Electrical connector

Abstract

The disclosed invention relates to various embodiments of an electrical connection comprising a plug and a socket. The plug and socket are electrically interconnected in a manner that allows the plug to rotate within the socket, with the connection being secured by a retaining mechanism within the socket that removably engages a recess around the exterior of the plug. The electrical interconnection between the plug and socket is formed to reduce exposure of the conductive contacts to the external environment. The mating between the plug and socket can also employ a connection detection sensor that can provide a notification through a connection with an external device if the plug is secured within the socket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to electrical systems, and more specifically to an electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] Numerous different electrical connectors have been developed for many different applications. One specific application requiring a dedicated connector is for medical devices or equipment. For example, pacemakers typically include connectors that allow electrodes in the heart to be connected to the pacemaker. Because pacemakers are implanted in the patient's body, the connectors must be sealed to prevent bodily fluids from entering the pacemaker. Other medical devices can be implanted in the patient's body but require electrical leads that connect to external medical devices. Examples of such devices include total artificial hearts (TAHs), ventricular assist devices (VADs), and neurostimulators, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENSs), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (PENSs), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transdermal cochlear implant systems (PCIS).

[0003] For safety reasons, connectors used for electrical leads transmitting power from the human body to external devices have different requirements than implantable connectors. For example, electrical connectors for devices connected to the human body are small enough to fit into a power outlet, posing a risk of electric shock to the patient. Connectors known for connecting external devices to implantable devices have various drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Electrical connectors include a plug that mates with a receptacle. In medical applications, the plug connects to an electrical conductor that passes through the patient's skin to an implanted medical device inside the patient's body. The receptacle connects to an external medical device. The plug has a small diameter, preferably not much larger than the cable to which it is connected, thus minimizing the size of the opening in the skin. All electrical contacts in the plug are located internally, minimizing the risk of electric shock to the patient. The receptacle includes a spring-loaded contact that engages internal electrical contacts on the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. The receptacle preferably includes an ejector spring and one or more retaining arms. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the plug is pushed to compress the ejector spring, which causes the spring-loaded retaining arms to lock into place, holding the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle may also include a connection detection sensor that detects when the plug is inserted, allowing an external device connected to the receptacle to receive indication of whether the plug is connected. For example, this could allow the external device to notify a user when it detects that the plug has been removed from the receptacle.

[0005] In alternative solutions, the following overview applies. The electrical connector includes a plug that mates with a receptacle. In medical applications, the plug connects to an electrical conductor that passes through the patient's skin to an implanted medical device inside the patient's body. The receptacle connects to an external medical device. The plug has a small diameter, preferably not much larger than the cable to which it is connected, thus minimizing the size of the opening in the skin. All electrical contacts in the plug are internal, minimizing the risk of electric shock to the patient. The receptacle includes an annular contact that contacts internal electrical contacts on the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. The receptacle preferably includes an ejector spring and one or more retaining arms. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the plug is pushed to compress the ejector spring, which causes the spring-loaded retaining arms to lock into place, holding the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle may also include a connection detection sensor that detects when the plug is inserted, allowing an external device connected to the receptacle to receive indication of whether the plug is connected. For example, this could allow the external device to notify a user when it detects that the plug has been removed from the receptacle.

[0006] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and advantages will become clear from the following more specific description. Attached Figure Description

[0007] This disclosure will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 The illustration shows a known connector used in existing pacemakers;

[0009] Figure 2 The illustration shows a known connector for connecting an implantable device to an external medical device;

[0010] Figure 3 The illustration shows a suitable embodiment of an electrical connector within the scope of the claims and the disclosure herein;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The side view of the plug shown;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the plug shown illustrates its internal structure;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of one specific embodiment of the conductor ring shown;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of one specific embodiment of the insulating ring shown;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A partial side sectional view of the socket shown;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 and Figure 8 An exploded view of the socket shows its internal components;

[0017] Figure 10 It is a section taken from 10-10 along the line. Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the socket.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figures 8 to 10 A perspective view of the contact components in the socket shown;

[0019] Figure 12 It is based on the first embodiment. Figure 11 End view of the contact component in the image;

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figures 11 to 12 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the contact assembly shows the internal electrical contacts;

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figures 11 to 13 A side cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the contact assembly shown;

[0022] Figure 15 It is based on the second embodiment. Figure 11 End view of the contact component in the image;

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the contact assembly shown;

[0024] Figure 17 This is a side cross-sectional view of the plug 340 that mates with the contact assembly 840 of the socket, illustrating the electrical contacts;

[0025] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of a circuit used to detect when a plug mates with a socket;

[0026] Figure 19 This is a flowchart of a suitable method for fitting a plug into a socket;

[0027] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of a suitable method for disengaging a plug from a socket;

[0028] Figure 21 This is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the plug;

[0029] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded view of the plug shows its internal components;

[0030] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a contact assembly for use in a socket;

[0031] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A perspective cross-sectional view of the contact components in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 A perspective view of the core of the contact component;

[0033] Figure 26 Is Figure 23 A perspective view of the annular contact ring used in the contact components;

[0034] Figure 27 Is Figure 23 A perspective view of the cylindrical insulating sleeve used in the contact assembly;

[0035] Figure 28 This shows how the three annular contact rings are arranged. Figure 23 Perspective view of the contact component;

[0036] Figure 29 yes Figure 23 and Figure 24 A side cross-sectional view of the contact assembly shown;

[0037] Figure 30 It includes Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 A side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the socket for the contact assembly shown;

[0038] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 The side cross-sectional view of the socket in the diagram, where Figure 21 and Figure 22 The plug is inserted into the socket;

[0039] Figure 32 It includes Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 A side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the socket for the contact assembly shown;

[0040] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 The side cross-sectional view of the socket in the diagram, where Figure 21 The plug is inserted into the socket;

[0041] Figure 34 yes Figure 32 and Figure 33 A side cross-sectional view of the socket, with the plug fully seated in the socket;

[0042] Figure 35 yes Figure 34 A side cross-sectional view of a plug and socket, wherein the front of the socket slides toward the rear of the socket to disengage the retaining arm in the socket from the plug; and

[0043] Figure 36 It is used to remove from the socket. Figure 34 and Figure 35 The flowchart of the plug method in the process. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Implantable medical devices require specialized electrical connectors. (See reference...) Figure 1 The prior art pacemaker 110 is shown as having a socket 120, which includes three electrical contacts 130 electrically connected to... Figure 1 The pacemaker circuitry is not shown. Electrodes designed for the pacemaker include a cable 140, which includes a plug 160. The plug 160 includes three electrical contacts 170. When the plug 160 is inserted and properly mated into a socket 120, the three electrical contacts 170 on the plug make electrical contact with three electrical contacts 130 in the socket 120, thereby connecting the electrode to the circuitry in the pacemaker. BalConn connectors are suitable for pacemakers, such as… Figure 1 The connector shown. Bal Conn is a registered trademark of Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.

[0045] Plugs including external contacts (such as Figure 1 The 160 plug in the connector is not suitable for connecting the implanted device to an external device. International Electrical Code 60601-1 specifies standards for medical devices. Sub-clause 8.5.2.3 addresses patient leads or patient cables and stipulates that the patient should not be accidentally connected to an object that could cause electric shock to the patient. Therefore, connectors with... Figure 1 The connector for the external contact shown can be placed in an electrical socket, which will cause power to flow from the socket to the patient through the exposed contact 170. Therefore, if Figure 1 The connector shown is used to connect the implanted device to an external electrical device, which may violate sub-clause 8.5.2.3 of IEC 60601-1.

[0046] Therefore, connectors used to attach implanted devices to external devices have different requirements than connectors that do not have external connections. Figure 2 Image 210 illustrates an example of a known prior art connector that could be used to connect an implanted device to an external device. Figure 2Specific examples of known connectors similar to the prior art connector 210 shown include the T-Series IP68 Push-Pull connector from Lemo USA, Inc. and the UltiMate connector from Fischer Connectors SA. Figure 2 The prior art connector 210 shown includes a plug portion 220 connected to a cable 240, which mates with a socket portion 230 connected to a cable 250. For this example, it is assumed that cable 240 is connected to an implanted device and cable 250 is connected to an external device. Connector 210 is not like... Figure 1 The pacemaker plug 160 shown has exposed contacts, thus reducing the risk of electric shock to the patient. However, note that the diameter D1 of the plug 220 is significantly larger than the diameter D2 of the cable 240 connected to the plug 220. This means that a sufficiently large incision must be made in the patient's skin to accommodate the diameter D1 of the plug 220, allowing the plug 220 to pass through the skin from the implanted device within the patient to the connector 230 connected to an external device. Having an incision large enough to accommodate the larger diameter D1 of the plug 220 results in an incision larger than that required for the cable 240, potentially providing a site for infection. Furthermore, the plug 220 and socket 230 typically include pins that require a specific orientation between them to connect.

[0047] In summary, it has the following characteristics: Figure 1 The implanted connector with external contacts shown is unsuitable for external use due to the risk of electric shock. For example... Figure 2 The known connectors shown can be used to connect implanted devices to external devices, but these connectors require an incision significantly larger than the cable, creating a risk of infection at the site where the cable crosses the skin, and these connectors require a specific orientation to mate. The connector disclosed herein solves these problems.

[0048] Electrical connectors include a plug that mates with a receptacle. In medical applications, the plug connects to an electrical conductor that passes through the patient's skin to an implanted medical device inside the patient's body. The receptacle connects to an external medical device. The plug has a small diameter, preferably not much larger than the cable to which it is connected, thus minimizing the size of the opening in the skin. All electrical contacts in the plug are located internally, minimizing the risk of electric shock to the patient. The receptacle includes a spring-loaded contact that engages internal electrical contacts on the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. The receptacle preferably includes an ejector spring and one or more retaining arms. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the plug is pushed to compress the ejector spring, which causes the spring-loaded retaining arms to lock into place, holding the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle may also include a connection detection sensor that detects when the plug is inserted, allowing an external device connected to the receptacle to receive indication of whether the plug is connected. For example, this could allow the external device to notify a user when it detects that the plug has been removed from the receptacle.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 Connector 300 includes a plug 340 that mates with socket 302. Plug 340 connects to cable 350, which connects to an implanted medical device. Cable 320, with one end connected to an external medical device, connects to socket 302 at the other end via stress-relieving member 330. Socket 302 includes housing 310, two opposing active release buttons 370 for releasing the plug, and opening 360 for receiving plug 340. Note that... Figure 3 Only one activity release button 370 is shown in the image.

[0050] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The plug 340 shown is an enlarged side view. The plug 340 includes a substantially rigid body portion 410 coupled to a flexible stress-relieving member 420. The body portion 410 includes an annular recess 430 that allows the plug 340 to be locked into place in a socket 302. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of plug 340 in Figure 5 The diagram illustrates its internal structure. The main body 410 includes a printed circuit board 540, which... Figure 5Electrical connections are provided between the wires in the cable (not shown) and electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564. The printed circuit board (PCB) can be any suitable type, whether currently known or developed in the future. A common type of known PCB is a fiberglass epoxy PCB. PCB 540 also includes posts 542 for connecting structural members of the cable (such as reinforcing wires) to the PCB. Electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564 are separated by insulators 550, 552, and 554, and have additional insulators 556 at their ends. Each electrical contact 560, 562, and 564 is electrically connected to a different contact point on the PCB 540. As an example, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates wires 570 connecting printed circuit board 540 to electrical contacts 564. Wires 570 preferably include insulation stripped from their ends, so that the ends can be electrically connected to printed circuit board 540 and electrical contacts 564. In one particular embodiment, the stripped ends of wires 570 are soldered to printed circuit board 540 and electrical contacts 564. Of course, any suitable electrical connection can be used within the scope of this disclosure and the claims. For example, if the wires are drawn filled tubing (DFT), they cannot be soldered but can be laser soldered or mechanically crimped to the printed circuit board and the corresponding electrical contacts. It will be understood that electrical contacts 560 and 562 have corresponding wires that electrically connect these contacts to printed circuit board 540, even if these are not in... Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0051] Although electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564, and insulators 550, 552, 554, and 556 are in Figure 5 What appear as rectangular bars in the cross-sectional view are actually like... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The ring shown. Figure 6 The electrical contact 610 in the middle is Figure 5 This is a suitable embodiment of the electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564 shown. Electrical contact 610 includes a hollow circular interior 620, two outer recesses 630, and a connection point 640. The two outer recesses 630 and the connection point 640 are preferably at a 120-degree angle to each other, thus they are equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the electrical contact 610. Of course, they can also be spaced at different angles. The connection point 640 is the point where wires are connected (e.g., soldered), such as... Figure 5 The bottom of the electrical contact 564 is shown. The outer recess 630 allows wires for other electrical contacts to pass through. Each electrical contact 560, 562, and 564 is rotated 120 degrees relative to its neighbor, so that the contact point 640 of each electrical contact is aligned with the outer recess 630 of its neighbor.

[0052] Figure 7 Insulator 710 is Figure 5A suitable embodiment of insulators 552 and 554 is shown. Insulator 710 includes a hollow circular interior 720 and three outer recesses 730. The outer recesses 730 provide routing locations for wires connecting printed circuit board 540 to electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564. Although insulators 550 and 556 have slightly different dimensions and / or constructions than insulators 552 and 554, they preferably include similar dimensions and / or constructions. Figure 7 The outer recess of the outer recess 730 shown in .

[0053] use Figures 5 to 7 The internal structure of the plug 340, as shown in the diagram, can be manufactured as follows. Note that the steps in the manufacturing process are provided as examples and any suitable steps or sequence can be used. Place the printed circuit board 540 in the desired location. Solder three wires into three holes in the printed circuit board 540, which are preferably spaced 120 degrees apart near the periphery of the printed circuit board. Place the insulator 550 close to the printed circuit board such that the three wires pass through three outer recesses (see...). Figure 7 (730 in the middle). Place the electrical contact 560 close to the insulator 550, and then connect it to the correct one of the three wires at its contact point (see 730 in the middle). Figure 6 (640 in the middle). The remaining two wires are placed in the outer recess 630 of the contact point 560. Then the next insulator 552 is placed close to the electrical contact 560 such that the remaining two wires pass through the two outer recesses. The electrical contact 562 is placed close to the insulator 552 and then connected at its contact point to the correct one of the remaining two wires. Then the next insulator 554 is placed close to the electrical contact 562 such that the remaining wire passes through one of the outer recesses. The electrical contact 564 is placed close to the insulator 554 and then soldered at its contact point to the remaining wire. Then the next insulator 556 is placed close to the electrical contact 564. Note that these components can be secured together using any suitable method. For example, adhesive can be used to connect each component to the next component. In an alternative, structural accessories can be used, such as three small posts mounted at a 120-degree angle on each component, which fit into the corresponding three small recesses on each component when both are properly aligned. The result is a stack including printed circuit board 540, insulator 550, electrical contact 560, insulator 552, electrical contact 562, insulator 554, electrical contact 564, and insulator 556. The cable can then pass through stress reliever 420 and through body portion 410 for routing, exposing the cable wires to... Figure 4 and Figure 5The right end of the plug is shown. At this point, the structural wires in the cable can be soldered to the posts 542 on the printed circuit board 540, and the three wires in the cable can be mechanically attached to the correct positions on the printed circuit board 540. At this point, all necessary contact between the cable and the printed circuit board has been completed. The cable can then be pulled to pull the stack, including the printed circuit board, insulator, and electrical contacts, into the body portion 410 until it is correctly positioned. At this point, one or more retaining members can be used to hold the stack in place. As an example, Figure 5 A ring-shaped retaining ring 580 is shown, which snaps into place to hold the internal stack in position. Of course, any suitable retaining member can be used. For example, one or more plastic tabs can be provided such that once the stack is slid into place, the plastic tabs hold the stack in place, preventing it from moving. In another example, one or more retaining screws can be used. The disclosure and claims herein extend to any suitable retaining member or mechanism. Note that the order of assembly of the plug described above can vary. For example, cables can be inserted via strain relief 420 and body portion 410, and the cables can be soldered or otherwise electrically connected to the printed circuit board 540 prior to creating the stack. The disclosure and claims herein expressly extend to any suitable order of assembly of the plug 340.

[0054] A suitable embodiment of socket 302 is in Figure 8 As shown in the figure, this is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating some internal features of the socket 302. The housing 310 provides a strain relief element 330 through which the cable to be connected to an external device is routed. The cable is not in... Figure 8As shown in the diagram. The cable will have multiple wires connected to the contact assembly 840, for example by soldering the wires to connectors on a printed circuit board that is part of the contact assembly 840. The different components in the socket 302 are connected together using two screws 810. The retaining arm 820 is shown as having its corresponding tip portion 822, which engages an annular recess 430 on the plug 340 when the plug 340 is properly engaged with the socket 302. The housing 830 has a generally cylindrical shape and surrounds most of the contact assembly 840. A switch 850 is provided as a suitable form for connecting a detection sensor. The switch is in one state when the plug is in the socket and in the opposite state when the plug is not in the socket. For example, the switch may be normally open when the plug is not in the socket, and when the plug is inserted into the socket, the plug actuates the switch 850 to close the switch and provide an indication that the plug is in the socket. The opening 360 of the socket 302 is shown to include an O-ring 860 that seals around the body portion 410 of the plug 340 when the plug 340 is inserted into the opening 360 of the socket 302, thereby sealing the connection between the plug 340 and the socket 302 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0055] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 An exploded view of the socket 302 shown. Figure 8 The strain relief element 330 includes a rubber portion 918 coupled to a rigid portion 950, which is coupled to the front end 914 of the socket 302 via a washer 960 and a nut 970. Figure 9 The above shows about Figure 8The description includes a housing 830 and a switch 850. Two bushings 940 are washers through which screws 810 pass to connect the main housing 912 to the front 914. The front 914 preferably includes two threaded holes 952 that receive the screws 810 to secure the front 914 to the main housing 912. A bottom bushing 940 passes through two retaining arms 820 and 824, providing a common pivot point for the two retaining arms 820 and 824. A spring 930 is mounted in a recess in the upper part of the two retaining arms 820 and 824 and presses the two retaining arms 820 and 824 open, such that the corresponding tip portions 822 and 826 are biased into a closed position due to the scissor-like action of the two retaining arms 820 and 824. Due to the spring 930, the retaining arms 820 and 824 and their corresponding tip portions 822 and 826 are spring-loaded. The pointed portions 822 and 826 preferably comprise a substantially semi-circular construction, thus allowing the two pointed portions to lock into the annular recess of the plug. Two opposing active release buttons 922 are mounted in the main housing 912, with pins 920 contacting the tops of retaining arms 820 and 824. Each release button 922 has two corresponding springs 926 that outwardly bias the release button 922, thus biasing the release button 922 in the unpressed state, as... Figure 3 As shown in 370. A bolt 920 and a spring 926 are preferably mounted in corresponding recesses 924 in each release button 922. A user can simultaneously press two opposing release buttons 922, for example, by pressing one with their thumb and the other with their finger. This causes the tops of the retaining arms 820 and 824 to be pushed against each other, causing the tip portions 822 and 826 to separate from each other, thereby disengaging the tip portions 822 and 826 from the annular recess in the plug. Thus, by simultaneously pressing the release buttons 922, the user releases the plug that has been locked in place in the socket by the tip portions 822 and 826 of the retaining arms 820 and 824, disengaging the tip portions 822 and 826 from the annular recess on the plug. A flexible polymer cover 910 is provided to cover and thereby protect the assembled socket 302.

[0056] Figure 10 It is a section taken from 10-10 along the line. Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view of the socket 302. The contact assembly 840, together with the strain relief member 330 and the opening 360 including the O-ring 860, are shown. Figure 10The retaining arm's tip portions 822 and 826 are shown in more detail, each having a beveled front. Thus, tip portion 822 includes a beveled front 1010, and tip portion 826 includes a beveled front 1012. With this arrangement, when the plug contacts the beveled fronts 1010 and 1012, the plug will slide along the beveled fronts 1010 and 1012, thereby separating tip portions 822 and 826 by a distance sufficient for the plug to pass between them. Because the retaining arm has a spring that provides a biasing force to hold tip portions 822 and 826 together, the sliding of the plug along the beveled fronts 1010 and 1012 forces tip portions 822 and 826 to overcome the spring's biasing force and separate. When the plug is fully seated in the socket 302, tip portions 822 and 826 will engage. Figure 4 The annular recess 430 shown locks the plug 340 into place. However, note that even when the plug is locked in place relative to the socket, it can still rotate in any direction while maintaining electrical connection between the plug and socket. Furthermore, no special keying or orientation is required to mate the plug with the socket. The connection between the two is omnidirectional, meaning the plug can be in any suitable rotational relationship relative to the socket.

[0057] One specific embodiment of the contact component 840 is in Figures 11 to 14 As shown in the figure. The contact assembly 840 preferably includes a printed circuit board 1110, an ejector spring 1120, and a cylindrical body 1130 including a plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts 1140, 1142, and 1144. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 End view of the contact component 840 shown. Figure 13 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body 1130, showing a spring assembly 1310 with a ball head 1140 electrically coupled to a spring 1320, which is electrically coupled to a base 1330. The base 1330 of the spring assembly 1310 is electrically coupled to a wire 1340, which is electrically coupled to a printed circuit board 1110, which is connected to a cable passing through a stress reliever 330 and entering a socket 302. In this way, via... Figure 13 The spring-loaded ball contact of the spring assembly shown allows contact with the electrical conductors in the cable. Each spring assembly is placed in a corresponding cylindrical hole. Therefore, Figure 13 Spring assembly 1310 is placed within a corresponding cylindrical hole 1342. Two other spring assemblies 1350 and 1360 are placed within corresponding holes 1344 and 1346, respectively, at a 120-degree angle to hole 1350, thereby providing evenly spaced electrical contacts around the circumference of the cylindrical body 1130. For clarity, these two additional spring assemblies 1350 and 1360 are... Figure 13The figures are shown in dashed lines. The specific example shown assumes three electrical contacts, meaning each contact is at a 120-degree angle relative to the other two. However, note that the principles herein apply to any suitable number of electrical contacts and any suitable spacing or arrangement. For example, if six electrical contacts are required, there can be six different contacts provided by six corresponding spring assemblies spaced 60-degree increments. If four electrical contacts are required, there can be four different contacts provided by four corresponding spring assemblies spaced 90-degree increments. Furthermore, the spacing between the contacts does not need to be uniform. Thus, if four contacts are required, one spring assembly could be at 0 degrees, the second at 45 degrees, the third at 90 degrees, and the fourth at 225 degrees. This simple example illustrates that the disclosure and claims herein expressly extend to any suitable number of electrical contacts at any suitable spacing or arrangement.

[0058] Figure 14 yes Figures 11 to 13 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the contact assembly 840. The ejector spring 1120 is shown as a flexible material with a baffle that allows the plug to partially compress the ejector spring 1120 to properly engage in the socket 302. However, note that the ejector spring 1120 can also have other constructions. For example, the ejector spring 1120 can be a solid component, such as rubber or foam, with the elasticity required to allow the plug to engage and lock in place in the socket. Of course, the ejector spring 1120 can also be a metal spring. The ejector spring 1120 can be any suitable material and / or construction that provides a certain linear resistance along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 1130, such that when the plug first contacts the ejector spring 1120, the plug is not fully engaged in the socket, but rather partially compressed by applying a certain additional force to press the plug into the socket until the tip of the retaining arm engages and locks in place in the annular recess of the plug, thereby holding the plug in the mating position relative to the socket. In a suitable implementation, when the tip portion of the retaining arm is in place and locked in the annular recess of the plug, the retaining spring is preferably compressed by less than 0.050 inches (1.3 mm).

[0059] Therefore, the ejector spring has two functions. First, it needs to be compressed to lock the plug in place, thus ensuring proper mating between the plug and the socket. Second, it disconnects the plug from the socket. When both release buttons are pressed simultaneously, the ejector spring moves the plug to a position where the tip of the retaining arm does not engage with the annular recess in the plug when the two release buttons are no longer pressed. Therefore, a person disconnecting the plug can press both release buttons, causing the plug to disengage from the retaining arm and move out of its locked position. The plug can then be pulled out of the socket without pressing both release buttons. In a preferred embodiment, the plug may include an externally printed ring that provides a visual indication of proper mating. In one embodiment, the printed ring is positioned such that it is not visible when the plug is properly mated. In another embodiment, the printed ring is positioned such that it is flush against the housing of the socket when the plug is properly mated. Of course, there are many variations for visually indicating when a plug is properly matched or not properly matched with a socket, all of which are within the scope of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0060] Figure 14 The spring assembly 1310 is shown with a hemispherical head 1440, instead of Figure 11-13 The global head 1140 is shown. This is shown to illustrate that the head of the electrical contact can have any suitable shape and / or configuration. In the most preferred embodiment, the head of the electrical contact is slightly rounded to allow the head to slide easily on the corresponding annular electrical contact in the plug as the plug rotates. A spring assembly in the contact assembly provides a plurality of electrical contacts that engage with a plurality of annular electrical contacts in the plug when the plug mates with the socket.

[0061] Figure 14 A wire 1340 is shown for connecting the spring assembly 1310 to the printed circuit board 1110. In the most preferred embodiment, the wire 1340 is soldered to the spring assembly 1310 and the printed circuit board 1110. Of course, the wire 1340 can be laser-welded, crimped, or attached to the spring assembly 1310 and / or the printed circuit board 1110 using some other method. In a suitable embodiment, the cylindrical body 1130 is made of a rigid plastic material formed by die extrusion, which provides three longitudinal cylindrical channels in which wires can be placed. Holes in the spring assembly (e.g., holes 1342, 1344, and 1346) are drilled at a 120-degree angle relative to each other at the location where each hole intersects with one of the three longitudinal cylindrical channels in which wires can be placed. The spring assembly is then inserted into its respective hole and attached to the corresponding wire at the bottom of the hole. Note that Figure 14The cylindrical body 1130 includes two additional holes 1346 and 1344 drilled at a 120-degree angle relative to hole 1342, but for clarity, the spring assemblies in these holes are not shown. Figure 14 As shown in the figure. The main body 1130 preferably includes, as shown in the figure. Figure 14 The circular front portion 1430 shown facilitates alignment of the plug with the contact assembly 840.

[0062] The end of the cylindrical body 1130 that is attached to the printed circuit board 1110 may have a threaded portion 1410 that can accommodate a nut 1420 to attach the cylindrical body 1130 to the printed circuit board 1110. The printed circuit board 1110 preferably includes features such as connectors, pads, etc., that allow the conductors of cables passing through stress-relieving elements into sockets to be attached to the printed circuit board.

[0063] A second specific embodiment of the contact component 840 is in Figure 15 and 16 The image shows contact assembly 1540. Contact assembly 1540 preferably includes three longitudinal slits 1510 for receiving spring wires that connect spring-loaded electrical contacts 1140, 1142, and 1144 to printed circuit board 1110. One of these spring wires is... Figure 16 The cross-sectional view shows a spring wire 1630. The spring wire 1630 is not only an electrical connection, but its stiffness is also sufficient to provide a spring action for the spring-loaded electrical contact 1640. Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 A suitable embodiment of the spring-loaded electrical contact 1140 is described. The spring-loaded electrical contact 1640 is connected to a spring wire 1630, which in turn is connected to a printed circuit board 1110. The stiffness of the spring wire 1630 holds the spring-loaded electrical contact 1640 in place. Figure 16 As shown in the diagram, when the spring-loaded contact 1640 is slightly pressed downwards as the plug is inserted into the contact assembly 1540, the spring bias provided by the spring wire is overcome, and therefore the spring-loaded contact 1640 retracts slightly, as shown in the diagram. Figure 16 As shown by the dashed line. Due to the slit 1510, the contact assembly 1540 includes an outer sheath 1620 covering the spring wire. In the most preferred embodiment, the sheath 1620 has connections with three spring-loaded contacts (including...). Figure 16The spring-loaded contact 1640 shown is aligned with three holes. Therefore, three spring wires are connected to three spring-loaded contacts, with the spring wires placed in their respective recesses and the spring-loaded contacts placed in their respective holes. At this point, the sheath 1620 can slide across the center portion 1610 to hold the spring wires and spring-loaded contacts in place. The spring wires can then be attached to the printed circuit board 1110, which holds the sheath 1620 in place.

[0064] Figure 17 The plug 340 is shown properly mating with the contact assembly 840 within the socket 302. The contact assembly 840 is in... Figure 15 The plug 340 is shown in dashed lines to clearly distinguish it from the solid-lined plug 240 and the dashed-lined contact assembly 840. The plug 340 is initially pushed into the socket through the opening, which causes the leading edge of the plug to push against the beveled edge of the tip of the retaining arm (see...). Figure 10 This causes the tip of the retaining arm to unfold and separate, so that the cylindrical body 410 can be pushed further into the socket to engage the contact assembly 840. Once the leading edge of the plug contacts the ejector spring, additional force is applied to partially compress the ejector spring until the tip of the retaining arm locks in the annular recess of the body portion of the plug. Figure 17 It shows Figures 8 to 10 The tip portion 822 of the retaining arm 820 shown locks into the annular recess of the plug 340 to hold the plug 340 in a mating position relative to the contact assembly 840. Once the plug 340 is correctly positioned and locked in place via the retaining arm, each contact point in the contact assembly 840 makes electrical contact with the corresponding annular conductor in the plug 340, as shown. Figure 15 As shown. Because the electrical connector in the plug is ring-shaped, the plug can rotate freely while fully in place and engaging with the socket 302, while maintaining a good electrical connection.

[0065] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating how the connection detection sensor 1820 in socket 302 provides an electrical signal to the connection detection circuit 1810 in an external device to indicate when the plug 340 is in socket 302. Figure 8 and Figure 9In one suitable configuration shown, the connection detection sensor 1820 is a switch 850, which is in one state (e.g., open) when the plug 340 is not in the socket 302, and in a different state (e.g., closed) when the plug 340 is in the socket 302. However, note that the connection detection sensor 1820 can be any suitable means of sensing when the plug 340 is in or out of the socket 302, including a reed switch actuated by a small magnet in the plug 340, an optical sensor detecting when the plug 340 is in the socket 302, one or two sensors on the retaining arm detecting when they are locked in place within the annular retaining ring of the plug, and so on. In one particular embodiment, the connection detection sensor 1820 can be positioned such that when the plug is locked in place by the retaining arm, the connection detection sensor 1820 indicates that the plug is correctly installed and in place, but when the plug is not in the socket, or is in the socket but not locked in place, the connection detection sensor 1820 indicates that the plug is not correctly installed and in place. In an alternative embodiment, the connection detection sensor can detect the state of the retaining arms to indicate whether the plug is in the socket. In yet another alternative embodiment, one sensor can detect the presence of the plug in the socket, while another sensor can detect the state of one or both retaining arms. When the connection detection circuit 1810 receives an indication from the connection detection sensor 1820 that the plug is not in the socket or is not properly positioned in the socket, the connection detection circuit can take appropriate action to indicate a lack of connection, such as issuing an audible alarm, sending a message to the nurse station, etc.

[0066] Figure 19 A method 1900 for mating a plug to a socket is shown. The plug is inserted into the socket (step 1910). At the beginning of step 1910, when the leading edge of the plug is placed in the opening of the socket, the leading edge of the plug contacts the beveled edge of the tip portion of the retaining arm, separating the tip portion sufficiently to allow the body portion of the plug to continue sliding forward. The plug is slid forward until it contacts the ejector spring, and pressure is applied to compress the ejector spring until the retaining arm is locked in place on the plug (step 1920). The connection detection circuit indicates that the plug is inserted into the socket (step 1930). Depending on the specific construction, as discussed in detail in the previous paragraph, the connection detection circuit 1810 may indicate that the plug is inserted into the socket the first time it enters the socket, or it may wait until the plug is correctly positioned with the retaining arm engaged before indicating that the plug is inserted into the socket.

[0067] Figure 20Method 2000 illustrates how the plug is removed from the socket. Pressing both opposing release buttons simultaneously (step 2010) causes the tip of the retaining arm to disengage from the annular recess on the plug. With the tip of the retaining arm disengaged, the ejector spring pushes the plug slightly outward, at which point the retaining arm no longer engages with the annular recess on the plug (step 2020). Pull the plug out until it is removed from the socket (step 2030). The connection detection circuit indicates that the plug is not inserted into the socket (step 2040). As described above, the indication from the connection detection circuit can occur either when the retaining arm disengages from the plug or when the plug is completely removed from the socket.

[0068] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 An alternative embodiment of the plug is shown as plug 2100. Plug 2100 includes a body portion 2110 coupled to strain relief member 2120. Electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 are housed within the body portion 2110 and contact housing 2186. Outer sleeve 2130 holds the internal components within plug 2100. Once the electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 are positioned within the body portion 2110 and contact housing 2186, outer sleeve 2130 slides over contact housing 2186, electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174, and a portion of the body portion, and then pin 2190 is inserted through a hole 2192 in outer sleeve 2130 into a corresponding hole in body portion 2110 to hold the internal plug components. Body portion 2110 includes an annular recess 2112 for receiving a retaining arm to lock the plug within a receptacle. The outer tube 2130 includes a front edge 2132, which is preferably rounded or chamfered to allow the plug to push the retaining arm away while the plug is being pushed into the socket, until the retaining arm in the socket locks into the annular recess 2112 to hold the plug in place.

[0069] Electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 preferably comprise substantially linear contacts, which are defined herein as contacts with a length at least twice their width. Each electrical contact 2170, 2172, and 2174 preferably comprises its own linear contact. Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the diagram, electrical contact 2170 is shown together with linear contact 2180, and electrical contact 2174 is shown together with linear contact 2184. The linear contact of the electrical contact is the part that makes physical and electrical contact with the corresponding contact in the socket. Figure 21 The linear contact 2184 shown is an elongated ellipse. This allows the contact to slide around a ring-shaped contact within the socket as the plug rotates within the socket, while maintaining good electrical contact. Each electrical contact includes a corresponding wire connection point. Figure 21 and Figure 22In the figure, electrical contact 2170 is shown as including a corresponding wire connection point 2171. Wires from the cable, passing through strain relief member 2120 and entering the interior of connector 2100, can be connected to wire connection point 2171 using any suitable connection method (e.g., soldering, laser welding, crimping, etc.). Although for clarity in the figures... Figure 22 Although not specifically labeled in the accompanying drawings, it can be understood that electrical contacts 2172 and 2174 each include components related to... Figure 21 The wire connection point 2171 shown for the electrical contact 2170 is a similar corresponding wire connection point.

[0070] Plug 2100 can be used with, for example Figure 23 and Figure 24 The suitable contact assembly shown is mated. Contact assembly 2300 is a second embodiment of the contact assembly within the socket. Contact assembly 2300 includes a base 2310, which includes a flange 2312 and a generally cylindrical portion 2314 extending from the flange 2312. Core 2320 uses suitable fasteners (such as...) Figure 24 The screw or pin 2430 shown is attached to the base 2310. The core 2320 includes a circular front portion 2322. The core 2320 supports three generally annular electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334, which are inserted into two insulating sleeves 2340 and 2342. Each electrical contact 2330, 2332, and 2334 is connected to a respective connecting rod, which provides a connection point for the wires in the cable. Figure 23 and Figure 24 One advantage of the contact assembly 2300 shown is that it does not require a printed circuit board. Figure 24 In this configuration, electrical contact 2330 is connected to connecting rod 2410, which includes, at its opposite end, a wire connection point 2420 for connecting to a wire in a cable. The wire can be connected to the wire connection point 2420 by any suitable method, such as soldering, crimping, or laser welding. (See details...) Figure 23 and Figure 24 The electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334, as shown in the preferred embodiment, have a diameter slightly larger than that of the non-conductive portions 2322, 2340, 2342, and 2314. Furthermore, the electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 have rounded or chamfered edges, and as... Figure 23 The bias slit shown on electrical contact 2332. The combination of a slightly larger diameter, rounded or chamfered edges, and bias slits makes electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 fit into plugs (such as...). Figure 21 and Figure 22The plug 2100 shown acts like a spring when mating with the contact assembly 2300. Electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 are compressed to a slightly smaller diameter when mating with the plug and expand back to their original diameter when the plug is removed. In this sense, electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 are spring-loaded contacts.

[0071] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The core 2320 of the contact assembly 2300 shown is in Figure 25 This is shown in more detail below. The core 2320 includes a circular front portion 2332 and an elongated central portion 2520, which includes grooves for accommodating the interior of the connecting rod and electrical contacts. Figure 25 In the example shown, the central portion 2520 includes a first groove 2530 and a second groove 2532, the first groove 2530 extending over most of the length of the central portion 2520 and the second groove 2532 extending only over a portion of the length of the central portion 2520.

[0072] Figure 23 and Figure 24 A suitable embodiment of the electrical contacts 2330, 2332 and 2334 shown is in Figure 26 The electrical contact 2610 is shown as 2610. The electrical contact 2610 is an annular contact ring comprising a substantially cylindrical outer surface 2620, a substantially hollow inner surface 2630, an internal connection point 2640, a rounded or chamfered edge 2650, and a bias slit 2660. The internal connection point 2640 includes a hollow interior 2642 for receiving a connecting rod. This configuration allows the same electrical contact to be used for all three electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 in such a manner as... Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 28 As shown, each electrical contact is offset by 120 degrees from the other two electrical contacts, as follows: Figure 28 As most clearly shown. The slot in the central portion 2520 is sized to accommodate the internal connection points of the electrical contacts and their respective connecting rods after they are joined in a suitable manner (such as welding, crimping, or laser welding). Therefore, Figure 25 The slot 2530 shown accommodates the internal connection point 2640 of the electrical contact 2330 and Figure 28 The attached connecting rod 2410 is shown. Similarly, Figure 25 The slot 2532 in the middle accommodates the internal connection point 2640 of the electrical contact 2334 and its attached connecting rod 2412 (e.g., Figure 28 (As shown). The bias slit 2660 provides a small gap that allows the annular contact ring 2610 to be slightly compressed in diameter when the plug mates with a socket including the annular contact 2610. Furthermore, the bias slit 2660 provides a surface for linear contacts (such as...) Figure 21 The linear contact 2184 shown can slide around the annular contact on this surface without obstructing or losing electrical connection. If the bias slit 2660 were replaced by a linear slit, the edge of the linear contact might seize the linear slit and prevent the plug from rotating within the socket. The bias slit provides a surface that ensures that when the plug rotates, the linear contact in the plug (which spans most or all of the width of the annular contact) will easily rotate around the annular contact without getting stuck and while maintaining a good electrical connection. This is in Figure 23 The electrical contact 2332 is illustrated graphically, where the dashed ellipse represents the connection with... Figure 21 The linear contact 2184 shown is similar to the contact point of a linear contact. Because the slit in the electrical contact 2332 is biased, the linear contact in the plug that contacts the electrical contact 2332 will maintain a good electrical connection without jamming when the plug is rotated, as shown. Figure 23 The three dashed ellipses on the 2332 contact are shown.

[0073] Figure 23 A suitable construction of the insulating sleeves 2340 and 2342 shown in Figure 27 It is shown at 2710. The insulating sleeve 2710 is made of an electrically insulating material and has a generally cylindrical construction, having an outer surface 2720 and a generally hollow interior 2730. Conceptually, the insulating sleeve 2710 is similar to a section of plastic tubing.

[0074] Figure 28 The construction shown readily illustrates how these components are assembled with the core 2320. In the most preferred embodiment, three wires from the cable are connected to... Figure 28 The wire connection points 2420, 2422, and 2424 of the three connecting rods are shown, and the opposite ends of each connecting rod are connected to the corresponding electrical contact. The first electrical contact 2330 and its attached connecting rod 2410 slide into the slot 2530. Then the insulating sleeve 2710 is slid onto the center portion 2520, as shown. Figure 24 As shown in 2340. The second electrical contact 2332 and its attached connecting rod 2414 slide into Figure 25 In the corresponding groove (not shown), because this groove is located on the back side of the central portion 2520. Then the insulating sleeve 2710 is slid onto the central portion 2520, as... Figure 24 As shown in 2342, the third electrical contact 2334 and its attached connecting rod 2412 slide into... Figure 25 In the corresponding groove 2532 shown. At this time, the cylindrical portion 2314 of the base 2310 slides onto the center portion 2520, and the base 2310 is connected to the center portion 2520 of the core 2320 using suitable fasteners 2430 (such as pins or screws), as shown. Figure 24As shown. Connecting the base 2310 to the core 2320 will attract the electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334, as well as the insulating sleeves 2340 and 2342. The resulting assembled contact assembly 2300 is... Figure 29 The image is shown in cross-section.

[0075] For clarity, Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The contact assembly 2300 shown does not include a compression spring. However, the contact assembly 2300 includes a spring with... Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 Compression springs similar to the 1120 described herein are also within the scope of this disclosure and the claims. Of course, any other suitable type or construction of compression spring may also be used.

[0076] Figure 30 It shows including Figure 23 , 24 The socket 3000 is the same as the contact assembly 2300 shown in Figure 29. In a suitable embodiment, the socket 3000 has the same characteristics as the contact assembly 2300, except that the contact assembly 840 has been replaced by the contact assembly 2300. Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The socket 3000 has the same construction as the socket 302 shown. Of course, the socket 3000 may also have a different construction than the socket 302.

[0077] Figure 31 It shows including, for example Figure 30 The socket 3000 of the contact assembly 2300 shown contains a plug (such as...) Figure 21 and Figure 22 The plug 2100 in the plug mates with the socket 3000. Once properly mated, the linear contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 in the plug will contact the corresponding annular contacts in the socket. Therefore, Figure 21 and Figure 22 The electrical contact 2170 in the plug 2100 will be with Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The electrical contacts 2334 on the contact assembly 2300 shown are in physical contact. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The electrical contact 2172 in the plug 2100 will be connected with Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The electrical contacts 2332 on the contact assembly 2300 shown are in physical contact. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The electrical contact 2174 in the plug 2100 will be with Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The electrical contacts 2330 on the contact assembly 2300 shown are in physical contact. Although for clarity... Figure 31 The figures do not include reference numerals, but only the connection between the electrical contact 2170 and the annular contact ring electrical contact 2334 in the plug 2100 of these three connections is shown. This is based on the above... Figures 21 to 24 and Figure 29 The detailed description of the diagram in the figure best explains the correspondence between the electrical contacts and the annular contact ring contacts in the plug.

[0078] Instead of having, for example Figure 3 , Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 The box-shaped socket shown can alternatively have, as... Figure 32 The socket 3200 in the diagram shows a vertically aligned design in its lower section. Figure 32 In the specific configuration shown, the socket 3200 includes a rear portion 3210 and a front portion 3220. The front portion 3220 preferably slides toward the rear portion 3210 against the bias of the retaining arms 3230. As the front portion 3220 slides toward the rear portion 3210, one or more inclined members 3240 push the retaining arms 3230 and 3232 to a retracted position where they no longer engage the annular recess 2112 on the plug 2100, thereby releasing the plug 2100 so that it can be pulled out and removed from the socket. When the pressure from the front portion 3220 sliding toward the rear portion 3210 is removed, the bias of the retaining arms 3230 and 3232 will cause the front portion 3220 to slide away from the rear portion and return to its original position. Figure 32 The location is shown. The inline socket 3200 preferably includes the contact assembly 2300 discussed in detail above. In alternative configurations, the inline socket 3200 may include... Figures 8 to 11 The contact assembly 840 shown.

[0079] Figure 33 The image shows the mating of plug 2100 and socket 3200. As described above, plug 2100 includes a rounded or chamfered front surface, such that when the plug encounters... Figure 32 and Figure 33 When holding the arm as shown, continue as... Figure 33 The large arrow in the diagram indicates that pushing the plug into the socket causes it to overcome the bias of the retaining arm, allowing it to slide further into socket 3200 and onto the contact assembly. Because the diameter of the annular contact on the contact assembly is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the plug, pushing the plug onto the contact assembly causes the rounded or chamfered leading edge of the plug to meet the rounded edge of the first annular contact, thus slightly compressing the diameter of the annular contact. Figure 26As shown in the bias slit 2660, this compression is possible. The bias slit 2660 provides a small gap that allows for slight compression of the annular contacts as the plug slides onto them. This occurs with all three annular contacts, one at a time, as the plug slides onto the contact assembly. The result is that the annular contacts in the contact assembly are slightly compressed by the plug, ensuring a good electrical connection between the plug and the socket. When the contact assembly includes a compression spring, the compression spring is slightly compressed. Once the plug 2100 is fully seated in the socket 3200, as... Figure 34 As shown, the retaining arm in the socket 3200 engages the annular recess in the plug 2100, thereby retaining the plug 2100 within the socket 3200.

[0080] Plug 2100 can be removed from socket 3200, such as Figure 35 As shown. The front part 3220 of the plug is pushed towards the rear part 3210, such that the front part 3220 relative to the rear part 3210 is... Figure 35 Slide in the direction of the large arrow shown. Sliding the front part 3220 toward the rear part 3210 causes the beveled member to move the retaining arms on the socket so that they no longer engage the annular recess on the plug, as shown. Figure 35 As shown. Once the retaining arm is no longer engaged with the annular recess on the plug, the plug can be removed from the socket.

[0081] Reference Figure 36 Method 3600 shows how to... Figure 35 Remove plug 2100 from socket 3200. Slide the front of the socket toward the rear to disengage from the retaining arm (step 3610). Remove the plug from the socket (step 3620). Note that removing the plug from the inline socket 3200 involves sliding the front of the socket toward the rear to disengage from the retaining arm. This is related to... Figure 3 and Figures 8 to 10 The socket shown has two different release mechanisms for the opposite buttons. When the socket includes an ejector spring, sliding the front of the socket toward the rear to disengage from the retaining arm causes the ejector spring to slightly move the plug, so that the retaining arm no longer engages with the annular groove on the plug, thus allowing the plug to be removed from the socket in step 3620 without having to keep the front in a slidable position relative to the rear.

[0082] The plug and contact components can be made of any suitable material. Preferred materials are plastics. For example, these can be made from a polymer called polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Of course, any suitable material that provides the required rigidity and electrical insulation properties, whether currently known or developed in the future, can be used.

[0083] Electrical connectors include a plug that mates with a receptacle. In medical applications, the plug connects to an electrical conductor that passes through the patient's skin to an implanted medical device inside the patient's body. The receptacle connects to an external medical device. The plug has a small diameter, preferably not much larger than the cable to which it is connected, thus minimizing the size of the opening in the skin. All electrical contacts in the plug are located internally, minimizing the risk of electric shock to the patient. The receptacle includes a spring-loaded contact that engages internal electrical contacts on the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. The receptacle preferably includes an ejector spring and one or more retaining arms. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the plug is pushed to compress the ejector spring, which causes the spring-loaded retaining arms to lock into place, holding the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle may also include a connection detection sensor that detects when the plug is inserted, allowing an external device connected to the receptacle to receive indication of whether the plug is connected. For example, this could allow the external device to notify a user when it detects that the plug has been removed from the receptacle.

[0084] The advantages of the connectors disclosed and claimed herein include a plug with internal electrical contacts on the exterior of the body that prevent accidental electric shock hazards, conforming to IEC 60601-1 subclause 8.5.2.3. The plug's diameter is only slightly larger than the cable's diameter, allowing the cable to pass through a smaller incision inside the patient's body compared to prior art connectors, thus reducing potential sites of infection. For example, when using a cable with a diameter of 0.138 inches (3.5 mm), prior art connectors have a diameter of 0.43 inches (10.9 mm). Therefore, prior art connectors are more than three times the diameter of the cable. In a preferred embodiment, when using a 0.138-inch (3.5 mm) diameter cable, the plug disclosed herein has a preferred size of 0.180 inches (4.6 mm), only 30% larger than the cable itself. The smaller plug size reduces the required incision size, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection at the site where the cable crosses the skin. A connection detection sensor detects when the plug mates with the receptacle, allowing external devices to issue an alarm or take other actions when mis-mate is detected. The combination of the ejector spring and the retaining arm creates a positive locking mechanism, so the plug is locked in place once it is correctly positioned in the socket. The ring-shaped contact means the plug does not need to be inserted into the socket in any particular orientation, meaning the plug is omnidirectional relative to the socket. Furthermore, the ring-shaped contact allows the plug to be rotated while maintaining full electrical connection. The retaining arm locks the plug into the socket until someone simultaneously presses two opposing release buttons or slides a portion of the socket to disengage from the retaining arm, thus preventing accidental disconnection of the plug from the socket. The result is a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use connector.

[0085] The reason why connectors are omnidirectional, allowing the plug to rotate freely within the socket while maintaining good electrical contact, is that one of the plugs or sockets has an annular contact, and the other has a corresponding electrical contact that contacts that annular contact. Figures 3 to 17 In a first embodiment of the connector shown, the plug includes an annular contact, and the receptacle includes a contact that engages with the annular contact in the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. Figures 21 to 35 In a second embodiment of the connector shown, the receptacle includes an annular contact, and the plug includes a contact that contacts the annular contact in the receptacle when the plug is properly mated with the receptacle. The disclosure and claims herein extend to any configuration in which one of the plug or receptacle includes an annular contact and the other has a contact that contacts the annular contact.

[0086] Although connectors have been discussed herein in the context of medical connectors used to connect implanted medical devices within a patient to external devices, connectors are not limited to this medical environment. The structures and features disclosed and claimed herein can be used with any suitable connector in any suitable environment.

[0087] The disclosure and claims herein support an electrical connector comprising: a plug including a body portion having a plurality of annular electrical contacts inside the body portion; and a socket including a plurality of electrical contacts that, when the plug mates with the socket, contact the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the plug, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the plug.

[0088] The disclosure and claims of this document also support an electrical connector comprising: a plug including a substantially hollow and substantially cylindrical body portion including: an interior having a plurality of annular electrical contacts; and an annular recess located outside the body portion; a socket including: a plurality of electrical contacts that, when the plug mates with the socket, engage the plurality of annular electrical contacts, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the plug; and two retaining arms pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage the annular recess on the plug to maintain proper mating of the plug and the socket when the plug mates with the socket.

[0089] The disclosure and claims of this document also support an electrical connector comprising: a plug including: a substantially cylindrical body portion having a plurality of annular electrical contacts inside the body portion; and an annular recess located outside the body portion; a socket including: a plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts that, when the plug mates with the socket, engage the plurality of annular electrical contacts, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts and the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the socket; and two retaining arms pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage the annular recess on the plug, wherein the tip portions of the two retaining arms include a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions, wherein, when the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position. At this point, the two pointed portions engage the annular recess in the plug to maintain the plug's fit with the socket; a spring between the two retaining arms biases the pointed portions in a closed position; an ejector spring is compressed by the plug to engage the pointed portions of the retaining arms with the annular recess in the plug; two movable release buttons located on opposite sides of the socket, physically coupled to the upper parts of the two retaining arms, such that when the two movable release buttons are pressed simultaneously, they move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the pointed portions and disengaging them from the annular recess in the plug; wherein, by pressing the two movable release buttons to disengage the pointed portions from the annular recess in the plug, the ejector spring moves the plug to a position where the pointed portions do not engage with the annular recess in the plug; and a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations are possible within the scope of the claims. Therefore, although this disclosure has been specifically shown and described above, those skilled in the art will understand that these and other changes in form and detail may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0091] In alternative solutions, the following description applies.

[0092] Implantable medical devices require specialized electrical connectors. (See reference...) Figure 1 The prior art pacemaker 110 is shown as having a socket 120, which includes three electrical contacts 130 that are electrically connected to... Figure 1The pacemaker circuitry is not shown. Electrodes designed for the pacemaker include a cable 140, which includes a plug 160. The plug 160 includes three electrical contacts 170. When the plug 160 is inserted and properly mated into a socket 120, the three electrical contacts 170 on the plug make electrical contact with three electrical contacts 130 in the socket 120, thereby connecting the electrode to the circuitry in the pacemaker. BalConn connectors are suitable for pacemakers, such as… Figure 1 The connector shown. Bal Conn is a registered trademark of Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.

[0093] Plugs including external contacts (such as Figure 1 The plug 160 in the design is not suitable for connecting implanted devices to external devices. International Electrical Code 60601-1 specifies standards for medical devices. Sub-clause 8.5.2.3 addresses patient leads or patient cables and stipulates that patients should not be accidentally connected to objects that could cause electric shock to them. Therefore, devices with... Figure 1 The connector for the external contact shown can be placed in a power outlet, which will cause power to flow from the outlet to the patient through the exposed contact 170. Therefore, if Figure 1 The connector shown is used to connect the implanted device to an external electrical device, which may violate sub-clause 8.5.2.3 of IEC 60601-1.

[0094] Therefore, connectors used to attach implanted devices to external devices have different requirements than connectors that do not have external connections. Figure 2 Example of a known prior art connector is shown in Figure 210, which can be used to connect an implanted device to an external device. Figure 2 Specific examples of known connectors similar to the prior art connector 210 shown include the T-Series IP 68 Push-Pull connector from Lemo USA, Inc. and the UltiMate connector from Fischer Connectors SA. Figure 2 The prior art connector 210 shown includes a plug portion 220 connected to a cable 240, which mates with a socket portion 230 connected to a cable 250. For this example, it is assumed that cable 240 is connected to an implanted device and cable 250 is connected to an external device. Connector 210 is not like... Figure 1The pacemaker plug 160 shown has exposed contacts, thus reducing the risk of electric shock to the patient. However, note that the diameter D1 of the plug 220 is significantly larger than the diameter D2 of the cable 240 connected to the plug 220. This means that a sufficiently large incision must be made in the patient's skin to accommodate the diameter D1 of the plug 220, allowing the plug 220 to pass through the skin from the implanted device within the patient to the connector 230 connected to an external device. Having an incision large enough to accommodate the larger diameter D1 of the plug 220 results in an incision larger than that required for the cable 240, potentially providing a site for infection. Furthermore, the plug 220 and socket 230 typically include pins that require a specific orientation between them to connect.

[0095] In conclusion, such as Figure 1 The implantable connector shown, with external contacts, is unsuitable for external use due to the risk of electric shock. For example... Figure 2 The known connectors shown can be used to connect implanted devices to external devices, but these connectors require an incision significantly larger than the cable, thus posing a risk of infection at the site where the cable crosses the skin, and these connectors require a specific orientation to mate. The connector disclosed herein solves these problems.

[0096] The electrical connector includes a plug that mates with a receptacle. In medical applications, the plug connects to an electrical conductor that passes through the patient's skin to an implanted medical device inside the patient's body. The receptacle connects to an external medical device. The plug has a small diameter, preferably not much larger than the cable to which it is connected, thus minimizing the size of the opening in the skin. All electrical contacts in the plug are located internally, minimizing the risk of electric shock to the patient. The receptacle includes a ring contact that engages internal electrical contacts on the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. The receptacle preferably includes an ejector spring and one or more retaining arms. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the plug is pushed to compress the ejector spring, which causes the spring-loaded retaining arms to lock into place, holding the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle may also include a connection detection sensor that detects when the plug is inserted, allowing an external device connected to the receptacle to receive indication of whether the plug is connected. For example, this could allow the external device to notify a user when it detects that the plug has been removed from the receptacle.

[0097] Reference Figure 3 Connector 300 includes a plug 340 that mates with socket 302. Plug 340 connects to cable 350, which connects to an implanted medical device. Cable 320, with one end connected to an external medical device, connects to socket 302 at the other end via stress-relieving member 330. Socket 302 includes housing 310, two opposing active release buttons 370 for releasing the plug, and opening 360 for receiving plug 340. Note that... Figure 3 Only one activity release button 370 is shown in the image.

[0098] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The plug 340 shown is an enlarged side view. The plug 340 includes a substantially rigid body portion 410 coupled to a flexible stress-relieving member 420. The body portion 410 includes an annular recess 430 that allows the plug 340 to be locked into place in a socket 302. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of plug 340 in Figure 5 The diagram illustrates its internal structure. The main body 410 includes a printed circuit board 540, which... Figure 5 Electrical connections are provided between the wires in the cable (not shown) and electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564. The printed circuit board (PCB) can be any suitable type, whether currently known or developed in the future. A common type of known PCB is a fiberglass epoxy PCB. PCB 540 also includes posts 542 for connecting structural members of the cable (such as reinforcing wires) to the PCB. Electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564 are separated by insulators 550, 552, and 554, and have additional insulators 556 at their ends. Each electrical contact 560, 562, and 564 is electrically connected to a different contact point on the PCB 540. As an example, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates wires 570 connecting printed circuit board 540 to electrical contacts 564. Wires 570 preferably include insulation stripped from their ends, so that the ends can be electrically connected to printed circuit board 540 and electrical contacts 564. In one particular embodiment, the stripped ends of wires 570 are soldered to printed circuit board 540 and electrical contacts 564. Of course, any suitable electrical connection can be used within the scope of this disclosure and the claims. For example, if the wires are drawn filled tubing (DFT), they cannot be soldered but can be laser soldered or mechanically crimped to the printed circuit board and the corresponding electrical contacts. It will be understood that electrical contacts 560 and 562 have corresponding wires that electrically connect these contacts to printed circuit board 540, even if these are not in... Figure 5 The middle part is shown in the middle.

[0099] Although electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564, and insulators 550, 552, 554, and 556 are in Figure 5 What appear as rectangular bars in the cross-sectional view are actually like... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The ring shown. Figure 6 The electrical contact 610 in the middle is Figure 5This is a suitable embodiment of the electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564 shown. Electrical contact 610 includes a hollow circular interior 620, two outer recesses 630, and a connection point 640. The two outer recesses 630 and the connection point 640 are preferably at a 120-degree angle to each other, thus they are equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the electrical contact 610. Of course, they can also be spaced at different angles. The connection point 640 is the point where wires are connected (e.g., soldered), such as... Figure 5 The bottom of the electrical contact 564 is shown. The outer recess 630 allows wires for other electrical contacts to pass through. Each electrical contact 560, 562, and 564 is rotated 120 degrees relative to its neighbor, so that the contact point 640 of each electrical contact is aligned with the outer recess 630 of its neighbor.

[0100] Figure 7 Insulator 710 is Figure 5 A suitable embodiment of insulators 552 and 554 shown is illustrated. Insulator 710 includes a hollow circular interior 720 and three outer recesses 730. The outer recesses 730 provide routing locations for wires connecting the printed circuit board 540 to electrical contacts 560, 562, and 564. Although insulators 550 and 556 have slightly different dimensions and / or constructions than insulators 552 and 554, they preferably include similar dimensions and / or constructions. Figure 7 The outer recess of the outer recess 730 shown in .

[0101] use Figures 5 to 7 The internal structure of the plug 340, as shown, can be manufactured as follows. Note that the steps in the manufacturing process are provided as an example, and any suitable steps or sequence can be used. Place the printed circuit board 540 in the desired location. Solder three wires into three holes in the printed circuit board 540, which are preferably spaced 120 degrees apart near the periphery of the printed circuit board. Place the insulator 550 close to the printed circuit board such that the three wires pass through three outer recesses (see...). Figure 7 (730 in the middle). Place the electrical contact 560 close to the insulator 550, and then connect it to the correct one of the three wires at its contact point (see 730 in the middle). Figure 6(640 in the middle). The remaining two wires are placed in the outer recess 630 of the contact point 560. Then the next insulator 552 is placed close to the contact 560 such that the remaining two wires pass through the two outer recesses. The contact 562 is placed close to the insulator 552 and then connected at its contact point to the correct one of the remaining two wires. Then the next insulator 554 is placed close to the contact 562 such that the remaining wire passes through one of the outer recesses. The contact 564 is placed close to the insulator 554 and then soldered at its contact point to the remaining wire. Then the next insulator 556 is placed close to the contact 564. Note that these components can be secured together using any suitable method. For example, adhesive can be used to connect each component to the next component. In an alternative, structural accessories can be used, such as three small posts mounted at a 120-degree angle on each component, which fit into the corresponding three small recesses on each component when both are properly aligned. The result is a stack including printed circuit board 540, insulator 550, electrical contact 560, insulator 552, electrical contact 562, insulator 554, electrical contact 564, and insulator 556. The cable can then pass through stress reliever 420 and through body portion 410 for routing, exposing the cable wires to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The right end of the plug is shown. At this point, the structural wires in the cable can be soldered to the posts 542 on the printed circuit board 540, and the three wires in the cable can be mechanically attached to the correct positions on the printed circuit board 540. At this point, all necessary contact between the cable and the printed circuit board has been completed. The cable can then be pulled to pull the stack, including the printed circuit board, insulator, and electrical contacts, into the body portion 410 until it is correctly positioned. At this point, one or more retaining members can be used to hold the stack in place. As an example, Figure 5 A ring-shaped retaining ring 580 is shown, which snaps into place to hold the internal stack in position. Of course, any suitable retaining member can be used. For example, one or more plastic tabs can be provided such that once the stack is slid into place, the plastic tabs hold the stack in place, preventing it from moving. In another example, one or more retaining screws can be used. The disclosure and claims herein extend to any suitable retaining member or mechanism. Note that the order of the above-described assembly of the plug may vary. For example, cables may be inserted through strain relief 420 and body portion 410 and may be soldered or otherwise electrically connected to printed circuit board 540 prior to the formation of the stack. The disclosure and claims herein expressly extend to any suitable order of the assembly of plug 340.

[0102] Figure 8 A suitable embodiment of the socket 302 is shown in the figure. Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing some internal features of the socket 302. The housing 310 provides a strain relief element 330 through which the cable to be connected to an external device is routed. The cable is not in... Figure 8 As shown in the diagram. The cable will have multiple wires connected to the contact assembly 840, for example by soldering the wires to connectors on a printed circuit board that is part of the contact assembly 840. The different components in the socket 302 are connected together using two screws 810. The retaining arm 820 is shown as having its corresponding tip portion 822, which engages an annular recess 430 on the plug 340 when the plug 340 is properly engaged with the socket 302. The housing 830 has a generally cylindrical shape and surrounds most of the contact assembly 840. A switch 850 is provided as a suitable form for connecting a detection sensor. The switch is in one state when the plug is in the socket and in the opposite state when the plug is not in the socket. For example, the switch can be normally open when the plug is not in the socket, and when the plug is inserted into the socket, the plug actuates the switch 850, thereby closing the switch and providing an indication that the plug is in the socket. The opening 360 of the socket 302 is shown to include an O-ring 860 that seals around the body portion 410 of the plug 340 when the plug 340 is inserted into the opening 360 of the socket 302, thereby sealing the connection between the plug 340 and the socket 302 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0103] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 An exploded view of the socket 302 shown. Figure 8 The strain relief element 330 includes a rubber portion 918 coupled to a rigid portion 950, which is coupled to the front end 914 of the socket 302 via a washer 960 and a nut 970. Figure 9 The above shows about Figure 8The description includes a housing 830 and a switch 850. Two bushings 940 are washers through which screws 810 pass to connect the main housing 912 to the front 914. The front 914 preferably includes two threaded holes 952 that receive the screws 810 to secure the front 914 to the main housing 912. A bottom bushing 940 passes through two retaining arms 820 and 824, providing a common pivot point for the two retaining arms 820 and 824. A spring 930 is mounted in a recess in the upper part of the two retaining arms 820 and 824 and presses the two retaining arms 820 and 824 open, such that the corresponding tip portions 822 and 826 are biased into a closed position due to the scissor-like action of the two retaining arms 820 and 824. Due to the spring 930, the retaining arms 820 and 824 and their corresponding tip portions 822 and 826 are spring-loaded. The pointed portions 822 and 826 preferably comprise a substantially semi-circular construction, thus allowing the two pointed portions to lock into the annular recess of the plug. Two opposing active release buttons 922 are mounted in the main housing 912, with pins 920 contacting the tops of retaining arms 820 and 824. The release buttons 922 have two corresponding springs 926 that outwardly bias the release buttons 922, such that the release buttons 922 are biased in an unpressed state, as... Figure 3 As shown in Figure 370, the bolt 920 and spring 926 are preferably mounted in corresponding recesses 924 in each release button 922. A user can simultaneously press two opposing release buttons 922, for example, by pressing one with their thumb and the other with their finger. This causes the tops of the retaining arms 820 and 824 to be pushed against each other, causing the tip portions 822 and 826 to separate from each other, thereby disengaging the tip portions 822 and 826 from the annular recesses in the plug. Thus, by simultaneously pressing the release buttons 922, the user releases the plug that has been locked in place in the socket by the tip portions 822 and 826 of the retaining arms 820 and 824, disengaging the tip portions 822 and 826 from the annular recesses on the plug. A flexible polymer cover 910 is provided to cover and thereby protect the assembled socket 302.

[0104] Figure 10 It is a section taken from 10-10 along the line. Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view of the socket 302. The contact assembly 840, together with the strain relief member 330 and the opening 360 including the O-ring 860, are shown. Figure 10The retaining arm's tip portions 822 and 826 are shown in more detail, each having a beveled front. Thus, tip portion 822 includes a beveled front 1010, and tip portion 826 includes a beveled front 1012. With this arrangement, when the plug contacts the beveled fronts 1010 and 1012, the plug will slide along the beveled fronts 1010 and 1012, thereby separating tip portions 822 and 826 by a distance sufficient for the plug to pass between them. Because the retaining arm has a spring that provides a biasing force to hold tip portions 822 and 826 together, the sliding of the plug along the beveled fronts 1010 and 1012 forces tip portions 822 and 826 to overcome the spring's biasing force and separate. When the plug is fully seated in the socket 302, tip portions 822 and 826 will engage. Figure 4 The annular recess 430 shown locks the plug 340 into place. However, note that even when the plug is locked in place relative to the socket, it can still rotate in any direction while maintaining electrical connection between the plug and socket. Furthermore, no special keying or orientation is required to mate the plug with the socket. The connection between the two is omnidirectional, meaning the plug can be in any suitable rotational relationship relative to the socket.

[0105] One specific embodiment of the contact component 840 is in Figures 11 to 14 As shown in the figure. The contact assembly 840 preferably includes a printed circuit board 1110, an ejector spring 1120, and a cylindrical body 1130 including a plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts 1140, 1142, and 1144. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 End view of the contact component 840 shown. Figure 13 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body 1130, showing a spring assembly 1310 with a ball head 1140 electrically coupled to a spring 1320, which is electrically coupled to a base 1330. The base 1330 of the spring assembly 1310 is electrically coupled to a wire 1340, which is electrically coupled to a printed circuit board 1110. The printed circuit board 1110 is connected to a cable that passes through a stress reliever 330 and enters a socket 302. In this way, the electrical conductors in the cable are connected via... Figure 13 The spring-loaded ball contact of the spring assembly shown is available. Each spring assembly is placed in a corresponding cylindrical hole. Therefore, Figure 13 Spring assembly 1310 is placed within a corresponding cylindrical hole 1342. Two other spring assemblies 1350 and 1360 are placed within their corresponding holes 1344 and 1346, respectively, at a 120-degree angle to hole 1350, thereby providing evenly spaced electrical contacts around the circumference of the cylindrical body 1130. For clarity, these two spring assemblies 1350 and 1360 are... Figure 13The figure is shown in dashed lines. The specific example shown assumes three electrical contacts, meaning each contact is at a 120-degree angle relative to the other two. However, note that the principles herein apply to any suitable number of electrical contacts and any suitable spacing or arrangement. For example, if six electrical contacts are required, there can be six different electrical contacts provided by six corresponding spring assemblies spaced 60 degrees apart. If four electrical contacts are required, there can be four different electrical contacts provided by four corresponding spring assemblies spaced 90 degrees apart. Furthermore, the spacing between the electrical contacts does not need to be uniform. Thus, if four electrical contacts are required, one spring assembly could be at 0 degrees, the second at 45 degrees, the third at 90 degrees, and the fourth at 225 degrees. This simple example illustrates that the disclosure and claims herein are expressly extended to any suitable number of electrical contacts with any suitable spacing or arrangement between them.

[0106] Figure 14 yes Figures 11 to 13 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the contact assembly 840. The ejector spring 1120 is shown as a flexible material with a baffle that allows the plug to partially compress the ejector spring 1120 to properly engage in the socket 302. However, note that the ejector spring 1120 can also have other constructions. For example, the ejector spring 1120 can be a solid component, such as rubber or foam, with the elasticity required to allow the plug to engage and lock in place in the socket. Of course, the ejector spring 1120 can also be a metal spring. The ejector spring 1120 can be any suitable material and / or construction that provides a certain linear resistance along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 1130, such that when the plug first contacts the ejector spring 1120, the plug is not fully engaged in the socket, but rather partially compressed by applying a certain additional force to press the plug into the socket until the tip of the retaining arm engages and locks in place in the annular recess of the plug, thereby holding the plug in the mating position relative to the socket. In a suitable implementation, when the tip portion of the retaining arm is in place and locked in the annular recess of the plug, the retaining spring is preferably compressed by less than 0.050 inches (1.3 mm).

[0107] Therefore, the ejector spring has two functions. First, it needs to be compressed to lock the plug in place, thus ensuring proper mating between the plug and the socket. Second, it disconnects the plug from the socket. When both release buttons are pressed simultaneously, the ejector spring moves the plug to a position where the tip of the retaining arm does not engage with the annular recess in the plug when the two release buttons are no longer pressed. Thus, a person disconnecting the plug can press both release buttons, causing the plug to disengage from the retaining arm and move out of its locked position. The plug can then be pulled out of the socket without pressing both release buttons. In a preferred embodiment, the plug may include an externally printed annular ring that provides a visual indication of proper mating. In one embodiment, the printed annular ring is positioned such that it is not visible when the plug is properly mated. In another embodiment, the printed annular ring is positioned such that it is flush against the housing on the socket when the plug is properly mated. Of course, many variations exist for visually indicating when the plug is properly mated or not, all of which are within the scope of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0108] Figure 14 The spring assembly 1310 is shown with a hemispherical head 1440, instead of Figures 11 to 13 The global head 1140 is shown. This is shown to illustrate that the head of the electrical contact can have any suitable shape and / or configuration. In the most preferred embodiment, the head of the electrical contact is slightly rounded to allow the head to slide easily on the corresponding annular electrical contact in the plug as the plug rotates. A spring assembly in the contact assembly provides a plurality of electrical contacts that engage with a plurality of annular electrical contacts in the plug when the plug mates with the socket.

[0109] Figure 14 A wire 1340 is shown for connecting the spring assembly 1310 to the printed circuit board 1110. In the most preferred embodiment, the wire 1340 is soldered to the spring assembly 1310 and the printed circuit board 1110. Of course, the wire 1340 can be laser-welded, crimped, or attached to the spring assembly 1310 and / or the printed circuit board 1110 using some other method. In a suitable embodiment, the cylindrical body 1130 is made of a rigid plastic material formed by die extrusion, which provides three longitudinal cylindrical channels in which wires can be placed. Holes for the spring assembly (e.g., holes 1342, 1344, and 1346) are drilled at a 120-degree angle relative to each other at the location where each hole intersects with one of the three longitudinal cylindrical channels in which wires can be placed. The spring assembly is then placed into its respective hole and attached to the corresponding wire at the bottom of the hole. Note that Figure 14The cylindrical body 1130 includes two additional holes 1346 and 1344 drilled at a 120-degree angle to the hole 1342, but for clarity, the spring assemblies in these holes are not shown. Figure 14 As shown in the figure. The main body 1130 preferably includes, as shown in the figure. Figure 14 The circular front portion 1430 shown facilitates alignment of the plug with the contact assembly 840.

[0110] The end of the cylindrical body 1130 attached to the printed circuit board 1110 may have a threaded portion 1410 that can accommodate a nut 1420 to attach the cylindrical body 1130 to the printed circuit board 1110. The printed circuit board 1110 preferably includes features attached to the printed circuit board, such as connectors, pads, etc., that allow conductors of cables to pass through stress-relieving elements into a socket.

[0111] A second specific embodiment of the contact component 840 is in Figure 15 and Figure 16 The image shows contact assembly 1540. Contact assembly 1540 preferably includes three longitudinal slits 1510 for receiving spring wires that connect spring-loaded electrical contacts 1140, 1142, and 1144 to printed circuit board 1110. One of these spring wires is... Figure 16 The cross-sectional view shows a spring wire 1630. The spring wire 1630 is not only an electrical connection, but its stiffness is also sufficient to provide a spring action for the spring-loaded electrical contact 1640. Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 A suitable embodiment of the spring-loaded electrical contact 1140 is described. The spring-loaded electrical contact 1640 is connected to a spring wire 1630, which in turn is connected to a printed circuit board 1110. The stiffness of the spring wire 1630 holds the spring-loaded electrical contact 1640 in place. Figure 16 As shown in the diagram, when the spring-loaded contact 1640 is slightly pressed downwards as the plug is inserted into the contact assembly 1540, the spring bias provided by the spring wire is overcome, and therefore the spring-loaded contact 1640 retracts slightly, as shown in the diagram. Figure 16 As shown by the dashed line. Due to the slit 1510, the contact assembly 1540 includes an outer sheath 1620 covering the spring wire. In the most preferred embodiment, the sheath 1620 has connections with three spring-loaded contacts (including...). Figure 16The spring-loaded contact 1640 shown is aligned with three holes. Therefore, three spring wires are connected to three spring-loaded contacts, with the spring wires placed in their respective recesses and the spring-loaded contacts placed in their respective holes. At this point, the sheath 1620 can slide across the center portion 1610 to hold the spring wires and spring-loaded contacts in place. The spring wires can then be attached to the printed circuit board 1110, which holds the sheath 1620 in place.

[0112] Figure 17 The plug 340 is shown properly mating with the contact assembly 840 within the socket 302. The contact assembly 840 is in... Figure 15 The plug 340 is shown in dashed lines to clearly distinguish it from the solid-lined plug 240 and the dashed-lined contact assembly 840. The plug 340 is initially pushed into the socket through the opening, which causes the leading edge of the plug to push against the beveled edge of the tip of the retaining arm (see...). Figure 10 This causes the tip of the retaining arm to unfold and separate, so that the cylindrical body 410 can be pushed further into the socket to engage the contact assembly 840. Once the leading edge of the plug contacts the ejector spring, additional force is applied to partially compress the ejector spring until the tip of the retaining arm locks in the annular recess of the body portion of the plug. Figure 17 It shows Figures 8 to 10 The tip portion 822 of the retaining arm 820 shown locks into the annular recess of the plug 340 to hold the plug 340 in a mating position relative to the contact assembly 840. Once the plug 340 is correctly positioned and locked in place via the retaining arm, each contact point in the contact assembly 840 makes electrical contact with the corresponding annular conductor in the plug 340, as shown. Figure 15 As shown. Because the electrical connector in the plug is ring-shaped, the plug can rotate freely while fully in place and engaging with the socket 302, while maintaining a good electrical connection.

[0113] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating how the connection detection sensor 1820 in socket 302 can provide an electrical signal to the connection detection circuit 1810 in an external device to indicate when the plug 340 is in socket 302. Figure 8 and Figure 9In one suitable configuration shown, the connection detection sensor 1820 is a switch 850, which is in one state (e.g., open) when the plug 340 is not in the socket 302, and in a different state (e.g., closed) when the plug 340 is in the socket 302. However, note that the connection detection sensor 1820 can be any suitable means of sensing when the plug 340 is in or out of the socket 302, including a reed switch actuated by a small magnet in the plug 340, an optical sensor detecting when the plug 340 is in the socket 302, one or two sensors on the retaining arm detecting when they are locked in place within the annular retaining ring of the plug, and so on. In one particular embodiment, the connection detection sensor 1820 can be positioned such that when the plug is locked in place by the retaining arm, the connection detection sensor 1820 indicates that the plug is correctly installed and in place, but when the plug is not in the socket, or is in the socket but not locked in place, the connection detection sensor 1820 indicates that the plug is not correctly installed and in place. In an alternative embodiment, the connection detection sensor can detect the state of the retaining arms to indicate whether the plug is in the socket. In yet another alternative embodiment, one sensor can detect the presence of the plug in the socket, while another sensor can detect the state of one or both retaining arms. When the connection detection circuit 1810 receives an indication from the connection detection sensor 1820 that the plug is not in the socket or is not properly positioned in the socket, the connection detection circuit can take appropriate action to indicate a lack of connection, such as issuing an audible alarm, sending a message to the nurse station, etc.

[0114] Figure 19 A method 1900 for mating a plug to a socket is shown. The plug is inserted into the socket (step 1910). At the beginning of step 1910, when the leading edge of the plug is placed in the opening of the socket, the leading edge of the plug contacts the beveled edge of the tip of the retaining arm, separating the tip sufficiently to allow the body of the plug to continue sliding forward. The plug is slid forward until it contacts the ejector spring, and pressure is applied to compress the ejector spring until the retaining arm is locked in place on the plug (step 1920). The connection detection circuit indicates that the plug is inserted into the socket (step 1930). Depending on the specific construction, as discussed in detail in the previous paragraph, the connection detection circuit 1810 may indicate that the plug is inserted into the socket the first time it enters the socket, or it may wait until the plug is correctly positioned with the retaining arm engaged before indicating that the plug is inserted into the socket.

[0115] Figure 20Method 2000 illustrates how the plug is removed from the socket. Pressing both opposing release buttons simultaneously (step 2010) causes the tip of the retaining arm to disengage from the annular recess on the plug. With the tip of the retaining arm disengaged, the ejector spring pushes the plug slightly outward, at which point the retaining arm no longer engages with the annular recess on the plug (step 2020). Pull the plug out until it is removed from the socket (step 2030). The connection detection circuit indicates that the plug is not inserted into the socket (step 2040). As described above, the indication from the connection detection circuit can occur either when the retaining arm disengages from the plug or when the plug is completely removed from the socket.

[0116] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 An alternative embodiment of the plug is shown as plug 2100. Plug 2100 includes a body portion 2110 coupled to strain relief member 2120. Electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 are housed within the body portion 2110 and contact housing 2186. Outer sleeve 2130 holds the internal components within plug 2100. Once the electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 are positioned within the body portion 2110 and contact housing 2186, outer sleeve 2130 slides over contact housing 2186, electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174, and a portion of the body portion, and then pin 2190 is inserted through a hole 2192 in outer sleeve 2130 into a corresponding hole in body portion 2110 to hold the internal plug components. Body portion 2110 includes an annular recess 2112 for receiving a retaining arm to lock the plug within a receptacle. The outer tube 2130 includes a front edge 2132, which is preferably rounded or chamfered to allow the plug to push the retaining arm away while the plug is being pushed into the socket, until the retaining arm in the socket locks into the annular recess 2112 to hold the plug in place.

[0117] Electrical contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 preferably comprise substantially linear contacts, which are defined herein as contacts with a length at least twice their width. Each electrical contact 2170, 2172, and 2174 preferably comprises its own linear contact. Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the diagram, electrical contact 2170 is shown together with linear contact 2180, and electrical contact 2174 is shown together with linear contact 2184. The linear contact of the electrical contact is the part that makes physical and electrical contact with the corresponding contact in the socket. Figure 21 The linear contact 2184 shown is an elongated ellipse. This allows the contact to slide around a ring-shaped contact within the socket as the plug rotates within the socket, while maintaining good electrical contact. Each electrical contact includes a corresponding wire connection point. Figure 21 and Figure 22In the figure, electrical contact 2170 is shown as including a corresponding wire connection point 2171. Wires from the cable, passing through strain relief member 2120 and entering the interior of connector 2100, can be connected to wire connection point 2171 using any suitable connection method (e.g., soldering, laser welding, crimping, etc.). Although for clarity in the figures... Figure 22 Although not specifically labeled in the accompanying drawings, it can be understood that electrical contacts 2172 and 2174 each include components related to... Figure 21 The wire connection point 2171 shown for the electrical contact 2170 is a similar corresponding wire connection point.

[0118] Plug 2100 can be mated with suitable contact components, such as Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown. Contact assembly 2300 is a second embodiment of a contact assembly within a socket. Contact assembly 2300 includes a base 2310, which includes a flange 2312 and a generally cylindrical portion 2314 extending from the flange 2312. Core 2320 uses suitable fasteners (such as...) Figure 24 The screw or pin 2430 shown is attached to the base 2310. The core 2320 includes a circular front portion 2322. The core 2320 supports three generally annular electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334, which are inserted into two insulating sleeves 2340 and 2342. Each electrical contact 2330, 2332, and 2334 is connected to a respective connecting rod, which provides a connection point for the wires in the cable. Figure 23 and Figure 24 One advantage of the contact assembly 2300 shown is that it does not require a printed circuit board. Figure 24 In this configuration, electrical contact 2330 is connected to connecting rod 2410, which includes wire connection points 2420 at opposite ends for connecting to wires in a cable. Wires can be connected to wire connection points 2420 by any suitable method, such as soldering, crimping, or laser welding. (See details...) Figure 23 and Figure 24 The electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334, as shown in the preferred embodiment, have a diameter slightly larger than that of the non-conductive portions 2322, 2340, 2342, and 2314. Furthermore, the electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 have rounded or chamfered edges, and as... Figure 23 The bias slit shown on electrical contact 2332. The combination of a slightly larger diameter, rounded or chamfered edges, and bias slits makes electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 fit into plugs (such as...). Figure 21 and Figure 22The plug 2100 shown acts like a spring when mating with the contact assembly 2300. Electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 are compressed to a slightly smaller diameter when mating with the plug and expand back to their original diameter when the plug is removed. In this sense, electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 are spring-loaded contacts.

[0119] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The core 2320 of the contact assembly 2300 shown is in Figure 25 This is shown in more detail below. The core 2320 includes a circular front portion 2332 and an elongated central portion 2520, which includes grooves for accommodating the interior of the connecting rod and electrical contacts. Figure 25 In the example shown, the central portion 2520 includes a first groove 2530 and a second groove 2532, the first groove 2530 extending over most of the length of the central portion 2520 and the second groove 2532 extending only over a portion of the length of the central portion 2520.

[0120] Figure 23 and Figure 24 A suitable embodiment of the electrical contacts 2330, 2332 and 2334 shown is in Figure 26 The electrical contact 2610 is shown as 2610. The electrical contact 2610 is an annular contact ring comprising a substantially cylindrical outer surface 2620, a substantially hollow inner surface 2630, an internal connection point 2640, a rounded or chamfered edge 2650, and a bias slit 2660. The internal connection point 2640 includes a hollow interior 2642 for receiving a connecting rod. This configuration allows the same electrical contact to be used for all three electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334 in such a manner as... Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 28 As shown: Each electrical contact is offset by 120 degrees from the other two electrical contacts, as follows: Figure 28 As most clearly shown. The slot in the central portion 2520 is sized to accommodate the internal connection points of the electrical contacts and their respective connecting rods after they are joined in a suitable manner (such as welding, crimping, or laser welding). Therefore, Figure 25 The slot 2530 shown accommodates the internal connection point 2640 of the electrical contact 2330 and Figure 28 The attached connecting rod 2410 is shown. Similarly, Figure 25 The slot 2532 in the middle accommodates the internal connection point 2640 of the electrical contact 2334 and its attached connecting rod 2412 (e.g., Figure 28(As shown). The bias slit 2660 provides a small gap that allows the annular contact ring 2610 to be slightly compressed in diameter when the plug mates with a socket including the annular contact 2610. Furthermore, the bias slit 2660 provides a surface for linear contacts (such as...) Figure 21 The linear contact 2184 shown can slide around the annular contact on this surface without obstructing or losing electrical connection. If the bias slit 2660 were replaced by a linear slit, the edge of the linear contact might seize the linear slit and prevent the plug from rotating within the socket. The bias slit provides a surface that ensures that when the plug rotates, the linear contact in the plug (which spans most or all of the width of the annular contact) will easily rotate around the annular contact without getting stuck and while maintaining a good electrical connection. This is in Figure 23 The electrical contact 2332 is illustrated graphically, where the dashed ellipse represents the connection with... Figure 21 The linear contact 2184 shown is similar to the contact point of a linear contact. Because the slit in the electrical contact 2332 is biased, the linear contact in the plug that contacts the electrical contact 2332 will maintain a good electrical connection without jamming when the plug is rotated, as shown. Figure 23 The three dashed ellipses on the 2332 contact are shown.

[0121] Figure 23 A suitable construction of the insulating sleeves 2340 and 2342 shown in Figure 27 It is shown at 2710. The insulating sleeve 2710 is made of an electrically insulating material and has a generally cylindrical construction, having an outer surface 2720 and a generally hollow interior 2730. Conceptually, the insulating sleeve 2710 is similar to a section of plastic tubing.

[0122] Figure 28 The construction shown makes it easy to see how these components are assembled with the core 2320. In the most preferred embodiment, three wires from the cable are connected to... Figure 28 The wire connection points 2420, 2422, and 2424 of the three connecting rods shown are connected, with the opposite ends of each connecting rod connected to the corresponding electrical contact. The first electrical contact 2330 and its attached connecting rod 2410 slide into the slot 2530. Then the insulating sleeve 2710 is slid onto the center portion 2520, as shown. Figure 24 As shown in 2340. The second electrical contact 2332 and its attached connecting rod 2414 slide into Figure 25 In the corresponding groove (not shown), because this groove is located on the back side of the central portion 2520. Then the insulating sleeve 2710 is slid onto the central portion 2520, as... Figure 24 As shown in 2342, the third electrical contact 2334 and its attached connecting rod 2412 slide into... Figure 25In the corresponding groove 2532 shown. At this time, the cylindrical portion 2314 of the base 2310 slides onto the center portion 2520, and the base 2310 is connected to the center portion 2520 of the core 2320 using suitable fasteners 2430 (such as pins or screws), as shown. Figure 24 As shown. Connecting the base 2310 to the core 2320 will attract the electrical contacts 2330, 2332, and 2334, as well as the insulating sleeves 2340 and 2342. The resulting assembled contact assembly 2300 is... Figure 29 The image is shown in cross-section.

[0123] For clarity, Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The contact assembly 2300 shown does not include a compression spring. However, the contact assembly 2300 includes a spring with... Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 Compression springs similar to the 1120 described herein are also within the scope of this disclosure and the claims. Of course, any other suitable type or construction of compression spring may also be used.

[0124] Figure 30 It shows including Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The socket 3000 is shown with contact component 2300. In a suitable embodiment, the socket 3000 has the same characteristics as the contact component 2300, except that the contact component 840 has been replaced by the contact component 2300. Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The socket 3000 has the same construction as the socket 302 shown. Of course, the socket 3000 may also have a different construction than the socket 302.

[0125] Figure 31 It shows including, for example Figure 30 The socket 3000 of the contact assembly 2300 shown contains a plug (such as...) Figure 21 and Figure 22 The plug 2100 in the plug mates with the socket 3000. Once properly mated, the linear contacts 2170, 2172, and 2174 in the plug will contact the corresponding annular contacts in the socket. Therefore, Figure 21 and Figure 22 The electrical contact 2170 in the plug 2100 will be with Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The electrical contacts 2334 on the contact assembly 2300 shown are in physical contact. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The electrical contact 2172 in the plug 2100 will be connected with Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The electrical contacts 2332 on the contact assembly 2300 shown are in physical contact. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The electrical contact 2174 in the plug 2100 will be with Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 29 The electrical contacts 2330 on the contact assembly 2300 shown are in physical contact. Although for clarity... Figure 31 The figures do not include reference numerals, but only the connection between the electrical contact 2170 and the annular contact ring electrical contact 2334 in the plug 2100 of these three connections is shown. This is based on the above... Figures 21 to 24 and Figure 29 The detailed description of the diagram in the figure best explains the correspondence between the electrical contacts and the annular contact ring contacts in the plug.

[0126] Instead of having, for example Figure 3 , Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 The box-shaped socket shown can alternatively have, as... Figure 32 The socket 3200 in the diagram shows a vertically aligned design in its lower section. Figure 32 In the specific configuration shown, the socket 3200 includes a rear portion 3210 and a front portion 3220. The front portion 3220 preferably slides toward the rear portion 3210 against the bias of the retaining arms 3230. As the front portion 3220 slides toward the rear portion 3210, one or more inclined members 3240 push the retaining arms 3230 and 3232 to a retracted position where they no longer engage the annular recess 2112 on the plug 2100, thereby releasing the plug 2100 so that it can be pulled out and removed from the socket. When the pressure from the front portion 3220 sliding toward the rear portion 3210 is removed, the bias of the retaining arms 3230 and 3232 will cause the front portion 3220 to slide away from the rear portion and return to its original position. Figure 32 The location is shown. The inline socket 3200 preferably includes the contact assembly 2300 discussed in detail above. In alternative configurations, the inline socket 3200 may include... Figures 8 to 11 The contact assembly 840 shown.

[0127] Figure 33 The image shows the mating of plug 2100 and socket 3200. As described above, plug 2100 includes a rounded or chamfered front surface, such that when the plug encounters... Figure 32 and Figure 33 When holding the arm as shown, continue as... Figure 33The large arrow in the diagram indicates that pushing the plug into the socket causes it to overcome the bias of the retaining arm, allowing it to slide further into socket 3200 and onto the contact assembly. Because the diameter of the annular contact on the contact assembly is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the plug, pushing the plug onto the contact assembly causes the rounded or chamfered leading edge of the plug to meet the rounded edge of the first annular contact, thus slightly compressing the diameter of the annular contact. Figure 26 As shown in the bias slit 2660, this compression is possible. The bias slit 2660 provides a small gap that allows for slight compression of the annular contacts as the plug slides onto them. This occurs with all three annular contacts, one at a time, as the plug slides onto the contact assembly. The result is that the annular contacts in the contact assembly are slightly compressed by the plug, ensuring a good electrical connection between the plug and the socket. When the contact assembly includes a compression spring, the compression spring is slightly compressed. Once the plug 2100 is fully seated in the socket 3200, as... Figure 34 As shown, the retaining arm in the socket 3200 engages the annular recess in the plug 2100, thereby retaining the plug 2100 within the socket 3200.

[0128] Plug 2100 can be removed from socket 3200, such as Figure 35 As shown. The front part 3220 of the plug is pushed towards the rear part 3210, such that the front part 3220 relative to the rear part 3210 is... Figure 35 Slide in the direction of the large arrow shown. Sliding the front part 3220 toward the rear part 3210 causes the beveled member to move the retaining arms on the socket so that they no longer engage the annular recess on the plug, as shown. Figure 35 As shown. Once the retaining arm is no longer engaged with the annular recess on the plug, the plug can be removed from the socket.

[0129] Reference Figure 36 Method 3600 shows how to... Figure 35 Remove plug 2100 from socket 3200. Slide the front of the socket toward the rear to disengage from the retaining arm (step 3610). Remove the plug from the socket (step 3620). Note that removing the plug from the inline socket 3200 involves sliding the front of the socket toward the rear to disengage from the retaining arm. This is related to... Figure 3 and Figures 8 to 10 The socket shown has two different release mechanisms for the opposite buttons. When the socket includes an ejector spring, sliding the front of the socket toward the rear to disengage from the retaining arm causes the ejector spring to slightly move the plug, so that the retaining arm no longer engages the annular groove on the plug, thus allowing the plug to be removed from the socket in step 3620 without having to keep the front in a slidable position relative to the rear.

[0130] The plug and contact components can be made of any suitable material. Preferred materials are plastics. For example, these can be made from a polymer called polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Of course, any suitable material that provides the required rigidity and electrical insulation properties, whether currently known or developed in the future, can be used.

[0131] The electrical connector includes a plug that mates with a receptacle. In medical applications, the plug connects to an electrical conductor that passes through the patient's skin to an implanted medical device inside the patient's body. The receptacle connects to an external medical device. The plug has a small diameter, preferably not much larger than the cable to which it is connected, thus minimizing the size of the opening in the skin. The electrical contacts in the plug are located internally, minimizing the risk of electric shock to the patient. The receptacle includes an annular contact that contacts internal electrical contacts on the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. The receptacle preferably includes an ejector spring and one or more retaining arms. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the plug is pushed to compress the ejector spring, which causes the spring-loaded retaining arms to lock into place, holding the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle may also include a connection detection sensor that detects when the plug is inserted, allowing an external device connected to the receptacle to receive indication of whether the plug is connected. For example, this could allow the external device to notify a user when it detects that the plug has been removed from the receptacle.

[0132] The advantages of the connectors disclosed and claimed herein include a plug with internal electrical contacts on the exterior of the body that prevent accidental electric shock hazards, conforming to IEC 60601-1 subclause 8.5.2.3. The plug's diameter is only slightly larger than the cable's diameter, allowing the cable to pass through a smaller incision inside the patient's body compared to prior art connectors, thus reducing potential sites of infection. For example, when using a cable with a diameter of 0.138 inches (3.5 mm), prior art connectors have a diameter of 0.43 inches (10.9 mm). Therefore, prior art connectors are more than three times the diameter of the cable. In a preferred embodiment, when using a 0.138-inch (3.5 mm) diameter cable, the plug disclosed herein has a preferred size of 0.180 inches (4.6 mm), only 30% larger than the cable itself. The smaller plug size reduces the required incision size, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection at the site where the cable crosses the skin. A connection detection sensor detects when the plug mates with the receptacle, allowing external devices to issue an alarm or take other actions when mis-mate is detected. The combination of the ejector spring and the retaining arm creates a positive locking mechanism, so the plug is locked in place once it is correctly positioned in the socket. The ring-shaped contact means the plug does not need to be inserted into the socket in any particular orientation, meaning the plug is omnidirectional relative to the socket. Furthermore, the ring-shaped contact allows the plug to be rotated while maintaining all electrical connection. The retaining arm locks the plug into the socket until someone simultaneously presses two opposing release buttons or slides a portion of the socket to disengage from the retaining arm, thus preventing accidental disconnection of the plug from the socket. The result is a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use connector.

[0133] The reason why connectors are omnidirectional, allowing the plug to rotate freely within the socket while maintaining good electrical contact, is that one of the plugs or sockets has an annular contact, and the other has a corresponding electrical contact that contacts the annular contact. Figures 3 to 17 In a first embodiment of the connector shown, the plug includes an annular contact, and the receptacle includes a contact that engages with the annular contact in the plug when the plug and receptacle are properly mated. Figures 21 to 35 In the second embodiment of the connector shown, the receptacle includes annular contacts, and the plug includes contacts that engage with the annular contacts in the receptacle when the plug is properly mated with the receptacle. The disclosure and claims herein extend to any configuration in which one of the plug or receptacle includes annular contacts while the other has contacts that engage with these annular contacts.

[0134] Although connectors have been discussed herein in the context of medical connectors used to connect implanted medical devices within a patient to external devices, connectors are not limited to this medical environment. The structures and features disclosed and claimed herein can be used with any suitable connector in any suitable environment.

[0135] The disclosure and claims herein support an electrical connector comprising: a plug including a body portion having a plurality of electrical contacts inside the body portion; and a socket including a plurality of annular electrical contacts, wherein when the plug mates with the socket, the plurality of annular electrical contacts contact the plurality of electrical contacts on the plug, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of electrical contacts on the plug.

[0136] The disclosure and claims of this document also support an electrical connector comprising: a plug including a substantially hollow and substantially cylindrical body portion including: an interior having a plurality of electrical contacts; and an annular recess located on the exterior of the body portion; a socket including: a plurality of annular electrical contacts that contact the plurality of contacts when the plug mates with the socket, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of annular contacts on the socket and the plurality of contacts on the plug; two retaining arms pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage the annular recess on the plug to maintain proper mating of the plug and the socket when the plug mates with the socket; and a spring between the two retaining arms biasing the tip portion in a closed position.

[0137] The disclosure and claims of this document also support an electrical connector comprising: a plug including: a substantially cylindrical body portion having a plurality of electrical contacts inside the body portion; and an annular recess located outside the body portion; a socket including: a plurality of annular electrical contacts that contact the plurality of electrical contacts when the plug mates with the socket, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of electrical contacts on the plug; and two retaining arms, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage the annular recess on the plug, wherein the tip portions of the two retaining arms include a chamfered front surface that allows the plug to slide along the chamfered front surface to partially separate the tip portions, wherein when the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two... The plug comprises: a pointed portion engaging an annular recess in the plug to maintain plug-receptacle mating; a spring between two retaining arms biasing the pointed portion in a closed position; an ejector spring compressed by the plug to engage the pointed portion of the retaining arm with the annular recess in the plug; a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion, wherein when the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion, the movable portion disengages the two retaining arms from the annular recess on the plug, wherein moving the movable portion disengages the two retaining arms from the annular recess on the plug, thereby disengaging the pointed portion from the annular recess in the plug, and the ejector spring moving the plug to a position where the pointed portion does not engage with the annular recess in the plug; and a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the receptacle, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the receptacle, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the receptacle.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations are possible within the scope of the claims. Therefore, although this disclosure has been specifically shown and described above, those skilled in the art will understand that these and other changes in form and detail may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0139] The first set of supplementary instructions supports...

[0140] 1. An electrical connector, comprising:

[0141] A plug, comprising a body portion having multiple electrical contacts inside the body portion; and

[0142] A socket includes a plurality of annular electrical contacts that, when a plug mates with the socket, contact a plurality of electrical contacts on the plug, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of electrical contacts on the plug.

[0143] 2. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrical contacts inside the body portion of the plug includes a linear contact that, when the plug and socket are properly mated, makes physical contact with one of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket.

[0144] 3. The electrical connector according to embodiment 2, wherein the linear contact comprises a substantially elongated ellipse.

[0145] 4. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket includes a substantially cylindrical member having a bias slit, which, when the plug mates with the socket, causes each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts to act like a spring.

[0146] 5. The electrical connector according to embodiment 4, wherein inserting the plug into the socket causes each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts to be compressed to a slightly smaller diameter, thereby providing a spring-like effect for maintaining contact with the corresponding electrical contact in the plug.

[0147] 6. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the plug includes an annular recess located outside the body portion, and wherein the socket includes at least one retaining arm that engages the annular recess on the plug to maintain proper mating of the plug and socket when the plug and socket are properly mated.

[0148] 7. The electrical connector according to embodiment 6, wherein the at least one retaining arm comprises two retaining arms pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug, wherein the electrical connector further includes a spring located between the two retaining arms to bias the tip portion in a closed position.

[0149] 8. The electrical connector according to embodiment 7, wherein each tip portion of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions, and when the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to maintain the plug mating with the socket.

[0150] 9. The electrical connector according to embodiment 6, wherein the socket includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip portion of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

[0151] 10. The electrical connector according to embodiment 9 further includes two movable release buttons disposed on opposite sides of the socket, the two movable release buttons being physically coupled to the upper parts of the two retaining arms, such that when the two movable release buttons are pressed down together at the same time, the two movable release buttons overcome the bias of the spring between the two retaining arms and move the upper parts of the two retaining arms to separate the tip portions, thereby disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

[0152] 11. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1 further includes a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket.

[0153] 12. The electrical connector according to embodiment 11, wherein a connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to a socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

[0154] 13. The electrical connector according to embodiment 6, wherein the socket further includes a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion, wherein when the movable portion on the socket slides relative to the fixed portion of the socket, the movable portion disengages the at least one retaining arm from the annular recess on the plug.

[0155] 14. An electrical connector, comprising:

[0156] A plug comprising a substantially hollow and substantially cylindrical body portion, the body portion including:

[0157] The interior has multiple electrical contacts; and

[0158] An annular recess located on the outside of the main body;

[0159] The socket includes:

[0160] Multiple annular electrical contacts, which contact each other when the plug and socket are mated, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the multiple annular electrical contacts on the socket and the multiple electrical contacts on the plug;

[0161] Two retaining arms, pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug to retain proper engagement with the socket when the plug and socket are properly aligned; and

[0162] A spring between the two retaining arms biases the tip portion into the closed position.

[0163] 15. The electrical connector according to embodiment 14, wherein each of the plurality of electrical contacts inside the substantially cylindrical body portion of the plug includes a substantially elongated elliptical linear contact that, when the plug is properly mated with the socket, makes physical contact with one of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket, wherein the linear contact includes a substantially elongated ellipse.

[0164] 16. The electrical connector according to embodiment 14, wherein each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket includes a substantially cylindrical member having a bias slit, which, when the plug mates with the socket, causes each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts to act like a spring.

[0165] 17. The electrical connector according to embodiment 14, wherein each tip portion of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions, and when the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to maintain the plug mating with the socket.

[0166] 18. The electrical connector according to embodiment 14, wherein the socket further includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip portion of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

[0167] 19. The electrical connector according to embodiment 14 further includes two movable release buttons disposed on opposite sides of the socket, the two movable release buttons being physically coupled to the upper parts of the two retaining arms, such that when the two movable release buttons are pressed down simultaneously, the two movable release buttons move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions, thereby disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

[0168] 20. The electrical connector according to embodiment 14 further includes a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

[0169] 21. The electrical connector according to embodiment 14, wherein the socket further includes a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion, wherein when the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion of the socket, the movable portion disengages the at least one retaining arm from the annular recess on the plug.

[0170] 22. An electrical connector, comprising:

[0171] The plug includes:

[0172] The main body is basically cylindrical, and inside the main body are multiple electrical contacts; and

[0173] An annular recess located on the outside of the main body;

[0174] The socket includes:

[0175] Multiple annular electrical contacts, which contact each other when the plug and socket are mated, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the multiple annular electrical contacts on the socket and the multiple electrical contacts on the plug;

[0176] Two retaining arms, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug, wherein the tip portions of the two retaining arms include a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage the annular recess in the plug to maintain the plug's engagement with the socket; an ejector spring, which is compressed by the plug to engage the tip portions of the retaining arms with the annular recess in the plug;

[0177] A movable part and a fixed part, wherein the movable part slides relative to the fixed part, wherein when the movable part slides relative to the fixed part, the movable part disengages two retaining arms from the annular recess on the plug, wherein moving the movable part disengages the two retaining arms from the annular recess on the plug, thereby disengaging the tip portion from the annular recess in the plug, and an ejector spring moves the plug to a position where the tip portion is not engaged with the annular recess in the plug; and

[0178] A connection sensor detector is provided that detects when a plug is in a socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

[0179] The second set of supplementary instructions supports...

[0180] 1. An electrical connector, comprising:

[0181] A plug comprising a body portion having a plurality of annular electrical contacts inside the body portion; and

[0182] A socket includes a plurality of electrical contacts that, when a plug is mated with the socket, contact a plurality of annular electrical contacts, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the plug.

[0183] 2. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the plug includes an annular recess located outside the body portion, and wherein the socket includes at least one retaining arm that engages the annular recess on the plug to maintain proper mating of the plug and socket when the plug and socket are properly mated.

[0184] 3. The electrical connector according to embodiment 2, wherein the at least one retaining arm comprises two retaining arms pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug.

[0185] 4. The electrical connector according to embodiment 3 further includes a spring located between the two retaining arms to bias the tip portion in a closed position.

[0186] 5. The electrical connector according to embodiment 4, wherein each tip portion of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions, and when the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to maintain the plug mating with the socket.

[0187] 6. The electrical connector according to embodiment 4, wherein the socket includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip portion of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

[0188] 7. The electrical connector according to embodiment 6 further includes two movable release buttons disposed on opposite sides of the socket. The two movable release buttons are physically coupled to the upper parts of the two retaining arms, such that when the two movable release buttons are pressed down together at the same time, the two movable release buttons overcome the bias of the spring between the two retaining arms and move the upper parts of the two retaining arms to separate the tip portions, thereby disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

[0189] 8. The electrical connector according to embodiment 7, wherein pressing two release buttons disengages the tip portion from the annular recess in the plug, and when the two release buttons are no longer pressed, the ejector spring moves the plug to a position where the tip portion is not engaged with the annular recess in the plug.

[0190] 9. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1 further includes a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket.

[0191] 10. The electrical connector according to embodiment 9, wherein a connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to a socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

[0192] 11. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the body portion is substantially hollow, thereby providing space within the body portion for the plurality of annular electrical contacts, and wherein the body portion has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0193] 12. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrical contacts in the socket includes a spring assembly having a circular head electrically coupled to a conductor in a cable coupled to the socket.

[0194] 13. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein each of the plurality of annular contacts in the plug is electrically coupled to a conductor in a cable coupled to the plug.

[0195] 14. The electrical connector according to embodiment 1, wherein each of the plurality of annular contacts includes a metal member having a substantially circular inner surface, which contacts a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical contacts in the socket when the plug mates with the socket.

[0196] 15. An electrical connector, comprising:

[0197] A plug comprising a substantially hollow and substantially cylindrical body portion, the body portion including:

[0198] The interior has multiple ring-shaped electrical contacts; and

[0199] An annular recess located on the outside of the main body;

[0200] The socket includes:

[0201] A plurality of electrical contacts, wherein when a plug mates with a socket, the plurality of electrical contacts contact a plurality of annular electrical contacts, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the plug; and

[0202] Two retaining arms are pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other. Each retaining arm includes a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug to maintain proper engagement of the plug and socket when the plug and socket are properly mated.

[0203] 16. The electrical connector according to embodiment 15, wherein each tip portion of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions, and when the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to maintain the plug mating with the socket.

[0204] 17. The electrical connector according to embodiment 15, wherein the socket further includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip portion of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

[0205] 18. The electrical connector according to embodiment 15 further includes two movable release buttons disposed on opposite sides of the socket, the two movable release buttons being physically coupled to the upper parts of the two retaining arms, such that when the two movable release buttons are pressed down simultaneously, the two movable release buttons move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions, thereby disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

[0206] 19. The electrical connector according to embodiment 15 further includes a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

[0207] 20. An electrical connector, comprising:

[0208] The plug includes:

[0209] The main body is basically cylindrical, and its interior contains multiple annular electrical contacts; and

[0210] An annular recess located on the outside of the main body;

[0211] The socket includes:

[0212] Multiple spring-loaded electrical contacts, which contact multiple annular electrical contacts when the plug is mated with the socket, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the multiple spring-loaded electrical contacts and the multiple annular electrical contacts on the socket;

[0213] Two retaining arms are pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other. Each retaining arm includes a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug. The tip portions of both retaining arms include a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage the annular recess in the plug to keep the plug engaged with the socket.

[0214] A spring between the two retaining arms biases the tip portion into the closed position;

[0215] An ejector spring is compressed by the plug to engage the tip portion of the retaining arm with an annular recess in the plug.

[0216] Two release buttons are located on opposite sides of the socket. These two release buttons are physically coupled to the upper parts of two retaining arms. When both release buttons are pressed simultaneously, they move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions and disengaging them from the annular recess in the plug. Furthermore, by pressing the two release buttons to disengage the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug, a push-out spring moves the plug to a position where the tip portions are not engaged with the annular recess.

[0217] A connection sensor detector is provided that detects when a plug is in a socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: The plug includes a body portion having multiple annular electrical contacts inside the body portion; A socket includes a plurality of electrical contacts that, when a plug mates with the socket, contact a plurality of annular electrical contacts. The plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the plug. The plug includes an annular recess located outside a body portion. The socket includes two retaining arms that engage the annular recess on the plug to maintain proper mating when the plug and socket are properly mated. Two release buttons are located on opposite sides of the socket and are physically coupled to the upper parts of two retaining arms. When the two release buttons are pressed down simultaneously, they overcome the bias of the spring between the two retaining arms and move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions of the retaining arms and thus disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The two retaining arms are pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other.

3. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, Each of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portion. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to keep the plug engaged with the socket.

4. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The socket includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

5. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, By pressing the two release buttons, the tip portion disengages from the annular recess in the plug. When the two release buttons are no longer pressed, the ejector spring moves the plug to a position where the tip portion is no longer engaged with the annular recess in the plug.

6. The electrical connector of claim 1 further includes a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket.

7. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein, The sensor detector is electrically coupled to the cable coupled to the socket, enabling the device coupled to the cable to detect when the plug is in the socket.

8. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The main body is substantially hollow, thereby providing space inside the main body for the plurality of annular electrical contacts, and wherein the main body has a substantially cylindrical shape.

9. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of electrical contacts in the socket each include a spring assembly having a circular head electrically coupled to a spring electrically coupled to a conductor in a cable coupled to the socket.

10. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of annular contacts in the plug is electrically coupled to a conductor in a cable coupled to the plug.

11. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of annular contacts includes a metal member having a substantially circular inner surface, which contacts a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical contacts in the socket when the plug mates with the socket.

12. An electrical connector, comprising: A plug comprising a substantially hollow and substantially cylindrical body portion, the body portion including: The interior has multiple ring-shaped electrical contacts; and An annular recess located on the outside of the main body; The socket includes: Multiple electrical contacts, when the plug is mated with the socket, the multiple electrical contacts contact the multiple annular electrical contacts, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the multiple electrical contacts on the socket and the multiple annular electrical contacts on the plug; Two retaining arms, pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug to maintain proper mating when the plug and socket are properly engaged; and Two release buttons are located on opposite sides of the socket and are physically coupled to the upper parts of two retaining arms. When the two release buttons are pressed down simultaneously, they move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions and thus disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

13. The electrical connector of claim 12, wherein, Each of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portion. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to keep the plug engaged with the socket.

14. The electrical connector of claim 12, wherein, The socket also includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

15. The electrical connector of claim 12, further comprising a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable is able to detect when the plug is in the socket.

16. An electrical connector, comprising: The plug includes: The main body is basically cylindrical, with multiple annular electrical contacts inside; and An annular recess located on the outside of the main body; The socket includes: Multiple spring-loaded electrical contacts, which contact multiple annular electrical contacts when the plug is mated with the socket, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the multiple spring-loaded electrical contacts and the multiple annular electrical contacts on the socket; Two retaining arms are pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other. Each retaining arm includes a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug. The tip portions of both retaining arms include a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage the annular recess in the plug to keep the plug engaged with the socket. A spring between the two retaining arms biases the tip portion into the closed position; An ejector spring is compressed by the plug to engage the tip portion of the retaining arm with an annular recess in the plug. Two release buttons are located on opposite sides of the socket. These two release buttons are physically coupled to the upper parts of two retaining arms. When both release buttons are pressed simultaneously, they move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions and disengaging them from the annular recess in the plug. Furthermore, by pressing the two release buttons to disengage the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug, a push-out spring moves the plug to a position where the tip portions are not engaged with the annular recess. A connection sensor detector is provided that detects when a plug is in a socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

17. An electrical connector, comprising: The plug includes a body portion and has multiple electrical contacts inside the body portion; as well as A socket includes a plurality of annular electrical contacts that, when a plug mates with the socket, contact a plurality of electrical contacts on the plug, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the plurality of annular electrical contacts on the socket and the plurality of electrical contacts on the plug, wherein the plug includes an annular recess located outside a body portion, and wherein the socket includes two retaining arms that, when the plug and socket are properly mated, engage the annular recess on the plug to maintain proper mating; and Two release buttons are located on opposite sides of the socket and are physically coupled to the upper parts of two retaining arms. When the two release buttons are pressed down simultaneously, they overcome the bias of the spring between the two retaining arms and move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions of the two retaining arms and thus disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

18. The electrical connector of claim 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of electrical contacts inside the body of the plug includes a linear contact that, when the plug is properly mated with the socket, makes physical contact with one of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket.

19. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein, Linear contacts consist of a generally elongated ellipse.

20. The electrical connector of claim 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket includes a generally cylindrical member with a bias slit, which, when the plug mates with the socket, causes each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts to act like a spring.

21. The electrical connector of claim 20, wherein, Inserting the plug into the socket causes each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts to be compressed to a slightly smaller diameter, thereby providing a spring-like effect for maintaining contact with the corresponding electrical contact in the plug.

22. The electrical connector of claim 17, wherein, The two retaining arms are pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other.

23. The electrical connector of claim 22, wherein, Each of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portion. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to keep the plug engaged with the socket.

24. The electrical connector of claim 17, wherein, The socket includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

25. The electrical connector of claim 17 further includes a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket.

26. The electrical connector of claim 25, wherein, The sensor detector is electrically coupled to the cable coupled to the socket, enabling the device coupled to the cable to detect when the plug is in the socket.

27. The electrical connector of claim 17, wherein, The socket also includes a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion, and wherein when the movable portion on the socket slides relative to the fixed portion of the socket, the movable portion disengages at least one retaining arm from an annular recess on the plug.

28. An electrical connector, comprising: A plug comprising a substantially hollow and substantially cylindrical body portion, the body portion including: The interior has multiple electrical contacts; and An annular recess located on the outside of the main body; The socket includes: Multiple annular electrical contacts, which contact each other when the plug and socket are mated, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the multiple annular electrical contacts on the socket and the multiple electrical contacts on the plug; Two retaining arms are pivotally coupled to the same pivot point to provide a scissor-like action relative to each other. Each retaining arm includes a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug to retain the plug and socket in proper fit when the plug and socket are properly engaged. A spring between the two retaining arms biases the tip portion into the closed position; and Two release buttons are located on opposite sides of the socket and are physically coupled to the upper parts of two retaining arms. When the two release buttons are pressed down simultaneously, they move the upper parts of the two retaining arms, separating the tip portions and thus disengaging the tip portions from the annular recess in the plug.

29. The electrical connector of claim 28, wherein, Each of the plurality of electrical contacts inside the generally cylindrical body portion of the plug includes a generally elongated elliptical linear contact that, when the plug is properly mated with the socket, makes physical contact with one of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket, wherein the linear contact includes a generally elongated ellipse.

30. The electrical connector of claim 28, wherein, Each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts in the socket includes a generally cylindrical member with a bias slit, which, when the plug mates with the socket, causes each of the plurality of annular electrical contacts to act like a spring.

31. The electrical connector of claim 28, wherein, Each of the two retaining arms includes a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portion. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage an annular recess in the plug to keep the plug engaged with the socket.

32. The electrical connector of claim 28, wherein, The socket also includes an ejector spring that is compressed by the plug to cause the tip of the retaining arm to engage an annular recess in the plug.

33. The electrical connector of claim 28 further includes a connection sensor detector that detects when the plug is in the socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

34. The electrical connector of claim 28, wherein, The socket also includes a movable portion and a fixed portion, wherein the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion, and wherein when the movable portion slides relative to the fixed portion of the socket, the movable portion disengages at least one retaining arm from an annular recess on the plug.

35. An electrical connector, comprising: The plug includes: It is basically a cylindrical main body with multiple electrical contacts inside; and An annular recess located on the outside of the main body; The socket includes: Multiple annular electrical contacts, which contact each other when the plug and socket are mated, wherein the plug is rotatable within the socket while maintaining electrical contact between the multiple annular electrical contacts on the socket and the multiple electrical contacts on the plug; Two retaining arms, each retaining arm including a tip portion configured to engage an annular recess on the plug, wherein the tip portions of the two retaining arms include a beveled front surface that allows the plug to slide along the beveled front surface to partially separate the tip portions. When the plug is pushed into the socket, the two tip portions of the two retaining arms separate from each other and slide along the body of the plug until the plug is in the desired position, at which point the two tip portions engage the annular recess in the plug to keep the plug engaged with the socket. An ejector spring is compressed by the plug to engage the tip portion of the retaining arm with an annular recess in the plug. A movable part and a fixed part, wherein the movable part slides relative to the fixed part, wherein when the movable part slides relative to the fixed part, the movable part disengages two retaining arms from the annular recess on the plug, wherein moving the movable part disengages the two retaining arms from the annular recess on the plug, thereby disengaging the tip portion from the annular recess in the plug, and an ejector spring moves the plug to a position where the tip portion is not engaged with the annular recess in the plug; and A connection sensor detector is provided that detects when a plug is in a socket, wherein the connection sensor detector is electrically coupled to a cable coupled to the socket, such that a device coupled to the cable can detect when the plug is in the socket.

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