Connector apparatus and method for connecting the same

A coupler, comprising:

• a body including first and second ends defining an opening longitudinally therethrough;
• and
• an RFID tag mounted on the body, the RFID tag enabling RF signal transmission to and from the RFID tag, the RFID tag being constructed and arranged such that communication is enabled with a piece of equipment when the body is at least partially engaged with the piece of equipment in a pre-coupled position, the pre-coupled position being defined by the body being partially inserted into the piece of equipment.

A reader coupler, comprising:

• a body including first and second ends defining an opening longitudinally therethrough;
• and
• a reader circuit mounted on the body, the reader circuit enabling signal transmission to and from the reader circuit and interrogation of a mating coupler with transmitter in determining a positive connection, the reader circuit being constructed and arranged such that interrogation is enabled with the mating coupler when the body is at least partially engaged with the mating coupler in a pre-coupled position, the pre-coupled position being defined by the body being oriented and positioned where the mating coupler is partially inserted into the reader coupler.