Electrical device connector and method therefor

• US 6,935,897 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2004
• Issued: 08/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Original Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Inventors: Schnittgrund, Gary D., Byers, Charles L., Canfield, David L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nasri, Javaid H.
• Application Number:
  US10/759,340
• Publication Number:
  US 20050075011A1
• Time in Patent Office: 592 Days
• Field of Search: 439/689, 439/620
• US Class Current: 439/620.01
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/22 Contacts for co-operating by abutting
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5224 for medical use

Abstract

A connector (1) and method of making electrical connection between an electrical conductor (7, 11) and a removable electrical device (2). The connector (7, 11) is an elastic material, such as silicone, that is both compatible with the environment and is an electrical insulator. It forces contact between the electrical device (2) and integral contacts (10, 13) in the connector (1) by virtue of its elasticity. The electrodes (4, 6) and the electrical connections are protected from the environment to avoid electrical leakage or corrosion of the electrodes (4, 6).

Claims

1. A hollow connector for removably mounting an electrical device having at least a first electrode, the connector comprising:

an outer elastic casing comprised of a resilient flexible material;

said connector having a first end and a second end;

a first electrical conductor extending through said first end;

the casing defining an opening, giving access to the interior of the connector, such that when the electrical device is inserted through the opening to the interior of the connector, the casing is stretched and the first electrical conductor is thereby urged against said first electrode, providing electrical communication therebetween; and

said casing comprises a wall thickness that increases proximate the opening defined by said casing.

2. The hollow connector according to claim 1, wherein the casing comprises at least one shoulder.

3. The hollow connector according to claim 2, wherein the casing wall thickness increases at the shoulder.