MEDICAL DEVICE PORT CONNECTORS

A suction and air/water port connector for a medical device includes a body, a gripping portion coupled to the body and a force generator configured to be at least partially seated within the body. The locking member is configured to removably couple to an exterior surface of a suction port and an air/water port of the medical device to define a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, movement of the body relative to the suction port and the air/water port is inhibited and a locking force is exerted by the force generator in an axial direction against the suction port and the air/water port to create a liquid-tight seal against the suction port and the air/water port. When in the unlocked position, the locking member is configured to be removed from the suction port and the air/water port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2021901655, filed Jun. 3, 2021. The entire contents of said application is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Often times, reusable medical devices need to be cleaned and/or sterilized and/or disinfected prior to use. Many medical devices—such as endoscopes—have one or more lumens, and cleaning of such devices with lumens can be accomplished via flushing the respective lumen(s). Current methods and systems used to clean such medical devices involve several manual cleaning steps, are very time consuming, and yield varying results. Accordingly, there remains numerous challenges in the field of medical device cleaning systems and methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction and air/water port connector for a medical device, comprising:a body assembly;a gripping portion coupled to the body assembly;a force generator configured to be at least partially seated within the body assembly;one or more sealing cups at least partially housed within the body assembly; anda locking member operatively coupled to the body assembly and configured to removably couple to an exterior surface of a suction port and an air/water port of the medical device to define a locked position and an unlocked position,wherein in the locked position, movement of the body assembly relative to the suction port and the air/water port is inhibited and a locking force is exerted by the force generator in an axial direction against the suction port and the air/water port to create a liquid-tight seal against the suction port and the air/water port, andwherein in the unlocked position, the locking member is configured to be removed from the suction port and the air/water port.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a suction and air/water port connector for a medical device, comprising:structuring a body assembly to,couple to a gripping portion,at least partially surround a force generator configured to generate a locking force, andat least partially house one or more sealing cups;structuring a locking member to operatively couple to the body assembly and to removably couple to an exterior surface of a suction port and an air/water port of the medical device to define a locked position and an unlocked position; andexerting the locking force in an axial direction against the suction port and the air/water port to create a liquid-tight seal against the suction port and the air/water port when in the locked position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a port connector for a medical device, comprising:a connector body including one or more gripping elements;a receptacle configured to be at least partially housed within the connector body and define a fluid path at least partially through the connector body;a first shuttle plate operatively coupled to the connector body and configured to move relative to the connector body; anda second shuttle plate operatively coupled to the connector body and configured to move relative to the connector body,wherein the first shuttle plate and the second shuttle plate are configured to be biased against and surround an exterior surface of the port,

wherein a biasing force is exerted against the receptacle in a direction towards the biopsy port to establish a liquid-tight seal against an exterior surface of the biopsy port.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a port connector for a medical device, comprising:a housing configured to rotatably couple to an outer surface of an auxiliary port; anda barb supported by and sealed against the housing, wherein the barb defines a fluid path at least partially through the housing and is configured to rotate relative to the housing,wherein the housing is configured to rotate independent of the barb to engage the auxiliary port and create a liquid-tight seal against the auxiliary port, and wherein the barb is enabled to swivel freely during engagement and disengagement with the auxiliary port.

Endoscope connectors are high end use products with lot of human interactions, and one challenge has been the development of connectors that are both user friendly and form the compliant seals required to quickly and efficiently clean endoscopes and other medical devices at pressures including and in excess of 24 psi. Hence, the disclosed connectors are designed for ease of use while achieving best functional outcomes during a cleaning cycle. As used herein, a “cleaning cycle” is meant to include a cleaning and/or disinfection and/or sterilization process. In order to address the challenge of cleaning and/or disinfection and/or sterilizing reusable medical devices such as endoscopes between patients, the inventors have developed connectors for connecting the ports of a medical device containing lumen(s) to a cleaning and/or disinfection and/or sterilization source or device. For example, embodiments of the disclosure can operate as connectors configured to engage with the suction and air/water ports, the biopsy port, and/or the auxiliary port of an endoscope.

Optionally, one or more of these connectors may be provided in a kit and/or may be provided individually. The connectors comprise, for example, a suction and air/water port connector, a biopsy port connector and an auxiliary port connector.

In one embodiment of a suction and air/water port connector, the suction and air/water port connector is structured to interface with an endoscope channel cleaner device and an endoscope In one embodiment, the suction and air/water port connector's small size facilitates fitting and sealing it onto the suction and air/water cylinders. In one embodiment, the suction and air/water port connector is configured for simple insertion and removal actions, e.g., a push and twist mechanism that engages under the cylinder lips to securely attach the connector to the ports. One embodiment of the suction and air/water port connector comprises a locking spring or force generator that provides sealing force between multiple components of the connector, so fluid may flow through each cylinder. One of the major advantages of this connector is ease of use, where locking spring has been custom designed and tuned to provide sealing force while keeping user acceptable forces for insertion and removal actions. Other embodiments of the suction and air/water port connector are structured to interface with different medical devices while still providing some, if not all of the benefits and advantages described, including provide robust attachment and sealing to the medical device and the corresponding medical device cleaning device.

One embodiment of a biopsy connector or biopsy port connector is structured to interface with an endoscope channel cleaner and an endoscope. In an embodiment, the biopsy connector comprises dual shuttles, and is configured for simple insertion and removal actions, e.g., a push and latch mechanism that engages under the biopsy port lip to for secure attachment. One embodiment of the biopsy port connector comprises a locking spring or force generator that provides sealing force between multiple components of the connector, so fluid may flow through biopsy cylinder. Other embodiments of the biopsy port connector are structured to interface with different medical devices while still providing some, if not all of the benefits and advantages described, including provide robust attachment and sealing to the medical device and the corresponding medical device cleaning device. As used herein, the terms “cleaning device” or “medical device cleaning device” are meant to include devices capable of cleaning and/or disinfection and/or sterilization.

One embodiment of an auxiliary connector or auxiliary port connector is structured to interface with an endoscope channel cleaner device and an endoscope. One embodiment of the auxiliary connector provides a means of screwing and unscrewing on the port while enabling swiveling of a hose barb and any externally connected hoses. In one embodiment, sealing is achieved via the radial lip seal inside the housing and the bottom seal which engages with the port directly. Other embodiments of the auxiliary port connector are structured to interface with different medical devices while still providing some, if not all of the benefits and advantages described, including provide robust attachment and sealing to the medical device and the corresponding medical device cleaning device.

In an embodiment, one or more port connectors are provided for connecting a reusable medical device to a medical device cleaning device. In the case where the reusable medical device is an endoscope, the one or more port connectors may include a suction air/water port connector configured to fluidly couple to an exterior surface of a suction port and an air/water port of the endoscope device. The one or more port connectors may further include a biopsy port connector configured to fluidly couple to an exterior surface of a biopsy port of the endoscope device. The one or more port connectors may further include an auxiliary port connector configured to fluidly couple to an exterior surface of an auxiliary port of the endoscope device. The suction air/water port connector, the biopsy port connector and the auxiliary connector are configured to enable cleaning and disinfection fluids to be automatically introduced into the suction port, the air/water port, the biopsy port and the auxiliary port to clean the endoscope device.

An embodiment of a suction and air/water port connector for a medical device includes a body, a gripping portion coupled to the body and a force generator configured to be at least partially seated within the body. One or more sealing cups are at least partially housed within the body and a locking member operatively coupled to the body. The locking member is configured to removably couple to an exterior surface of a suction port and an air/water port of the medical device to define a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, movement of the body relative to the suction port and the air/water port is inhibited and a locking force is exerted by the force generator in an axial direction against the suction port and the air/water port to create a liquid-tight seal against the suction port and the air/water port. When in the unlocked position, the locking member is configured to be removed from the suction port and the air/water port.

An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a suction and air/water port connector for a medical device includes structuring a body assembly to couple to a gripping portion, at least partially surround a force generator configured to generate a locking force, and at least partially house one or more sealing cups. A locking member is structured to operatively couple to the body assembly and to removably couple to an exterior surface of a suction port and an air/water port of the medical device to define a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking force is exerted in an axial direction against the suction port and the air/water port to create a liquid-tight seal against the suction port and the air/water port when in the locked position.

An embodiment of a port connector for a medical device includes a connector body including one or more gripping elements and a receptacle configured to be at least partially housed within the connector body to define a fluid path at least partially through the connector body. A first shuttle plate is operatively coupled to the body and configured to move relative to the body and a second shuttle plate is operatively coupled to the body and configured to move relative to the body. The first shuttle plate and the second shuttle plate are configured to be biased against and surround an exterior surface of the a biopsy port wherein a biasing force is exerted against the receptacle in a direction towards the port to establish a liquid-tight seal against an exterior surface of the port.

Another embodiment of a port connector for a medical device includes a housing configured to rotatably couple to an outer surface of a port and a barb supported by and sealed against the housing. The barb defines a fluid path at least partially through the housing and is configured to rotate relative to the housing. The housing is configured to rotate independent of the barb to engage the port and create a liquid-tight seal against the port. The barb is enabled to swivel freely during engagement and disengagement with the port.

The above embodiments are exemplary only.

Other embodiments as described herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

The drawings are meant to depict salient features of the medical device port connectors and are not specifically provided to scale. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments, but should not be construed as limiting in scope in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion relates to various embodiments of medical device port connectors. It will be understood that the herein described versions are examples that embody certain inventive concepts as detailed herein. To that end, other variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of sufficient skill. In addition, certain terms may be used throughout this discussion in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “forward”, “rearward”, “interior”, “exterior”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to limit these concepts, except where so specifically indicated. The terms “about” or “approximately” as used herein may refer to a range of 80%-125% of the claimed or disclosed value.

Reusable medical devices need to be cleaned and/or disinfected and/or sterilized between uses to prevent cross-contamination and the resulting iatrogenic diseases and nosocomial infections. However, there are many challenges to achieving adequate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical devices, such as endoscopes that may have narrow channels (lumens) and be made of heat sensitive materials. One challenge in the art has been the formation of seals between cleaning devices and exterior ports of reusable medical devices. Although internal seals have been employed, such systems and methods may obstruct the internal surface area of a reusable medical device during cleaning cycles. Advantageously, one or more of the connectors disclosed herein make seals on the external surface of reusable medical devices, e.g., endoscopes, such that there is less obstruction, and in some embodiments, no obstruction of the internal surface areas of reusable medical devices during cleaning cycles. The following description and corresponding figures describe embodiments of the inventive connectors as used with a reusable endoscope, however it should be noted that one or more of said connectors may be used with other medical devices while providing some or all of the benefits described with regard to the reusable endoscope.

For example, it can be difficult to obtain good seals between the suction cylinder114(seeFIG.2L) and air/water cylinder124(seeFIG.2L) on the outside surface of an endoscope100to pass cleaning fluid through the suction port110and the air/water port120to the corresponding endoscope channels. Such difficulty arises in part because the suction cylinder114(seeFIG.2L) and air/water cylinder124(seeFIG.2L) are positioned in close proximity to each other as well as to the control knob and the control button. Additionally, both of these endoscope ports have quite small lips/undercuts to seal and fluidly couple with external connectors to cleaning devices.

It has also been challenging to connect and seal on to endoscope biopsy ports via contacts with the exterior of the endoscope, so that cleaning fluid can be passed through the corresponding endoscope channels during cleaning procedures. Biopsy ports may have a relatively simple geometry with only a circular lip to connect with cleaning devices. Because the internal chamfer on the top lip of the biopsy port makes a small area to form an axial seal, operators have difficulty forming secure fluid connections between biopsy ports and cleaning devices.

Another challenge has been to connect and seal cleaning devices to external endoscope auxiliary ports, so that cleaning fluid can be passed through the corresponding channels to clean the endoscope. The auxiliary port has a relatively simple geometry and may comprise a threaded interface for attachment. A button may be located in close proximity to the auxiliary port. A chamfer feature below the threaded part provides a limited available contact area for axial sealing.

Therefore, there remains a need in the art for endoscope connectors that can seal the suction, air/water, biopsy, and auxiliary ports to cleaning devices, so that adequate cleaning and/or disinfection and/or sterilization can be achieved. The present disclosure relates to connectors to the various ports of reusable medical devices, such as endoscopes.

Advantageously connectors designed in accordance with this disclosure implement user-friendly mechanisms that engage with the various endoscope ports. For example,FIG.1Adepicts one embodiment of endoscope100comprising suction port110, suction air/water port or air/water port120, biopsy port130, air/water bottle port140, auxiliary port150, and suction port160. A close up view of suction port110and air/water port120is shown inFIG.1B. As shown, the suction port110and the air/water port120define an outer circumferential lip112,122.FIG.1Cshows a close up view of auxiliary port150and suction port160.FIG.1Dshows a close up view of air/water bottle port140.FIG.1Eshows the air-pipe port of endoscope100.FIG.1Eshows a close up view of the biopsy port130.

One embodiment of a user-friendly suction and air/water port connector200employs a push and twist mechanism where the suction and air water connector is pushed down onto the suction110and the air/water port120to engage the suction port110and the air/water port120. The suction and air/water port connector200is then rotated relative to the medical device (in this case an endoscope) to secure the suction and air/water port connector200to the suction port110and the air/water port120. The amount of rotation needed to secure the suction and air/water port connector200may vary depending on the medical device, however in some embodiments only a quarter turn is required. Of course, it should be appreciated that connectors can be configured to require any suitable turning extent to secure attachment in accordance with embodiments of the invention—e.g. 60°, 70°, 80°, 100°, 110°, or 120°. InFIG.2A, the down arrow indicates lowering of one embodiment of a suction and air/water port connector200onto suction port110and air/water port120.FIG.2Billustrates rotation of knob relative to the body of suction and air/water port connector200to engage the suction and air/water ports and lock the connector in place.FIG.2Cshows suction and air/water port connector200in the locked configuration on an endoscope.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.2D, the suction and air/water connector200comprises a gripping portion210such as a knob, locking spring or force generator220, body230, fasteners225, such as screws, air/water seal245, sealing cups240and250, suction seal255, and locking ring260or locking member (FIG.2D). Other embodiments of the suction and air/water port connector200may include fewer or more components while keeping with the spirit of the invention. It should be appreciated that each part may be made of any suitable material by any suitable manufacturing method. In one embodiment, gripping portion210and body230are made of plastic, e.g., Acetal/polyoxymethylene (POM), and may be manufactured by any suitable method, e.g., molding and/or machining. In one embodiment, force generator220is a locking spring made of SST-302. In one embodiment, screws240may be made of off the shelf SST-316. In one embodiment, air/water seal245and suction seal255comprise silicone, e.g., compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR) and Liquid Silicon Molding. In one embodiment, sealing cups240and250and locking ring260comprise SST-316 and may be machined.

FIGS.2E and2Fdepict knob assembly201, which comprises a gripping portion210and locking ring260. One embodiment of the gripping portion210may comprise one or more grip elements212to facilitate gripping and turning during installation and removal of the suction and air/water port connector200from an endoscope100. As shown inFIGS.2D and2E, the grip element212comprises at least one flat cut-out, however in other embodiments the grip element may include one or more textured portions, one or more ridges or grooves or any other feature configured to aid in the gripping and manipulation of the suction and air/water port connector200. In one embodiment, locking ring260comprises asymmetric compound arc profile, wherein arc profiles261on opposite ends of locking ring260slide under the circumferential lip112of the suction port and the circumferential lip122of the air/water port120(seeFIGS.1B and2A) for preliminary engagement and arc profiles262at least partially wrap around the circumferential lips112,122and engage when rotated (FIG.2F). Arc profiles262also have end stop features that indicate to a user that the gripping portion210has rotated into the locked position. It should be appreciated that similar locking action may be achieved using different profiles, including those that comprise compound curves. The locking ring260is configured to inhibit movement of the suction and air/water connector200(such as racking or tilting) relative to the endoscope100which could result from unequal pressures of cleaning and/or disinfection fluid being introduced into the suction port110and the air/water port120(seeFIGS.1A and1B).

FIGS.2G and2Hdepict one embodiment of a main body235or main body assembly or body assembly. One embodiment of main body assembly235comprises body230with two barb features231and232, which aid to secure separate tubing for each cylinder114,124(seeFIG.2L) to pass cleaning and/or disinfection agent into the endoscope. One or more components of the main body assembly235may be formed as a single monolithic unit with the main body assembly235. Body230may also comprise taper threads to secure sealing cups240and250in place. A circular cut out234holds the force generator220in place. Main body assembly235comprises sealing cups240and250, which may optionally comprise a showerhead profile, along with silicone seals245and255. A sealing force is applied by the force generator220mounted between knob assembly201and main body assembly235to the air/water seal245and the suction seal255.

Sealing cups240and250hold air/water seal245and suction seal255in place via an undercut/protruding metal flange242,252, which grabs onto each seal. The optional showerhead profile of sealing cups240and250comprises a conic profile on the top and three lozenge features244,254positioned at an angle relative to each other (FIGS.2I-2K). In the embodiment shown, the three lozenge features are positioned at a 120 degree angle relative to each other. The showerhead profile advantageously allows fluidic flow into the endoscope without obstructions. Specifically, the showerhead profile is structured to minimize fluid impedance through the suction and air/water connector200particularly in instances where the cleaning and/or disinfection agent comprises a slurry. For example, some cleaning systems may rely on the kinetic energy of a slurry to effectuate cleaning of a lumen; the disclosed showerhead profiles may act beneficially so as not to impede a flow of this slurry and reduce its kinetic energy. Channel separator pin270may optionally be included in main body assembly235.

Channel separator pin270may connect with the air/water sealing cup240via a thread engagement or by any other suitable means, such as a press-fit engagement. Channel separator pin270separates the air and water channels of an endoscope during a cleaning cycle. Channel separator pin270may further comprise annular seal275, such as an O-ring, a wiper seal and/or a pressure actuated seal, however any suitable sealing element may be used. The annular seal275rests inside the surface of the air/water cylinder124such that it separates air and water channels, respectively. Two embodiments of channel separations are depicted inFIGS.2L and2M, where the location of the annular seal separates air flow280and water flow290.FIG.2Nschematically shows the air/water cylinder124with the channel separator270in place. As can be seen, the air/water cylinder124essentially comprises a first portion126and a second portion128. The first portion includes an air inlet123and air outlet125and the second portion128includes a water inlet127and a water outlet129. Separation of the first portion126from the second portion128by the channel separator270is required to ensure a flow of cleaning fluid through each portion126,128simultaneously. Referring toFIG.2O, a different type of annular seal275′ is depicted that is configured to seal against an inside of the air/water cylinder124as previously described, however, in the case where the pressure in the first portion126is less than the pressure in the second portion128, the annular seal275′ is configured to flex. The flexing enables the portion of the air/water cylinder124originally covered by the annular seal275′ to be cleaned. While specific configurations have been described and illustrated, it should be appreciated that suitable variations can be implemented depending on the configuration of the air/water cylinder124.

Another embodiment of the suction air/water port connector500will be discussed with reference toFIGS.3A to3G. Similar to the other embodiments discussed, the air/water port connector500employs a similar push and twist mechanism as previously described to engage the suction port110and the air/water port120. The suction and air/water port connector500generally comprises knob510, force generator520such as a locking spring to apply a sealing force, a body assembly535and a locking ring560coupled to the body assembly535. The force generator520, knob510and the locking ring560are configured similar to previously discussed embodiments and perform in a similar manner. As in the previously described embodiments of the suction air/water port connector200, the main body assembly535comprises body530, however in this embodiment of the port connector500, the body530comprises three barb features531,532and533which aid to secure separate tubing for each cylinder114,124(seeFIG.2L) to pass cleaning and/or disinfection agent into the endoscope100. As shown inFIG.3C, a body cap537surrounds a portion of each of the barbs531,532,533and is coupled to the body530with a coupling member538, such as a screw. The aspects of the suction air/water port connector500are the same as previously described embodiments as they relate to the cleaning of the suction cylinder through barb531and will not be described. However, barb531now includes a pin580. The pin580helps ensure that the rotational motion of the suction air/water port connector500is maintained along a central axis of rotation.

Turning toFIG.3Dit can be seen that barb533is fluidly connected with barb532via a conduit536defined in the body530. In this manner, barbs532and533are configured to fluidly couple to a cleaning system to receive cleaning fluid to be dispensed in to the air/water cylinder124. Similar to other embodiments of the suction air/water connector200previously described, this embodiment also includes a channel separating pin570with an annular seal575. However, referring toFIGS.3E and3F, the channel separating pin570is not connected to a sealing cup and is instead coupled to an end539of the barb532opposing the fluid connection to the cleaning system. The channel separating pin570is sealed against an inner surface of the air/water cylinder124to separate the first portion126and the second portion128of the air/water cylinder124. The channel separating pin570delivers cleaning fluid directly to the second portion128of the air/water cylinder. Cleaning fluid is additionally introduced through the third barb533, through the conduit536and into an area532abetween the second barb532and the channel separating pin570to deliver cleaning fluid to the first portion126of the air/water cylinder124. This is also shown schematically inFIG.3G. In this embodiment of the suction air/water port connector500, the pressure in the first and second portions126,128of the air/water cylinder124can be adjusted separately to prevent pressure build-ups in the peripheral endoscopy tubing, which could decrease flow velocity of the cleaning fluid and/or damage the equipment. It should be appreciated that each part may be made of any suitable material by any suitable manufacturing method similar to the embodiments already discussed. While specific configurations have been described and illustrated, it should be appreciated that suitable variations can be implemented.

The disclosure further relates to connectors that provide a user-friendly way to couple a cleaning device to the biopsy port, e.g., a push and latch mechanism.FIGS.4A to4Gillustrate various aspects of one embodiment of biopsy port connector300. In one embodiment biopsy connector300comprises a dual shuttle design. In one embodiment, biopsy connector300comprises housing/body380including one or more gripping elements384(e.g., a bio slide grip comprising machined/molded acetal), bio receptacle350(e.g., machined/molded acetal), which holds seal330(e.g., molded silicone) in position and backed up by a force generator370(e.g., SS302 compression spring) to provide sealing force, two shuttle plates340(e.g., laser cut and folded SS316) retained via shuttle plate retainer320(e.g., machined SS316) for engagement and disengagement of biopsy connector300(FIG.4C). Biopsy connector300may further comprise on or more fasteners310(e.g., SS316 M2×8 Csk screws), dowel pins360(e.g., SS316), and biasing members390such as shuttle springs (e.g., SS302). Although exemplary materials and methods of manufacture are disclosed, it should be appreciated that any suitable materials and manufacturing processes may be employed.

Barb geometry on bio receptacle350allows separate tubing to connect and pass cleaning agent into the endoscope. Biopsy connector300may employ a spring and shuttle mechanism where, during biopsy connector engagement, biopsy port connection on the endoscope engages with bio receptacle350, which accommodates the seal. As the user pushes the connector on the endoscope, bio receptacle350overcomes the spring compression force and moves back inside housing/body380, and shuttle plates340to the locking position via shuttle plate force generator370(FIG.4B). To disengage biopsy connector300from the endoscope biopsy port, a user depresses both shuttle plates340at once.

In one embodiment, housing/body380is made of a suitable material, e.g., plastic, and comprises a blind hole382centrally positioned or positioned in the middle to accommodate bio receptacle body350which is backed up by compression spring (FIG.4D). Two dowel holes placed diagonally control shuttle plate340movement, during engagement and disengagement. Two threaded holes may be provided for fasteners310to secure shuttle plate retainer320or retainer plate in place. Holes in housing/body380accommodate shuttle plate biasing members390. Biasing members390enable shuttle plates340to move back and forth during engagement and disengagement. Optionally, housing/body380may comprise dummy core outs to reduce the weight of the biopsy connector300and are manufacturing process friendly.

As shown inFIG.4E, bio receptacle350may comprise a plastic body which has an undercut feature352to hold the seal330in place. In another embodiment, the seal330may be overmoulded silicone onto the bio receptacle350using any known overmoulding process such as CMSR and LSR) A protruding rim354in the front face and proximate the undercut feature352acts as stopper for shuttle plates340during engagement and disengagement. A barb feature356may be provided to secure and fluidly couple to tubing of a cleaning device in order to pass cleaning and/or disinfection fluids. In one embodiment, a plurality of ribs358or guides are defined on the external surface of bio receptacle350and act to guide bio receptacle350to slide and be properly positioned inside housing/body380. The plurality of guides358decrease the surface contact between the bio receptacle350and the housing/body380to provide a low co-efficient of friction between the two components as well as to reduce the weight of the bio receptacle350. In another embodiment, the bio receptacle does not include a plurality of guides358.

Shuttle plates240may comprise stainless steel formed sheet metal (FIG.4F). In one embodiment an internal profile drives the engagement and disengagement of the biopsy connector and a slot controls the travel of shuttle plates340. Advantageously, shuttle plate340may be designed for symmetric assembly and are mirror images of each other. Advantages of shuttle plates according to the disclosure include ease of manufacturability. Additionally, the use of a common part to achieve locking/unlocking action can be mirrored in assembly. In one aspect, a dual shuttle plate mechanism provides ample latching area under biopsy port lip and exerts a radial compressive force against the biopsy port or port lip132(seeFIG.1F).

Referring toFIG.4G, the shuttle plate retainer320may comprise a stainless steel body with cut-outs322on the rear face to accommodate sliding of shuttle plates340during engagement and disengagement (FIG.4G). A through hole324with an optional lead in chamfer326allows the biopsy port130(seeFIG.1) of the endoscope to guide/align with biopsy connector300. In one embodiment, shuttle plate retainer320comprises guide holes328for CSK screws to latch onto housing/body380. Contemplated embodiments further comprise alternatives and variations of these configurations that can be implemented in connectors according to the disclosure.

One embodiment of an auxiliary port connector400is shown inFIGS.5A through5G. In one embodiment, auxiliary port connector400comprises a swivel type auxiliary connector configuration that provides a low friction, low dead volume system, which enables swiveling, preventing the coupling tube from twisting and disengagement/leakage. Auxiliary connector400comprises a cap420(optionally plastic) secured onto a housing460(optionally stainless steel) via two grub screws450(e.g., off the shelf SS316). The housing460engages or otherwise holds a face seal470on the bottom of the connector which engages with the auxiliary port150(seeFIG.1) during the locking phase of connecting auxiliary port connector400to the auxiliary port150(seeFIG.1) of the endoscope100. Radial lip seal440is positioned or held at partially within the housing460, and is pressure activated. The barb410is configured to fluidly connect the endoscope channel cleaner device to an endoscope100in order to pass cleaning fluid.

The connector is driven via the threaded feature on to the auxiliary port, where during connector engagement phase the auxiliary connector is rotated or screwed onto the auxiliary port to gain solid attachment. During the final engagement phase, the face seal470on the bottom half of the auxiliary port connector400seals onto the chamfer feature below threaded part of the auxiliary port150(seeFIG.1). On the other hand during disengagement phase, user just rotates in an opposite direction or unscrews the connector form the auxiliary port150(seeFIG.1).

One embodiment of cap420(FIG.5C) comprises molded plastic and acts as an outer cover for auxiliary connector400and barb410(e.g., machined SS316) and bushing430(e.g., off the shelf Iglide®) in place. Two holes426defined on the side422enable the cap420(e.g., molded acetal/POM) to latch onto housing460. An optional external grip elements428, such as a plurality of channels or ridges formed in the cap420, enables the user to connect and disconnect the auxiliary connector smoothly. In another embodiment, the auxiliary port connector400includes housing460configured to couple and decouple to the auxiliary port150and a floating barb410configured to swivel independent of the housing460. This embodiment of the auxiliary port connector400may further include an external casing which acts as a bushing and co-axially aligns housing460and the barb410.

One embodiment of housing460comprises a stainless steel body (e.g., machined/molded SS316) with a threaded feature in the middle that allows auxiliary connector400to screw onto the endoscope auxiliary port and make a secure attachment (FIG.5D). A bottom section of housing460holds seal470, which engages onto the chamfer feature below a thread part of the auxiliary port. A section of housing460holds lip seal440(e.g., molded silicone 60 Shore A), barb410, and bushing430and is configured to allow barb410to swivel freely during engagement and disengagement (FIG.5E).

Seals440ad470are illustrated inFIGS.5F and5G, respectively. Face seal470(e.g., molded silicone 60 Shore A) engages onto the chamfer feature below a threaded part of the auxiliary port150(seeFIG.1). In one embodiment, lip seal440is pressure activated, and is activated during the cleaning cycle to seal onto the barb410. Advantageously, during engagement and disengagement phases lip seal440provides minimal friction with barb410, allowing it to swivel freely.

Barb410is held via bushing430(e.g., off-the-shelf IGUS brushing). A low coefficient of friction of bushing material (e.g., Iflide®) allows barb410to swivel freely during engagement and disengagement. It should be appreciated that any suitable materials and manufacturing processes may be employed and that the exemplary materials disclosed are non-limiting.

The connectors disclosed herein provide numerous advantages including the ability to form secure connections and seals that allow cleaning fluid to be passed through reusable medical devices, such as endoscopes, and avoid problems with leakage and pressure loss in a user friendly way. The disclosed embodiments of connectors are able to withstand fluid pressures of at least 24 psi.

Referring toFIG.6, the disclosed port connectors200,300,400,500may be part of a medical device cleaning system1000that comprises a cleaning unit600including a cleaning fluid reservoir610fluidly coupled to one or more tubes602configures to fluidly connect to each of the port connectors200,300,400,500to deliver cleaning fluid to said port connectors200,300,400,500. A pump620is configured to control a flow speed of the cleaning fluid and a control unit630is configured to enable control of the cleaning unit600. The cleaning unit600may be a self-contained unit or may be comprised of a plurality of individual components. The control unit630may be configured to run one or more cleaning cycles to clean the medical device650that is connected to the system1000via the connectors200,300,400,500. In an embodiment, a plurality of cleaning programs are stored in the control unit630and can be selected by the user. Once the cleaning cycle is completed, the user may be notified by an alarm indicating that it is safe to decouple the medical device1050from the system1000.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.