Cable Identification Tester

Abstract

A method of identifying opposite ends of cables within a cable assembly having a plurality of cables. The method includes: transmitting a signal to a first end of a cable of the plurality of cables; receiving the signal at a second end of a cable of the plurality of cables; transmitting an output signal from a connector from the connector to a processor, the connector being operably coupled to the second end of the cable of the plurality of cables. The connector is one of a plurality of connectors. The method also includes identifying the connector of the plurality of connectors operably coupled to the second end of the cable using an indicator device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a cable assembly, and more particularly to a test device for detecting and identifying corresponding ends of cables within a cable assembly and methods of using the same.

[0002] Background Description

[0003] Power delivery devices, such as electrode catheters, typically consist of a central core of wires or cables that terminate in one or more electrodes at the distal end and in connector pins at the proximal end. Before securing the connector to the proximal end of the cable, the operator must identify each of the different channels within the catheter by identifying the two ends of each cable. Proper identification is critical because power delivery devices can directly affect the health and safety of personnel who rely on the operation of the device.

[0004] Currently, a multimeter is used to identify the interconnected and opposite ends of the cables of such power transmission equipment. This identification process is continuously repeated (mainly by trial and error) until the measured resistance indicates that the multimeter is connected to the opposite ends of the same cable. Therefore, the existing identification method is time consuming. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an embodiment, a method for identifying opposite ends of cables within a cable assembly having a plurality of cables. The method includes: transmitting a signal to a first end of a cable in the plurality of cables; receiving the signal at a second end of a cable in the plurality of cables; transmitting an output signal from a connector to a processor, the connector being operably coupled to the second end of the cable in the plurality of cables. The connector is one of a plurality of connectors. The method also includes identifying a connector in the plurality of connectors that is operably coupled to the second end of the cable using an indicator device.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, transmitting a signal to the first end of the cable includes: directly contacting the first end of the cable with a connector.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the connector is a probe.

[0008] In addition to or instead of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, receiving the signal at the second end of the cable also includes: receiving the signal at an electrode operably coupled to the cable, the electrode being positioned near the second end of the cable.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, includes transmitting a signal from the electrode to the connector.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative, in a further embodiment, it includes: transmitting a signal to a first end of a second cable among a plurality of cables; receiving the signal at a second end of the second cable; transmitting an output signal from a second connector to a processor, the second connector being operably coupled to the second end of the second cable; and identifying on an indicator device a second connector that is operably coupled to the second end of the second cable.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, transmitting the signal to the first end of the cable and transmitting the signal to the first end of the second cable occur sequentially.

[0012] In addition to or instead of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, transmitting a signal to a first end of a cable includes directly contacting the first end of the cable with a probe, and transmitting a signal to a first end of a second cable includes decoupling the probe from the cable and directly contacting the first end of the second cable with the probe.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, transmitting the signal to the first end of the electrical cable and transmitting the signal to the first end of the second electrical cable occur sequentially.

[0014] In addition to or instead of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, identifying on the indicator device a connector operably coupled to the second end of the cable and identifying on the indicator device a second connector operably coupled to the second end of the second cable occur simultaneously.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a system for identifying opposite ends of cables within a cable assembly having a plurality of cables includes: a processor connected to a first end of a cable in the plurality of cables. A plurality of connectors operably coupled to the processor and respectively connectable to a second end of each of the plurality of cables. An input / output device operably coupled to the processor. The input / output device includes an indicator device operable to display information identifying a connector in the plurality of connectors associated with the first end of the cable.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the system also includes a connector operably coupled to the processor, wherein the connector is positionable in direct contact with the first end of the cable.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the connector is a probe.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the connector includes a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals being connectable to a first end of one of the plurality of cables.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, at least a portion of the system is positioned within a housing, and the housing and system together form a portable identification device.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the input / output device is arranged outside the housing.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the input / output device includes at least one of a display and one or more light emitting devices.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the housing includes an opening for receiving the second end of each of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of connectors are mounted directly adjacent to the opening.

[0023] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the cable assembly is an electrode catheter.

[0024] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the cable assembly is a coaxial cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a cable assembly according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly according to another embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a computing system operable to identify a relationship between a proximal end portion of a cable and a distal end portion of the cable of a cable assembly;

[0028] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an identification device according to an embodiment, the identification device including a computing system operable to identify a relationship between a proximal end portion of a cable of a cable assembly and a distal end portion of the cable;

[0029] Figure 4B is a perspective view of an identification device according to an embodiment, the identification device including a computing system operable to identify a relationship between a proximal end portion of a cable of a cable assembly and a distal end portion of the cable;

[0030] Figure 5A is an example of a display of an input / output device associated with an identification device according to an embodiment; and

[0031] Figure 5B is another example of a display of an input / output device associated with an identification device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] One or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods are described herein in detail by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Reference now Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an example of a cable assembly 20 is shown. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the cable assembly 20 is an electrode catheter, which includes an elongated body 22 and a tip portion 24 disposed at a distal end 26 of the body 22. Figure 1 In the best shown embodiment, the control handle 28 is located at the proximal end 30 of the body 22. The elongated body 22 has a tubular structure defining a single lumen, a central lumen or an axial lumen 32. The body 22 is formed of a flexible (e.g., bendable), electrically insulating material that is substantially incompressible along its length. The body 22 may have any suitable configuration and may be made of any suitable material. In an embodiment, the body 22 includes an outer wall 34 formed of a polyurethane material and includes an embedded woven stainless steel mesh (not shown) for increasing the torsional rigidity of the body 22. The interior of the body 22 includes a reinforcing tube 36, such as formed of a nylon material, the inner surface of which forms the central lumen 32. The outer diameter of the reinforcing tube 36 may be approximately equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of the outer wall 34. The reinforcing tube 36 may be fixedly attached to the outer wall 34 in any suitable manner.

[0034] The tip portion 24 of the cable assembly 20 includes a short portion of a flexible tube 38 having one or more lumens 39 defined therein. The tip portion 24 can be attached to the distal end 26 of the body 22 with a suitable bonding material (not shown), such as an adhesive. In an embodiment, the tip portion 24 includes a plurality of electrodes, such as, for example, ring electrodes 40a-40d and / or a tip electrode 42 that are spaced apart from each other. The outer diameter of the ring electrodes 40a-40d can be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the flexible tube 38, so that the electrodes 40a-40d form a smooth continuous surface with the outer surface of the flexible tube 38. Alternatively, the electrode can have an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 38, so that the electrodes 40a-40d protrude slightly from the surface of the flexible tube 38.

[0035] Specific reference Figure 2 , the cable assembly 20 additionally includes a plurality of lead cables or conductors 44. The lead cables, such as 44a-44e shown, extend through both the lumen 39 of the tip portion 24 and the central lumen 32 of the body 22, such that a proximal end portion 46a-46e of each lead cable 44a-44e extends beyond the proximal end portion 30 of the body 22. In embodiments where the cable assembly 20 includes a control handle 28, such as Figure 1 As shown, each proximal end portion 46a-46e of the plurality of lead cables 44a-44e is received within and / or extends through the control handle 28 for coupling to a connector (not shown) adapted for use with a monitor, energy source, or other suitable device.

[0036] Each of the plurality of electrodes 40a-40d and 42 is electrically connected to the distal end 48a-48e of a separate lead cable 44a-44e in the plurality of lead cables 44a-44e by any suitable method. Although five lead cables 44a-44e are shown in the non-limiting embodiment shown, it should be understood that any number of lead cables 44 may be present in the embodiments herein, for example, lead cables between two and twenty, or lead cables greater than twenty, may also be considered herein. In addition, because each lead cable is coupled to a different electrode, it should be understood that a cable assembly 20 having any number and type of electrodes (e.g., two or more annular electrodes) is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] The electrode catheters shown and described are intended to be examples only. It should be understood that other configurations of electrode catheters having multiple lead cables are contemplated herein within the scope of the term "cable assembly". In addition, other cable assemblies, such as coaxial cables or cable bundles having two or more partially armored cables are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Prior to securing the connector or control handle 28 to the proximal ends 46a-46e of the lead cables 44a-44e, the association between the proximal ends 46a-46e of each lead cable 44a-44e and the distal ends 48a-48e of each lead cable 44a-44e is determined. Because the distal ends 48a-48e of the lead cables 44a-44e are hidden in the lumen 39 of the tip portion 24, and because the plurality of lead cables 44a-44e are substantially identical (i.e., have no distinguishing markings), the lead cables 44a-44e and the electrode 40a-40d, 42 pairs need to be identified.

[0039] Reference now Figure 3 , which is a schematic diagram showing an example of a computing system 50 according to an embodiment, the computing system 50 is operable to identify an electrode 40 or 42 associated with an exposed end of a cable 44, such as electrodes 40a-40d, 42 of lead cables 44a-44e of a cable assembly 20. As shown, the computing system 50 includes a processor 52. The processor 52 can be any type of processor, including a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. In an embodiment, the processor 52 can include one or more image processors, which are used to process the associated data from the acquisition device using one or more processing algorithms to generate one or more processed signals.

[0040] The computing system 50 additionally includes one or more input / output (I / O) devices 54 operably connected to the processor 52. In an embodiment, at least one of the I / O devices 54 is an indicator device for providing identification information to a user about the electrodes 40, 42 and thus the distal end 48 associated with the proximal end 46 of the cable 44 in the cable assembly 20. Examples of such indicators include, but are not limited to, a display screen, a light emitting diode, or a speaker, etc. Alternatively or in addition, the I / O device 54 can be configured to provide an interface for allowing a user to interact with the computing system 50.

[0041] At least one connector 56 may be electrically connected to a distal end of a cable 44 of the cable assembly. In an embodiment, the at least one connector 56 is a spring loaded connector and is configured to electrically couple to the electrodes 40, 42 of the cable assembly 20. In embodiments where the cable assembly 20 includes a plurality of lead cables 44 and, therefore, a plurality of electrodes 40, 42, the computing system 50 includes a plurality of connectors 56, and each connector 56 is configured to couple to a single electrode associated with one of the plurality of cables 44.

[0042] In an embodiment, the computing system 50 includes at least one multiplexer with a programmable set of inputs and outputs, as shown at 58 in the figure. The at least one multiplexer 58 is not only operably coupled to the processor 52, but also to each of the plurality of connectors 56. Each of the plurality of connectors 56 is operable to provide an input signal I to the multiplexer 58, and to provide one of the selected input signals I as an output signal O to the processor 52.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, a computing system 50 is completely contained by a housing 60 to provide a portable device 70 capable of identifying cables within a cable bundle or cable assembly 20. The housing 60 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a connection mechanism 62 operably coupled to the processor 52 may be movable or fixed relative to the exterior of the housing 60. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the connection mechanism 62 includes a probe or conductor that can selectively contact the proximal end portion 46 of each cable 44 of the cable assembly 20 individually. In another embodiment, the connection mechanism 62 includes a plurality of terminals, and each terminal is configured to receive and electrically connect to the proximal end portion of a corresponding cable 44 of the cable assembly 20. Thus, in embodiments where the connection mechanism 62 includes a plurality of terminals, the processor 52 is arranged to communicate with each of the plurality of cables 44 of the cable assembly 20.

[0044] An opening 64 is formed in a portion of the housing 60 for receiving the tip portion 24 of the cable assembly 20. In an embodiment, a plurality of connectors 56 configured to connect to the plurality of electrodes 40, 42 of the cable assembly 20 are mounted directly adjacent to the opening 64 such that the connectors 56 may be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electrodes 40, 42 of the tip portion 24 when the tip portion 24 is mounted within the opening 64.

[0045] In addition, at least one indicator I / O device 54 of the computing system 50 is exposed to the exterior of the housing 60. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the at least one I / O device includes a display screen 54a mounted on the upper surface 66 of the housing 60. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of light emitting devices 54b, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), may be mounted so as to be visible on the surface of the housing 60. In such an embodiment, each light emitting device 54 may be associated with one of the connectors 56. It should be understood that the configuration of the device 70 shown and described herein is intended to be exemplary only.

[0046] During operation of the device 70, the processor 52 is selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of cables 44 of the cable assembly 20. In an embodiment, this coupling is achieved by bringing the proximal end 46 of the cable 44 into direct contact with the connection mechanism 62. Via this contact, an electrical signal generated by the processor 52 is transmitted or communicated to the cable 44. The electrodes 40, 42 associated with the cable 44 receive the signal, and the connector 56 coupled to the electrodes 40, 42 also receives the signal. In response, the connector 56 generates a signal that is returned to the processor 52 to complete the transmission circuit. The processor 52 determines the connector of the plurality of connectors 56 that generates the signal, and sends a signal to the I / O device 54 to indicate the identification information of the connector 56 and / or the electrodes 40, 42 associated with the contacted cable 44. For example, if electrodes 40, 42 of connector "4" coupled to device 70 and computing system 50 transmit signals to processor 52 in response to signals output from processor 52, the I / O device can display the number "4" on display 54a and / or LED 54b associated with the fourth connector, for example, by illuminating the reference number.

[0047] Alternatively, the proximal ends 46 of the plurality of cables 44 of the cable assembly 20 may be electrically connected to the processor 52 via the connection mechanism 62 at the same time. Thus, the electrical signal output from the processor 52 is automatically transmitted to each of the plurality of cables 44 via the connection mechanism 62. These electrical signals may be transmitted sequentially or simultaneously. The electrical signal is transmitted via each cable 44 to the corresponding electrode 40, 42 located at the distal end 48 of the cable 44. The electrical signal is received by the electrodes 40, 42 associated with the cable 44 and the connector 56 coupled to the electrodes 40, 42, respectively.

[0048] As previously described, the connector 56 generates a signal that is returned to the processor 52 to complete the transmission circuit. In embodiments where the connection mechanism 62 is simultaneously coupled to multiple cables 44 of the cable assembly 20, the computing system 50 may include one or more multiplexers that are used to organize the input signals received from each connector. In such an embodiment, the input signal from each connector 56 is selectively provided to the processor 52 as an output signal from the multiplexer 58 when prompted. The processor 52 can coordinate the identification information of each of the multiple cables 44 of the cable assembly 20 and simultaneously display such information to the user, as shown in FIG5. After identifying the end of each cable 44, the first end 46a-46e of each cable 44a-44e can be labeled, coded or otherwise marked to indicate which cable 44a-44e corresponds to which electrode 40a-40d, 42 of the cable assembly 20. The proximal end 46a-46e can then be fixed to a connector (not shown), such as via a welding or fusion operation for operation of the cable assembly 20.

[0049] The portable identification device 70 has a computing system 50 as described herein, which allows for the effective identification of the opposite ends of one or more cables within the cable assembly 20. As previously mentioned, the identification device can be adapted for use with any type of cable assembly having multiple cables, wherein the cables are not bundled together with any identifying markings or indicia.

[0050] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0051] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "include" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0052] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and elements thereof may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for implementing the present disclosure, but the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of identifying opposite ends of cables within a cable assembly having a plurality of cables, the method comprising: providing a plurality of electrical cables, each cable having an exposed first end connected to an electrode and a concealed second end; coupling the electrode associated with each cable to a corresponding connector of a plurality of connectors; transmitting a signal from the processor directly to a first end of a cable of the plurality of cables; receiving the signal at the electrode connected to the cable of the plurality of cables; transmitting an output signal from the connector to the processor, the connector operatively coupled to the electrode connected to the cable of the plurality of cables; as well as The connector of the plurality of connectors that is coupled to the electrode associated with the second end of the cable is identified using an indicator device operably coupled to the processor.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein transmitting the signal to the first end of the cable comprises: The first end of the cable is directly contacted with a connector. The method of claim 2 , wherein the connector is a probe. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the signal from the electrode to the connector.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a signal from the processor to a first end of a second cable of the plurality of cables; receiving the signal at a second electrode coupled to the second end of the second cable; transmitting an output signal from a second connector operably coupled to the second electrode connected to the second cable to the processor; as well as The second connector of the plurality of connectors that is coupled to the second electrode associated with the second end of the second cable is identified using the indicator device. 6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein transmitting the signal to the first end of the cable and transmitting the signal to the first end of the second cable occur sequentially.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein transmitting the signal to the first end of the cable comprises: directly contacting the first end of the cable with a probe; as well as Transmitting the signal to the first end of the second cable includes decoupling the probe from the cable and directly contacting the first end of the second cable with the probe.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein identifying the second connector of the plurality of connectors using the indicator device further comprises: identifying, using the indicator device, the connector operably coupled to the electrode associated with the cable; as well as Identifying the second connector coupled to the second electrode associated with the second cable using the indicator device occurs simultaneously with identifying the connector operably coupled to the electrode associated with the cable.

9. A system for identifying opposite ends of cables within a cable assembly having a plurality of cables, the system comprising: a processor connected to a first end of a cable of the plurality of cables; a plurality of connectors operably coupled to the processor, the plurality of connectors respectively connectable to a second end of each of the plurality of cables, the first end being exposed and the second end being concealed, the second end being opposite to the first end and the second end being connected to an electrode; as well as an input / output device operably coupled to the processor, wherein the input / output device includes an indicator device operable to display information identifying a connector of the plurality of connectors associated with the first end of the cable; The system is configured to perform operations including: transmitting a signal from the processor directly to the first end of a cable of the plurality of cables; receiving the signal at the electrode connected to the cable transmitting the signal; transmitting an output signal from the connector to the processor, the connector operably coupled to the electrode connected to the cable of the plurality of cables; and identifying, using the indicator device operably coupled to the processor, the connector of the plurality of connectors that is coupled to the electrode associated with the second end of the cable, The cable assembly is an electrode catheter.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first end is configured to be received by a control handle, and the system further comprises a connector operably coupled to the processor, wherein the connector is positionable to directly contact the first end of the cable.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a multiplexer connected to the plurality of connectors, and wherein the connectors are probes.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals being connectable to a first end of one of the plurality of cables.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the system is positioned within a housing, and the housing and the system together form a portable identification device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the input / output device is arranged outside the housing.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the input / output device comprises at least one of a display and one or more light emitting devices.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the housing includes an opening for receiving the second end of each of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of connectors are mounted directly adjacent the opening.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the cable assembly is a coaxial cable.

Images