Low Temperature System Connectors

Abstract

To provide a low temperature device.SOLUTION: A low temperature device includes a connector base plate configured to be connected to a conduit tube for supporting cryogen and a connector having a slot extending in the entire base plate. The device includes a plug configured to be inserted into an opening of the base plate. The device includes a latch plate configured to slide in the slot between a first position in which the plug is inserted into the opening through an aperture in the latch plate and a second position fluid-communicating with the opening, in which a low temperature probe is inserted through the aperture. A sensor is coupled to control the flow of the cryogen passing through the conduit tube by detecting whether the latch plate is in the first position or the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to low temperature physics, and more particularly to interconnecting entities used in cryogenic systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Entities used in cryogenic systems, such as dewars or medical probes, are typically well insulated to reduce evaporation of the cryogen and are also typically well sealed to prevent ingress of elements such as moisture. To connect the entities, any connector must provide the same properties of good insulation and sealing while allowing the entities to be connected and disconnected.

[0003] Pelloux, U.S. Patent No. 3,845,974, describes a coupling device for a line conduit carrying a cryogenic liquid, which is described as being of an easy make-and-break type and including two connectable coupling bodies.

[0004] Gibson, U.S. Patent No. 3,988,029, describes a coupling device for cryogenic fluids that simultaneously passes liquid and vapor through one coaxially arranged assembly. The device is said to have low heat transfer insulation integrated with the coupling, as well as the ability to connect and disconnect without the use of tools.

[0005] Potter, US Pat. No. 4,107,946, describes an interface for a magnet dewar that includes a low leakage disconnect fitting that maintains the vacuum integrity of both the dewar and the connected transfer lines.

[0006] No. 5,363,879 to Rhoades describes a combination assembly for dispensing cryogenic fluid. The assembly has an upstream end coupled to a source of cryogenic fluid and a downstream end connected to a container for receiving the cryogenic fluid. A poppet valve assembly is disposed at the upstream dispensing end.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 5,429,155 to Brzyski et al. describes a cryogenic fluid coupling having male and female halves. Each half has a poppet valve arranged for movement toward and away from a valve seat. The male half has an outer sleeve adapted to guide the initial mating of the distal end of the female half.

[0008] No. 5,452,582 to Longsworth describes a cryoprobe in which the refrigerant is supplied from a high pressure, room temperature source. The refrigerant passes through a pre-cooling heat exchanger within the probe and then through a restrictor where the pressure is reduced.

[0009] US Patent No. 5,946,920 to Clarke describes controlling the flow rate of liquid cryogen by variably controlling a pressure driving gas which acts directly or indirectly on the liquid cryogen.

[0010] Griswold, U.S. Patent No. 5,957,918, describes a cryosurgical instrument having a dewar and a cap which is threadedly attached to the dewar in use, with a main valve secured to the cap by threads. The handedness of the main valve is reversed from the handedness of the cap.

[0011] Griswold, US Pat. No. 6,035,646, describes a liquid cryogen recovery device that includes a plug for insertion in an airtight relationship into the neck of a cryogen-containing dewar.

[0012] No. 6,082,400 to Tocha describes a coupling for connecting vacuum insulated line ends via a coupling socket and a coupling plug, the socket and plug being provided for conveying a cryogenic medium and having a closure element.

[0013] U.S. Patent No. 6,145,322 to Odashima describes a cryogenic coupler that includes a socket and a plug that can be removably inserted into the socket. The socket and plug have passages for passing a cryogenic medium therethrough and are provided with valves that shut off the respective passages when the plug is removed from the socket.

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 6,183,019 to Owen describes a coupling device capable of connecting two cryogenic fluid conduits in fluid communication without causing a temperature change. The coupling device is said to have a fluid flow path with a substantially constant cross-sectional area. The coupling device is said to be designed to provide a reliable connection that is easy to connect and disconnect, especially at low temperatures.

[0015] U.S. Patent No. 6,945,477 to Lambert et al. describes a low-temperature bonding device that includes a valved receptacle and a valved nozzle. Rollers in the outer collar of the receptacle are received in helical channels along the collar of the nozzle. Notches or detents in each channel provide drainage positions for draining fluid before the nozzle is fully disconnected from the receptacle.

[0016] No. 7,128,347 to Kerin describes a quick connector coupling for forming a joint in a fluid line system. The quick connector coupling has a female connector body, a male member, and a latch coupled to the connector body.

[0017] U.S. Patent No. 7,189,228 to Eum et al. describes a disposable probe assembly that includes a breakaway collar that, when twisted out, activates a finger locking element.

[0018] U.S. Patent No. 7,381,207 to Duong et al. describes a quick disconnect assembly that includes a reusable assembly that includes a distal end having a male lip. When utilized in conjunction with the reusable assembly, there is a disposable assembly that has quick disconnect capabilities.

[0019] U.S. Patent No. 7,469,718 to Lambert et al. describes a cylindrical quick-disconnect female cryogenic coupler interconnected with a cryogenic fluid transfer device. The coupler includes a coupler body having a first cavity that receives a transversely cut tubular bushing, and an adapter having one end attached to the coupler body and the other end attached to the device.

[0020] No. 8,092,448 to DeLonzor describes a liquid cryogenic fluid system for supplying cryogenic liquid to a cryoprobe. The flow of cryogen from a cryogen source to the cryoprobe is induced by pressurizing the cryogen source with air delivered by a pressurized pump.

[0021] Marshall's U.S. Patent No. 8,517,749 describes a device that allows for quick disconnect termination or connection for cryogenic transfer lines. The device is a connector that allows two lines to be connected and joined while simultaneously allowing fluid flow to occur and ensuring electrical communication. The connection and termination are said to be successfully performed in a pressurized environment.

[0022] U.S. Patent No. 8,784,409 to Robilotto et al. describes a cryogenic medical device for delivering subcooled liquid cryogen to cryoprobes of various configurations, which is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid coolant is contained in both the supply and return stages.

[0023] No. 10,022,175 to Abboud et al. describes a first flexible element defining a cooling chamber and a second flexible element partially surrounding the first flexible element thereby defining a junction between the first and second flexible elements. A check valve is included in fluid communication with the junction.

[0024] Baust et al., U.S. Patent No. 10,054,262, describes a cryogenic system including a reservoir containing liquid cryogen and a subcooling coil immersed in the liquid cryogen. The cryogen is fed to the subcooling coil and cooled under pressure to produce pressurized mixed phase cryogen within the subcooling coil. This pressurized mixed phase cryogen is provided to a cryogenic device via a supply line for use by the device.

[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 10,159,522 to Littrup et al. describes an apparatus for freezing body tissue having a main drive system capable of generating nitrogen under physical conditions near the critical point of a liquid-vapor system for nitrogen.

[0026] Schryver, U.S. Patent No. 10,531,656, describes a liquid nitrogen delivery and flow regulation system that may be used to regulate the temperature of a cryogenic cavity. Liquid nitrogen is supplied to a liquid nitrogen boiler from a storage dewar. The dewar is filled through a mating connector attached to a supply line entering a manifold. Liquid nitrogen flow to the dewar is regulated by an electrically controlled valve that receives a signal from a control board on a control line. During the dewar fill cycle, the internal back pressure within the dewar is released by an electrically controlled gas release valve operated by a signal control line.

[0027] U.S. Patent No. 10,859,211 to Bolinger describes a steam plug for partially sealing an opening in a dewar. The steam plug includes a steam plug cover configured to cover the opening in the dewar. The steam plug includes a neck formed from a plurality of disks and a plurality of sheets. The steam plug includes a fastener connecting the plurality of disks, the plurality of sheets, and the steam plug cover.

[0028] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0024392 to Lewis et al. describes an apparatus for the delivery of cryosurgical fluids in a surgical or other medical environment. The apparatus includes a multi-layer expanded polytetrafluoroethylene conduit that is said to offer low profile, low thermal conductivity, and excellent flexibility.

[0029] U.S. Patent Application No. 2019 / 0390822 to Brothers describes a supply line that supplies cryogenic liquid to multiple low temperature freezers. A fill line having a larger diameter than the supply line allows the storage tank to be filled at a faster rate than filling through the supply line, allowing the storage tank to be filled while supplying cryogenic liquid to the low temperature freezers.

[0030] Chinese patent CN203641719U to WU JIANNAN describes a connector for connecting a gas storage tank to a dewar. The connector has a threaded sleeve piece that is used to connect with a fluid outlet of the gas storage tank. There is a corresponding connector body that is used to fill the dewar.

[0031] Cutler, in British Patent GB2321531A, describes an infrared detector having a dewar-type vessel with a coupler coupled to a wall of the vessel, the coupler including a fiber capable of transmitting infrared radiation and terminating adjacent a detector disposed within the dewar. Summary of the Invention

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cryogenic device is provided, the cryogenic device comprising: a connector base plate configured to connect to a conduit carrying cryogen, the connector having a slot extending across the base plate; a plug configured to be inserted into the opening in the base plate; a latch plate configured to slide within the slot between a first position in which the plug is inserted into the opening through an aperture in the latch plate and a second position in which the cryoprobe is inserted through the aperture and in fluid communication with the opening; and a sensor coupled to detect whether the latch plate is in the first position or the second position to control the flow of cryogen through the conduit.

[0033] In a disclosed embodiment, the plug has a groove that the aperture grips to lock the plug to the latch plate when the plug is inserted through the aperture.

[0034] In another disclosed embodiment, the aperture has a gripping groove to lock the cryo-probe to the latch plate when the cryo-probe is inserted into the aperture.

[0035] In yet another disclosed embodiment, there is a control rod that passes through an additional aperture in the latch plate and is configured to operate the sensor.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, there is a control rod that passes through a further aperture in the latch plate and is in a first control rod position that deactivates the sensor to prevent the flow of cryogen when the latch plate is in the first position, and is in a second control rod position that activates the sensor to allow the flow of cryogen when the latch plate is in the second position.

[0037] In another alternative embodiment, there is a control rod that passes through a further aperture in the latch plate and has a first control rod position that prevents the latch plate from moving from the first position when the latch plate is in the first position and a second control rod position that prevents the latch plate from moving from the second position when the latch plate is in the second position. Generally, the control rod allows the latch plate to move from the first position when translated from the first control rod position and allows the latch plate to move from said second position when translated from the second control rod position.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a method, the method comprising: providing a connector having a base plate of the connector configured to connect to a conduit carrying cryogen, the connector having a slot extending across the base plate; configuring a plug for insertion into an opening in a base plate; sliding the latch plate within the slot between a first position in which the plug is inserted through an aperture in the latch plate and into the opening, and a second position in which the cryoprobe is inserted through the aperture and in fluid communication with the opening; coupling a sensor to control a flow of cryogen through the conduit by detecting whether the latch plate is in a first position or a second position; Includes.

[0039] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for use in cryogenic medical procedures according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a connector of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B]2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a connector of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a connector when the proximal end of a probe is inserted into the connector, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a connector when a sealing plug is inserted into the connector, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] [overview] In medical cryogenic procedures, from a safety standpoint, it is important to keep the cryogen isolated and sealed from the surgeon performing the procedure and the patient receiving the procedure so that neither is directly exposed to the cryogen. The procedure typically involves connecting and disconnecting the probe used in the procedure, which in some embodiments may be a sterile disposable probe, from a dewar that stores the cryogen, at both points where leakage of cryogen can occur. In addition, when the probe is disconnected from the dewar, it is important to seal the connection to the dewar to reduce evaporation of the cryogen, prevent ice from forming on the connection, and prevent the release of cryogen from the dewar. While speed and simplicity of operation are important for connecting and disconnecting the probe and sealing the connection, it is equally, if not more, important that these operations do not occur inadvertently.

[0042] An embodiment of the present invention addresses these considerations by providing a connector for a dewar storage unit having a pump for stored cryogen. The connector, along with a latch incorporated in the connector, has three states: a sealed state with a sealing plug in the connector, an active state when a probe is in the connector, and an intermediate state when neither the sealing plug nor the probe is in the connector. Changing from the intermediate state to either the sealed or active state by inserting the sealing plug or probe, respectively, into the connector is quick, simple, and can be accomplished with only one hand. Once inserted, the latch locks the probe or plug in place so that inadvertent removal is not possible.

[0043] Additionally, for safety, there is an activation mechanism attached to the latch such that removal of the plug or probe requires first operating the mechanism with two fingers of one hand to release the plug or probe. Once released, the other hand can pull out the plug or probe. Also for safety, the mechanism is configured to detect the presence of the plug and probe when they are inserted into the connector by activating respective sensors that indicate the presence of the plug or probe. Detection of the presence of a plug disables the dewar pump, but detection of the presence of a probe allows the pump to be operated.

[0044] [Detailed Description] In the following description, like elements in the figures are identified by like numbers. Additionally, all directional references (e.g., up, down, upward, downward, left, right, top, bottom, upward, downward, vertical, and horizontal) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding the invention, and do not create limitations with respect to the location, orientation, or use of any particular embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 20 for use in cryogenic medical treatment, according to one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the procedure envisaged in the following description is for breast tumors, although it will be understood that the apparatus 20 may be used for other procedures, such as prostate or kidney tumors, and all such procedures are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0046] The procedure is performed on a patient 28 by a physician 24, who inserts a distal end 52 of a probe 60 into the patient. Typically, the probe 60 is not disposable as envisioned in the following description. In some embodiments, the probe 60 comprises a sterile disposable probe, and one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to adapt the following description to this type of probe, mutatis mutandis. The physician can view an image of the procedure on a screen 32.

[0047] The proximal termination 56 of the probe is inserted into an opening 70 in a connector 68 of a cryogen storage unit 64. The storage unit 64 is operated by the processor 36 and includes, among other things, a cryogen pump 40 and a cryogen delivery section 66, both of which are under the control of the processor. In one embodiment, the delivery section 66 includes a cylindrical lumen 67, also referred to herein as a conduit 67, having a number of different diameters. The section 66 and the conduit 67 are shown in FIG. 2B.

[0048] The distal end of termination 56 is configured to mate with conduit 67, with the distal end functioning as the male section and the lumen functioning as the female section. Once mated, the combination forms a cylindrical supply lumen 67S and a tubular return lumen 67R, which can be used for delivery and return of cryogen. (Lumens 67S and 67R are shown in FIG. 3.) Thus, cryogen 72 contained in the storage unit can be delivered through the probe to the distal end via supply lumen 66S and the proximal end. Cryogen returns from the distal end to the storage unit via the probe and the proximal end and return lumen 66R.

[0049] During the procedure, it is important that the proximal end 56 is not removed from the connector 68. Such removal is generally inadvertent and may cause cryogen to leak from the lumens 66S and 66R and / or the proximal end 56. Such leakage is a safety hazard. To prevent inadvertent removal, a latch plate 76 within the connector automatically locks the proximal end to the connector once the proximal end is inserted into the connector and mated with the lumens. As an additional safety feature, unlocking of the proximal end from the connector, allowing removal of the proximal end, can only be reliably accomplished by simultaneously actuating a button 80 and a latch plate retainer 84 fixedly attached to the latch plate. The structure and operation of the latch plate within the connector 68 is described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B below.

[0050] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a connector 68 according to one embodiment of the present invention. These figures show the connector in several different views with the proximal end 56 not inserted into the connector. Designation "A" also shows two opposing faces 76A, 76B of the latch plate 76, and view "B" shows a front view of the latch.

[0051] For clarity of explanation herein, connector 68 is assumed to be drawn on a set of orthogonal x-y-z axes. In the disclosed embodiment, the z-axis is assumed to be collinear with the axis of symmetry of lumen 67 and to have a direction extending horizontally proximally from section 66.

[0052] The latch plate 76, in the disclosed embodiment, is formed as a generally rectangular plate with edges that are assumed to be vertical and horizontal, perpendicular to the z-axis. The positive y-axis is assumed to be parallel to the vertical edge of the plate 76 pointing upwards, and the positive x-axis is assumed to be parallel to the horizontal edge of the plate pointing to the right when viewed distally along the z-axis. The origin of the axes is assumed to be within the plate. It will be understood that the orientations described herein are for clarity and by way of example, and that embodiments of the present invention may function in virtually any orientation.

[0053] The latch plate 76 is retained between a connector base plate 88 and a connector cover 92 which are in the xy plane. The base plate 88 has two shoulders 96A, 96B, both parallel to the y axis, which protrude from the plate in the positive z direction and are separated by the width of the latch plate, which is located between the shoulders. The shoulders constrain the plate to move in a slot 98 between the shoulders which is parallel to the y axis. Being attached to the plate 76, the plate retainer 84 also moves parallel to the y axis.

[0054] The latch plate 76 has two apertures formed therein: a generally slot-like aperture 100 parallel to the y-axis, and a generally elliptical aperture 104 extending through the z-axis. Further details of the structure and function of the apertures are provided below.

[0055] A cylindrical rod 108 (also shown in cross section) formed as multiple solid cylinders 108A, 108B, 108C of different diameters passes through the slotted aperture 100. Cylinder 108A has two circular grooves 108A1, 108A2 formed therein. There is a shoulder 146 between cylinders 108A and 108B, and a shoulder 144 between cylinders 108B and 108C.

[0056] The aperture 100 has two different slots 102, 106, each with a depth of half the thickness of the plate 76. The slot 102 has two different widths, an upper section 110 and a lower section 114 with a width corresponding to the diameter of the cylinder 108C, and a middle section 122 with a width corresponding to the diameter of the cylinder 108B. The slot 106 is in four different sections, an upper section 126 and a lower section 130, both terminating in a semicircle and with a width corresponding to the diameter of the cylinder 108C, an upper middle section 134 with the diameter of the cylinder 108B, and a partially circular lower middle section 138 with a diameter equal to the diameter of the cylinder 108A. The plate 76 has an inner surface 142 formed by the different widths of the two slots.

[0057] The button 80 connects to the proximal end of a cylindrical rod 108. The distal end of the rod is held in a rod holder 112 fixed to the base plate 88. The rod holder has a blind hole 116 with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cylinder 108A of the rod 108, within which is a spring 118 that contacts the rod distal end, the spring pushing the rod in the positive z-direction. It will be appreciated that the rod 108 can slide within the hole 116 in the z-direction.

[0058] The rod holder 112 serves as a support for two printed circuit (PC) boards PC1, PC2. The board PC1 has two pairs of radiation transmitters TX1A, TX1B and TX2A, TX2B, here assumed to include infrared emitters as an example. The board PC2 has two pairs of receivers RX1A, RX1B and RX2A, RX2B, configured to receive the radiation transmitted by the transmitters. Here assumed to include phototransistors as an example. The holder 112 has four channels C1A, C1B, C2A, C2B, with the transmitters TX1A, TX1B, TX2A, TX2B aligned with the channels C1A, C1B, C2A, C2B and the receivers RX1A, RX1B, RX2A, RX2B, respectively. Thus, if there is no obstruction in the channel, the radiation from the transmitters is received by the receivers and activates them.

[0059] As described below, cylinder 108A obstructs the channel except when groove 108A1 or 108A2 is aligned with the channel.

[0060] As explained further below, receivers RX1A, RX1B, RX2A, RX2B function as sensors and are also referred to herein as sensors RX1A, RX1B, RX2A, RX2B. Sensors RX1A, RX1B, RX2A, RX2B detect, among other things, the position of latch plate 76 within slot 98.

[0061] As mentioned above, the latch plate 76 is restrained from moving in the y direction within the slot 98 by shoulders 96A, 96B. The plate is urged in the positive y direction by a spring 120 held between the plate retainer 84 and the cover 92. In the state shown in Figures 2A and 2B, i.e., with the proximal end 56 not within the connector, the plate is prevented from moving in the y direction by a semicircular section 124 of the aperture 104 contacting a circular split lip 128 that protrudes in the z direction from a latch backing disk 132. The disk 132 and split lip 128 are maintained in contact with the plate 76 by a spring 136 which urges the disk in the positive z direction, allowing it to move along the z axis.

[0062] In the situation shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the latch plate 76 is in its lowest possible y position. In the situation shown, the upper semicircular section 140 of the section 126 mates with the cylinder 108C of the rod 108. Furthermore, the positive z-direction force exerted on the rod 108 by the spring 118 presses the shoulder 144 between the cylinders 108B and 108C against the face 76B of the plate 76. As a result, the rod 108 is fixed in a position where it cannot move parallel to the z-axis. In this position, neither the groove 108A1 nor the groove 108A2 aligns with any of the channels C1A, C1B, C2A, C2B. Rather, the channels are blocked by the cylinder 108A, and as a result, none of the sensors RX1A, RX1B, RX2A, RX2B are activated.

[0063] As described below, in embodiments of the invention, plate 76 and rod 108 may be in other positions, however, in the situation shown in Figures 2A and 2B where nothing is inserted into aperture 104, latch plate 76 is in its lowest possible y position and rod 108 is in its most distal position measured parallel to the z axis.

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a connector 68 when the proximal end 56 of a probe 60 is inserted into the connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the connector and end in perspective and cross-sectional view substantially as shown in Figure 1. The figure also shows the connector in perspective view.

[0065] Termination 56 fits within conduit 67 and forms a cylindrical supply lumen 67S and connects to a tubular return lumen 67R. Termination 56 has an axis of symmetry that is collinear with the z-axis when within conduit 67. When termination 56 is inserted into opening 70, it presses lip 128 and its latch backing disk 132 in the negative z-direction against spring 136, causing the lip to disengage from semicircular opening 124. Disengagement allows latch plate 76 to move in the y-direction, with spring 120 urging the plate in the positive y-direction.

[0066] Latch plate 76 moves in the positive y-direction until opening 124 engages circular groove 150 in termination 56. The engagement grips the termination and locks it in place so that it cannot be removed from opening 70, except as described below. It will be appreciated that groove 150 has a radius R1, and it is the value of R1 that determines the position of latch plate 76 when termination 56 is in place, and therefore the distance traveled by the latch plate when the termination is inserted into opening 70.

[0067] Vertical movement of latch plate 76 causes shoulder 144 of rod 108 to slide within slotted aperture 100 against face 76B of the latch plate. As shoulder 144 slides against face 76B, the sliding continues until the slot within which rod 108 resides expands at section 134 (FIG. 2A), at which point spring 118 urges rod 108 in the positive z-direction until shoulder 144 contacts inner surface 142.

[0068] Movement of rod 108 in the positive z-direction aligns groove 108A2 with channels C2A and C2B, so that the channels are unobstructed. (Channels C1A and C1B are blocked by cylinder 108A.) As a result, transmitters TX2A and TX2B activate respective sensors RX2A and RX2B. Activation of the sensors acts as a positive indication that terminus 56 has been inserted into opening 70. The positive indication from the sensors can be used by delivery section 66 to recognize that it is safe to allow flow of cryogen from storage unit 64, and to activate the delivery section accordingly. As explained further below, deactivation of the sensors prevents cryogen flow.

[0069] In order to remove the termination 56 from the opening 70, it must be disengaged from the latch plate 76. Disengagement requires the latch plate to move downward so that the circular groove 150 is no longer gripped by the latch plate, which is not possible in the condition shown in Figure 3 because the cylinder 108B contacts the top of the upper intermediate section 134.

[0070] An embodiment of the invention provides a two-step method for removing termination 56. As a first step, button 80 is depressed, typically by one finger or thumb of physician 24, so that cylinder 108B no longer contacts the top of upper mid-section 134. Spring 120 still maintains the latch plate gripping groove 150, but the removal of contact between cylinder 108B and portion 134 allows for the second step.

[0071] In a second step, the physician uses his / her second finger to press down on the plate retainer 84, causing the latch plate 76 to move in the negative y direction and disengage from the terminal groove 150. The physician may then remove the terminal.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the first step of depressing the button 80 deactivates the sensors RX2A and RX2B by blocking the channel to the sensors. Deactivation of the sensors may be used by the processor 36 to deactivate operation of the cryogen delivery section 66 and pump 40 of the cryogen unit 64, thus preventing cryogen flow from the section and unit. It will also be appreciated that inadvertent depression of the button 80 depresses the retainer 84, deactivating the sensors RX2A and RX2B, thus stopping the cryo-source flow by deactivating the delivery section 66 and pump 40.

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a connector 68 when a sealing plug 200 is inserted into the connector, according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the connector and plug in perspective and cross-sectional views substantially as shown in Figure 1. This figure also shows the connector in perspective.

[0074] When the probe 60 is not in use, the cryogen unit 64 may be sealed with a plug 200 to prevent air and / or moisture from entering the unit, to reduce evaporation of any cryogen within the unit, and to prevent any uncontrolled release of cryogen.

[0075] Plug 200 fits within lumen 67 and is held therein by O-ring 204, the plug having an axis of symmetry that is collinear with the z-axis when in the lumen. When plug 200 is inserted into opening 70, it pushes lip 128 and its latch backing disk 132 in the negative z-direction against spring 136, causing the lip to disengage from semicircular opening 124. Disengagement allows latch plate 76 to move in the y-direction, with spring 120 pushing the plate in the positive y-direction.

[0076] The latch plate 76 moves in the positive y direction until the opening 124 engages with the circular groove 208 of the plug 200. The engagement grips the plug and locks the plug in a predetermined position so that the plug is not removed from the opening 70, except as described below. The groove 208 has a radius R2, and it is understood that the value of R2 determines the position of the latch plate 76 when the plug 200 is in the predetermined position and determines the distance by which the latch plate is moved when the plug is inserted into the opening 70. In embodiments of the present invention, R1 and R2 are configured to be different, and in the disclosed embodiment, R2 < R1.

[0077] When R2 < R1, the shoulder 144 initially slides as described above for the end 56 (Figure 3). Since R2 < R1, the possible vertical movement of the latch plate is greater than in the case of the end. As a result, the latch plate 76 continues to move vertically upward until the rod 108 can enter the central portion 122 of the slot 102 (Figure 2A). When the rod enters the central portion, the spring 118 presses the rod in the positive z direction until the shoulder 146 contacts the surface 76B of the latch plate. In this case, the cylinder 108B contacts the upper part of the central section 122, and this contact prevents the latch plate from moving downward.

[0078] The positive z-direction movement of the rod 108 aligns the groove 108A1 with the channels C1A and C1B, and as a result, the channels are not obstructed. (Here, the channels C2A and C2B are obstructed by the cylinder 108A.) As a result, the transmitters TX1A and TX1B activate their respective sensors RX1A and RX1B. The activation of the sensors acts to clearly indicate that the plug 200 has been inserted into the opening 70.

[0079] Typically, when device 20 is powered on, processor 36 uses sensors RX1A and RX1B to check that plug 200 is in place so that the plug can be removed and end 56 of probe 60 can be inserted into the connector. Additionally, upon shutdown, processor 36 can use the sensors to check that plug 200 is in the correct position to allow for an orderly shutdown.

[0080] With respect to end 56, an embodiment of the present invention provides a two-step method for removal of plug 200. As a first step, button 80 is depressed with respect to end 56, typically by physician 24 using one of his / her fingers. In a second step, as the first step allows the latch plate to move vertically, the physician uses a second finger to depress plate retainer 84, causing latch plate 76 to move in the negative y-direction and disengage from plug groove 208. The physician may then remove the plug.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the first step of depressing button 80 deactivates sensors RX1A and RX1B by blocking the channel to the receiver.

[0082] It will be understood that the above-described embodiments have been cited by way of example, and that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof which will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which have not been disclosed in the prior art.

Claims

1. 1. A cryogenic device comprising: a connector having a base plate configured to connect to a conduit carrying cryogen, the connector having a slot in the base plate; A plug configured to be inserted into the opening of the connector; a latch plate having an aperture defining a portion of the opening, the latch plate configured to slide within the slot between a first position in which the plug is inserted into the opening through the aperture in the latch plate and a second position in which a cryoprobe is inserted through the aperture and in fluid communication with the opening; a sensor coupled to detect whether the latch plate is in the first position or the second position to thereby control the flow of the cryogen through the conduit; A cryogenic device comprising:

2. The plug has a groove; when the plug is inserted through the aperture, the aperture grips the groove to lock the plug to the latch plate.

2. The cryogenic device of claim 1.

3. the cryo-probe having a groove; when the cryo-probe is inserted into the aperture, the aperture grips the groove to lock the cryo-probe to the latch plate.

2. The cryogenic device of claim 1.

4. a control rod extending through a further aperture in the latch plate and configured to operate the sensor; A cryogenic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a control rod extending through a further aperture in the latch plate and in a first control rod position that deactivates the sensor to prevent the flow of the cryogen when the latch plate is in a first position and in a second control rod position that activates the sensor to allow the flow of the cryogen when the latch plate is in a second position; A cryogenic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a control rod extending through a further aperture in said latch plate and having a first control rod position when said latch plate is in a first position to prevent said latch plate from moving from said first position, and having a second control rod position when said latch plate is in a second position to prevent said latch plate from moving from said second position; A cryogenic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. the control rod, when translated from the first control rod position, allows the latch plate to move from the first position, and when translated from the second control rod position, allows the latch plate to move from the second position.

7. The cryogenic device of claim 6.

8. 13. A method comprising: providing a connector having a base plate of the connector configured to connect to a conduit carrying cryogen, and a slot disposed in the base plate; configuring a plug for insertion into an opening in the connector; a latch plate having an aperture defining a portion of the opening, sliding the latch plate within the slot between a first position in which the plug is inserted through the aperture in the latch plate and into the opening, and a second position in which a cryoprobe is inserted through the aperture and in fluid communication with the opening; coupling a sensor to control the flow of the cryogen through the conduit by detecting whether the latch plate is in the first position or the second position; The method includes:

9. The plug has a groove; when the plug is inserted through the aperture, the aperture grips the groove to lock the plug to the latch plate. The method of claim 8.

10. the cryo-probe having a groove; when the cryo-probe is inserted into the aperture, the aperture grips the groove to lock the cryo-probe to the latch plate. The method of claim 8.

11. providing a control rod extending through a further aperture in the latch plate and configured to operate the sensor.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. providing a control rod extending through a further aperture in the latch plate, the control rod being in a first control rod position to deactivate the sensor to prevent the flow of the cryogen when the latch plate is in the first position, and in a second control rod position to activate the sensor to allow the flow of the cryogen when the latch plate is in the second position.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. providing a control rod extending through a further aperture in said latch plate, said control rod having a first control rod position when said latch plate is in a first position to prevent said latch plate from moving from said first position, and having a second control rod position when said latch plate is in a second position to prevent said latch plate from moving from said second position.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

14. the control rod, when translated from the first control rod position, allows the latch plate to move from the first position, and when translated from the second control rod position, allows the latch plate to move from the second position.

14. The method of claim 13.

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