body: Can manufacturers block other manufacturers from making parts that connect to their machines?
  
  
  For example, ultrasound machines have two parts, a console and a transducer. The transducers usually connect to the console via a proprietary connector interface.
  
  
  Can a third party manufacturer sell a competing transducer that connects to the interface?
  
  
  Or, to take a more familiar example. IBM computer keyboards and mice used to connect to the PC via a connector called a PS2 connector. Imagine IBM patented the PS2 connector. Would that have prevented anyone else from making a peripheral that connects to a PS2 port on an IBM PC?
  
  
  
title: Can manufacturers make it an IP tort to connect to their machines?