# US 12,215,811 B2 · Cryogenic system connector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,215,811 B2 - Document ID: US12215811B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/866,614 - Filed: 2022-07-18 - Published: 2024-01-18 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2022-07-18 - Assignees: Icecure Medical Ltd. - Applicants: Icecure Medical Ltd. - Inventors: Naum Muchnik; Ron Hilleli; Shai Kaufman; Lior Lasker; Adir Weiser - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12215811B2 ## CPC - F16L 37/086: by means of latching members pushed radially by spring-like elements {(radially moved latching members forming a ring F16L37/0841)} - A61B 18/02: by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques - A61B 2018/00172: {Connectors and adapters therefor} - A61B 2018/0231: {Characteristics of handpieces or probes} - A61B 2018/0262: {using a circulating cryogenic fluid} - F16L 37/0841: {by means of a transversally slidable locking member surrounding the tube} - F16L 55/11: Plugs {(F16L55/128 takes precedence)} - F16L 2201/10: Indicators for correct coupling - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract Cryogenic apparatus, consisting of a connector that has a connector base plate configured for connection to a conduit carrying a cryogen, and a slot extending across the base plate. The apparatus has a plug, which is configured for insertion into an opening in the base plate. The apparatus also has a latch plate that is configured to slide within the slot between a first position, in which the plug is inserted through an aperture in the latch plate into the opening, and a second position, in which a cryogenic probe is inserted through the aperture and brought into fluid communication with the opening. There is a sensor, which is coupled to control a flow of the cryogen through the conduit by detecting whether the latch plate is in the first position or the second position. ## Claims ### Claim 1 Cryogenic apparatus, comprising: a connector comprising: a connector base plate configured for connection to a conduit carrying a cryogen; a slot extending across the base plate; and a connector cover, comprising a first cover opening and a second cover opening, coupled to the base plate; a plug, which is configured for insertion via the first cover opening into an opening in the base plate; a latch plate configured to slide within the slot between a first position, in which the plug is inserted through an aperture in the latch plate into the opening, and a second position, in which a cryogenic probe is inserted via the first cover opening through the aperture and brought into fluid communication with the opening; a sensor, which is coupled to control a flow of the cryogen through the conduit by detecting whether the latch plate is in the first position or the second position; a control rod which penetrates the second cover opening and a further aperture in the latch plate and which is configured to operate the sensor; and a button, attached to a termination of the control rod so as to lie outside the connector cover. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The cryogenic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plug comprises a groove, and wherein the aperture grips the groove, when the plug is inserted through the aperture, so as to lock the plug to the latch plate. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The cryogenic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cryogenic probe comprises a groove, and wherein the aperture grips the groove, when the probe is inserted through the aperture, so as to lock the probe to the latch plate. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The cryogenic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control rod, when the latch plate is in the first position, is in a first control rod position that deactivates the sensor so as to prevent flow of the cryogen, and when the latch plate is in the second position, is in a second control rod position that activates the sensor so as to permit flow of the cryogen. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The cryogenic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control rod when the latch plate is in the first position, is in a first control rod position that prevents the latch plate from moving from the first position, and when the latch plate is in the second position, is in a second control rod position that prevents the latch plate from moving from the second position. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The cryogenic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control rod, when translated from the first control rod position permits the latch plate moving from the first position, and, when translated from the second control rod position permits the latch plate moving from the second position. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a third cover opening, the apparatus further comprising a latch plate retainer fixedly attached to the latch plate and protruding through the third cover opening. ### Claim 8 A method, comprising: providing a connector comprising: a connector base plate configured for connection to a conduit carrying a cryogen; a slot extending across the base plate; and a connector cover, comprising a first cover opening and a second cover opening, coupled to the base plate; configuring a plug for insertion via the first cover opening into an opening in the base plate; sliding a latch plate within the slot between a first position, in which the plug is inserted through an aperture in the latch plate into the opening, and a second position, in which a cryogenic probe is inserted via the first cover opening through the aperture and brought into fluid communication with the opening; coupling a sensor to control a flow of the cryogen through the conduit by detecting whether the latch plate is in the first position or the second position; providing a control rod which penetrates the second cover opening and a further aperture in the latch plate and which is configured to operate the sensor; and attaching a button to a termination of the control rod so as to lie outside the connector cover. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein the plug comprises a groove, and wherein the aperture grips the groove, when the plug is inserted through the aperture, so as to lock the plug to the latch plate. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein the cryogenic probe comprises a groove, and wherein the aperture grips the groove, when the probe is inserted through the aperture, so as to lock the probe to the latch plate. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein the control rod, when the latch plate is in the first position, is in a first control rod position that deactivates the sensor so as to prevent flow of the cryogen, and when the latch plate is in the second position, is in a second control rod position that activates the sensor so as to permit flow of the cryogen. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein the control rod, when the latch plate is in the first position, is in a first control rod position that prevents the latch plate from moving from the first position, and when the latch plate is in the second position, is in a second control rod position that prevents the latch plate from moving from the second position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method according to claim 12, wherein the control rod, when translated from the first control rod position permits the latch plate moving from the first position, and, when translated from the second control rod position permits the latch plate moving from the second position. ### Claim 14 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein the cover comprises a third cover opening, the method further comprising fixedly attaching a latch plate retainer to the latch plate so as to protrude through the third cover opening.