Aseptic filling techniques and systems for endoscopes

Abstract

A method and system for refilling a container during an endoscopic procedure. An exemplary reservoir can be placed in selective fluid communication with a water bottle that can form a fluid-tight seal with the reservoir for transferring water from the water bottle to the reservoir.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to medical fluid containers and methods, and more particularly to methods and / or systems for refilling or providing a refillable container for supplying fluid and / or gas to an endoscope. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 399,543, filed Aug. 19, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, endoscope devices have been widely used for performing diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, a physician may use a combination of air cleaning, irrigation cleaning, and lens cleaning as means for flushing debris, cleaning the optical portion, and insufflating the working lumen. To enable these functions, compressed gas from either a processing unit or an alternative source is used to increase the pressure within a fluid bottle for insufflating the working lumen or cleaning the endoscope's lens. Also, a peristaltic pump may be used to flush debris from the working lumen. One problem faced during endoscopic procedures is that the typical water bottles and tubing sets used are designed to hold up to one liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This may force a nurse / technician to replace the water bottle multiple times a day. This can introduce multiple opportunities for contamination to the tubing set by contacting non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor.

[0003] The improvements of the present disclosure may be useful in light of these considerations.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary of the Disclosure is provided for the purpose of aiding understanding, and those skilled in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the Disclosure may be used to their advantage, either separately in some examples or in combination with other aspects and features of the Disclosure in other examples. No limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by the inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc., in this summary. Therefore, while the Disclosure is presented in terms of multiple aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that each aspect may be claimed separately or in combination with the aspects and features of its own embodiment or other embodiments.

[0005] In the first embodiment, a fitting arranged and configured to connect to one or more water bottles for refilling a fluid storage unit used in endoscopic procedures may comprise a first coupling that fluid-communicates with a first flow path, a second coupling that fluid-communicates with a second flow path, a fluid outlet, and an operable valve that fluid-communicates with the first flow path, the second flow path, and the fluid outlet. The operable valve may be configured to selectively fluid-couple with the first flow path, the second flow path, and the fluid outlet.

[0006] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the fluid outlet may be located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes of the first and second flow paths. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the fluid outlet may be provided between the first joint and the second joint.

[0007] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the actuatable valve may include a rotatable valve. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the first joint may include a threaded joint.

[0008] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the first coupling may be configured to engage with the male thread of the water bottle. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the second coupling may include a threaded coupling.

[0009] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the second coupling may be configured to engage with the male thread of the water bottle. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the first joint may include a blunt needle tip.

[0010] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the blunt tip may be configured to pierce the piercing cap of a water bottle. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the second coupling portion may include a blunt needle tip.

[0011] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the blunt tip may be configured to pierce the piercing cap of a water bottle. In another embodiment, a storage unit positioned and configured to be coupled to an endoscope used in an endoscopic procedure may comprise a container configured to contain a fluid. The container has a top, a bottom, a water outlet, a gas inlet, and a tubular port extending outward from the container at or near the top of the container. The tubular port may be configured to pierce a water bottle cap to form a liquid-tight seal between the tubular port and the water bottle cap.

[0012] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the storage unit may further comprise a removable cap detachably fixed to the tubular port.

[0013] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the outer diameter of the tubular port may be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the neck of the water bottle. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the storage unit may be self-supporting.

[0014] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the storage unit may further comprise a water bottle fluidly coupled to the tubular port. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the water bottle may have a volume ranging from about 0.5 liters to about 20 liters.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method for filling a storage unit arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope used in an endoscopic procedure may include separating a second end of a water supply pipe from a connector that fluidly communicates with the endoscope, separating the second end of the water supply pipe from a first end that fluidly communicates with the storage unit of the endoscope system, positioning the second end of the water supply pipe to be in fluid communication with a water bottle, and operating a pump coupled to the water supply pipe to pressurize water from the water bottle through the water supply pipe to the storage unit.

[0016] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the method may further comprise reversing the direction of flow in the pump before operating the pump.

[0017] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the water supply pipe may include a lens cleaning pipe. In an alternative or additional example to any of the above embodiments, the water supply pipe may include an irrigation supply pipe.

[0018] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the method may further include bypassing a one-way valve along the irrigation supply pipe before operating the pump.

[0019] In another embodiment, a storage unit positioned and configured to be coupled to an endoscope used in an endoscopic procedure may comprise a container configured to contain a fluid. The container has a top, a bottom, a water outlet, a gas inlet, and one or more threaded openings formed in the top of the container. The one or more threaded openings may be configured to screw into a water bottle.

[0020] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the storage unit may further comprise one or more removable caps. The one or more removable caps may be configured to selectively seal the one or more threaded openings.

[0021] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the one or more threaded openings may include at least two threaded openings. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the volume of the container may be less than the volume of a water bottle configured to be coupled to the one or more threaded openings.

[0022] In another embodiment, a storage unit positioned and configured to be coupled to an endoscope used in an endoscopic procedure may comprise a first container configured to contain fluid and having a first water outlet and a gas inlet; a second container configured to contain fluid and having a second water outlet; and a chamber that is in fluid communication with the first and second containers. The chamber may include one or more ports configured to selectively fluidize the chamber to an external water source.

[0023] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the first container may be screw-engaged into the chamber. In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the second container may be screw-engaged into the chamber.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the storage unit may further include a water supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen, wherein the first lumen extends through the water supply pipe and is in fluid communication with the first container, and the second end is located outside the chamber and the first container; and a gas supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen, wherein the second lumen extends through the gas supply pipe and is operably in fluid communication with the first container, and the second end is located outside the chamber and the first container.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the first lumen may extend through the chamber. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the second lumen may extend through the chamber.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the storage unit may further include an infusion supply pipe including a first end, a second end, and an infusion lumen. The infusion lumen extends through the infusion supply pipe and is in fluid communication with the second container, and the second end of the infusion supply pipe is located outside the chamber and the second container.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the infusion lumen may extend through the chamber. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the storage unit may further include one or more support portions coupled to the chamber. The one or more support portions may be configured to engage one or more hooks.

[0028] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the storage unit may further include a partition located within the chamber that divides the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber.

[0029] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the partition may be configured to fluidly separate the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber.

[0030] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, one or more ports may be configured to selectively fluidize the first sub-chamber or the second sub-chamber to the external water source.

[0031] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the one or more ports may include a first port that is in fluid communication with the first sub-chamber and a second port that is in fluid communication with the second sub-chamber.

[0032] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the first sub-chamber may be in fluid communication with the first vessel, and the second sub-chamber may be in fluid communication with the second vessel.

[0033] In an alternative or additional embodiment to any of the above embodiments, the storage unit may further comprise one or more removable sealing units detachably coupled to one or more ports.

[0034] These features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features and advantages, may be readily apparent from the following detailed description. The scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the attached claims.

[0035] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part thereof illustrate various exemplary embodiments and are useful in illustrating the principles of this disclosure together with the following description. This disclosure allows for various modifications and alternative forms, the details of which are shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the components of an endoscope. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the components of an endoscope system, which includes an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water storage unit, and a tube assembly for delivering air and lens cleaning fluid. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows an endoscope system comprising an endoscope, a light source, a water reservoir, and a hybrid tube assembly for delivering air, lens cleaning, and perfusion fluid, which is operated to deliver air to the atmosphere. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows the endoscopic system of Figure 3A, which is operated to deliver air to the patient through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows the endoscopic system of Figure 3A, which is operated to deliver lens cleaning fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D shows the endoscopic system of Figure 3A being activated to deliver irrigation fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a hybrid endoscope system including a video processing unit, a connector section, a peristaltic irrigation pump, a water storage section and top section, a coaxial gas and lens cleaning supply pipe, upstream and downstream irrigation supply pipes, and an alternative gas supply pipe. [Figure 5A]Figure 5A shows a perspective view of an exemplary open fitting configuration for refilling a refillable fluid storage unit. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows an exploded perspective view of the exemplary joint in Figure 5A. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the joint along line 5C-5C in Figure 5A. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the joint in Figure 5A in a closed configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another exemplary joint that may be used in conjunction with the joints in Figures 5A to 5D. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary refillable fluid storage unit. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of an exemplary piercing cap. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows a perspective view of another exemplary piercing cap. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid storage unit. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid storage system. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for filling a refillable water storage unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to exemplary medical systems that may be used in endoscopic medical procedures. However, this reference to a 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 apparatus and associated uses may be used in any appropriate procedure, medical treatment, or other method. The present disclosure may be understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. Identical or similar reference numbers are used to refer to identical or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0038] The term “distal” refers to the part of the device that is furthest from the user when the device is introduced into the patient. In contrast, the term “proximal” refers to the part of the device that is closest to the user when the device is placed within the patient. The terms “equipped,” “possessed,” or other variations thereof as used herein are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; therefore, a process, method, article, or device that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily contain only those elements, but may include other elements not explicitly enumerated, or other elements not specific to such process, method, article, or device. The term “exemplary” is used herein in the sense of “example,” not “ideal.” Furthermore, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” as used herein indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the described or implied value. Also, terms describing the geometric shape of a component / face refer to both the exact shape and the approximate shape.

[0039] While embodiments of this disclosure will be described with particular reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tube assemblies or sets, such embodiments may be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of different purposes, including, for example, facilitating air delivery to a patient or lens cleaning, and / or cleaning working channels to assist in flushing out / aspirating debris during endoscopic procedures.

[0040] This disclosure includes a description of containers and tubing sets suitable for use with an endoscope system to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope, but the apparatus, systems and methods described herein may be implemented in other medical systems requiring the delivery of fluids and / or gases, and for a variety of other purposes.

[0041] References to “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” and “other embodiments” in this specification indicate that the embodiments described may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not all embodiments necessarily include those specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. In addition, when certain features, structures, or characteristics are described in relation to one embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that such features, structures, or characteristics may also be affected in relation to other embodiments, whether or not they are explicitly described. That is, the various individual elements described below are intended to be combinable or configurable with each other to form other additional embodiments or to complement and / or enhance the embodiments described, even if they are not explicitly shown in specific combinations, as can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0042] As used herein and in the appended claims, “one” and “it” refer to multiple subjects unless otherwise explicitly indicated. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “or” generally refers to “and / or” unless otherwise explicitly indicated.

[0043] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians may use a combination of air lavage, irrigation, and lens cleaning as means of flushing out debris, cleaning the optics, and supplying air to the working lumen. To enable these functions, compressed gas from either the processing unit or an alternative source is used to increase the pressure in the fluid bottle to supply air to the working lumen or to clean the lenses of the endoscope. Peristaltic pumps may also be used to clean debris from the working lumen. One of the challenges faced during endoscopic procedures is that the common water bottles and tubing sets used hold a maximum of 1 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 of the tubing set by contact with non-sterile surfaces or by dropping the tubing on the floor. The methods and systems disclosed herein are intended to reduce or eliminate the need to cut tubing sets or use a second bottle.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 may be provided with a long shaft 100a that is inserted into the patient. A light source 205 supplies illumination light to the distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed in a video processing unit 210 that processes the signal input from the imager and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for observation. The video processing unit 210 also serves as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressurizing pump 215, such as an air pump, within the unit.

[0045] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c provided at the distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a, and a flexible bending portion 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible bending portion 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in maneuvering the distal tip 100c. On the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, there is a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to insufflate the patient's body in the treatment area, or for supplying water to clean the lens covering the imaging device. An irrigation opening 225 on the end face 100d supplies irrigation fluid to the patient's treatment site. 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 through the treatment area may also be included on the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c. The working channel 235 extends along the shaft 100a to the proximal channel opening 110, which is located distal to the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be used to seal the channel opening 110 to prevent unwanted fluid leakage.

[0046] The operating handle 115 may be equipped with multiple knobs 125 (for example, one knob controlling up-and-down movement and another controlling left-and-right movement) for remote four-way control of the distal tip via wires connected to articulated joints within the flexible curved section 105. Multiple video switches 130 for remotely controlling the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115. The handle 115 also features a dual valve well 135. One of the valve wells 135 may accommodate a gas / water valve 140 for operating the supply of air gas and lens water. The gas supply line 240a and the lens cleaning supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and converge at the proximal distal tip 100c of the gas / cleaning nozzle 220 (Figure 2). The other valve well 135 accommodates a suction valve 145 for operating the suction operation. The suction supply line 250a extends distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100a to a junction that fluidly communicates with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0047] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and a connector portion 265 extending between it and the flexible umbilical 260. The flexible umbilical 260 has a gas (e.g., air or CO2) feed line 240b, a lens cleaning feed line 245b, a suction feed line 250b, an irrigation feed line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). The connector portion 265, when inserted into the video processing unit 210, connects the light source 205 within the video processing unit to the light guide. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a and transmits light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. Furthermore, the connector 265 is plugged into the video processing unit 210, thereby connecting the air pump 215 to the gas feed line 240b inside the umbilical 260.

[0048] A water storage unit or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 via a connector 265 and an umbilical 260. A gas supply pipe 240c extends for a certain length from one end located in the gap 275 between the top 280 (e.g., bottle cap) of the storage unit 270 and the remaining water 285 inside the storage unit, to a detachable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 outside the connector 265. The detachable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 may be detachable from the connector 265 and / or the gas supply pipe 240c. The gas feed line 240b of the umbilical 260 branches within the connector 265 and is in fluid communication with the gas supply pipe 240c and air pump 215 at the detachable gas / lens cleaning connection 290. A lens cleaning pipe 245c, one end of which is positioned at the bottom of the storage section 270, extends for a certain length through the top 280 of the storage section 270 to a detachable connection section 290 identical to that of the gas supply pipe 240c of the connector section 265. In other embodiments, these connections may be separate and / or separated from each other. The connector section 265 also has a detachable irrigation connection section 293 for an irrigation supply pipe (not shown) extending from an irrigation water source (not shown) to an irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical 260. The detachable irrigation connection section 293 may be detachable from the connector section 265 and / or the irrigation supply pipe (not shown). In some embodiments, the irrigation water is supplied from a water source (not shown) independent of the storage section 270 via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In other embodiments, the irrigation supply pipe and the lens cleaning pipe 245c may be supplied with water from the same storage section. Furthermore, the connector section 265 may include a detachable suction connector 295 for a suction feed line 250b and a suction supply line 250a that fluidly connect a vacuum source (e.g., a suction device in a hospital) (not shown) to the umbilical 260 and the endoscope 100. The detachable suction connector 295 may be detachable from the connector section 265 and / or the suction feed line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0049] The gas feed line 240b and the lens cleaning feed line 245b are fluidly connected to a valve well 135 for a gas / water valve 140, and are configured to control the supply of gas or lens cleaning fluid to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 by the operation of the gas / water valve in the well. The suction feed line 250b is fluidly connected to a valve well 135 for a suction valve 145, and is configured to control the suction applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100 by the operation of the suction valve in the well.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary operation of the endoscopic system 200, including the endoscope 100 described above, will be explained. Air from the air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows to the connector section 265, branches off to the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 via the gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260, and flows to the water storage section 270 via the gas supply pipe 240c through the connection section 290 on the connector section 265. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, and the user's fingers are not over the valve, air is allowed to flow out of the valve to the atmosphere. In the first position, the user's fingers are used to block the airflow to the atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow out from the valve 140 down the gas supply line 240a and out of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to deliver air to the treatment site of the patient. When the gas / water valve 140 is pushed down to the second position, the outflow of gas from the valve is blocked, allowing the pressure of the air passing from the air pump 215 to rise in the water reservoir 270. By pressurizing the water source, water is pushed out of the lens cleaning tube 245c, through the connector 265, the umbilical 260, through the gas / water valve 140, down the lens cleaning supply line 245a, and converges with the gas supply line 240a before exiting the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 via the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220. The air pump pressure can be calibrated to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the supply of perfusion water.

[0051] The flow rate of the lens cleaning solution is regulated by the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270. As water is pushed out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning pipe 245c, the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270 begins to decrease. The air pump 215 maintains a substantially constant pressure by replenishing the lost air supply in the reservoir 270, thereby providing a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the path of the gas supply pipe 240c to filter out undesirable contaminants or particulate matter from entering the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outlet check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the lens cleaning supply pipe to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after passing through the valve.

[0052] Since the primary use is to remove debris obstructing the user's field of view from the patient's treatment site, a relatively high flow rate of irrigation water is typically required compared to lens cleaning. Irrigation is typically achieved by the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) as described. In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, a tube located at the bottom of the water source passes over the top of the water source and is routed to the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tube of the pump is connected to the irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical 260 and the irrigation supply line 255a of the endoscope 100 via an irrigation connection 293 on the connector 265. When irrigation water is needed, the irrigation pump is activated, for example by pressing a foot switch (not shown), which pressurizes the fluid from the water source, through the irrigation connection 293, through the irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in the shaft 100a of the endoscope, and flows to the distal tip 100c. An air vent (not shown) may be included in the top 280 of the water storage section 270 to equalize the pressure in the water source as water is pumped out from the irrigation supply pipe. This vent prevents negative pressure buildup in the water source, which could create a vacuum that draws unwanted substances from the patient towards the water source through the endoscope by allowing air to enter the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown), as well as a lens cleaning pipe 245c, may be placed along the path of the irrigation supply pipe to help prevent backflow into the storage section after water has passed through the valve.

[0053] Figures 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of an embodiment of a hybrid system 300 in which supply pipes for irrigation and lens cleaning are connected to and drawn out of a single water reservoir. It is intended that fluids other than water, such as saline solution, may also be used, though this is not limited to the hybrid system 300. The hybrid system 300 includes a single water reservoir 305, a cap 310 for the reservoir, a gas supply pipe 240c, a lens cleaning supply pipe 245c, an irrigation pump 315 with a foot switch 318, an upstream irrigation pipe 320, and a downstream irrigation supply pipe 255c. The cap 310 may be configured to be sealed and attached to the water reservoir 305, typically by a threaded structure. The cap 310 may include a gasket for sealing the cap 310 to the reservoir 305. The gasket may be an O-ring, flange, collar, and / or equivalent, and may be formed from any suitable material. Several through-openings (325a, 325b, 325c) within the cap 310 are provided to receive the gas supply pipe 240c, the lens cleaning supply pipe 245c, and the upstream irrigation supply pipe 320, respectively. In Figures 3A to 3D, the illustrated system includes separate pipes for gas supply, lens cleaning, and irrigation.

[0054] In other embodiments, the gas supply tube 240c and the lens cleaning tube 245c may be combined in a coaxial arrangement. Several exemplary coaxial arrangements are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 558,239, “INTEGRATED CONTAINER AND TUBE SET FOR FLUID DELIVERY WITH AN ENDOSCOPE,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 558,256, “TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY,” by the same applicant, and these disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the gas supply tube may include a small-diameter lens cleaning tube coaxially housed within the gas supply tube and define a lumen with a diameter large enough to supply air to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens cleaning tube to pressurize the water storage section (see, e.g., gas supply tube 240c and lens cleaning supply tube 245c). The lens cleaning supply tube may be configured to exit from a lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply tube, for example, by any suitable sealing method such as an aperture, joint, or collar, in order to transition from a coaxial to a parallel arrangement of the detachable gas / lens cleaning connection to the endoscope connector (e.g., connector 265 in Figure 2).

[0055] In various embodiments, different valve configurations (not shown) may be incorporated into the various embodiments disclosed herein, including the tubing of systems 200, 300. For example, an inlet check valve may be placed in the path of the gas supply pipe 240c to help prevent backflow to the air pump 215. Increasing the pressure in the water storage unit 305 creates a pressure difference between the water source and the gas supply pipe 240c, which helps maintain positive pressure in the water source even when large amounts of water are drawn from the water source during the irrigation function. This configuration compensates for a time lag that may create a negative pressure vacuum in the water storage unit when air is delivered from the air pump 215 to the water storage unit 305. Similarly, an outlet check valve, such as a one-way valve with an inlet / outlet and valve insert, can be incorporated into the lens cleaning supply pipe 240c, the upstream irrigation supply pipe 320, and / or the downstream irrigation supply pipe 255c to help prevent backflow of water from either or both of the lens cleaning pipe and the irrigation pipe in the event of negative pressure conditions, as described above.

[0056] More generally, in some 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 the following: ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, swing check valves, inclined disc check valves, flapper valves, stop check valves, lift check valves, inline check valves, duckbill valves, pneumatic check valves, reed valves, and flow checks. Thus, as used herein, a check valve is distinct from and separate from active valves (e.g., stopcock valves, solenoid valves, peristaltic pumps) that operate in a binary manner as on / off valves or switches that allow flow to be turned on or off.

[0057] During the operation of the system shown in Figures 3A to 3D, the water flow for irrigation can be achieved by operating the irrigation pump 315. The water flow for lens cleaning can be achieved by pressing down the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. These functions can be performed independently or simultaneously. When lens cleaning and irrigation are operated simultaneously, as fluid is drawn from the water reservoir 305, the pressure in the system can be controlled to maintain the lens cleaning supply pipe 240c at the pressure necessary to achieve substantially low-flow lens cleaning, while compensating for the pressure reduction in the water reservoir 305 due to high-flow irrigation. If the pressure in the water reservoir drops due to the simultaneous use of the lens cleaning function, the irrigation function, or both, the reduced pressure can be compensated by the air pump 215 via the gas supply pipe 240c.

[0058] The schematic mechanisms in Figures 3A to 3D are highlighted to illustrate the different flow paths possible in the hybrid system 300, which has a supply pipe 320 for irrigation and a supply pipe 240c for lens cleaning connected to a single water reservoir 305 and drawn from that reservoir. As shown in Figure 3A, the endoscope 100 is in a neutral position with the gas / water valve 140 in the open position. In the neutral position, neither gas nor lens cleaning fluid is delivered to the distal tip of the endoscope. Rather, gas (pressure) is delivered from the pressurizing air pump 215 along path A, through the connector section 265, through the gas feed line 240b in the umbilical 260, and released into the atmosphere through the gas / water valve. Since the system is open with the vent of the gas / water valve 140, there is no accumulation pressurizing the water reservoir 305, and therefore no water is pushed out through the lens cleaning supply pipe 240c.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3B, the endoscope 100 is in a gas delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in the first position. When gas is needed at the distal tip 100c, for example, to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip or to infuse air into the patient's body within the treatment area, the user closes the vent in the gas / water valve 140 with a finger such as the thumb (first position). In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path B and flows through the gas feed line 240b in the umbilical 260 via the connector 265. The gas also proceeds through the gas / water valve 140 to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a and exits through the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. Since the system is open at the gas / lens water nozzle 220, there is no accumulation to pressurize the water reservoir, and therefore water is not pushed out through the lens cleaning supply pipe 240c.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3C, the endoscope 100 is in a lens cleaning fluid delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in the second position. For example, if lens cleaning is required at the distal tip 100c to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c, the user keeps the vent of the air / water valve closed and pushes the valve 140 down to the deepest point in the valve well 135. The second position shuts off the gas supply to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240a of the endoscope, and by opening the gas / water valve 140, lens cleaning water can flow out from the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c through the lens cleaning supply line 245a in the endoscope shaft 100a. In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path C through the branch line in the connector section 265 and out of the gas supply pipe 240c to the water storage section 305. The gas (pressure) pressurizes the surface of the remaining water 285 in the storage section 305, pushing the water up from the lens cleaning supply pipe 245c to the connector section 265. The pressurized lens cleaning water is then pushed through the lens cleaning feed line 245b in the umbilical 260 and further through the gas / water valve 140. Because the system 300 is closed, the gas pressure is not released into the atmosphere or delivered to the patient, but rather allows for the establishment and maintenance of a calibrated pressure level in the water storage section 305. This pressure, along with the endoscope's feed line and supply line and external tubing, converts the lens cleaning fluid into a range of flow rates.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3D, the endoscope 100 is in an irrigation delivery state. This may occur simultaneously with or at a different time from gas delivery and / or lens cleaning. For example, if irrigation is required at the distal tip 100c due to poor visibility or obstruction by debris in the treatment area, the user delivers water along path D by activating the irrigation pump 315 (e.g., by pressing the foot switch 318). When the pump 315 is activated, water is drawn from the water storage section 305 through the upstream irrigation supply pipe 320 and pressurized to the connector section 265 along the downstream irrigation supply pipe 255c. The irrigation pump head pressure further pushes the irrigation water through the irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical 260 and through the irrigation supply line 255a in the endoscope shaft 100a, and out through the irrigation opening 225 at the distal tip 100c. The irrigation pump pressure can be calibrated along with the endoscope's irrigation feed line and irrigation supply line, as well as the external tube, to deliver irrigation fluid within a certain flow rate range.

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of the hybrid system 400, which includes a video processing unit 210, a connector unit 265, a peristaltic irrigation pump 315, a water storage unit 405 and a top unit 407, a coaxial gas and lens cleaning supply pipe 410, upstream and downstream irrigation supply pipes 320, 255c, and an alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply pipe 415. The alternative gas supply pipe 415 extends for a certain length from one end located in the gas gap 275 (see Figure 2) between the top unit 407 of the water storage unit 405 and the remaining water 285 in the storage unit, through an additional opening 420 in the top unit of the storage unit, to a detachable connector 425 of an alternative gas source (e.g., a CO2 gas source in a hospital). When an alternative gas supply, such as CO2 gas, is desired, the air pump 215 on the video processing unit 210 can be turned off. As a result, CO2 gas, rather than air, flows into the water storage section 405 and pressurizes the water surface. Generally, the flow of CO2 through the endoscope 100 is similar to the flow of air. In the neutral position, CO2 gas flows upward in the reverse direction through the gas supply pipe 240c to the connector section 265, and also flows upward through the gas feed line 240b, where it is released into the atmosphere through the gas / water valve 140. In the first position, the user closes the vent in the gas / water valve 140, and CO2 gas flows through the gas / water valve into the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a and is released from the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. In the second position, the user keeps the vent in the gas / water valve closed by pushing the valve 140 down to the bottom of the valve well 135. The second position shuts off the supply of CO2 gas to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240a of the endoscope 100, and by opening the gas / water valve 140, allows lens cleaning water to be released from the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c via the lens cleaning supply line 245a of the endoscope shaft 100a. The gas (pressure) in the storage unit 405 is maintained by the delivery of gas through the alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply pipe 415. The irrigation function can be achieved in a manner similar to the operation described above with respect to Figure 3D.

[0063] As described above, by providing refillable water storage sections 270, 305, and 405, it may be desirable to reduce the opportunity for contamination of pipe sets 240c, 245c, 320, 410, and 415 during replacement of the water storage sections. Figures 5A to 5D show various diagrams of exemplary fittings 500 for facilitating the filling and / or refilling of water storage sections 270, 305, and 405. Figure 5A shows a perspective view of exemplary fittings 500 in an open configuration. Figure 5B shows an exploded perspective view of exemplary fittings 500 of Figure 5A. Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of exemplary fittings 500 of Figure 5A along line 5C-5C of Figure 5A. Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of fittings 500 of Figure 5A in a closed configuration. Generally, the joint 500 may include a first coupling 502, a second coupling 504, a connecting member 506, and a valve actuator 508. The connecting member 506 and the valve actuator 508 are positioned between the first coupling 502 and the second coupling 504.

[0064] The first coupling portion 502 may define a lumen 510 extending from its first end 512 to its second end 514. The lumen 510 can selectively fluidize with the connecting member 506 through the operation of the valve actuator 508. For example, when the valve actuator 508 is in an open configuration, the lumen 510 is in fluidize communication with the connecting member 506, and when the valve actuator 508 is in a closed configuration, the lumen 510 is fluidically isolated from the fluid outlet 556 of the connecting member 506. The first connecting member 516 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 512 of the first coupling portion 502. The first connecting member 516 may define a plurality of female threads 518 that engage with a mating male thread on a water bottle (not explicitly shown). The second connecting member 520 may be positioned adjacent to the second end 514 of the first coupling portion 502. The second coupling member 520 may include a circumferentially extending raised ridge or projection 522. The raised ridge 522 may be configured to engage with a fitting recess 524 formed on the inner surface of the connecting member 506. The raised ridge 522 may include, but is not limited to, features such as a tapered surface to facilitate assembly of the first coupling 502 with the connecting member 506 while preventing accidental disassembly. The second coupling member 520 may have a smaller diameter than the first coupling member 516. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second coupling member 520 may have a diameter similar to, the same as, or larger than the diameter of the first coupling member 516. Furthermore, although the first coupling member 516 and the second coupling member 520 are shown as extending collinearly or along the same axis, in some cases the first coupling member 516 may be positioned at an angle nonparallel to the second coupling member 520. For example, the first connecting member 516 may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second connecting member 520. This is merely one example; other configurations or arrangements may be used as needed.

[0065] The second coupling portion 504 may define a lumen 526 extending from its first end 528 to its second end 530. The lumen 526 can selectively fluidize with the connecting member 506 through the operation of the valve actuator 508. For example, when the valve actuator 508 is in an open configuration, the lumen 526 is in fluidize communication with the connecting member 506, and when the valve actuator 508 is in a closed configuration, the lumen 526 is fluidically isolated from the fluid outlet 556 of the connecting member 506. The first connecting member 532 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 528 of the second coupling portion 504. The first connecting member 532 may define a plurality of female threads 534 that engage with a mating male thread on a water bottle (not explicitly shown). The second connecting member 536 may be positioned adjacent to the second end 530 of the second coupling portion 504. The second coupling member 536 may include a circumferentially extending raised ridge or projection 538. The raised ridge 538 may be configured to engage with a fitting recess 540 formed on the inner surface of the connecting member 506. The raised ridge 538 may include, but not limited to, features such as a tapered surface to facilitate assembly of the second coupling 504 with the connecting member 506 while preventing accidental disassembly. The second coupling member 536 may have a smaller diameter than the first coupling member 532. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second coupling member 536 may have a diameter similar to, the same as, or larger than the diameter of the first coupling member 532. Furthermore, although the first coupling member 532 and the second coupling member 536 are shown as extending collinearly or along the same axis, in some cases the first coupling member 532 may be positioned at an angle nonparallel to the second coupling member 536. For example, the first connecting member 532 may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second connecting member 536. This is merely one example; other configurations or arrangements may be used as needed.

[0066] The connecting member 506 may include a central body portion 542 that defines a cavity 544 inside and extends along a first axis. The cavity 544 may be substantially cylindrical to receive a fitted valve body 546 of the valve actuator 508. The connecting member 506 and the valve actuator 508 may cooperate to function as an actuated valve or to form an actuated valve. It is also intended that the cavity 544 may take other shapes to accommodate different structures of the valve actuator 508. A first tubular member 548 defining a lumen 550 may extend from an opening 570 in the side wall of the central body portion 542. The lumen 550 may be fluidly coupled to the lumen 510 of the first coupling portion 502 in the cavity 544 of the connecting member 506. The second tubular member 552 defining the lumen 554 may extend from the opening 572 in the side wall of the central body 542 in the opposite direction to the first tubular member 548. The lumen 554 may be fluidly coupled to the lumen 526 of the second joint 504 in the cavity 544 of the connecting member 506. The lumens 550, 554 may extend along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the central body 542. The first tubular member 548 and the second tubular member 552 may be separated from each other at approximately 180° so as to share a common axis. However, this is not mandatory. The first tubular member 548 and the second tubular member 552 may be separated at an angle greater than or less than 180°, as desired. It is also intended that the connecting member 506 may be configured to accommodate three or more joints 502, 504. In such examples, the first tubular member 548, the second tubular member 552, and any additional tubular members may be spaced less than 180° apart from each other. A fluid outlet 556 may be formed through the end face 558 of the connecting member 506. The fluid outlet 556 may be located between the first joint 502 and the second joint 504, as described in more detail herein, and may selectively communicate with the lumens 510, 526 of the first joint 502 and the second joint 504 to transfer fluid from the water bottle to the water storage unit. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 556 may be formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lumens 510, 526, but this is not mandatory. Other configurations may be used as needed.

[0067] The valve actuator 508 may include an actuating member 560 and a valve body 546. In some embodiments, the valve actuator 508 may be a stopper. Other actuable valves, such as gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves, may be used as desired, but are not limited to these. The valve actuator 508 may include an actuating member 560, such as a handle, lever, or handwheel, but are not limited to these. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating member 560 may be rotated to move the valve actuator 508 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, the actuating member 560 may be rotated by about 90° to move the valve body 546 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the actuating member 560 may be rotated by less than 90° to partially open or partially close the valve actuator 508. The amount of rotation required to open and / or close the valve actuator 508 is intended to be determined by the internal structure of the valve actuator 508. In some examples, the actuating member 52 may be rotated by an angle greater than 90° or an angle less than 90°. It is also intended that the actuating member 560 may be configured to impart a linear force (e.g., sliding motion) to the actuable valve.

[0068] The valve body 546 may be configured to be positioned within the cavity 544 of the connecting member 506 and may be substantially tubular in shape to facilitate the rotation of the valve actuator 508 within the cavity 544. However, other shapes may be used depending on the valve type and / or actuarial member 560 used with the valve actuator 508. The valve body 546 may include a first opening 562 configured to selectively communicate fluidly with the lumen 510 of the first coupling 502, a second opening 564 configured to selectively communicate fluidly with the lumen 526 of the second coupling 504, and an internal cavity 574 of the valve body 546. For example, when the valve actuator 508 is in an open configuration, the first opening is aligned with the lumen 510 of the first coupling 502, and the second opening 564 is aligned with the lumen 526 of the second coupling 504. When the water bottle is connected to the first coupling 502 and the valve actuator 508 is opened, fluid or water may flow from the water bottle through the lumen 510 into the cavity 574 along the first flow path 566. The fluid may then flow out of the cavity 574 through the fluid outlet 556. Similarly, when the water bottle is connected to the second coupling 504 and the valve actuator 508 is opened, fluid or water may flow from the water bottle through the lumen 526 into the cavity 574 along the second fluid flow path 568. The fluid may then flow out of the cavity 574 through the fluid outlet 556. The fluid outlet 556 may be located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes of the first and second flow paths 566, 568. To stop the fluid flow from the flow paths 566, 568 into the cavity 574, the valve actuator 508 is actuated to a closed configuration.

[0069] To fill the fluid storage sections (storage sections 270, 305, 405, etc.), the valve actuator 508 can be moved to a closed configuration (Figure 5D). In this closed configuration, the solid side wall of the valve body 546 is aligned with the openings 570, 572 of the connecting member 506, thereby fluidly isolating the lumens 510, 526 from the cavity 544 and the fluid outlet 556. With the valve actuator 508 in the closed configuration, one or both of the first and second couplings 502, 504 are coupled to a water bottle. For example, water bottles may be coupled to each coupling 502, 504 as desired. Maintaining the valve actuator 508 in the closed configuration while the water bottles are coupled is intended to allow coupling of two or more water bottles without spilling water. When the water bottles are coupled to the first and / or second couplings 502, 504, the valve actuator 508 can be opened by aligning the fluid outlet 556 with an opening or port in the fluid reservoir. In some cases, a pipe or other flow directing mechanism may be used to direct the flow of fluid from the fluid outlet 556 to the fluid reservoir. The fluid may flow from the water bottles through the first and / or second flow paths 566, 568 into the cavity 574 and then through the fluid outlet 556 into the reservoir. In some cases, the user may tilt or incline the fitting 500 to allow water to flow from one water bottle, and then tilt or incline the fitting in the opposite direction to allow water to flow from the other water bottle.

[0070] The fitting 500 is illustrated as including threaded connectors 502, 504 for connecting the fitting 500 to a water bottle, but other coupling mechanisms may be used as desired. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another exemplary connector 600 that may be used instead of one or both of the first and second connectors 502, 504 for connecting the fitting to a water bottle. The connector 600 may define a lumen 602 extending from its first end 604 to its second end 606. The lumen 602 may be selectively fluidically connected to the connecting member 506 through the operation of a valve actuator 508. For example, when the valve actuator 508 is in an open configuration, the lumen 602 is fluidly connected to the connecting member 506, and when the valve actuator 508 is in a closed configuration, the lumen 602 is fluidly isolated from the connecting member 506. The first connecting member 608 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 604 of the connector 600. The first coupling member 608 may include, but is not limited to, a piercing tip 610, such as a blunt or sharp needle tip, for piercing a piercing cap that is designed to be pierced and fixed to the water bottle. The piercing tip 610 may extend from a conical region 612 configured to engage with the mouth of the water bottle to provide a liquid-tight seal between the coupling member 608 and the water bottle. Piercing the water bottle cap may allow the coupling of the fitting 500 to the water bottle without requiring the unscrewing of the cap, which would allow the entry of air (potentially contaminating the water). A second coupling member 614 may be positioned adjacent to the second end 606 of the coupling 600. The second coupling member 614 may include a circumferentially extending raised ridge or projection 616. The raised ridge 616 may be configured to engage with a fitting recess 524 formed on the inner surface of the connecting member 506. The raised ridge 616 may include, but is not limited to, features such as a tapered surface to facilitate assembly with the connecting member 506 of the first joint 502 while preventing accidental disassembly. The second connecting member 614 may have a smaller diameter than the first connecting member 608. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second connecting member 614 may have a diameter similar to, the same as, or larger than the diameter of the first connecting member 608.Furthermore, although the first coupling member 608 and the second coupling member 614 are shown as extending along the same straight line or axis, in some cases the first coupling member 608 may be positioned at an angle non-parallel to the second coupling member 614. For example, the first coupling member 608 may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second coupling member 614. This is merely one example; other configurations or arrangements may be used as needed.

[0071] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary refillable fluid storage unit 700. The storage unit 700 may be configured for use in an endoscope system and includes components similar to those described with respect to Figures 1 to 4, although not all features are described or illustrated if they are not related to the fluid circuit of the system. The storage unit 700 includes a container 702 configured to hold a fluid 704. In some embodiments, the container 702 may be configured to hold fluid in the range of about 0.5 liters (L) to about 20 L. However, the container 702 may be configured to hold less than 0.5 L or more than 20 L of fluid, as desired. For example, in some cases, the container 702 may be configured to hold fluid in the range of 1 to 15 L, about 3 L to about 10 L, about 5 L to about 8 L, etc.

[0072] In general, the container 702 can be refilled by placing the water bottle 714 upside down at the inlet port, and air 726 is allowed to flow into the water bottle 714 as shown in 728. The air causes water 748 to flow into the container 702 as shown in 750. In some embodiments, the water bottle 714 may be a standard 1L water bottle. In other embodiments, the water bottle 714 may have a volume greater than 1L, such as 5L, 10L, or more, but is not limited to these. For example, in some cases, the water bottle 714 may be configured to supply to the container 702 an amount of water sufficient to continuously supply water to the container 702 for two or more endoscopic procedures. For example, the container 702 may not need to be refilled, and / or the water bottle 714 may not need to be replaced for two or more endoscopic procedures or throughout a day of endoscopic procedures.

[0073] The container 702 extends from a first end or distal end 706 to a second end or proximal end 707. A reduced-diameter stem or tubular port 708 may extend away from the first end 706 in the opposite direction to the second end 707 of the container 702. Generally, the tubular port 708 may be a hollow cylindrical stem that is in fluid communication with the opening 710 of the container 702. This hollow cylindrical stem is configured to allow the transfer of fluid 704 from the water bottle 714 into the container 702 by selectively providing a fluid connection between the outside of the container 702 and the inside 712 of the container 702. The tubular port 708 may be formed as a single monolithic structure with the container 702 or a separate component, as desired. The tubular port 708 may have a diameter or cross-sectional dimension smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the first end 706 or the second end 707 of the container 702. In some cases, the tubular port 708 may have a substantially cylindrical shape, while the container 702 may have a substantially rectangular prism shape. However, this is not mandatory. The container 702 and / or the tubular port 708 can take any desired shape.

[0074] In some embodiments, an optional support block 716 may extend away from the first end 706 in the direction opposite to the second end 707 of the container 702. The support block 716 may define an opening 718 that penetrates through its thickness. The opening 718 may have a size and shape that accommodates the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 and / or the tubular port 708 of the container 702. For example, the tubular port 708 may extend through the opening 718 of the support block 716. When the water bottle 714 is engaged with the storage section 700, the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 may be positioned in an annular space 722 between the inner wall of the opening 718 and the outer surface of the tubular port 708. The upper edge 724 of the water bottle 714 may be held in an inverted orientation by engaging with the upper surface 746 of the support block 716.

[0075] The storage section 700 may include a gas inlet 730 and a water outlet 732 for connecting to a gas supply pipe and a water supply pipe. In some embodiments, the gas inlet 730 and / or water outlet 732 may be one or more ports for connecting separately provided gas supply lines and / or water supply lines. In other embodiments, the gas inlet 730 and / or water outlet 732 may be part of a gas supply pipe 734 or a water supply pipe 736. For example, the storage section 700 may be connected to a gas supply / alternative gas supply pipe (i.e., a gas supply pipe) 734 and a lens cleaning supply / irrigation supply pipe (i.e., a water supply pipe) 736 to be in fluid communication. The gas supply pipe 734 extends from a second external end of the storage section 700 through a first end 706 of the container 702 or an adjacent storage section opening 738. The shared gas supply pipe 734 may terminate in the opening 738 or in the storage gap below the opening 738, and does not extend into the remaining fluid 704 in the container 702, as shown. However, in some cases, the gas supply pipe 734 may extend into the fluid 704. For example, the opening 738 may be located at the bottom or side of the container 702 so that the shared gas supply pipe 734 terminates in the fluid, pressurizing the container 702 by gas bubbling through the fluid 704. The gas supply pipe 734 has a lumen extending to receive the flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply pipe 734 is in operable fluid communication with the interior of the storage section 700. The water supply pipe 736 extends from a second end on the outside of the storage section 700 through the storage section opening 738 and terminates at a first end in the remaining fluid 704 at the bottom or substantially the bottom of the container 702. In some embodiments, the water supply pipe 736 may terminate at an opening 738. For example, if the opening 738 is at or adjacent to the second end 707 of the container 702, a dip tube may not be required. The water supply pipe 736 has a lumen extending through it to receive the flow of fluid. The lumen of the lens cleaning supply / drain supply pipe 736 is selectively operable fluid communication with the bottom of the container 702.In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply pipe 734 and the water supply pipe 736 may enter the container 702 through a single or common opening 738. For example, the gas supply pipe 734 and the water supply pipe 736 may be arranged coaxially as shown. However, this is not mandatory. In some cases, the gas supply pipe 734 and the water supply pipe 736 may extend in a side-by-side arrangement or may be connected separately to the container 702 at different locations. The opening 738 may include a grommet, heat seal, or other sealing mechanism configured to seal the container 702 liquid-tight and compactively around the pipes 734, 736, thereby pressurizing the storage section. Furthermore, a valve (not shown) may be provided in the tubular port 708, thereby allowing the container 702 to be isolated from the water bottle 714, except during periodic filling periods when the water bottle 714 is used to fill the container 702.

[0076] A portion of the gas supply pipe 734 and a portion of the lens cleaning supply pipe 736 may extend from the storage section 700 and may be connected to the endoscope via a gas / lens cleaning connection on the connector section 265 of the umbilical to provide fluid communication. The gas supply pipe 734 is connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and / or a gas supply line (not explicitly shown) to provide fluid communication, and the lens cleaning supply pipe 736 is connected to a lens cleaning supply line (not explicitly shown) within the connector section 265 to provide fluid communication. Although not explicitly shown, an irrigation supply pipe may be connected to the water supply pipe 736 via a manifold to supply irrigation fluid from the storage section 700, or a separate irrigation supply pipe may be provided. For example, an irrigation supply pipe (not shown) may extend from a second end on the external side of the storage section 700 through a storage section opening (not shown) and terminate at a first end in the remaining fluid 704 at the bottom or substantially the bottom of the container 702.

[0077] The storage unit 700 can be filled and refilled as needed by placing a water bottle 714 upside down on the tubular port 708. In some embodiments, the water bottle 714 may include a punctureable cap (see, for example, Figures 8A and 8B) so that a waterproof seal is maintained when the water bottle 714 is inverted. The tubular port 708 may allow fluid flow through the cap by puncturing or piercing the cap of the water bottle 714. Refilling the storage unit 700 may be done during or between procedures as needed. The water may be sterile or non-sterile, as desired. For example, sterile water may be used in therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water may be used in diagnostic procedures. Since the outer surface of the tubular port 708 is non-sterile, the outside may be wiped with a disinfectant before filling / refilling and before subsequent contact with sterile water. Refilling the storage unit 700 with sterile or non-sterile water may provide more flexibility and reduce the need to store large quantities of sterile water. Furthermore, by refilling the storage unit 700 via the tubular port 708, the need to disconnect the storage unit 700 from the pipes 734 and 736 throughout the day is eliminated, thereby eliminating the need to replace the water container and eliminating or significantly reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

[0078] To fill container 702, the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 is positioned over or covering the tubular port 708. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 is positioned over the tubular port 708. The tubular port 708 may have a size and shape that forms a liquid-tight seal with the neck 720 of the water bottle 714. However, this is not mandatory. Water flows down into container 702 along the flow path 750, while air rises into water bottle 714 along the flow path 728. When the water bottle 714 is empty and / or when container 702 is filled to the desired amount, the water bottle 714 may be removed. In some cases, two or more water bottles 714 may be used to fill container 702.

[0079] In some embodiments, the water bottle 714 may be configured to remain assembled with the storage unit 700 during endoscopic procedures. In other embodiments, the water bottle 714 may be removed from the storage unit 700 and from a cap or plug (not explicitly shown) that may cover and / or be located inside the opening of the tubular port 708 and / or the opening 718 of the support block 716.

[0080] When the water bottles 714 remain assembled with the storage unit 700 and are configured to provide enough water for two or more procedures, the storage unit 700 is intended to be a self-contained unit provided within each treatment room. For example, the storage unit 700 may be configured to remain within the treatment room. In another example, the storage unit 700 may be located in a room adjacent to the treatment room, with tubing running through it. It is assumed that large-capacity (e.g., greater than 1 liter) water bottles 714 may be pre-filled and provided to the medical center and stored as needed. Alternatively or additionally, several water bottles 714 may be filled at the medical center. To ensure that the water is safe for use in procedures, the storage unit 700 is also intended to include filtration and / or sterilization functions. Some suitable sterilization techniques, but not limited to these, may include ultraviolet, thermal, and chemical sterilization. Single-use tubing (e.g., gas supply tubing 734, lens cleaning supply tubing 736, irrigation tubing) may be connected to the storage unit 700 at ports. For example, the storage unit 700 may include valves 740 (but not limited to stopcocks, ball valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, etc.) or other connections (but not limited to quick connects, etc.) that selectively fluidize the gas supply pipe 734, the lens cleaning supply pipe 736, and / or irrigation pipe with the corresponding gas pipe 742 and lens cleaning pipe 744 within the interior 712 of the container 702. The valves 740 may be opened during use of the endoscope to maintain the sterility of the system and closed when the system is not in use. The valves 740 or other connections may be operated manually by the user or automatically via a computer control system.

[0081] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of an exemplary piercing cap 800. The cap 800 may be configured to be fixed to the mouth of a water bottle 714. For example, the cap 800 may include an annular slot 802 configured to receive the mouth of the water bottle 714. The cap 800 may be configured to form a snap fit or to screw into the water bottle 714. Other mechanical engagements may be used as needed. The cap 800 may further include a recess or indentation 804 formed on the top surface 806 of the cap 800 and extending toward the bottom surface 808. The recess 804 may extend to less than the entire thickness of the cap 800 so that the cap 800 can maintain sterility when coupled with the water bottle 714. The portion 810 of the cap 800 adjacent to the recess 804 can be made thin enough so that the tubular port 708 pierces the portion 810 of the cap 800 adjacent to the recess 804, thereby allowing the water bottle 714 to fluidly connect with the container 702.

[0082] Figure 8B shows a perspective view of another exemplary piercing cap 850. The cap 850 may be configured to be secured to the mouth of a water bottle 714. For example, the cap 850 may include an annular side wall 852 configured to surround the mouth of the water bottle 714. The cap 850 may be configured to form a snap fit or to screw into the water bottle 714. Other mechanical engagements may be used as needed. The cap 850 may further include perforations 854 formed on the upper surface 856 of the cap 850. In the illustrated embodiment, the perforations form an "X" shape, but other shapes and configurations may be used as desired. The perforations 854 may extend less than the entire thickness of the cap 850 so as to maintain sterility while creating a vulnerable area that allows the tubular port 708 to puncture through the perforations 854 of the cap 850 adjacent to the recess 804 in order to fluidly connect the water bottle 714 to the container 702 when the cap 850 is attached to the water bottle 714.

[0083] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid storage unit 900. The storage unit 900 may be configured for use in an endoscope system and includes components similar to those described with respect to Figures 1 to 4, although not all features are described or illustrated if they are not related to the fluid circuit of the system. The storage unit 900 includes a container 902 defining a cavity configured to hold fluid. The container 902 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the container 902 may be formed from a semi-rigid or rigid material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), etc.

[0084] The container 902 may have a size and shape that holds a certain volume of fluid. In some cases, the volume of the fluid may be approximately equal to 1 liter (for example, the typical volume of a water bottle provided in a medical treatment). In other embodiments, the container 902 may have a volume greater than 1 liter. In yet another embodiment, the container 902 may have a volume less than 1 liter. When the volume of the container 902 is less than 1 liter, the container 902 may be coupled to one or more fluid sources, such as water bottles (not explicitly shown), during treatment, but not limited to this. Although the container 902 is shown as having a substantially rectangular prism shape, it may take other forms as desired. The storage unit 900 may be provided as a manifold configured to connect to another storage unit in order to provide a means for replenishing additional storage units.

[0085] The storage unit 900 may further include a plurality of ports 904a, 904b, 904c, each having a removable cap or plug (not explicitly shown). Although the storage unit 900 is shown as including three ports 904a-904c, the storage unit 900 may include fewer or more ports than three ports 904a-904c, as needed. The caps may be configured to form a liquid-tight seal with the ports 904a-904c. The caps may be configured to screw-engage with the ports 904a-904c, form a friction fit with the ports 904a-904c, form a snap fit with the ports 904a-904c, or otherwise engage releasably with the ports 904a-904c. In some embodiments, the caps may be self-sealing one-way valves. In other embodiments, the caps may be formed from a self-healing material. For example, a needle may be used to puncture a self-healing material, but once the needle is removed, the hole formed by the needle will seal without user intervention. Parts of ports 904a-904c may extend into the container 902. A removable cap may be removed to selectively fluidize a fluid source to the container 902 and to pour the fluid into the container 902 through the lumens of ports 904a-904c.

[0086] The storage section 900 may be connected to a pipe manifold (not explicitly shown) to fluidize via a shared gas supply / alternative gas supply pipe (i.e., gas supply pipe) 906 and a lens cleaning supply / irrigation supply pipe 908. The shared gas supply pipe 906 extends from a second end on the external side of the storage section 900 through the storage section opening 910 at the top 912 of the container 902. These shared gas supply pipes 906 may terminate at or within the storage section gap below the opening 910 and do not extend into the residual fluid within the container 902. However, in some cases, the gas supply pipes 906 may extend into the fluid. For example, the opening 910 may be located at the bottom or side of the container 902 so that the shared gas supply pipe 906 terminates in the fluid, pressurizing the container 902 by gas bubbling through the fluid. The gas supply pipe 906 extends a lumen for receiving air and / or gas flow. The lumen of the gas supply pipe 906 is operably fluidly connected to the top 912 of the storage section 900.

[0087] The water supply pipe 908 extends from a second end on the outside of the storage section 900 through the storage section opening 914 and terminates at a first end in the remaining fluid at or substantially at the bottom 916 of the container 902. The water supply pipe 908 has a lumen extending to receive the fluid flow. The lumen of the lens cleaning supply / irrigation supply pipe 908 is selectively operable fluid communication with the bottom of the container 902. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply pipe 906 and the water supply pipe 908 may enter and exit the container 902 through separate openings 910, 914. However, this is not mandatory. For example, the gas supply pipe 906 and the water supply pipe 908 may be arranged coaxially and enter the container 902 through a common opening. The opening may include a grommet or heat seal configured to seal the container 902 liquid-tight and compacted around the pipes 906, 908. In other embodiments, a manifold may be used to liquid-tightly connect the pipes 906 and 908 to the storage section 900.

[0088] A portion of the gas supply pipe 906 and a portion of the lens cleaning supply pipe 908 may be connected to the endoscope to fluidize it at a gas / lens cleaning connection on the connector section 265 of the umbilical. The gas supply pipe 906 is connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas supply line (not explicitly shown) to fluidize it, and the lens cleaning supply pipe 908 is connected to a lens cleaning supply line (not explicitly shown) in the connector section 265 to fluidize it. In some examples, the gas supply pipe 906 may include a manifold for fluidically coupling a portion of the gas supply pipe 906. Similarly, the lens cleaning supply pipe 908 may include a manifold for fluidically coupling a portion of the lens cleaning supply pipe to a shared lens cleaning / irrigation (or water) supply pipe 908. Although not explicitly shown, if provided so, an irrigation supply pipe may be coupled to the manifold to supply irrigation fluid from the storage section 900. In other cases, a separate irrigation supply pipe may be provided.

[0089] The storage unit 900 can be filled and refilled as needed by removing the cap and connecting a water source to ports 904a-904c. The storage unit 900 is inverted (relative to the illustrated orientation) so that a water bottle can be secured to the storage unit 900 in an upright orientation (to limit leakage). In some embodiments, ports 904a-904c may include female threads 918a, 918b, 918c or other connecting features configured to engage with mating male threads or other connecting features in the water source. Once the water bottle is connected to the storage unit 900, the storage unit 900 is returned to its original position (e.g., with ports 904a-904c facing upwards) so that water can be drawn from the water bottle into the cavity of the storage unit 900 by gravity. Refilling of the storage unit 900 can be performed during or between treatments as needed. The water may be sterile or non-sterile as desired. For example, sterile water may be used in therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water may be used in diagnostic procedures. Refilling the storage unit 900 with sterile or non-sterile water provides greater flexibility and can reduce the need to store large quantities of sterile water. Furthermore, by refilling the storage unit 900 via ports 904a-904c and the removable cap, the need to disconnect the storage unit 900 from tubes 906 and 908 throughout the day is eliminated, thereby eliminating the need to replace the water container and eliminating or significantly reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

[0090] In some embodiments, the water bottle may remain connected to the storage unit 900 during the use of the endoscope. For example, container 902 does not necessarily need to store water for use during the procedure. Instead, container 902 may function to transfer water from the water bottle to the endoscope. It is also conceivable that not all of ports 904a to 904c are connected to water bottles. For example, two ports 904a and 904b may be connected to water bottles, while the third port 904c is closed with a cap. This is merely an example, and other combinations of ports or only a single port may be used as needed.

[0091] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid storage system 1000. The storage system 1000 may be configured for use in an endoscope system and includes components similar to those described with respect to Figures 1 to 4, although not all features are described or illustrated if they are not related to the fluid circuit of the system. The storage system 1000 includes a first container 1002 defining a cavity configured to hold fluid and a second container 1004 defining a cavity configured to hold fluid. In some embodiments, the first container 1002 may be used for air supply and lens cleaning, while the second container 1004 may be used for irrigation.

[0092] The first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be formed from lightweight and flexible materials such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be formed from semi-rigid or rigid materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), etc. In some embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be completely translucent, completely opaque, or a combination thereof.

[0093] The first container 1002 and the second container 1004 may have a size and shape that allows them to hold a certain volume of fluid. In some cases, the volume of fluid may be approximately equal to 1 liter (for example, the typical volume of a water bottle served in medical treatment). In other embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may have a volume greater than 1 liter. In yet another embodiment, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may have a volume less than 1 liter. The first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may take any desired shape, such as cylindrical, rectangular prism, or flexible bag, but are not limited to these.

[0094] The first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may each be fluidly coupled to a water storage chamber 1006. The water storage chamber 1006 may be configured to store excess water that can be used to replenish or supply water to the first and / or second containers when the water in the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 is depleted during an endoscopic procedure. Once water is removed from each of the containers 1002,1004, water may flow from the water storage chamber 1006 into the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 (as long as water exists in the water storage chamber 1006) without user intervention. The water storage chamber 1006 may include an optional partition 1042 located within the chamber 1018 of the water storage chamber 1006 and configured to divide the water storage chamber 1006 into a first sub-chamber 1018a and a second sub-chamber 1018b. The first sub-chamber 1018a and the second sub-chamber 1018b can be fluidly isolated from each other.

[0095] The first container 1002 may be coupled to the water chamber 1006 at a first connection position 1008 defining a through hole. The second container 1004 may be coupled to the water chamber 1006 at a second connection position 1010 defining a through hole. In some embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be screw-engaged to the water chamber 1006 at connection positions 1008, 1010. In other embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may form a snap-fit ​​or friction-fit with the water chamber 1006. The method of fastening the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 to the water chamber 1006 may be selected to form a liquid-tight seal between the first and second containers 1002, 1004 and the water chamber 1006. Although not explicitly shown, gaskets, O-rings, or other sealing members may be placed between the first and second vessels 1002, 1004 and the water storage chamber 1006 to help form a liquid-tight seal. Fluid may flow from the first sub-chamber 1018a of the water storage chamber 1006 into the interior 1014 of the first vessel 1002 along the first flow path 1012. Similarly, fluid may flow from the second sub-chamber 1018b of the water storage chamber 1006 into the interior 1016 of the second vessel 1004 along the second flow path 1020. When partition 1042 is not included, fluid may flow from a common chamber into either the first vessel 1002 or the second vessel.

[0096] The water storage chamber 1006 may include a first port 1022a for receiving a flow of water into a first sub-chamber 1018a of the water storage chamber 1006, and a second port 1022b for receiving a flow of water into a second sub-chamber 1018b of the water storage chamber 1006. Ports 1022a and 1022b may each include, but are not limited to, removable sealing parts 1024a and 1024b, such as caps, plugs, or lids. Since the first flow path 1012 allows air / gas from the first container 1002 to enter at least a portion of the water storage chamber 1006, the sealing parts 1024a and 1024b may be detachably coupled to ports 1022a and 1022b so as to allow the sealing parts 1024a and 1024b to remain coupled to ports 1022a and 1022b when the first container 1002 is pressurized for lens cleaning. In some embodiments, such as when the partition 1042 is not included, the water storage chamber 1006 may consist of only a single port and a sealing portion.

[0097] The first vessel 1002 may be connected to the lumen of the gas supply pipe 1026 and the lumen of the water supply pipe 1028 to be in fluid communication. The gas supply pipe 1026 and the water supply pipe 1028 may be supplied in pipes of a shared length. The gas supply pipe 1026 and the water supply pipe 1028 may be arranged coaxially such that the water supply pipe 1028 extends through the lumen of the gas supply pipe 1026 along a portion of the length of the gas supply pipe 1026. However, this is not mandatory. In some cases, the gas supply pipe 1026 and the water supply pipe 1028 may extend side by side. The gas supply pipe 1026 extends from a second end to a first end adjacent to the opening 1030 in the first vessel 1002. In the configuration used, the second end of the gas supply pipe 1026 may be located outside the first vessel 1002. The gas supply pipe 1026 has a lumen extending to receive a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply pipe 1026 is in fluid communication with the first vessel 1002. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end of the gas supply pipe 1026 is selectively in fluid communication with the top 1030 of the first vessel 1002. In other embodiments, the gas supply pipe 1026 may be connected to other areas of the first vessel 1002, such as the bottom or side, but not limited to these. The water supply pipe 1028 extends from a second end to a first end that extends into the interior of the first vessel 1002 through the opening 1030. In the usage configuration, the second end of the water supply pipe 1028 may be located outside the first vessel 1002. The water supply pipe 1028 has a lumen extending to receive a flow of fluid. The second end of the gas supply pipe 1026 and the second end of the water supply pipe 1028 may be connected to the manifold (if provided) or connector section 265 of the endoscope system. The first end of the water supply pipe 1028 is selectively in fluid communication with the bottom of the first container 1002.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second container 1004 may be connected to the lumen of the irrigation supply pipe 1032 to communicate fluidly. The irrigation supply pipe 1032 extends from a second end to a first end that extends into the interior 1016 of the second container 1004 through an opening 1034. In the configuration, the second end of the irrigation supply pipe 1032 may be located outside the second container 1004. The irrigation supply pipe 1032 has a lumen extending to receive the flow of fluid. In some cases, the irrigation supply pipe 1032 may be coupled to a manifold (if one is provided). The first end of the irrigation supply pipe 1032 is selectively in fluid communication with the bottom of the second container 1004.

[0099] The second end of the gas supply pipe 1026 and the second end of the lens cleaning supply pipe 1028 can be connected to the endoscope via a gas / lens cleaning connection on the connector section 265 of the umbilical to ensure fluid communication. The gas supply pipe 1026 is connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas supply line (not explicitly shown) to ensure fluid communication, and the lens cleaning supply pipe 1028 is connected to a lens cleaning supply line (not explicitly shown) within the connector section 265 to ensure fluid communication. The irrigation pipe 1032 is connected to an irrigation supply line 255c via an irrigation pump 315 to ensure fluid communication.

[0100] The gas supply pipe 1026, the lens cleaning supply pipe 1028, and the irrigation pipe 1032 may be pre-installed in the water storage chamber 1006. For example, the gas supply pipe 1026 and the lens cleaning supply pipe 1028 may be slidably positioned within a first opening 1036 formed in the water storage chamber 1006. The first opening 1036 may be roughly aligned with a first connection position 1008. When the first container 1002 is coupled to the water storage chamber 1006, the gas supply pipe 1026 and the lens cleaning supply pipe 1028 may be pushed down into the interior 1014 of the first container 1002. The first opening 1036 may include a seal or gasket to provide a consolidation seal around the gas supply pipe 1026. Similarly, the irrigation pipe 1032 may be slidably positioned within a second opening 1038 formed in the water storage chamber 1006. The second opening 1038 may be approximately aligned with the second connection position 1010. When the second container 1004 is coupled to the water storage chamber 1006, the irrigation tube 1032 may be pushed down into the interior 1016 of the second container 1004. The second opening 1038 may include a seal or gasket to provide a compacted seal around the irrigation tube 1032. However, in other embodiments, the gas supply tube 1026, the lens cleaning supply tube 1028, and / or the irrigation tube 1032 may bypass the water storage chamber 1006 and be coupled to the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 at an alternative location.

[0101] The water storage chamber 1006 may further include one or more support parts 1044a, 1044b attached thereto. The support parts 1044a, 1044b may be configured to suspend or lift the storage system 1000 from the ground by engaging with one or more hooks. For example, the support parts 1044a, 1044b may engage with hooks on an IV stand. The support parts 1044a, 1044b may be rings, hooks, fasteners, etc. Although the support parts 1044a, 1044b are shown positioned adjacent to the upper end of the water storage chamber 1006, they are also intended to be positioned in other locations, such as the back surface of the water storage chamber 1006, but are not limited to this. Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiment includes two support parts 1044a, 1044b, fewer than two or more support parts may be provided as needed.

[0102] The storage system 1000 can be filled and refilled as needed. The first and second sub-chambers 1018a, 1018b can be filled individually or substantially simultaneously as needed by removing one or both of the sealing portions 1024a, 1024b and connecting a water source to one or both of the ports 1022a, 1022b. In some embodiments, the ports 1022a, 1022b may include female threads or other coupling features configured to engage with mating male threads or other coupling features in the water source. In other embodiments, the ports 1022a, 1022b may be basins configured to receive a flow of water from the water source. For example, water can be poured from the water source into the ports 1022a, 1022b. In some cases, two or more water bottles may be used to fill the first sub-chamber 1018a and / or the second sub-chamber 1018b.

[0103] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 1100 for refilling a refillable water reservoir. This method may be configured for use in an endoscope system and includes components similar to those of the endoscope and endoscope system described with respect to Figures 1-4, although not all features are described or illustrated if they are not related to the fluid circuit of the system. Existing components in the endoscope system 200 may be used to refill water reservoirs such as water reservoirs 270, 305, 405. When the endoscope 100 is not in use, as shown in block 1102, the user disconnects the end of the water supply pipe that is in fluid communication with the endoscope 100 from the connector 265. The water supply pipe may be either a lens cleaning pipe 245c or an irrigation supply pipe 325c. Next, as shown in block 1104, the disconnected end of the water supply pipe may be placed in a water source (e.g., a water bottle) to be in fluid communication with the water in the water source. Next, as shown in block 1106, the flow in the water supply pipe and / or pump may be adjusted. This adjustment may vary depending on whether the lens cleaning tube 245c or the irrigation supply tube 325c is used.

[0104] When the lens cleaning tube 245c is used, the middle portion of the lens cleaning tube 245c may be positioned within the pump. In some cases, the pump may be an irrigation pump 315. In other embodiments, a separate pump, such as a peristaltic pump, may be provided to pressurize water from the water source to the water storage units 270, 305, 405. Once the lens cleaning tube 245c is positioned within the pump, the direction of flow and / or the speed of the pump may be adjusted. For example, the direction of flow through the lens cleaning tube 245c during refilling of the water storage units 270, 305, 405 is opposite to the direction of flow during use of the endoscope 100.

[0105] The irrigation supply pipe 325c may include an outflow check valve or a one-way valve to prevent water from flowing back into the water reservoir. If such a valve is provided, the endoscope system 200 may include a bypass that allows backflow of water through the irrigation supply pipe 325c, since the direction of flow through the irrigation supply pipe 325c during refilling of the water reservoirs 305, 405 is opposite to the direction of flow during use of the endoscope 100. Since the irrigation supply pipe 325c is already assembled with the irrigation pump 315, adjustment to the middle section of the irrigation supply pipe 325c may not be necessary. The direction of the pump 315 may be reversed to reverse the flow of fluid through the irrigation supply pipe 325c. The speed of the pump 315 may also be adjusted.

[0106] Once the water supply pipes are positioned and the pumps are adjusted, the water storage units 270, 305, and 405 can be filled, as shown in block 1108. This may involve starting or operating the pumps to pressurize water from the water bottles through the water supply pipes into the storage units. The pumps may be stopped when the water storage units 270, 305, and 405 are full or when the water source is empty. In some cases, two or more water bottles may be required to fill the water storage units 270, 305, and 405. In such cases, the pumps may be stopped when the current water source is empty, and the end of the water supply pipes may be transferred to a new or unused water source, and the pumps may be restarted. This may be repeated for as many water sources or water bottles as are needed to fill the water storage units 270, 305, and 405.

[0107] When the water storage sections 270, 305, and 405 are full, the water supply pipe can be returned to its original configuration, as shown in block 1110. If the lens cleaning pipe 245c is used, it can be removed from the pump. If the cleaning supply pipe 325c is used, the one-way valve bypass is reversed to prevent water from flowing back into the water storage section again. The irrigation pump 315 is returned to its original flow direction, and the speed can be adjusted to provide the desired flow rate for the endoscopic procedure. Finally, as shown in block 1112, the end of the water supply pipe can be removed from the water source and connected to the connector section 265.

[0108] It should be understood that the lengths of the irrigation tube, lens cleaning tube, gas supply tube, and alternative gas supply tube can have any appropriate size (e.g., diameter). Also, the size of the tubes (e.g., diameter) can vary depending on the application. In one non-limiting embodiment, the irrigation supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of 9.7 mm. The lens cleaning supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The gas supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 2 mm and an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. The alternative gas supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm.

[0109] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art through the discussion herein and the practice of the invention disclosed herein. This specification and the examples are intended to be for illustrative purposes only, and the scope and idea of ​​the invention are set forth in the claims.

[0110] All apparatus and methods described herein are embodiments of apparatus and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the Disclosure. These embodiments are merely examples and not the only ways of carrying out these principles. Accordingly, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be understood as references to examples of embodiments of the Disclosure and should not be understood as limiting the Disclosure to any particular element, structure, or feature shown. Other examples of ways of carrying out the disclosed principles may be conceivable by those skilled in the art upon reading this Disclosure.

[0111] In the foregoing description and claims, please understand the following: The terms “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” as used herein are open-ended expressions that can be used both conjunctively and disjunctively. The term “one” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more such entities. Thus, the terms “one,” “one or more,” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. All references to direction (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used solely for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of this disclosure and / or to distinguish areas of associated elements from one another, and do not limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the location, orientation, or use of this disclosure. References to connections (e.g., attached, joined, connected, and joined) should be interpreted broadly and, unless otherwise indicated, may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative motion between elements. Therefore, references to connections do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship with one another. Identifying 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.

[0112] The above description is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Various additions, modifications, and substitutions can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concepts, spirit, and scope of the disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the disclosure can be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concepts, spirit, scope, or features thereof. For example, various features of the disclosure can be grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, various features of a particular aspect, embodiment, or configuration of the disclosure can be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure can be used with structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, components, and many other modifications used in implementations of the disclosure that are particularly suited to specific environmental and operating requirements, without departing from the principles of the disclosure. For example, an element shown as being formed as a single unit may be constructed from multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts may be formed as a single unit, the operation of an element may be reversed or otherwise modified, the size or dimensions of an element may be changed, and the features and components of various embodiments may be selectively combined. Accordingly, the embodiments of this disclosure should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the claimed invention is indicated by the claims and is not limited to the above description.

[0113] The claims are incorporated into forms for carrying out the invention by their reference, and each claim stands independently as a distinct embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term “equipped with / possesses” does not preclude the existence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually enumerated, multiple means, elements, or method steps may be implemented, for example, by a single unit or processor. Also, individual features may be included in different claims, but these features may be advantageously combined in some cases, and their inclusion in different claims does not imply that the combination of features is unfeasible and / or unadvantageous. Also, singular references do not preclude plurals. Terms such as “one,” “first,” and “second” do not preclude plurals. Reference numerals in the claims are provided merely as examples of clarification and should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A storage unit arranged and configured to be coupled to an endoscope used in endoscopic procedures, A first container configured to contain a fluid, having a first water outlet and a gas inlet, A second container configured to contain a fluid and having a second water outlet, A chamber that is in fluid communication with the first container and the second container, the chamber including one or more ports configured to selectively fluidize the chamber to an external water source, A water supply pipe extending into the first container via the chamber, An irrigation supply pipe extending into the second container via the chamber, A storage section equipped with a storage unit.

2. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the first container is screw-engaged with the chamber.

3. The storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second container is screw-engaged into the chamber.

4. The water supply pipe includes a first end, a second end, and a first lumen, the first lumen extending through the water supply pipe and in fluid communication with the first container, and the second end of the water supply pipe is located outside the chamber and the first container. The storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a gas supply pipe having a first end, a second end, and a second lumen, wherein the second lumen extends through the gas supply pipe and is in operable fluid communication with the first container, and the second end of the gas supply pipe is located outside the chamber and the first container.

5. The storage unit according to claim 4, wherein the first lumen extends through the chamber.

6. The storage unit according to claim 4, wherein the second lumen extends through the chamber.

7. The storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the irrigation supply pipe includes a first end, a second end and an irrigation lumen, the irrigation lumen extends through the irrigation supply pipe and is in fluid communication with the second container, and the second end of the irrigation supply pipe is located outside the chamber and the second container.

8. The storage unit according to claim 7, wherein the irrigation lumen extends through the chamber.

9. The storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more support parts coupled to the chamber and configured to engage with one or more hooks.

10. The storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a partition located within the chamber that divides the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber.

11. The storage unit according to claim 10, wherein the partition is configured to fluidly separate the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber.

12. The storage unit according to claim 10, wherein one or more ports are configured to selectively fluidize the first sub-chamber or the second sub-chamber to the external water source.

13. The storage unit according to claim 12, wherein one or more ports include a first port that is in fluid communication with the first sub-chamber and a second port that is in fluid communication with the second sub-chamber.

14. The storage unit according to claim 10, wherein the first sub-chamber is in fluid communication with the first container, and the second sub-chamber is in fluid communication with the second container.

15. The storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more removable sealing parts detachably coupled to one or more ports.

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