Multilevel Connector System For Medical Use

Abstract

A connector system includes a first connector having a plurality of first contact terminals, and a second connector having a plurality of second contact terminals. The second contact terminals are arranged such that, while connecting, the first contact terminals come into contact with a first subset of the plurality of second contact terminals in a first connecting stage. As the connection proceeds further the first contact terminals come into contact with a second subset of the second contact terminals. In the first connecting stage an electrical quantity between two of the first contact terminals is detectable. This electrical quantity is different from an electrical quantity in an uncoupled condition of the connectors. In the second connecting stage a further electrical quantity between at least two of the first contact terminals is detectable and different from the electrical quantity detected in the first connecting stage.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A monitoring device for coupling to an electrical component by means of a connector, comprising:
 an identification unit for sensing timely characteristics of an electrical quantity on signal lines coupled to the connector;   a comparing unit for comparing the sensed timely characteristics of the electrical quantity with a prestored profile;   a monitoring unit for operating the electrical component via the connector depending on the result of the comparing of the comparing unit.   
     
     
         2 . Method for operating an electrical component via a connector, comprising the steps of:
 Sensing timely characteristics of electrical quantities on signal lines coupled to the connector;   Comparing the sensed timely characteristics of the electrical quantities with a prestored profile;   Operating the electrical component via the connector depending on the result of the step of comparing.