Connector for Use with Endoscope

Abstract

The present specification discloses a disposable tubing joint connector system which connects a tubing set and an endoscope. The connector embodiments disclosed herein include dual o-ring seals, in two separate channels, that enable an efficient and leak proof connection between two ports of an endoscope and corresponding flexible tubing.

1 . A joint interface for connecting a first port of an endoscope and a second port of an endoscope to a connector, made of a material, having a first conduit and a second conduit, wherein said joint interface comprises a molded component and wherein said molded component comprises:
 a first connector channel adapted to receive said first port, wherein said first connector channel comprises a first end attached to a portion of said connector and wherein said first channel has a second end comprising a first o-ring and a second o-ring; and   a second connector channel adapted to receive said second port, wherein said second connector channel comprises a first end attached a portion of said connector and wherein said second channel has a third o-ring and a fourth o-ring.   
     
     
         2 . The joint interface of  claim 1  wherein said joint interface comprises material that is more physically compliant than the material of said connector. 
     
     
         3 . The joint interface of  claim 2  wherein said connector is rigid. 
     
     
         4 . The joint interface of  claim 1  wherein said connector is a Y connector having the first conduit positioned at an angle relative to said second conduit. 
     
     
         5 . The joint interface of  claim 1  wherein the second connector channel comprises a first channel portion and a second channel portion, wherein the second channel portion has a smaller diameter than the first channel portion and wherein the second channel portion comprises said third o-ring and said fourth o-ring. 
     
     
         6 . The joint interface of  claim 1 , wherein the molded component is formed by overmolding said molded component onto the connector. 
     
     
         7 . The joint interface of  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the first o-ring is equal to a diameter of the second o-ring. 
     
     
         8 . The joint interface of  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the third o-ring is equal to a diameter of the fourth o-ring. 
     
     
         9 . The joint interface of  claim 1 , wherein the first and the second o-rings are separated by a predefined distance. 
     
     
         10 . The joint cover connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first port of the endoscope is securely connected to the first connector channel via the first and the second o-rings and wherein said secure connection is leak proof and capable of withstanding a predetermined operational pressure. 
     
     
         11 . The joint cover connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second port of the endoscope is securely connected with the second connector channel via the third and the fourth o-rings and wherein said secure connection is leak proof and capable of withstanding a predetermined operational pressure. 
     
     
         12 . The joint cover connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first and the second o-rings are configured to be compressed during connection with the first port of the endoscope. 
     
     
         13 . The joint cover connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the third and the fourth o-rings are configured to be compressed during connection with the second port of the endoscope. 
     
     
         14 . A connector for connecting a first port of an endoscope and a second port of an endoscope to a tubing set, comprising:
 a component, made of a material, comprising a first conduit and a second conduit; and   a compliant interface, wherein said compliant interface comprises:
 a first connector channel adapted to receive said first port, wherein said first connector channel is in fluid communication with the first conduit and wherein said first channel has at least two o-rings; and 
 a second connector channel adapted to receive said second port, wherein said second connector channel is in fluid communication with the second conduit and wherein said second channel has at least two o-rings. 
   
     
     
         15 . The connector of  claim 14  wherein said compliant interface comprises material that is less rigid than the material of said component. 
     
     
         16 . The connector of  claim 14  wherein said component is a Y connector having the first conduit positioned at an angle relative to said second conduit. 
     
     
         17 . The connector of  claim 14  wherein the second connector channel comprises a first channel portion and a second channel portion, wherein the second channel portion has a smaller diameter than the first channel portion and wherein the second channel portion comprises a third o-ring and a fourth o-ring. 
     
     
         18 . The connector of  claim 14 , wherein the compliant interface is formed by over-molding said compliant interface onto the component. 
     
     
         19 . The connector of  claim 14 , wherein the first connector channel comprises a first o-ring and a second o-ring and wherein a diameter of the first o-ring is equal to a diameter of the second o-ring. 
     
     
         20 . The connector of  claim 17 , wherein a diameter of the third o-ring is equal to a diameter of the fourth o-ring. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . (canceled)