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Publication Number
US-10357148-B2
Publication Date
2019-07-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
This invention relates to a container for use with an endoscope. More particularly, this invention relates to a container for storing and delivering sterile water to an endoscope. A container for storing sterile water for supply to an endoscope comprises a substantially rigid receptacle providing an internal volume for storing said water, the receptacle having opposing first and second end walls, in use said first end wall forming a base of the receptacle and said second end wall forming a top of the receptacle such that a vertical axis of the receptacle extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second end walls; a first port for connection to an air line of an endoscope; a second port for connection to a water line of an endoscope; a first fluid conduit extending between the receptacle and the first port; and a second fluid conduit extending between the receptacle and the second port, wherein, in use, the first and second ports are located in a fixed position with respect to the receptacle such that the first and second ports lie in the same vertical plane as the centre of gravity of the container when the receptacle is filled with water.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a container for storing sterile water for supply to an endoscope. The container includes a substantially rigid receptacle providing an internal volume for storing the sterile water, with opposing first and second end walls that define a vertical axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second end walls. An aperture is provided in the receptacle and is offset from the vertical axis.
A connector engages with and is removed from the aperture. The connector comprises a substantially rigid main body with a first port for connection to an air line of an endoscope and a second port for connection to a water line of an endoscope, the first and second ports being provided in the connector. The connector further has a first fluid conduit formed in the main body extending between the first port and the second end of the main body, and a second fluid conduit extending between the second port and the second end.
In use, the first and second ports are located in a fixed position with respect to the receptacle such that the first end of the connector lies in the same vertical plane as the centre of gravity of the container when the receptacle is filled with water. The disclosed system explains that this fixed positioning supports a direct connection and suspension from the endoscope to reduce cross-contamination and twisting forces, relative to prior art flexible tubing water bottles.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim includes one inventive feature set for the container/connector architecture, with dependent claims refining structural and functional aspects. The independent claim specifies a rigid receptacle and a rigid connector with distinct air and water ports and respective fluid conduits, with fixed connector positioning relative to the receptacle centre of gravity when filled.
Sterile-water container with offset aperture and vertical-axis defined receptacle
A container for storing sterile water for supply to an endoscope, comprising a substantially rigid receptacle having opposing first and second end walls defining a vertical axis, and an aperture offset from the vertical axis.
Rigid connector with removable engagement and air and water ports
A connector comprising a substantially rigid main body with a first end engaged with and removed from the aperture of the receptacle, including a first port for connection to an air line of an endoscope and a second port for connection to a water line of an endoscope, with both ports provided in the connector.
First and second fluid conduits extending between ports and connector second end
A first fluid conduit formed in the main body extending between the first port and the second end, and a second fluid conduit formed in the main body extending between the second port and the second end.
Fixed connector positioning aligned with container centre of gravity when filled
The aperture is offset from the vertical axis such that, in use, the first and second ports are located in a fixed position with respect to the receptacle, and the first end of the connector lies in the same vertical plane as the centre of gravity of the container when the receptacle is filled with water.
Across the independent claim, the inventive coverage is centered on a substantially rigid sterile-water container with an offset aperture and a substantially rigid connector that provides fixed-position air and water ports with respective fluid conduits, where the connector end is positioned to lie in the same vertical plane as the container’s centre of gravity when filled.
Stated Advantages
Enables direct connection and suspension from the endoscope to reduce cross-contamination and twisting forces.
Documented Applications
Supplying sterile water to an endoscope using a container connector architecture for air and water lines.
An assembly in which the container is solely suspended from the endoscope.
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