Integrated Connectors With Hybrid Technology Unveiled at Medica

Solid air and electrical connections are critical to the performance of medical devices. A bad connection not only can endanger patients’ lives, it also can tarnish the reputation of an otherwise stellar manufacturer. A good connection, on the other hand, obviously can enhance medical treatment and ensure better patient outcomes.

This simple doctrine played a central role in the development of the mini hybrid connector from Colder Products Company. The connector made its debut at Compamed 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany, a three-day event for medical manufacturing suppliers that featured dozens of new products, innovative technology and services from medtech providers.

Colder Products’ new Mini Hybrid Connector integrates air lines and electronics into a compact, single connection point for remote tools on medical devices and equipment, reducing misconnections and helping to improve patient therapy, according to the St. Paul, Minn.-based firm. Based on the company’s hybrid connector technology, the valved Mini Hybrid has a smaller form factor and works best in low-pressure applications where ergonomics and ease of use are vital. The hybrid connector technology eliminates the need for multiple connections and allows healthcare professionals to quickly change or replace modular tools, umbilicals or hand pieces that require power, signal, and gases in various medical applications.

“OEMs and end users recognize the value in having a single, easy-to-use connector, and additional opportunities for a smaller version of [our Hybrid Connector] emerged,” said Jaime Erickson, senior application engineer at Colder Products. “Air and electrical connections are the key interface for clinicians and can be critical for ensuring that a device performs safely and effectively.”

The standard coupling set consists of a panel mount socket and a connector with a 4-inch umbilical hose containing an air tube, several wires and two electrical contacts. The push-pull design of the Mini Hybrid Connector is best suited for applications that require one integrated connection point for air and electronics, such as dental tools, diagnostic equipment, surgical tools, analytical instruments and therapy devices, Colder Products executives claim.

The Mini Hybrid Connector is the second product the company launched at Compamed. On Nov. 16, executives introduced the Hybrid Connector, a device that integrates fluidics and electronics in a single connection.

Founded in 1978, Colder Products provides medical manufacturers with quick disconnect couplings, fittings and connectors for plastic tubing. Special product features include precise hose barbs for superior grip, built-in shutoff valves to prevent product spills and an easy-to-use, push-button thumb latch for quick connecting and disconnecting. The company employs 250 people and has sales offices in 9 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and North America.