Refillable water reservoir for endoscopes

Abstract

A method and system for refilling a container during an endoscopic procedure. An exemplary container may extend from a first end to a second end and may include a container having a small-diameter stem extending from the first end, a water outlet, a gas inlet, and a port, wherein the small-diameter stem defines an opening for receiving fluid. The port may be a sealing ring defining an opening extending from a first end to a second end of the sealing ring, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with an opening of the container, a cap positioned adjacent to the first end of the opening of the sealing ring, and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid containers and methods, and more particularly to refillable containers for supplying fluids and / or gases to endoscopes. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians may use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning solutions as a means of flushing out debris, cleaning the optics, and venting the working lumen. To enable these capabilities, compressed gas from either a processor or an alternative source is used to increase pressure within the fluid bottle, which either vents the working lumen or cleans the endoscope's lens. Additionally, a peristaltic pump can be used to irrigate debris from the working lumen. One challenge faced during endoscopic procedures is that the typical water bottles and tubing sets used only hold a maximum of one liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This can force nurses / technicians to change the water bottle multiple times a day. This can introduce multiple opportunities for contamination of the tubing set, either by contacting non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor.

[0003] It is with these considerations in mind that the improvements of the present disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0004] 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.

[0005] In a first example, a reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a container configured to contain a fluid, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving a fluid, a water outlet, a gas inlet, and a port. The port may include a sealing ring defining an opening extending from a first end to a second end of the sealing ring, the opening being in fluid communication with the opening in the container, a cap positioned adjacent the first end of the opening in the sealing ring, and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the water outlet may comprise a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, the first lumen being in fluid communication with a bottom of the container, and the second end of the water supply tube being positioned outside the container; and the gas inlet may comprise a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the gas supply tube being positioned outside the container.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring away from the first end of the container.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring may be movable between a first configuration configured to fluidly seal the opening of the container and a second configuration configured to provide a fluid path from outside the container through the opening in the sealing ring and the opening in the container.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the second configuration, the sealing ring may be pressed towards the first end of the container.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring may extend around at least a portion of the reduced diameter stem of the container. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the cap may be held in a fixed orientation relative to the container.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further comprise a tether extending between an interior of the container and the cap.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the tether may include a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the container.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second end of the tether may be transformable between a first extended configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the first extended configuration, the second end of the tether may have a width greater than a width of the opening of the container.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the second folded configuration, the second end of the tether may have a width that is smaller than a width of the opening of the container.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring towards the cap. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the diameter of the opening in the sealing ring may be substantially constant from the second end to an intermediate position and may increase from the intermediate position to the first end to form a tapered first end region.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the outer diameter of the cap may be tapered and configured to mate with the tapered first end region of the opening in the sealing ring.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reduced diameter stem may comprise a hollow cylindrical stem. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further comprise an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the container.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, a system may include a reservoir of any one of the above examples and a filled bottle having a mouth, the mouth being configured to engage a surface of the sealing ring along an outer periphery located beyond the outermost extent of the cap.

[0020] In another example, a reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a container configured to contain a fluid and having an inlet opening for receiving the fluid, a water outlet, a gas inlet, and a port. The port may include a housing including a small-diameter stem defining an inlet opening in the housing for receiving a fluid, the housing further including an outlet opening, a sealing ring defining an opening extending from a first end to a second end, the opening in fluid communication with the inlet opening in the housing, a cap positioned adjacent the first end of the opening in the sealing ring, and a biasing mechanism disposed between the housing and the sealing ring. The reservoir may further include a flexible tubing line providing fluid communication between the outlet opening of the housing and the inlet opening of the container.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the water outlet may comprise a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending through the water supply tube, the first lumen being in fluid communication with a bottom of the container, and the second end of the water supply tube being positioned outside the container; and the gas inlet may comprise a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending through the gas supply tube, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the gas supply tube being positioned outside the container.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring away from a first end of the housing.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring may be movable between a first configuration configured to fluidly seal the inlet opening of the housing and a second configuration configured to provide a fluid path from outside the housing through the opening in the sealing ring and the inlet opening of the housing.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the second configuration, the sealing ring may be pressed towards the housing. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the sealing ring may extend around at least a portion of the smaller diameter stem of the housing.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the cap may be held in a fixed orientation relative to the housing. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further comprise a tether extending between an interior of the housing and the cap.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the tether may include a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the housing.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second end of the tether may be transformable between a first extended configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second end of the tether may have a width greater than a width of the entrance opening of the housing when the second end of the tether is in the first extended configuration.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the second folded configuration, the second end of the tether may have a width that is less than a width of the entrance opening of the housing.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring towards the cap. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the diameter of the opening in the sealing ring may be substantially constant from the second end to an intermediate position and may increase from the intermediate position to the first end to form a tapered first end region.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the outer diameter of the cap may be tapered and configured to mate with the tapered first end region of the opening in the sealing ring.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reduced diameter stem may comprise a hollow cylindrical stem. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further comprise an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the housing.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, a system may include a reservoir of any one of the above examples and a filled bottle having a mouth, the mouth being configured to engage a surface of the sealing ring along an outer periphery located beyond the outermost extent of the cap.

[0034] In another example, a reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a container configured to contain a fluid, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving a fluid, a water inlet, a gas inlet, and a port. The port may include a sealing ring defining an opening extending from a first end to a second end of the sealing ring, the opening being in fluid communication with the opening of the container, a cap positioned adjacent the first end of the opening in the sealing ring and configured to selectively form a fluid-tight seal with the sealing ring, and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring. The sealing ring may be movable between a first closed configuration and a second open configuration.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the first configuration, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias the sealing ring against the cap.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when in the second open configuration, a force may be applied to the first end of the sealing ring to move the sealing ring away from the cap.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the reservoir may further comprise a tether extending between an interior of the container and the cap.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the tether may include a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the container.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the second end of the tether may be transformable between a first extended configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the first extended configuration, the second end of the tether may have a width greater than a width of the opening of the container.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, when the second end of the tether is in the second folded configuration, the second end of the tether may have a width that is smaller than a width of the opening of the container.

[0042] In another example, a reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a container configured to contain a fluid, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving a fluid, a water inlet, a gas inlet, and a port disposed partially around the reduced diameter stem of the container. The port may include a sealing ring defining an opening extending from its first end to its second end, the opening in fluid communication with the opening of the container, an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the container, a cap positioned adjacent the first end of the opening in the sealing ring, and a biasing mechanism disposed between the first end of the container and the second end of the sealing ring, the biasing mechanism configured to bias the sealing ring into a sealed configuration with the cap. The sealing ring may be configured to move from the sealed configuration to the open configuration in response to a force applied to the first end of the sealing ring.

[0043] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the claimed invention being set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [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 tube assembly for air and lens cleaning fluid delivery. [Figure 3A]1 shows an endoscope system with an endoscope, a light source, a water reservoir, and a tube assembly for hybrid air, lens cleaning solution, and irrigation fluid delivery, the system activated to deliver air to atmosphere. [Figure 3B] 3B illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A, where the system is activated to deliver air to the patient through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3C] 3B illustrates the endoscope system of FIG. 3A, where the system is activated to deliver lens cleaning fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3D] 3B illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A, where the system is activated to deliver irrigation fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 4] A hybrid endoscope system is shown that includes a video processing unit, a connector section, a peristaltic irrigation pump, a water reservoir and head, coaxial gas and lens cleaning solution supply tubes, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubes, and an alternative gas supply tube. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary refillable reservoir in a first configuration. [Figure 6] 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary refillable reservoir of FIG. 5 in a second configuration. [Figure 7] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary refillable reservoir in a first configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternative exemplary tether. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary tether. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics of which have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that may be used in an endoscopic medical procedure. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed devices and associated methods of use may be utilized in any suitable procedure, medical or otherwise. The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar reference numerals are used to refer to like or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0047] The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device farthest from the user when the device is introduced into a patient. Conversely, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device closest to the user when the device is positioned within a patient. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used to mean "example" rather than "ideal." Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the stated or implied value. Furthermore, terms indicating the geometry of components / surfaces refer to exact and approximate shapes.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with specific reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tubing assemblies or sets. It will be understood that such embodiments may be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of different purposes, including, for example, to insufflate a patient, facilitate lens cleaning, and / or to assist in irrigating the working channel to flush / aspirate debris during an endoscopic procedure.

[0049] Although the present disclosure includes a description of containers and tubing sets suitable for use with endoscopic systems for supplying fluids and / or gases to an endoscope, the devices, systems, and methods herein may be implemented in other medical systems requiring fluid and / or gas delivery and for a variety of other purposes.

[0050] It should be noted that references herein to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, if a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to provide such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, it is contemplated that various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, can be combined or arranged with one another to form other or additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is used generally in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0052] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians may use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning solution as a means of flushing out debris, cleaning the optics, and venting the working lumen. To enable these capabilities, compressed gas from either a processor or an alternative source is used to increase pressure within the fluid bottle that either vents the working lumen or cleans the endoscope's lens. Additionally, a peristaltic pump can be used to irrigate debris from the working lumen. One challenge faced during endoscopic procedures is that typical water bottles and tubing sets used only hold a maximum of one liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This can force nurses / technicians to change water bottles multiple times a day. This can introduce multiple opportunities for contamination to the tubing set, either by contacting non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor. Disclosed herein are methods and systems for reducing or eliminating the need to disconnect the tubing set and use a second bottle.

[0053] 1-2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 are shown, which may include an elongated shaft 100a for insertion into a patient. A light source 205 provides illumination to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may house an imaging device (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imaging device) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed within a video processing unit 210, which processes signals input from the imaging device and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 also houses a pressure pump 215, such as an air supply pump, within the unit, thereby functioning as a component of an air / water supply circuit.

[0054] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c located at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible curved portion 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible curved portion 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. On the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 is a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to insufflate the patient's interior at the treatment area and water to clean the lens covering the imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 in the end face 100d supply irrigation fluid to the patient's treatment area. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing a tool to the treatment area may also be included on the face 100d of the distal tip 100c. Working channel 235 extends along shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 positioned distally of operating handle 115 of endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be utilized to seal channel opening 110 against unwanted fluid outflow.

[0055] The operating handle 115 may include a knob 125 for providing remote four-way steering of the distal tip via a wire connected to an articulation joint within the bendable flexible section 105 (e.g., one knob controls up / down steering and another knob controls left / right steering). A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115. The handle 115 also includes two valve wells 135. One of the valve wells 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 for controlling the operation of the insufflation gas and lens water supply. A gas supply line 240a and a lens cleaning solution supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and converge at the distal tip 100c, proximal to the gas / cleaning solution nozzle 220 (FIG. 2). The other valve well 135 receives a suction valve 145 for controlling the suction operation. A suction supply line 250 a extends distally along shaft 100 a from suction valve 145 to a junction in fluid communication with working channel 235 of endoscope 100 .

[0056] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the image processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilical 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) delivery line 240b, a lens cleaning fluid delivery line 245b, a suction delivery line 250b, an irrigation delivery line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). When plugged into the image processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 and the light guide within the image processing unit. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a and transmits light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. When plugged into the image processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 also connects the air pump 215 to the gas delivery line 240b within the umbilical 260.

[0057] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to endoscope 100 through connector portion 265 and umbilical 260. A length of gas supply tube 240c passes from one end positioned in a space 275 between the top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a removable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 outside connector portion 265. Removable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or gas supply tube 240c. Gas delivery line 240b from umbilical 260 branches within connector portion 265 to fluidly communicate with gas supply tube 240c at removable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290, as well as air pump 215. A length of lens cleaning solution tubing 245c, with one end positioned at the bottom of reservoir 270, passes through top 280 of reservoir 270 to the same removable connection 290 as gas supply tubing 240c of connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or separate from one another. Connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) extending from an irrigation water source (not shown) to irrigation feed line 255b within umbilical 260. Removable irrigation connection 293 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or the irrigation supply tubing (not shown). In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) independent of water reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens cleaning solution tubing 245c may source water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a removable suction connection 295 for suction feed line 250b and suction supply line 250a that fluidly connects a vacuum source (e.g., hospital house suction) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100. Removable suction connection 295 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or suction feed line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0058] Gas delivery line 240b and lens cleaning solution delivery line 245b are fluidly connected to valve well 135 for gas / water valve 140, such that operation of the gas / water valve within the well controls the supply of gas or lens cleaning solution to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction delivery line 250b is fluidly connected to valve well 135 for suction valve 145, such that operation of the suction valve within the well controls suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0059] 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 265, branches through a gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260 to the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, and flows through a gas supply tube 240c via a connection 290 on the connector 265 to a water reservoir 270. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, with the user's finger not over the valve, air is allowed to flow out of the valve to atmosphere. In the first position, the user's finger is used to block ventilation to atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow from the valve 140 down the gas supply line 240a and out the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to insufflate a treatment site on a patient. When gas / water valve 140 is pushed downward to a second position, gas is prevented from exiting the valve, allowing the pressure of air passing from air pump 215 to build up in water reservoir 270. Pressurizing the water source forces water from lens cleaning solution tubing 245c, through connector portion 265, umbilical 260, through gas / water valve 140, down lens cleaning solution supply line 245a, and converges with gas supply line 240a before exiting distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 via gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220. The air pump pressure may be calibrated to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the irrigation water supply.

[0060] The flow rate of the lens cleaning solution is governed by the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270. As the gas pressure begins to drop within the water reservoir 270 as water is forced out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning solution tube 245c, the air pump 215 maintains a substantially constant pressure by replenishing the lost air supply within the reservoir 270, which in turn provides a substantially constant lens cleaning solution flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed within the path of the gas supply tube 240c to filter out undesirable contaminants or particulate matter from passing into the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed within the path of the lens cleaning solution supply tube to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after passing through the valve.

[0061] Because its primary use is to remove debris from a patient's treatment site that would obstruct the user's field of vision, a relatively high flow rate of irrigation water is typically required compared to lens cleaning solution. Irrigation is typically achieved through the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing located at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and into the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tubing of the pump is connected via irrigation connection 293 on connector portion 265 to irrigation feed line 255b in umbilical 260 and irrigation supply line 255a of endoscope 100. When irrigation water is needed, fluid is drawn from the water source by operating the irrigation pump, such as by depressing a footswitch (not shown), through irrigation connection 293, through irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in endoscope shaft 100a, and to distal tip 100c. A vent (not shown) may be included in the top 280 of the water reservoir 270 to equalize pressure within the water source as water is drawn through the irrigation supply tube. The vent allows atmospheric air to enter the water source, preventing a buildup of negative pressure within the water source, which may create a vacuum that draws undesirable material from the patient through the endoscope toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown), similar to lens cleaning solution tube 245c, may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tube to help prevent backflow of water into the reservoir after it has passed through the valve.

[0062] 3A-3D are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of one embodiment of a hybrid system 300 in which supply tubes for irrigation and lens cleaning solution are connected to and drawn from a single water reservoir. It is contemplated that fluids other than water (e.g., but not limited to, saline) may be used. The hybrid system 300 includes a single water reservoir 305, a cap 310 for the reservoir, a gas supply tube 240c, a lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, an irrigation pump 315 with a foot switch 318, an upstream irrigation tube 320, and a downstream irrigation supply tube 255c. The cap 310 may be configured to tightly and sealingly attach to the water reservoir 305, typically by a threaded arrangement. The cap 310 may include a gasket for sealing the cap 310 to the reservoir 305. The gasket may be an O-ring, a flange, a collar, and / or the like, and may be formed from any suitable material. Several through openings (325a, 325b, 325c) in cap 310 are provided to respectively receive gas supply tube 240c, lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c, and upstream irrigation supply tube 320. In Figures 3A-3D, the illustrated system includes separate tubes for gas supply, lens cleaning, and irrigation.

[0063] In other embodiments, the gas delivery tube 240c and the lens cleaning solution tube 245c may be combined in a coaxial arrangement. Some exemplary coaxial arrangements are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,239, entitled "INTEGRATED CONTAINER AND TUBE SET FOR FLUID DELIVERY WITH AN ENDOSCOPE," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,256, entitled "TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the gas delivery tube may define a lumen of sufficiently large diameter to surround a smaller diameter lens cleaning solution tube coaxially received within the gas delivery tube, and air may be supplied to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens cleaning solution tube to pressurize a water reservoir (see, e.g., gas and lens cleaning solution delivery tubes 240c, 245c). The lens cleaning fluid supply tube may be configured to exit the lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply tube in any suitable sealed manner, such as, for example, an opening, a fitting, a collar, etc., to transition from a coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement at a detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection to an endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2).

[0064] In various embodiments, different configurations of valves (not shown) may be incorporated into the various embodiments disclosed herein, including the tubing of systems 200, 300. For example, placing an inflow check valve in the path of gas delivery tubing 240c may help prevent backflow into air pump 215. In this way, increased pressure in water reservoir 305 creates a pressure differential between the water source and gas delivery tubing 240c, helping to maintain positive pressure in the water source even when large amounts of water may be removed from the water source during the irrigation function. This arrangement offsets any time lag in air being delivered from air pump 215 to water reservoir 305, which may otherwise create a negative vacuum in the water reservoir. Similarly, incorporating an outflow check valve, such as a one-way valve with an inlet / outlet and a valve insert, into the lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c, the upstream irrigation supply tube 320, and / or the downstream irrigation supply tube 255c can help prevent backflow of water from either or both of the lens cleaning solution tube and the irrigation tube in the event of a negative pressure situation, as described.

[0065] More generally, in many embodiments, a check valve may refer to any type of configuration for passively allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. For example, a check valve may include or refer to one or more of a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disk check valve, a flapper valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, an in-line check valve, a duckbill valve, a pneumatic non-return valve, a reed valve, or a flow check. Thus, as used herein, a check valve is meant to be distinct from and different from an active valve (e.g., a stopcock valve, a solenoid valve, a peristaltic pump) that is operated in a binary manner as an on / off valve or switch that allows flow to be turned on or off.

[0066] During operation of the system of FIGS. 3A-3D, water flow for irrigation can be achieved by operating the irrigation pump 315. Water flow for lens cleaning can be achieved by depressing the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. These functions may be performed independently of one another or simultaneously. When performing simultaneous lens cleaning and irrigation, as fluid is removed from the water reservoir 305, the pressure within the system can be controlled to offset the reduced pressure in the water reservoir 305 caused by providing high-flow irrigation while maintaining the lens cleaning fluid supply tube 240c at a pressure required to achieve substantially low-flow lens cleaning. If pressure drops within the water reservoir due to simultaneous use of the lens cleaning function, the irrigation function, or both functions, the reduced pressure may be offset by the air pump 215 via the gas supply tube 240c.

[0067] The schematic configuration of Figures 3A-3D is emphasized to illustrate the different flow paths possible with hybrid system 300, which has supply tube 320 for irrigation and supply tube 240c for lens cleaning solution connected to and drawing from a single water reservoir 305. As shown in Figure 3A, endoscope 100 is in a neutral state with gas / water valve 140 in an open position. The neutral state delivers neither gas nor lens cleaning solution to the distal tip of the endoscope. Rather, gas (pressure) is delivered along path A from pressurized air pump 215 and vented to atmosphere through gas delivery line 240b in umbilical 260 via connector portion 265 and through the gas / water valve. Because the system is open at the vent port of gas / water valve 140, there is no buildup pressurizing water reservoir 305, and therefore no water is forced through lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3B, the endoscope 100 is in a gas delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in a first position. When gas is required at the distal tip 100c, for example, to irrigate the distal tip end face 100d or to insufflate the patient's body in the treatment area, the user closes the vent hole in the gas / water valve 140 with a thumb, finger, or the like (first position). In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path B and flows through the gas delivery line 240b in the umbilical 260 via the connector portion 265. The gas passes through the gas / water valve 140, continues to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a, and exits the gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. Because the system is open at the gas / lens water nozzle 220, there is no buildup to pressurize the water reservoir, and therefore water is not forced through the lens cleaning solution supply tube 240c.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3C , the endoscope 100 is in a lens cleaning solution delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in the second position. When lens cleaning solution is required at the distal tip 100 c, for example to clean the end face 100 d of the distal tip 100 c, the user presses the valve 140 down to its farthest point within the valve well 135 while keeping the vent hole in the gas / water valve closed. The second position blocks gas supply to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240 a within the endoscope, and opens the gas / water valve 140 to allow lens cleaning water to pass through the lens cleaning solution supply line 245 a within the endoscope shaft 100 a and exit the gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100 c. In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered along path C from the air pump 215, through the branch line in the connector portion 265, out the gas supply tube 240 c, and to the water reservoir 305. The gas (pressure) pressurizes the surface of the remaining water 285 in reservoir 305, forcing the water up lens cleaning solution supply tube 245c and into connector portion 265. The pressurized lens cleaning water is forced further through lens cleaning solution feed line 245b in umbilical 260 and through gas / water valve 140. Because system 300 is closed, the gas pressure is allowed to build and maintain a calibrated pressure level within water reservoir 305, rather than being vented to atmosphere or delivered to the patient. This pressure is translated into a specific range of lens cleaning solution flow rates through the endoscope's delivery and supply lines and external tubing.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3D , endoscope 100 is in an irrigation delivery state. This may occur simultaneously with or at a different time than the delivery of gas and / or lens cleaning solution. When irrigation is needed at distal tip 100 c, for example, because visibility in the treatment area is poor or blocked by debris, the user activates irrigation pump 315 (e.g., by depressing footswitch 318) to deliver water along path D. When pump 315 is activated, water is drawn from water reservoir 305 through upstream irrigation supply tubing 320 and pumped along downstream irrigation supply tubing 255 c to connector portion 265. Irrigation pump head pressure also forces irrigation water through irrigation feed line 255 b in umbilical 260, through irrigation supply line 255 a in endoscope shaft 100 a, and out irrigation opening 225 at distal tip 100 c without passing through gas / water valve 140. The irrigation pump pressure may be calibrated along with the irrigation delivery and supply lines and external tubing of the endoscope to deliver irrigation fluid at a certain range of flow rates.

[0071] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further embodiment of a hybrid system 400 including a video processing unit 210, a connector portion 265, a peristaltic irrigation pump 315, a water reservoir 405 and top 407, a coaxial gas and lens cleaning solution supply tube 410, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubes 320, 255c, and an alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply tube 415. A length of alternative gas supply tube 415 passes from one end positioned in the gas gap 275 (see FIG. 2) between the top 407 of the water reservoir 405 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir, through an additional opening 420 in the top of the reservoir, to a removable connection 425 for an alternative gas source (e.g., a CO2 hospital gas source). When an alternative gas supply, such as CO2 gas, is desired, the air pump 215 on the image processing unit 210 may be turned off, allowing CO2 gas, rather than air, to flow into the water reservoir 405 and pressurize the water surface. Generally, the flow of CO2 through the endoscope 100 is similar to the flow of air. In the neutral state, CO2 gas flows back up the gas supply tube 240c to the connector portion 265, up the gas delivery line 240b, and through the gas / water valve 140 to be vented to the atmosphere. In a first position, the user closes the vent hole in the gas / water valve 140, allowing CO2 gas to flow through the gas / water valve, into the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a, and out the gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. In the second position, the user presses valve 140 down to the bottom of valve well 135, leaving the vent in the gas / water valve closed. The second position shuts off CO2 gas supply to both the atmosphere and gas supply line 240a within endoscope 100, while opening gas / water valve 140 to allow lens cleaning water to pass through lens cleaning solution supply line 245a within endoscope shaft 100a and exit gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220 at distal tip 100c. Gas (pressure) within reservoir 405 is maintained by delivery gas through alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply tube 415. Irrigation functions can be accomplished in a manner similar to the operations described above with respect to FIG. 3D.

[0072] As mentioned above, it may be desirable to provide a refillable water reservoir 270, 305, 405 to reduce the chance of contamination of the tubing set 240c, 245c, 320, 410, 415 during water reservoir replacement. FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary refillable fluid reservoir 500. The reservoir 500 may be configured for use within an endoscope system and includes similar components to the endoscopes and endoscope systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, although not all features may be described or shown herein if not relevant to the system's fluid circuitry. The reservoir 500 includes a container 502 configured to hold a fluid 542. In some embodiments, the container 502 may be configured to hold a volume of fluid ranging from about 5 liters (L) to about 10 L. However, the container 502 may be configured to hold less than 5 L or more than 10 L, if so desired.

[0073] The container 502 extends from a first or distal end 504 to a second or proximal end 506. A reduced diameter stem 508 may extend away from the first end 504 in a direction opposite the second end 506 of the container 502. Generally, the stem 508 may be a hollow cylindrical stem that is in fluid communication with the opening 524 of the container 502 and configured to selectively provide a fluid connection between the exterior of the container 502 and the interior 540 of the container 502, thereby allowing a fluid 542 to be transferred into the container 502. The stem 508 may have a diameter or cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the first end 504 or the second end 506 of the container 502. In some cases, the container 502 and / or the stem 508 may have a generally cylindrical shape. However, this is not required. The container 502 and / or the stem 508 may have any desired shape.

[0074] The port 510 may be disposed adjacent to the stem 508 of the container 502. The port 510, together with the stem 508, may selectively fluidly couple a fill bottle or water bottle 570 (see, e.g., FIG. 6 ) with the container 502, allowing fluid to pass from the fill bottle 570 to the interior 540 of the container 502. The port 510 may include a sealing ring 512, a cap 514, and a biasing mechanism 516. The sealing ring 512, the cap 514, and the biasing mechanism 516 may each be formed as separate components assembled together to form the port 510. Generally, the sealing ring 512 may be movable between a closed configuration ( FIG. 5 ) for using the reservoir 500 during an endoscopic procedure and an open configuration ( FIG. 6 ) for refilling the reservoir 500. Although the port 510 is shown adjacent the first end 504, or top, of the container 502, the port 510 may be positioned elsewhere on the container 502, as desired. In some embodiments, port 510 may be at the end of a flexible attachment that is in fluid communication with stem 508. It is envisioned that such an arrangement may allow filled bottle 570 to be engaged with port 510 before inverting filled bottle 570, which may limit leakage when inverting filled bottle 570.

[0075] The sealing ring 512 extends from a first or distal end 518 to a second or proximal end 520. The opening 522 extends from the first or distal end 518 to the second or proximal end 520 of the sealing ring 512. The opening 522 may have a generally circular cross-section and may have a diameter that is approximately the same as or larger than the outer diameter (or cross-sectional dimension) of the stem 508 so that the stem 508 can be received within the opening 522. The opening 522 may be disposed around at least a portion of the outer surface of the stem 508. In some embodiments, an O-ring 526 or other sealing member may be disposed between the inner wall of the opening 522 and the outer surface of the stem 508. When so provided, the O-ring 526 may provide a fluid-tight seal between the stem 508 and the port 510. This may allow the container 502 to be pressurized. The O-ring 526 may be positioned within a groove or recess formed in the outer surface of the stem 508 to maintain the O-ring 526 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 512 is displaced, although this is not required. The O-ring 526 may also be positioned within a groove or recess formed in the inner surface of the sealing ring 512 to maintain the O-ring 526 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 512 is displaced, although this is not required. The O-ring 526 may be positioned to provide an air-tight and liquid-tight connection between the sealing ring 512 and the stem 508 when the sealing ring is in either the closed configuration ( FIG. 5 ) or the open configuration ( FIG. 6 ). In other embodiments, the inner wall of the opening 522 may contact the outer surface of the stem 508 to form a fluid-tight seal.

[0076] The diameter of the opening 522 may decrease from a first diameter at the first end 518 to a second, smaller diameter at an intermediate location 528 between the first end 518 and the second end 520 to form a tapered first end region 530. The diameter of the opening 522 may be substantially constant from the intermediate location 528 to the second end 520, although this is not required. It is contemplated that the diameter of the opening 522 may have any desired configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter may taper or decrease in size from the first end 518 to the second end 520. The tapered first end region 530 may be configured to mate with the outer diameter or outer surface of the cap 514, as described in more detail herein.

[0077] The sealing ring 512 extends radially outward from the opening 522. The outer surface 532 of the sealing ring 512 may extend radially beyond the outermost extent 534 of the cap 514 such that the first end surface 536 is configured to engage the mouth of a filled bottle 570 (see, for example, FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 512 may be tapered and increase from the first end 518 to the second end 520. It is envisioned that the tapered outer diameter may form an airtight and liquid-tight connection with a range of diameters of the mouth of a filled bottle, for example, by inserting the first end 518 of the sealing ring 512 into the mouth of the filled bottle (not shown) so that the tapered outer diameter engages the mouth of the filled bottle. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 512 may be substantially constant, while in other embodiments, the outer diameter may decrease from the first end 518 to the second end 520.

[0078] The cap 514 may generally have the shape of a frusto-cone. For example, the diameter of the cap 514 may decrease from a first diameter adjacent the first or distal end 538 to a second diameter adjacent the second or proximal end 544. The slope of the outer surface 546 of the cap 514 may generally match the slope of the tapered first end region 530 of the opening 522 of the sealing ring 512 so that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the sealing ring 512 and the cap 514 when the sealing ring 512 is biased toward the cap 514. The cap 514 may be held distally spaced from the stem 508 by the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 516 and / or pressure within the interior 540 of the container 502. A tether 548 may extend between the second end 544 of the cap 514 and the interior 540 of the container 502. For example, a first end 550 of a tether 548 may be coupled to a second end 544 of the cap 514, and a second end 552 of the tether 548 may be positioned within the interior 540 of the container 502. The second end 552 of the tether 548 may include one or more radially extending elongate arms 554a, 554b (collectively, 554). The arms 554 may be deformable or movable between a first, expanded configuration (shown in FIG. 5 ) and a second, collapsed configuration. The arms 554 may have a thickness that is less than the diameter of the opening 524 so that water and / or air can flow through the arms 554 and through the opening 524. For example, the arms 554 may have a generally rod-like shape that may be of various cross-sections (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal cross-sections). However, other shapes may be used as desired.

[0079] In the expanded configuration, the arms 554 may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 548. In some embodiments, the arms 554 may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tether 548 in a "T" configuration, as shown in FIG. 5 . However, this is not required. The arms 554 may extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 548 that allows the second end 552 of the tether 548 to have a width greater than the diameter of the opening 524 of the container. In the collapsed configuration, the arms 554 may be biased toward the longitudinal axis of the tether 548, reducing their outer profile. This may allow the arms 554 to be inserted through the stem 508 and into the interior 540 of the container 502. The arms 554 may return to their expanded first configuration when the compressive force is released. In the expanded configuration, the arms 554 have a width greater than the inner diameter of the stem 508. Thus, when the second end 552 of the tether 548 is inserted into the interior 540 of the container 502, the arms 554 of the tether 548 resist removal of the cap 514 from the reservoir 500. For example, the arms 554 engage the interior surface of the container 502 to resist removal of the cap 514.

[0080] The biasing mechanism 516 may be positioned between the sealing ring 512 and the container 502. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 516 may be positioned between the second end 520 of the sealing ring 512 and the first end 504 of the container 502. The biasing mechanism 516 may be a mechanism configured to apply a distal force to the sealing ring 512. Some exemplary, but non-limiting, biasing mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a coil spring, a wave spring, a compressible elastomer, a shape memory ring or coil, a bellows, a hydraulic cylinder, or the like. In some cases, the biasing mechanism 516 may be generally cylindrical and disposed about and radially spaced from the stem 508 of the container 502. The biasing mechanism 516 may be configured to compress in response to a proximal force applied to the sealing ring 512, which in turn allows proximal movement of the sealing ring 512, as described in more detail herein.

[0081] The reservoir 500 may include a gas inlet 560 and a water outlet 562 for coupling to gas supply and water supply tubes. In some embodiments, the gas inlet 560 and / or the water outlet 562 may be one or more ports for coupling separately provided gas supply lines and / or water supply lines. In other embodiments, the gas inlet 560 and / or the water outlet 562 may be part of a gas supply tube 564 or a water supply tube 566. For example, the reservoir 500 may be connected in fluid communication with a gas supply / alternate gas supply tube (or gas supply tube) 564 and a lens cleaning solution supply / irrigation supply tube (or water supply tube) 566. The gas supply tube 564 extends from a second end, external to the reservoir 500, through a reservoir opening 568 at or adjacent to the first end 504 of the container 502. The shared gas supply tube 564 may terminate within the reservoir gap at or below the opening 568, but as shown, does not extend into the remaining fluid 542 within the container 502. However, in some cases, the gas supply tube 564 may extend into the fluid 542. For example, the opening 568 may be at the bottom or side of the container 502 such that the shared gas supply tube 564 terminates within the fluid and gas bubbles through the fluid 542, pressurizing the container 502. A lumen extends through the gas supply tube 564 to receive a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply tube 564 is in operative fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 500. The water supply tube 566 extends from a second end external to the reservoir 500 through the reservoir opening 568 and terminates at a first end within the remaining fluid 542 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 502. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 566 may terminate in an opening 568. For example, if the opening 568 is at or adjacent to the second end 506 of the container 502, a dip tube may not be needed. A lumen extends through the water supply tube 566 to receive fluid flow therethrough. The lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply / irrigation supply tube 566 is in selective operative fluid communication with the bottom of the container 502.In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply tube 564 and the water supply tube 566 may enter the vessel 502 through a single or common opening 568. For example, the gas supply tube 564 and the water supply tube 566 may be arranged coaxially as shown. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply tube 564 and the water supply tube 566 may extend in a side-by-side arrangement or may be separately connected to the vessel 502 at different locations. The opening 568 may include a grommet, heat seal, or other sealing mechanism configured to fluid-tightly and pressure-tightly seal the vessel 502 around the tubes 564, 566.

[0082] A portion of gas supply tube 564 and a portion of lens cleaning solution supply tube 566 may each extend from reservoir 500 and be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas / lens cleaning solution connection on connector portion 265 of the umbilical. Gas supply tube 564 is fluidly connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and / or gas delivery line (not explicitly shown), and lens cleaning solution supply tube 566 is fluidly connected to a lens cleaning solution delivery line (not explicitly shown) within connector portion 265. Although not explicitly shown, the irrigation supply tube may be coupled to water supply tube 566 via a manifold to supply irrigation fluid from reservoir 500, or a separate irrigation supply tube may be provided. For example, an irrigation supply tube (not shown) may extend from a second end external to reservoir 500, through a reservoir opening (not shown), and terminate at a first end within remaining fluid 542 at or substantially the bottom of container 502.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 6 , it is contemplated that the reservoir 500 can be filled and refilled as needed by displacing the sealing ring 512 proximally. Refilling the reservoir 500 may occur during or between procedures as needed. The water may be sterile or non-sterile, as desired. For example, sterile water may be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water may be used for diagnostic procedures. Because the exterior surface of the connection port 510 is non-sterile, the exterior may be wiped with a disinfectant before filling / refilling and subsequent contact with sterile water. It is contemplated that refilling the reservoir 500 with sterile or non-sterile water may provide more flexibility and reduce the need to have the same amount of sterile water in storage. Additionally, refilling the reservoir 500 through the port 510 may also eliminate or significantly reduce the possibility of cross-contamination by eliminating the need to disconnect the reservoir 500 from the tubing 564, 566 throughout the day and changing water containers.

[0084] In FIG. 6 , the second end 552 of the tether 548 is not shown to more clearly illustrate the flow of water and air between the fill bottle 570 and the container 502. However, it should be understood that the second end 552 of the tether 548 remains within the container 502 during filling of the container 502. To fill the container 502, the mouth 572 of the fill bottle 570 is positioned on or over the sealing ring 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouth 572 of the fill bottle 570 is positioned against the first end face 536 of the sealing ring 512. However, in some cases, the mouth 572 of the fill bottle 570 may be positioned against the tapered outer surface 532 of the sealing ring 512. A proximal force is applied to the fill bottle 570, thereby compressing the biasing mechanism 516 and allowing the sealing ring 512 to move proximally toward the container. When container 502 is pressurized during use, positive pressure within container 502 maintains cap 514 in a fixed relationship relative to container 502. In other words, as sealing ring 512 moves proximally, cap 514 remains relatively fixed to define a gap 556 between outer surface 546 of cap 514 and tapered first end region 530. Gap 556 allows water to flow downward into container 502 along flow path A, while air rises into fill bottle 570 along flow path B. As the flow of water continues into container 502, buoyancy forces maintain cap 514 spaced apart from sealing ring 512. The proximal force on fill bottle 570 can be removed when fill bottle 570 is emptied and / or when container 502 is filled to a desired volume. This removes the proximal force on the biasing mechanism 516, which then urges the sealing ring 512 distally until it engages the cap 514, as shown in Figure 5. In some cases, more than one fill bottle 570 may be used to fill the container 502.

[0085] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir 600. Reservoir 600 may be configured for use within an endoscopic system and includes similar components to the endoscopes and endoscopic systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, although not all features may be described or shown herein if not relevant to the system's fluid circuitry. Reservoir 600 includes a container 602 configured to hold a fluid 642. In some embodiments, container 602 may be configured to hold a fluid in the range of about 5 liters (L) to about 10 L. However, container 602 may be configured to hold less than 5 L or more than 10 L, if so desired.

[0086] The container 602 extends from a first or distal end 604 to a second or proximal end 606. A smaller diameter stem 608 may extend distally away from the first end 604, in a direction opposite the second end 606 of the container 602. Generally, the stem 608 may be a hollow cylindrical stem configured to be in fluid communication with the opening 624 of the container 602 and to selectively provide a fluid coupling between the exterior of the container 602 and the interior 640 of the container 602, thereby allowing fluid 642 to be transferred into the container 602. In some embodiments, the stem 608 may have a diameter or cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the first end 604 or the second end 606 of the container 602, although this is not required. In some cases, the container 602 and / or the stem 608 may have a generally cylindrical shape. However, this is not required. The container 602 and / or the stem 608 may have any desired shape.

[0087] The port 610 may be connected to the stem 608 of the container 602 via a flexible tubing line 680. For example, a first end 682 of the flexible tubing line 680 may be fluidly coupled to the port 610, while a second end 684 of the line 680 is fluidly coupled to the container 602 via the stem 608. In some examples, the stem 608 may be omitted, and the flexible tubing line 680 may be directly coupled to the opening 624 or other port of the container 602. The flexible tubing line 680 may be a separate component from the container 602 and / or the port 610, or may be formed as a unitary structure with the container 602 and / or the port 610. The port 610, together with the stem 608, may selectively fluidly couple a fill bottle or a water bottle with the container 602, allowing fluid to pass from the fill bottle to the interior 640 of the container 602. Port 610 may include a sealing ring 612, a cap 614, a biasing mechanism 616, and a housing 690. Each of sealing ring 612, cap 614, biasing mechanism 616, and housing 690 may be formed as separate components that are assembled together to form port 610. Generally, sealing ring 612 may be movable between a closed configuration ( FIG. 7 ) for using reservoir 600 during an endoscopic procedure and an open configuration (not shown) for refilling reservoir 600. It is contemplated that sealing ring 612 may function in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 6 . It is envisioned that spacing port 610 from container 602 may allow a filled bottle to be engaged with port 610 before inverting the filled bottle, which may limit or eliminate leakage when inverting the filled bottle.

[0088] The housing 690 extends from a first or distal end 692 to a second or proximal end 694. A smaller diameter housing stem 696 may extend distally away from the first end 692 in a direction opposite the second end 694 of the housing 690. Generally, the housing stem 696 may be a hollow cylindrical stem that is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 690 via the opening 698 and the flexible tubing line 680 and is configured to selectively provide a fluid coupling between the exterior of the container 602 and the interior 640 of the container 602 to allow the fluid 642 to be transferred into the container 602. In some embodiments, the housing stem 696 may have a diameter or cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the first end 692 or the second end 694 of the housing 690, although this is not required. In some cases, the housing 690 and / or the housing stem 696 may have a generally cylindrical shape. However, this is not required. The housing 690 and / or housing stem 696 may take any desired shape.

[0089] The sealing ring 612 extends from a first or distal end 618 to a second or proximal end 620. The opening 622 extends from the first or distal end 618 to the second or proximal end 620 of the sealing ring 612. The opening 622 may have a generally circular cross-section and may have a diameter approximately the same as or larger than the outer diameter (or cross-sectional dimension) of the housing stem 696 so that the housing stem 696 can be received within the opening 622. The opening 622 may be disposed around at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing stem 696. In some embodiments, an O-ring 626 or other sealing member may be disposed between the inner wall of the opening 622 and the outer surface of the housing stem 696. When so provided, the O-ring 626 may provide a fluid-tight seal between the housing stem 696 and the port 610. This may allow the container 602 to be pressurized. The O-ring 626 may be positioned within a groove or recess formed in the outer surface of the housing stem 696 to maintain the O-ring 626 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 612 is displaced, although this is not required. The O-ring 626 may also be positioned within a groove or recess formed in the inner surface of the sealing ring 612 to maintain the O-ring 626 in a desired configuration when the sealing ring 612 is displaced, although this is not required. The O-ring 626 may be positioned to provide an air-tight and liquid-tight connection between the sealing ring 612 and the housing stem 696 when the sealing ring is in either a closed configuration ( FIG. 7 ) or an open configuration (not shown). In other embodiments, the inner wall of the opening 622 may contact the outer surface of the housing stem 696 to form a fluid-tight seal.

[0090] The diameter of the opening 622 may decrease from a first diameter at the first end 618 to a second, smaller diameter at an intermediate location 628 between the first end 618 and the second end 620 to form a tapered first end region 630. The diameter of the opening 622 may be substantially constant from the intermediate location 628 to the second end 620, although this is not required. It is contemplated that the diameter of the opening 622 may have any desired configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter may taper or decrease in size from the first end 618 to the second end 620. The tapered first end region 630 may be configured to mate with the outer diameter or outer surface of the cap 614, as described in more detail herein.

[0091] The sealing ring 612 extends radially outward from the opening 622. The outer surface 632 of the sealing ring 612 may extend radially beyond the outermost extent 634 of the cap 614 such that the first end surface 636 is configured to engage the mouth of a filled bottle. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 612 may be tapered and increase from the first end 618 to the second end 620. It is envisioned that the tapered outer diameter may form an airtight and liquid-tight connection with a range of diameters of the mouth of a filled bottle, for example, by inserting the first end 618 of the sealing ring 612 into the mouth of the filled bottle (not shown) so that the tapered outer diameter engages the mouth of the filled bottle. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 612 may be substantially constant, while in other embodiments, the outer diameter may decrease from the first end 618 to the second end 620.

[0092] The cap 614 may generally have the shape of a frusto-cone. For example, the diameter of the cap 614 may decrease from a first diameter adjacent the first or distal end 638 to a second diameter adjacent the second or proximal end 644. The slope of the outer surface 646 of the cap 614 may generally match the slope of the tapered first end region 630 of the opening 622 of the sealing ring 612 so that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the sealing ring 612 and the cap 614 when the sealing ring 612 is biased toward the cap 614. The cap 614 may be held distally spaced from the housing stem 696 by the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 616 and / or the pressure of the interior 640 of the container 602. A tether 648 may extend between the second end 644 of the cap 614 and the interior of the housing 690. For example, a first end 650 of tether 648 may be coupled to second end 644 of cap 614, and a second end 652 of tether 648 may be positioned within housing 690. Second end 652 of tether 648 may include one or more radially extending elongate arms 654a, 654b (collectively, 654). Arms 654 may be deformable or movable between a first, expanded configuration (shown in FIG. 7 ) and a second, collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown). Arms 654 may have a thickness less than the diameter of opening 698 in housing 690 to allow water and / or air to flow through arms 654 and through opening 698. For example, arms 654 may have a generally rod-like shape, which may be of various cross-sections (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal cross-sections). However, other shapes may be used as desired.

[0093] In the extended configuration, the arms 654 may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 648. In some embodiments, the arms 654 may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tether 648 in a "T" configuration, as shown in FIG. 7 . However, this is not required. The arms 654 may extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 648 that allows the second end 652 of the tether 648 to have a width greater than the diameter of the opening 698 in the housing 690. In the collapsed configuration, the arms 654 may be biased toward the longitudinal axis of the tether 648, reducing their outer profile. This may allow the arms 654 to be inserted into the interior of the housing 690 through the housing stem 696. The arms 654 may return to their expanded first configuration when the compressive force is released. In the extended configuration, the arms 654 have a width greater than the inner diameter of the housing stem 696. Thus, when second end 652 of tether 648 is inserted into housing 690, arms 654 of tether 648 resist removal of cap 614 from housing 690. For example, arms 654 engage the inner surface of housing 690 to resist removal of cap 614.

[0094] The biasing mechanism 616 may be positioned between the sealing ring 612 and the housing 690. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 616 may be positioned between the second end 620 of the sealing ring 612 and the first end 692 of the housing 690. The biasing mechanism 616 may be a spring or other mechanism configured to apply a distal force to the sealing ring 612. In some cases, the biasing mechanism 616 may be generally cylindrical and disposed about and radially spaced from the housing stem 696 of the housing 690. The biasing mechanism 616 may be configured to compress in response to a proximal force applied to the sealing ring 612, in turn allowing proximal movement of the sealing ring 612, as described in more detail herein.

[0095] To assemble the port 610 with the housing 690, the O-ring 626 may be placed on the housing stem 696 of the housing 690 (or along with the sealing ring 612). The biasing mechanism 616 may then be placed around the housing stem 696. The second end of the biasing mechanism 616 may rest against the first end 692 of the housing 690. The sealing ring 612 may then be placed around the housing stem 696. The second end 620 of the sealing ring 612 may contact the first end of the biasing mechanism 616. The cap 614 may then be installed by inserting the second end 652 of the tether 648 through the housing stem 696 and into the interior of the housing 690. The second end 652 of the tether 648 engages the housing 690 to prevent the cap 614 from being removed from the container. Additionally, the outer surface 646 of the cap 614 engages the tapered first end region 630 of the sealing ring 612 to secure the sealing ring 612 and biasing mechanism 616 to the housing 690 .

[0096] Reservoir 600 may include a gas inlet 660 and a water outlet 662 for coupling to gas supply and water supply tubes. In some embodiments, gas inlet 660 and / or water outlet 662 may be one or more ports for coupling separately provided gas supply lines and / or water supply lines. In other embodiments, gas inlet 660 and / or water outlet 662 may be part of gas supply tube 664 or water supply tube 670. For example, reservoir 600 may be connected in fluid communication with gas supply / alternate gas supply tube (or gas supply tube) 664 and lens cleaning solution supply / irrigation supply tube (or water supply tube) 670. Gas supply tube 664 extends from a second end external to reservoir 600 through a reservoir opening 668 at or adjacent to first end 604 of container 602. The shared gas supply tube 664 may terminate within the reservoir gap at or below the opening 668, but as shown, does not extend into the remaining fluid 642 within the container 602. However, in some cases, the gas supply tube 664 may extend into the fluid 642. For example, the opening 668 may be at the bottom or side of the container 602 such that the shared gas supply tube 664 terminates within the fluid and gas bubbles through the fluid 642, pressurizing the container 602. A lumen extends through the gas supply tube 664 to receive a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply tube 664 is in operative fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 600. The water supply tube 670 extends from a second end external to the reservoir 600 through the reservoir opening 668 and terminates at a first end within the remaining fluid 642 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 602. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 670 may terminate at the opening 668. For example, if the opening 668 is at or adjacent to the second end 606 of the container 602, a dip tube may not be needed. A lumen extends through the water supply tube 670 to receive the fluid flow. The lumen of the lens cleaning solution supply / irrigation supply tube 670 is in selective operative fluid communication with the bottom of the container 602.In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply tube 664 and the water supply tube 670 may enter the vessel 602 through a single or common opening 668. For example, the gas supply tube 664 and the water supply tube 670 may be arranged coaxially as shown. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply tube 664 and the water supply tube 670 may extend in a side-by-side arrangement or may be separately connected to the vessel 602 at different locations. The opening 668 may include a grommet, heat seal, or other sealing mechanism configured to fluid-tightly and pressure-tightly seal the vessel 602 around the tubes 664, 670.

[0097] A portion of the gas supply tube 664 and a portion of the lens cleaning solution supply tube 670 may each extend from the reservoir 600 and be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas / lens cleaning solution connection on the connector portion 265 of the umbilical. The gas supply tube 664 is fluidly connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas delivery line (not explicitly shown), and the lens cleaning solution supply tube 670 is fluidly connected to a lens cleaning solution delivery line (not explicitly shown) in the connector portion 265. Although not explicitly shown, the irrigation supply tube may be coupled to the water supply tube 670 via a manifold to supply irrigation fluid from the reservoir 600, or a separate irrigation supply tube may be provided. For example, the irrigation supply tube (not shown) may extend from a second end external to the reservoir 600 through a reservoir opening (not shown) and terminate at a first end within the remaining fluid 642 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 602.

[0098] It is contemplated that reservoir 600 can be filled and refilled as needed by displacing sealing ring 612 proximally. Reservoir 600 can be filled / refilled in a manner similar to reservoir 500 described above. Refilling reservoir 600 may occur during or between procedures, as needed. The water may be sterile or non-sterile, as desired. For example, sterile water may be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water may be used for diagnostic procedures. Because the exterior surface of connection port 610 is non-sterile, the exterior may be wiped with a disinfectant prior to filling / refilling and subsequent contact with sterile water. It is contemplated that refilling reservoir 600 with sterile or non-sterile water may provide more flexibility and reduce the need to have the same amount of sterile water in storage. Additionally, refilling the reservoir 600 through the port 610 may also eliminate or significantly reduce the possibility of cross-contamination by eliminating the need to disconnect the reservoir 600 from the tubing 664, 670 throughout the day and eliminating the need to change water containers.

[0099] To fill container 602, the mouth of a filling bottle is placed on or over sealing ring 612. The mouth of the filling bottle may be placed against first end face 636 of sealing ring 612 or against tapered outer surface 632 of sealing ring 612, depending on the size of the mouth. It is contemplated that flexible tubing line 680 may allow the filled bottle to remain upright until the mouth engages sealing ring 612. This may prevent or limit spillage from the filled bottle during inversion. Once engaged with sealing ring 612, the filled bottle may be inverted and a proximal force is applied to the filled bottle, thereby compressing biasing mechanism 616 and allowing sealing ring 612 to move proximally toward housing 690. When container 602 is pressurized during use, positive pressure within container 602 spreads through flexible tubing line 680, maintaining cap 614 in a fixed relationship relative to housing 690. In other words, as the sealing ring 612 moves proximally, the cap 614 remains relatively fixed to define a gap between the outer surface 646 of the cap 614 and the tapered first end region 630. The gap allows water to flow downward through the flexible tubing 680 into the container 602, while air flows upward through the flexible tubing 680 into the filling bottle. As the water continues to flow into the container 602, buoyancy forces maintain the cap 614 spaced apart from the sealing ring 612. When the filling bottle is empty and / or the container 602 is filled to a desired volume, the proximal force on the filling bottle can be removed. This removes the proximal force on the biasing mechanism 616, which then urges the sealing ring 612 distally until it engages with the cap 614, as shown in FIG. 7 . In some cases, more than one filling bottle may be used to fill the container 602.

[0100] 8 shows a side view of a portion of another exemplary tether 700. The tether 700 may be configured to extend between the cap 514, 614 and the container 502 and / or housing 690. For example, a first end 702 of the tether 700 may be coupled to the cap 514, 614, and a second end 704 of the tether 700 may be positioned within the container 502 and / or housing 690. The second end 704 of the tether 700 may include one or more radially extending elongate arms 706 a, 706 b (collectively, 706). The arms 706 may be deformable or movable between a first, extended configuration (shown in FIG. 8 ) and a second, collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown). The arm 706 may have a thickness that is less than the diameter of the openings 524, 698 in the vessel 502 or housing 690 so that water and / or air can flow through the arm 706 and through the openings 524, 698. For example, the arm 706 may have a generally rod-like shape. However, other shapes may be used if desired.

[0101] In the extended configuration, the arm 706 may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 700. In some embodiments, the arm 706 may extend at an angle with its free end pointed toward the first end 702 of the tether 700 in an arrow or "V" configuration, as shown in FIG. 7 . However, this is not required. The arm 706 may extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 700 that allows the second end 704 of the tether 700 to have a width greater than the diameter of the opening 524, 698 of the container 502 or housing 690. In the collapsed configuration, the arm 706 may be biased toward the longitudinal axis of the tether 700, reducing its outer profile. This may allow the arm 706 to be inserted into the interior of the housing 690 through the housing stem 696 or into the interior 540 of the container 502 through the stem 508. The arms 706 can return to the expanded first configuration when the compressive force is released. In the expanded configuration, the arms 706 have a width greater than the inner diameter of the stem 508 or the housing stem 696. Thus, when the second end 704 of the tether 700 is inserted into the interior of the housing 690, the arms 706 of the tether 700 resist removal of the cap 514, 614 from the container 502 or the housing 690. For example, the arms 706 engage the inner surface of the container 502 or the housing 690 to resist removal of the cap 514, 614.

[0102] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of another exemplary tether 800. The tether 800 may be configured to extend between the cap 514, 614 and the container 502 and / or housing 690. For example, a first end 802 of the tether 800 may be coupled to the cap 514, 614, and a second end 804 of the tether 800 may be positioned within the container 502 and / or housing 690. The second end 804 of the tether 800 may include a tip 806 configured to be secured to an intermediate portion 808. The tip 806 may be a sheath configured to surround a portion of the intermediate portion 808. In some cases, the tip 808 may be made of a more rigid material than the intermediate portion 808, although this is not required. The tip 806 may include a generally enclosed connecting portion 810 and a free end 812. The connecting portion 810 may be coupled to the intermediate portion 808, but the free end 812 is not. Free end 812 may move between a first, expanded configuration (shown in FIG. 8 ) and a second, collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown). In some cases, free end 812 may define a cavity 814 configured to receive intermediate portion 808 when tip fitting 806 is in the collapsed configuration. Tip fitting 806 may have a thickness that is less than the diameter of openings 524, 698 in container 502 or housing 690 such that water and / or air can flow through tip fitting 806 and through openings 524, 698.

[0103] In the expanded configuration, the tip fitting 806 may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 800. In some embodiments, the tip fitting 806 may extend approximately perpendicular to the intermediate portion 808. However, this is not required. The tip fitting 806 may extend at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tether 800 that allows the second end 804 of the tether 800 to have a width greater than the diameter of the opening 524, 698 of the container 502 or housing 690. In the collapsed configuration, the free end 812 of the tip fitting 806 may be biased toward the intermediate portion 808 of the tether 800, reducing its outer profile. This allows the tip fitting 806 to be inserted into the interior of the housing 690 through the housing stem 696 or into the interior 540 of the container 502 through the stem 508. The tip fitting 806 can return to its expanded first configuration when the compressive force is released. In the expanded configuration, the tip 806 has a width that is greater than the inner diameter of the stem 508 or the housing stem 696. Thus, when the second end 804 of the tether 800 is inserted inside the housing 690, the tip 806 of the tether 800 resists removal of the cap 514, 614 from the container 502 or the housing 690. For example, the tip 806 engages the inner surface of the container 502 or the housing 690 to resist removal of the cap 514, 614.

[0104] As will be appreciated, the lengths of the irrigation, lens cleaning solution, gas supply, and alternate gas supply tubing may have any suitable size (e.g., diameter). Additionally, the size (e.g., diameter) of the tubing may vary depending on the application. In one non-limiting embodiment, the irrigation supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of 9.7 mm. The lens cleaning solution supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The gas supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm and an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. The alternate gas supply tubing may have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm.

[0105] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0106] All devices and methods described herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. These examples are merely examples, not the only ways to implement these principles. Therefore, references to elements or structures or features in the drawings should be recognized as references to example embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the particular elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0107] In the foregoing description and in the claims that follow, it will be understood that the terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or," as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader's understanding of this disclosure and / or serve to distinguish regions of associated elements from one another and do not limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) should be construed broadly and may include intermediate members among a collection of elements and relative movement between the elements, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to one another. Distinguishing references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0108] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. It will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concept, spirit, or scope or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of a particular aspect, embodiment, or configuration of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be used with numerous modifications of the structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and the like used in implementing the present disclosure that are particularly adapted to particular environments and operating requirements without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be comprised of multiple pieces or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, sizes or dimensions of elements may be changed, and features and components of the various embodiments may be selectively combined. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the claimed invention being indicated by the appended claims and not limited by the foregoing description.

[0109] The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually recited, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. In addition, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may in some cases be advantageously combined, and their inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, references to the singular do not exclude a plurality. Terms such as "a," "an," "first," and "second" do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. 1. A reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure, comprising: a container configured to contain a fluid, the container extending from a first end to a second end and having a reduced diameter stem extending from the first end, the reduced diameter stem defining an opening for receiving the fluid; A water outlet, A gas inlet; A port, the port comprising: a sealing ring defining an opening, the opening extending from a first end to a second end of the sealing ring, the opening in fluid communication with the opening of the container; a cap positioned adjacent the first end of the opening in the sealing ring; and a biasing mechanism disposed between the container and the sealing ring; a port; A reservoir comprising:

2. the water outlet comprises a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending therethrough, the first lumen being in fluid communication with a bottom portion of the container, the second end of the water supply tube being positioned outside the container; 2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the gas inlet comprises a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending therethrough, the second lumen being in operative fluid communication with the container, and the second end of the gas supply tube being positioned outside the container.

3. The reservoir of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the sealing ring away from the first end of the container.

4. 2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the sealing ring is movable between a first configuration configured to fluidly seal the opening of the container and a second configuration configured to provide a fluid path from outside the container through the opening in the sealing ring and the opening of the container.

5. 5. The reservoir of claim 4, wherein when in the second configuration, the sealing ring is urged toward the first end of the container.

6. The reservoir of claim 1 , further comprising a tether extending between an interior of the container and the cap.

7. The reservoir of claim 6 , wherein the tether has a first end coupled to the cap and a second end disposed within the interior of the container.

8. 8. The reservoir of claim 7, wherein the second end of the tether is transformable between a first expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration.

9. when the second end of the tether is in the first expanded configuration, the second end of the tether has a width greater than a width of the opening of the container; 9. The reservoir of claim 8, wherein the second end of the tether has a width that is less than a width of the opening of the container when the second end of the tether is in the second folded configuration.

10. The reservoir of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the sealing ring toward the cap.

11. 2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the opening in the sealing ring is substantially constant from the second end to an intermediate position and increases from the intermediate position to the first end to form a tapered first end region.

12. The reservoir of claim 11 , wherein an outer diameter of the cap is tapered and configured to mate with the tapered first end region of the opening in the sealing ring.

13. The reservoir of claim 1 , wherein the reduced diameter stem comprises a hollow cylindrical stem.

14. The reservoir of claim 1 further comprising an O-ring disposed between the sealing ring and the reduced diameter stem of the container.

15. 15. A system comprising a reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a filled bottle comprising a mouth, the mouth being configured to engage a surface of the sealing ring along an outer periphery located beyond the outermost extent of the cap.

Images