cases, a central post 938 of the one-way valve 932 may extend through the second housing lumen 922 to secure the one-way valve 932 to the housing 902, for example, by a snap fit or friction fit. As described in more detail herein, the central post 938 may define a lumen 970 to allow fluid to enter the second housing lumen 922 and the water supply tube 245c.

[0115] The gas supply tube 240c may extend within a first portion 916 of a first housing lumen 920 of the housing 902, as shown in FIG. 9E . In some embodiments, at least a portion of a first end of the gas supply tube 240c may abut a first shoulder 926. Because the housing 902 does not include a physical structure to fluidly isolate the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c, a distal face of the gas supply tube 240c may be secured to the shoulder 926 to provide an airtight seal to ensure that air does not leak into the water supply tube 245c. The gas supply tube 240c may be secured to the housing 902 using several techniques, including, but not limited to, a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesives, glue, etc. As described above, air from the air pump 215 (or gas from an alternative source) can flow through the connector portion 265 to the reservoir 270 (depending on the position of the gas / water valve 140). As air exits the lumen of the gas delivery tube 240c, it enters the plurality of channels 910a-d and exits the housing 902 via the air outlet 728. A one-way valve 932 allows air to enter the reservoirs 270, 305, 405 and pressurize the reservoirs 270, 305, 405, but does not allow the air to re-enter the housing 902 and / or the gas delivery tube 240c. It is contemplated that the first end of the gas delivery tube 240c and / or the air outlet 928 are positioned relative to the water inlet 942 such that air enters the housing 902 and exits into the reservoirs, but does not rise up the water delivery tube 245c.

[0116] The housing 902 may further include a second housing lumen 922 that may extend distally from a point distal to the first end 904 to the water inlet 942 at the second end 906. In some cases, a portion of the second housing lumen 922 may be defined by a tubular member 976 that extends proximally from a second shoulder 978. However, this is not required. The tubular member 976 may have an increasing outer diameter in the distal direction. While this is not required, the increasing diameter facilitates coupling of the water supply tube 245c to the tubular member 976.

[0117] The second housing lumen 922 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the water supply tube 245c. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 245c may be positioned over the tubular member 976 to fluidly couple the lumen of the water supply tube 245c with the second housing lumen 922, as shown in FIG. 9E. The distal face of the water supply tube 245c may be secured to the second shoulder 978 to provide a fluid- and air-tight seal to ensure that water does not leak into the gas supply tube 240c. In other embodiments, the first end of the water supply tube 245c may be inserted into the tubular member 976. When the water supply tube 245c is fluidly coupled with the second housing lumen 922, the first housing lumen 920 and the second housing lumen 922 are fluidly isolated from each other. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c such that only a single opening in the cap 290, 407 is required. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the gas supply tube 240c such that the longitudinal axis of the water supply tube 245c is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas supply tube 240c. In other examples, the water supply tube 245c and the gas supply tube 240c may extend such that their longitudinal axes are laterally offset. When the reservoir 270, 305, 405 is pressurized, water can enter the housing 902 through a water inlet 942 at the distal end of the second housing lumen 922. The water can then flow through a lumen 970 of the valve 932 and into the lumen of the water supply tube 245c to provide a lens cleaning function.

[0118] The housing 902 may further include a plurality of posts 980a-d spaced radially from the tubular member 976. The posts 980a-d may extend proximally from the second end 906 of the housing 906. The posts may be configured to support the water supply tube 245c to maintain its position. For example, the posts 980a-d may have a surface configured to contact and conform to an outer surface of the water supply tube 245c. Although the housing 902 is shown as including four posts 980a-d, the housing 902 may include fewer or more than four posts, as desired.

[0119] The housing 902 may be formed from a material having a density greater than that of water. This may allow the housing 902 to act as a weight to prevent the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c from floating to the top of the reservoirs 270, 305, 405. The housing 902 may begin as a substantially solid member from which the multiple channels 910a-d and lumens 920, 922 are separately formed. For example, the multiple channels 910a-d and lumens 920, 922 may be machined into the substantially solid housing. In other examples, the housing 902 may be molded as a single monolithic structure including the multiple channels 910a-d and lumens 920, 922.

[0120] 10 shows a side view of an exemplary refillable fluid reservoir 1000. The reservoir 1000 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and may include similar components to the endoscope and endoscopic system described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, although not all features may be described or illustrated herein if not relevant to the system's fluid circuitry. The reservoir 1000 may be configured to couple to the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c in a configuration that reduces the complexity of the water bottle cap or top 280, 407 while maintaining the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c in a desired configuration.

[0121] The reservoir 1000 includes a container 1002 defining a first receptacle 1004 configured to hold a fluid 1034. The container 1002 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the container 1002 may be entirely translucent, entirely opaque, or a combination thereof. The reservoir 1000 may further include a port 1006 having a removable cap 1008. The cap 1008 may be formed from a more rigid material (relative to the container 1002) and configured to form a fluid-tight seal with the port 1006. The cap 1008 may be configured to threadably engage the port 1006, form a friction fit with the port 1006, form a snap fit with the port 1006, or otherwise releasably engage with the port 1006. In some examples, the port 1006 and / or the cap 1008 may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or the like. A portion of the port 1006 may extend into the first receptacle 1004. The removable cap 1008 may be removed to selectively place the fluid source in fluid communication with the first receptacle 1004 and allow fluid to be infused into the first receptacle 1004 through the lumen 1010 of the port 1006.

[0122] The reservoir 1000 may include a carrying handle 1012 disposed adjacent a top 1014 of the reservoir 1000. The handle 1012 may define an opening or through-hole 1016 for receiving a hand or hook for carrying the reservoir 1000. In some cases, the carrying handle 1012 may include a contoured carrying surface (not explicitly shown) configured to provide a more ergonomic grip for a user. It is contemplated that the handle 1012 may be formed from a similar material as the cap 1008 or the container 1002, if desired. In some examples, the handle 1012 may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or the like.

[0123] The reservoir 1000 may be movable between a collapsed storage configuration (not explicitly shown) and an expanded use configuration ( FIG. 10 ). In the expanded use configuration, the reservoir 1000 may increase in width from the top 1014 to the bottom 1022. In the use configuration, the bottom 1022 may have a width that allows the reservoir 1000 to remain upright without user intervention. The bottom 1022 may include folds or pleats that allow the bottom 1022 to fold or collapse. In the collapsed storage configuration, the top 1014 and bottom 1022 may have similar widths that allow the reservoir 1000 to be substantially flat so that the reservoir 1000 can be stacked with other fluid reservoirs 1000. In other examples, the reservoir 1000 may be rolled or folded to reduce the amount of storage space the reservoir 1000 occupies. In some cases, the reservoir 1000 is sealed or sealable, so that a vacuum may be drawn during packaging of the reservoir 1000 to further reduce the storage space required to store the reservoir 1000.

[0124] The reservoir 1000 may be fluidly connected to a gas supply tube / alternate gas supply tube (or gas supply tube) 240c and a lens cleaning solution supply tube / irrigation supply tube 245c (or water supply tube 245c). The gas supply tube 240c extends from a second end external to the reservoir 1000 to a first end coupled to a coupling mechanism or adapter 1018. A lumen extends through the gas supply tube 240c to receive a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply tube 240c is in operative fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 1000. The adapter 1018 may be positioned adjacent the top 1014 of the container 1002. However, this is not required. The adapter 1018 may be positioned in any desired location. The adapter 1018 is configured to fluidly couple the gas supply tube to an internal chamber 1020 disposed within the first receptacle 1004. The internal chamber 1020 may be formed from a similar material as the container 1002 and may form a separate chamber from the first receptacle 1004. In some embodiments, an edge 1024 of the internal chamber 1020 may be heat sealed to the first receptacle 1004 to maintain the orientation of the internal chamber 1020 relative to the first receptacle 1004. The internal chamber 1020 may further include a hydrophobic membrane 1026. During use, the hydrophobic membrane 1026 prevents water from entering the internal chamber 1020 while allowing air / gas to pass from the internal chamber 1020 to the first receptacle 1004, as shown by arrow 1036, to pressurize the first receptacle 1004.

[0125] The water supply tube 245c extends from a second end external to the reservoir 1000 to a first end coupled to a second connection mechanism or adapter 1032. The second adapter 1032 may be positioned adjacent the bottom 1022 of the container 1002 to facilitate fluid flow from the first receptacle to the water supply tube 245c when the container 1002 is pressurized. As indicated by arrow 1038, a lumen extends through the water supply tube 245c to accommodate fluid flow. The lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply tube / irrigation supply tube 245c is in selectively operable fluid communication with the bottom of the container 1002. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c may enter the container 1002 through separate adapters 1018, 1032. However, in some embodiments, the water supply tube 245c may enter through other portions of the container 1002, such as, but not limited to, the top 1014. In such cases, the water supply tube 245c may include a dip tube that extends to the bottom 1022 of the container 1002.

[0126] A portion of gas supply tube 240c and a portion of water supply tube 245c may extend from container 1002 and be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas connection / lens cleaning fluid connection on umbilical connector portion 265. A portion of gas supply tube 240c is fluidly connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas delivery line (not explicitly shown), and a portion of lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c is fluidly connected to a lens cleaning delivery line (not explicitly shown) in connector portion 265. Although not explicitly shown, an irrigation supply tube may be coupled to container 1002 via a separate adapter or port to supply irrigation fluid from reservoir 1000.

[0127] It is contemplated that the reservoir 1000 may be filled and refilled as needed by removing the cap 1008 and pouring water into the first receptacle 1004. Refilling the reservoir 1000 may occur during or between procedures, as needed. The water may be sterile or non-sterile, as needed. For example, sterile water may be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water may be used for diagnostic procedures. It is contemplated that refilling the reservoir 1000 with sterile or non-sterile water may provide more flexibility and reduce the need to have large quantities of sterile water in storage. Additionally, refilling the reservoir 1000 through the port 1006 and removable cap 1008 may also eliminate or significantly reduce the possibility of cross-contamination by eliminating the need to remove the reservoir 1000 from the tubing 240c, 245c throughout the day and changing water containers.

[0128] 11A shows a side view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir 1100 and tubing set. The reservoir 1100 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and includes similar components to the endoscope and endoscopic system described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, although not all features may be described or illustrated herein if not relevant to the system's fluid circuitry. The reservoir 1100 may be configured to couple to the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c in a configuration that reduces the complexity of the water bottle cap or top 280, 407 while maintaining the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c in a desired configuration.

[0129] The reservoir 1100 includes a container 1102 defining a first receptacle 1104 configured to hold a fluid 1134. The container 1102 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the container 1102 may be entirely translucent, entirely opaque, or a combination thereof. The reservoir 1100 may further include a port 1106 having a removable cap 1108. The cap 1108 may be formed from a more rigid material (relative to the container 1102) and configured to form a fluid-tight seal with the port 1106. The cap 1108 may be configured to threadably engage the port 1106, form a friction fit with the port 1106, form a snap fit with the port 1106, or otherwise releasably engage with the port 1106. In some examples, the port 1106 and / or the cap 1108 may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or the like. A portion of the port 1106 may extend into the first receptacle 1104. The removable cap 1108 may be removed to selectively place a fluid source in fluid communication with the first receptacle 1104 to allow fluid to be infused into the first receptacle 1104 through the lumen 1110 of the port 1106.

[0130] The reservoir 1100 may include a carrying handle 1112 disposed adjacent the top 1114 of the reservoir 1100. The handle 1112 may define an opening or through-hole 1116 for receiving a hand or hook to carry the reservoir 1100. In some cases, the carrying handle 1112 may include a contoured carrying surface configured to provide a more ergonomic grip for a user. In some embodiments, the handle 1112 may be formed from the container 1102. For example, both sides of the container 1112 may be heat-sealed at desired locations on the handle 1112. The opening 1116 may then be formed by removing portions of the heat-sealed areas. In other embodiments, the handle 1112 may be formed separately from a material similar to the cap 1108 or container 1102 and coupled to the container 1112, if desired. In some examples, the handle 1112 may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or the like.

[0131] The reservoir 1100 may be movable between a collapsed storage configuration (not explicitly shown) and an expanded use configuration ( FIG. 11A ). In the expanded use configuration, the reservoir 1100 may increase in width from the top 1114 to the bottom 1122. In the use configuration, the bottom 1122 may have a width 1128 that allows the reservoir 1100 to remain upright without user intervention. The bottom 1122 may include folds or pleats that allow the bottom 1122 to fold or collapse. In the collapsed storage configuration, the top 1114 and bottom 1122 may have similar widths that allow the reservoir 1100 to be substantially flat so that the reservoir 1100 can be stacked with other fluid reservoirs 1100. In other examples, the reservoir 1100 may be rolled or folded to reduce the amount of storage space the reservoir 1100 occupies. In some cases, the reservoir 1100 is sealed or sealable, so that a vacuum may be drawn during packaging of the reservoir 1100 to further reduce the storage space required to store the reservoir 1100.

[0132] The reservoir 1100 may be fluidly connected to a gas supply tube / alternate gas supply tube (or gas supply tube) 240c and a lens cleaning solution supply tube / irrigation supply tube 245c (or water supply tube 245c). The gas supply tube extends from a second end external to the reservoir 1100 to a first end coupled to a coupling mechanism or adapter 1118. A lumen extends through the gas supply tube 240c to receive a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply tube 240c is in operative fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 1100. The adapter 1118 may be positioned adjacent the top 1114 of the container 1102. However, this is not required. The adapter 1118 may be positioned in any desired location. The adapter 1118 is configured to fluidly couple the gas supply tube to an internal channel 1120 disposed within the first receptacle 1104. The internal channel 1120 may extend distally from a first end adjacent the top 1114 of the container to a second end. The internal channel 1120 may be formed from a similar material to the container 1102 and form a subchamber within the first receptacle 1104. In some embodiments, opposite sides of the container 1102 may be heat-sealed at an edge 1124 of the internal channel 1120 such that the internal channel 1120 is formed from the container 1102. The internal channel 1120 may further include a flow control mechanism 1126 disposed at the second end to control the flow of gas through the internal channel 1120 and to prevent water 1134 from entering the internal channel 1120. Some exemplary flow control mechanisms 1126 may include, but are not limited to, a duckbill valve, an umbrella valve, a hydrophobic membrane, etc. The flow control mechanism 1126 is configured to prevent water from entering the internal channel 1120 and / or the gas supply tube 240c while allowing air / gas to pass from the internal channel 1120 to the first receptacle 1104 and pressurize the first receptacle 1104.

[0133] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of region B of FIG. 11A , showing the interior channel 1120 with a heat-sealed edge 1124. In FIG. 11B , the bottom 1122 of the container 1102 is not shown to show in more detail how the opposing sides of the container 1102 are joined to form the interior channel 1120. As can be seen in FIG. 11B , the opposing sides 1102 a, 1102 b of the container 1102 are brought together and heat-sealed to form the channel 1120. It is contemplated that other methods of securing the opposing sides 1102 a, 1102 b may be used, if desired. A flow control mechanism 1126 may be secured within the interior channel 1120 at a second end of the interior channel 1120.

[0134] Returning to FIG. 11A , the water supply tube 245c extends from a second end external to the reservoir 1100 to a first end coupled to a second coupling mechanism or adapter 1132. The second adapter 1132 may be positioned adjacent the bottom 1122 of the container 1102 to facilitate fluid flow from the first receptacle to the water supply tube 245c when the container 1102 is pressurized. A lumen extends through the water supply tube 245c to accommodate the fluid flow. The lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply tube / irrigation supply tube 245c is in selectively operable fluid communication with the bottom of the container 1102. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply tube 240c and the water supply tube 245c may enter the container 1102 through separate adapters 1118, 1132. However, in some embodiments, the water supply tube 245c may enter through other portions of the container 1102, such as, but not limited to, the top 1114 of the container 1102. In such cases, the water supply tube 245c may include a dip tube that extends to the bottom 1122 of the container 1102.

[0135] A portion of gas supply tube 240c and a portion of water supply tube 245c may extend from container 1102 and be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas connection / lens cleaning fluid connection on umbilical connector portion 265. A portion of gas supply tube 240c is fluidly connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas delivery line (not explicitly shown), and a portion of lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c is fluidly connected to a lens cleaning solution delivery line (not explicitly shown) in connector portion 265. Although not explicitly shown, an irrigation supply tube may be coupled to container 1102 via a separate adapter or port to supply irrigation fluid from reservoir 1100.

[0136] It is contemplated that the reservoir 1100 may be filled and refilled as needed by removing the cap 1108 and pouring water into the first receptacle 1104. Refilling the reservoir 1100 may occur during or between procedures, as needed. The water may be sterile or non-sterile, as needed. For example, sterile water may be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water may be used for diagnostic procedures. It is contemplated that refilling the reservoir 1100 with sterile or non-sterile water may provide more flexibility and reduce the need to have large amounts of sterile water in storage. Additionally, refilling the reservoir 1100 through the port 1106 and removable cap 1108 may also eliminate or significantly reduce the possibility of cross-contamination by eliminating the need to remove the reservoir 1100 from the tubing 240c, 245c throughout the day and changing water containers.

[0137] 12 illustrates another exemplary reservoir 1200 for use with an endoscopic system. The reservoir 1200 is positioned and configured to distribute fluid to the endoscopic system. Other than the reservoir 1200, the system includes similar components to the endoscope and endoscopic system described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, although not all features may be described or illustrated herein if they do not pertain to the fluid circuitry of the system.

[0138] The fluid container 1202 is shown with a reservoir top or cap 1204, which may be removably attachable (e.g., in a bottle and screw cap configuration) to the top 1206 of the container 1202. The cap 1204 may be removably attached to refill the fluid in the reservoir when it is emptied. Alternatively, the reservoir bottom and cap 1204 may be sealed to one another, or they may be manufactured as a single, integral body (e.g., a sealed, unitary rigid or semi-rigid bottle or a more flexible IV bag or pouch). In such an embodiment, a fill port may be provided in another portion of the reservoir for refilling the fluid.

[0139] The gas delivery tube 1210 extends from a second end exterior to the container 1202 to a first end 1212 adjacent the bottom 1208 of the container 1202. The gas delivery tube 1210 can extend into the container 1202 through an opening 1220 in the cap 1204 such that the gas delivery tube 1210 is in fluid communication with the interior 1214 of the container. A gasket or sealing member (not explicitly shown) can be disposed within the opening 1220 to provide an airtight seal between the gas delivery tube 1210 and the cap 1204. A lumen 1216 extends through the gas delivery tube 1210 to accommodate the flow of air and / or gas. The first end 1212 of the gas delivery tube 1210 can include a sealing member 1226. The sealing member 1226 can prevent gas from exiting the first end 1212 of the gas delivery tube 1210. Additionally, the sealing member 1226 may be configured to act as a weight to maintain the first end 1212 of the gas delivery tube 1210 at or near the bottom 1208 of the vessel 1202 .

[0140] The sidewall of the gas delivery tube 1210 may be configured to allow gas to pass from the lumen 1216 of the gas delivery tube 1210 into the vessel 1202 while preventing water from entering the second lumen from the vessel. For example, the gas delivery tube 1210 may include a plurality of openings 1228 extending through the sidewall of the gas delivery tube 1210. The openings 1228 may extend from the outer surface to the inner surface of the gas delivery tube 1210 to fluidly couple the lumen 1216 with the interior 1214 of the vessel 1202. The plurality of openings 1228 may be sized to allow air to flow from the lumen 1216 of the gas delivery tube 1210 to the interior 1214 of the vessel 1202, but the surface tension of water is sufficient to prevent water from entering the lumen 1216. In some cases, the plurality of openings 1228 may be considered pinholes. It is contemplated that the gas delivery tube 1210 can include any desired number of openings 1228. For example, the gas delivery tube 1210 can include one or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, fifty or more openings 1228. Furthermore, the plurality of openings 1228 may be uniformly or eccentrically distributed about the circumference and / or length of the gas delivery tube 1210. In some embodiments, the gas delivery tube 1210 may be formed from an elastomeric or deformable material such that the plurality of openings 1228 expand in size as air pressure increases within the lumen 1216 and contract in size as air pressure decreases within the lumen 1216. Some exemplary materials for the gas delivery tube 1210 may include, but are not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of openings 1228 may be interstices between filaments of a finely woven mesh.

[0141] A water supply tube 1218 may be coaxially disposed within the lumen 1216 of the gas supply tube 1210. The water supply tube 1218 extends from a second end exterior to the vessel 1202 to a first end adjacent the bottom 1208 of the vessel 1202. The first end 1222 of the water supply tube 1218 and the first end 1212 of the gas supply tube 1210 may be disposed in similar locations within the vessel 1202. The first end 1222 of the water supply tube 1218 is in operative fluid communication with the interior 1214 of the vessel 1202. A lumen 1224 extends through the water supply tube 1218 to accommodate fluid flow therethrough. However, the first end 1212 of the gas supply tube 1210 is closed, preventing water from entering the gas supply tube 1210. The second ends of the gas supply tube 1210 and the water supply tube 1218 may be coupled to a manifold (if provided) or connector portion 265 of the endoscope system.

[0142] Figure 13A shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary fluid reservoir 1300 in a first configuration, and Figure 13B shows a schematic side view of the exemplary reservoir 1300 of Figure 13A in a second configuration. Reservoir 1300 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and includes similar components to the endoscope and endoscopic system described with respect to Figures 1-4, although not all features may be described or illustrated herein if not relevant to the system's fluid circuitry. In the illustrated embodiment, additional means for achieving insufflation may be required.

[0143] The reservoir 1300 may include an outer container 1302 configured to hold a first fluid chamber 1304. A gas supply tube 240c extends from a second end exterior to the reservoir 1300 to a first end adjacent an opening 1310 in the outer container 1302 such that the gas supply tube 240c is in fluid communication with the interior or cavity 1312 of the outer container 1302. A lumen extends through the gas supply tube 240c to receive a flow of air and / or gas. The outer container 1302 fluidly isolates the air / gas received from the gas supply tube 240c from the water 1314 in the first chamber 1304. The outer container 1302 may be rigid so that when air / gas flows into the cavity 1312 along a flow path 1316, the outer container 1302 resists expansion and increases the pressure in the cavity 1312. In the absence of positive airflow, the pressure within cavity 1312 may dissipate or the pressure may be maintained. It is contemplated that outer container 1302 may include a one-way valve disposed at or adjacent to the inlet of cavity 1312. Examples of one-way valves include the various check valves described above. The one-way valve may prevent air from escaping from outer container 1302 even in the absence of positive airflow.

[0144] A lens cleaning solution supply tube or a shared water supply tube (e.g., supplying water for both lens cleaning and irrigation) 245c extends from a second end external to the reservoir 1300 to a first end adjacent the opening 1320 in the first chamber 1304 such that the water supply tube 245c is in operative fluid communication with the interior or cavity 1322 of the first chamber 1304. The water supply tube 245c may extend through the gas supply tube 240c such that the longitudinal axis of the water supply tube 245c is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas supply tube 240c. In other examples, the water supply tube 245c and the gas supply tube 240c may extend such that their longitudinal axes are laterally offset. A lumen extends through the water supply tube 245c to receive fluid flow. 13B, the pressure in the cavity 1312 of the outer container 1302 increases, pressurizing the first chamber 1304. As the pressure in the outer container 1302 increases, the first chamber 1304 compresses and forces water 1314 within the first chamber 1304 up the water supply tube 245c and into the endoscope for lens cleaning and / or irrigation.

[0145] The first chamber 1304 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material that does not necessarily stretch, such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or combinations thereof.

[0146] A portion of the gas supply tube 240c and a portion of the water supply tube 245c may be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas connection / lens cleaning fluid connection on the connector portion 265 of the umbilical. The gas supply tube 240c is fluidly connected within the connector portion 265 to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas delivery line (not explicitly shown), and the water supply tube 245c is fluidly connected to a lens cleaning solution delivery line (not explicitly shown). In some examples, the gas supply tube 240c may include a manifold for fluidly coupling portions of the gas supply tube 240c. Similarly, the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may include a manifold for fluidly coupling portions of the lens cleaning solution supply tube with the shared lens cleaning / irrigation (or water) supply tube 245c. Although not explicitly shown, the irrigation supply tube, if provided, may be coupled to the manifold for supplying irrigation fluid from the reservoir 1300. In other cases, a separate irrigation supply tube may be provided.

[0147] As will be appreciated, the lengths of the irrigation, lens cleaning solution, gas supply, and alternate gas supply tubing may have any suitable size (e.g., diameter). Additionally, the size (e.g., diameter) of the tubing may vary depending on the application. In one non-limiting embodiment, the irrigation supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of 9.7 mm. The lens cleaning solution supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The gas supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm and an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. The alternate gas supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm.

[0148] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0149] All devices and methods described herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. These examples are merely examples, not the only ways to implement these principles. Therefore, references to elements or structures or features in the drawings should be recognized as references to example embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the particular elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0150] In the foregoing description and in the claims that follow, it will be understood that the terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or," as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader's understanding of this disclosure and / or serve to distinguish regions of associated elements from one another and do not limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) should be construed broadly and may include intermediate members among a collection of elements and relative movement between the elements, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to one another. Distinguishing references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0151] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and explanation and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. It will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concept, spirit, or scope or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of a particular aspect, embodiment, or configuration of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be used with numerous modifications of the structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and the like used in implementing the present disclosure that are particularly adapted to particular environments and operating requirements without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be comprised of multiple pieces or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, sizes or dimensions of elements may be changed, and features and components of the various embodiments may be selectively combined. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the claimed invention being indicated by the appended claims and not limited by the foregoing description.

[0152] The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually recited, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. In addition, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may in some cases be advantageously combined, and their inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, references to the singular do not exclude a plurality. Terms such as "a," "an," "first," and "second" do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. 1. A container and tubing set arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure, comprising: a vessel configured to contain a fluid, the vessel having a bottom and a top; a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending therethrough, the first lumen being in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the container, the second end of the water supply tube being disposed external to the container; a gas delivery tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending therethrough, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the vessel, the second end of the gas delivery tube being disposed external to the vessel; a weight coupled to the first end of the water supply tube and the first end of the gas supply tube.

2. 10. The container and tubing set of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises a housing having a housing lumen extending from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing.

3. 3. The container and tubing set of claim 2, further comprising one or more openings extending through a sidewall of the housing, the one or more openings being disposed between the first end and the second end of the housing.

4. 4. The container and tubing set of claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing lumen has a cross-sectional dimension that gradually decreases from the first end to the second end.

5. 5. The container and tubing set of claim 2, wherein the housing lumen has a first cross-sectional dimension from the first end of the housing to a first intermediate position between the first end and the second end of the housing.

6. 6. The container and tubing set of claim 5, wherein the housing lumen has a second cross-sectional dimension from the first intermediate position to a second intermediate position between the first end and the second end of the housing, the second cross-sectional dimension being smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

7. 7. The container and tubing set of claim 6, wherein the housing lumen has a third cross-sectional dimension from the second intermediate position to the second end, the third cross-sectional dimension being smaller than the second cross-sectional dimension.

8. 8. The container and tubing set of claim 4, wherein a first transition in cross-sectional dimension of the housing lumen defines a first shelf.

9. The container and tubing set of claim 8 , wherein the first end of the gas delivery tube is configured to abut the first ledge.

10. 10. The container and tubing set of claim 8 or 9, wherein the one or more openings are located between the first shelf and the second end of the housing.

11. 11. The container and tubing set of any one of claims 8-10, wherein a second transition in the cross-sectional dimension of the housing lumen defines a second shelf.

12. 12. The container and tubing set of claim 11, wherein the first end of the water supply tube is configured to abut the second shelf.

13. 13. The container and tubing set of claim 3, wherein gas flow through the second lumen is configured to exit through the one or more openings.

14. 14. The container and tubing set of claim 2, wherein the container and tubing set is configured to allow water flow through the second end of the housing and into the first lumen upon pressurization of the container.

15. The container and tubing set of claim 3 , further comprising a one-way valve coupled to the one or more openings.

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