Patent Publication Number: US-2016228016-A1

Title: Medical sensor assembly and mounting assembly therefor

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Reference is hereby made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/878,724, filed Sep. 17, 2013 and entitled MEDICAL SENSOR AND A MOUNTING DEVICE THEREFOR, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a)(4) and (5)(i). 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to medical sensors and mounting assemblies therefor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of medical sensors and mounting assemblies therefor are known. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide an improved medical sensor and mounting assembly therefor. 
     There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a pressure transducer assembly including a mounting assembly including an electrical connector configured for selectable galvanic engagement with a pressure transducer and a medical sensor assembly including a pressure transducer, the pressure transducer including a flow pathway and a pressure sensor in pressure sensing communication with the flow pathway, the pressure sensor including a plurality of electrical contacts configured for direct galvanic engagement with the electrical connector only when the medical sensor assembly is mounted in operative engagement with the mounting assembly. 
     Preferably, the electrical connector is configured to be moved by engagement with the medical sensor assembly from a first non-electrically connected operative orientation to a second electrically connected operative orientation. Additionally, the medical sensor assembly also includes an electrical connector engagement element operative to move the electrical connector from the first non-electrically connected operative orientation to the second electrically connected operative orientation upon engagement of the medical sensor assembly with the mounting assembly. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pressure transducer assembly also includes a cover element for preventing fluid contact with the electrical connector when the mounting assembly is not in engagement with the medical sensor assembly. Additionally, the mounting assembly also includes an upper housing portion and the cover element is in a protective position with respect to the upper housing portion thereby preventing the fluid contact with the electrical connector when the mounting assembly is not in engagement with the medical sensor assembly. 
     Preferably, the medical sensor assembly slidingly engages the mounting assembly to move the electrical connector from the first non-electrically connected operative orientation to the second electrically connected operative orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of electrical contacts of the pressure sensor are exposed when the medical sensor assembly is not engaged with the mounting assembly. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the medical sensor assembly includes an aperture for providing access to the plurality of electrical contacts of the pressure sensor by the electrical connector for the selectable direct galvanic engagement. 
     There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a medical sensor assembly useful with a mounting assembly having an electrical connector arranged for selectable galvanic engagement with the medical sensor assembly, the medical sensor assembly including a pressure transducer including a flow pathway and a pressure sensor in pressure sensing communication with the flow pathway, the pressure sensor including a plurality of exposed electrical contact pads configured for direct galvanic engagement with the electrical connector when the medical sensor assembly is mounted in operative engagement with the mounting assembly. 
     Preferably, the exposed electrical contact pads are configured for direct galvanic engagement with the electrical connector only when the medical sensor assembly is mounted in operative engagement with the mounting assembly. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical connector is configured to be moved by engagement with the medical sensor assembly from a first non-electrically connected operative orientation to a second electrically connected operative orientation. Additionally, the medical sensor assembly also includes an electrical connector engagement element operative to move the electrical connector from the first non-electrically connected operative orientation to the second electrically connected operative orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the medical sensor assembly slidingly engages the mounting assembly to move the electrical connector from the first non-electrically connected operative orientation to the second electrically connected operative orientation. 
     Preferably, the medical sensor assembly includes an aperture for providing access to the plurality of exposed electrical contact pads of the pressure sensor by the electrical connector for the selectable direct galvanic engagement. 
     There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mounting assembly for use with a medical sensor assembly, the medical sensor assembly including a pressure transducer, the mounting assembly including an electrical connector configured for selectable direct galvanic engagement with the pressure transducer and a cover element for preventing fluid contact with the electrical connector when the mounting assembly is not in engagement with the medical sensor assembly. 
     Preferably, the mounting assembly also includes an upper housing portion which cooperates with the cover element, the cover element being in electrical connector protective engagement in cooperation with the upper housing portion when the mounting assembly is not in engagement with the medical sensor assembly. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical connector is configured to be moved by engagement with the medical sensor assembly from a first non-electrically connected operative orientation to a second electrically connected operative orientation. 
     Preferably, the mounting assembly is configured for sliding engagement with the medical sensor assembly. 
     There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for removably interconnecting a pressure transducer assembly and a monitor, the method including providing a pressure transducer assembly including a medical sensor assembly, the medical sensor assembly including a pressure transducer having a plurality of electrical contacts, and a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly including a first electrical connector configured for selectable direct galvanic engagement with the plurality of electrical contacts and a second electrical connector arranged to be connected to the monitor and to the first electrical connector, positioning the mounting assembly onto a fixed support, electrically connecting the second electrical connector with the monitor and mounting the medical sensor assembly onto the mounting assembly, such that the plurality of electrical contacts of the pressure sensor automatically establish direct galvanic engagement with the first electrical connector when the medical sensor assembly is mounted in operative engagement with the mounting assembly. 
     Preferably, the method also includes moving the first electrical connector from a first non-electrically connected operative orientation to a second electrically connected operative orientation. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the mounting the medical sensor assembly onto the mounting assembly includes slidingly displacing the medical sensor assembly in engagement with the mounting assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting the medical sensor assembly onto the mounting assembly includes linearly displacing the medical sensor assembly into engagement with the mounting assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be understood more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B  are, respectively, simplified pictorial illustrations of a mounting assembly and a medical sensor assembly mounted onto the mounting assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified partially exploded view pictorial illustration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E  are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view, planar side view and planar end view illustrations of a base element forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 ; 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E  are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view, planar side view and planar end view illustrations of a lower housing element forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 ; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F  are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar side view, first planar end view, planar top view, planar bottom view and second planar end view illustrations of a moveable cover element forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 ; 
         FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D  are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar top view, planar side view and planar end view illustrations of a rotatable electrical contact element forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 ; 
         FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D  are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view and sectional side view illustrations of an upper housing element forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , the side sectional view being taken along lines D-D in  FIG. 7C ; 
         FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D  are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar top view, planar bottom view and sectional side view illustrations of a medical sensor assembly, forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , the side sectional view being taken along lines D-D in  FIG. 8B ; 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified exploded view illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 8A-8D ; 
         FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E and 10F  are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view, planar side view, planar end view and internal side sectional view illustrations of a base element forming part of the medical sensor assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2, 8A-8D and 9 , the internal side sectional view being taken along lines F-F in  FIG. 10C ; 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D  are respectively, simplified pictorial, planar top view, planar bottom view and sectional side view illustrations of a medical sensor assembly, forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , the side sectional view being taken along lines D-D in  FIG. 11B ; 
         FIG. 12  is a simplified exploded view illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-11D ; 
         FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E and 13F  are respectively, a planar top view and five sectional simplified illustrations of the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 1A-2 , the sectional illustrations being taken along respective lines B-B, C-C and D-D in  FIG. 13A , lines E-E in  FIG. 13C  and lines F-F in  FIG. 13D ; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-13  in a first operative orientation; 
         FIG. 14C  is a simplified sectional illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-14B  in a first operative orientation taken along section lines C-C in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-14C  in a second operative orientation; 
         FIG. 15C  is a simplified sectional illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-15B  in a second operative orientation taken along section lines C-C in  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-15D  in a third operative orientation; 
         FIG. 16C  is a simplified sectional illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-16B  in a third operative orientation taken along section lines C-C in  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-16D  in a fourth operative orientation; and 
         FIGS. 17C and 17D  are simplified sectional illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-17B  in a fourth operative orientation taken along respective section lines C-C and D-D in  FIG. 17A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B , which are, respectively, simplified pictorial illustrations of a mounting assembly and a medical sensor assembly mounted onto the mounting assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to  FIG. 2 , which is a simplified partially exploded view pictorial illustration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1B . It is appreciated that  FIGS. 1A, 1B &amp; 2  are examples of a pressure transducer assembly having multiple novel features. It is appreciated that other examples of pressure transducer assemblies may exist in which only one or more of the novel features of the present invention may be present. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1A, 1B &amp; 2 , there is provided a mounting assembly  100  and a medical sensor assembly  102  removably mounted thereon. The medical sensor assembly  102  is similar in its overall structure and operation to a Disposable Pressure Transducer 650101, commercially available from Elcam Medical, Kibbutz Baram, 15 Israel, and is generally constructed and operative in a manner described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,434, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and is modified as described with particularity hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 8A-9 and 11A-12 . The medical sensor assembly  102  is typically employed to measure blood pressure of a patient but may be employed for measuring any other body pressure of a patient, such as intra-abdominal pressure. 
     As seen particularly in  FIG. 2 , the mounting assembly  100  preferably comprises a base element  104 , which is described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3E , onto which is mounted a lower housing element  106 , which is described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4E . Preferably, a movable cover element  108 , described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5F , and associated spring  110  are mounted onto lower housing element  106  and are generally enclosed by an upper housing element  112 , described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 7A-7D . A rotatable electrical contact element  114 , described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6D , is also generally enclosed within upper housing element  112 , as is a flexible connector  116 , which is electrically coupled to rotatable electrical contact element  114  and which is in turn connected to a conventional monitor connection cord assembly  118 , and thereby to a monitor  120 , such as a Dash  400 , commercially available from General Electric. Monitor connection cord assembly  118  preferably includes an electrical contact end portion  122 , which is electrically coupled to an end of flexible connector  116 . 
     Throughout the description of mounting assembly  100 , the side of the mounting assembly  100  from which the monitor cord assembly  118  exits is referred to as the forward side or forward facing side, and the side distant therefrom is referred to as the rearward side or rearward facing side. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E , which are respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view, planar side view and planar front end view illustrations of base element  104 , forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 . As seen in  FIGS. 3A-3E , the base element  104  preferably has a central, raised generally planar surface  302  bounded on two sides by elongate foot portions  304  lying below surface  302  and defining therewith a bottom facing recess  306 . Recess  306  is open at one end of base element  104  and is bounded by foot portions  304  and by a joining portion  308 , which joins foot portions  304 . Four upstanding toothed engagement protrusions  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  extend upwardly adjacent four corners of surface  302  for snap-fit engagement with the lower housing element  106 . A monitor connection cord end retaining recess  318  is formed adjacent one end of surface  302 . 
     Elongate foot portions  304  are preferably configured for slidingly positioning mounting assembly  100  onto a fixed support (not shown) prior to use. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E , which are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view, planar side view and planar rear end view illustrations of a lower housing element forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4A-4E , and particularly in  FIG. 4B , the lower housing element  106  preferably has a generally planar bottom facing surface  402  having formed thereon a rectangular outline protrusion  404  having generally parallel side portions  406 , a closed end  408  and an open end  409 . Located within generally rectangular outline  30  protrusion  404  are four throughgoing apertures  410 ,  412 ,  414  and  416  for accommodating upstanding toothed engagement protrusions  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316 , respectively, of the base element  104 . Extending between apertures  414  and  416  and toward closed end  408  is a central throughgoing aperture  420  having upwardly inwardly tapered side surfaces  424  and  426 . Forwardly of aperture  420  is a throughgoing cut out  428  for accommodating an end of monitor connection cord assembly  118 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4A-4E , and particularly in  FIG. 4C , the lower housing element preferably has a generally planar top facing surface  432 , from which extend a pair of generally mutually parallel, mutually spaced upstanding portions  434  and  436  which are located above respective side surfaces  424  and  426 . Upstanding portions  434  and  436  are joined by a transverse upstanding portion  438  which extends above an imaginary line that separates aperture  420  from cut out  428 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 4A , upstanding portions  434  and  436  define respective curved side and top edge surfaces  440  and  442  and a pair of respective mutually axially aligned pivot support edge surfaces  444  and  446  as well as respective vertical edges  448  and  450 . 
     Adjacent vertical edges  448  and  450 , and slightly raised with respect to generally planar top facing surface  432 , there are provided a pair of mutually axially aligned pivot support cylindrical surfaces  454  and  456 . 
     Also extending upwardly from generally planar top facing surface  432  is a generally circumferential protrusion  458  and a spring attachment protrusion  460 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F , which are respectively, simplified pictorial, planar side view, planar rear end view, planar top view, planar bottom view and planar front end view illustrations of a moveable cover element forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 5A-5F , the moveable cover element  108  preferably comprises a pair of generally cylindrical pivot portions  504  and  506  which are arranged for pivotable rotation in respective mutually axially aligned pivot support cylindrical surfaces  454  and  456  of the lower housing portion  106 . Pivot portions  504  and  506  are preferably attached at respective corners of generally quarter-circular side wall portions  508  and  510 , each having generally mutually perpendicular edges  512  and  514 , joined by a curved edge  515 . Edges  512  of side wall portions  508  and  510  are joined by a partially cut out wall portion  516 , which extends generally perpendicularly to side wall portions  508  and  510  and is formed with an apertured spring engagement protrusion  518 . 
     Each of side wall portions  508  and  510  extends along edge  514  to define a pair of side supports  528  and  530  which support a curved cover portion  532  having a main curved portion  534 , a pair of depending side portions  536  having downward facing edges  538  and a forward edge portion  540 . It is appreciated that edges  538  are spaced from respective curved edges  515 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D , which are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar top view, planar side view and planar end view illustrations of a rotatable electrical contact element, such as rotatable electrical contact element  114 , forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 6A-6D , rotatable electrical contact element  114  comprises a base element  600 , preferably injection molded of plastic, including a generally rectangular portion  602  having extending outwardly therefrom and transversely thereto a pair of mutually axially aligned pivot rod portions  604  and  606 , which are arranged for pivotable rotation while being supported by respective mutually axially aligned pivot support edge surfaces  444  and  446  of lower housing element  106 . 
     Rectangular portion  602  includes a rectangular slot  608  delimited by raised side wall portions  610  and having a planar floor surface  612  extending from an open end  614  of slot  608  to a bulkhead  616 . Side wall portions  610  extend alongside bulkhead  616  and each preferably terminate in a cam-driven, sensor engagement finger  618 . A plurality of electrical contact pins  620  extend in mutually electrically insulated relationship through bulkhead  616  from a location slightly forward of the termination of fingers  618  to a location rearward of bulkhead  616  along and spaced from planar floor surface  612  and side wall portions  610 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D , which are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view and sectional side view illustrations of an upper housing element, such as upper housing element  112 , forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , the side sectional view being taken along lines D-D in  FIG. 7C . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7A-7D , upper housing element  112  comprises a generally concave element, which is preferably injection molded as one piece. Upper housing element  112  includes generally rounded forward and rearward outer facing surfaces  702  and  704 , joined by generally planar outer facing side wall surfaces  706  and  708  and by a generally planar outer facing top surface  710 . 
     Each of outer facing side wall surfaces  706  and  708  preferably terminates at the top thereof in a generally longitudinal upwardly extending and inwardly transversely extending slot defining portion, here designated respectively by reference numerals  712  and  714 , which are mutually parallel and parallel to top surface  710  and define therewith and with transverse raised protrusions  716  and  717 , a slidable engagement locking slot for slidable locking engagement therewith of medical sensor assembly  102 . The sliding engagement locking slots terminate at respective rear wall surfaces  718  and  719 . 
     Disposed on top surface  710  between slot defining portions  712  and  714  are a pair of mutually parallel spaced curved upstanding portions  720  and  722  having curved top edges  724  and  726 , respectively, and which define, together with a top edge  728  of forward surface  702 , a generally rectangular cut out  730 , which extends between upstanding portions  720  and  722  and terminates in a raised platform  732 , extending rearwardly of cut out  730  to a location coterminating with the rearward extent of curved upstanding portions  720  and  722 . 
     Turning particularly to  FIGS. 7B and 7D , it is seen that the underside/inside of upper housing element  112  includes a pair of mutually parallel upstanding portions  740  and  742  which terminate in mutually axially aligned pivot support edge surfaces  744  and  746 , which cooperate with corresponding pivot support cylindrical surfaces  454  and  456  of lower housing element  106  to define pivot supports for generally cylindrical pivot portions  504  and  506  of moveable cover element  108 . 
     Forward of mutually parallel upstanding portions  740  and  742  on opposite sides of rectangular cut out  730  there are formed mutually axially aligned pivot support recesses  754  and  756 , which cooperate with corresponding mutually axially aligned pivot support edge surfaces  444  and  446  of lower housing element  106  to provide pivot supports for mutually axially aligned pivot rod portions  604  and  606  of rotatable electrical contact element  114 . 
     Rearward of mutually parallel upstanding portions  740  and  742  there is provided an upstanding portion  760  having a slot  762  for engagement therewith by spring  110  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D , which are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar top view, planar bottom view and sectional side view simplified illustrations of a medical sensor assembly, such as medical sensor assembly  102 , forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , the side sectional view being taken along lines D-D in  FIG. 8B , and to  FIG. 9 , which is a simplified exploded view illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 8A-8D . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 8A-9 , medical sensor assembly  102  comprises a base element  802  and a flowpath defining sensor mounting housing  804 , typically having a plurality of ports  806  coupled to a flow channel  808  defined thereby. Housing  804  preferably defines a stopcock body which cooperates with a stopcock handle  810 . A flushing subassembly  812  also preferably communicates with the flow channel  808 , and is preferably identical or similar to that shown and described with reference to  FIG. 6  of U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,434, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Housing  804  includes a pressure sensor location  814 , in which is mounted a pressure sensor  816 , such as a Measurement  1620  sensor, commercially available from Measurement Specialties, Hampton, Va., USA. Pressure sensor  816  is preferably mounted in operative engagement with the flow channel  808 , as seen in  FIG. 8D . As distinguished from the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,434, electrical contact pads  820  of pressure sensor  816  are available for removable direct galvanic contact engagement with electrical contact pins  620  of rotatable electrical contact element  114 . Furthermore, as seen in  FIG. 8C  and as distinguished from the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,434, the electric contact pads  820  of pressure sensor  816  are preferably exposed. 
     Housing  804  preferably defines a plurality of mounting protrusions  830  for mounting thereof onto base element  802 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E and 10F , which are, respectively, simplified pictorial, planar bottom view, planar top view, planar side view, planar end view and internal side sectional view illustrations of a base element, such as base element  802 , forming part of the medical sensor assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2, 8A-8D and 9 , the internal side sectional view being taken along lines F-F in  FIG. 10C . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 10A-10F , base element  802  preferably comprises a pair of mutually parallel, mutually spaced downward facing elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  which are configured for slidable engagement with generally planar outer facing top surface  710  of upper housing element  112  along a longitudinal sliding pathway defined by respective generally longitudinal upwardly extending and inwardly transversely extending slot defining portions  712  and  714  of upper housing element  112 . 
     Base element  802  defines a generally planar top facing surface  910  located above and between elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904 . Elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  are formed with respective recesses  906  and  908  configured for snap engagement with corresponding protrusions  717  and  716  of upper housing element  112 . Top facing surface  910  is preferably formed with a plurality of mounting apertures  920  for accommodating mounting apertures  830  of housing  804  in a locked snap fit arrangement. Top facing surface  910  is also formed with an aperture  930  for providing engagement access to electrical contact pads  820  of pressure sensor  816  by electrical contact pins  620  of rotatable electrical contact element  114  for direct removable galvanic contact engagement therewith. 
     A tapered built up edge  932  is formed on top facing surface  910  alongside aperture  930  for providing a guiding surface for rotatable electrical contact element  114  during sliding engagement between the medical sensor assembly  102  and the mounting assembly  100 . Additionally, two protrusions  934  are located alongside aperture  930  opposite edge  932 , for supporting the rotatable electrical contact element  114  in a desired raised orientation for direct galvanic contact engagement with electrical contact pads  820  of pressure sensor  816 . 
     Turning now particularly to the underside of base element  802 , as seen particularly in  FIGS. 10C &amp; 10F , it is seen that there are preferably provided a pair of mutually parallel, mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942 . It is a particular feature of the present invention that mutually parallel, mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942  define cam surfaces which, upon sliding engagement of the medical sensor assembly  102  with the mounting assembly  100 , provide coordinated rotation of moveable cover element  108  and of rotatable electrical contact element  114 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942  defines a cam surface defining edge  950 , which is operative to engage a portion of edge portion  540  of moveable cover element  108  and cause moveable cover element  108  to rotate about an axis defined by pivot portions  504  and  506 , thereby to provide access to electric contact pins  620  of rotatable electrical contact element  114 . 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942  is configured to define along a mutually facing side wall portion thereof a curved cam surface  960 , which is operative to engage a finger  618  of rotatable electrical contact element  114  and cause rotatable electrical contact element  114  to rotate about an axis defined by pivot portions  604  and  606 , thereby to position electric contact pins  620  of rotatable electrical contact element  114  in galvanic electrical engagement with pads  820  of sensor  816 . It is also a particular feature of the present invention that the rotations of the moveable cover element  108  and of the rotatable electrical contact element  114  are precisely coordinated in their sequence by virtue of the definition of both cam surfaces  950  and  960  on the same portion. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D , which are, respectively, pictorial, planar top view, planar bottom view and sectional side view simplified illustrations of a medical sensor assembly, forming part of the mounting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , the side sectional view being taken along lines D-D in  FIG. 11B , and to  FIG. 12 , which is a simplified exploded view illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-11D . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 11A-12 , a medical sensor assembly  1000  comprises a base element  1002 , preferably identical to base element  802  described hereinabove, and a flowpath defining sensor mounting housing  1004 , typically having two ports  1006  coupled to a flow channel  1008  defined thereby. 
     Housing  1004  includes a pressure sensor location  1014 , in which is mounted a pressure sensor  1016 , such as a Measurement  1620  sensor, commercially available from Measurement Specialties, Hampton, Va., USA. Pressure sensor  1016  is preferably mounted in operative engagement with flow channel  1008 , as seen in  FIG. 11D . As distinguished from the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,434, electrical contact pads  1020  of pressure sensor  1016  are available for removable direct galvanic contact engagement with electrical contact pins  620  of rotatable electrical contact element  114 . Furthermore as seen in  FIG. 11C  and as distinguished from the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,434, the electric contact pads  1020  of pressure sensor  1016  are preferably exposed. 
     Housing  1004  preferably defines a plurality of mounting protrusions  1030  for mounting thereof onto base element  1002 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E and 13F , which are respectively, a planar top view and five sectional simplified illustrations of the mounting assembly  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2 , the sectional illustrations being taken along respective lines B-B, C-C and D-D in  FIG. 13A , lines E-E in  FIG. 13C  and lines F-F in  FIG. 13D .  FIGS. 13A-13F  show the mounting assembly  100  when it is not engaged by a medical sensor assembly. 
       FIG. 13B  shows the locking engagement between base element  104  and lower housing element  106 . Specifically, the snap fit engagement between engagement protrusions  314  and  316  and respective throughgoing apertures  414  and  416  is shown, as is the tight fit engagement between lower housing element  106  and upper housing element  112  at circumferential protrusion  458  of the lower housing element. Preferably the lower housing element  106  and the upper housing element  112  are ultrasonically welded to each other at discrete locations along circumferential protrusion  458 . The seating of electrical contact end portion  122  in monitor connection cord end retaining recess  318  of base element  104  and in throughgoing cutout  428  of lower housing element  106  is also seen. 
       FIG. 13C  shows, particularly at enlargement A, the locking engagement of an end of spring  110  in slot  762  of upper housing element  112  which is also defined by spring attachment protrusion  460  of lower housing element  106 . The snap fit engagement between engagement protrusion  312  throughgoing apertures  412  is also seen in enlargement A. 
     Enlargement B shows the arrangement of the rotatable electrical contact element  114  underlying and covered by the curved cover portion  532  of moveable cover element  108 . It is seen that a forward end of rotatable electrical contact element  114  lies on an edge of raised platform  732 . 
     As seen in Enlargement B, pivot rod portions  604  and  606  are rotatably retained between respective support edge surfaces  444  and  446  of lower housing element  106  and respective pivot support recesses  754  and  756  of upper housing element  112 . 
       FIG. 13D  shows the operative engagement of spring  110  with moveable cover element  108 . 
       FIG. 13E  illustrates details of the rotatable electrical contact element  114  including base element  600 , generally rectangular portion  602  having extending outwardly therefrom and transversely thereto pivot rod portions  604  and  606 , which are seen to be arranged for pivotable rotation while being supported by respective mutually axially aligned pivot support edge surfaces  444  and  446 .  FIG. 13E  also shows that electrical contact pins  620  are soldered to conductors of flexible connector  116 . 
       FIG. 13F  shows the general sealing engagement between curved cover portion  532  of moveable cover element  108  and curved upstanding portions  720  and  722 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , which are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-13  in a first operative orientation, and to  FIG. 14C , which is a simplified sectional illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-14B  in a first operative orientation taken along section lines C-C in  FIG. 14A . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 14A-14C , in the first operative orientation, the medical sensor assembly  1000  is at the beginning of a linear sliding engagement movement with respect to mounting assembly  100  wherein forward portions of elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  are located in corresponding rearward portions of slots defined by slot defining portions  712  and  714  respectively. 
     As seen in enlargement A of  FIG. 14C , cam surface defining edges  950  of mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942  of base element  1002  of medical sensor assembly  1000  are in touching engagement with edge portion  540  of moveable cover element  108  but have not yet displaced the moveable cover element  108 . Moveable cover element  108  is in its fully closed orientation and is retained in this orientation by spring  110 , which is slightly tensioned. As seen in enlargement B of  FIG. 14C , moveable cover element  108  is pivotably mounted by its cylindrical pivot portions  504  and  506  onto pivot support cylindrical surfaces  454  and  456  of lower housing element  106 . 
     As further seen in  FIG. 14C , in the first operative orientation, the rotatable electrical contact element  114  is in a first orientation. 
     At this stage and throughout the linear sliding engagement of the medical sensor assembly  1000  with the mounting assembly  100 , elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  lie generally parallel to corresponding slot defining portions  712  and  714 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , which are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-14D  in a second operative orientation, and to  FIG. 15C , which is a simplified sectional illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-15B  in the second operative orientation, taken along section lines C-C in  FIG. 15A . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 15A-15C , in the second operative orientation, the medical sensor assembly  1000  is partially along its linear sliding engagement movement with respect to mounting assembly  100  wherein forward and intermediate portions of elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  are located in corresponding rearward and intermediate portions of slots defined by slot defining portions  712  and  714  respectively. 
     Cam surface defining edges  950  of mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942  of base element  1002  of medical sensor assembly  1000  are in touching, cam driving engagement with edge portion  540  of moveable cover element  108  and have partially displaced the moveable cover element  108  along a rotatable path defined by rotational engagement of cylindrical pivot portions  504  and  506  with pivot support cylindrical surfaces  454  and  456  of lower housing element  106  against the urging of spring  110 . 
     Moveable cover element  108  is in a partially open orientation. As seen in enlargement A of  FIG. 15C , moveable cover element  108  has pivoted counterclockwise relative to its position as seen in enlargement A of  FIG. 14C . 
     In the second operative orientation, the rotatable electrical contact element  114  remains in a generally first orientation, as seen best in enlargement B of  FIG. 15C , since sensor engagement fingers  618  are not yet in operative engagement with curved cam surfaces  960 . 
     At this stage and throughout the linear sliding engagement of the medical sensor assembly  102  with the mounting assembly  100 , elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  lie generally parallel to corresponding slot defining portions  712  and  714 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , which are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-15D  in a third operative orientation, and to  FIG. 16C , which is a simplified sectional illustration of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-16B  in the third operative orientation, taken along section lines C-C in  FIG. 16A . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 16A-16C , in the third operative orientation, the medical sensor assembly  1000  is further along its linear sliding engagement movement with respect to mounting assembly  100  wherein nearly all portions of elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  are located in nearly all corresponding portions of slots defined by slot defining portions  712  and  714 , respectively. 
     Cam surface defining edges  950  of mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942  of base element  1002  of medical sensor assembly  1000  are in touching, cam driving engagement with edge portion  540  of moveable cover element  108  and have nearly fully displaced the moveable cover element  108  along a rotatable path defined by rotational engagement of cylindrical pivot portions  504  and  506  with pivot support cylindrical surfaces  454  and  456  of lower housing element  106  against the urging of spring  110 . 
     Moveable cover element  108  is in a nearly fully open orientation. As seen in enlargement A of  FIG. 16C , moveable cover element  108  has pivoted counterclockwise relative to its position as seen in enlargement A of  FIG. 16C . 
     In the third operative orientation, the rotatable electrical contact element  114  is now in an inclined orientation, as seen best in enlargement B of  FIG. 16C , as the result of operative engagement between sensor engagement fingers  618  and curved cam surfaces  960 . It is noted, however that the electric contact pins  620  are not yet in direct galvanic contact with pads  1020  of sensor  1016  of the medical sensor assembly  1000 . It is noted that flexible connector  116  is somewhat repositioned in order to accommodate the repositioning of rotatable electrical contact element  114 . 
     At this stage and throughout the linear sliding engagement of the medical sensor assembly  1000  with the mounting assembly  100 , elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  lie generally parallel to corresponding slot defining portions  712  and  714 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , which are simplified pictorial top view and side view illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-16D  in a fourth operative orientation, and to  FIGS. 17C and 17D , which are simplified sectional illustrations of the medical sensor assembly of  FIGS. 11A-17B  in the third operative orientation, taken along respective section lines C-C and D-D in  FIG. 17A . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 17A-17D , in the fourth operative orientation, the medical sensor assembly  1000  is at the end of its linear sliding engagement movement with respect to mounting assembly  100  wherein elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  are fully engaged with corresponding portions of slots defined by slot defining portions  712  and  714  respectively. This fourth operative orientation is preferably defined by engagement of rear wall surfaces  718  and  719  of upper housing element  112  by the forward edge of base element  1002 , which defines a linear travel stop. The engagement of the medical sensor assembly  1000  with the mounting assembly  100  in the fourth operative orientation is a snap fit engagement produced by engagement of raised protrusions  716  and  717  with corresponding recesses  908  and  906  in base element  1002 . 
     Cam surface defining edges  950  of mutually spaced upstanding portions  940  and  942  of base element  1002  of medical sensor assembly  1000  are in touching, cam driving engagement with edge portion  540  of moveable cover element  108  and have fully displaced the moveable cover element  108  along a rotatable path defined by rotational engagement of cylindrical pivot portions  504  and  506  with pivot support cylindrical surfaces  454  and  456  of lower housing element  106  against the urging of spring  110 . 
     Moveable cover element  108  is in a fully open orientation. As seen in enlargement A of  FIG. 17D , moveable cover element  108  has further pivoted counterclockwise relative to its position as seen in enlargement A of  FIG. 16C . 
     In the fourth operative orientation, the rotatable electrical contact element  114  is now in a second orientation, as seen best in enlargements B and C of  FIG. 17D , as the result of operative engagement between sensor engagement fingers  618  and curved cam surfaces  960 . It is noted, that the electric contact pins  620  are now in direct galvanic contact with pads  1020  of sensor  1016  of the medical sensor assembly  1000 . It is noted that flexible connector  116  is further repositioned in order to accommodate the repositioning of rotatable electrical contact element  114 . 
     It is appreciated that electric contact pins  620  and pads  1020  of sensor  1016  are in direct galvanic engagement only when medical sensor assembly  1000  is mounted on mounting assembly  100  and is in the fourth operating orientation shown in  FIGS. 17A-17D . 
     At this stage and throughout the linear sliding engagement of the medical sensor assembly  102  with the mounting assembly  100 , elongate sliding surfaces  902  and  904  lie generally parallel to corresponding slot defining portions  712  and  714 . 
     Upon disengagement of the medical sensor assembly  102  from the mounting assembly  100 , moveable cover element  108  returns, under the urging of spring  110 , to the closed position described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 13A-13F . 
     It is appreciated that in the closed position, moveable cover element  108  covers and protects rotatable electrical contact element  114  during swabbing or other cleaning of the outside of mounting assembly  100  following use thereof, such that application of liquids to the mounting assembly does not result in shorting of electrical contacts of the rotatable electrical contact element  114  by such liquid. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes combinations and subcombinations of features described above as well as modifications and improvements thereof that are not in the prior art.