Multi-core connector system for interfacing first and second subsystems supporting air and electrical lines

Abstract

A multi-core connector system for interfacing first and second subsystems. The system includes a first multi-port connector provided on a first subsystem and supporting a first set of air-power supply-line connectors and electrical control signal connectors; and a second multi-port connector provided on a second subsystem and supporting a second set of air-power supply-line connectors and electrical control signal connectors. A first multi-port connector plug is adapted for connection to the first multi-port connector, and a second multi-port connector plug is adapted for connection to the second multi-port connector. A multi-core cable structure is provided for interconnecting the first and second multi-port connector plugs, and includes a plurality of air-supply tubes and a plurality of electrical control signal wires encased within a flexible casing. When the first multi-port connector plug is connected to the first multi-port connector and the second multi-port connector plug is connected to the second multi-port connector, then the first set of air-power supply-line connectors are operably connected to the second set of air-power supply-line connectors by way of said plurality of air-supply tubes, and also the first set of electrical control signal connectors are electrically connected to the second set of electrical control signal connectors by way of the plurality of electrical control signal wires. The multi-core connector system of the present invention can be used in diverse medical and industrial applications where interfacing air and electrical lines is required.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
   
   
       29 : A multi-core connector system for interfacing first and second subsystems, comprising:
 a first multi-port connector provided on a first subsystem, and supporting a first set of air-power supply-line connectors and electrical control signal connectors;   a second multi-port connector provided on a second subsystem, and supporting a second set of air-power supply-line connectors and electrical control signal connectors; and   a first multi-port connector plug adapted for connection to said first multi-port connector;   a second multi-port connector plug adapted for connection to said second multi-port connector;   a multi-core cable structure for interconnecting said first and second multi-port connector plugs, and including a plurality of air-supply tubes and a plurality of electrical control signal wires encased within a flexible casing;   wherein when said first multi-port connector plug is connected to said first multi-port connector and said second multi-port connector plug is connected to said second multi-port connector, then said first set of air-power supply-line connectors are operably connected to said second set of air-power supply-line connectors by way of said pair of air-supply tubes, and also said first set of electrical control signal connectors are electrically connected to said second set of electrical control signal connectors by way of said set of electrical control signal wires.   
   
   
       30 : The multi-core connector system of  claim 29 , wherein said first subsystem is an aspiration instrument, and said second subsystem is an instrument controller for said aspiration instrument.