Endoscope electro-pneumatic adaptor

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 10835107
  • Patent Number
    10,835,107
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, March 31, 2016
    8 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 17, 2020
    4 years ago
Abstract
An endoscope system including an endoscope including an endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly having a leak test port, an endoscope electro-optic subsystem which is connectable to the endoscope via the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly in a manner which precludes access to the leak test port when the endoscope electro-optic subsystem and the endoscope are connected at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and an electro-pneumatic adaptor, which is connectable to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and includes an adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly, including a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port of the endoscope, an adaptor electrical port assembly to which the endoscope electro-optic subsystem is connectable and a pneumatic port.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to endoscope systems generally and more particularly to adaptors useful in endoscope systems.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of endoscope systems are known.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved endoscope system.


There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an endoscope system including an endoscope including an endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly having a leak test port, an endoscope electro-optic subsystem which is connectable to the endoscope via the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly in a manner which precludes access to the leak test port when the endoscope electro-optic subsystem and the endoscope are connected at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and an electro-pneumatic adaptor, which is connectable to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and includes an adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly, including a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port of the endoscope, an adaptor electrical port assembly to which the endoscope electro-optic subsystem is connectable and a pneumatic port.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port includes a pneumatic connector assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the electro-pneumatic adaptor is removably connectable to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the leak test port communicates with an interior volume of the endoscope.


Preferably, the electro-pneumatic adaptor includes an electrical connector for connection to an electrical connector of the endoscope, a pneumatic connector portion for connection to the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly and a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the endoscope is a balloon endoscope and the endoscope system also includes a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem which is connected to the pneumatic port. Additionally, the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem is adapted to provide inflation and deflation of the balloon via the pneumatic port of the adaptor, the leak test port and an interior volume of the endoscope.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electro-pneumatic adaptor is constructed such that the adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly, the adaptor electrical port assembly and the pneumatic port are directed at mutually different angles.


Preferably, the electro-pneumatic adaptor includes a conduit pneumatically connecting the leak test port of the endoscope to the pneumatic port of the adaptor. Additionally or alternatively, the pneumatic port of the adaptor is fixedly connected to at least one of a leak tester and a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the endoscope system also includes a leak tester which is connected to the pneumatic port.


Preferably, the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem is removably connected to the pneumatic port.


There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention an electro-pneumatic adaptor for use with an endoscope including an endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly having a leak test port, the electro-pneumatic adaptor being connectable to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and including an adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly, including a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port of the endoscope, an adaptor electrical port assembly and a pneumatic port.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port includes a pneumatic connector assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the electro-pneumatic adaptor is connectable to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly. Preferably, the leak test port communicates with an interior volume of the endoscope.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly includes a pneumatic connector portion for connection to the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly and a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port.


Preferably, the endoscope is a balloon endoscope and the pneumatic port of the electro-pneumatic adaptor is connected to a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem. Additionally, the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem is adapted to provide inflation and deflation of the balloon via the pneumatic port of the adaptor, the leak test port and an interior volume of the endoscope.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electro-pneumatic adaptor is constructed such that the adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly, the adaptor electrical port assembly and the pneumatic port are directed at mutually different angles.


Preferably, the electro-pneumatic adaptor also includes a conduit pneumatically connecting the leak test port of the endoscope to the pneumatic port of the adaptor.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port is fixedly connected to at least one of a leak tester and a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem.


Preferably, the pneumatic port of the electro-pneumatic adaptor is connected to a leak tester. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port is removably connected to the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem.


There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of employing an endoscope system which includes an endoscope including an endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly having a leak test port, an endoscope electro-optic subsystem which is connectable to the endoscope via the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly in a manner which precludes access to the leak test port when the endoscope electro-optic subsystem and the endoscope are connected at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and an electro-pneumatic adaptor, which is connectable to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and includes an adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly, including a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port of the endoscope, an adaptor electrical port assembly to which the endoscope electro-optic subsystem is connectable and a pneumatic port, the method including connecting the electro-pneumatic adaptor to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and connecting the endoscope electro-optic subsystem to the adaptor port assembly of the electro-pneumatic adaptor and connecting at least one of a leak tester and a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem to the pneumatic port.


Preferably, at least one of the connecting steps includes removably connecting. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting at least one of the leak tester and the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem to the pneumatic port connects the at least one of the leak tester and the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem to an interior volume of the endoscope.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the method also includes connecting an electrical connector of the adaptor to an electrical connector of the endoscope, connecting a pneumatic connector portion of the adaptor to the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly and connecting the leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port of the endoscope.


Preferably, the endoscope is a balloon endoscope and the method also includes removably connecting the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem to the pneumatic port. Additionally, the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem provides inflation and deflation of the balloon via the pneumatic port of the adaptor, the leak test port and an interior volume of the endoscope.


Preferably, the pneumatic port of the adaptor is fixedly connected to at least one of the leak tester and the balloon inflation/deflation subsystem.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the drawings in which:



FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of an endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;



FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified illustrations of a balloon endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing respective connections to a leak testing subsystem and to a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem;



FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are respectively pictorial assembled, sectional assembled and exploded view illustrations of an electro-pneumatic adaptor forming part of the endoscope systems of FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, FIG. 3B being a sectional illustration taken along lines IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A;



FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are simplified illustrations of a first pneumatic connector element, forming part of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C, FIG. 4C being a sectional illustration taken along lines IVC-IVC in FIG. 4A;



FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are simplified illustrations of a main body portion of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C, FIGS. 5A and 5B being pictorial illustrations taken along mutually opposite directions and FIGS. 5C & 5D being respective pictorial and plan view sectional illustrations taken along lines VC-VC in FIG. 5A;



FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of an adaptor electrical connector assembly forming part of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C;



FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are simplified illustrations of an electrical connector support block, forming part of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C, FIG. 7C being a sectional illustration taken along lines VIIC-VIIC in FIG. 7A;



FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are simplified illustrations of a bayonet connection subassembly forming part of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C, FIGS. 8A and 8B being pictorial illustrations taken along mutually opposite directions and



FIGS. 8C & 8D being sectional illustrations taken along respective lines VIIIC-VIIIC and VIIID-VIIID in FIG. 8A taken along mutually opposite directions;



FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are simplified illustrations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C without the main body portion and without the bayonet connection subassembly, FIGS. 9A and 9B being pictorial illustrations taken along mutually opposite directions and FIGS. 9C & 9D being respective pictorial and plan view sectional illustrations taken along lines IXC-IXC in FIG. 9A;



FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C relative to an endoscope forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;



FIGS. 11A and 11B are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C when connected to an electro-optic subsystem forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;



FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C when connected to the leak testing subsystem forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2A; and



FIGS. 13A and 13B are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C relative to the inflation/deflation subsystem forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2B.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified illustration of an endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.


As seen in FIG. 1, there is provided an endoscope system 100 comprising an endoscope 102, which may be a suitable conventional endoscope, such as a CF-H180AL colonoscope, commercially available from Olympus Europe GmbH, of Wendenstraße 14-18, 20097, Hamburg, Germany. Endoscope 102 includes an endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly 104, including a leak test port 106 communicating with an interior volume 107 of endoscope 102, and includes a pneumatic connector portion 108 and an electrical connector 110 including a plurality of male pins 112.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electro-pneumatic adaptor 120, which is removably connectable to endoscope 102 at the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly 104 and includes an electrical connector 121, comprising a plurality of pins, for connection to electrical connector 110 of endoscope 102, a pneumatic connector portion 122 for connection to the pneumatic connector portion 108 of the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly 104 and a leak test port connector 123 which engages the leak test port 106. The electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 also includes an adaptor electrical port connector 124 to which a connector 125 of an endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126 is connectable and a pneumatic connector assembly 128 for connection to a leak testing subsystem 130 via a leak testing subsystem connector 132. Leak testing subsystem connector 132 may be any suitable pneumatic connector, and preferably is similar to a conventional connector, forming part of conventional leak tester such as model SHA-P5, commercially available from Pentax Europe GmbH, of 104 Julius-Vosseler St., 22527 Hamburg, Germany.


In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the leak testing subsystem 130 communicates with the interior volume 107 of the endoscope 102 via leak test port 106.


Endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126 is a conventional endoscope electro-optical subsystem such as a CV-180 video processor, commercially available from Olympus Europe GmbH, of Wendenstraße 14-18, 20097, Hamburg, Germany.


It is appreciated that during conventional clinical use of endoscope 102 in performing an endoscopy examination, as known in the art, the endoscope 102 is connected directly to endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126, by connecting the connector 125 to endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly 104, thereby precluding access to leak test port 106 during the endoscopy procedure. It is further appreciated that preclusion of pneumatic access to leak test port 106 and thus to the interior volume 107 of endoscope 102, when said endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126 and said endoscope 102 are connected at said electro-pneumatic connection assembly 104, prevents leak testing of endoscope 102 during the endoscopy examination.


It is a particular feature of the present invention that electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 enables simultaneous electrical connection of endoscope 102 and endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126, and pneumatic communication between an external pneumatic device such as leak tester 130 and the leak test port 106 of endoscope 102, thereby enabling leak testing of endoscope 102 during an endoscopy examination.


Reference is now made to FIG. 2A, which is a simplified illustration of a balloon endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.


As seen in FIG. 2A, there is provided a balloon endoscope system 200 comprising a balloon endoscope 202, which may be a suitable conventional balloon endoscope, such as a G-EYE™ H180AL colonoscope, commercially available from Smart Medical Systems, of 10 Hayetsira street, 4366356, Ra'anana, Israel. Aside from including a balloon 204, balloon endoscope 202 may be identical in all relevant respects to endoscope 102 (FIG. 1) and balloon endoscope system 200 may be identical in all relevant respects to endoscope system 100, identical elements being designated by identical reference numerals. Adaptor 120 is connected to a leak testing subsystem 130 via connector 132.


It is a particular feature of the present invention that electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 enables simultaneous electrical connection of balloon endoscope 202 and endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126, and pneumatic communication between an external pneumatic device such as leak tester 130 and the leak test port 106 of balloon endoscope 202, thereby enabling leak testing of balloon endoscope 202 during an endoscopy examination. Reference is now made to FIG. 2B, which is a simplified illustration of a balloon endoscope system 220, which is identical to the balloon endoscope system 200 of FIG. 2A but is connected to an inflation/deflation subsystem 230, via a connector 232, which may be identical to connector 132, instead of to a leak testing subsystem 130 as in the embodiment of FIG. 2A. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the inflation/deflation subsystem communicates with the interior volume of the endoscope via leak test port 106 and provides inflation and deflation of the balloon 204 via the interior volume 107.


It is appreciated that had balloon endoscope 202 been connected directly to endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126 while performing an endoscopy examination, by connecting the connector 125 to endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly 104 as commonly known in the art, this would have precluded access to leak test port 106 and consequently would have precluded inflation and deflation of balloon 204 through interior volume 107 by inflation/deflation subsystem 230 during the endoscopy examination.


It is a particular feature of the present invention that electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 enables simultaneous electrical connection of balloon endoscope 202 and endoscope electro-optic subsystem 126, and pneumatic communication between an external pneumatic device such as inflation/deflation subsystem 230 and the interior of balloon endoscope 202, via the leak test port 106, thereby enabling inflation and deflation of balloon 204 of balloon endoscope 202 during an endoscopy examination.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, which are respectively pictorial assembled, sectional assembled and exploded view illustrations of electro-pneumatic adaptor 120, forming part of the endoscope systems of FIGS. 1 and 2.


As seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 comprises a main body portion 300, an adaptor electrical connector assembly 302, an electrical connector support block 304 and a bayonet connector assembly 306, for connection to endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly 104 (FIG. 1). Retaining shims 307, 308 and 309 are employed to retain adaptor electrical connector assembly 302 in main body portion 300.


A pneumatic conduit 310 extends through a channel 312 formed in electrical connector support block 304 and is coupled at one end 314 thereof to pneumatic connector assembly 128 (FIG. 1). It is seen clearly in FIGS. 3B and 3C that pneumatic connector assembly 128 includes first and second pneumatic connector elements 316 and 318.


First pneumatic connector element 316 is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, to which reference is now made, and includes a generally circular cylindrical portion 320, having a longitudinal axis 322, which is integrally formed with a generally square flange portion 324, which extends in a plane generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 322. An inner portion 326 extends inwardly from flange portion 324 and includes a bore 328 which extends along an axis 332, which intersects and is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 322.


Generally circular cylindrical portion 320 includes an outer bore portion 334, inwardly of which is defined an inner bore portion 336, both of which extend along longitudinal axis 322. Inner bore portion 336 terminates in a bore 338, which also extends along longitudinal axis 322 and intersects with and joins bore 328 at a 90 degree junction 340.


Second pneumatic connector element 318 may be a conventional pneumatic connector, such as EOG valve assembly model number D201-V2330-1, commercially available from Pentax Europe GmbH, of 104 Julius-Vosseler St., 22527 Hamburg, Germany.


Pneumatic conduit 310 is arranged to be coupled at an end 350 thereof, which constitutes leak test port connector 123 (FIG. 1) and is preferably equipped with an O-ring 352, to leak test port 106 (FIG. 1).


Main body portion 300 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 5A-5D, to which reference is now made. As seen in FIGS. 5A-5D, main body portion 300 is a generally circularly symmetric integrally formed element arranged about a longitudinal axis 400 which includes a first generally circular cylindrical portion 402 having a generally circular cylindrical inner surface 404 and a generally circular cylindrical outer surface 406. Formed on generally circular cylindrical outer surface 406 are a plurality of mutually spaced generally rectangular radial protrusions 408, whose azimuthal distribution is shown in a sectional view portion of FIG. 5A.


Generally circular cylindrical outer surface 406 extends from an edge 410 to a shallow circumferential undercut 412. Adjacent undercut 412 is a circumferential protrusion 414 having formed therein a plurality of mutually spaced, radially extending apertures 416. Generally circular cylindrical inner surface 404 extends from edge 410 to a shoulder 418.


Axially adjacent first generally circular cylindrical portion 402 is a second generally circular cylindrical portion 422, having a generally circular cylindrical inner surface 424 and a generally circular cylindrical outer surface 426.


Generally circular cylindrical outer surface 426 extends from a shoulder 428 axially to a generally circular flange 430, axially adjacent to which is a relative undercut portion 432. Generally circular cylindrical outer surface 426 includes a circumferential protrusion 434 having formed therein a side aperture 436. Generally circular cylindrical inner surface 424 extends from shoulder 418 to a shoulder 438 and includes a side recess 440 surrounding side aperture 436.


Axially adjacent second generally circular cylindrical portion 422 is a third generally circular cylindrical portion 442, having a generally circular cylindrical inner surface 444 and a generally circular cylindrical outer surface 446.


Generally circular cylindrical outer surface 446 extends from flange 434 to an edge 448 and includes a forward undercut portion 450 and a chamfered portion 452 adjacent edge 448. Generally circular cylindrical inner surface 444 extends from shoulder 438 to edge 448. Disposed within and adjacent generally circular cylindrical inner surface 444 are mutually azimuthally spaced retaining shims 307, 308 and 309 (FIG. 3C), which are employed to retain adaptor electrical connector assembly 302 in main body portion 300. Shims 307, 308 and 309 are attached to main body portion, preferably by screws 454 which extend via apertures 456 formed in main body portion 300 and into correspondingly positioned threaded recesses 458 formed on outer surfaces of shims 307, 308 and 309.


Shims 307, 308 and 309 are attached to main body portion 300 only after insertion of adaptor electrical connector assembly 302 into main body portion 300 and are located so as to define therebetween a circumferential edge recess 460 and a plurality of axial recesses 462 which extend from circumferential edge recess 460 to shoulder 438.


A plurality of radially extending apertures 464 are formed in third generally circular cylindrical portion 442 and retain therein radially outwardly extending pins 466.


Adaptor electrical connector assembly 302 is illustrated in FIG. 6, to which reference is now made, and includes a base element 500 having a plurality of mutually spaced pin apertures 502 extending therethrough from a first generally planar surface 504 to a second planar surface 506. Second planar surface 506 is provided with an azimuthal orientation protrusion 508.


A plurality of electrical contact pin assemblies 510 are mounted onto base element 500, each at a pin mounting aperture 502, extending through base element 500. Each of electrical contact pin assemblies 510 preferably includes a male pin element 520 which is configured to be seated in and extend through base element 500, a generally circularly cylindrical intermediate pin shaft 522, and a female pin element 524.


Male pin element 520 is preferably an integrally formed element and includes an axial pin portion 530 and a socket 532 for retainably receiving a first end of intermediate pin shaft 522. Generally circularly cylindrical intermediate pin shaft 522 is preferably an elongate shaft, preferably having end slits 534 formed therein to provide resiliency. Female pin element 524 preferably is an integrally formed hollow cylindrical element, one end of which defines a socket 536 for retainably receiving a second end of intermediate pin shaft 522.


Electrical connector support block 304 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, to which reference is now made. As seen in FIGS. 7A-7C, electrical connector support block 304 is preferably an integrally formed, generally cylindrical element extending along an axis 550 and is preferably formed of a dielectric material such as DELRIN, ABS, or OKOLON.


Electrical connector support block 304 is preferably formed with a plurality of throughgoing generally circular cylindrical bores 552 which extend from a first end 554 of block 304 to a second end 556 of block 304. Bores 552 having a generally uniform cross-sectional radius along most of their extent 557 from first end 554 and have a short extent 558 adjacent second end 556 which has a lesser cross sectional radius. Each electrical contact pin assembly 510 is retained in an extent 557 of a bore 552. A recess 559 is formed at first end 554 of block 304 to accommodate azimuthal orientation protrusion 508 (FIG. 6).


As seen particularly in FIG. 7C, channel 312 terminates in a recess 560, which lies within an external recess 562, both of which accommodate an end of first pneumatic connector element 316.


Bayonet connector assembly 306 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, to which reference is now made. The overall construction and operation of bayonet connector assembly 306 is similar to that in Olympus MAJ-1430 Pigtail, commercially available from Olympus Europe GmbH, of Wendenstraße 14-18, 20097, Hamburg, Germany. Briefly stated, the bayonet connector assembly 306 includes a main cylindrical portion 570 having a pair of angled circumferential bayonet pin receiving slits 572 formed therein. A locking ring assembly 574, including a forward portion 576 and a rearward portion 578, cooperates with main cylindrical portion 570 in a conventional manner and is preferably spring loaded in a conventional manner. Details of the conventional bayonet connector assembly 306 are not shown or described in detail.



FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate the assembly of elements 302, 304, 310, 316 and 318 as described in detail hereinabove.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C relative to an endoscope forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG. 10A, it is seen that the electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 is entirely disconnected from the balloon endoscope 202.


In FIG. 10B, it is seen that the electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 is connected to the balloon endoscope 202, such that the pneumatic conduit 310 is sealingly coupled at an end 350 thereof, which constitutes leak test port connector 123 (FIG. 1) and is equipped with an O-ring 352, to leak test port 106 (FIG. 1) of balloon endoscope 202. It is also seen that male pins 112 of electrical connector 110 of balloon endoscope 202 are each inserted into a corresponding female pin element 524 of electrical contact pin assembly 510 of adaptor 120.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A and 11B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C relative to an electro-optic subsystem forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG. 11A, it is seen that the electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 is connected to the balloon endoscope 202 but is entirely disconnected from the electro-optic subsystem 126 and connector 125 (FIG. 1).


In FIG. 11B, it is seen that axial pin portions 530 of electrical contact pin assemblies 510 of adaptor 120 are each inserted into a corresponding pin socket in connector 125. It is also seen that male pins 520 of electrical contact pin assembly 510 of adaptor 120 are each inserted into a corresponding female pin socket 580 of connector 125.


Reference is now made FIGS. 12A and 12B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C relative to the leak testing subsystem forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 12A, it is seen that the electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 is connected to the balloon endoscope 202 and to electro-optic subsystem 126 via connector 125 (FIG. 1) but is entirely disconnected from leak testing subsystem 130.


In FIG. 12B, it is seen that second pneumatic connector element 318 is connected to leak testing subsystem 130 via connector 132, which preferably is bayonet connected to second pneumatic connector element 318 in a conventional manner.


Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operative orientations of the electro-pneumatic adaptor of FIGS. 3A-3C relative to the inflation/deflation subsystem 230 forming part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2B. In FIG. 13A, it is seen that the electro-pneumatic adaptor 120 is connected to the balloon endoscope 202 and to electro-optic subsystem 126 via connector 125 (FIG. 1) but is entirely disconnected from inflation/deflation subsystem 230 and from connector 232.


In FIG. 13B, it is seen that second pneumatic connector element 318 is connected to inflation/deflation subsystem 230 via connector 232, which preferably is bayonet connected to second pneumatic connector element 318 in a conventional manner.


It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes the combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications thereof which are not in the prior art.

Claims
  • 1. An endoscope system comprising: an endoscope including an endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly having a leak test port;an endoscope electro-optic subsystem which is connectable to said endoscope via said endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly in a manner which precludes access to said leak test port when said endoscope electro-optic subsystem and said endoscope are directly connected at said electro-pneumatic connection assembly; andan electro-pneumatic adaptor being connectable to said endoscope at said electro-pneumatic connection assembly and comprising: a plurality of adaptor connectors, including an electrical connector for connection to an electrical connector of said endoscope, a pneumatic connector portion for connection to a pneumatic connector portion of said endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly, and a leak test port connector for connection to said leak test port of said endoscope,an adaptor electrical port connector to which said endoscope electro-optic subsystem is connectable, anda pneumatic connector assembly with a pneumatic conduit pneumatically connecting said pneumatic connector assembly to said leak test port connector.
  • 2. An endoscope system according to claim 1 and wherein said leak test port communicates with an interior volume of said endoscope.
  • 3. An endoscope system according to claim 1 and wherein: said endoscope is a balloon endoscope; andsaid pneumatic connector assembly of said electro-pneumatic adaptor is connected to a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem.
  • 4. An endoscope system according to claim 3 and wherein said balloon inflation/deflation subsystem is adapted to provide inflation and deflation of said balloon via said pneumatic connector assembly of said adaptor, said leak test port and an interior volume of said endoscope.
  • 5. An endoscope system according to claim 1 and wherein said electro-pneumatic adaptor is constructed such that said plurality of adaptor connectors, said adaptor electrical port assembly and said pneumatic connector assembly are directed at mutually different angles.
  • 6. An endoscope system according to claim 1 and wherein said pneumatic connector assembly is fixedly connected to at least one of a leak tester and a balloon inflation/deflation subsystem.
  • 7. An endoscope system according to claim 1 and wherein said pneumatic connector assembly of said electro-pneumatic adaptor is connected to a leak tester.
  • 8. An endoscope system according to claim 3 and wherein said pneumatic connector assembly is removably connected to said balloon inflation/deflation subsystem.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/IL2016/050345, which has an international filing date of Mar. 31, 2016, and which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/178,207, filed Apr. 3, 2015, and entitled ADAPTOR FOR USE WITH AN ENDOSCOPE, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Reference is also made to applicant's Published PCT Patent Applications WO2011/111040; WO/2012/120492; WO/2014/068569 and WO2014/188402, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/IL2016/050345 3/31/2016 WO 00
Publishing Document Publishing Date Country Kind
WO2016/157189 10/6/2016 WO A
US Referenced Citations (155)
Number Name Date Kind
3837347 Tower Sep 1974 A
3895637 Choy Jul 1975 A
4040413 Ohshiro Aug 1977 A
4148307 Utsugi Apr 1979 A
4176662 Frazer Dec 1979 A
4195637 Gruntzig et al. Apr 1980 A
4224929 Furihata Sep 1980 A
4261339 Hanson et al. Apr 1981 A
4453545 Inoue Jun 1984 A
4616652 Simpson Oct 1986 A
4676228 Krasner et al. Jun 1987 A
4681093 Ono et al. Jul 1987 A
4690131 Lyddy et al. Sep 1987 A
4721123 Cosentino et al. Jan 1988 A
4862874 Kellner Sep 1989 A
4917088 Crittenden Apr 1990 A
5135487 Morrill et al. Aug 1992 A
5259366 Reydel et al. Nov 1993 A
5310524 Campbell et al. May 1994 A
5338299 Barlow Aug 1994 A
5411016 Kume et al. May 1995 A
5454364 Kruger Oct 1995 A
5569220 Webster, Jr. Oct 1996 A
5593419 Segar Jan 1997 A
5599301 Jacobs et al. Feb 1997 A
5607441 Sierocuk et al. Mar 1997 A
5653240 Zimmon Aug 1997 A
5693014 Abele Dec 1997 A
5700242 Mulder Dec 1997 A
5707382 Sierocuk et al. Jan 1998 A
5707392 Kortenbach Jan 1998 A
5823940 Newman Oct 1998 A
5904701 Daneshvar May 1999 A
5984860 Shan Nov 1999 A
6007482 Madni et al. Dec 1999 A
6162171 Ng et al. Dec 2000 A
6261260 Maki et al. Jul 2001 B1
6412334 Kral et al. Jul 2002 B1
6461294 Oneda et al. Oct 2002 B1
6585639 Kotmel et al. Jul 2003 B1
6589208 Ewers et al. Jul 2003 B2
6663589 Halevy Dec 2003 B1
6695810 Peacock Feb 2004 B2
6702735 Kelly Mar 2004 B2
6764441 Chiel Jul 2004 B2
6986736 Williams et al. Jan 2006 B2
7081096 Brister et al. Jul 2006 B2
7169140 Kume Jan 2007 B1
7635346 Cabiri et al. Dec 2009 B2
7695428 Machida Apr 2010 B2
7699771 Wendlandt Apr 2010 B2
7713191 Sekiguchi et al. May 2010 B2
7837672 Intoccia Nov 2010 B2
7887480 Sekiguchi Feb 2011 B2
7918788 Lin et al. Apr 2011 B2
7963911 Terliuc Jun 2011 B2
8002698 Motai Aug 2011 B2
8012084 Machida Sep 2011 B2
8152715 Root et al. Apr 2012 B2
8187221 Bates May 2012 B2
8197463 Intoccia Jun 2012 B2
8273013 Niwa et al. Sep 2012 B2
8348889 Salemi et al. Jan 2013 B2
8419678 Cabiri et al. Apr 2013 B2
8480572 Ishigami Jul 2013 B2
8545382 Suzuki et al. Oct 2013 B2
8727970 Terliuc et al. May 2014 B2
8939895 Simchony Jan 2015 B2
9119532 Terliuc et al. Sep 2015 B2
9511209 Drasler Jan 2016 B2
9278202 Ranade Mar 2016 B2
9427142 Terliuc et al. Aug 2016 B2
9480390 Farhadi Nov 2016 B2
9521945 Farhadi Dec 2016 B2
9596979 Terliuc et al. Mar 2017 B2
9604042 Fox Mar 2017 B2
9661994 Terliuc et al. May 2017 B2
9795280 Ueda Oct 2017 B2
9808142 Axon et al. Nov 2017 B2
20010032494 Greszler Oct 2001 A1
20020147385 Butler et al. Oct 2002 A1
20030074015 Nakao Apr 2003 A1
20030236495 Kennedy Dec 2003 A1
20040077926 Moriyama Apr 2004 A1
20040102681 Gross May 2004 A1
20040210116 Nakao Oct 2004 A1
20040236366 Kennedy et al. Nov 2004 A1
20050027253 Castellano et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050124856 Fujikura et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050125005 Fujikura Jun 2005 A1
20050133453 Woodruff et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050137457 Machida Jun 2005 A1
20050159702 Sekiguchi et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165233 Hamedi et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165273 Takano Jul 2005 A1
20050171400 Itoi Aug 2005 A1
20060095063 Sekiguchi May 2006 A1
20060100480 Ewers et al. May 2006 A1
20060111610 Machida May 2006 A1
20060116549 Sekiguchi et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060161044 Oneda et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060282088 Ryan Dec 2006 A1
20070010785 Sekiguchi et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070038026 Yoshida et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070083158 Hirszowicz et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070185385 Noguchi et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070191678 Sekiguchi Aug 2007 A1
20070213586 Hirose et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070244361 Ikeda et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070270645 Ikeda Nov 2007 A1
20070276181 Terliuc Nov 2007 A1
20080009673 Khachi Jan 2008 A1
20080161645 Goldwasser et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080177142 Roskopf Jul 2008 A1
20080200759 Niwa et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080306441 Brown et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090012469 Nita Jan 2009 A1
20090018500 Carter et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090048483 Yamamoto Feb 2009 A1
20090156896 Kura Jun 2009 A1
20090187069 Terliuc et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090234188 Matsuura et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090287058 Terliuc Nov 2009 A1
20100041951 Glozman et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100042046 Chang et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100217185 Terliuc et al. Aug 2010 A1
20120178994 Schembre Jul 2012 A1
20120232342 Reydel Sep 2012 A1
20120285488 Labib et al. Nov 2012 A1
20130023920 Terliuc et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130090527 Axon Apr 2013 A1
20130116549 Gunday May 2013 A1
20130197309 Sakata Aug 2013 A1
20140088362 Terliuc et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140155696 Sakata Jun 2014 A1
20150073216 Papay Mar 2015 A1
20150273191 Terliuc et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150335229 Terliuc Nov 2015 A1
20160022120 Terliuc et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160081536 Farhadi Mar 2016 A1
20160089001 Hara et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160095508 Terliuc et al. Apr 2016 A1
20170014099 Morimoto Jan 2017 A1
20170027415 Terliuc et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170027433 Terliuc Feb 2017 A1
20170065155 Farhadi Mar 2017 A1
20170216568 Terliuc et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170100017 Terliuc et al. Apr 2017 A1
20170106173 Chanduszko Apr 2017 A1
20170181606 Waagen Jun 2017 A1
20170203080 Terliuc et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170360282 Terliuc et al. Dec 2017 A1
20180125606 Labib May 2018 A1
20180140175 Luria May 2018 A1
20180333043 Terliuc et al. Nov 2018 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (125)
Number Date Country
2661242 Oct 2010 CA
1394543 Feb 2003 CN
2624936 Jul 2004 CN
1550203 Dec 2004 CN
1636502 Jul 2005 CN
1647747 Aug 2005 CN
1649630 Aug 2005 CN
1827031 Sep 2006 CN
1917802 Feb 2007 CN
1933766 Mar 2007 CN
1946328 Apr 2007 CN
1951312 Apr 2007 CN
1964665 May 2007 CN
101015440 Aug 2007 CN
101103898 Jan 2008 CN
101243965 Aug 2008 CN
101347321 Jan 2009 CN
101380220 Mar 2009 CN
101396256 Apr 2009 CN
101522091 Sep 2009 CN
101541227 Sep 2009 CN
101664560 Mar 2010 CN
102791180 Nov 2012 CN
103269638 Aug 2013 CN
4317601 Dec 1994 DE
10209993 Apr 2003 DE
0 212 696 Mar 1987 EP
0473045 Mar 1992 EP
0733342 Sep 1996 EP
1433410 Jun 2004 EP
1547641 Jun 2005 EP
1550465 Jul 2005 EP
1656879 May 2006 EP
1666864 Jun 2006 EP
1707221 Oct 2006 EP
1556118 Dec 2006 EP
2108303 Oct 2009 EP
1726248 Dec 2010 EP
1335659 Apr 2011 EP
1551316 Aug 2011 EP
2110068 Aug 2011 EP
2764818 Aug 2014 EP
1706169 May 2015 EP
2320984 Oct 2015 EP
S48-068542 Jun 1973 JP
SHO50-016762 Feb 1975 JP
JPS57-57804 Apr 1982 JP
S62-002925 Jun 1985 JP
SHO61-284226 Dec 1986 JP
SHO62-002925 Jan 1987 JP
S61-202274 Jul 1988 JP
SHO63-102429 Jul 1988 JP
SHO64-017203 Jan 1989 JP
H2-58402 Apr 1990 JP
H04-102436 Apr 1992 JP
H04-297219 Oct 1992 JP
HEI 05337081 Dec 1993 JP
H06-63045 Mar 1994 JP
HEI6-339455 Dec 1994 JP
HEI7-12101 Feb 1995 JP
HEI7-148105 Jun 1995 JP
H08228996 Sep 1996 JP
HEI10-127571 May 1998 JP
HEI 10-286223 Oct 1998 JP
HEI10-286309 Oct 1998 JP
HEI11-225947 Aug 1999 JP
2000-060793 Feb 2000 JP
2000-189385 Jul 2000 JP
2000-329534 Nov 2000 JP
2002-34900 Feb 2002 JP
2002-301019 Oct 2002 JP
2003-275173 Sep 2003 JP
2003250896 Sep 2003 JP
2004-97718 Apr 2004 JP
2004-329720 Nov 2004 JP
2005-185704 Jul 2005 JP
2005-185706 Jul 2005 JP
2005-185707 Jul 2005 JP
2005-205181 Aug 2005 JP
2005-279128 Oct 2005 JP
2005296256 Oct 2005 JP
2005-334475 Dec 2005 JP
2006-130014 May 2006 JP
2006-167310 Jun 2006 JP
2006-304906 Nov 2006 JP
2006-334149 Dec 2006 JP
2007-014475 Jan 2007 JP
2007-026814 Feb 2007 JP
2007-130082 May 2007 JP
2007-517576 Jul 2007 JP
2007-521907 Aug 2007 JP
2007-268137 Oct 2007 JP
2007-268147 Oct 2007 JP
2007-296054 Nov 2007 JP
2008-006000 Jan 2008 JP
2008125886 Jun 2008 JP
2008-537493 Sep 2008 JP
2009-056121 Mar 2009 JP
2009-195321 Sep 2009 JP
2009-537212 Oct 2009 JP
2009-254554 Nov 2009 JP
2012504431 Apr 2010 JP
9600099 Jan 1996 WO
9830249 Jul 1998 WO
02094087 Nov 2002 WO
2005017854 Feb 2005 WO
2005074377 Aug 2005 WO
2005089625 Sep 2005 WO
WO2006123590 Nov 2006 WO
2007023492 Mar 2007 WO
2007135665 Nov 2007 WO
2008004228 Jan 2008 WO
WO2008073126 Jun 2008 WO
WO2008121143 Oct 2008 WO
2008142685 Nov 2008 WO
2009122395 Oct 2009 WO
2010046891 Apr 2010 WO
WO2010070291 Jun 2010 WO
2010137025 Dec 2010 WO
2011111040 Sep 2011 WO
2014188402 Nov 2014 WO
WO2014188402 Nov 2014 WO
WO2015160970 Oct 2015 WO
WO2016103247 Jun 2016 WO
WO2017004432 Jan 2017 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (98)
Entry
An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Sep. 4, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2014/000025.
An International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Nov. 24, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2014/000025.
European Search Report dated Jan. 4, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's European App No. 14800390.8.
An Office Action dated Dec. 9, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201480029252.5.
European Search Report dated Apr. 8, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's European App No. 11752941.2.
An Office Action dated May 25, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201410483767.9.
An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Oct. 18, 2011 which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2011/000222.
An International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Sep. 11, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2011/000222.
An Office Action dated Mar. 16, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201410483767.9.
An Office Action dated Jun. 25, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated Apr. 3, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-556642.
An Office Action dated Sep. 16, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-175589.
An Office Action dated Feb. 11, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 2011/0013002.9.
An Office Action dated Aug. 4, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 2011/0013002.9.
An Office Action dated Feb. 22, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated Apr. 4, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated Nov. 5, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated Jun. 14, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
Notice of Allowance dated May 28, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 2011/0013002.9.
An Office Action dated May 24, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510483997.5.
An Office Action dated Jul. 20, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510483785.7.
An Office Action dated May 24, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510483785.7.
An Office Action dated Jun. 3, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201410484557.1.
An Office Action dated Mar. 15, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201410484557.1.
An Office Action dated Jun. 1, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510484559.0.
An Office Action dated Mar. 20, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510483997.5.
An Office Action dated Mar. 20, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510484559.0.
An Office Action dated Apr. 25, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510484558.6.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 10, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510484558.6.
An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Jul. 13, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL12/00003.
An International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Sep. 10, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL12/00003.
An Office Action dated Mar. 13, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510484566.0.
An Office Action dated Apr. 25, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510484566.0.
An Office Action dated Feb. 1, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2011225671.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 10, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2011225671.
Single Balloon Endoscope: Balloon pump control OBCU: http://medical.olympusamerica.com/products/control/ballooncontrol-unit-obcu,[online].
Single Balloon Endoscope: SIF-Q 1 80 enteroscope: http://medical.olympusamerica.com/products/enteroscope/evisexera-ii-sif-q180,[online].
An Office Action dated Jan. 21, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,791,838.
European Search Report dated Jul. 16, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's European App No. 12754885.7.
EVIS EXERA II CLV-180 product brochure, http://www.olympus.nl/medical/en/medical_systems/hidden/downloadJsp.jsp?link=/medical/rmt/media/content/content 1/documents 1/brochures 1/ EVIS_EXERA_11_CLV-180_product_brochure_001_V1-en_GB_20000101.pdf, [online].
BS-2 Front Balloon, http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/medical/endoscopy/endoscopes/specialized-balloons-andovertube/index.html#balloonsspecifications, [online].
An Office Action dated Jan. 30, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,791,838.
Double Balloon Endoscope: EC-450B15 colonoscope: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products.medical/endoscopy/endoscopes/enteroscopes/index.html,[online].
Double Balloon Endoscope: Balloon pump controller BP-30: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/medical/endoscopy/endoscopes/balloon-pump-controller/index.html,[online].
Double Balloon Endoscope: EPX-4440HD video system: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/medical/endoscopy/video-systems/epx-4440hd, [online].
Double Balloon Endoscope: TS-13 101 overtube: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/medical/endoscopy/endoscopes/specialized-balloons-and-overtube/index.html,[online].
Single Balloon Endoscope: ST-SB 1 overtube: http://medical.olympusamerica.com/products/tubes/single-use-st-sb 11, [online].
U.S. Appl. No. 61/855,688, filed May 21, 2013.
U.S. Appl. No. 61/962,383, filed Nov. 6, 2013.
A communication from the European Patent Office dated Jul. 23, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of European Application No. 12754885.7.
An Office Action dated Nov. 22, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated Mar. 18, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated May 9, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated Oct. 7, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
An Office Action dated Mar. 28, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/583,634.
A communication from the European Patent Office dated Jul. 6, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of European Application No. 12754885.7.
A communication from the European Patent Office dated May 17, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of European Application No. 12754885.7.
An Office Action dated Apr. 15, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201280022024.6.
An Office Action dated May 26, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201280022024.6.
An Office Action dated Nov. 1, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201280022024.6.
An Office Action dated Dec. 9, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2012226390.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 22, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2012226390.
An Office Action dated Oct. 27, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-557219.
An Office Action dated Oct. 24, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-557219.
An Office Action dated Dec. 28, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-004799.
An Office Action dated Dec. 6, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-004799.
An Office Action dated Dec. 15, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Australian Patent Application No. 2012226390.
An Office Action dated Sep. 3, 2015, which issued during the prosecution of Israel Patent Application No. 221621.
An Office Action dated Nov. 14, 2016, which issued during the prosecution of Israel Patent Application No. 228174.
An Office Action dated Jul. 5, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201280022024.6.
An Office Action dated Jul. 18, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,828,608.
An Office Action dated Jul. 24, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-556642.
A Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 24, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510484557.1.
An Office Action dated Sep. 18, 2017, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 14/891,683.
Notice of Allowance in Chinese Patent App. No. 201510483785.7, dated Sep. 26, 2017.
Office Action in Chinese Patent App. No. 201510484566.0, dated Oct. 20, 2017.
Notice of Allowance in Chinese Patent App. No. 201510484557.1, dated Aug. 24, 2017.
Office Action in Chinese Patent App. No. 201510483767.9, dated Nov. 27, 2017.
Office Action in Chinese Patent App. No. 201510484559.0, dated Dec. 14, 2017.
Decision of Rejection in Chinese Patent App. No. 201510483997.5, dated Sep. 28, 2017.
Office Action in Chinese Patent App. No. 201480029252.5, dated Nov. 1, 2017.
Office Action in Australian Patent App. No. 2014269901, dated Jan. 12, 2018.
Office Action in Australian Patent App. No. 2017202285, dated Jan. 4, 2018.
Office Action in Canadian Patent App. No. 2,791,838, dated Dec. 15, 2017.
Final Rejection in U.S. Appl. No. 14/003,799, dated Oct. 5, 2017.
Non Final Rejection in U.S. Appl. No. 14/891,683, dated Sep. 18, 2017.
Office Action in JP 2016189043 dated Jul. 24, 2017.
Office Action in EP 11752941.2 dated Feb. 6, 2018.
Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/003,799 dated Oct. 5, 2017.
Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/003,799 dated Mar. 27, 2018.
Office Action in JP 2017012628 dated Feb. 26, 2018.
Office Action in JP 2016514529 dated Feb. 9, 2018.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability in WO/2016/157189 dated Oct. 3, 2017.
International Search Report in WO/2016/157189 dated Sep. 7, 2016.
Written Opinion of the International Search Authority in WO/2016/157189 dated Sep. 7, 2016.
International Search Report in WO/2016/103247 dated Mar. 17, 2016.
Written Opinion of the International Search Authority in WO/2016/103247 dated Mar. 17, 2016.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability in WO/2016/103247 dated Jun. 27, 2017.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20180084973 A1 Mar 2018 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
62178207 Apr 2015 US