Electronic lead for a medical implant device, method of making same, and method and apparatus for inserting same

A female connector for receiving a male connector having an electrically conductive element and an electrically conductive surface, comprising:

• a connector body defining an inner cavity with a first end and a second end, wherein said inner cavity is open at said first end, said inner cavity configured to receive said male connector;
• a first electrically conductive tension member within said inner cavity, said first conductive tension member configured to engage said conductive element to form a first electrical channel;
• a second electrically conductive tension member within said inner cavity, said second conductive tension member configured to engage said conductive surface to form a second electrical channel;
• and
• a first seal within said inner cavity, said first seal configured to engage said male connector to isolate said first electrical channel from said second electrical channel;
• wherein said first seal comprises an umbrella-shaped ridge.

A female connector for receiving a male connector having an electrically conductive element and an electrically conductive surface, comprising:

• a connector body defining an inner cavity with a first end and a second end, wherein said inner cavity is open at said first end, said inner cavity configured to receive said male connector;
• a first electrically conductive tension member within said inner cavity, said first conductive tension member configured to engage said conductive element to form a first electrical channel;
• a second electrically conductive tension member within said inner cavity, said second conductive tension member configured to engage said conductive surface to form a second electrical channel;
• a first seal within said inner cavity, said first seal configured to engage said male connector to isolate said first electrical channel from said second electrical channel;
• and
• a second seal configured to engage said male connector to isolate said inner cavity
• wherein said first seal comprises an umbrella-shaped ridge and said second seal comprises an annular ring of flexible material, said annular ring having a plurality of annular ridges.

A female connector for receiving a male connector having an electrically conductive element and an electrically conductive surface, comprising:

• a connector body defining an inner cavity with a first end and a second end, wherein said inner cavity is open at said first end, said inner cavity configured to receive said male connector;
• a first electrically conductive tension member within said inner cavity, said first conductive tension member configured to engage said conductive element to form a first electrical channel;
• a second electrically conductive tension member within said inner cavity, said second conductive tension member configured to engage said conductive surface to form a second electrical channel;
• and
• a first seal within said inner cavity, said first seal configured to engage said male connector to isolate said first electrical channel from said second electrical channel;
• wherein said connector body comprises:
• a first conductive body member defining said first end of said inner cavity;
• a second conductive body member defining said second end of said inner cavity;
• and
• a middle insulator coupled between said first conductive body member and said second conductive body member.