Patent Publication Number: US-2022216645-A1

Title: Water resistant connector for noninvasive patient monitor

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/858,421 entitled “Water Resistant Connector for Noninvasive Patient Monitor” filed Apr. 24, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/102,456 entitled “Water Resistant Connector for Noninvasive Patient Monitor” filed Aug. 13, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,637,181, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/545,884 entitled “Water Resistant Connector for Noninvasive Patient Monitor” filed Aug. 15, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/545,877 entitled “Water Resistant Connector for Noninvasive Patient Monitor” filed Aug. 15, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Energy is often transmitted through or reflected from a medium to determine characteristics of the medium. For example, in the medical field, instead of extracting material from a patient&#39;s body for testing, light or sound energy may be caused to be incident on the patient&#39;s body and transmitted (or reflected) energy may be measured to determine information about the material through which the energy has passed. This type of non-invasive measurement is more comfortable for the patient and can be performed more quickly than invasive measurement techniques. 
     Non-invasive physiological monitoring of bodily function is often required. For example, during surgery or other hospital visits, blood pressure and the body&#39;s available supply of oxygen, or the blood oxygen saturation, are often monitored. Measurements such as these are often performed with non-invasive techniques where assessments are made by measuring the ratio of incident to transmitted (or reflected) light through a portion of the body, for example a digit such as a finger, or an earlobe, foot, or forehead. 
     Durable and disposable sensors are often used for such physiological measurements. These sensors have connectors that allow detachment from the instrument or cable from the instrument. 
     SUMMARY 
     For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features are discussed herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects, advantages or features will be embodied in any particular embodiment of the invention and an artisan would recognize from the disclosure herein a myriad of combinations of such aspects, advantages or features. 
     One embodiment includes a water-resistant medical device cable assembly configured to interface one or more noninvasive physiological sensors with a patient monitor, the cable assembly comprising: a cable configured to connect to a physiological sensor, the cable comprising a plurality of conductors configured to obtain physiological signals from a patient; and a male connector attached to the cable and configured to couple the cable with a patient monitor so as to convey the physiological signals from the physiological sensor to the patient monitor, the male connector comprising: a rigid frame; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame and connected with the conductors in the cable; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, the plurality of electrical contacts operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding female connector of the patient monitor when the male connector is inserted into the female connector; a pliable overmold configured to cover a portion of the rigid frame and a portion of the circuit board but not the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts are open to air when the male connector is disconnected from the female connector of the patient monitor; and a raised rib disposed on the pliable overmold, the raised rib circumferentially surrounding the pliable overmold and configured to create a seal with the female connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, such that when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the plurality electrical contacts of the male connector are no longer exposed to air, such that a water-resistant seal is created between the male connector and the female connector. 
     One embodiment includes a water-resistant medical device cable assembly configured to interface one or more noninvasive physiological sensors with a patient monitor, the cable assembly comprising: a cable configured to connect to a physiological sensor, the cable comprising a plurality of conductors configured to obtain physiological signals from a patient; and a male connector attached to the cable and configured to couple the cable with a patient monitor so as to convey the physiological signals from the physiological sensor to the patient monitor, the male connector comprising: a rigid frame; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame and connected with the conductors in the cable; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, the plurality of electrical contacts operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding female connector of the patient monitor when the male connector is inserted into the female connector; and a pliable overmold configured to cover a portion of the rigid frame and a portion of the circuit board but not the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts are open to air when the male connector is disconnected from the female connector of the patient monitor, and wherein the pliable overmold is further configured to create a seal with the female connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, such that when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the plurality electrical contacts of the male connector are no longer exposed to air, such that a water-resistant seal is created between the male connector and the female connector. 
     In some embodiments, the water-resistant medical device cable assembly of the preceding paragraph can include a combination or sub-combination of features. The male connector can include a raised rib disposed on the pliable overmold, the raised rib circumferentially surrounding the pliable overmold. 
     One embodiment includes a cable assembly comprising: a cable comprising a plurality of conductors; and a male connector attached to the cable, the male connector comprising: a rigid frame; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame and connected with the conductors in the cable; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, the plurality of electrical contacts operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding female connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector; a pliable overmold configured to cover a portion of the rigid frame and a portion of the circuit board but not the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts are open to air when the male connector is disconnected from the female connector; and a raised rib disposed on the pliable overmold, the raised rib circumferentially surrounding the pliable overmold and configured to create a seal with the female connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, such that when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the plurality electrical contacts of the male connector are no longer exposed to air, such that a water-resistant seal is created between the male connector and the female connector. 
     In some embodiments, the water-resistant medical device cable assembly or the cable assembly of the preceding paragraphs can include a combination or sub-combination of features. The raised rib can be a part of the pliable overmold. The raised rib can include a thermoplastic elastomer. The pliable overmold can include a thermoplastic elastomer. A width of the raised rib can be between approximately 0.762 millimeters (0.03 inches) and approximately 0.8128 millimeters (0.032 inches). A height of the raised rib can be between approximately 0.254 millimeters (0.01 inches) and approximately 0.508 millimeters (0.02 inches). The pliable overmold can further include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion can be located between the plurality of electrical contacts and the second portion, the second portion can be adjacent to the cable, wherein a first width of a proximal end of the first portion can be narrower than a second width of a distal end of the first portion. The first width can be between 2.03 centimeters (0.8 inches) and approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.81 inches), and the second width can be between approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.811 inches) and approximately 2.08 centimeters (0.82 inches). The water-resistant medical device cable assembly or the cable assembly can further include an inner covering configured to cover a portion of the cable, the inner covering can be adjacent to the rigid frame and can be located between the rigid frame and a distal end of the cable, wherein the inner covering can be further configured to seal a distal end of the rigid frame and a proximal end of the cable, and wherein the pliable overmold can be further configured to cover the inner covering. The inner covering can further include a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer can include polypropylene. 
     One embodiment includes a patient monitor comprising: a hardware processor configured to process physiological signals to obtain measurements; a display configured to present at least some of the measurements; and a female connector configured to receive the physiological signals from a physiological sensor, the female connector further configured to couple the physiological sensor with the patient monitor, the female connector comprising: a rigid frame comprising a plurality of pockets; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame and configured to transmit the physiological signals to the hardware processor; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, each electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed within each pocket of the plurality of pockets, the plurality of electrical contacts: operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding male connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the male connector coupled to the physiological sensor, and partially exposed to air when the male connector is not inserted into the female connector; a rigid mold circumferentially surrounding the plurality of electrical contacts and configured to create a water-resistant seal around the plurality of electrical contacts; a proximal opening configured to receive the male connector; and a distal opening configured to receive the male connector, wherein a first height of the distal opening is shorter than a second height of the proximal opening 
     In some embodiments, the patient monitor of the preceding paragraph can include a combination or sub-combination of features. The first height of the distal opening can be between approximately 0.74 centimeters (0.29 inches) and approximately 0.76 centimeters (0.3 inches), and wherein the second height of the proximal opening is between approximately 0.16 centimeters (0.063 inches) and approximately 0.18 centimeters (0.07 inches). 
     One embodiment includes a patient monitor comprising: a hardware processor configured to process physiological signals to obtain measurements; a display configured to present at least some of the measurements; and a female connector configured to receive the physiological signals from a physiological sensor, the female connector further configured to couple the physiological sensor with the patient monitor, the female connector comprising: a rigid frame comprising a plurality of pockets; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame and configured to transmit the physiological signals to the hardware processor; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, each electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed within each pocket of the plurality of pockets, the plurality of electrical contacts: operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding male connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the male connector coupled to the physiological sensor, and partially exposed to air when the male connector is not inserted into the female connector; a rigid mold circumferentially surrounding the plurality of electrical contacts and configured to create a water-resistant seal around the plurality of electrical contacts; and a detent holder configured to engage with a detent of the male connector. 
     One embodiment includes a patient monitor comprising: a hardware processor configured to process physiological signals to obtain measurements; a display configured to present at least some of the measurements; and a female connector configured to receive the physiological signals from a physiological sensor, the female connector further configured to couple the physiological sensor with the patient monitor, the female connector comprising: a rigid frame comprising a plurality of pockets; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame and configured to transmit the physiological signals to the hardware processor; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, each electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed within each pocket of the plurality of pockets, the plurality of electrical contacts: operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding male connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the male connector coupled to the physiological sensor, and partially exposed to air when the male connector is not inserted into the female connector; and a rigid mold circumferentially surrounding the plurality of electrical contacts and configured to create a water-resistant seal around the plurality of electrical contacts. 
     One embodiment includes a patient monitor connector configured to interface one or more noninvasive physiological sensors, the patient monitor connector comprising: a female connector of a patient monitor, the female connector configured to receive physiological signals from a physiological sensor, the female connector comprising: a rigid frame comprising a plurality of pockets; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame and configured to transmit the physiological signals to a hardware processor; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, each electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed within each pocket of the plurality of pockets, the plurality of electrical contacts: operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding male connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the male connector coupled to the physiological sensor, and partially exposed to air when the male connector is not inserted into the female connector; and a rigid mold circumferentially surrounding the plurality of electrical contacts and configured to create a water-resistant seal around the plurality of electrical contacts. 
     On embodiment includes a female connector comprising: a rigid frame comprising a plurality of pockets; a circuit board disposed within the rigid frame; a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the circuit board, each electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed within each pocket of the plurality of pockets, the plurality of electrical contacts: operative to contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding male connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, and partially exposed to air when the male connector is not inserted into the female connector; and a rigid mold circumferentially surrounding the plurality of electrical contacts and configured to create a water-resistant seal around the plurality of electrical contacts. 
     In some embodiments, the patient monitor or the female connector of the preceding paragraphs can include a combination or sub-combination of features. The female connector can further include a distal opening configured to receive the male connector, wherein a first height of the distal opening can be between approximately 0.74 centimeters (0.29 inches) and approximately 0.76 centimeters (0.3 inches); and a proximal opening configured to receive the male connector, wherein a second height of the proximal opening can be between approximately 0.16 centimeters (0.063 inches) and approximately 0.18 centimeters (0.07 inches). A first contact of the plurality of electrical contacts can include a spring contact. The female connector can further include a detent holder configured to engage with a detent of the male connector. The detent holder can include a pocket. The rigid mold can further include a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer can include polypropylene. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating connectors in a patient monitoring system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a method of assembling a connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of another method of assembling a connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A-4F  are perspective, top, bottom, side, close-up, and front views of a male connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A-5E  are top exploded, top, and side views of male connector components, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are top, side, and bottom views of a circuit, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 7A-7F  are top, side, and back views of cable assemblies, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8A-8S  are perspective exploded, top, bottom, side, front, back, perspective, and cross-section views of female connector components and a female connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 9A-9F  are perspective exploded, front, top, side, back, and cross-section views of additional female connector components and another female connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are top and perspective views of a male connector and female connectors in patient monitors, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  are top, perspective, and front views of another female connector in a patient monitor, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are front and perspective views of a male connector connected to a female connector in another patient monitor, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment for a patient monitoring system including a patient monitor, connectors, and sensors. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     I. Connector Introduction 
     A water resistant connector may be advantageous in one or more situations. A clinician, such as an emergency medical technician (EMT), may respond to an emergency situation and may use one or more electronic medical devices, such as a noninvasive physiological sensor and a patient monitor. It can be outdoors, raining, and the electronic medical devices can get wet. An EMT may also respond to a fire, there may be water around, and the EMT drops the electronic medical device in a puddle or the electronic medical device gets sprayed with a hose. In a hospital or clinic setting, a staff person can clean, wipe down, or spray the electronic medical devices with a cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol. A water resistant connector may be advantageous in any of the previous situations where a clinician does not have to be concerned about an electronic device shorting or not working if the device gets wet. Thus, a water resistant connector can improve the reliability of electronic medical devices in emergency or medical situations and can assist in saving lives. 
     Disclosed herein are embodiments of connectors that may be water resistant. A connector may include a rib that creates a seal when engaged with another connector. A connector may include a draft angle that creates a seal when engaged with another connector. Some connector embodiments can include a mold. Some connector embodiments include an overmold that can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that advantageously improves sealing and/or water resistance. Some molds can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, that may advantageously improve sealing and/or water resistance. Some connector embodiments can include spring contacts that fit within individual pockets and that when combined with a sealing material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, can create a water resistant barrier. In some embodiments, the water resistant features described herein may reduce and/or prevent electrical shorts. 
     In some embodiments, a water resistant connector can be used with physiological monitoring systems, such as systems that use a pulse oximetry device and/or an acoustic respiration monitor. Pulse oximetry provides a noninvasive procedure for measuring the oxygen status of circulating blood and may be used in a wide variety of medical contexts, such as surgical wards, intensive care units, neonatal units, general wards, home care, physical training, clinics, and emergency medical situations. A pulse oximetry system generally includes a physiological sensor applied to a patient, a monitor, and a cable connecting the sensor and the monitor. The sensor has light emitters and a detector, which are attached to a tissue site, such as a finger. The cable can transmit emitter drive signals from the monitor to the sensor where the emitters respond to the drive signals to transmit light into the tissue site. The detector is responsive to the emitted light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flowing in the tissue site. The detector outputs a detector signal to the monitor. The monitor processes the detector signal to provide a numerical readout of physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate. Enhanced oximetry systems can also include a multiple parameter monitor and a multiple wavelength sensor that provide enhanced measurement capabilities, including the measurement of a multitude of blood constituents and related parameters in addition to oxygen saturation and pulse rate, such as, carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin (HbMet), total Hematocrit (Hct), total hemoglobin (Hbt), oxygen concentrations, glucose concentrations, blood pressure, electrocardiogram data, temperature, respiratory rate, and/or acoustic respiration rate (RRa®), as a few examples. Advanced physiological monitors and multiple wavelength optical sensors capable of measuring parameters in addition to SpO2, such as HbCO, HbMet, Hct, and/or Hbt are described in at least U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/367,013, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Multiple Wavelength Sensor Emitters, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,764,982, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/366,208, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Noninvasive Multi-Parameter Patient Monitor, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,130,105, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Further, noninvasive blood parameter monitors and optical sensors including Rainbow™ adhesive and reusable sensors and RAD-57™ and Radical-7™ monitors capable of measuring SpO2, pulse rate, perfusion index (PI), signal quality (SiQ), pulse variability index (PVI), HbCO and/or HbMet, among other parameters, are also commercially available from Masimo Corp. of Irvine, Calif. 
     As used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, the term “water resistant” refers to the ability to resist the penetration of water and/or other liquids. In some embodiments, water resistance does not require complete prevention of liquid penetration, but rather resistance to some degree or complete penetration prevention for a finite period of time. Water resistance may be defined by a code, such as the Ingress Protection code. Example water resistant standards can include IPX6, IPX7, and IP67. IPX6 indicates protection from a 12.5 millimeters spray of water (100 liters per minute), such as powerful jets, in any direction for at least 3 minutes. IPX7 indicates protection from water submersion for up to one-meter deep for at least 30 minutes. IP67 indicates protection from contact with dust (6) and protection from water submersion for up to one-meter deep for at least 30 minutes (7). Some embodiments described herein may meet IPX6, IPX7, and/or IP67 standards. Additional details regarding water resistance, ingress protection, and/or standards thereof may be found in IEC 60529, “Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Codes)” (International Electrotechnical Commission, ed. 2.1, 2001), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     For convenience, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein to describe structures relative to the insertion point between a male connector and a female connector. The term “distal” refers to a portion of a first connector (either male or female) that is farther away from the deepest insertion point between the first connector and a second connector. The term “proximal” refers to a portion of a first connector (either male or female) that is closer to the deepest insertion point between the first connector and a second connector. 
     II. Connector Overview 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a connector environment  100  as part of a patient monitoring system. The connector environment  100  can include a sensor  130 , a monitor  160 , and a cable  140 . The cable  140  can interconnects the sensor  130  and the monitor  160 . A first cable assembly can include the cable  140  and the male connector  110  that connects to the female connector  120  of the monitor  160 , which may advantageously enable a water resistant connection. The male connector  110  can be attached to the cable  140 . 
     The features of the male connector  110  may improve water resistance. The male connector  110  can include a rib that creates a seal when engaged with the female connector  120 . The male connector  110  can include a draft angle that creates a seal when engaged with the female connector  120 . The male connector  110  can include an overmold that can include and/or can be made of thermoplastic elastomer. Additional details regarding the male connector  110  are described below with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4F and 5A-5E . 
     The features of the female connector  120  may improve water resistance. The female connector  110  can include spring contacts that fit within individual pockets of the female connector  110 . The female connector  110  can include a mold that can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. The spring contacts that fit within individual pockets when combined with the mold may create a water resistant barrier that prevents water from entering the monitor  160 . Additional details regarding the female connector  120  are described below with respect to  FIGS. 8A-8S and 9A-9F . 
     In some embodiments, the first cable assembly can interface one or more noninvasive physiological sensors with a patient monitor. The sensor  130  can be a physiological sensor and the monitor  160  can be a patient monitor. Thus, the cable  140  can interconnect with the physiological sensor  130 . The cable  140  can include a set of conductors that can obtain physiological signals from a patient. The male connector  110 , which is attached to the cable  140 , can couple the cable  140  with the patient monitor  130  to convey the physiological signals from the physiological sensor  130  to the patient monitor  160 . 
     In some embodiments, the male connector  110  and/or the female connector  120  accept different types of sensors and sensor configurations. As shown, the male connector can be coupled to a direct connector sensor, such as a DCI, DCIP, or DCI-mini sensor. The male connector  110  and/or the female connector  120  can accept a SpO2 sensor. In other embodiments, the male connector  110  and/or the female connector  120  can accept a multiple wavelength sensor, such as a 3, 8, 16 or more or another numbered wavelength sensor. In yet further embodiments, the male connector  110  and/or the female connector  120  can accept both a SpO2 connector and a multiple wavelength sensor. Other sensor types and/or configurations are described in further detail below, such as with respect to  FIG. 13 . 
     In some embodiments, the cable  140  can connect to multiple sensors. An example cable  140  is a dual cable (not illustrated). The dual cable can have dual channels. An example dual cable is shown and described below with respect to  FIGS. 7D-7F . A first sensor and a second sensor can connect to the dual cable. Each of the first and second sensors can have their own respective cables and connectors. Accordingly, a first channel of the dual cable can be compatible with a first sensor and a second channel of the dual cable can be compatible with a second sensor. An example first sensor is an SpO2 sensor. An example second connector is an acoustic monitoring sensor. Additional sensors are described in further detail below, such as with respect to  FIG. 13 . 
     III. Male Connectors 
       FIGS. 4A-4F  illustrates a connector  400 . The connector  400  is an example of the male connector  110  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 4A , the connector  400  can include a rib  404  and a first insertion portion  406 . The connector  400  can be attached to a cable  440 . As described herein, insertion of the connector  400  into a female connector can cause the rib  404  to come in contact with a surface of the female connector that creates positive interference and/or a seal, which may advantageously result in water resistance. The rib  404  can come into contact with an inner wall of the female connector, such as the connectors  820  and/or  920  of  FIGS. 8L and 9B , respectively. The rib  404  may not be exposed when inserted into the female connector, which is described below with respect to  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
     The rib  404  is raised in one embodiment. The rib  404  can be a protrusion that circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of, or an entire circumference of, the connector  400 . In surrounding a portion of the connector  400 , the protrusion may have approximately consistent dimensions, such as an approximately consistent width and a height. Thus, the protrusion can correspond to a protruding ring surrounding the portion of the connector  400 . As shown, the rib  404  can have a rounded outer shape. The curved outer shape of the rib  404  can further be approximately symmetrical. Additional details regarding the rib  404  are described below with respect to  FIG. 4E . 
     In some embodiments, the outer material of the connector  400  starting at a point  402  after the cable  440  and including the rib  404 , but excluding the exposed surface  419 , can be pliable. The outer material of the connector  400  starting at the point  402  after the cable  440  and including the rib  404  may be an overmold. The overmold can include and/or can be made of thermoplastic elastomer. The rib  404  possibly including and/or being made of a thermoplastic elastomer may provide further advantages by allowing for variances in the manufacturing process of the rib  404  while still being capable of forming a water resistant seal. A manufacturing process may result in the rib  404  being taller than the manufacturing specifications. A greater insertion force may then be needed; however, the functionality of the connector may not be adversely affected since a water resistant seal may still be formed with the taller rib  404  when inserted. Conversely, if the rib  404  is slightly shorter than manufacturing specifications, the insertion force may be reduced, but the connector  400  may maintain some water resistance. In other embodiments, the outer material of the connector  400  starting at the point  402  after the cable  440  and up to the rib  404  can be rigid and the material of the rib  404  can be pliable. 
     The first insertion portion  406  can include one or more contacts, such as a first set of contacts  408 A, and a proximal end  410 . Example contacts, such as the first set of contacts  408 A, are electrical contacts and/or contact pads. In some embodiments, the first set of contacts  408 A can be disposed on a circuit board and can be operative to contact another set of electrical contacts in a corresponding female connector of a patient monitor when the male connector  400  is inserted into the female connector. A second set of contacts may be on the bottom side of the first insertion portion  406 , which is described below respect to  FIG. 4C . The connector  400  can include  20  contact pads, such as  10  contact pads for the first set of contacts  408 A and another  10  contact pads for the second set of contacts. In some embodiments, all of the contact pads are electrically active, and, in other embodiments, only a subset of the contact pads may be active and used to communicate with sensor signals. Only 8 or 9 contact pads may be active. Some of the contacts may transmit data for physiologically monitoring sensors, which may include a SpO2 sensor and/or an acoustic respiration sensor. Example contacts include, but are not limited to, emitters, anodes, cathodes, shields and/or may be used for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) data, temperature data, and/or thermistor data. 
     The proximal end  410  can be wedge shaped. In some embodiments, the wedge shaped proximal end  410  advantageously reduces the insertion force required to spread the spring contacts of a female connector, as described herein. Other shapes for the proximal end  410  can include, but are not limited to, a curved shape, a rectangular shape, or shape that is narrower at the apex and wider at the base. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of the connector  400 . In some embodiments, the portion of the connector  400  at the edge points  412  and  413  (e.g., between the rib and the first insertion portion  406 ) is the width measurement  414 , which can be approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.81 inches). The width measurement  414  can be between approximately 2.03 centimeters (0.8 inches) and approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.81 inches). In other embodiments, the width measurement  414  can be between approximately 2.01 centimeters (0.79 inches) and approximately 2.08 centimeters (0.82 inches). In yet further embodiments, the width measurement  414  can be between approximately 2.01 centimeters (0.79 inches) and approximately 2.29 centimeters (0.9 inches). 
     The connector  400  can include a draft angle. The connector  400  can include a first portion and a second portion of the overmold. The first portion of the overmold is between the contacts  408 A and the second portion of the overmold. The second portion of the overmold is adjacent to the cable  440 . The first portion of the overmold corresponds to the area within and including the points  415 ,  416 ,  417 , and  418  before the contacts  408 A, and/or the second potion of the overmold corresponds to the area within and including the points  402 ,  417 ,  418 , and  432  adjacent to the cable  440 . A width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) may be narrower than a width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ). The first portion, which corresponds to the points  415 ,  416 ,  417 , and  418  before the contacts  408 A, can be tapered. 
     In some embodiments, the width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) can be approximately 2.03 centimeters (0.8 inches) and the width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ) can be approximately 2.08 centimeters (0.819 inches). The width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) can be between approximately 2.03 centimeters (0.8 inches) and approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.81 inches), and the width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ) can be between approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.811 inches) and approximately 2.08 centimeters (0.82 inches). In other embodiments, the width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) can be between approximately 1.98 centimeters (0.78 inches) and approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.81 inches), and the width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ) can be between approximately 2.06 centimeters (0.811 inches) and approximately 2.10 centimeters (0.825 inches). 
     A ratio of the width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) relative to the width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ) can be approximately 97.68/100. The width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) may be approximately 97.68% of the width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ). The width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) can be between approximately 97% and approximately 98% the width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ). In other embodiments, the width of the proximal end of the first portion (points  415  and  416 ) can be between approximately 96% and approximately 99% the width of the distal end of the first portion (points  417  and  418 ). 
     In some embodiments, the draft angle between the proximal end and the distal end of the first portion (points  415  and  417  and/or points  416  and  418 ) can be approximately 1.43 degrees. The draft angle between the proximal end and the distal end of the first portion (points  415  and  417  and/or points  416  and  418 ) can be between approximately 1.4 degrees and approximately  1 . 46  degrees. In other embodiments, the draft angle between the proximal end and the distal end of the first portion (points  415  and  417  and/or points  416  and  418 ) can be between approximately 1.33 degrees and approximately 1.53 degrees. In yet further embodiments, the draft angle between the proximal end and the distal end of the first portion (points  415  and  417  and/or points  416  and  418 ) can be between approximately 1 degree and approximately 2 degrees. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a bottom view of the connector  400 . The bottom of the connector  400  can include a second set of contacts  408 B. The second set of contacts  408 B can include contact pads, such as  10  contact pads, which may be similar to the first set of contacts  408 A. In some embodiments, the portion of the connector  400  at the points  402  and  420  between the cable and the contacts  408 B can be the length measurement  421 , which can be approximately 4.52 centimeters (1.78 inches) and/or approximately 4.62 centimeters (1.82 inches). The length measurement  421  can be between approximately 0.52 centimeters (1.78 inches) and approximately 4.62 centimeters (1.82 inches). In other embodiments, the length measurement  421  can be between approximately 4.50 centimeters (1.77 inches) and approximately 4.55 centimeters (1.79 inches). In yet further embodiments, the length measurement  421  can be between approximately 4.60 centimeters (1.81 inches) and approximately 4.65 centimeters (1.83 inches). In yet even further embodiments, the length measurement  421  can be between approximately 1.40 centimeters (0.55 inches) and approximately 5.08 centimeters (2 inches). In some embodiments, the exposed surface  419  on the bottom of the connector  400  may be the same material as the exposed proximal portion  422 . These exposed surfaces and/or portions may correspond to the frame  510  of  FIG. 5A . An exposed surface on the top of the connector  400  may be similar to the exposed surface  419 . In some embodiments, the first set of contacts  408 A and/or the second set of contacts  408 B advantageously may not be energized until the contacts  408 A and/or  408 B are inserted into the female connector. Since the contacts  408 A and/or  408 B may not be energized until inserted, the exposed contacts  408 A and/or  408 B may be safely touched by a patient or clinician without transmitting electricity to the person or shocking the person. 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates a side view of the connector  400 . The first insertion portion  406  of the connector  400  can include a detent  425 A. The detent  425 A can engage with a portion of a female connector. The detent  425 A may advantageously provide a securing mechanism to hold the connector  400  in place while inserted into a female connector. Thus, the connector  400  may be less likely to be inadvertently removed from a female connector when the detent  425 A is engaged. The detent  425 A may also advantageously provide positive feedback to a user (such as a snap sensation feedback) to indicate when the connector  400  has been properly inserted into a female connector. The area  450  of the connector  400  includes the rib  404 , which is described below with respect to  FIG. 4E . 
     In other embodiments, a different detent mechanism may be used other than what is shown in  FIG. 4D . Additional example detents and/or detent mechanisms include other catches, pins, and/or spring-operated devices, such as spring-operated balls. 
       FIG. 4E  illustrates a close-up side view of the connector  400 . The area  450  of  FIG. 4E  may correspond to the area  450  of  FIG. 4D . The close-up side view shows the rib  404  of the connector  400 . The rib  404  can correspond to a ring surrounding a portion of the connector  400 . As shown, the rib  404  can have a rounded outer shape, which may be approximately symmetrical. 
     The rib  404  may have approximately consistent dimensions, such as an approximately consistent width and a height. In some embodiments, the width  454  of the rib  404  can be between approximately 0.762 millimeters (0.03 inches) and approximately 0.8128 millimeters (0.032 inches), and/or the height  452  of the rib  404  can be between approximately 0.254 millimeters (0.01 inches) and approximately 0.508 millimeters (0.02 inches). The height  452  of the rib  404  can be between approximately 0.254 millimeters (0.01) inches and approximately 0.762 millimeters (0.03 inches). In other embodiments, the height  452  of the rib  404  can be between approximately 0.254 millimeters (0.01 inches) and approximately 1.016 millimeters (0.04 inches). In yet further embodiments, the height  452  of rib  404  can be between approximately 0.254 millimeters (0.01 inches) and approximately 1.27 millimeters (0.05 inches). The width  454  of the rib  404  can be between approximately 0.762 millimeters (0.03 inches) and approximately 1.016 millimeters (0.04 inches). In other embodiments, the width  454  of the rib  404  can be between approximately 0.762 millimeters (0.03 inches) and approximately 0.8128 millimeters (0.032 inches), and the height  452  of the rib  404  can be between approximately 0.762 millimeters (0.03 inches) and approximately 0.8128 millimeters (0.32 inches). 
       FIG. 4F  illustrates a front view of the connector  400 . The connector  400  can include the detents  425 A and  425 B. In  FIG. 4F , the front view of the connector  400  illustrates the detents  425 A and  425 B. As described above with respect to  FIG. 4D , the detent  425 A can engage with a portion of a female connector. The detent  425 B may be similar to the detent  425 A and the detent  425 B can engage with another portion of the female connector. In some embodiments, the portion of the connector  400  at the bottom and top points  426  and  428  can be the height measurement  430 , which can be approximately 1.12 centimeters (0.44 inches). The height measurement  430  can be between approximately 1.12 centimeters (0.44 inches) and approximately 1.14 centimeters (0.45 inches). In other embodiments, the height measurement  430  can be between approximately 1.02 centimeters (0.4 inches) and approximately 1.07 centimeters (0.42 inches). The height measurement  430  can be between approximately 1.02 centimeters (0.4 inches) and approximately 1.12 centimeters (0.44 inches). The height measurement  430  can be between approximately 1.02 centimeters (0.4 inches) and approximately 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inches). Although many measurements are described herein, each measurement is an example, and other sizes of components can be used. For instance, the scale of any of the components here may be shrunk or enlarged to include similar proportions. Or, a subset of the components described herein may be sized differently. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4F , the overmold of the connector  400  can cover a portion of the frame and a portion of the circuit board but may not cover the electrical contacts  408 A and  408 B. The electrical contacts  408 A and  408 B may be open to air when the connector  400  is disconnected from a female connector of a patient monitor. The rib  404  can be raised and can be disposed on the overmold of the connector  400 . The rib  404  can be a part of the overmold of the connector  400 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4F , the rib  404  can circumferentially surround the overmold. The rib  404  can create a seal with the female connector when the connector  400  is inserted into the female connector. When the connector  400  is inserted into the female connector, the electrical contacts  408 A and  408 B of the connector  400  may no longer be exposed to air, such that a water-resistant seal is created between the connector  400  and the female connector. 
     In some embodiments, the connector  400  is advantageously water resistant. The overmold, molding, a draft angle, and/or rib  404  may provide water resistance during an emergency situation involving water. The connector  400  can be inserted into female connector of a device that creates positive interference and/or a seal. The connected connector  400  and device may be dropped in a puddle and the device will not short circuit because of the water resistant features of the connector  400 . Even if a disconnected connector  400  is dropped into a puddle or is sprayed with water, the water resistant features of the connector  400  may enable a clinician to shake and/or blow on the connector  400  to remove water. Thus, the clinician can then insert the connector  400 , which was previously covered in water, into the female connector without a short circuit occurring. 
     Some connector embodiments may be different than the connector  400 . Unlike the connector  400  of  FIGS. 4A-4F , some connector embodiments do not include a rib yet may still provide some or all the water resistance functionality due to other features, such as a draft angle, a mold, and/or an overmold. The overmold can be configured to create a water-resistant seal with a female connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, electrical contacts of the male connector may no longer be exposed to air, and a water-resistant seal can thereby be created between the male connector and the female connector. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, positive resistance, such as friction, between the overmold (of the male connector) and the female connector can create a water-resistant seal. The draft angle of a male connector can create positive resistance to create a seal when the male connector is inserted into the female connector. A mold and/or an overmold of a male connector include materials that have low viscosity during their application and can flow in and fill in spaces that can create water resistant seals. In some embodiments, the one or more contacts of a male connector are covered. A cover over the contacts of a male connector can slide out of the way and/or retract when the male connector comes into contact with the female connector. In some embodiments, in addition or alternative to a male connector with an overmold, a male connector can include a silicone sheet that includes a slit that covers the one or more contacts. In some embodiments, when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the contacts can push through the slit in the silicone sheet. Thus, the male connector with covered contacts and/or a silicone sheet may be water resistant. 
     Additionally or alternatively, some connector embodiments have different contacts, a different number of contacts, and/or a different insertion portion  406 . Some connector embodiments do not have exposed surfaces on the bottom and/or top of the connector, such as the exposed surface  419 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate a connector assembly. The connector components of  FIGS. 5A-5E  are example components of the connector  400  described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4F .  FIGS. 5A-5E  may further illustrate the steps of a connector assembly process, such as one or more blocks of the method  200  described below with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , the top exploded view of the partial connector assembly  500  can include a cable  502 , a circuit  504 , a frame  506 , and a shield  508 . The circuit  504  can include an opening  509  in the distal portion of the circuit  504 . The cable  502  can be attached to an opening  509  of the circuit  504 . The cable  502  can include conductor strands (not illustrated). The cable  504  can include a fiber material and/or strands (not illustrated) that can be looped through the opening in the circuit  509 . In some embodiments, the loop can be pulled snug to the circuit  504  and knotted. An adhesive, such as a drop of adhesive, can be applied to the connection between the cable  502  and the circuit  504 , such as where the fiber material is connected to the circuit. 
     The circuit assembly including the circuit  504 , which can be attached to the cable  502 , can be inserted into the frame  506 . In some embodiments, the frame  506  is rigid. The frame  506  can include and/or can be made of plastic, such as polycarbonate and/or a polycarbonate blend. An adhesive, such as a bead of adhesive, can be applied at an edge point  510  of the frame  506  to connect the circuit  504  to the frame  506 . A bead of adhesive can be applied to the edge point  510  where a proximal portion of the frame  506  contacts to the proximal end of the circuit  504 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the circuit board  504  can be disposed within the frame  506  and connected with the conductors in the cable  502 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a step in a connector assembly process to attach the shield  508  to the frame assembly  514 . The shield  508  can include and/or can be made of copper. The shield  508  may advantageously reduce electromagnetic interference. In some embodiments, the cable strands (not illustrated) can be connected to the circuit  504  and/or the shield  508 . A first set of cable strands can be soldered to the circuit  504  and a second set of cable strands can be soldered to the shield  508  (not illustrated). A drop of adhesive can be applied to each of the edge points  511 A and  511 B between the circuit  504  and the frame assembly  514 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates a side view of the shield  508  attached to the frame assembly  514 . 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates another step in a connector assembly process to apply a covering. The inner covering  516 , such as a mold, can be applied to the frame assembly  514 . An inner covering  516  can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. In some embodiments, the inner covering  516 , such as an inner mold, can have a low viscosity during application and can flow in and fill in spaces of the frame assembly  514  well, which may advantageously improve sealing and/or water resistance. Thus, the inner covering  516  can seal a distal end of the frame  506  and a proximal end of the cable  502 . The inner covering  516  can be between the cable  502  and the frame  506  and/or the frame assembly  514 . The inner covering  516  can cover a portion of the cable  502 . The inner covering  516  can be adjacent to the frame  506 . The inner covering  516  can be located between the frame  506  and a distal end of the cable  502 . At a later step in the process, the overmold can cover the inner covering  516  and/or other components of the connector, which may provide further water resistance. The connector  400  of  FIGS. 4A-4F  illustrates a completed connector with an overmold.  FIG. 5E  illustrates a side view of the inner covering  516  attached to the frame assembly  514 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate a circuit. The circuit  600  is an example of the circuit  504  described above with respect to  FIG. 5A . Referring to  FIG. 6A , a top view of the circuit  600  is shown. The circuit  600  can include the opening  609  and a first set of contacts  608 A. An example circuit is a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuit  600  can include multiple layers. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a side view of the circuit  600 . The circuit  600  can include a first and/or top layer  602 , a second and/or middle layer  604 , and a third and/or bottom layer  606 . In some embodiments, the circuit  600  is a single multilayer assembly as opposed to separate circuit boards, and, therefore, the circuit  600  may be advantageously compact and space efficient. During the assembly process of a connector, the circuit  600  can slide into a frame of the connector assembly. The circuit  600  includes one or more ground planes. There may be a ground plane in and/or between the top layer  602  and the bottom layer  606 . Turning to  FIG. 6C , a bottom view of the circuit  600  is shown. The circuit  600  may include the opening  609  and a second set of contacts  608 B. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate a cable assembly. Referring to  FIG. 7A , the top view of the cable assembly  700  can include a first connector  702 , a cable  704 , and a second connector  706 . The first connector  702  is an example of the male connector  110  described above with respect to  FIG. 1  and/or the male connector  400  described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4F . The second connector  706  may connect to a sensor, such as a physiologically monitoring sensor. Turning to  FIG. 7B , a side view of the cable assembly  700  is shown. Turning to  FIG. 7C , a back view of the cable assembly  700  is shown. As shown, the second connector  706  may correspond or be similar to a commercially-available M 15  connector to patient cable from Masimo Corp. In some embodiments, the cable assembly  700  includes a different second connector other than the one shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C . 
       FIGS. 7D-7F  illustrate another cable assembly. Referring to  FIG. 7D , the top view of the cable assembly  750  can include a first connector  752 , a dual cable  754 , a second connector  756 , and a third connector  758 . The dual cable  754  can have dual channels. The first connector  752  is an example of the male connector  110  described above with respect to  FIG. 1  and/or the male connector  400  described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4F . The second connector  756  may be the same or similar to second connector  706  of  FIGS. 7A-7C . Accordingly, the second connector  756  may connect to a sensor, such as a physiologically monitoring sensor. The second connector  758  may connect to another sensor, such as a physiologically monitoring sensor. Turning to  FIG. 7E , a side view of the cable assembly  750  is shown. Turning to  FIG. 7F , a back view of the cable assembly  750  is shown. As shown, the second connector  756  may correspond or be similar to a commercially-available M 15  connector to patient cable from Masimo Corp. As shown, the third connector  758  can be different from the second connector  756 . In some embodiments, the third connector  758  can correspond to an acoustic monitoring connector to cable, such as a commercially-available rainbow Acoustic Monitoring® (RAM™) connector to cable from Masimo Corp. In other embodiments, the cable assembly  750  includes different second and/or third connectors other than the ones shown in  FIGS. 7D-7F . 
     IV. Female Connectors 
     In  FIGS. 8A-8B , exploded views of a connector assembly are shown. Referring to  FIG. 8A , a top perspective exploded view of a connector assembly  800  is shown. The connector assembly  800  can include a frame  801 , one or more boards  802 A and  802 B, a connector header  806 , one or more electrostatic discharge pins  808 A and  808 B, a mold  810 , and a shield  812 . The frame  801  can include and/or can be made of plastic, such as polycarbonate and/or a polycarbonate blend. The frame  801  can include a cap  814 A. The boards  802 A and  802 B can include one or more contacts  804 A and  804 B, respectively. The contacts  804 A and  804 B can include and/or can be spring contacts. The board  802 B may differ from the board  802 A in that the board  802 B does not include a ground pin  805 . The mold  810  can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. The shield  812  can include and/or can be made of copper. Turning to  FIG. 8B , a bottom perspective exploded view of the connector assembly  800  is shown. 
     In  FIGS. 8C-8E , views of the frame  801  are shown.  FIG. 8C  illustrates a top view of the frame  801 . The frame  801  can include a first set of one or more openings  816 A.  FIG. 8D  illustrates a bottom view of the frame  801 . The frame  801  can include a second set of one or more openings  816 B.  FIG. 8E  illustrates a side view of the frame  801 . The frame  801  can include one or more recesses  819  and one or more detent holders  818 . The detent holder  818  can include and/or can be an opening. 
     In  FIGS. 8F and 8G , views of the board  802 A are shown.  FIG. 8F  illustrates a bottom view of the board  802 A that can include one or more contacts  804 A.  FIG. 8F  illustrates a side view of the board  802 A. The contacts  804 A can be electrical. The one or more contacts  804 A can be shaped to provide an elastic spring. Thus, when a male connector&#39;s contact pad is engaged with the contact  804 A, the contact  804 A can be compressed and when the contact pad is removed the contact  804 A can return to its unengaged shape as shown in  FIG. 8G . 
       FIGS. 8H-8L  illustrate another connector  820 . The connector  820  is an example of the female connector  120  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . The connector  820  is a non-exploded example of the connector assembly  800  described above with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Referring to  FIG. 8H , a side view of the connector  820  is shown. In some embodiments, the portion of the connector  820  at the top and bottom points  821  and  822  is the height measurement  823 , which can be approximately 0.91 centimeters (0.36 inches). The height measurement  823  can be between approximately 0.89 centimeters (0.35 inches) and approximately 0.91 centimeters (0.36 inches). In other embodiments, the height measurement  823  can be between approximately 0.89 centimeters (0.35 inches) and approximately 0.94 centimeters (0.37 inches). In yet further embodiments, the height measurement  823  is between approximately 0.89 centimeters (0.35 inches) and approximately 1.02 centimeters (0.4 inches). 
     Turning to  FIG. 81 , a front view of the connector  820  is shown. The connector  820  can include the top and bottom points  826  and  827  of a distal opening and other top and bottom points  824  and  825  of a proximal opening. The distal opening and the proximal opening can receive a male connector. In some embodiments, the height of the distal opening at the top and bottom points  826  and  827  can be between approximately 0.74 centimeters (0.29 inches) and approximately 0.76 centimeters (0.3 inches), and/or the height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  824  and  825  can be between approximately 0.16 centimeters (0.063 inches) and approximately 0.18 centimeters (0.07 inches). In other embodiments, the height of the first distal opening at the top and bottom points  826  and  827  can be between approximately 0.74 centimeters (0.29 inches) and approximately 0.79 centimeters (0.31 inches), and/or the height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  824  and  825  can be between approximately 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inches) and approximately 0.18 centimeters (0. 07  inches). The height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  824  and  825  can be between approximately 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inches) and approximately 0.19 centimeters (0.075 inches). In yet further embodiments, the height of the first distal opening at the top and bottom points  826  and  827  can be between approximately 0.74 centimeters (0.29 inches) and approximately 0.84 centimeters (0.33 inches), and/or the height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  824  and  825  can be between approximately 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inches) and approximately 0.20 centimeters (0.08 inches). The proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  824  and  825  can include the contacts  804 A and  804 B. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the distal opening at the top and bottom points  826  and  827  and/or the dimensions of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  824  and  825  may advantageously prevent inadvertent touching of the contacts  804 A and  804 B. A person, such as a small child, may be unable to touch the contacts  804 A and  804 B with their finger due to the dimensions of the distal and/or proximal opening. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8J , a top view of the connector  820  is shown. In some embodiments, the portion of the connector  820  at the proximal and distal points  828  and  829  is the length measurement  830 , which can be approximately 0.65 inches. The length measurement  830  can be between approximately 1.65 centimeters (0.65 inches) and approximately 1.91 centimeters (0.75 inches). In other embodiments, the length measurement  830  can be between approximately 1.65 centimeters (0.65 inches) and approximately 2.16 centimeters (0.85 inches). The portion of the connector  820  at the distal and proximal points  831  and  832  is the length measurement  833 , which can be approximately 1.91 centimeters (0.75 inches). The length measurement  833  can be between approximately 1.91 centimeters (0.75 inches) and approximately 2.16 centimeters (0.85 inches). In other embodiments, the length measurement  833  can be between approximately 1.91 centimeters (0.75 inches) and approximately 2.41 centimeters (0.95 inches). In  FIG. 8K , a back view of the connector  820  is shown. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8L , a cross-section view of the connector  820  is shown. The components and/or dimensions of the connector  820  shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 81  may be similar to the components and/or dimensions of the connector  820  in  FIG. 8L . The connector  820  can include the top and bottom points  826  and  827  of a distal opening and other top and bottom points  824  and  825  of a proximal opening. The proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  824  and  825  can include the contacts  804 A and  804 B. A rib of a male connector, such as the male connector  400  of  FIG. 4A , may come into with a surface wall beginning at the top and bottom points  826  and  827  of the female connector  820 . 
     Some connector embodiments may be different than the connector  820 . Unlike the connector  820  of  FIGS. 8H-8L , some connector embodiments include a covering over the opening to the contacts, such as a silicone sheet with a slit. A covering over the opening can be pliable. When a male connector is inserted into the female connector, the covering can partially or fully move and create a seal around the male connector. 
       FIGS. 8M-8S  may further illustrate steps of another connector assembly process, such as one or more blocks of the method  300  described below with respect to  FIG. 3 . Turning to  FIG. 8M , a perspective exploded view of the frame  801  is shown. The frame can include one or more detent holders  818 , one or more recesses  819 , one or more caps  814 A and  814 B. The detent holder  818  can be an opening in the frame  801 . An adhesive can be applied to the recess  819  in the frame  801 . The recess  819  can engage with the cap  814 A that covers the detent holder  818  of the frame  801 . Attaching the cap  814 A to the frame  801  can cause the detent holder  818  to form a pocket, which can engage with a detent of a male connector. Turning to  FIG. 8N , the one or more caps  814 A and  814 B can be connected to the frame. 
     Turning to  FIG. 80 , a perspective exploded view of the frame  801  and other components are shown. The frame  801  can include one or more openings  816 A that can fit the one or more contacts  804 A. The one or more contacts  804 A and  804 B can be attached to one or more boards  804 A and  804 B, respectively. Turning to  FIG. 8P , a perspective, exploded, and back view of the frame  801  and other components are shown. In  FIGS. 80 and 8P , the one or more boards  802 A and  802 B can be attached to a connector header  806  with one or more pins  830 A and  830 B. The one or more pins  830 A and  830 B of the connector header  806  may fit within the one or more openings  832 A and  832 B in the one or more boards  802 A and  802 B, respectively. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8Q , a partially exploded perspective view of a connector assembly is shown. A mold  810  can be applied to the connector assembly  840 . Example applications of the mold  810  to the connector assembly  840  include injection molding techniques. The mold  810  can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. The mold material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, can have a low viscosity during application and can flow in and fill in spaces well, which may advantageously improve sealing and/or water resistance in a cost effective manner. Accordingly, the connector assembly  840  with the mold  810  and/or the pockets with the contacts (not shown) can create a water resistant barrier. If water were to get into the opening  842  with the contacts, the mold  810  and/or the pockets can prevent water from entering the device with the connector and the opening may behave like a cup. Thus, even if water gets into the opening  842 , the water resistant features of the connector assembly  840  may enable a clinician to shake and/or blow inside the connector assembly  840  to remove water and water may not enter the device. Thus, the clinician can then insert a male connector into the connector assembly  840  without a short circuit occurring. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8R and 8S , additional views of a connector assembly are shown. In  FIG. 8R , shield  812  can be attached to the connector assembly  840 . The shield  812  can include and/or can be made of copper. In  FIG. 8S , the ground pin  805  can be located within a slit in the shield  812 . The one or more electrostatic discharge pins  808 A can be folded to contact the shield  812 . The one or more electrostatic discharge pins  808 A and  808 B and/or the ground pin  805  can include and/or can be made of brass. The one or more pins  808 A,  808 B, and  805 , such as the one or more electrostatic discharge pins and/or the ground pin, can be soldered to the shield  812 . 
     In some embodiments, the female connector can receive physiological signals from a physiological sensor. The female connector  820  of  FIGS. 8H-8L  can further couple the physiological sensor with a patient monitor, which is described above and/or below with respect to  FIGS. 1 and/or 13 . The female connector  820  can include a frame. An example frame is the frame  801  of  FIGS. 8A-8E and/or 8M-8P , which may be rigid. The frame  801  can include a set of openings and/or pockets  816 A and  816 B as shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 8C and 8D . A circuit may be disposed within the frame. An example circuit is the circuit board  802 A of  FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8F, 8G, 81, 80 , and/or  8 P. The circuit board  802 A can transmit the physiological signals to a hardware processor of a patient monitor. A set of contacts can be disposed on the circuit board. Example contacts are the electrical contacts  804 A of  FIGS. 8F and/or 8G . Each of the electrical contacts  804 A can be disposed in a respective pocket  816 A of the frame  801  as shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 80 . The electrical contacts  804 A can contact second electrical contacts in a corresponding male connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, where the male connector can be coupled to a physiological sensor. As shown in  FIG. 81 , the electrical contacts  804 A can be partially exposed to air when the male connector is not inserted into the female connector  820 . As shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 8Q and/or 8R , a mold  810  can circumferentially surround the electrical contacts and/or the circuit. The mold  810  can be rigid. Thus, according to some embodiments, the mold  810  may advantageously create a water-resistant seal around the electrical contacts and/or may prevent water from entering the device where the female connector resides, such as a patient monitor. 
       FIGS. 9A-9F  illustrate another connector assembly and/or connector. The connector assembly  900  and/or connector  920  of  FIGS. 9A-9F  may be similar to the connector assembly  800  and/or the connector  820  of  FIGS. 8A-8S . Referring to  FIG. 9A , the connector assembly  900  can include a frame  901 , one or more boards  902 A and  902 B, a connector header  906 , one or more electrostatic discharge pins  908 A and  908 B, a mold  910 , and a shield  912 . The boards  902 A and  902 B can include one or more contacts  904 A and  904 B, respectively. The board  802 A can include a ground pin  905 . 
     In  FIGS. 9B-9F , another connector  920  is shown. The connector  920  is an example of the female connector  120  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Turning to  FIG. 9B , a front view of the connector  920  is shown. The connector  920  can include the top and bottom points  926  and  927  of a distal opening and other top and bottom points  924  and  925  of a proximal opening. The distal opening and the proximal opening can receive a male connector. In some embodiments, the height of the distal opening at the top and bottom points  926  and  927  can be between approximately 0.80 centimeters (0.315 inches) and approximately 0.81 centimeters (0.32 inches), and/or the height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  924  and  925  can be between approximately 0.16 centimeters (0.063 inches) and approximately 0.18 centimeters (0.07 inches). In other embodiments, the height of the first distal opening at the top and bottom points  926  and  927  can be between approximately 0.74 centimeters (0.29 inches) and approximately 0.81 centimeters (0.32 inches), and/or the height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  924  and  925  can be between approximately 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inches) and approximately 0.18 centimeters (0.07 inches). The height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  924  and  925  can be between approximately 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inches) and approximately 0.19 centimeters (0.075 inches). In yet further embodiments, the height of the first distal opening at the top and bottom points  926  and  927  can be between approximately 0.74 centimeters (0.29 inches) and approximately 0.84 centimeters (0.33 inches), and/or the height of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  924  and  925  can be between approximately 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inches) and approximately 0.20 centimeters (0.08 inches). The proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  924  and  925  can include the contacts  904 A and  904 B. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the distal opening at the top and bottom points  926  and  927  and/or the dimensions of the proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  924  and  925  may advantageously prevent inadvertent touching, such as touching by a finger, of the contacts  904 A and  904 B. In  FIG. 9C , a top view of the connector  920  is shown. In  FIG. 9D , a side view of the connector  920  is shown. In  FIG. 9E , a back view of the connector  920  is shown. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9F , a cross-section view of the connector  920  is shown. The components and/or dimensions of the connector  920  shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 9B  may be similar to the components and/or dimensions of the connector  920  in  FIG. 9F . The connector  920  can include the top and bottom points  926  and  927  at a distal opening and other top and bottom points  924  and  925  at a proximal opening. The proximal opening at the other top and bottom points  924  and  925  can include the contacts  904 A and  904 B. In some embodiments, the portion of the connector  920  at the edge points  928  and  929  is the length measurement  930 , which can be approximately 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inches). The length measurement  930  can be between approximately 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inches) and approximately 1.40 centimeters (0.55 inches). In other embodiments, the length measurement  930  can be between approximately 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inches) and approximately 1.52 centimeters (0.6 inches). The portion of the connector  920  at the other edge points  929  and  931  is the height measurement  932 , which can be approximately 0.91 centimeters (0.36 inches). The height measurement  932  can be between approximately 0.91 centimeters (0.36 inches) and approximately 0.94 centimeters (0.37 inches). In other embodiments, the height measurement  932  can be between approximately 0.91 centimeters (0.36 inches) and approximately 0.97 centimeters (0.38 inches). In some embodiments, the cross-section of the connector  920  is similar to a cross-section of the connector  820  of  FIG. 8L . 
     V. Connector Assembly Processes 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , a connector assembly process  200  is shown. The process  200  provides example approaches to assemble a connector. Depending on the embodiment, the method  200  may include fewer or additional blocks and/or the blocks may be performed in order different than is illustrated. 
     At block  202 , a cable is attached to a circuit. A cable can include conductor strands. The circuit can include an opening in the distal portion of the circuit. The cable can be looped through the opening in the circuit. In some embodiments, the cable can include a fiber material, such as a synthetic fiber and/or a para-aramid synthetic fiber, which can be looped through the opening in the circuit. The loop can be pulled snug to the circuit and knotted. An adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate adhesive, can be applied to the connection between the cable and the circuit, such as where the fiber material is connected to the circuit. An example amount of adhesive is a drop. Additional details regarding attaching a cable to a circuit are described above with respect to  FIG. 5A . 
     At block  204 , the circuit assembly can be inserted into a frame. The frame can include and/or can be made of plastic, such as polycarbonate and/or a polycarbonate blend. An adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate adhesive, can be applied to connect the circuit to the frame. Example amounts of adhesive are beads or drops. A bead of adhesive can be applied to a proximal portion of the frame that contacts the proximal end of the circuit. A drop of adhesive can be applied to the edges of the circuit and the frame, which can be applied after insertion of the circuit into the frame. Additional details regarding inserting a circuit assembly into a frame are described above with respect to  FIGS. 5A and/or 5B . 
     At block  206 , a shield can be attached to the frame assembly. The shield can include and/or can be made of copper. The shield may advantageously reduce electromagnetic interference. In some embodiments, the cable strands can be connected to the circuit and/or the shield. A first set of cable strands can be soldered to the circuit and a second set of cable strands can be soldered to the shield. Additional details regarding attaching a shield to a frame assembly are described above with respect to  FIG. 5B and/or 5C . 
     At block  208 , an inner covering can be attached to the connector assembly. An example inner covering is an inner mold that can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. In some embodiments, the inner mold can have a low viscosity during application and can flow in and fill in spaces well, which may advantageously improve sealing and/or water resistance. The inner mold, which can include a thermoplastic polymer or other material, may also advantageously be a cost-effective means of providing sealing. The inner molding process may advantageously be a consistent manufacturing process for producing water resistant cable assemblies. An injection molding technique may be applied to create the inner mold, which can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. Additional details regarding attaching an inner covering are described above with respect to  FIGS. 5D and/or 5E . 
     At block  210 , an overmold can be applied to the connector assembly. An example overmold material is a thermoplastic elastomer. The overmold can advantageously provide water resistance. An injection molding technique may be applied to create the overmold, which can include or can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The overmold may also advantageously be a cost-effective means of providing sealing. The overmold process may advantageously be a consistent manufacturing process for producing water resistant cable assemblies. The overmold can include a rib. The manufacturing process of the rib may advantageously tolerate variances in the height of the rib. Since the rib can include or can be made of the thermoplastic elastomer, a slightly higher rib created during the manufacturing process may require a slightly higher insertion force; however, the higher rib may still be insertable into the receiving socket to create a water resistant seal. The overmold can be created with a draft angle that improves positive interference and/or the forming of a water resistant seal when the connector is inserted into another connector. In some embodiments, the overmold can include both a rib and a draft angle. In other embodiments, an overmold can include one of a rib or a draft angle. Additional details regarding an example overmold are described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4F . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , another connector assembly process  300  is shown. The process  300  provides additional example approaches by which a connector can be assembled. Depending on the embodiment, the method  300  may include fewer or additional blocks and/or the blocks may be performed in order different than is illustrated. One or more blocks of the method  300  may be similar to one or more blocks of the method  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     At block  302 , the frame can be assembled. The frame can include and/or can be made of plastic, such as polycarbonate and/or a polycarbonate blend. The frame can include one or more detent holders and one or more caps. A detent holder can be an opening in the frame, which also can be a pocket when combined with a cap. A detent of a first connector may engage with a detent holder of a second connector that prevents motion until released. The detent system may advantageously provide positive feedback to a user when inserting and/or removing a first connector from a second connector. The one or more caps can be connected to the frame. An adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate adhesive, can be applied to a recess in the frame where the recess can engage with the cap that covers the detent holder of the frame. In some embodiments, designing the frame with one or more detent holders that are covered with one or more caps is an efficient method for creating a frame with a detent holder. In other embodiments, a frame is created without caps and with cutouts on the inside of the frame that are the detent holders. Additional details regarding assembling a frame are described above respect to  FIGS. 8M and/or 8N . 
     At block  304 , one or more contacts can be attached to the frame assembly. The frame can include one or more openings that can fit one or more contacts. The one or more openings may advantageously improve the water resistance of the connector. The one or more contacts can be attached to one or more boards. The one or more boards can be attached to a connector header with one or more pins. The one or more pins of the connector header can fit within the one or more openings in the one or more boards. Additional details regarding attaching contacts to the frame assembly are described above respect to  FIGS. 80 and/or 8P . 
     At block  306 , one or more electrostatic discharge pins can be attached to the frame assembly. An electrostatic discharge pin can be inserted into an opening in the frame. In some embodiments, the one or more electrostatic discharge pens can be trimmed after being placed into the frame. 
     At block  308 , a mold can be applied to the connector assembly. An example mold material a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. The mold material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, can have a low viscosity during application and can flow in and fill in spaces well, which may advantageously improve sealing and/or water resistance in a cost effective manner. An injection molding technique may be applied to create the mold, which can include and/or can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. Accordingly, the connector assembly with the mold and/or the pockets with the contacts can create a water resistant barrier. If water were to get into the opening with the contacts, the mold and/or the pockets prevent water from entering the device with the connector and the opening behaves like a cup. Thus, the mold and/or pockets can prevent and/or reduce electrical shorts. Additional details regarding applying a mold to a connector assembly are described above with respect to  FIG. 8Q . 
     At block  310 , a shield can be attached to the connector assembly. An example shield is a copper shield. The shield may advantageously reduce electromagnetic interference. In some embodiments, the ground pin can be located within a slit in the shield. The one or more electrostatic discharge pins can be folded to contact the shield. The one or more pins, such as the one or more electrostatic discharge pins and/or the ground pin, can be soldered to the shield. Additional details regarding attaching are described above with respect to  FIGS. 8R and/or 8S . 
     VI. Connectors and Devices 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate male and female connectors, and patient monitors. Turning to  FIG. 10A , the connector environment  1000  can include a first cable assembly and a patient monitor  1060 A. The first cable assembly can include a cable  1040  and a male connector  1010 . The male connector  1010  may be similar to the connector  400  described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4F . The patient monitor  1060 A can include a female connector  1020 A and a display  1050 A. The female connector  1020 A may be similar to the connector  820  described above with respect to  FIGS. 8H-8K . The male connector  1010  can be inserted into the female connector  1020 A. Turning to  FIG. 10B , a connector environment  1080  is shown, which may be similar to the connector environment  1000  of  FIG. 10A . However, the patient monitor  1060 B may be different than the patient monitor  1060 B of  FIG. 10A . The patient monitor  1060 B can include another female connector  1020 B. The female connector  1020 B may be similar to the connector  920  described above with respect to  FIGS. 9B-9F . 
     In some embodiments, the cable assemblies of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  can interface one or more noninvasive physiological sensors with the patient monitors  1060 A and  1060 B. The male connector  1010  can be attached to the cable  1040  and can couple the cable  1040  with the patient monitor  1060 A and/or  1060 B so as to convey the physiological signals from the physiological sensor to the patient monitor  1060 A and/or  1060 B. The patient monitor  1060 A and/or  1060 B can process the physiological signals to obtain one or more measurements. The displays  1050 A and  1050 B of the patient monitors  1060 A and  1060 B, respectively, can present at least some of the measurements. 
       FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate views of a female connector and a patient monitor. In  FIG. 11A  a top view of the patient monitor  1100  is shown. The patient monitor  1100  may be similar to the patient monitor  1060 A of  FIG. 10A . The patient monitor  1100  can include a female connector  1120  and a display  1150 . The female connector  1120  may be similar to the connector  820  described above with respect to  FIGS. 8H-8K . Turning to  FIG. 11B , a top perspective view of the patient monitor  1100  is shown. Turning to  FIG. 11C , a bottom perspective view of the patient monitor  1100  is shown. Turning to  FIG. 11D , a front view of the patient monitor  1100  is shown. As illustrated, the patient monitor  1100  can include the female connector  1120 . The female connector  1120  can include one or more contacts  1104 A and  1104 B. 
       FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrate views of a male connector engaged with a female connector of a patient monitor. Turning to  FIG. 12A , the male connector  1210  can be engaged with the female connector  1220 . The male connector  1210  can be attached to the cable  1240 . The male connector  1210  may be similar to the connector  400  described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4F . The patient monitor  1200  can include a female connector  1220 . The female connector  1220  may be similar to the connector  920  described above with respect to  FIGS. 9B-9F . Turning to  FIG. 12B , a perspective view of the male connector  1210  as engaged with the female connector  1220  of the patient monitor  1200  is shown. 
     In  FIGS. 12A-12B , the male connector  1210  can be inserted into the female connector  1220 . In some embodiments, the male connector  1210  can include an overmold from a distal point  1202  and up to and including a proximal point  1205 . The overmold can be pliable and/or may be water-resistant. The male connector  1210  can include a rib (not shown) that can create a seal with the female connector  1220  when the male connector  1210  is inserted into the female connector  1220  as shown. The rib can circumferentially surround the overmold. As illustrated, when the male connector  1210  is inserted into the female connector  1220 , the rib of the male connector  1210  can be inserted past an outer edge of the female connector  1220 . When the male connector  1210  is inserted into the female connector  1220 , the contacts (not shown) of the male connector  1210  may no longer exposed to air, such that a water-resistant seal can be created between the male connector  1210  and the female connector  1220 . 
     In some embodiments, the water-resistant medical device cable assembly, including the male connector  1210  and the cable  1240 , can interface one or more noninvasive physiological sensors with the patient monitor  1200 . The cable  1240  can connect to a physiological sensor. The cable  1240 , which can include one or more conductors, can obtain physiological signals from a patient. The male connector  1210  can be attached to the cable  1240  and can couple the cable  1240  with the patient monitor  1200  so as to convey one or more physiological signals from the physiological sensor to the patient monitor  1200 . 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram that illustrates example components of the patient monitor and/or computing device  160 . The patient monitor  160  can include a hardware processor  1302 , a data storage device  1304 , a memory device  1306 , a bus  1308 , a display  1312 , and one or more input/output devices  1314 . A processor  1302  can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor, or any other such configuration. The processor  1302  can be configured, among other things, to process data, execute instructions to perform one or more functions, such as process one or more physiological signals to obtain one or measurements, as described herein. The data storage device  1304  can include a magnetic disk, optical disk, or flash drive, etc., and is provided and coupled to the bus  1308  for storing information and instructions. The memory  1306  can include one or more memory devices that store data, including without limitation, random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The patient monitor  160  may be coupled via the bus  1308  to a display  1312 , such as a LCD display or touch screen, for displaying information to a user, such as a clinician. The patient monitor  160  may be coupled via the bus  1308  to one or more input/output devices  1314 . The input device  1314  can include, but is not limited to, a keyboard, mouse, digital pen, microphone, touch screen, gesture recognition system, voice recognition system, imaging device (which may capture eye, hand, head, or body tracking data and/or placement), gamepad, accelerometer, or gyroscope. 
     In some embodiments, the hardware processor and/or digital signal processor  1302  can process physiological signals into representations of physiological parameters and/or measurements. The signals can be processed into multiple readings of each physiological parameter over a period of time such as, for example, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour. Additional details regarding processing of physiological signals to obtain measurements are described in at least U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/366,208, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Noninvasive Multi-Parameter Patient Monitor, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,130,105, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/559,815, filed Sep. 15, 2009, titled Patient Monitor Including Multi-Parameter Graphical Display, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,911,377, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In some embodiments, one or more cable assemblies can interface one or more sensors  1318 ,  1320 ,  1322 ,  1324 , and/or  1330  with the patient monitor  160 . The one or more sensors  1318 ,  1320 ,  1322 ,  1324 , and/or  1330  can be connected via a cable to the male connector  110 . When the male connector  110  is engaged with the female connector  120 , one or more physiological signals can be obtained from the one or more sensors  1318 ,  1320 ,  1322 ,  1324 , and/or  1330  and can be transmitted to the patient monitor  160 . 
     A temperature sensor  1318  may capture one or more physiological signals related to a patient&#39;s temperature, such as a body core temperature. The processor  1302  can process the one or more physiological signals to measure the patient&#39;s body core temperature, which is a vital sign used by clinicians to monitor and manage patients&#39; conditions. The temperature sensor  1318  can include a thermocouple, a temperature-measuring device having two dissimilar conductors or semiconductors that contact each other at one or more spots. A temperature differential can be experienced by the different conductors. The thermocouple can produce a voltage when the contact spot differs from a reference temperature. Thermocouples may be self-powered and therefore may not require an external power source for operation. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor  1318  can include a thermistor. A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance value can vary depending on its temperature. Thermistors typically offer a high degree of precision within a limited temperature range. 
     The acoustic respiration sensor  1320  may capture one or more physiological signals related to vibrational motion from the patient&#39;s body (e.g., the patient&#39;s chest) that are indicative of various physiologic parameters and/or conditions, including without limitation, heart rate, respiration rate, snoring, coughing, choking, wheezing, and respiratory obstruction (e.g., apneic events). Additional details regarding an example acoustic respiration sensor are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/643,939, filed Dec. 21, 2009, titled Acoustic Sensor Assembly, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,204, attorney docket MCAN.030A, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor  1322  may capture one or more physiological signals related to cardiac activity. The processor  1302  can process the one or more physiological signals to measure the patient&#39;s cardiac activity. In some embodiments, the processor  1302  can process the ECG signal to detect arrhythmias, such as bradycardia, tachyarrhythmia, or ventricular fibrillation. 
     The oximetry sensor  1324  may capture one or more physiological signals related to pulse oximetry. The processor  1302  can process the one or more physiological signals to measure the patient&#39;s pulse oximetry, a widely accepted noninvasive procedure for measuring the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood, an indicator of a person&#39;s oxygen supply. Example oximetry sensor(s)  1324  include an optical sensor clipped onto a portion of the patient&#39;s body (such as, for example, a fingertip, an ear lobe, and/or a nostril). The processor  1302  can process the signals to measure the relative volume of oxygenated hemoglobin in pulsatile arterial blood flowing within the portion of the body being sensed, which includes measurements such as Oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate, a plethysmograph waveform, perfusion index (PI), pleth variability index (PVi®), methemoglobin (MetHb), carboxyhemoglobin (CoHb), total hemoglobin (tHb), and/or glucose. 
     The temperature sensor  1318 , acoustic respiration sensor  1320 , ECG sensor  1322 , and oximetry sensor  1324  are example sensors. Other physiological sensors  1330  may transmit physiological signals to the patient monitor  160  via the connectors  110  and  1120 . 
     VII. Additional Embodiments and Terminology 
     While the present disclosure discusses example connectors in the medical device and/or patient monitoring context, the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein may be agnostic to the particular context, and, therefore, may be used in any connector environment. Further, while the present disclosure discusses advantages of the example connectors as including water resistance, other embodiments of devices, apparatuses, systems, and/or methods described herein may not necessarily be water resistant and may have other advantages, as described herein. 
     Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” “for example,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments. 
     Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present. Thus, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Further, the term “each,” as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, can mean any subset of a set of elements to which the term “each” is applied. 
     The term “a” as used herein should be given an inclusive rather than exclusive interpretation. For example, unless specifically noted, the term “a” should not be understood to mean “exactly one” or “one and only one”; instead, the term “a” means “one or more” or “at least one,” whether used in the claims or elsewhere in the specification and regardless of uses of quantifiers such as “at least one,” “one or more,” or “a plurality” elsewhere in the claims or specification. 
     The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. 
     While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will be recognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.