Patent Publication Number: US-8968014-B2

Title: Connector cover for protecting a connection from contaminants

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to connectors and, more particularly, to connector covers for protecting a connection from contaminants. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Transmission lines are used in a variety of industries to convey different types of media, such as electricity, light, and fluid, from one location to another. To enable a transmission line to connect to another device, a connector is typically provided on one or both ends of the transmission line with a complementary connector provided on the device to which the transmission line is to connect. Mating the connector on the end of the transmission line with the complementary connector on the device can establish an unbroken pathway for conveying a media between the transmission line and the device. 
     While a connector on a transmission line provides a convenient mechanism for mating the transmission line with various devices, the connector can also provide an access point through which environmental contaminants can enter the transmission line. For example, dust, debris, bacteria, or other environmental contaminants may enter the transmission line at the junction between the connector and the complementary connector on the device, for example, when the two components are unattached and exposed to the environment. 
     Although environmental contaminants may not be a problem in some applications, in other applications, environmental contaminants may render a transmission line or a connector on a transmission line unsuitable for use. For example, if an optical connector on an optical transmission line is exposed to even small particles of dust, the dust particles can damage or completely block light transmission through the connector. As another example, if an electrical connector on an electrical transmission line is exposed to moisture, the moisture may corrode the electrical connector and block electricity transmission through the connector. Accordingly, ensuring that a connection between a transmission line connector and a complementary connector on a device is blocked from exposure to environmental contaminants may be useful to ensure safe and efficient operation of the transmission line. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, this disclosure is directed to a connector cover for protecting a connector from exposure, for example, to environmental contaminants, physical damage or the like. In some examples, the connector cover includes a housing that houses the connector and a pair of doors positioned between an access opening of the housing and the connector. The pair of doors may bias together when the connector is not mated with a corresponding connector on the end of a transmission line so as to protect the connector from exposure. Further, the pair of doors may move apart in response to a user inserting the corresponding connector on the end of a transmission line into the access opening of the housing, thereby allowing the connector in the housing to mate with the corresponding connector on the transmission line. For example, as a distal end of the connector on the transmission line contacts a leading surface of the pair of doors, the doors may separate apart to allow the corresponding connector on the transmission line to enter the housing and mate with the connector. Removing the corresponding connector on the transmission line from the housing may cause the pair of doors to automatically close together, preventing environmental contaminants from reaching the connector in the housing. 
     Although the connector cover can have a variety of different configurations, in some examples, the connector cover is configured to open and close in response to a user inserting and removing a connector on a transmission line without requiring a user to further manipulate the connector cover. For example, the force of the transmission line connector contacting the pair of doors on the connector cover may be sufficient to open the doors without requiring a user to further manipulate the doors. In such a configuration, a user may grasp a transmission line and insert the connector on the transmission line into the access opening defined by the connector cover without touching the movable doors that open and close across the access opening. This can help maintain a sterile and contaminant free connection. 
     In one example, a connector system is described that includes a connector shroud attached to a transmission line and a connector shroud receiver configured to receive the connector shroud. The connector shroud extends from a shroud proximal end to a shroud distal end and defines an opening at the shroud distal end for accessing at least one connector positioned at a terminal end of the transmission line. The connector shroud receiver includes a receiver housing defining an opening into which the shroud distal end of the connector shroud can be inserted, the receiver housing housing at least one complementary connector to the connector positioned at the terminal end of the transmission line, a first door positioned between the opening defined by the receiver housing and the at least one complementary connector, and a second door positioned between the opening defined by the receiver housing and the at least one complementary connector. According to the example, the first door and the second door are configured to bias together when the connector shroud is not inserted into the receiver housing so as to close the opening defined by the receiver housing. The example further specifies that the first door and the second door are configured to move apart in response to the shroud distal end contacting the first door and the second door as the connector shroud is inserted into the receiver housing so as to allow the connector positioned at the terminal end of the transmission line to mate with the complementary connector housed in the receiver housing. 
     In another example, a connector cover is describes that includes a housing defining an opening configured to receive a connector positioned at a terminal end of a transmission line, a first door positioned to cover a first portion of the opening defined by the housing, and a second door positioned to cover a second portion of the opening defined by the housing. The housing is configured to house at least one complementary connector to the connector positioned at the terminal end of the transmission line. According to the example, the first door and the second door are configured to bias together when the connector is not inserted into the housing so as to close the opening defined by the housing. The example further specifies that the first door and the second door are configured to move apart in response to the connector contacting the first door and the second door as the connector is inserted into the housing so as to allow the connector to mate with the complementary connector housed in the receiver housing. 
     In another example, a method is described that includes inserting a connector shroud attached to a transmission line into an opening defined by a connector shroud receiver, the connector shroud receiver including a first door positioned to cover a first portion of the opening and a second door positioned to cover a second portion of the opening, and mating at least one connector positioned at a terminal end of the transmission line with at least one complementary connector housed in the connector shroud receiver. The example method specifies that in response to the connector shroud contacting the first door and the second door upon inserting the connector shroud, the first door and the second door move from a closed position in which the first door and the second door close the opening to an open position in which the first door and the second door are moved apart to provide access to the opening. 
     The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a conceptual view of an example medical system that may use a connector system in accordance with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is perspective view of an example connector system that may be used in the example medical system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of the example connector system of  FIG. 2  showing an example connector shroud inserted into an example connector shroud receiver. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an example connector shroud that can be used in the example connector system of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are different bottom views of an example connector shroud receiver that can be used in the example connector system of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized. 
     A transmission line can provide a pathway for conveying electrical signals, optical signals, fluid, or other media or combinations of media from one location to another location. For example, a transmission line can contain an electrically conductive cable for conveying electrical signals from one location to another location, a fiber optic cable for conveying optical signals from one location to another location, and/or a fluid lumen for conveying fluid from one location to another location. Because a transmission line can be used for conveying media from one location to another location, the transmission line typically includes a connector at one or both end of the line that can be used to attach the transmission line to another device that can receive and/or supply the media being conveyed through the transmission line. 
     Depending on the environment in which the transmission line is used, there may be fluid, dirt, debris, or other contaminants that can contact an exposed end of the transmission line and/or an exposed portion of the device to which the transmission line connects prior to connection. These contaminants can interfere with transfer of the media between the transmission line and device after the components are connected. Further, depending on the type of media being transferred between the transmission line and the device, these contaminates may adulterate the media itself, rendering the media unfit for subsequent use. 
     For example, in the medical field, a variety of devices include a sensor or therapy delivery element that is designed to be placed on or in a patient and coupled to a base station via a transmission line. The transmission line may convey communication signals between the base station and sensor or therapy delivery element, receive sampled signals or fluids from a patient, supply therapeutic agents to the patient, or the like. Accordingly, preventing contaminants from contacting the connector on the transmission line and/or a corresponding connector on the base station may help ensure the safe and efficient use of the device. For example, where the sensor or therapy delivery element and transmission line are single-use disposable components and the base station is a reusable component left in service for an extended period of time, it may be particularly useful to protect the connector on the base station from environmental containments that may be present in a medical facility. 
     This disclosure describes devices, systems, and techniques for protecting a connector from exposure to undesirable elements. In one example, a system is described that includes a connector shroud attached to a transmission line and a connector shroud receiver configured to receive the connector shroud. The connector shroud may project beyond the end of the transmission line so that a connector carried by the transmission line is recessed relative to the end of the shroud. This recessed configuration may protect the connector carried by the transmission line. The connector shroud receiver may house a complementary connector that is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to mate with the connector carried by the transmission line. Although the design can vary, the connector shroud receiver may define an opening through which the connector shroud on the transmission line can be inserted. The connector shroud receiver may also include at least two doors positioned between the opening and the complementary connector housed by the connector shroud receiver. The doors may block environmental contaminants from contacting the complementary connector when the complementary connector is not connected to the transmission line. 
     During use when the connector on the transmission line is not mated to the complementary connector in the connector shroud receiver, the doors may bias together to close the opening positioned between the opening and the complementary connector housed by the connector shroud receiver. To open the doors, a user may press the leading edge of the connector shroud attached to the transmission line against the leading surface of the doors and advance the shroud through the doors. As the shroud physically contacts the doors, the shroud may push the doors apart so as to expose the opening through which the connector carried by the transmission line can engage the complementary connector carried by the receiver. 
     Different views of an example connector shroud and connector shroud receiver will be described in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 2-5 . However, an example medical system that may use a connector shroud and connector shroud receiver will first be described with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 1  is a conceptual view of an example medical system  10  that may use a connector configuration in accordance with this disclosure. Medical system  10  includes a base unit  12 , a sensor  14 , a distal sleeve  16 , and a medical guide wire  18 . Sensor  14  is coupled to distal sleeve  16 . Distal sleeve  16  is positioned over medical guide wire  18  and configured to slide along the guide wire to a desired location within a patient. For example, during use, distal sleeve  18  and, hence, sensor  14  attached to the distal sleeve, may be positioned within an anatomical structure of a patient such as, e.g., within a vein, artery, or other blood vessel, or across a heart valve. Sensor  14  may sense and/or measure a physiological parameter of a patient and generate a signal representative of the physiological parameter. 
     Data generated and/or sensed by sensor  14  may be communicated to base unit  12 , which may be located outside of a patient in a sterile medical field. Base unit  12  may comprise a computer or other processing equipment that can control the operation of sensor  14 , receive and process signals generated and/or sensed by sensor  14 , display data generated using sensor  14 , or the like. To communicate between base unit  12  and sensor  14 , at least one transmission line  20  may extend between the base unit and the sensor. 
     Transmission line  20  can have a variety of different configurations. In one example, transmission line  20  is a fiber optic communication channel that can transmit optical energy between base unit  12  and sensor  14 . In another example, transmission line  20  is an electrically conductive medium, such as one or more electrically conducting wires, that can transmit electrical energy between base unit  12  and sensor  14 . In still other examples, transmission line  20  includes multiple transmission lines, such as a fiber optic line and an electrically conductive line, to transmit both optical energy and electrical energy between base unit  12  and sensor  14 . In such examples, the multiple transmission lines may extend through a common lumen or sheath defined by transmission line  20  or may be physically separate lines extending between base unit  12  and sensor  14 . The number and configuration of transmission lines may depend on the type of sensor selected for sensor  14 . In general, transmission line  20  may be implemented using any variety of fluid or non-fluid media. 
     To connect transmission line  20  to base unit  12 , the transmission line may carry a connector  22  positioned at a terminal end of the line that is configured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) to mate with a complementary connector  24  carried by base unit  12 . For example, rather than being permanently connected, transmission line  20  may be detachably connected to base unit  12  via connector  22 . Such an arrangement may allow base unit  12  to be disconnected from sensor  14  and reconnected to a different sensor, e.g., for either the same patient or a different patient. This may allow a relatively inexpensive sensor  14  to be discarded or taken out of service for sterilization while the relative more expensive base unit  12  remains in service. 
     Connector  22  is configured to mate with complementary connector  24  to establish a continuous transmission line between sensor  14  and base unit  12 . In some examples, connector  22  is a female connector that defines a port for receiving a corresponding male connector defined by complementary connector  24 . In other examples, connector  22  is a male connector that defines a protrusion for receiving a corresponding female connector defined by complementary connector  24 . Other types of connector and complementary connector structures are possible, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, and it should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to a connector or complementary connector having any particular type of design. Further, in instances in which transmission line  20  includes multiple transmission lines extending between base unit  12  and sensor  14 , each transmission line may or may not carry a separate connector  22  that is configured to mate with a separate complementary connector  24  associated with base unit  12 . 
     During use, a user may grasp connector  22  carried by transmission line  20  and engage the connector with complementary connector  24  associated with base unit  12  so as to establish communication (e.g., electrical communication, optical communication, fluid communication) between sensor  14  and the base unit. Depending on the configuration of medical system  10 , if contaminants such as fluid, dust, or debris enter the space between connector  22  and complementary connector  24  before or during mating, the contaminants may impact the quality of transmission between base unit  12  and sensor  14  during subsequent use. For these and other reasons, connector  22  and/or complementary connector  24  may be equipped with a connector cover as described herein. 
       FIG. 2  is perspective view of an example connector system  48  in accordance with the disclosure. Connector system  48  can be used with medical system  10  of  FIG. 1  or other types of systems as described herein. Connector system  48  includes a connector shroud  50  and a connector shroud receiver  52 . Connector shroud  50  may protect connector  22  ( FIG. 1 ) carried by transmission line  20  from contact with contaminants, inadvertent physical contact, or the like. Connector shroud receiver  52  houses complementary connector  24  ( FIG. 1 ) and may protect the complementary connector from contact with contaminants, inadvertent physical contact, or the like. To mate connector  22  with complementary connector  24 , connector shroud  50  can be inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , e.g., by advancing the connector shroud in the Y-direction indicated on  FIG. 2 . As connector shroud  50  is inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , the connector shroud receiver may open so as to allow connector  22  to engage with complementary connector  24 .  FIG. 2  illustrates connector shroud  50  as being positioned outside of and insertable into connector shroud receiver  52 .  FIG. 3  illustrates connector shroud  50  inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , e.g., with connector  22  mated with complementary connector  24 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 2 , connector shroud receiver  52 , which may also generally be referred to as a connector cover, is configured to hold complementary connector  24  ( FIG. 1 ) and to cover the complementary connector when not engaged with connector  22  on transmission line  20 . Connector shroud receiver includes a housing  54  and at least one door which, in the illustrated example, is shown as two doors: first door  56 A and second door  56 B (collectively “doors  56 ”). As described in greater detail below, doors  56  may close (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) when connector shroud  50  is not inserted into connector shroud receiver  52  and open when the connector shroud is inserted into the connector shroud receiver. In this way, doors  56  can provide selective access to complementary connector  24  so as to cover a mating surface of the complementary connector when not engaged and so as to expose the mating surface of the complementary connector for engagement with connector  22 . 
     Housing  54  of connector shroud receiver  52  can house complementary connector  24 . In general, housing  54  may be any structure that is capable of containing a complementary connector. In different examples, housing  54  may surround complementary connector  24  on all sides of the connector so as to completely enclose the connector or housing  54  may cover fewer than all sides of the complementary connector. For instance, housing  54  may be a surface to which complementary connector  24  is attached and which guides movement of doors  56  without surrounding the connector. In the example of  FIG. 2 , housing  54  is illustrated as an independent structure. In other examples, housing  54  may be integrated with or defined by another structure (e.g., a portion of base unit  12  in  FIG. 1 ). 
     To provide access to the complementary connector  24  contained by housing  54 , the housing may define an opening  58  that is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive connector shroud  50 . In such an example, doors  56  may be positioned between opening  58  and a portion of complementary connector  24  to which connector  22  mates. Depending on the configuration of connector shroud receive  52 , doors  56  may bias together when connector shroud  50  is not inserted into opening  58  so as block access to complementary connector  24 . For example, when doors  56  are closed, the doors may provide a layer of material between the portion of complementary connector  24  to which connector  22  mates and potential contaminants in the ambient environment surrounding housing  54 . Doors  56  may also be configured to move apart as connector shroud  50  is inserted into opening  58 , for example in response to the force of the connector shroud contacting the doors, so as to allow connector  22  protected by the shroud to mate with complementary connector  24  contained within the housing. 
     In general, connector shroud  50  is a structure that helps protect connector  22  carried by transmission line  20  from contamination or other damage during use. Connector shroud  50  extends from a shroud proximal end  60  to a shroud distal end  62 . Connector shroud  50  may define an opening at shroud distal end  62  through which connector  22  is accessed. For example, as connector shroud  50  is inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , complementary connector  24  may enter the opening defined by shroud distal end  62  so as to establish a connection between connector  22  and complementary connector  24 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 2 , connector shroud  50  defines an external gripping surface  64  and an external insertion surface  66  positioned between shroud proximal end  60  and shroud distal end  62 . External gripping surface  64  is a surface of connector shroud  50  that is intended to be grasped by a user when inserting connector shroud  50  into connector shroud receiver  54 . External gripping surface  64  may or may not have ribs and grooves or other tactile features to help a user grip connector shroud  50 . External insertion surface  66  is a portion of connector shroud  50  that is intended to be inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 . When inserted, external insertion surface  66  may be enclosed by housing  54  of connector shroud receiver  52 . In other examples, connector shroud  50  may not have external gripping surface  64 . Rather, the entire connector shroud  50  may be designed to be inserted into connector shroud housing  52 . In such examples, a user may grip transmission line  20  rather than external gripping surface  64  so as to insert connector shroud  50  into the connector shroud receiver  52 . 
     Connector  22  carried by transmission line  20  can be positioned at any suitable location relative to connector shroud  50 . In some examples, connector shroud  50  is located on a terminal end of transmission line  20  so that connector  22  is positioned to be flush with or extending outward from shroud distal end  62 . In other examples, connector shroud  50  is located on a terminal end of transmission line  20  so that connector  22  recessed within the connector shroud. For example, connector shroud  50  may project distally off a terminal end of transmission line  20  so that connector  22  carried at the terminal end of the transmission line is positioned inside of the connector shroud. In such an example, a sidewall of connector shroud  50  may extend beyond connector  22  (e.g., in the Y-direction indicated on  FIG. 1 ) rather than having the connector extend beyond shroud distal end  62 . Such a configuration may be useful in that the sidewall of connector shroud  50  may protect the connector positioned within the shroud from contamination, e.g., caused by inadvertently contacting the connector with a contamination source. 
     Connector shroud  50  can have a variety of different sizes and shapes.  FIG. 4  is a side view of one example of connector shroud  50  looking at shroud distal end  62  in the X-Z plane indicated on  FIG. 2 . In this example, connector shroud  50  defines a top surface  70 , a bottom surface  72 , a first side surface  74  connecting top surface  70  to bottom surface  72 , and a second side surface  76  connecting top surface  70  to bottom surface  72 . Bottom surface  72 , first side surface  74 , and second side surface  76  are illustrated as being planar surfaces while top surface is illustrated as being a curved surf ace. By providing at least one surface of connector shroud  50  that is a different size and/or shape than other surfaces of the connector shroud, the connector shroud may define a single three-dimensional orientation in which a user can insert the connector shroud into opening  58 . Such a configuration may help ensure that a user inserts connector shroud  50  into connector shroud receiver  52  at an orientation that will allow connector  22  to mate with complementary connector  24 . 
     While connector shroud  50  is illustrated as defining a substantially square shape with a rounded top surface, in other examples connector shroud  50  can define other shapes. Connector shroud  50  can define any polygonal (e.g., square, hexagonal) or arcuate (e.g., circular, elliptical) shape, or combinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes. The specific shape of connector shroud  50  may vary, e.g., based on the specific shape of opening  58  of connector shroud receive  52  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Independent of the specific shape of connector shroud  50 , the connector shroud may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of opening  58  defined by connector shroud receiver  52 . For example, the cross-sectional shape of connector shroud  50  (i.e., in the X-Z plane indicated on  FIG. 4 ) may be complementary (e.g., the same) as the cross-sectional shape of opening  58  defined by connector shroud receiver  52  (i.e., in the X-Z plane indicated on  FIG. 2 ). Where connector shroud  50  and/or opening  58  define asymmetrical shapes, the complementary cross-sectional shapes may provide a lock-and-key arrangement guiding a user to insert the connector shroud  50  into opening  58  in a particular orientation. 
     As briefly discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 , connector  22  carried by transmission line  20  can be positioned at any suitable location relative to connector shroud  50 . In the example of  FIG. 4 , transmission line  20  is illustrated as carrying two connectors: first connector  22 A and second connector  22 B. First connector  22 A is positioned inside of connector shroud  50  and attached to top surface  70 . Second connector  22 B is positioned inside of connector shroud  50  and is substantially centered in the connector shroud. When inserted into connector shroud receiver  52  ( FIG. 2 ), first connector  22 A can mate with a first complementary connector housed in connector shroud receiver  52 , and second connector  22 B can mate with a second complementary connector housed in the connector shroud receiver. In some examples, first connector  22 A is an electrical connector while second connector  22 B is an optical connector. It should be appreciated however, that a connector system in accordance with the disclosure can have fewer connectors (e.g., a single connector), more connectors (e.g., three, four, or more connectors), or a different physical arrangement of connectors, and the disclosure is not limited in this respect. 
     In addition, although connector system  48  ( FIG. 2 ) is described as including a connector shroud  50  and connector shroud receiver  52 , in other examples, connector shroud receiver  52  may be used without connector shroud  50 . For example, a user may insert connector  22  carried at the terminal end of transmission line  20  directly through doors  56  and opening  58  of connector shroud receiver  52  without the benefit of connector shroud  50 . Therefore, although opening  58  of connector shroud receiver  52  may be configured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) to receive connector shroud  50 , the opening may be configured to receive connector  22  carried by transmission line  20  independent of whether the connector is surrounded by connector shroud  50 . 
     Connector shroud receiver  52  ( FIG. 2 ) may close access to complementary connector  24  when not engaged with connector  22 , e.g., so as to help prevent contaminants from contacting the complementary connector, and provide access to the connector upon insertion of connector  22  into the connector shroud receiver.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are bottom views of connector shroud receiver  52  (e.g., from the perspective of the Z-direction indicated on  FIG. 2 ) showing example components that may be included in the connector shroud receiver.  FIG. 5A  illustrates connector shroud  50  positioned outside of and insertable into connector shroud receiver  52 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates connector shroud  50  inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , e.g., with connector  22  mated with complementary connector  24 . 
     In the example of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , connector shroud receiver  52  includes a first door  56 A positioned between a portion of opening  58  and complementary connector  24  (not illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and a second door  56 B position between a different portion of opening  58  and the complementary connector. When closed as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , first door  56 A and second door  56 B close opening  58 , e.g., so as to protect complementary connector  24  from contamination. 
     To facilitate opening and closing of first door  56 A and second door  56 B, first door  56 A is connected to first door arm  80 A and second door  56 B is connected to second door arm  80 B. First door arm  80 A and second door arm  80 B are further connected to a biasing member  83 , which is configured to bias first door  56 A and second door  56 B together when connector shroud  50  is not inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 . Biasing member  83  may further allow first door  56 A and second door  56 B to move apart, thereby exposing opening  58 , e.g., in response to shroud distal end  62  of connector shroud  50  contacting and advancing into connector shroud receiver  52 . 
     In the particular example of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , first door arm  80 A extends from a front end  82 A adjacent opening  58  to a rear end  84 A, and second door arm  80 B extends from a front end  82 B adjacent opening  58  to a rear end  84 B. First door  56 A is positioned on a front portion of first door arm  80 A while second door  56 B is positioned on a front portion of second door arm  80 B. In different examples, first door  56 A and second door  56 B may be integrally formed (e.g., permanently cast or molded) to the door arms or may be separate components that are mechanically affixed to the door arms. In either set of examples, biasing member  83  may be attached to a rear portion of first door arm  80 A and a rear portion of second door arm  80 B so as to bias first door  56 A and second door  56 B closed. 
     When configured as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , first door arm  80 A overlaps second door arm  80 B so that front portion  82 A of first door arm  80 A is positioned on an opposite side of housing  54  than rear portion  84 A and front portion  82 B of second door arm  80 B is positioned on an opposite side of the housing than rear portion  84 B. In such an example, first door  56 A may move apart from second door  56 B when rear portion  84 A of first door arm  80 A is moved away from rear portion  84 B of second door arm  80 B. Conversely, first door  56 A may close together with second door  56 B when rear portion  84 A of first door arm  80 A is moved toward rear portion  84 B of second door arm  80 B. To bias first door  56 A and second door  56 B together when connector shroud  50  is not inserted into connector shroud receiver  52  in such an example, biasing member  83  may be implemented as an extension spring that resists a pulling force in a direction of the length of the spring. In different examples, different types or different numbers of biasing members may be used. For example, each arm of connector shroud receiver  52  may be connected to a separate biasing member rather than being connected to a shared biasing member. 
     In addition, in other examples, first door arm  80 A and second door arm  80 B may not overlap with one another. In these examples, first door  56 A may move apart from second door  56 B when rear portion  84 A of first door arm  80 A is moved toward rear portion  84 B of second door arm  80 B. Further, first door  56 A may close together with second door  56 B when rear portion  84 A of first door arm  80 A is moved away from rear portion  84 B of second door arm  80 B. To bias first door  56 A and second door  56 B together in such examples, biasing member  83  may be implemented as a compression spring that resists forces trying to compress the spring in a direction of the length of the spring. 
     When connector shroud  50  is not inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , first door  56 A and second door  56 B may automatically close together (e.g., under the force of biasing member  83 ), so as to close opening  58  between complementary connector  24  and an atmosphere surrounding the connector. First door  56 A and second door  56 B can have a number of different configurations. However, in the example of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , first door  56 A defines a first door leading edge  86 A and a first door trailing edge  88 A while second door  56 B defines a second door leading edge  86 B and a second door trailing edge  88 B. When closed, first door leading edge  86 A may contact second door leading edge  86 B, e.g., so that contaminants cannot pass through the junction between the two doors. 
     To help facilitate the insertion of connector shroud  50  into connector shroud receiver  52 , first door leading edge  86 A and second door leading edge  86 B may be offset from first door trailing edge  88 A and second door trailing edge  88 B. For example, in  FIG. 5A  first door leading edge  86 A is offset from first door trailing edge  88 A (i.e., in the Y-direction indicated on the figure), and second door leading edge  86 B is offset from second door trailing edge  88 B (also in the Y-direction indicated on the figure). In this configuration, first door leading edge  86 A and second door leading edge  86 B are positioned within a first plane (e.g., a first X-Z plane) while first door trailing edge  88 A and second door trailing edge  88 B are positioned within a second plane (e.g., a second X-Z plane) that is offset from the first plane. Accordingly, first door leading edge  86 A and second door leading edge  86 B project towards a front face of connector shroud receiver  52  while first door trailing edge  88 A and second door trailing edge  88 B are recessed relative to the front face of the connector shroud receiver, providing doors that are angled relative to opening  58 . 
     Angling first door  56 A and second door  56 B may be useful so that when connector shroud  50  is inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , shroud distal end  62  contacts first door leading edge  86 A and second door leading edge  86 B prior to (e.g., instead of) contacting first door trailing edge  88 A and second door trailing edge  88 B. This may help push the doors apart so that the connector shroud can be inserted farther into the connector shroud receiver. If the first door leading edge  86 A and second door leading edge  86 B are positioned within the same plane as first door trailing edge  88 A and second door trailing edge  88 B, the doors may not present a natural opening angle to assist opening of the doors. That being said, in other examples, first door leading edge  86 A and second door leading edge  86 B may be positioned within the same plane as first door trailing edge  88 A and second door trailing edge  88 B. 
     To establish a connection between connector  22  carried by transmission line  20  and complementary connector  24  housed by connector shroud receiver  52 , a user may grasp external gripping surface  64  of connector shroud  50  and advance the connector shroud into opening  58  defined by housing  54 . As a leading edge surface of connector shroud  50  physically contacts door  56 , the force of the connector shroud impacting the doors may begin to push the doors apart. If the user continues to advance connector shroud  50  farther into connector shroud receiver  52 , doors  56  may continue to spread apart until opening  58  is large enough to accept connector shroud  50 . 
     In some examples, connector shroud  50  defines a leading edge to help guide doors  56  of connector shroud receiver  52  open. For example, connector shroud  50  may have a sidewall surface that projects distally from other sidewall surfaces of the connector shroud. The distally projecting sidewall surface may help pry doors  56  of connector shroud receive  52  open. With reference to  FIG. 2 , for example, top surface  70  and bottom surface  72  of connector shroud  50  both extend distally outward farther than first side surface  74  and second side surface  76 . Accordingly, when a connector shroud having this configuration is inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , top surface  70  and bottom surface  72  of connector shroud  50  may contact doors  56  before other portions of the connector shroud contact the doors. This may help pry the doors open for easy insertion of the connector shroud into the connector shroud receiver. 
     When connector shroud  50  includes a distally projecting surface, the surface may or may not be in a different plane than the junction between first door  56 A and second door  56 B. In the example of  FIG. 2 , top surface  70  and bottom surface  72  each define a leading edge that is generally perpendicular to the junction between first door  56 A and second door  56 B. For example, top surface  70  and bottom surface  72  each extend distally in the general Y-direction indicated on  FIG. 2  while the junction between first door  56 A and second door  56 B extends in the general Z-direction indicated on the figure. This configuration may help connector shroud  50  push doors  56  open as the connector shroud is inserted into the connector shroud receiver, e.g., in cases where first door  56 A and second door  56 B are independent actuatable and it is desirable to actuate both doors simultaneously. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , when connector shroud  50  is advanced into housing  54  of connector shroud receiver  52 , doors  56  may move from being positioned in front of the connector shroud to being positioned at the sides of the connector shroud. For instance, in the example of  FIG. 5A and 5B , doors  56  are configured to move from a first position in which the doors intersect a vertical plane  90  (e.g., a vertical plane extending in the Z-direction indicated on  FIGS. 5A and 5B ), as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , to a second position in which first door  56 A and second door  56 B are each generally parallel to vertical plane  90 , as illustrated in FIG. B. When so configured, first door  56 A and second door  56 B may move from being perpendicular to a major axis of connector shroud  50  (e.g., an axis extending along the longest length of the connector shroud) to being generally parallel to the major axis. Thus, in some examples, when connector shroud  50  is inserted into connector shroud receiver  52 , first door  56 A is in contact with first side surface  74  of the connector shroud and second door  56 B is in contact with second side surface  76 . Further, shroud distal end  62  may be positioned distally past doors  56  so as to engage connector  22  with complementary connector  24 . 
     Connector system  48  in  FIGS. 2-5  may help protect exposed connectors from contamination and/or physical damage when not in use. Further, the connector system may allow a user to mate two or more different connectors using only one hand. Rather than being required to hold two separate connectors simultaneously or being required to use one hand to open connector cover doors while using another hand to insert a connector, a user may grasp the connector shroud and insert the connector shroud into the connector shroud receiver using a single hand. This may allow for simple and sterile engagement of two or more different connectors. 
     Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.