Medical instruments often need to be temporarily connected to peripheral devices and components in the course of operation. An example may be a sampling tube connected to an analyzing instrument such as a capnograph. Another example may an ultrasound probe connected to a sonographic imaging instrument. Such peripheral devices may need to be replaced frequently due to one or more reasons. For example, a disposable probe may be used for each treated patient, and should be replaced after use by a new probe for a next patient. Another reason for frequently connecting and disconnecting probes from an instrument may be related to multi-purpose instruments. Such instruments are configured to carry our one of several routines, for obtaining one of several optional purposes. Generally, a particular routine and purpose may be associated with a specific peripheral device that needs to be connected to the instrument for carrying out the routine. For example a user of a sonographic imaging system may wish to carry out one type of examination using one type of ultrasound probe, and then to carry out a second type of examination using a second type of ultrasound probe. Thus, frequent replacement of probes is required, typically being carried out by disconnecting a previously used probe and connecting a new probe to the instrument, instead.