Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a connector assembly including a connector for use in electrically connecting a surgical instrument to a power source, such as a generator. The connector generally includes an outer shell with a plurality of first and second electrical conductors disposed within the outer shell for providing the electrical connection between the surgical instrument and a cable leading to the power source. In one aspect of the present invention, the connector includes an isolation barrier disposed within the outer shell so as to separate each of the first electrical conductors from each of the second electrical conductors. In another aspect, the connector includes a keying feature in which the outer surface of the outer shell is modified so as to ensure that the connector may only be plugged into the generator a single way. This reduces the risk that the electrical conductors may be bent due to improper orientation during the insertion action. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a member disposed at the end of an instrument cable sealingly mates with one end of the connector to protect the electrical connection between the cable and the conductor. The member has a resilient arm which is attached to a soak cap permitting the opposite end of the connector to be sealed in select conditions.

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First Claim