Originally Published EMDM
May/June 2004
Spotlight
Cables, Connectors, and Wires |
Custom systems
Special cables and cable systems are manufactured to custom specifications. The company offers a range of products including ECG cables, camera cables for use in dental equipment, and endoscope cables. Hybrid coaxial and energy cables can also be produced. The company’s products can withstand high and low temperatures, as well as sterilization and disinfection. Cable diameters range from 0.1 to 100 mm. All the products, from miniature to hybrid cables, can be supplied as prefinished plug-and-play systems designed according to customer specifications. Modern workstations for the assembly, soldering, and crimp processes ensure short delivery times. The company is certified to ISO 9001.
Ernst & Engbring GmbH & Co. KG, Oer-Erkenschwick, Germany.
Transmission cables and flexible tubing
 |
Air-spaced PTFE is used for the manufacture of low-loss transmission cables. The material
features a low dielectric constant that ensures minimal signal loss. Other advantages include low weight and high flexibility. Air-spaced PTFE can also be used for microporous tubing used in endoscopic applications. This tubing is particularly flexible and is often manufactured with a backing of PFA for added strength. An example of a flexible cable construction for medical electronics applications is an AWG 7/0.063-mm silver-plated conductor that is PTFE jacketed within a 1-mm OD. It has a dipole needle attached on one end and a 5-pin 120° connector on the other.
Druflon International, Ghaziabad, India.
Panel-mount tubing connectors
 |
A set of panel-mount coupling bodies offers flexibility in mounting connections for tubing used with analytical instrumentation. These APC coupling bodies are designed to facilitate tubing connection and disconnection from a panel during equipment installation, replacement, and maintenance. The advantage they offer over previously available configurations is that they do not require coupling connections to be made in-line. They are available in 14 valved and nonvalved configurations, with terminations that include several sizes of hose barbs and a ferruleless polytube compression fitting. The injection-moulded acetal thermoplastic couplings incorporate a patented plastic thumb latch that allows quick disconnection with one hand. The latch clicks audibly to indicate a secure connection. The couplings withstand temperatures up to 180°F, pressures from vacuum to 120 psi, and mild chemical solutions.
Colder Products Co., Mainz-Kastel, Germany.
Cable connectors
 |
Application-specific cabling connectors for medical equipment are designed and produced in partnership with customers in order to satisfy particular requirements. Overmoulded connectors made from various autoclavable materials are available for patient-monitoring applications requiring strict cleanliness and sterilizability. Medical technology quality considerations are paramount at every project stage from the initial idea through the delivery of a production series. An interdisciplinary development team, along with flexible production and monitoring systems, ensure that medical quality standards are met. The manufacturer also provides an extensive range of standard circular connectors for medical applications.
Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH, Heilbronn, Germany.
Surgical cable
 |
A highly flexible, autoclavable, and robust cable assembly is suited for use in powered surgical instruments. The Sil-Kore cable assembly features a patented fluoropolymer silicone composite technology that optimizes the benefits of silicone and PTFE. It is compatible with most sterilization methods and can withstand rigorous pre- and postoperative procedures, while retaining flexibility and ease of use. The assembly’s mechanical toughness, high tensile strength, and low surface friction ensure long field life. The cable’s core construction has been recently enhanced with the addition of a high-strength toughened fluoropolymer material. This has improved scrape abrasion resistance, cut-through resistance, and dielectric strength. The advanced dielectric material can be applied as thin as 0.0005 in. over conductors as small as 46 AWG.
W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., Elkton, MD, USA.
Compact connectors
 |
Connectors have been developed to help medical device OEMs meet the requirements of standards such as EN 60601-1 and to ensure patient safety. The company routinely manufactures compact connectors that meet international guidelines related to air clearance and creepage distances between contacts or contact groups. The pictured product is a 28-mm-diam connector with >32 mm of clearance between the two high-voltage contacts and group of signal contacts. It features EMC protection in compliance with current norms. Crimp terminations can be specified.
Fischer Connectors S.A., Apples, Switzerland.
Connectors
 |
A line of push-pull connectors feature an LP locking system and a choice of several plug and receptacle styles. The Series K connectors are mating compatible with other products available on the market and are available in sizes 0, 1, and 2. Up to 30 contacts per connector are possible. The connectors have heavy-duty metal housings with a matte or black chromate finish, and feature pin and groove keying with many keying options. PEEK insulation bodies for autoclaving are also available. ODU-Steckverbindungssysteme GmbH & Co.
KG, Mühldorf, Germany.
Connectors and connection systems
 |
Sealed, unsealed, metallic, and plastic shell connectors can be safely sterilized without losing their mechanical and electrical characteristics. The company’s products are tested in practical applications in collaboration with the university hospital of the state of Vaud in Switzerland. The plastic connectors have solder, crimp, or gold-plated contacts. The push-pull self-latching connection system enables easy and quick mating and unmating. It also prevents accidental release caused by pulling on the cable.
Lemo S.A., Ecublens, Switzerland.
Copyright ©2004 European Medical Device Manufacturer
