Air / water connector to prevent water leakage

Abstract

[0006] In one embodiment, the connector includes a housing having a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet in selective fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet, and a flow control mechanism configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet to the first fluid inlet.

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] Conventionally, endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians may use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens wash as a means of flushing out debris, cleaning the optics, and insufflating the working lumen. For example, sterile water may be used to clean the working lumen during a procedure. Furthermore, the video lens at the distal end of the endoscope, which is used to navigate and visualize the target tissue during an endoscopic procedure, is prone to becoming contaminated with blood, mucus, and other debris during the procedure.

[0003] Tubing sets used to provide irrigation and / or lens cleaning fluids may be shared over a 24-hour period across multiple endoscopic procedures. However, the same endoscope cannot be used for multiple patients and must be switched between procedures. Meanwhile, the tubing set connectors connecting the fluid tubing to the endoscope must be separated from the endoscope and placed elsewhere. In some cases, the connectors are placed in locations that are prone to leaking. This can wet the floor and pose a hazard to the procedure room, which must be cleaned.

[0004] The current solution to leaking tubing sets / connectors may be to place a clip or clamp on the tubing set to prevent leakage. However, this is an extra step for the nurse, technician, or other staff member that may be forgotten or add extra time between procedures. An automatic or semi-automatic means of preventing water from leaking from the connector between procedures may be desirable. It is with these considerations in mind that the improvements of the present disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] 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.

[0006] In a first example, a connector arranged and configured to couple a tube set to an endoscope includes a housing having a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet in selective fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet, and a flow control mechanism configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet with the first fluid inlet.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may comprise a septum. Alternatively or additionally to any one of the above examples, in another example, the septum may include through holes extending through its thickness.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may comprise a valve. Alternatively or additionally to any one of the above examples, in another example, the valve may be a duckbill valve.

[0009] Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may be overmolded with the housing. Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may be configured to open at a predetermined minimum pressure.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any one of the above examples, in another example, the valve may include an iris valve. Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the throttle valve may be configured to open when the connector is connected to the endoscope and close when the connector is disconnected from the endoscope.

[0011] Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism can include a spring-loaded cap. Alternatively or additionally to any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may include a slidable cam and a sealing member.

[0012] Alternatively or in addition to any one of the above examples, in another example, when the slidable cam is in the first configuration, the seal member can fluidly isolate the first fluid outlet from the first fluid inlet, and when the slidable cam is in the second configuration, the first fluid outlet can be in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet.

[0013] In another example, a connector arranged and configured to couple a tubing set to an endoscope can include a first housing, the first housing can include a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet. The connector can further include a second housing, the second housing can include a third fluid inlet, a fourth fluid inlet, a third fluid outlet in selective fluid communication with the third fluid inlet, and a fourth fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fourth fluid inlet. The first and second housings can be movable relative to one another to selectively couple the first and second fluid outlets of the first housing with the third and fourth fluid inlets of the second housing.

[0014] Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, when the first housing and the second housing are in the first configuration, the first and second fluid outlets of the first housing may be fluidly coupled with the third and fourth fluid inlets of the second housing.

[0015] Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, when the first housing and the second housing are in the second configuration, the first and second fluid outlets of the first housing may be fluidly isolated from the third and fourth fluid inlets of the second housing.

[0016] Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the first housing can further include a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the third fluid inlet when the first housing and the second housing are in the first configuration, and to selectively engage with a mating recess of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing are in the second configuration.

[0017] Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the second housing may further comprise a protrusion configured to selectively engage the first fluid outlet when the first housing and the second housing are in the first configuration.

[0018] In another example, a connector positioned and configured to couple a tubing set to an endoscope can include a housing, the housing can include a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet in selective fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet, and a flow control mechanism configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet with the first fluid inlet. The first and second fluid outlets can be configured to be coupled to the endoscope, and the flow control mechanism is configured to fluidly isolate the first fluid outlet from the first fluid inlet when the first and second fluid outlets are disconnected from the endoscope.

[0019] Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may be configured to selectively open at a predetermined minimum pressure. Alternatively, or in addition to, any one of the above examples, in another example, the flow control mechanism may be configured to selectively open upon coupling of the connector and the endoscope.

[0020] 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 shows components of an endoscope. [Figure 2] 1 shows components of an endoscope system with an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water reservoir, and a tubing assembly for air and lens cleaning fluid delivery. [Figure 3]10A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector for connecting the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning fluid supply tube to the gas / lens cleaning fluid connector of the connector portion. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector for connecting the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning fluid supply tube to the gas / lens cleaning fluid connector of the connector portion. [Figure 5A] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector for connecting the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning fluid supply tube to the gas / lens cleaning fluid connector of the connector portion. [Figure 5B] 5B illustrates an end view of an exemplary throttle valve for use with the exemplary connector of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary throttle valve for use with the exemplary connector of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 1 shows a perspective view of another exemplary connector for connecting an endoscope end of a gas / lens cleaning fluid supply tube to a gas / lens cleaning fluid connector of a connector portion in a first configuration. [Figure 6B] 6B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary connector of FIG. 6A in a second configuration. [Figure 6C] 6C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary connector of FIG. 6A taken along line 6C-6C of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] 6D shows a partial cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 6A taken along line 6D-6D of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6E] 6E shows a partial cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 6B taken along line 6E-6E of FIG. 6B. [Figure 7A] 10 shows a side view of another exemplary connector for connecting an endoscope end of a gas / lens cleaning fluid supply tube to a gas / lens cleaning fluid connector of a connector portion in a first configuration. [Figure 7B] 7B illustrates a side view of the exemplary connector of FIG. 7A in a second configuration. [Figure 8A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector for connecting an endoscope end of a gas / lens cleaning fluid supply tube to a gas / lens cleaning fluid connector of a connector portion in a first configuration. [Figure 8B] 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary connector of FIG. 8A in a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0023] 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 related 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.

[0024] The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device farthest from the user when the device is introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device closest to the user when the device is positioned within the patient. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions; thus, a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in 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.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with specific reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tubing assemblies or sets. It should be understood that such embodiments may be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of different purposes, such as, for example, to insufflate a patient, to facilitate lens cleaning, and / or to irrigate a working channel to aid in the flushing / aspiration of debris during an endoscopic procedure.

[0026] 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 described herein may be implemented in other medical systems requiring fluid and / or gas delivery and for a variety of other purposes.

[0027] It should be noted that references herein to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that all embodiments may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it will be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, unless expressly stated otherwise, whether or not explicitly described. 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 embodiment(s), as will be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0028] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] Traditionally, endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, physicians may use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing out debris, cleaning the optics, and ventilating the working lumen. Some systems may use two separate water bottles for irrigation and lens cleaning, while other systems may use a single water bottle for both irrigation and lens cleaning. As the clinician works through each case, a certain amount of water is depleted from the water bottle, and the bottle may need to be replaced one or more times over the course of a day. The process of changing the bottle may require the user to bend or stoop to remove the cap and associated inlet tubing from the empty bottle and place them into a full bottle of sterile water without touching / contaminating the tubing against an external bottle or other non-sterile surface (e.g., so as not to create an infection risk to the patient). This can be particularly difficult with single-bottle devices, where multiple inlet hoses dangle from the cap when the cap is removed to replace the sterile water bottle.

[0030] Additionally, loading sterile water bottles on the bottom shelf of a cart alongside peristaltic pumps and other equipment can make them difficult to visualize, and clinicians often may not realize that a bottle is nearing empty until it can no longer deliver irrigation or lens cleaning solution through the distal end of the scope. There are also inherent risks associated with loading water bottles adjacent to endoscope control boxes. For example, if a water bottle were to fail in some way (e.g., leak, burst, rupture, etc.), there could be a high risk that water would flow or spray onto these costly control systems, causing significant damage or destruction. Disclosed herein is a container and tubing set that is easily visible to clinicians and reduces the risk of container damage to tubing when the container is replaced.

[0031] 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 and 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 that 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 functions as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air supply pump, within the unit.

[0032] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible curved section 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible curved section 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 wash nozzle 220 for supplying gas for insufflation inside the patient at the treatment area and water for cleaning the lens covering the imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 in the end face 100d provide irrigation fluid to the treatment site on the patient. 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 face 100d of 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 undesired fluid outflow.

[0033] The operating handle 115 may include knobs 125 for providing remote four-way steering of the distal tip via wires 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 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210. The handle 115 also includes dual valve wells 135. One of the valve wells 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 for operating 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 operating 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 .

[0034] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video 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) feed line 240b, a lens cleaning fluid feed line 245b, a suction feed line 250b, an irrigation feed line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). When the connector portion 265 is plugged into the video processing unit 210, it connects the light source 205 within the video processing unit with the light guide. 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. Connector portion 265 also connects air pump 215 to gas delivery line 240 b within umbilical 260 when plugged into video processing unit 210 .

[0035] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 through the connector portion 265 and the 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 the reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 outside the connector portion 265. The detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the gas supply tube 240c. A gas delivery line 240b from the umbilical 260 branches within the connector portion 265 to fluidly communicate with the gas supply tube 240c at the detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290, as well as with the air pump 215. A length of lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, one end of which is located at the bottom of reservoir 270, passes through top portion 280 of reservoir 270 to the same removable connection 290 as gas supply tube 240c on connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or isolated from one another. Connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply tube (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 tube (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 tube and lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may supply water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a detachable suction connection 295 for a suction feed line 250b and a suction supply line 250a that fluidly connect a vacuum source (e.g., hospital suction) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100. Detachable suction connection 295 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or suction feed line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0036] 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 gas / water valve 140 within the well is configured to control 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 is configured to control suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0037] 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 a gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, and similarly 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 (a user's finger is not over the valve), air is allowed to flow out of the valve to atmosphere. In the first position, a user's finger is used to block ventilation to atmosphere. Gas can 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 venting through 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 supply tube 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 can be calibrated to provide lens cleaning solution at a relatively low flow rate compared to the irrigation water supply.

[0038] The flow rate of the lens cleaning solution is governed by the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270. As water is forced out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning solution supply conduit 245c, as the gas pressure begins to drop within the water reservoir 270, the air pump 215 replenishes the lost air supply within the reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, 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 conduit 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 arrangement (not shown) may be placed within the path of the lens cleaning solution supply conduit to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after passing through the valve.

[0039] Because its primary use is to remove debris from the patient's treatment site that obscures the user's 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. Tubing downstream of the pump connects 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 pumped from the water source by operating an irrigation pump, such as by depressing a footswitch (not shown), through the irrigation connection 293, through the irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in the endoscope shaft 100a, and to the distal tip 100c. An air vent (not shown) may be included at the top 280 of the water reservoir 270 to equalize pressure within the water source as water is pumped out of the irrigation supply line. The vent allows atmospheric pressure to be introduced into the water source, preventing negative pressure from building up in the water source. This negative pressure could create a vacuum, drawing unwanted material from the patient through the endoscope toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown), similar to the lens cleaning solution supply line 245c, may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply line to help prevent backflow into the reservoir after the water has passed through the valve. In some cases, irrigation water may be provided from a water reservoir 270 .Some exemplary systems in which supply tubes for irrigation and lens cleaning are connected to and drawn from a single water reservoir 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.

[0040] In some cases, it may be desirable to prevent water / fluid from leaking out of gas / lens cleaning solution supply tubes 240c, 245c (e.g., configured to connect to gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290) and / or irrigation tubes (not explicitly shown) (e.g., configured to connect to irrigation connector 293). While exemplary connectors are described with respect to gas / lens cleaning solution supply tubes 240c, 245c, it should be understood that the connectors and coupling configurations described herein may be used at other connection points, as desired. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector 300 for connecting the endoscope end of gas / lens cleaning solution supply tubes 240c, 245c to gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290 on connector portion 265.

[0041] The connector 300 may include a housing 302 extending from a first inlet end 304 to a second outlet end 306. The first inlet end 304 may be configured to couple to the gas supply tube 240c and the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, and the second outlet end 306 may be configured to couple to a gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290 on the connector portion 265. The gas supply tube 240c and the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may be combined in a coaxial arrangement. For example, the gas supply tube 240c may define a lumen 326 of a diameter large enough to surround a small diameter lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c coaxially received within the gas supply tube 240c and to provide air to a water source in the annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c to pressurize a water reservoir. The lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may be configured to exit the lumen 326 defined by the coaxial gas supply tube 240c with any suitable sealing method, such as, for example, an aperture, a fitting, or a collar, to transition from a coaxial arrangement to a side-by-side arrangement at the detachable gas / lens cleaning solution connection to the endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 302 may transition the lumens 326, 314 of the gas supply tube 240c and the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c to a side-by-side arrangement. In some embodiments, the gas supply tube 240c and the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may be coupled to the first inlet end 304 of the housing 302 in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0042] The housing 302 may define a first fluid lumen 308 extending from a first fluid inlet 310 to a first fluid outlet 312 and a second lumen 318 extending from a second fluid inlet 320 to a second fluid outlet 322. The first and second lumens 308, 318 may extend or branch from a common fluid lumen 316. Fluids traveling through the first and second lumens 308, 318 may be fluidly separated from one another within the common fluid lumen 316 via gas / lens cleaning solution supply tubes 240c, 245c. For example, the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may extend distally beyond the second fluid inlet 320 to fluidly separate the first lumen 308 and the second lumen 318.

[0043] It is contemplated that the location of the first fluid inlet 310 may vary along the entire length of the housing 302 and may depend, at least in part, on the location of the second end 324 of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c. The first fluid lumen 308 may be in fluid communication with the lumen 314 of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c to supply lens cleaning fluid to the endoscope. The fluid may exit an opening in the second end 324 of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c and enter the first fluid lumen 308 of the housing 302. In some embodiments, the length of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may extend coaxially through the common fluid lumen 316 such that its second end is positioned between the first end 304 and the second end 306 of the housing 302. In some embodiments, the diameter of the common fluid lumen 316 may taper or decrease in diameter toward the second end 306 of the housing 302. The outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube 245c can frictionally engage the inner surface of the housing 302 that defines the first fluid lumen 308 adjacent the common fluid lumen 316 and / or its reduced diameter portion, thereby fluidly isolating the first fluid outlet 312 from the second fluid outlet 322.

[0044] The second end 328 of the gas supply conduit 240c can be disposed on an exterior surface of the housing 302 adjacent to the first end 304 of the housing 302. For example, the second end 328 of the gas supply conduit 240c can be disposed over and frictionally engage a neck portion 330 of the housing 302 to provide an airtight connection between the gas supply conduit 240c and the housing 302. In some embodiments, the housing 302 can include a radially extending protrusion or ridge 332 configured to provide a mechanical stop for the second end 328 of the gas supply conduit 240c. In other embodiments, the second end of the gas supply conduit 240c can be disposed within and secured to the common fluid lumen 316. The second fluid lumen 318 of the housing 302 can be in fluid communication with the lumen 326 of the gas supply conduit 240c. Air / gas can enter the second fluid lumen 318 via the second fluid inlet 320. Engagement of the outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube 245c with the inner surface of the housing 302 defining the common fluid lumen 316 and / or the first fluid lumen 308 can prevent air / gas within the lumen 326 of the gas supply tube 240c from entering the first fluid lumen 308 of the housing 302.

[0045] The housing 302 may further include a flow control mechanism 334 configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet 312 with the first fluid inlet 310. While not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, a flow control mechanism may be provided within the second fluid lumen 318 to selectively couple the second fluid outlet 322 with the second fluid inlet 320. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 334 may be located adjacent to the first fluid outlet 312. However, this is not required. The flow control mechanism 334 may be positioned anywhere between the first fluid inlet 310 and the first fluid outlet 312, as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control mechanism 334 may be a septum 336 that extends across the entire cross-section of the first fluid lumen 308 or across substantially the entire cross-section of the first fluid lumen 308. The septum 336 may be overmolded with the housing 302. In some examples, the septum 336 may be formed as a unitary structure with an overmolded cover 338 that extends around the exterior of the housing 302 and at least partially into the first fluid lumen 308. In other examples, the septum 336 may be formed as a separate component and coupled to the interior of the housing 302. It is contemplated that the septum 336 and / or cover 338 may be formed from a flexible material such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. The material may be selected to allow the septum 336 to be temporarily deformed to deliver fluid flow therethrough and to return to its original configuration to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

[0046] It is contemplated that septum 336 may be formed as a solid structure, after which aperture 340 may be formed that extends through the thickness of septum 336. Aperture 340 may provide a selective fluid pathway from first fluid inlet 310 to first fluid outlet 312. In some cases, aperture 340 may be formed by puncturing septum 336 after septum 336 is formed. It is contemplated that aperture 340 may be formed by puncturing septum 336 simultaneously from both sides with two pins, or by puncturing from a single direction with a single pin.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second side of the septum 336 can include a generally conically tapered surface 342. Although not explicitly shown, the first side of the septum 336 can include a generally conically tapered surface. The septum 336 may have a uniform cross-sectional thickness or may take other shapes, as desired. The thickness of the septum 336 may gradually decrease toward the radial center of the septum 336. This may allow the opening 340 to expand or open to selectively allow fluid or water to pass through. In some examples, the opening 340 can be forced open by pressurized water flowing through the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, allowing fluid to pass from the first fluid inlet 310, along the flow path 344, through the first fluid lumen 308, out the first fluid outlet 312, and into the connector portion 265. In this example, in the absence of pressurized water flow, the size of opening 340 can be reduced to effectively prevent residual water within lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c and / or housing 302 from flowing out first fluid outlet 312 without user intervention, regardless of whether connector 300 is connected to or disconnected from connector portion 265 (e.g., to change endoscopes). In another example, a water post on connector portion 265 (e.g., detachable gas / lens cleaning solution connection 290) can force open opening 340 when connector 300 is assembled with the connector portion to allow fluid to flow from first fluid inlet 310, through first fluid lumen 308, out first fluid outlet 312, and into connector portion 265. When the connector 300 is separated from the connector portion 265, the opening 340 can reduce in size to effectively prevent any residual water within the lens cleaning fluid supply tube 245c and / or the housing 302 from flowing out of the first fluid outlet 312 without user intervention.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector 400 for connecting the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c, 245c to the gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290 on the connector portion 265 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2). The connector 400 may include a housing 402 extending from a first inlet end 404 to a second outlet end 406. The first inlet end 404 may be configured to couple to a gas supply tube and a lens cleaning solution supply tube (not explicitly shown), and the second outlet end 406 may be configured to couple to the gas / lens cleaning solution connector on the connector portion. The gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube may be combined in a coaxial arrangement, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 3. For example, the gas supply tube may surround a small-diameter lens cleaning solution supply tube coaxially received within the gas supply tube and define a lumen of a diameter large enough to provide air to a water source in the annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution supply tube to pressurize a water reservoir. The lens cleaning solution 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 aperture, a fitting, a collar, etc., to transition from a coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement at a detachable gas / lens cleaning solution connection to an endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 402 may transition the lumens of the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube to a parallel arrangement in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube may be coupled to the first inlet end 404 of the housing 402 in a parallel arrangement.

[0049] The housing 402 may define a first fluid lumen 408 extending from a first fluid inlet 410 to a first fluid outlet 412 and a second fluid lumen 418 extending from a second fluid inlet 420 to a second fluid outlet 422. The first and second lumens 408, 418 may extend or branch from a common fluid lumen 416. The fluids traveling through the first and second lumens 408, 418 may be fluidly separated from one another within the common fluid lumen 416 via a gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 . For example, a lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend distally beyond the second fluid inlet 420 to fluidly separate the first lumen 408 and the second lumen 418.

[0050] It is contemplated that the location of the first fluid inlet 410 may vary along the entire length of the housing 402 and may depend, at least in part, on the location of the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube. The first fluid lumen 408 may be in fluid communication with a lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply tube to supply lens cleaning fluid to the endoscope. The fluid may exit an opening in the lens cleaning solution supply tube at the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube and flow into the first fluid lumen 408 of the housing 402. In some embodiments, the length of the lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend coaxially through a common fluid lumen 416 such that its second end is positioned between the first end 404 and the second end 406 of the housing 402. In some embodiments, the diameter of the common fluid lumen 416 may taper or decrease in diameter toward the second end 406 of the housing 402. The outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube can frictionally engage with the inner surface of the housing 402 that defines the first fluid lumen 408 adjacent the common fluid lumen 416 and / or its reduced diameter portion, thereby fluidly isolating the first fluid outlet 412 from the second fluid outlet 422.

[0051] The second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed on an exterior surface of the housing 402 adjacent to the first end 404 of the housing 402. For example, the second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed over and frictionally engage a neck portion 430 of the housing 402 to provide an airtight connection between the gas supply tube and the housing 402. In some embodiments, the housing 402 can include a radially extending protrusion or ridge 432 configured to provide a mechanical stop for the second end of the gas supply tube. In other embodiments, the second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed within and secured to the common fluid lumen 416. A second fluid lumen 418 of the housing 402 can be in fluid communication with the lumen of the gas supply tube. Air / gas can enter the second fluid lumen 418 via a second fluid inlet 420. Engagement of the outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube with the inner surface of the housing 402 defining the common fluid lumen 416 and / or the first fluid lumen 408 can prevent air / gas within the lumen of the gas supply tube from entering the first fluid lumen 408 of the housing 402.

[0052] The housing 402 may further include a flow control mechanism 434 configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet 412 with the first fluid inlet 410. While not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, a flow control mechanism may be provided within the second fluid lumen 418 to selectively couple the second fluid outlet 422 with the second fluid inlet 420. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 434 may be located adjacent to the first fluid outlet 412. However, this is not required. The flow control mechanism 434 may be positioned anywhere between the first fluid inlet 410 and the first fluid outlet 412, as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control mechanism 434 may be a duckbill valve 436 that extends across the entire cross-section of the first fluid lumen 408 or substantially across the entire cross-section of the first fluid lumen 408. The duckbill valve 436 may include two or more flaps 442a, 442b configured to move between a flat, closed configuration (shown in FIG. 4) and an open configuration to allow fluid to pass unidirectionally through the duckbill valve 436. Although the flow control mechanism 434 is shown and described as a duckbill valve 436, it is contemplated that other one-way or check valves may be used, as desired.

[0053] The duckbill valve 436 may be overmolded with the housing 402. In some examples, the duckbill valve 436 may be formed as a unitary structure with an overmolded cover 438 that extends around the exterior of the housing 402 and at least partially into the first fluid lumen 408. In other examples, the duckbill valve 436 may be formed as a separate component and coupled to the interior of the housing 402. It is contemplated that the duckbill valve 436 and / or cover 438 may be formed from a flexible material, such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. The material may be selected to allow the duckbill valve 436 to be temporarily deformed to deliver fluid flow therethrough and to return to its original configuration to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

[0054] The flaps 442 a, 442 b of the duckbill valve 436 can be configured to separate and define a fluid flow path 440 through the duckbill valve 436. The fluid flow path 440 can extend through a thickness of the duckbill valve 436 to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid inlet 410 with the first fluid outlet 412. It is contemplated that the flaps 442 a, 442 b may extend longitudinally in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first fluid lumen 408. In the illustrated embodiment, the flaps 442 a, 442 b can extend toward the second end 406 of the housing 402, thereby enabling the flaps 442 a, 442 b to open in response to fluid flow from the lens cleaning solution supply conduit along the flow path 444. For example, flaps 442a, 442b can be forced open by pressurized water flowing through the lens cleaning solution supply tube to allow fluid to flow from first fluid inlet 410, through first fluid lumen 408, out first fluid outlet 412, and into connector portion 265. In this example, in the absence of pressurized water flow, flaps 442a, 442b can close or come together to effectively prevent any residual water within the lens cleaning solution supply tube and / or housing 402 from flowing out first fluid outlet 412, without user intervention, regardless of whether connector 400 is connected to connector portion 265 or disconnected from the connector portion (e.g., to replace the endoscope).

[0055] In another example, the flaps 442 a, 442 b may extend toward the first end 404 of the housing 402. This allows a water post on the connector portion (e.g., the detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290) to force the flaps 442 a, 442 b open when the connector 400 is assembled with the connector portion, allowing fluid to flow from the first fluid inlet 410, through the first fluid lumen 408, out the first fluid outlet 412, and into the connector portion 265. When the connector 400 is disconnected from the connector portion 265, the flaps 442 a, 442 b can close or close without user intervention to effectively prevent any residual water within the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245 c and / or the housing 402 from flowing out the first fluid outlet 412.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second side of the duckbill valve 436 can include a generally conically tapered surface 446. For example, the thickness of the duckbill valve 436 can gradually decrease toward the radial center of the duckbill valve 436. However, this is not required. Although not explicitly shown, the first side of the duckbill valve 436 can include a generally conically tapered surface. The duckbill valve 436 can have a uniform cross-sectional thickness or can take on other shapes, as desired.

[0057] FIG. 5A shows a perspective cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector 500 for connecting the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c, 245c to the gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290 on the connector portion 265 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2). The connector 500 may include a housing 502 extending from a first inlet end 504 to a second outlet end 506. The first inlet end 504 may be configured to couple to a gas supply tube and a lens cleaning solution supply tube (not explicitly shown), and the second outlet end 506 may be configured to couple to the gas / lens cleaning solution connector on the connector portion. The gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube may be combined in a coaxial arrangement, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 3. For example, the gas supply tube may define a lumen of a diameter large enough to surround a small-diameter lens cleaning solution supply tube coaxially received within the gas supply tube and to provide air to a water source in the annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution supply tube to pressurize a water reservoir. The lens cleaning solution 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 aperture, a fitting, a collar, etc., to transition from a coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement at the detachable gas / lens cleaning solution connection to the endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 502 may transition the lumens of the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube to a parallel arrangement in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube may be coupled to the first inlet end 504 of the housing 502 in a parallel arrangement.

[0058] The housing 502 may define a first fluid lumen 508 extending from a first fluid inlet 510 to a first fluid outlet 512 and a second fluid lumen 518 extending from a second fluid inlet 520 to a second fluid outlet 522. The first and second lumens 508, 518 may extend or branch from a common fluid lumen 516. The fluids traveling through the first and second lumens 508, 518 may be fluidly separated from one another within the common fluid lumen 516 via a gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 . For example, a lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend distally beyond the second fluid inlet 520 to fluidly separate the first and second lumens 508, 518 from one another.

[0059] It is contemplated that the location of the first fluid inlet 510 may vary along the entire length of the housing 502 and may depend, at least in part, on the location of the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube. The first fluid lumen 508 may be in fluid communication with the lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply tube to supply lens cleaning fluid to the endoscope. The fluid may exit an opening in the lens cleaning solution supply tube at the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube and flow into the first fluid lumen 508 of the housing 502. In some embodiments, the length of the lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend coaxially through the common fluid lumen 516 such that its second end is disposed between the first end 504 and the second end 506 of the housing 502. In some embodiments, the diameter of the common fluid lumen 516 may taper or decrease in diameter toward the second end 506 of the housing 502. The outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube can frictionally engage with the inner surface of the housing 502 that defines the first fluid lumen 508 adjacent the common fluid lumen 516 and / or its reduced diameter portion, thereby fluidly isolating the first fluid outlet 512 from the second fluid outlet 522.

[0060] The second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed on an exterior surface of the housing 502 adjacent to the first end 504 of the housing 502. For example, the second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed over and frictionally engage a neck portion 530 of the housing 502 to provide an airtight connection between the gas supply tube and the housing 502. In some embodiments, the housing 502 can include a radially extending protrusion or ridge 532 configured to provide a mechanical stop for the second end of the gas supply tube. In other embodiments, the second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed within and secured to the common fluid lumen 516. A second fluid lumen 518 of the housing 502 can be in fluid communication with the lumen of the gas supply tube. Air / gas can enter the second fluid lumen 518 via a second fluid inlet 520. Engagement of the outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube with the inner surface of the housing 502 defining the common fluid lumen 516 and / or the first fluid lumen 508 can prevent air / gas within the lumen of the gas supply tube from entering the first fluid lumen 508 of the housing 502.

[0061] The housing 502 can further include a flow control mechanism 534 configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet 512 with the first fluid inlet 510. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 534 can be located adjacent to the first fluid outlet 512. However, this is not required. The flow control mechanism 534 can be positioned anywhere between the first fluid inlet 510 and the first fluid outlet 512, as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control mechanism 534 can be a throttle valve 536 that extends across the entire cross-section of the first fluid lumen 508, or across substantially the entire cross-section of the first fluid lumen 508. With further reference to FIG. 5B , which shows an end view of the exemplary throttle valve 536 in a closed configuration, the throttle valve 536 can include a plurality of flaps 542a-e configured to move between a closed configuration (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and an open configuration to allow fluid to pass through the throttle valve 536. Although flow control mechanism 534 is shown and described as a throttle valve 536, it is contemplated that other one-way or check valves may be used as desired.

[0062] The flaps 542a-e may extend radially inward from the retaining ring 546. In some cases, the flaps 542a-e may overlap to completely block the first fluid lumen 508 when the restrictor 536 is in the closed configuration. In other embodiments, a small opening 548 may be present in the center of the restrictor 536 when the restrictor 536 is in the closed configuration. While the restrictor 536 is shown as including five flaps 542a-e, it is contemplated that the restrictor 536 may include fewer or more than five flaps, as desired. The flaps 542a-e may be formed from a flexible material, such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. The material may be selected to allow the restrictor 536 to be temporarily deformed to deliver fluid flow through the restrictor 536 and to return to its original configuration to prevent fluid flow through the restrictor 536.

[0063] The flaps 542a-e of the throttle valve 536 may be configured to separate and define a fluid flow path 440 through the throttle valve 536. The fluid flow path may extend through the thickness of the throttle valve 536 to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid inlet 510 with the first fluid outlet 512. It is contemplated that the flaps 542a-e may be positioned to open toward the first inlet end 504 of the housing 502, toward the second outlet end 506 of the housing 502, or toward either end 504, 506 of the housing 502, as desired. For example, the flaps 542a-e may be positioned to allow the flaps 542a-e to open in response to a flow of fluid from the lens cleaning solution supply conduit along the flow path 544. For example, flaps 542a-e may be forced open by pressurized water flowing through the lens cleaning solution supply tube to allow fluid to flow from first fluid inlet 510, through first fluid lumen 508, out first fluid outlet 512, and into connector portion 265. In this example, in the absence of pressurized water flow, flaps 542a-e may close or come together to effectively prevent any residual water within the lens cleaning solution supply tube and / or housing 502 from flowing out first fluid outlet 512, without user intervention, regardless of whether connector 500 is connected to connector portion 265 or disconnected from the connector portion (e.g., to replace the endoscope).

[0064] 5C , which shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of exemplary throttle valve 536 assembled with water post 550 on connector portion 265, flaps 542a-e may be positioned such that when connector 500 is assembled with water post 550 on the connector portion, water post 550 (e.g., detachable gas / lens cleaning solution connection 290) can force flaps 542a-e open to allow fluid to flow from first fluid inlet 510 through first fluid lumen 508 and out first fluid outlet 512 into connector portion 265. When connector 500 is disconnected from connector portion 265, flaps 542a-e can close or close to effectively prevent residual water within lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c and / or housing 502 from flowing out first fluid outlet 512 without user intervention.

[0065] Although not explicitly shown, in some examples, connector 500 may include an overmolded cover, similar in form and function to cover 338 described with respect to FIG. 3 , that extends around the exterior of housing 502 and at least partially into first fluid lumen 508. For example, all or a portion of restrictor valve 536, if so provided, may be formed as a unitary structure with the cover. In other examples, restrictor valve 536 may be formed as a separate component and coupled to the interior of housing 502.

[0066] 6A shows a perspective view of another exemplary connector 600 for connecting the endoscope end of gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c, 245c to gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290 on connector portion 265 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) in a first configuration, and FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the exemplary connector 600 in a second configuration. Connector 600 may include a first housing 602 extending from a first inlet end 604 to a second outlet end 606 and a second housing 608 extending from a first inlet end 610 to a second outlet end 612. First inlet end 604 of first housing 602 may be configured to couple to gas supply tubes and lens cleaning solution supply tubes (not explicitly shown), and second outlet end 612 of second housing 608 may be configured to couple to the gas / lens cleaning solution connector of the connector portion. The second outlet end 606 of the first housing 602 can be movably coupled to the first inlet end 610 of the second housing 608 to selectively couple the fluid lumens with the first and second housings 602, 608, as described in more detail herein.

[0067] The gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube may be combined in a coaxial arrangement, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 3 . For example, the gas supply tube may define a lumen of a diameter large enough to surround a small-diameter lens cleaning solution supply tube coaxially received within the gas supply tube and to provide air to a water source in the annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution supply tube to pressurize a water reservoir. The lens cleaning solution 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 solution connection to an endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 502 may transition the lumens of the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube to a parallel arrangement in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, a gas supply line and a lens cleaning fluid supply line may be coupled to the first inlet end 604 of the first housing 602 in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0068] With further reference to FIG. 6C , which illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary connector 600 taken along line 6C-6C of FIG. 6A , the first housing 602 can define a first fluid lumen 616 extending from a first fluid inlet 618 to a first fluid outlet 620 and a second fluid lumen 622 extending from a second fluid inlet 624 to a second fluid outlet 626. The first and second lumens 616, 622 can extend or branch from a common fluid lumen 614. Fluids traveling through the first and second lumens 616, 622 can be fluidly separated from one another within the common fluid lumen 614 via a gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube, in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 . For example, a lens cleaning solution supply tube can extend distally beyond the second fluid inlet 624 to fluidly separate the first and second lumens 616, 622 from one another.

[0069] It is contemplated that the location of the first fluid inlet 618 may vary along the length of the first housing 602 and may depend, at least in part, on the location of the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube. The first fluid lumen 616 may be in fluid communication with the lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply tube to supply lens cleaning fluid to the endoscope. The fluid may exit an opening in the lens cleaning solution supply tube at the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube and enter the first fluid lumen 616 of the first housing 602. In some embodiments, the length of the lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend coaxially through the common fluid lumen 614 such that its second end is disposed between the first end 604 and the second end 606 of the first housing 602. In some embodiments, the diameter of the common fluid lumen 614 may taper or decrease in diameter toward the second end 606 of the first housing 602. The outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube can frictionally engage with the inner surface of the first housing 602 that defines the first fluid lumen 616 adjacent the common fluid lumen 614 and / or its reduced diameter portion, thereby fluidly isolating the first fluid outlet 620 from the second fluid outlet 626.

[0070] The second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed on an exterior surface of the first housing 602 adjacent to the first end 604 of the first housing 602. For example, the second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed over and frictionally engage a neck portion 628 of the first housing 602 to provide an airtight connection between the gas supply tube and the first housing 602. In some embodiments, the first housing 602 can include a radially extending protrusion or ridge 630 configured to provide a mechanical stop for the second end of the gas supply tube. In other embodiments, the second end of the gas supply tube 240 can be disposed and secured within the common fluid lumen 614. A second fluid lumen 622 of the first housing 602 can be in fluid communication with the lumen of the gas supply tube. Air / gas can enter the second fluid lumen 622 via a second fluid inlet 624. Engagement of the outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube with the inner surface of the first housing 602 defining the common fluid lumen 614 and / or first fluid lumen 616 can prevent air / gas within the lumen of the gas supply tube from entering the first fluid lumen 616 of the first housing 602.

[0071] The second housing 608 may define a first fluid lumen 634 extending from a first fluid inlet 636 to a first fluid outlet 638 and a second fluid lumen 640 extending from a second fluid inlet 624 to a second fluid outlet 626. The first fluid inlet 636 of the second housing 608 may be configured to be selectively fluid coupled with the first fluid outlet 620 of the first housing 602 to provide a flow of lens cleaning fluid from the lens cleaning fluid supply tube to the endoscope. The second fluid inlet 642 of the second housing 608 may be selectively fluid coupled with the second fluid outlet 626 of the first housing 602 and configured to provide a flow of air / gas to the endoscope and / or its components.

[0072] It is contemplated that the first housing 602 and the second housing 608 may be movably coupled to one another to selectively fluidly couple their first lumens 616, 634 and second lumens 622, 640. For example, the first housing 602 and / or the second housing 608 may slide, twist, or rotate relative to one another to selectively align or misalign the first lumens 616, 634 and second lumens 622, 640. Figure 6A shows the first and second housings 602, 608 in a first aligned configuration. In this configuration, the first lumen 616 of the first housing 602 is in fluid communication with the first lumen 634 of the second housing 608, and the second lumen 622 of the first housing 602 is in fluid communication with the second lumen 640 of the second housing 608 to fluidly couple the gas supply line and the lens cleaning fluid supply line to the connector portion and the endoscope. Figure 6B shows the first housing 602 and the second housing 608 in a second, misaligned configuration. In this configuration, the first lumen 616 of the first housing 602 is fluidly isolated from the first lumen 634 of the second housing 608, and the second lumen 622 of the first housing 602 is fluidly isolated from the second lumen 640 of the second housing 608.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 6C , the first housing 602 can include a post 646 extending from its second end 606 in a direction opposite the first end 604. The post 646 can be configured to be received within a mating opening 650 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6D and 6E ) of the second housing 608. The post 646 can be configured to movably secure the first housing 602 and the second housing 608 to one another. The post 646 can include an enlarged anchor end 648 configured to engage a mating surface within the second housing 608. This mechanical engagement can allow the post 646 to be inserted into the mating opening 650 while preventing unintentional removal of the post 646 from the opening 650. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor end 648 has a generally conical, arrow-like shape, although the anchor end 648 can take any desired shape. It is further contemplated that the anchor end 648 need not be enlarged relative to the remainder of the post 646.

[0074] The first and second housings 602, 608 can include features to temporarily secure the housings 602, 608 in a desired configuration and / or alert the user that correct positioning has been achieved. Figure 6D shows a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 600 taken along line 6D-6D in Figure 6A, and Figure 6E shows a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 600 taken along line 6E-6E in Figure 6B. The first housing 602 can include a first recess 652 formed in its second end 606 and a first protrusion 654 extending from the second end 606 (away from the first end 604). The second housing 608 can include a second recess 656 formed in its first end 610 and a second protrusion 658 extending from the first end 610 (away from the second end 612). The first protrusion 654 of the first housing 602 can be configured to selectively engage with the second recess 656 of the second housing 608 or the first fluid inlet 636 of the second housing 608. Additionally, the second protrusion 658 of the second housing 608 may be configured to selectively engage with the first recess 652 of the first housing or the first fluid outlet 620 of the first housing 602. For example, when the first and second housings 602, 608 are in a first configuration configured to fluidly couple a gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube with a connector portion via the connector 600, as shown in FIG. 6D , the first protrusion 654 of the first housing 602 can engage with the second recess 656 of the second housing 608, and the second protrusion 658 of the second housing 608 can engage with the first recess 652 of the first housing 602. As shown in FIG. 6E , when the first and second housings 602, 608 are in a second configuration configured to fluidly isolate the gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube from the second housing 608, the first protrusion 654 of the first housing 602 can engage with the first fluid inlet 636 of the second housing 608, and the second protrusion 658 of the second housing 608 can engage with the first fluid outlet 620 of the first housing 602.It is contemplated that moving the connector 600 so that the first fluid lumens 616, 634 and the second fluid lumens 622, 640 of the first and second housings 602, 608 are not aligned may position the solid body portion of the second housing 608 over the first and second fluid outlets 620, 626 of the first housing 602. Such positioning may prevent fluid from the lens cleaning solution supply tube from leaking or dripping from the first outlet 620 and / or the second outlet 626 when the connector 600 is uncoupled from the endoscope. It is contemplated that the protrusions 654, 658 and recesses 652, 656 may provide tactile or audible feedback to a user indicating that the desired relative orientation of the first and second housings 602, 608 has been achieved. It is further contemplated that the protrusions 654, 658 and recesses 652, 656 may be positioned to ensure that the first housing 602 and the second housing 608 are in a proper configuration to allow air / gas and lens cleaning fluid to flow into the endoscope.

[0075] In some embodiments, one or both of the first or second housings 602, 608 may be formed from a flexible or deformable material, such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. It is contemplated that forming at least one of the first or second housings 602, 608 from a deformable or flexible material may allow a fluid- or gas-tight seal to occur when the first and second housings 602, 608 are in an unaligned configuration. It is further contemplated that forming at least one of the first housing 602 or the second housing 608 from a deformable or flexible material may facilitate actuation of the first housing 602 or the second housing 608 to move between an aligned configuration and an unaligned configuration.

[0076] FIG. 7A shows a schematic side view of another exemplary connector 700 for connecting the endoscope ends of gas / lens cleaning solution supply tubes 240c, 245c to gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290 on connector portion 265 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) in a first configuration. FIG. 7B shows a schematic side view of the exemplary connector 700 of FIG. 7A in a second configuration. Connector 700 may include a housing 702 extending from a first inlet end 704 to a second outlet end 706. First inlet end 704 may be configured to couple to gas supply tube 240c and lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, and second outlet end 706 may be configured to couple to the gas / lens cleaning solution connector on the connector portion. Gas supply tube 240c and lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may be combined in a coaxial arrangement, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 3. For example, the gas supply tube 240c may surround a small-diameter lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c coaxially received therein and define a lumen of a diameter large enough to supply air to a water source in the annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c to pressurize a water reservoir. The lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may be configured to exit the lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply tube 240c with any suitable sealing method, such as, for example, an opening, a fitting, a collar, and / or the like, to transition from a coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement at a detachable gas / lens cleaning solution connection to an endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 702 may transition the lumens of the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube to a parallel arrangement in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. In some embodiments, a gas supply line and a lens cleaning fluid supply line may be coupled to the first inlet end 704 of the housing 702 in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0077] The housing 702 may define a first fluid lumen 708 extending from a first fluid inlet 710 to a first fluid outlet 712 and a second fluid lumen (not explicitly shown) extending from a second fluid inlet to a second fluid outlet. The first lumen 708 and the second lumen may extend from or branch off from a common fluid lumen 714. It is contemplated that the arrangement of the first, second, and common fluid lumens 708, 714 may be similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 . Fluids traveling through the first and second lumens may be fluidly separated from one another within the common fluid lumen 714 via a gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 . For example, a lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend distally beyond the second fluid inlet, fluidly separating the first lumen 708 and the second lumen from one another.

[0078] It is contemplated that the location of the first fluid inlet 710 may vary along the length of the housing 702 and may depend, at least in part, on the location of the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c. The first fluid lumen 708 may be in fluid communication with a lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c to supply lens cleaning fluid to the endoscope. The fluid may exit an opening in the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c and flow into the first fluid lumen 708 of the housing 702. In some embodiments, the length of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c may extend coaxially through a common fluid lumen 714 such that its second end is positioned between the first end 704 and the second end 706 of the housing 702. In some embodiments, the diameter of the common fluid lumen 714 may taper or decrease in diameter toward the second end 706 of the housing 702. The outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube 245c can frictionally engage the inner surface of the housing 702 that defines the first fluid lumen 708 adjacent the common fluid lumen 714 and / or its reduced diameter portion, which can fluidly separate the first fluid outlet 712 from the second fluid outlet.

[0079] The second end of the gas supply conduit 240c can be disposed on the exterior surface of the housing 702 adjacent to the first end 704 of the housing 702. For example, the second end of the gas supply conduit can be disposed over and frictionally engaged with the neck portion of the housing 702 to provide an airtight connection between the gas supply conduit and the housing 702. In some embodiments, the housing 702 can include a radially extending protrusion or ridge configured to provide a mechanical stop for the second end of the gas supply conduit. In other embodiments, the second end of the gas supply conduit 240c can be disposed within and secured to the common fluid lumen 714. The second fluid lumen of the housing 702 can be in fluid communication with the lumen of the gas supply conduit 240c. Air / gas can enter the second fluid lumen via a second fluid inlet. Engagement of the outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube 245c with the inner surface of the housing 702 defining the common fluid lumen 714 and / or the first fluid lumen 708 can prevent air / gas within the lumen of the gas supply tube 240c from entering the first fluid lumen 708 of the housing 702.

[0080] The housing 702 can further include a flow control mechanism 716 configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet 712 with the first fluid inlet 710. While not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, a flow control mechanism may be provided in the second fluid lumen to selectively couple the second fluid outlet with the second fluid inlet. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 716 may be located adjacent to the first fluid outlet 712. However, this is not required. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control mechanism 716 may be an actuatable cap, such as, but not limited to, a spring-loaded cap assembly 718. While the assembly 718 is shown and described as spring-loaded, it is contemplated that other actuation mechanisms may be used as desired, including, but not limited to, manual actuation, a button, a switch, etc. The spring-loaded cap assembly 718 may include a cap member 720 and an arm 722. The arm 722 may be coupled to a rotatable hinge 724 configured to allow the spring-loaded cap assembly 718 to move between an open configuration (as shown in FIG. 7A configured to allow fluid to exit the first fluid outlet 712) and a closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 7B) configured to prevent fluid from exiting the first fluid outlet 712. The cap member 720 may include a sealing portion 726. The sealing portion 726 may be formed from a flexible material such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. The sealing portion 726 may be configured to form a fluid-tight seal with the first fluid outlet 712. In some cases, the sealing portion 726 may extend at least partially into the first fluid lumen 708. In other examples, the sealing portion 726 may be disposed across the entire first fluid outlet 712.

[0081] The spring-loaded cap assembly 718 may be held in the open configuration using a latch mechanism 728. The latch mechanism 728 may be biased to the locked configuration using, for example, a spring mechanism. The latch mechanism 728 may be temporarily moved to the unlocked configuration by downward pressure on the cap member 720, as indicated by arrow 730. This may allow the latch mechanism 728 to temporarily unlock and engage a mating feature on the arm 722 to hold the spring-loaded cap assembly 718 in the open configuration. When it is desired to close the first fluid outlet 712, a downward force 730 may be applied to the cap member 720, as shown in FIG. 7B. This may release the latch mechanism 728 from the arm 722. Once the latch mechanism 728 is released, the hinge 724 may move the spring-loaded cap assembly 718 to the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 7B, where the general movement of the spring-loaded cap assembly 718 is indicated by the dashed lines. It is contemplated that hinge 724 may include a biasing mechanism configured to bias spring-loaded cap assembly 718 to the closed configuration. A user may overcome the bias of hinge 724 to move spring-loaded cap assembly 718 to the open configuration, and latch mechanism 728 may hold spring-loaded cap assembly 718 in the open configuration until the user actuates cap member 720.

[0082] FIG. 8A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector 800 for connecting the endoscopic ends of gas / lens cleaning solution supply tubes 240c, 245c to gas / lens cleaning solution connector 290 on connector portion 265 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) in a first configuration. FIG. 8B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary connector 800 of FIG. 7A in a second configuration. Connector 800 may include a housing 802 extending from a first inlet end 804 to a second outlet end 806. First inlet end 804 may be configured to couple to a gas supply tube and a lens cleaning solution supply tube, and second outlet end 806 may be configured to couple to the gas / lens cleaning solution connector of the connector portion. The gas supply tube and lens cleaning solution supply tube may be combined in a coaxial arrangement, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 3. For example, the gas supply tube may define a lumen of a diameter large enough to surround a small-diameter lens cleaning solution supply tube coaxially received within the gas supply tube and provide air to a water source in the annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution supply tube to pressurize a water reservoir. The lens cleaning solution 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, or a collar, to transition from a coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement at a detachable gas / lens cleaning solution connection to an endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 802 may transition the lumens of the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube to a parallel arrangement in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the gas supply tube and the lens cleaning solution supply tube may be coupled to the first inlet end 804 of the housing 802 in a parallel arrangement.

[0083] The housing 802 may define a first fluid lumen 808 extending from a first fluid inlet 810 to a first fluid outlet 812 and a second fluid lumen (not explicitly shown) extending from a second fluid inlet to a second fluid outlet. The first lumen 808 and the second lumen may extend from or branch off from a common fluid lumen (not explicitly shown). It is contemplated that the arrangement of the first, second, and common fluid lumens may be similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 . Fluids traveling through the first and second lumens may be fluidly separated from one another within the common fluid lumen via a gas / lens cleaning solution supply tube in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 . For example, a lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend distally beyond the second fluid inlet, fluidly separating the first and second lumens from one another.

[0084] It is contemplated that the location of the first fluid inlet 810 may vary along the length of the housing 802 and may depend, at least in part, on the location of the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube. The first fluid lumen 808 may be in fluid communication with the lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply tube to supply lens cleaning fluid to the endoscope. The fluid may exit an opening in the lens cleaning solution supply tube at the second end of the lens cleaning solution supply tube and flow into the first fluid lumen 808 of the housing 802. In some embodiments, the length of the lens cleaning solution supply tube may extend coaxially through the common fluid lumen such that its second end is positioned between the first end 804 and the second end 806 of the housing 802. In some embodiments, the diameter of the common fluid lumen may taper or decrease in diameter toward the second end 806 of the housing 802. The outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube can frictionally engage the inner surface of the housing 802 that defines the first fluid lumen 808 adjacent the common fluid lumen and / or the reduced diameter portion thereof, which can fluidly separate the first fluid outlet 812 from the second fluid outlet.

[0085] The second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed on an exterior surface of the housing 802 adjacent to the first end 804 of the housing 802. For example, the second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed over and frictionally engaged with a neck portion of the housing 802 to provide an airtight connection between the gas supply tube and the housing 802. In some embodiments, the housing 802 can include a radially extending protrusion or ridge configured to provide a mechanical stop for the second end of the gas supply tube. In other embodiments, the second end of the gas supply tube can be disposed within and secured to a common fluid lumen. The second fluid lumen of the housing 802 can be in fluid communication with the lumen of the gas supply tube. Air / gas can enter the second fluid lumen via a second fluid inlet. Engagement of the outer surface of the lens cleaning fluid supply tube with the inner surface of the housing 802 defining the common fluid lumen and / or the first fluid lumen 808 can prevent air / gas within the lumen of the gas supply tube from entering the first fluid lumen 808 of the housing 802.

[0086] The housing 802 may further include a flow control mechanism 816 configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet 812 with the first fluid inlet 810. While not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, a flow control mechanism may be provided in the second fluid lumen to selectively couple the second fluid outlet with the second fluid inlet. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 816 may be disposed adjacent to the first fluid outlet 812. However, this is not required. The flow control mechanism 816 may be positioned anywhere between the first fluid inlet 810 and the first fluid outlet 812, as desired. Generally, the flow control mechanism 816 may include a slidable cam or actuation mechanism 818 configured to actuate the seal member 820 to selectively allow fluid flow through the first fluid lumen 808 and out the first fluid outlet 812.

[0087] The housing 802 can house a biasing mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a spring 826 and a positioning mechanism 822. The positioning mechanism 822 can be actuated via an actuation mechanism 818 to selectively compress the spring 826 to retract or advance the seal member 820, as shown by arrow 824 in FIG. 8B . The positioning mechanism 822 can include a multi-stop positioning mechanism that can function similar to a retractable pen. Although the actuation mechanism 818 is illustrated as being longitudinally displaced in the closed configuration ( FIG. 8B ) relative to the open configuration ( FIG. 8A ), in some embodiments, the actuation mechanism 818 can return to a “home” position (as shown in FIG. 8A ) after the positioning mechanism 822 is moved.

[0088] The seal member 820 may include a post 828 configured to be selectively positioned within the first fluid lumen 808 to selectively allow fluid flow from the first inlet opening 810 to the first outlet opening 812. The post 828 may be movable within an opening 830 in the housing 802. The opening 830 may extend generally perpendicular to the first fluid lumen 808. The post 828 may be sized and shaped to block or substantially block fluid flow from the first fluid inlet 810 to the first fluid outlet 812. It is contemplated that the post 828 may take any desired shape. The positioning feature 822 may have a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the opening 830 to prevent fluid from exiting the first fluid lumen 808 through the opening 830. It is contemplated that either or both of the housing 802 or the post 828 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone) to facilitate the formation of a fluid-tight seal within the first fluid lumen 808.

[0089] The actuating mechanism 818 may slide or move within a slot 832 in the housing 802 to move the seal member 820 between an open configuration ( FIG. 8A ) that allows fluid to flow from the first fluid inlet 810 to the first fluid outlet 812 and a closed configuration ( FIG. 8B ) that prevents fluid from flowing from the first fluid inlet 810 to the first fluid outlet 812. The slot 832 may extend generally parallel to the first fluid lumen 808, although this is not required. Movement of the actuating mechanism 818 in a first direction 834 can engage the actuating mechanism 818 with the positioning mechanism 822 and urge the seal member 820 toward the first fluid lumen 808, as shown by arrow 824. In some embodiments, the actuating member 818 may remain in contact with the positioning mechanism 822, maintaining the seal member 820 in the closed configuration. In other embodiments, seal member 820 may be held in the closed configuration using a latching mechanism, and the actuation mechanism may return to the “home” configuration. To move seal member 820 to the open configuration, actuation mechanism 818 may be moved away from positioning member 822, as shown by arrow 836. Alternatively, actuation mechanism 818 may be “clicked” in a manner similar to a pen (or first moved in direction 834 and returned to the “home” position in direction 836) to disengage the latching mechanism holding seal member 820 in the closed configuration. When actuation mechanism 818 disengages from positioning member 822, spring 826 can bias seal member 820 away from first fluid lumen 808 to allow fluid flow therethrough.

[0090] As will be appreciated, the lengths of irrigation, lens cleaning, 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.

[0091] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to 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.

[0092] All devices and methods discussed 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 of implementing these principles. Thus, 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 of implementing the disclosed principles will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0093] 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, superior, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, and / or the like) are used solely for identification purposes 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 location, 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, tertiary, quaternary, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0094] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and explanation and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form 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 disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the 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 disclosure have been 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 specific aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be used with numerous modifications of the structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and other aspects used in the implementation of the disclosure that are specifically adapted to particular environments and operating requirements without departing from the principles of the disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, the size or dimensions of elements may be changed, and features and components of various embodiments may be selectively combined. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the claimed invention being indicated by the appended claims, not limited by the foregoing description.

[0095] The following claims are incorporated into this detailed description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprises" 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, a reference to the singular does not exclude a plurality. The terms "a," "an," "first," "second," etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. 1. A connector arranged and configured to couple a tubing set to an endoscope, said connector comprising a housing, said housing comprising: a first fluid inlet; a second fluid inlet; a first fluid outlet in selective fluid communication with the first fluid inlet; a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet; a flow control mechanism configured to selectively fluidly couple the first fluid outlet with the first fluid inlet; Including, connector.

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises a septum.

3. The connector of claim 2 , wherein the bulkhead includes a through hole extending through its thickness.

4. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises a valve.

5. The connector of claim 4 , wherein the valve is a duckbill valve.

6. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flow control mechanism is overmolded with the housing.

7. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the flow control mechanism is configured to open at a predetermined minimum pressure.

8. The connector of claim 4 , wherein the valve comprises a throttle valve.

9. The connector of claim 8 , wherein the throttle valve is configured to open when the connector is connected to an endoscope and to close when the connector is disconnected from the endoscope.

10. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises a spring-loaded cap.

11. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises a slidable cam and a sealing member.

12. 12. The connector of claim 11, wherein when the slidable cam is in a first configuration, the sealing member fluidly isolates the first fluid outlet from the first fluid inlet, and when the slidable cam is in a second configuration, the first fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet.

13. 1. A connector arranged and configured to couple a tubing set to an endoscope, said connector comprising: a first housing including a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet; a second housing including a third fluid inlet, a fourth fluid inlet, a third fluid outlet in selective fluid communication with the third fluid inlet, and a fourth fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fourth fluid inlet; Equipped with The first housing and the second housing are movable relative to one another to selectively couple the first and second fluid outlets of the first housing with the third and fourth fluid inlets of the second housing.

14. 14. The connector of claim 13, wherein when the first housing and the second housing are in a first configuration, the first and second fluid outlets of the first housing are fluidly coupled with third and fourth fluid inlets of the second housing.

15. 15. The connector of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein when the first housing and the second housing are in a second configuration, the first and second fluid outlets of the first housing are fluidly isolated from the third and fourth fluid inlets of the second housing.

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