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Magnetic diagnostic probe connector system

  • US 9,570,842 B2
  • Filed: 08/03/2010
  • Issued: 02/14/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A magnetic connection system for coupling a diagnostic or therapeutic device to a removable probe, wherein said device has a cable with a first end coupled thereto, and a second end, said connection system comprising:

  • a first connector portion terminating the second end of said device cable, the first connector portion including a first pair of magnets comprising;

    a first magnet including a first set of magnetic poles a first distance apart; and

    a second magnet including a second set of magnetic poles, the second set of magnetic poles a second distance apart, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, wherein the first and second magnets are arranged as a first quadrupole; and

    a second connector portion positioned within or upon said probe, the second connector portion including a second pair of magnets comprising;

    a third magnet including a third set of magnetic poles, the third set of magnetic poles a third distance apart, wherein the third distance is equal to the first distance; and

    a fourth magnet including a fourth set of magnetic poles, the fourth set of magnetic poles a fourth distance apart, wherein the fourth distance is equal to the second distance, wherein the third and fourth magnets are arranged as a second quadrupole;

    wherein the first magnet and the third magnet are arranged such that each magnetic pole of the first and third sets of magnetic poles is aligned with a pole of opposite polarity when the first connector portion is in a first orientation relative to the second connector portion, andwherein the second magnet and the fourth magnet are arranged such that each magnetic pole of the second and fourth sets of magnetic poles is aligned with a pole of opposite polarity only when the first connector portion is in the first orientation relative to the second connector portion.

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