Electrode connector
First Claim
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1. A connector for a biomedical electrode having an electrically conductive contacting tab, the connector comprising:
- fixed and movable jaws having tab engagement surfaces for engaging the contacting tab of the biomedical electrode, said fixed and movable jaws having proximal and distal ends,means for assembling the fixed and movable jaws in an assembled condition, and for mounting the jaws for relative pivotal movement between a) a tab accept position with the distal end of the movable jaw spaced from the distal end of the fixed jaw so that the tab of the biomedical electrode may be received between the jaws, and b) a closed position with distal ends of the fixed and movable jaws spaced more closely than in the tab accept position;
said means comprising one of said jaws having at least one pin and the other of said jaws having at least one recess for receiving the at least one pin;
biasing means for biasing the jaws toward the closed position;
at least one securing rib on one of said fixed and movable jaws for retaining the jaws in the assembled condition, andsaid at least one securing rib being receivable in the at least one recess.
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Abstract
A connector for use with a tab style biomedical electrode as disclosed. The connector comprises pivotally mounted movable and fixed jaws and a spring biasing the jaws toward a closed position. The connector is readily assembled, while retaining a secure connection between the jaws. Preferred embodiments achieve a high tab release force and yet provides an acceptably low actuation force. Preferably, the fixed jaw includes a smooth, continuous surface which facilitates insertion of the tab between the jaws of the connector.
121 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A connector for a biomedical electrode having an electrically conductive contacting tab, the connector comprising:
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fixed and movable jaws having tab engagement surfaces for engaging the contacting tab of the biomedical electrode, said fixed and movable jaws having proximal and distal ends, means for assembling the fixed and movable jaws in an assembled condition, and for mounting the jaws for relative pivotal movement between a) a tab accept position with the distal end of the movable jaw spaced from the distal end of the fixed jaw so that the tab of the biomedical electrode may be received between the jaws, and b) a closed position with distal ends of the fixed and movable jaws spaced more closely than in the tab accept position; said means comprising one of said jaws having at least one pin and the other of said jaws having at least one recess for receiving the at least one pin; biasing means for biasing the jaws toward the closed position; at least one securing rib on one of said fixed and movable jaws for retaining the jaws in the assembled condition, and said at least one securing rib being receivable in the at least one recess. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of assembling a connector for a biomedical electrode having an electrically conductive contacting tab, the method comprising the steps of:
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1) providing a connector having;
a) fixed and movable jaws having tab engagement surfaces for engaging the contacting tab of the biomedical electrode, said fixed and movable jaws having proximal and distal ends, b) one of said jaws having a pair of pins and the other of said jaws having a pair of recesses for receiving the pins, the recesses comprising entry and locking portions separated by a locking shoulder and a ramp; and
c) a pair of securing ribs on one of said fixed and movable jaws for retaining the jaws in the assembled condition;2) inserting the securing ribs and pins into the entry portion of their respective recesses, then pushing the securing ribs through a press-fit with the ramps, leaving the securing ribs trapped within the locking portions by the locking shoulders. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. In combination, a biomedical electrode having an electrically conductive contacting tab, and a connector comprising:
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fixed and movable jaws having tab engagement surfaces for engaging the contacting tab of the biomedical electrode, said fixed and movable jaws having proximal and distal ends, means for assembling the fixed and movable jaws in an assembled condition, and for mounting the jaws for relative pivotal movement between a) a tab accept position with the distal end of the movable jaw spaced from the distal end of the fixed jaw so that the tab of the biomedical electrode may be received between the jaws, and b) a closed position with distal ends of the fixed and movable jaws spaced more closely than in the tab accept position; said means comprising one of said jaws having at least one pin and the other of said jaws having at least one recess for receiving the at least one pin; biasing means for biasing the jaws toward the closed position; at least one securing rib on one of said fixed and movable jaws for retaining the jaws in the assembled condition, and said at least one securing rib being receivable in the at least one recess. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification