Abstract: An implantable connector comprises an electrically insulative housing including an outer wall, an interior cavity surrounded by the outer wall, a port through which the lead body portion can be introduced into the interior cavity, and a pair of first apertures disposed through the outer wall on a first side of the housing. The connector further comprises an electrical spring clip contact mounted to the housing. The contact includes a common portion and a pair of legs extending from opposite ends of the common portion. The legs respectively extend through the first apertures into the interior cavity, such that the legs firmly engage the electrical terminal therebetween when the lead body portion is introduced into the interior cavity.

Abstract: An electrical connector and assembly having a body arranged and disposed to receive an interconnector of a guide wire at a first end and an interface cable at a second end, and a contact module in the body, the contact module comprising a contact housing and a plurality of contacts, disposed in the contact housing, the plurality of contacts being configured for electrical connection with the interface cable and the guide wire, is disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable lead for a medical device with a coplanar coupling for connecting a conductor to a contact reduces conductor bending moments to improve lead reliability. The implantable lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one conductor, at least one contact carried on the proximal end, at least one contact carried on the distal end, and at least one coupling. The lead body has an exterior surface. The conductor is contained in the lead body and extends from the lead proximal end to the distal end. The conductor is also electrically insulated. The contact carried on the proximal end is electrically connected to the conductor. The coupling has a conductor coupling and a contact coupling. The conductor coupling is placed over the conductor and attached to the conductor. The contact coupling exits the lead body and has a weld to connect the contact coupling to the contact.

Abstract: The present invention is configured to provide an offset weld and crimp in a coupling component that can be located entirely within a lumen of a lead body. This end is accomplished by providing an asymmetric coupling component is provided with a crimp recess, for example a groove or a bore extending along one side of the component and a thickened portion offset laterally from the groove or bore and having a welding surface displaced laterally from the groove or bore. While the embodiments illustrated herein are those employing a crimping groove, for purposes of understanding the invention it should be understood that a bore may be substituted. In preferred embodiments, the crimp recess is used to receive a stranded or cabled conductor within the lead body and the offset portion is used to attach to one or more filars of an electrode coil by welding thereto.

Abstract: A method (10) of forming an electrically conducting feedthrough. The method (10) comprises a first step (11) of forming an electrically conductive structure (21) comprising a sacrificial component and a non-sacrificial component. At least a portion of the non-sacrificial component can then be coated with a relatively electrically insulating material (35) prior to removal of at least a portion of the sacrificial component from the electrically conductive structure. The structure of the feedthrough provides electrical connection through the wall of a housing of an implantable component while preventing unwanted transfer of materials between the interior of the component and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A system is provided for use with a pre-existing hospital bed and a nurse call system. The system includes a first apparatus that is coupleable to a data port of the hospital bed and a second apparatus that is spaced from the hospital bed, that is spaced from the first apparatus, and that is coupleable to the nurse call system. A transmitter of the first apparatus is operable to transmit data received at the data port to a receiver that is operable to wirelessly receive data transmitted by the wireless transmitter of the first apparatus. The first apparatus and second apparatus are used in lieu of a cable that is otherwise usable to connect the hospital bed to the nurse call system via a hard-wired connection.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes a lead body, an inner assembly extending throught the lead body, an outer insulative layer covering the inner assembly, and an electrode mounted outside the exterior surface of the outer insulative layer. The inner assembly includes an elongate inner structure forming a lumen, an elongate conductor extending along an outer surface of the inner structure, and a conductive fitting coupled to the elongate conductor.

Abstract: An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is applicable to a variety of lead contact terminals, including iso-diametric terminals with ring contacts, paddle-shaped terminals with flat pad contacts, and orthogonal lead contact terminals. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector pressurization. The feedthrough pins are integrated with compressible contacts in a manner that confines, protects, and precisely positions the compressible contacts. The compressible contacts can be coil springs, metal-particle-filled elastomer buttons, and fuzz buttons, and can be used with rigid tips where a contact preload and/or an enhanced contact tip robustness is desired.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices include headers having various features such as a modular design whereby the header is constructed from a series of stacked contact modules. Additional features include a feedthrough where pins exiting a housing of the implantable medical device extend into the header to make direct electrical connection to electrical contacts present within the header where those electrical contacts directly engage electrical connectors of leads inserted into the header. Other features include electrical contacts that are relatively thin conductors on the order of 0.040 inches or less and may include radial protrusions where the radial protrusions establish contact with the electrical connectors of the lead. Furthermore, electrical contacts may be mounted within the header in a floating manner so that radial movement of the electrical contact may occur during lead insertion.

Abstract: An electrical contact for use in the header assembly of an implantable tissue stimulator includes a metal housing having a base and a sidewall where the opening in the base is adapted to receive the terminal of a medical lead therethrough. An electrical contact support member is welded to the edge of the sidewall and affixed to the support member are a plurality of spring members that are tangent to an imaginary circle whose diameter is slightly less than the outside diameter of the lead terminal contact rings. When the contacts are axially aligned in the device header, the terminal of an electrical lead may be longitudinally inserted into the header to establish electrical contact with device feedthrough wires that are joined to the electrical contacts in the header.

Abstract: A connector header includes a housing formed from a plastic material having a modulus of rigidity of 100 ksi or greater. The housing defines an opening for insertion of a lead. The connector header further includes a lead receptacle having an electrically conductive element. The electrically conductive element is operably couplable to a feedthrough of the implantable medical device. The lead receptacle is in communication with the opening and is disposed within the housing such that an electrical contact of the lead is electrically couplable to the conductive element of the receptacle when the lead is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: During implant of an implantable medical device, implanted cables or leads are inserted to a connector block. An insertion indicator provides the user with a visual indication the cables or leads have been correctly inserted into the connector block, which enables the implanted medical device to properly deliver treatment or receive signals via the implanted cables or leads. The insertion indicator may be provided by a mechanical indicator optically viewable once the lead has been correctly inserted, and/or may be provided by an electrically activated light indicator illuminated by a power source associated with the connector block or with a connector tool used to connect the lead or cable to the connector block upon correct insertion of the lead or cable. The insertion indicator may be permanently or removably disposed on the connector block, a connector tool, and/or a can associated with the connector block.

Abstract: A connector assembly of a medical electrical device includes a plurality of electrical contacts and an insulative base that supports the plurality of electrical contacts and extends between the plurality of electrical contacts and a housing of the device, and, wherein at least one contact of the plurality includes an elongate electrical coupling receptacle in which a first part of a feedthrough member extends, being fixedly coupled thereto. The feedthrough member further includes a second part and a bend, which is located between the first and second parts. The second part of the feedthrough member extends away from the contact and through a port formed in the insulative base adjacent to the contact.

Abstract: A lead connection assembly of an implantable medical device (IMD) may include at least two different types of electrical connectors. In some examples, the lead connection assembly may include first and second electrical connectors that have at least one of a different electrical contact arrangement, a different lead connection receptacle geometry or a different size than the first electrical connector. The first electrical connector may be electrically connected to a first therapy module that generates cardiac rhythm therapy that is delivered to a heart of a patient, and the second electrical connector may be electrically connected to a second therapy module that generates electrical stimulation that is delivered to a tissue site within the patient. The second electrical connector may be configured to be incompatible with a lead that delivers the cardiac rhythm therapy to the patient.

Abstract: An electrical connection apparatus includes an electrical connection contact and an adjustment component within an interior of the electrical connection apparatus. The electrical connection contact is operatively coupled to the adjustment component so that the electrical connection contact adjusts between an insertion position and a contact position in response to rotating the adjustment component. A slider movably arranged within the interior of the electrical connection apparatus causes the electrical connection contact to move in response to rotation of the adjustment component. The electrical connection apparatus includes one or more blocks, and the adjustment component, electrical contact and slider are arranged within an interior of the one or more blocks.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an electrical connector having a side wall defining a lumen and an elongate opening. The lumen is configured to receive at least a conductive portion of an electronic implant. The elongate opening divides the side wall into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the side wall is configured to move relative to the second portion of the side wall between a first position and a second position. The first portion of the side wall is electrically conductive and includes a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to contact the conductive portion of the electronic implant such that the conductive portion of the electronic implant is electrically coupled to the first portion of the side wall when the first portion of the side wall is in the second position.

Abstract: An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector pressurization. The feedthrough pins are adapted to directly connect, confine, protect, and precisely position respective resilient compressible contacts. The compressible contacts can be coil springs, metal-particle-filled elastomer buttons, and fuzz buttons, and can be used with rigid tips where a contact preload and/or an enhanced contact tip robustness is desired. In one method of connector assembly an iso-diametric lead proximal terminal is first inserted into a seal without significant interference, and the resulting lead-seal assembly is subsequently installed in a clamping cover.

Abstract: Provided is a physiological signal detection module which has a heating member and a multi-channel connector. The heating member maintains an electrode's contact with a user skin at a constant temperature, and the multi-channel connector module for electrical connection transmits the physiological signal to an external physiological signal detection apparatus. It is possible to prevent the skin from being directly contacted with the electrode in the cold state and have a less impact given by a change of the impedance due to a skin temperature based on the change of the season and external temperature, so that the stable physiological signal can be detected without distortion.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A device (1) for restraining attached couplers (4, 5) of a percutaneous lead assembly (7). The device (1) comprises a body (14) including two engagement means (8) positioned at opposite ends that engage with the respective couplers (4, 5) to resist disconnection, and an attachment means (9) to attach the device (1) to the outer epidermis of a patient to limit movement of the device (1), when in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intra-body communication (IBC) device and a method of implementing the IBC device. The IBC device is fabricated as a system-on-a-chip (SOC) and comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, an IBC module and a biomedical chip. The first electrode is connected to a patient's skin. The second electrode is connected to the patient's skin. The IBC module is connected to the first electrode and comprises a wireless communication device. The biomedical chip is connected to the second electrode and communicates with the IBC module through the patient's skin to receive external commands and transmit sensed biomedical parameters to a faraway location.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the lead includes a body, at least one electrode and a lead connector end. The body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The at least one electrode is on the distal portion. The lead connector end is on the proximal portion and includes a pin contact and a retainer assembly. The pin contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrode and proximally extends from the lead connector end. The retainer assembly retains the pin contact as part of the lead connector end and includes a collar and a cap. The cap is secured within the collar via an interference fit arrangement and includes a hole through which the pin contact extends.

Abstract: A structure of electrically connecting a snap electrode for medical purposes is easily attached/detached to/from various monitoring pads attached to a human body to measure electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), brain wave and nervous system signals and electrically connected to medical equipment, to an electric wire using a pressing method instead of welding. The connecting structure of a snap electrode and an electric wire includes a body having a convex portion, which is formed on the top of the body and has a groove formed on the circumference thereof, in which a combining part is fitted, and the combining protrusion having a ring shape and including a predetermined number of elastic fixing pieces protruded from the inner side thereof and a pair of first pressing pieces protruded from one side thereof and combined with an electric wire. A combining protrusion of a pad is inserted into the body.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode connector for coupling with a biomedical electrode of the type including an electrode base and a male terminal projecting from the electrode base is provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a rotatable electrical connector are disclosed herein that may be disposed between a patient sensor and a patient monitor. Various embodiments of rotatable electrical connectors disclosed herein may be utilized to ameliorate some of the problems of cable management in the context of patient monitoring. In various embodiments, the rotatable electrical connector may include a sensor-side power coupling and a monitor-side electrical coupling. The sensor-side power coupling and the monitor-side electrical coupling may be configured such that one electrical coupling is rotatable with respect to the other electrical coupling. A data transmission system may transmit data gathered by a patient sensor to the patient monitor. The data transmission system may comprise a transmitter on the sensor-side connector that is configured to transmit data received from a plurality of sensors to a receiver on the monitor-side connector.

Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having a first inner surface forming a connector bore, an outer surface defining a fill port for receiving an adhesive, and a second inner surface defining a channel extending from the fill port to the first inner surface forming the connector bore; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members. An adhesive is disposed in the channel and seals the outer surface of the sealing member to the inner surface forming the connector bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.

Abstract: An implantable lead for a medical device with a coplanar coupling for connecting a conductor to a contact reduces conductor bending moments to improve lead reliability. The implantable lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one conductor, at least one contact carried on the proximal end, at least one contact carried on the distal end, and at least one coupling. The lead body has an exterior surface. The conductor is contained in the lead body and extends from the lead proximal end to the distal end. The conductor is also electrically insulated. The contact carried on the proximal end is electrically connected to the conductor. The coupling has a conductor coupling and a contact coupling. The conductor coupling is placed over the conductor and attached to the conductor. The contact coupling exits the lead body and has a weld to connect the contact coupling to the contact.

Abstract: The invention is a lead attachment suitable for implantation in living tissue that enables connection of a wire that is comprised of stainless steel to a tack that in turn is bonded to a titanium swage cup, preferably Ti-6Al-4V. The wire is attached by crimping inside a crimping tube, to assure electrical continuity from the wire to the crimping tube. The tack is bonded by swaging a thinned swage ring and is further sealed by welding to swage cup, which is bonded by brazing to ceramic case.

Abstract: An ECG lead set is described which is shielded against electrostatic charge hazards. An electrical shield is located at the end of each lead of the lead set and electrically shields the connection of the lead set to an ECG electrode. The electrical shield is covered by a nonconductive cover and is electrically connected to the shield of the coaxial cable of the lead set.

Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having an inner surface forming a connector bore, a circuit member including a one or more traces extending through the shell; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore and electrically coupled to the traces; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members.

Abstract: A method (10) of forming an electrically conducting feedthrough. The method (10) comprises a first step (11) of forming an electrically conductive structure (21) comprising a sacrificial component and a non-sacrificial component. At least a portion of the non-sacrificial component can then be coated with a relatively electrically insulating material (35) prior to removal of at least a portion of the sacrificial component from the electrically conductive structure. The structure of the feedthrough provides electrical connection through the wall of a housing of an implantable component while preventing unwanted transfer of materials between the interior of the component and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A waterproof bioelectrode includes an electrode pad (101) to be mounted on a living body and a lead wire (110) to be connected to the electrode pad. The electrode pad includes a waterproof base (106) having an adhesive contacting surface and a hole substantially at its center, a waterproof seal member (105) which fixes the lead wire to a lower surface of the contacting surface of the base while covering the hole such that a detection electrode provided to a distal end of the lead wire is exposed from the hole of the waterproof base, and a conductive gel (103) arranged on the contacting surface to come into contact with the detection electrode.

Abstract: Size-specific electrical connector apparatus optimized for e.g., biomedical applications, and which prevents mating to the wrong sized terminals. In one embodiment, the connector apparatus comprises a device having a two piece assembly adapted to pivotally engage and lock a sensor such as those used in impedance cardiography (ICG). The conductor is shaped so as to provide a high degree of specificity in sensor connection as well as signal stability and reliability. In one variant, the pivot comprises a spring-loaded pivot having no external stops and the shape of a sensor engaging aperture is defined by a metal insert associated with one element of the assembly and the pivot is permanently formed within the connector. Thus, a user is obstructed from changing the properties of the connector to accept smaller or larger sensors. Methods of manufacturing and operating the connector are also disclosed. In one embodiment, an opening in the metal insert (212) is sized to exclude oversized sensors.

Abstract: Multiple seals, internal to a connector block, provide for connecting an implantable medical device and an implanted cable or lead. The forces to engage sealing or releasing the seals are derived from a mechanism so they can be relaxed to permit ease of insertion or withdrawal of a lead, or can be increased to tightly seal against fluid migration, and to provide an electrical insulation between adjacent conductors of the lead and connector block. During implant of the medical device, the lead is inserted and a shaft is rotated with a tool to engage the seals. Later, the seals can be released by rotating the control shaft in the opposite direction to allow extraction of the lead from the connector block. The seals therefore are able to provide improved sealing without increasing the insertion or the extraction forces for the lead.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical electrical device is presented. An inner diameter and an outer diameter of a connector ring is machined to form a first and a second flange extending from the inner diameter. An electric discharge machining wire burner is used to form a conductor channel in the inner diameter of the connector ring. A conductor is positioned within the conductor channel. A first distal end of the first flange is coupled to a second distal end of the second flange.

Abstract: A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly for an implantable active medical device is disclosed. The filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly includes a capacitor having an aperture defined by an inner capacitor surface. The capacitor is electrically grounded to an electrically conductive feedthrough ferrule or housing of the implantable active medical device. A terminal pin extends into the aperture. An electrically conductive split ring sleeve is disposed within the aperture and between the terminal pin and the capacitor. The split ring sleeve includes a first end, a second end, a sleeve length therebetween. A longitudinal slit through the sleeve extends from the first end to the second end. The electrically conductive split ring sleeve mechanically securing and electrically coupling the terminal pin to the capacitor.

Abstract: Devices including strip connectors in measurement devices are provided. Also provided are systems, kits and methods.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for creating an electrical connection with an electrically conductive element. The apparatus includes a first contact element having an engagement surface for engaging a first side of the electrically conductive element and a second contact element positioned opposite the first contact element includes an opposing engagement surface for engaging a second side of the electrically conductive element. The first contact element is slideable past the second contact element to form a scissor-like jaw. A valley formed in at least one of the engagement surface and the opposing engagement surface of the first and second contact elements creates a stage. At least one of the first and the second contact elements are made of an electrically conductive material that conducts an electrical current between the electrically conductive element and at least one of the first and second contact elements.

Abstract: Devices including strip connectors in measurement devices are provided. Also provided are systems, kits and methods.

Abstract: Devices including strip connectors in measurement devices are provided. Also provided are systems, kits and methods.

Abstract: Cardiac lead implantation systems and methods including an electronics arrangement provided with a user interface and a coupler assembly. A coupler body is configured to detachably grasp a cardiac lead and couple with electrical contacts of the cardiac lead. A user interface includes an output indicative of sensed cardiac parameters, such as one or both of cardiac signal amplitude and lead electrode impedance, and may include an audio output device and/or a visual output device. Methods of lead implantation involve advancing a cardiac lead into proximity with a patient's heart, and contacting cardiac tissue with an electrode arrangement to locate a suitable implant location. Sensing of one or more cardiac parameters is accomplished and an audible representation of the sensed parameters is produced, the audible representation varying as the electrode arrangement is moved relative to the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells including a connector which mates with a connection device to provide electrical connection to meter circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an EKG cable for connection to an EKG machine. The cable has a root cable with a connector for connection to the EKG machine. The root cable is connected to a cable connector. The cable connector has at least two branch cables connected thereon. Each of the branch cables has a plurality of nodes disposed thereon. Each of the nodes has two connections each being capable of being connected to an electrode disc. Each of the nodes have opposing upper and lower surface. Each of the surfaces may have indicia disposed thereon. Each of the surfaces may be color-coded. The indicia and the color-coding may be used independently of each other or in combination with each other.

Abstract: An electrode lead set is provided for electrical connection to a body. The electrode lead set includes a flexible ribbonized cable core extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a plurality of branch end portions that are each configured to hold an electrode. The flexible ribbonized cable core is separable into a plurality of branches that are each joined to adjacent branches by a separable interface prior to separation. Each of the plurality of branches includes a corresponding one of the branch end portions. Each of the plurality of branches includes a generally planar ribbon conductor extending along the corresponding branch from the proximal end portion of the ribbonized cable core to the corresponding branch end portion.

Abstract: An implantable control module of an electrical stimulation system includes a housing, an electronic subassembly disposed in the housing, and a plurality of conductors. The housing defines a connector receptacle configured and arranged to receive a proximal end of a lead. The housing further defines, within the connector receptacle region, a plurality of spaced-apart leaf spring connective contacts. Each leaf spring connective contact is corrugated and wrapped around at least a portion of an inner surface of the connector receptacle. Each conductor couples the electronic subassembly with at least one of the leaf spring connective contacts.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a housing, a circuit board having a plurality of through holes, and a plurality of interconnect pins within the housing and oriented perpendicular to a major surface of the housing. The circuit board is connected to the interconnect pins such that the pins extend through the through holes of the circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly of a medical device includes a plurality of electrical contact blocks and a sealing member, which are held within a cavity of a base of the assembly. The sealing member includes a plurality of openings, at least one interior surface surrounding a bore and at least one void. Each electrical contact block extends into a corresponding opening of the sealing member, and a conductive sidewall of each block defines a portion of a perimeter of an area for receiving a lead connector, while the bore of the sealing member forms another portion of the perimeter of the area. The at least one void provides a compressible space in a bulk volume of the sealing member. When the lead is inserted within the area, and a cap is engaged with the base, the at least one interior surface of the sealing member is compressed about the lead.

Abstract: An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector pressurization. The feedthrough pins are adapted to directly connect, confine, protect, and precisely position respective resilient compressible contacts. The compressible contacts can be coil springs, metal-particle-filled elastomer buttons, and fuzz buttons, and can be used with rigid tips where a contact preload and/or an enhanced contact tip robustness is desired. In one method of connector assembly an iso-diametric lead proximal terminal is first inserted into a seal without significant interference, and the resulting lead-seal assembly is subsequently installed in a clamping cover.