Patent ID: 6663570
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for connecting a flexible elongate member having mounted thereon an electrically operable sensor to a physiology monitor, the system comprising:a flexible cable having an electrical conductor therein, and a connector arranged on an end of the flexible cable for receiving an end of the flexible elongate member, the connector comprising: a housing having an internal passage therein, a contact member supported in the internal passage of the housing and electrically connected to the conductor in the flexible cable, the contact member being movable between an engaged position wherein the contact member is positioned to electrically contact the end of the flexible elongate member received in the connector and a disengaged position, a nosepiece having an opening therein which communicates with the internal passage in the housing and being supported on the housing for movement between an open position and a closed position, wherein movement of the nosepiece between the open and closed positions effects movement of the contact member between the disengaged and engaged positions such that when the nosepiece is in the open position the contact member is in the disengaged position and the end of the flexible elongate member is insertable in the connector and when the nosepiece is in the closed position the contact member is in the engaged position, and an interlock mechanism supported in the housing for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position and being operable to move to the unlocked position when the end of the flexible elongate member reaches a fully inserted position in the connector, wherein in the locked position the interlock mechanism prevents movement of the nosepiece from the open to the closed position.