# US 2019/0167374 A1 · Coupler for endoscopic camera > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0167374 A1 - Document ID: US20190167374A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/208,137 - Filed: 2018-12-03 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2017-12-04 - Assignees: Promecon GMBH - Applicants: Promecon GmbH - Inventors: Alexander Calavrezos; Philipp Kraus; Lenika Calavrezos - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190167374A1 ## CPC - A61B 1/00105: {characterised by modular construction} - A61B 1/00126: {optical, e.g. for light supply cables} - A61B 1/00131: {Accessories for endoscopes} - A61B 1/0014: {Fastening element for attaching accessories to the outside of an endoscope, e.g. clips, clamps or bands} - A61B 1/00142: {with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath} - A61B 1/00195: {with eyepieces} - A61B 1/042: {characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera} - A61B 1/053: {being detachable} - A61B 1/00128: {mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes} - A61B 46/10: specially adapted for instruments{, e.g. microscopes} - A61B 2017/00477: {Coupling (A61B2017/0046 takes precedence)} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract The present disclosure relates to an endotherapy camera coupler. The coupler may detachably couple an endotherapy eyepiece cap to a camera and may support a drape for covering the camera. In one example, the coupler comprises an optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member configured to be arranged in an optical path between the eyepiece cap and the camera, a base holding the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member in the optical path, a receiving portion for the eyepiece cap, wherein the receiving portion comprises a base-side receiving portion configured to receive the eyepiece cap along an insertion path extending in one direction, and a liquid barrier provided in the receiving portion and configured for hindering or preventing liquid from entering between the eyepiece cap and the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member when the eyepiece cap is coupled to the camera. Other examples of devices and methods of use are described. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A coupler for detachably coupling an endotherapy eyepiece cap to a camera and supporting a drape for covering the camera, the coupler comprising: an optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member configured to be arranged in an optical path between the eyepiece cap and the camera; a base configured to hold the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member in the optical path; a receiving portion for the eyepiece cap, wherein the receiving portion comprises a base-side receiving portion configured to receive the eyepiece cap along an insertion path extending exclusively in one direction; and a liquid barrier provided in the receiving portion and configured to hinder or prevent liquid from entering between the eyepiece cap and the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member when the eyepiece cap is coupled to the camera. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member is an integral part of the base, or the base has an opening for attachment of the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member in the optical path. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the liquid barrier circumferentially surrounds the optical path. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the liquid barrier comprises a sealing surface configured to contact an opposing sealing surface of the eyepiece cap, thereby creating a seal therebetween. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The coupler according to claim 4, wherein the liquid barrier comprises a sealing structure including a sealing ring or a sealing element formed integrally with the base, and wherein the sealing surface of the liquid barrier is formed by a surface of the sealing element. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the liquid barrier comprises a dam radially outside of the optical path and a liquid collection portion radially outside of the dam. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The coupler according to claim 6, wherein the liquid collection portion comprises one or more recesses arranged at least partially around a circumference of the dam. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the coupler comprises one or more draining channels for discharging liquid from the liquid barrier. ### Claim 9 A coupler, comprising: an optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member arranged between an endotherapy eyepiece cap and a camera; a base configured to hold the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member in an optical path between the eyepiece cap and the camera; a receiving portion within the base, wherein the receiving portion comprises a base-side receiving portion which receives the eyepiece cap and a fastener-side receiving portion comprising at least one fastener configured for detachably fastening the eyepiece cap to the coupler; and a liquid barrier within the receiving portion. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The coupler according to claim 9, wherein the fastener is movably mounted to the base and is configured to be moved to and from an open state and a closed state. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The coupler according to claim 9, wherein the receiving portion is cooperatively formed by the base-side receiving portion and the fastener-side receiving portion. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The coupler according to claim 10, wherein the fastener is slidable or pivotable, or both, relative to the base to hold the eyepiece cap in place in the closed state, and to release the eyepiece cap in the open state. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The coupler according to claim 10, wherein the fastener is configured to apply a compressive force in an axial and/or radial direction with respect to the eyepiece cap in the closed state so as to urge the eyepiece cap into the receiving portion. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The coupler according to claim 9, wherein the fastener engages contact portions on both sides of the base in an axial direction with respect to the eyepiece cap. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The coupler according to claim 10, wherein the fastener and base form a snap-fit mechanism, wherein, in the closed state, the fastener and base are releasably snapped together, and the fastener is biased towards the open state. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The coupler according to claim 15, wherein the snap-fit mechanism is a non-permanent cantilever snap-fit mechanism comprising one or more levers, wherein the levers are integral parts of the base. ### Claim 17 (depends on 9) The coupler according to claim 9, wherein the receiving portion is formed in a portion of the base and a portion of the fastener. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion comprises one or more radially inwardly extending projections configured to position the eyepiece cap or a sealing element, or both, in the receiving portion. ### Claim 19 A method of detachably coupling an eyepiece cap to a camera, the method comprising: arranging an optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member in an optical path between the eyepiece cap and the camera; securing the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member within a base; coupling the eyepiece cap to a receiving portion within the base; and creating a liquid barrier between the receiving portion and the eyepiece cap to hinder or prevent liquid from entering between the eyepiece cap and the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method according to claim 19, further comprising attaching a drape for covering the camera to the base, or the optically transmissible and liquid impermeable member, or both.