Hypertronics Announces New Plastic Circular Connectors available on 24-hour Lead-time

Medical and other industries see immediate benefit

Hudson, MA (October 1, 2004)— Flexible design and industry-leading support from value added distribution partners means that Hypertronics' recently-launched HyperGrip™ series of high reliability, IP67 sealed, RFI/EMI shielded, circular plastic connectors are slashing standard industry lead-times for this type of connector.

HyperGrip is user-configurable and features color-coding and keying to make system-recognition simple and incorrect mating impossible. This is especially important for medical instrumentation applications. The cable receptacle is particularly useful as it allows the HyperGrip connector to be ådaisy-chained' via a remote cable mount receptacle, rather than directly onto the panel. In the medical field, for example, this means that sensors can be kept close to the patient, while the instrument is kept clear of the sterile field.

Commented Tom Kannally, Global Medical Industry Director for Hypertronics: "Every aspect of HyperGrip has been designed to make design-in simple, and end use foolproof." Like every Hypertronics connector, HyperGrip also offers the unparalleled performance of the Hypertac ® contact technology which provides high mating cycle life, low power consumption, low insertion force, reliability under harsh conditions, and maximum contact performance.

The new HyperGrip cable receptacle is now in stock and available for immediate delivery from Hypertronics' distribution partners, Astrex, www.astrex.net, and Kensington, www.keiconn.com .

About Hypertronics Corporation

Hypertronics, based in Hudson, Massachusetts, has been a leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of specialty connectors for the electronics industry since 1970. Its Hypertac technology is renowned for delivering unfailing performance in high-reliability applications. Market segments that demand this superior performance include medical, military, aerospace, test and measurement and industrial. The company offers a wide range of standard catalog products as well as custom-designed connectors for more specific application needs and performance requirements. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Smiths Group (UK: SMIN), a $5 billion multinational company headquartered in London, UK. More information about Hypertronics products can be found at www.hypertronics.com.

About Smiths Interconnect

Smiths Interconnect, a division of Smiths Group, is a global provider of electronic application specific components and sub-systems for the electronics interconnect, telecommunications, medical, industrial, aerospace as well as military and satellite markets worldwide.

Smiths Interconnect businesses comprise of; EMC Technology, Florida RF Labs, Hypertac Interconnect, LEA International, PolyPhaser, Radio Waves, Sabritec, Summitek Instruments, TECOM Industries, Times Microwave Systems, TRAK Microwave, Transtector Systems, Smiths Interconnect Shanghai and Smiths Interconnect Japan. Each business is a leader in its field and trades under their own strong brand name.