Patent Description:
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's body for testing, light or sound energy may be caused to be incident on the patient'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.

Non-invasive physiological monitoring of bodily function is often required. For example, during surgery, blood pressure and the body'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, or a forehead.

Durable and disposable sensors are often used for such physiological measurements. These sensors have connectors which allow detachment from the instrument or cable from the instrument. For example, <CIT> relates to patient monitoring systems having a connector configured to couple a medical sensor to a monitor.

The present disclosure relates to a connector that is configured to attach both disposable and durable sensors to instruments that are responsive to signals from the sensors or the cables from the instruments. To ensure proper operation, the connector is designed to prevent incorrect attachment of the probe to the connector. Additionally, the connector allows for easy connection and release, yet prevents accidental disconnection.

In some aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed a sensor that has a low profile structure and a connector that can be configured to accommodate various sensors that measure different bodily functions. In one embodiment, the connector can accommodate a plurality of staggered retractable contacts that interact with a sensor with a plurality of staggered electrical contacts on the sensor.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves a connector and sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a connector with an opening that has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite each other. In this example, a plurality of retractable electrical connectors can extend from the first surface and a lock structure can be located on the second surface. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly includes a body portion and a proximal end. The proximal end includes a top side and a bottom side, wherein the top side includes a plurality of electrical contacts and the bottom side comprises a key structure and detent structure configured to fit into the lock structure of the connector. In this example, the proximal end of the sensor assembly is configured to be removably inserted into the opening of the connector.

The present disclosure discloses a connector for attaching a sensor or probe to a monitor or processor so that signals from the sensor are transmitted to the processor or monitor. The connector provides easy connection and removal of the sensor to the connector while maintaining a solid connection. To ensure proper operation, the connector is designed to prevent incorrect attachment of the probe to the connector. Further, in some embodiments, the connector and sensor are configured such that both the connector and sensor structures can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of sensors that measure a variety of bodily functions.

As used in the specification, the terms "proximal" and "distal" should be understood as being relative to the contact point between the connector and sensor assembly described. Hence, the term distal means a portion of the connector and/or sensor assembly that is furthest away from the point of contact (connection point) between the connector and/or sensor. The term proximal means a portion of the connector and/or sensor assembly that is closest to the point of contact (connection point) between the connector and/or sensor assembly.

<FIG> illustrate a side perspective of an embodiment of the assembly <NUM> which includes a connector <NUM> and a sensor assembly 800a. The connector <NUM> is configured to connect with the sensor assembly 800a through the opening 420a at the proximal end of the connector <NUM>. This allows the sensor tab 810a to be secured by the sensor assembly receiver 400a. Connector <NUM> can be configured to have electrical connectors that are configured to interact with a specific sensor assembly or a plurality of sensor assemblies. In one embodiment, to ensure that the proper sensor assembly is connected to the corresponding connector <NUM>, the sensor assembly receiver 400a of the connector <NUM> can have an internal structure that is configured to accept only sensor assemblies with corresponding structures. This prevents errors in attaching sensors with incompatible connectors. In some examples, the connector <NUM> has a receptor that only accepts sensor assemblies with a corresponding key. As can be seen in <FIG>, the sensor assembly receiver 400a has a receptor 445a located along the bottom inner surface of the sensor assembly receiver 400a and the sensor tab 810a has a key 860a located on the underside of the sensor tab 810a. As discussed, the receptor 445a only allows a sensor assembly with a corresponding key 860a to fit into the connector <NUM>. The location of the receptor 445a and the key 860a ensures that the user connects the sensor tab 810a with the connector <NUM> in the correct configuration such that the sensor side 812a sits face up.

In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> and the sensor assembly 800a are further configured with a surface to facilitate the connection of the sensor assembly 800a with the connector <NUM>. For example, the proximal end of the connector <NUM> has a front edge <NUM> and a tapered surface 430a which angles into the opening 420a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. Similarly, as shown in <FIG> the sensor assembly 800a has a proximal end with a tapered surface 820a that is distal to the sensor tab 810a with the connector tab 840a. The angle of the tapered surface 820a corresponds with the angle of the tapered surface 430a of the connector <NUM> and provides a surface that allows the user to easily slide the sensor assembly 800a into the sensor assembly receiver 400a of the connector <NUM>. The front edge <NUM> of the connector <NUM> extends to enclose the tapered surface 820a of the sensor assembly 800a such that the front edge <NUM> lies flush over the outer edge of the distal end of the tapered surface 820a. The flush connection between the connector <NUM> and the sensor assembly 800a provides a continuous structure or seal that indicates to the user that the connector <NUM> and the sensor assembly 800a are properly connected. The aforementioned structures allow the user to correctly attach the sensor with the connector by feel alone. This assists patients and medical practitioners in attaching the connector <NUM> with the sensor assembly 800a in situations where light is insufficient; thereby allowing the user to connect the connector <NUM> with the sensor assembly 800a without needing to look at the connector itself.

<FIG> provide various views of an embodiment of the connector <NUM>. As well, <FIG> provide a perspective and front view of the connector <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the connector <NUM> with the outer jacket <NUM> removed such that additional internal structures of the connector <NUM> are visible. <FIG> illustrate two views of the connector <NUM> with the outer shield <NUM> removed such that the printed circuit board <NUM> and part of the inner shield <NUM> are visible. <FIG> also illustrate the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> disposed in the holes of the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the printed circuit board <NUM>. <FIG> shows the embodiment shown in <FIG> with the printed circuit board <NUM> removed. <FIG> shows a bottom perspective view of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the inner shield <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a bottom and top perspective view of the embodiment shown in <FIG> with the inner shield <NUM> removed.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective and front view of the connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> includes a number of features that will be described in more detail below. The connector <NUM> has an outer jacket <NUM>, a front edge <NUM> on the proximal end, and a cable attachment <NUM> at the distal end. As discussed above, the front edge <NUM> is configured to be disposed about the outer edge of the distal end of the tapered surface 820a. The cable attachment <NUM> at the distal end of the connector <NUM> is configured to be connected to and disposed about a cable. In some examples, the cable connects the connector <NUM> to a patient monitor. In some embodiments, the cable attachment <NUM> can be disposed about a cable with a diameter sufficient to surround a corresponding cable attachment.

<FIG> provides a frontal view of the connector <NUM>. As can be seen, inside the front edge <NUM> of the connector <NUM>, connector <NUM> has a tapered surface 430b that leads to the opening 420b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b. The top tab 450b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b protrudes from an opening on top of the outer jacket <NUM>. This helps to retain the outer jacket <NUM> to the outside of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver 400b can be one of a plurality of colors that corresponds with the color of the sensor assembly. In one example, the protruding top tab 450b can serve as a visual indicator to the user as to what sensor assembly the connector <NUM> can receive. The inside surface of the sensor assembly receiver 400b contains a receptor 445b that has a raised structure. As was discussed earlier, in some examples, the receptor 445b can couple with a keyed structure on the underside surface of a sensor tab such that the correct sensor assembly is connected to the proper connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inside surface of the sensor assembly receiver 400b can include a detent 440b. As illustrated here, the detent 440b forms a groove on the sensor assembly receiver 400b. In some examples, the detent 440b can receive a key detent 865b. In some variants, the purpose of the detent 440b and key detent 865b is to provide the user with a tactile or mechanical feedback (e.g. a "click") to indicate to the user that the sensor assembly has been properly inserted. As will be seen and described further below, in some embodiments the connector <NUM> can be configured with a number of different sensor assembly receivers, each with a different receptor that is configured to accept a different shaped sensor key and different shaped detents. This provides certain manufacturing and assembly efficiencies as the outer jacket <NUM> and other internal components of the connector <NUM> can be used with sensors requiring different numbers of electrical contacts.

Connector <NUM> can also be structured such that it can be configured for a number of different sensors because of the manner in which the electrical connection is established between the sensor and the connector <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> can contain a plurality of electrical connectors that extend downward from the top surface of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrical connectors are pogo pins <NUM>. The configuration of the pogo pins <NUM> can be adapted to connect to sensors with one of a number of electrical contacts. As will be discussed in further detail below, the pogo pins <NUM> of the connector <NUM> can be in a staggered configuration. This configuration allows the connector <NUM> to accommodate sensors with varying numbers of electrical contacts.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate various views of the connector <NUM> with various parts of the connector <NUM> removed so as to better visualize the internal connections between the parts of die connector <NUM>. <FIG> shows the connector <NUM> with the outer jacket <NUM> removed such that the outer shield <NUM>, sensor assembly receiver 400b, and the hot melt <NUM> are visible.

<FIG> show the connector <NUM> with the outer shield <NUM> removed. In this figure, the outer shield <NUM>, sensor assembly receiver 400b, printed circuit board <NUM>, and inner shield <NUM> are visible. <FIG> shows a side perspective view of the connector <NUM> with the outer shield <NUM> removed. <FIG> shows a back perspective view of the connector <NUM> with the outer shield <NUM> removed.

As can be seen in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the outer shield body <NUM> of the outer shield <NUM> is disposed about the various parts of the connector <NUM>. The outer shield body <NUM> is disposed about the sensor assembly receiver 400b such that the proximal end 410b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b extends past the proximal end of the outer shield body <NUM>. The top tab 450b can be located on the top of the proximal end 410b of die sensor assembly receiver 400b. At the distal end, the outer shield body <NUM> has a distal end holder <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distal end holder <NUM> has a circular structure that can be disposed about the surface of a cable. As discussed above, the cable enters the outer jacket <NUM> of the connector <NUM> through the cable attachment <NUM> where it is held in place by the distal end holder <NUM> of the outer shield body <NUM>. In some embodiments, to secure the cable to the connector <NUM>, the cavity of the distal end of the connector <NUM> includes a hot melt <NUM> that secures the cable to the distal end holder <NUM> of the outer shield body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hot melt distal end <NUM> of the hot melt <NUM> secures the cable attachment <NUM> at the distal end of the outer jacket <NUM> to the cable. Depending on the internal cavity of the distal end of the connector <NUM>, the hot melt <NUM> can come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be made of a variety of materials so long as it serves to secure the cable to the connector <NUM>.

The outer shield body <NUM> of the outer shield <NUM> can have a plurality of openings on the top surface of the outer shield body <NUM> in order to secure the plurality of parts of the connector <NUM> together. The outer shield body <NUM> can have two proximal openings - a first proximal opening <NUM> and a second proximal opening <NUM> - located on either side of the proximal end of the outer shield body <NUM> and a distal opening <NUM> located near the distal end of the top surface of the outer shield body <NUM>. As will be seen in subsequent figures, the sensor assembly receiver 400b has a plurality of arms that retain the plurality of interior parts of the connector <NUM>. Each of these arms can have an end that protrudes from the outer openings of the outer shield <NUM> discussed above so as to retain the interior parts of the connector <NUM>. In the embodiment pictured in <FIG>, the sensor assembly receiver 400b has a first arm 465b with a first proximal tab 460b and a second arm 475b with a second proximal tab 470b. Both the first proximal tab 460b and the second proximal tab 470b has a top end that protrudes from the first proximal opening <NUM> and the second proximal opening <NUM> respectively. Similarly, the distal arm 485b has a pointed end 480b. The pointed end 480b has a top end that protrudes from the distal opening <NUM>. Each of the openings of the sensor assembly receiver 400b help to contain the top ends of the first proximal tab 460b, second proximal tab 470b, and the pointed end 480b to keep the sensor assembly receiver 400b retained in the proper configuration. In some embodiments, the outer shield <NUM> can provide electrical shielding to the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outer shield <NUM> shields the connector <NUM> from other noise in the surrounding area.

<FIG> illustrate a perspective side and back view of the connector <NUM> with the outer shield <NUM> removed. As discussed above, the outer shield <NUM> retains a plurality of interior parts of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, this includes the sensor assembly receiver 400b, the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the inner shield <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail, the proximal and distal arms of the sensor assembly receiver 400b extend through openings in the printed circuit board <NUM> and the inner shield <NUM> to retain and secure the parts within the connector <NUM>. As pictured here, the inner shield <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> are stacked and located above the sensor assembly receiver 400b. In some configurations, the inner shield <NUM> is sandwiched between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the sensor assembly receiver 400b.

Similar to the outer shield body <NUM> discussed above, the printed circuit board <NUM> has a plurality of openings so as to secure the inner shield <NUM> and sensor assembly receiver 400b together through the arms of the sensor assembly receiver 400b. The printed circuit board <NUM> can have two proximal openings - a first proximal opening <NUM> and a second proximal opening <NUM> - located on either side of the proximal end of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> can also have a distal opening <NUM> located at the distal end of the printed circuit board <NUM>. As will be seen in subsequent figures, the arms of the sensor assembly receiver 400b extend through a plurality of openings in the inner shield <NUM> and then through the plurality of openings of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The first arm 465b and the second arm 475b each include a lipped end - the first proximal tab 460b and the second proximal tab 470b respectively. As seen in <FIG>, in one embodiment, the lip 462b of the first proximal tab 460b and the lip 472b of the second proximal tab 470b extend over the first proximal opening <NUM> and the second proximal opening <NUM> and onto the outer surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The lip 462b and lip 472b help to secure the sensor assembly receiver 400b to the printed circuit board <NUM> and the inner shield <NUM>.

The distal opening <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the distal arm 485b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b can also be configured to secure the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> together with the sensor assembly receiver 400b. The printed circuit board <NUM> and the inner shield <NUM> can have structures that interact with the distal arm 485b. In one embodiment, the distal arm 485b has a pair of legs 482b that form an opening 484b. In this example, the printed circuit board <NUM> has a distal opening <NUM> with a distal tab <NUM> and the inner shield <NUM> has a distal tab <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the opening 484b is disposed about the distal tab <NUM> and distal tab <NUM> that protrude from the distal ends of the inner shield <NUM> and printed circuit board <NUM> respectively. The legs 482b of the distal arm 485b extend from the base of the body 490b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b past the surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> to form the pointed end 480b. In one example, the size of the opening 484b is the distance between the top surface of the body 490b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b and the top surface of the distal tab <NUM>. The opening 484b can be configured such that it contains the distal tab <NUM> and distal tab <NUM> in order to prevent the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> from moving relative to each other.

<FIG> provide various views of the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> with and without the pogo pins <NUM> inserted through the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM>. <FIG> shows a bottom perspective view of the printed circuit board <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the inner shield <NUM> with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> located through the holes of the printed circuit board <NUM>. <FIG> shows a bottom view of the interconnected printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> without the pogo pins <NUM>. Finally, <FIG> illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of the interconnected printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> inserted in the aligned holes of the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> house can retain the pogo pins <NUM> that form the electrical connections between the electrical contacts in the connector <NUM> and the sensor. In order to retain the pogo pins <NUM> and provide for their movement, the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> have a plurality of holes. The holes for the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> must be aligned in the connector <NUM> to allow for movement of the pogo pins <NUM>. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> are retained in the proper configuration in the connector <NUM> by the plurality of arms of the sensor assembly receiver 400b.

As seen in <FIG>, the printed circuit board <NUM> can be thin with a flat proximal end and a curved distal end. As discussed above, the printed circuit board <NUM> can have a first proximal opening <NUM> and a second proximal opening <NUM> on either side of the proximal end of the printed circuit board <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of these openings is configured to be disposed about the arms of the sensor assembly receiver 400b. As well, the printed circuit board <NUM> has a distal opening <NUM> at the distal end of the printed circuit board <NUM>. In the distal opening <NUM>, a distal tab <NUM> protrudes into the distal opening <NUM>. As was discussed earlier with regard to <FIG>, the distal tab <NUM> fits in the opening 484b of the distal arm 485b. The opening 484b can secure both the distal tab <NUM> and the distal tab <NUM> against the sensor assembly receiver 400b to prevent the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> from moving relative to each other.

The printed circuit board <NUM> can also include a plurality of small holes <NUM>, large holes <NUM>, and outer holes <NUM>. In one embodiment, the small holes <NUM> accommodate the plurality of pogo pins <NUM>. In some embodiments, the large holes <NUM> can accommodate the plurality of connector pins <NUM> of the inner shield <NUM>. The plurality of connector pins <NUM> can retain the printed circuit board <NUM> to the inner shield <NUM>. This can provide additional structure to secure the inner shield <NUM> with the circuit board. As seen in <FIG>, in one embodiment, the small holes <NUM> are located on the printed circuit board <NUM> in a staggered configuration. In some embodiments, electrical contacts can be located on top side of the printed circuit board <NUM>. Finally, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> can include a plurality of outer holes <NUM> located near the border of the printed circuit board <NUM> for ease in manufacturing and assembly.

<FIG> illustrates the inner shield <NUM> with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> located in the inner shield <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner shield <NUM> includes a plurality of structures that ensures the proper positioning of the inner shield <NUM> in the connector <NUM>. Like the printed circuit board <NUM> and the outer shield <NUM>, the inner shield <NUM> can include a plurality of openings and tabs to interact with the arms of the sensor assembly receiver 400b such that the inner shield <NUM> is retained in a proper configuration on the sensor assembly receiver 400b and in the connector <NUM>. The inner shield <NUM> has a first opening <NUM>, a second opening <NUM>, and a distal tab <NUM>. As discussed earlier, the first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM> are aligned with the first proximal opening <NUM> and second proximal opening <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> respectively. These openings are disposed about the first arm 465b and second arm 475b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b. As well, the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> are secured by the first proximal tab 460b and the second proximal tab 470b. The inner shield <NUM> further has a distal tab <NUM>. The distal tab <NUM> protrudes from the distal end of the inner shield <NUM> and, as described above, can be retained by the opening 484b of the distal arm 485b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b.

The inner shield <NUM> can also include a plurality of legs to secure the inner shield <NUM> on the sensor assembly receiver 400b. As shown in <FIG>, the inner shield <NUM> has a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM> located at the proximal end of the inner shield <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the sensor assembly receiver 400b has a plurality of gaps 492b that are located on either side of the proximal end of the sensor assembly receiver 400b. In some embodiments, the gaps 492b are formed on the side of the sensor assembly receiver 400b by the space between the proximal end of the arm (e.g. the first arm 465b or the second arm 475b) and the distal side of the proximal end 410b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b. The gaps 492b can be configured to fit the width of the legs (e.g. the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM>) and secure the inner shield <NUM> in place to prevent it from moving relative to the sensor assembly receiver 400b. In this embodiment, the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> bring the proximal shelf <NUM> such that it lies flush against the distal side of the proximal end 410b of the sensor assembly receiver 400b.

The inner shield <NUM> can also include a number of structures so as to retain and properly position the printed circuit board <NUM> on the surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inner shield <NUM> can have a plurality of connector pins <NUM> and a proximal shelf <NUM>. As discussed above the plurality of connector pins <NUM> can align with the plurality of large holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> such that the large holes <NUM> are configured to be disposed about the connector pins <NUM>. The inner shield <NUM> also includes a plurality of pogo pin holes <NUM>. The plurality pogo pin holes <NUM> are located in a staggered configuration such that each of the plurality of the pogo pin holes <NUM> can be aligned to correspond with the small holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The connector pin <NUM> of the inner shield <NUM> can interact with the large holes <NUM> to maintain the passageway created by the small holes <NUM> and pogo pin holes <NUM>. This connection can be further seen in <FIG> shows a bottom view of the inner shield <NUM> with the printed circuit board <NUM> aligned over it. The pogo pin holes <NUM> of the inner shield <NUM> can be larger in diameter than the small holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each of the small holes <NUM> can be coaxially aligned with each of the pogo pin holes <NUM> so as to allow a pogo pin <NUM> to be retained and move within the passage (e.g. channel, pathway) created by the pogo pin hole <NUM> and small hole <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the pogo pin holes <NUM> are configured such that the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> are positioned in the pogo pin holes <NUM> such that both ends of each of the pogo pins <NUM> can protrude from the inner shield <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of the pogo pins <NUM> contacts the printed circuit board <NUM> and allows for an electrical connection to be formed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the pogo pins <NUM>. As will be further discussed below, the small holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the internal structure of each of the pogo pin holes <NUM> help to retain each of the pogo pins <NUM> to prevent it from moving out of the pogo pin holes <NUM> of the inner shield <NUM>. Also, as will be discussed below, the pogo pins <NUM> are retained in a staggered configuration that can accommodate sensors with a range of electrical contacts. This staggered configuration can help to reduce the profile of the connector <NUM> and allow the same connector <NUM> structure to be used in a large number of sensors.

In some examples, the connector <NUM> can have internal components (e.g. the sensor assembly receiver, printed circuit board, and inner shield) with different configurations. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and 8C - D, illustrate another embodiment of the internal components of the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a perspective side and back view of another embodiment of connector <NUM> with the outer shield <NUM> removed. As discussed above, the outer shield <NUM> retains a plurality of interior parts of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, this includes the sensor assembly receiver 400c, the printed circuit board 500b, and the inner shield 600b. As pictured here, the inner shield 600b and the printed circuit board 500b can be stacked and located above the sensor assembly receiver 400c. In some configurations, the inner shield 600b can be sandwiched between the printed circuit board 500b and the sensor assembly receiver 400c.

The printed circuit board 500b can have a plurality of openings so as to secure the printed circuit board 500b on the inner shield 600b. As will be discussed in more detail below, the printed circuit board 500b can include a plurality of large holes 520b that are disposed about the connector pin 660b of the inner shield 600b.

The sensor assembly receiver 400c can include a plurality of arms that secure the inner shield 600b to the sensor assembly receiver 400c so as to prevent movement of the inner shield 600b relative to the sensor assembly receiver 400c. In some embodiments the sensor assembly receiver 400c can include a first arm 460c, a second arm 470c, and a distal arm 480c. As seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments the first arm 460c and second arm 470c can be located on the proximal end 410c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c. In one embodiment, the first arm 460c and second arm 470c extend away from the body 490c.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the inner shield 600b can include a plurality of arms that are configured to engage with the sensor assembly receiver 400c in order to secure the sensor assembly receiver 400c to the inner shield 600b. In one embodiment, the inner shield 600b can include a first arm 610b, a second arm 620b, and a distal arm 630b. In some embodiments, the first arm 610b and second arm 620b can be located on the proximal end of the inner shield 600b and the first arm 610b and second arm 620b extend outward from the inner shield 600b. The distal arm 630b can be located on the distal end of the first arm 610b. In some embodiments, the distal arm 630b can be composed of two legs 635b that extend away from the distal end of the inner shield 600b. In some embodiments, the two legs 635b bend away from the distal end of the inner shield 600b. In some embodiments, the ends of the two legs 635b have a connected end 640b and form an opening.

<FIG> --- 4D illustrate one example of the connections between the sensor assembly receiver 400c and the inner shield 600b on the proximal end. In some embodiments, the first arm 460c and second arm 470c can extend outward to engage the proximal end of the inner shield 600b. In some variants, this engagement can allow the proximal shelf 670b to lie flush against the distal surface of the proximal end 410c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c. In some embodiments, the proximal shelf 670b is located between the first arm 460c and the second arm 470c.

<FIG> provides an illustration of one example of the connection between the sensor assembly receiver 400c and the inner shield 600b. As illustrated, the two legs 635b of the connected end 640b of the distal arm 630b can form an opening. As seen in <FIG>, the opening can allow the distal tab 485c of the distal arm 480c to protrude over the top surface of the connected end 640b. In some embodiments, this connection can prevent the inner shield 600b and sensor assembly receiver 400c from moving relative to each other. As well, as was discussed above, this securement can ensure the proper placement of the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> within the body of the sensor assembly receiver 400c.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> provide various views of alternative embodiments of the printed circuit board 500b and inner shield 600b with and without the pogo pins <NUM> inserted through the printed circuit board 500b and inner shield 600b. <FIG> shows a bottom perspective view of the printed circuit board 500b. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the inner shield 600b with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> located through the holes of the printed circuit board 500b. <FIG> illustrates another perspective view of the inner shield 600b with the pogo pins <NUM> removed. <FIG> shows a bottom view of the interconnected printed circuit board 500b and inner shield 600b without the pogo pins <NUM>. Finally, <FIG> illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of the interconnected printed circuit board 500b and inner shield 600b with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> inserted in the aligned holes of the printed circuit board 500b and inner shield 600b.

The printed circuit board 500b is similar to the printed circuit board <NUM> described above in <FIG>. Like the printed circuit board <NUM>, the printed circuit board 500b can include a plurality of small holes 510b, large holes 520b, and outer holes 540b. Like the printed circuit board <NUM>, the printed circuit board 500b can include small holes 510b that can accommodate the plurality of pogo pins <NUM>. As well, like the large holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, the large holes 520b can accommodate the plurality of connector pins 660b of the inner shield 600b. As noted above, in some embodiments, the plurality of connector pins 660b can retain the printed circuit board 500b to the inner shield 600b. As seen in <FIG>, the small holes <NUM> can be located on the printed circuit board 500b in a staggered configuration. Each of the small holes 510b can be disposed about a pogo pin <NUM> and allow for a portion of the pogo pin <NUM> to protrude through the printed circuit board 500b. In some embodiments, electrical contacts 515b can be located on the inside surface of each of the small holes 510b. Finally, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board 500b can include a plurality of outer holes 540b located near the border of the printed circuit board 500b. In some embodiments, each of the outer holes 540b can include electrical contacts 545b on the inside surface of the outer holes 540b. In some examples, the electrical contacts 545b can provide an electrical connection between the printed circuit board 500b and the attached cable.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of the inner shield. <FIG> illustrates an inner shield 600b with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> located inner shield 600b. In some embodiments, the inner shield 600b can include a plurality of structures that ensures the proper positioning of the inner shield 600b in the connector 200b. As discussed above, the inner shield 600b can include a plurality of structures to interact with sensor assembly receiver 400c and the printed circuit board 500b such that the inner shield 600b is retained in a proper configuration on the sensor assembly receiver 400c and in the connector <NUM>.

The inner shield 600b can also include a number of structures so as to retain and properly position the printed circuit board 500b on the surface of the printed circuit board 500b. As shown in <FIG>, the inner shield 600b can have a plurality of connector pins 660b and a proximal shelf 670b. As discussed above the plurality of connector pins 660b can align with the plurality of large holes 520b of the printed circuit board 500b such that the large holes 520b are configured to be disposed about the connector pins 660b. The inner shield 600b can also include a plurality of pogo pin holes 650b. The plurality pogo pin holes 650b can be located in a staggered configuration such that each of the plurality of the pogo pin holes 650b can be aligned to correspond with the small holes 510b of the printed circuit board 500b. The connector pin 660b of the inner shield 600b can interact with the large holes 520b to maintain the passageway created by the small holes 510b and pogo pin holes 650b.

This connection can be further seen in <FIG> shows a bottom view of the inner shield 600b with the printed circuit board 500b aligned over it. The pogo pin holes 650b of the inner shield 600b can be larger in diameter than the small holes 510b of the printed circuit board 500b. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each of the small holes 510b can be coaxially aligned with each of the pogo pin holes 650b so as to allow a pogo pin <NUM> to be retained and move within the passage (e.g. channel, pathway) created by the pogo pin hole 650b and small hole 510b.

As can be seen in <FIG>, as was illustrated above in <FIG>, the pogo pin holes 650b can be configured such that the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> are positioned in the pogo pin holes 650b such that both ends of each of the pogo pins <NUM> can protrude from the inner shield 600b. The distal end <NUM> of the pogo pins <NUM> contacts the printed circuit board 500b and allows for an electrical connection to be formed between the electrical contacts 545b of the printed circuit board 500b and the pogo pins <NUM> As will be further discussed below, the small holes 510b of the printed circuit board 500b and the internal structure of each of the pogo pin holes 650b can help to retain each of the pogo pins <NUM> to prevent it from moving out of the pogo pin holes 650b of the inner shield 600b. Also, as will be discussed below, the pogo pins <NUM> are retained in a staggered configuration that can accommodate sensors with a range of electrical contacts. This staggered configuration can help to reduce the profile of the connector <NUM> and allow the same connector <NUM> structure to be used in a large number of sensors. This is partly because the staggered configuration allows more separate connection points than would otherwise fit in the same space without a staggered configuration.

Each connector <NUM> contains a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> that help to establish the electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the sensor assembly 800a and the connector <NUM> as seen in the complete assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. Pogo pins can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes and usually take the form of a slender cylinder containing two spring loaded pins.

<FIG> illustrate multiple views of some embodiments of a pogo pin <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of a pogo pin <NUM>, <FIG> shows a cross section of the pogo pin <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the inside components of the pogo pins <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate two figures showing the pogo pins <NUM> retained between the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM>. <FIG> provides a cross-sectional example of the inner shield <NUM> with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> disposed within the pogo pin holes <NUM> of the inner shield <NUM>. <FIG> provides a cross-sectional example of a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> contained between the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, in one embodiment the pogo pin <NUM> can include four structures - a plunger <NUM>, a hollow barrel <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, and a contact tip <NUM>. The hollow barrel <NUM> houses the plunger <NUM>, spring <NUM>, and contact tip <NUM>. Further, the hollow barrel <NUM> disposed about the spring <NUM>. The pogo pins <NUM> can be made of a conductive material and are configured such that the spring <NUM> can push against both the plunger <NUM> and the contact tip <NUM> to move both parts such that an electrical connection is established through the pogo pin <NUM>.

The hollow barrel <NUM> has a distal opening <NUM> and proximal opening <NUM> to allow the plunger <NUM> and contact tip <NUM> to protrude from the hollow barrel <NUM> respectively. As can be seen in <FIG>, the hollow barrel <NUM> includes a distal edge <NUM> and a proximal edge <NUM> that helps to contain the pogo pins <NUM> in the interior structure of the pogo pin holes <NUM> of the inner shield <NUM>. As will be discussed further below, the interior structure of the pogo pin holes <NUM> along with the location of the small holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> retain the pogo pins <NUM> between the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM>. The hollow barrel <NUM> can also include an inner lip <NUM> on the inside surface of the hollow barrel <NUM> near the proximal opening <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail, the inner lip <NUM> can interact with the outer surface of the distal end of the contact tip <NUM> to prevent the contact tip <NUM> from exiting out from the proximal opening <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM>.

The plunger <NUM> includes a distal end <NUM>, stopper <NUM>, and cylindrical proximal end <NUM>. As is seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cylindrical proximal end <NUM> is disposed within the coils of the spring <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is located distal to the cylindrical proximal end <NUM> and has a cylindrical structure with a diameter that can be greater than the diameter of the coils of the spring <NUM> but smaller than the diameter of the inside surface of the hollow barrel <NUM>. The diameter of the stopper <NUM> allows the spring <NUM> to collapse against the surface of the stopper <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> can have a cylindrical shape that has a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the inside surface of the hollow barrel <NUM>. In one embodiment, the diameter and length of each of the distal ends <NUM> of the pogo pins <NUM> is configured to be coaxially disposed within one of the small holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. In some embodiments, distal end <NUM> is configured to engage with an electrical contact within the connector <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> can be disposed coaxially within the hollow barrel <NUM> and assists in the driving of die plunger <NUM> and the contact tip <NUM>. The spring <NUM> can be made of a conductive material which allows the spring <NUM> to connect the sensor with die electrical contacts on the printed circuit board <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is partially disposed within the hollow barrel <NUM> and can extend past the proximal opening <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM>. As discussed earlier, the cylindrical proximal end <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> is coaxially disposed within the coils of the spring <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> maintains the distal most position of the distal end of the spring <NUM>. A proximal portion of the spring <NUM> extends out from the proximal opening <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM> and is coaxially disposed within the hollow center <NUM> of the contact tip <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail, the contact tip <NUM> can interact with the spring <NUM> (e.g. compressing, shortening, extending, lengthening) as the contact tip <NUM> moves axially along the inside surface of the hollow barrel <NUM>.

The contact tip <NUM> can protrude from the proximal opening <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM>. The contact tip <NUM> has a distal end opening <NUM>, a hollow center <NUM> with an internal surface, a proximal end <NUM>, and a distal lip <NUM> on the outer surface of the distal end of the contact tip <NUM>. The contact tip <NUM> can be made of a conductive material. The distal end opening <NUM> of the contact tip <NUM> allows the spring <NUM> to extend coaxially into the hollow center <NUM> of the contact tip <NUM>. As discussed above, the hollow center <NUM> of the contact tip <NUM> is disposed about the proximal end of the spring <NUM> and movement of the contact tip <NUM> within the hollow barrel <NUM> causes the interaction of the inside surface of the contact tip <NUM><NUM> with the proximal end of the spring <NUM>. This interaction causes the spring <NUM> to either compress (e.g. shorten) or extend (e.g. lengthen). The proximal end <NUM> of the contact tip <NUM> can be configured such that it can interact with the electrical contact of the sensor assembly 800a. In some configurations, the proximal end <NUM> can be tapered to provide a consistent connection with the electrical contact of the sensor assembly 800a. In other configurations, the proximal end <NUM> has a rounded end in order to prevent damaging the surface of the electrical contact on the sensor assembly 800a. Finally, the distal lip <NUM> can have a structure that retains the contact tip <NUM> within the hollow barrel <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the distal lip <NUM> of the distal end of the contact tip <NUM> interacts with the inner distal lip <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM> such that a distal portion of the contact tip <NUM> is retained in the hollow barrel <NUM>. In one embodiment, the diameter of the inner surface of the hollow barrel <NUM> at the inner lip <NUM> is configured to be narrower than the diameter of the distal lip <NUM> but wide enough to allow the body of the contact tip <NUM> to fit through. In this configuration, the interaction between the distal lip <NUM> of the contact tip <NUM> and the inner lip <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM> prevent the contact tip <NUM> from fully exiting from the proximal opening <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate how the pogo pins <NUM> are retained between the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, each of the pogo pin holes <NUM> of the inner shield <NUM> has a distal opening <NUM> and a proximal opening <NUM>. The diameter of the distal opening <NUM> is wider than the diameter of the proximal opening <NUM> and the pogo pin holes <NUM> is configured to retain the hollow barrel <NUM> of the pogo pin <NUM>. In one configuration, the distal opening <NUM> is configured to retain the distal edge <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM> and the proximal opening <NUM> is configured to retain the proximal body portion of the hollow barrel <NUM>. This configuration retains the pogo pin <NUM> in the inner shield <NUM>. To prevent the pogo pins <NUM> from moving out of the inner shield <NUM> in a distal direction, the printed circuit board <NUM> is placed over inner shield <NUM>. The small holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> are configured to retain the distal end <NUM> of the plunger <NUM>. This can serve a multitude of purposes. For example, because the small holes <NUM> have a diameter that accommodates the distal end <NUM> but is not wide enough to accommodate the stopper <NUM> of the plunger <NUM>, this retains the components of the pogo pins <NUM> that are contained within the hollow barrel <NUM>. As well, the small holes <NUM> are configured to allow the plunger <NUM> to come in contact with the electrical contacts on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In operation, the position of both the printed circuit board <NUM> and the inner shield <NUM> allow the establishment of a secure electric connection between the electrical contact on the printed circuit board <NUM> and the electrical contact on the sensor assembly 800a. As will be discussed in further detail below, as the sensor assembly 800a is positioned in the connector <NUM>, the profile of the sensor assembly 800a pushes the contact tip <NUM> in a distal direction such that the contact tip <NUM> further retracts into the hollow barrel <NUM>. This movement causes the proximal end of the hollow center <NUM> of the contact tip <NUM><NUM> to compress the spring <NUM>. This compression force can then, in turn, force the stopper <NUM> in a distal direction that brings the distal end <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> in contact with the electrical contacts on the printed circuit board <NUM>. As the pogo pins <NUM> are made of a conductive material, this ensures that an electrical connection is established between the electrical contacts on the printed circuit board <NUM> of the connector <NUM> and the electrical contact on the sensor assembly.

The connector and sensor of the complete assembly <NUM> are designed such that the same general assembly of the connector and sensor could be used for a number of different types of sensors. As discussed previously, the configuration of the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> in the connector <NUM> allows the connector <NUM> to be adapted to accommodate a sensor with a wide range of electrical contacts. This design provides a manufacturing benefit as the general design of the complete assembly <NUM> does not need to be redesigned to accommodate every individual sensor. Instead, the configuration of the small holes <NUM> and pogo pin holes <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> can vary depending on the location of the electrical contacts on the sensor.

Because the same complete assembly <NUM> can be used for a number of different sensors, to assist a patient and/or medical practitioner in connecting the correct sensor with the correct connector, the connector and sensor of the complete assembly <NUM> can be configured with a number of helpful structures and/or characteristics. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate two examples of corresponding connectors and sensors respectively that are configured to assist a user with properly connecting the correct connector to the correct sensor. <FIG> illustrate two examples of connectors that are configured to only accept the proper sensor assembly. Similarly, <FIG> illustrate two examples of corresponding sensor assemblies that are configured to only connect with the proper connector.

<FIG> show a front and top view of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. As described above, the sensor assembly receiver (here the sensor assembly receiver 400a) has a body 490a to accommodate the male connector portion of the sensor assembly. As discussed above, the sensor assembly receiver 400a also has a plurality of arms - the first arm 465a, second arm 475a, and distal arm 485a - that help to retain the printed circuit board <NUM> and inner shield <NUM> as discussed above. The body 490a has a proximal end 410a with a tapered surface 430a that leads to the opening 420a of the body 490a. As discussed earlier, the tapered surface can help to guide the sensor into the opening 420a of the body 490a. The body 490a can include a receptor 445a that accommodates a key on the sensor. This is further shown in <FIG>, wherein the body 490a can only accommodate a sensor with a key in the shape of the receptor 445a. Further, the body 490a can also include a detent 440a that can interact with a similarly shaped detent on the sensor. As discussed below, the detent 440a and the detent located on the underside of the sensor can provide mechanical feedback to the user.

<FIG> shows a front and bottom view of the sensor assembly 800a that is configured to fit into the body 490a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. The sensor assembly 800a has a connector assembly 840a that can accommodate a sensor. As can be seen in <FIG>, the connector assembly 840a includes a top connector assembly 842a and a bottom connector assembly 844a. The top connector assembly 842a can connect with the distal portion of the bottom connector assembly 844a. As the top connector assembly 842a and bottom connector assembly 844a are connected, the distal end 850a and the opening 880a can accommodate a sensor between the two parts of the connector assembly 840a. The proximal end of the top connector assembly 842a has a tapered surface 820a that is configured to fit against the tapered surface 430a of the sensor assembly receiver 400b. The top connector assembly 842a can accommodate a label 830a. As will be discussed further below, the label 830a can vary so as to indicate the type of sensor accommodated by the sensor assembly 800a. As can be seen in <FIG>, the proximal end 870a of the bottom connector assembly 844a includes a sensor tab 810a that has a sensor side 812a, lip 814a, and a key 860a and a key detent 865a on the bottom of the sensor side 812a. The sensor side 812a has an opening that accommodates for the sensor and the lip 814a on the proximal end of the sensor tab 810a ensures the placement of the sensor on the sensor side 812a. On the reverse side of the sensor tab 810a is a key 860a. As will be discussed in further detail, the key 860a is configured to fit the detent 440a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a discussed above. As well, as will be discussed in further detail below, the key 860a is configured to engage with the receptor 445a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a.

In operation, as discussed earlier, the sensor assembly 800a can have a number of configurations to facilitate the connection between the sensor assembly 800a and the sensor assembly receiver 400a. Further, the sensor assembly 800a and sensor assembly receiver 400a can have a number of other configurations to ensure that the correct sensor assembly 800a is connected to the proper sensor assembly receiver 400a. As discussed above, the tapered surface 820a corresponds with the tapered surface 430a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a and can help to guide the sensor tab 810a into the opening 420a of the body 490a. As discussed above, each sensor assembly has a key that corresponds with the detent of the corresponding sensory assembly receiver of the connector <NUM>. Here, the key 860a from <FIG> is configured to fit the receptor 445a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the shape of the receptor 445a is shaped to receive the key 860a of the sensor assembly 800a. The location of the key 860a and the receptor 445a also ensure that the sensor assembly 800a is inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400a with the sensor side 812a up. Further, as discussed above, the underside of the sensor tab 810a includes a key detent 865a that can be engaged with the detent 440a located on the bottom surface of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. Once inserted, the sensor tab 810a and the detent 440a can engage to provide mechanical feedback to the user. As will be discussed in further detail below, the sensor has a number of electrical contacts that will interact with the pogo pins <NUM> shown in previous figures. This connection will ensure that an electrical connection is created between the connector <NUM> and the sensor assembly.

Finally, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver 400a can have the same color as the label 830a of the sensor assembly 800a. For example, the sensor assembly receiver 400a and the label 830a of the sensor assembly 800a can both have a red color, a blue color, a black color, or a gray color. In this embodiment, when the sensor assembly receiver 400a is assembled inside the connector <NUM>, the colored top tab 450a and the colored tapered surface 430a are visible from the outer jacket <NUM> of the connector <NUM>. The matching colors of the visible portions of the sensor assembly receiver 400a and the label 830a allow the user to identify visually whether the correct connector <NUM> is attached to the correct sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver 400a can have a color indicator on the tapered surface 430a and the top tab 450a. In some examples, this provides the user with a visual indicator as to what sensor assembly can be properly inserted into the connector. Because the tapered surface 430a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a is no longer visible once the sensor assembly 800a is inserted, in some embodiments, the top tab 450a can serve as a visual indicator to the user regarding the type of sensor the complete assembly <NUM> includes.

In order to prevent improper connections between different connectors and sensor assemblies, different connectors can have different detents. The corresponding sensor assemblies, in turn, will have keys that correspond with the connecting detent. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate another example complete assembly <NUM> where the sensor assembly receiver 400b and sensor assembly 800b have corresponding receptor 445b and key 860b and corresponding detent 440b and key detent 865b. As seen in <FIG>, the sensor assembly receiver 400b has the same construction as the sensor assembly receiver 400a except the receptor 445b and detent 440b of the body 490b have a different configuration than the receptor 445a and detent 440a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. <FIG> illustrate the sensor assembly 800b that has the same construction as the sensor assembly 800a except the key 860b has a different configuration than the key 860a. The key 860b is configured to interact with the receptor 445b. Therefore, the sensor assembly receiver 400b is configured such that it can only be inserted into a connector <NUM> with a sensor assembly 800b. Further, as discussed earlier, the label 830b has a different design than the label 830a and can help a user identify the sensor attached to the sensor assembly 800b. As well, the sensor assembly receiver 400b can have the same color as the label 830b of the sensor assembly 800b. As discussed earlier, the sensor assembly receiver 400b and label 830b of the sensor assembly 800b can both have a red color, a blue color, a black color, or a gray color. Because the top tab 450b and the 320b are visible from the outer jacket <NUM> of the connector <NUM>, the user is readily able to identify that the sensor assembly 800b can be properly inserted into the connector <NUM> with a sensor assembly receiver 400b.

As discussed above, the detent can provide the user with a mechanical "locking" feel as the proximal end of the sensor assembly is inserted into the connector. In addition to the interaction between the detent located on the sensor assembly and sensor assembly receiver, this is accomplished by the interaction between the pogo pins <NUM> and the sensor side 812a of the sensor tab 810a. In the connector <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>, the pogo pins <NUM> extend from the inner shield <NUM> into the body 490a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. As the sensor tab 810a is inserted into the body 490a the key detent 865a of the sensor assembly 800a begins to engage with the detent 440a of the sensor assembly receiver 400a. The insertion of the sensor tab 810a causes the surface of the sensor side 812a to contact the proximal end <NUM> and retract the contact tip <NUM> distally into the hollow barrel <NUM>. Once the proximal end of the sensor assembly 800a is fully inserted into the body 490a, the spring force of the springs <NUM> in the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> can push the contact tip <NUM> in a proximal direction - causing the contact tip <NUM> to extend out of the proximal opening <NUM> of the hollow barrel <NUM>. As the contact tip <NUM> of the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> extend outwards, the proximal end of the sensor assembly receiver 400a will be pushed downward such that the key detent 865a and detent 440a are activated (e.g. fully engaged). This interaction can further provide the user with a mechanical "locking" feel which provides a tactile indication to the user that the sensor assembly has been properly inserted into the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG>, according to the invention, provide an embodiment of the engagement between the sensor assembly and sensor assembly receiver. The sensor assembly receiver and sensor assembly reduce the wear on the electrical contacts on the surface of the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a structure on the proximal end to prevent jamming and to ensure that the sensor assembly enters the sensor assembly receiver at the correct angle.

According to the invention, the sensor assembly receiver and sensor assembly can be configured to reduce the wear on the surface of the sensor assembly. As discussed above, as the sensor assembly is inserted into the sensor assembly receiver, the pogo pins can contact the traces located on the surface of the sensor assembly. As will be discussed below, because the pogo pins can be spring loaded in order to better contact the traces located on the surface of the sensor assembly, repeated insertions of the sensor assembly can cause significant wear on the surface of the sensor assembly receiver. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of the sensor assembly and sensor assembly receiver that can be configured to reduce the wear on the sensor surface of the sensor assembly.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a sensor assembly receiver configured to reduce the wear of the sensor surface of the sensor assembly. As can be seen, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver 400c is very similar to the sensor assembly receiver illustrated in <FIG>. The sensor assembly receiver 400c can include a proximal end 410c and a body 490c. In some embodiments, the proximal end 410c can include a tapered surface 430c and an opening 420c. In some embodiments, the proximal end 410c includes a top tab 450c. As discussed above, the top tab 450c and the tapered surface 430c of the proximal end 410c can have a color that corresponds with a portion of the sensor assembly in order to provide a visual indication to the user that the correct sensor assembly has been attached to the property connector with the corresponding sensor assembly receiver. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the sensor assembly receiver 400c can include a plurality of arms that allow the sensor assembly receiver 400c to be secured within the connector <NUM>. Like the sensor assembly receivers discussed above, the sensor assembly receiver 400c can include a first arm 460c, a second arm 470c, distal arm 480c, and distal tab 485c. <FIG> illustrates two additional embodiments of sensor assembly receivers configured to reduce the wear of the sensor surface of the sensor assembly. <FIG> illustrates the sensor assembly receiver 400d and <FIG> illustrates the sensor assembly receiver 400e. The sensor assembly receiver 400d and sensor assembly receiver 400e can similarly include the parts described with regard to sensor assembly receiver 400a, sensor assembly receiver 400b, and sensor assembly receiver 400c described above.

The sensor assembly receiver embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, like the sensor assembly receivers illustrated in <FIG>, is configured to receive a key from a corresponding sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver embodiments are also configured to include a detent structure that can interact with a corresponding detent structure on the underside of the sensor assembly to provide mechanical feedback. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver includes a ramp that can raise the sensor assembly within the sensor assembly receiver.

<FIG>, illustrates a sensor assembly receiver 400c that can include a receptor 445c and a detent 440c. As can be better seen in <FIG>, the sensor assembly receiver 400c includes a receptor 445c that is located on two sides of the bottom surface 443c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c. The receptor 445c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c can include receptor protrusions 447c near the distal end of the sensor assembly receiver 400c. The receptor protrusion 447c creates a raised portion from the receptor 445c. The receptor 445c can also include a receptor end 449c located at the distal end of the sensor assembly receiver 400c that is no longer elevated. The sensor assembly receiver 400c can also include a detent 440c. As can be seen in <FIG>, the detent 440c can be located near the proximal end of the sensor assembly receiver 400c and form a groove in the bottom surface 443c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c. As well, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver 400c can include an angled surface 441c. As can be seen in <FIG>, the angled surface 441c raises the bottom surface 443c.

The two embodiments illustrated in <FIG> provide similar structures as discussed above. <FIG> illustrates a sensor assembly receiver 400d that has a receptor 445d that is located at the center of the bottom surface 443d of the sensor assembly receiver 400d. The receptor 445d of the sensor assembly receiver 400d can include receptor protrusion 447d near the distal end of the sensor assembly receiver 400d. The receptor protrusion 447d creates a raised portion from the receptor 445d. The receptor 445d can also include a receptor end 449d located at the distal end of the sensor assembly receiver 400d that is not elevated. The sensor assembly receiver 400d can also include a detent 440d. As can be seen in <FIG>, the detent 440d is composed of two portions that are located on either side of the proximal end of the receptor 445d and form grooves in the bottom surface 443d of the sensor assembly receiver 400d. As well, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly receiver 400d can include an angled surface angled surface 441d. As can be seen in FIG. I, the angled surface 441d raises the bottom surface 443c. <FIG> illustrates a sensor assembly receiver 400e that has a similar configuration to the sensor assembly receiver 400d described above. In the embodiment illustrated in sensor assembly receiver 400e, compared to the sensor assembly receiver 400d, the receptor 445e is narrower and the two detents 440c are longer.

As discussed above, the sensor assembly can be configured to include a key and detent structures that are structured to engage with the sensor assembly receiver that the sensor on the sensor assembly is configured to form an electrical connection with. <FIG> illustrate three embodiments of the sensor assembly. <FIG> illustrates a sensor assembly 800c that is configured to be inserted into a connector <NUM> with a sensor assembly receiver 400c as illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a sensor assembly 800d that is configured to be inserted into a connector <NUM> with a sensor assembly receiver 400d as illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a sensor assembly 800e that is configured to be inserted into a connector <NUM> with a sensor assembly receiver 400e as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the underside of the sensor tab 810c of the sensor assembly 800c. The sensor assembly 800c can include a key 860c. In this embodiment, the key 860c is composed of two rectangular structures on the underside of the sensor tab 810c. As will be discussed in more detail below, the key 860c is configured to engage with the receptor 445c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c. On the proximal end 870c of the key 860c, the key 860c can include a curved bottom receptor 876c and a protruding bottom protrusion 874c. The bottom receptor 876c and bottom protrusion 874c can be configured to engage with the receptor protrusion 447c and the receptor end 449c respectively. The sensor assembly 800c can also include a key detent 865c. In some embodiments, the key detent 865c is located near the distal end of the sensor tab 810c between the two structures making up the key 860c. As will be discussed in more detail below, the key detent 865c is configured to engage with the detent 440c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c.

<FIG> illustrates sensor assembly 800d, another embodiment of the underside of the sensor tab of a sensor assembly and <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the sensor tab 810d. The sensor assembly 800d can also include a key 860d. In this embodiment, the key 860d is composed of a rectangular structure centered on the underside of the sensor tab 810d. As will be discussed in more detail below, the key 860d is configured to engage with the receptor 445d of the sensor assembly receiver 400d. On the proximal end 870d of the key 860d, the key 860d can include a curved bottom receptor 876d and a protruding bottom protrusion 874d. The bottom receptor 876d and bottom protrusion 874d can be configured to engage with the receptor protrusion 447d and the receptor end 449d respectively. The sensor assembly 800d can also include two key detents 865d. In some embodiments, the two key detents 865d are located near the distal end of the sensor tab 810d on either side of the key 860d. As will be discussed in more detail below, the two key detents 865d is configured to engage with the detents 440d of the sensor assembly receiver 400d. <FIG> illustrates a sensor assembly 800e that has a similar configuration to the sensor assembly 800d described above. In the embodiment illustrated in sensor assembly 800e, compared to the sensor assembly 800d, the key 860c is wider and the two key detents 865e are longer in order to engage with the receptor 445e and detents 440e of sensor assembly receiver 400e. As well, the bottom receptor 876d and bottom protrusion 874d are configured to engage with the receptor protrusion 447e and receptor end 449e respectively.

In some embodiments, the sensor assemblies can include additional structures that allow the sensor assemblies to be further secured within the connector <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates embodiments of sensor assemblies from <FIG> that further include structures on either side of the sensor tab that can be secured by the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the structures on either side of the sensor tab can be configured to serve as a locking structure that secures the sensor tab to the connector exhaust line <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the sensor assembly 800c with a sensor tab 810c that includes an indentation 890c on either side of the sensor tab 810c. As noted above, in some embodiments, the indentations 890c can serve as a locking structure that engages the connector <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the sensor assembly 800d with a sensor tab 810d that includes an indentation 890d on either side of the sensor tab 810d. In some embodiments, the indentations 890d can serve as a locking structure that engages the connector <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the sensor assembly 800e with a sensor tab 810e that includes an indentation 890e on either side of the sensor tab 810e. In some embodiments, the indentations 890e can serve as a locking structure that engages the connector <NUM>.

In operation, the connector <NUM> can include a locking structure that can be configured to interact with the indentations on either side of the sensor tab. In some embodiments, this locking structure prevents movement within the connector <NUM>. In some variants, the connector <NUM> further includes an unlocking mechanism that releases the locking structure from the sensor tab. In some examples, the sensor assembly cannot be removed from the connector <NUM> without first actuating the unlocking mechanism. In other embodiments, the sensor tab can include other structures that allow the connector <NUM> to secure the sensor assembly within the connector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly can include a sensor tab with protrusions located on either side of the proximal end. In some variants, the protrusion can ensure that the sensor assembly is inserted into the sensor assembly receiver parallel to the pogo pins <NUM> that extend through the sensor assembly receiver. In some embodiments, this can prevent the sensor assembly from being inserted at an angle and jamming the pogo pins <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example of the proximal end 870c of the sensor assembly 800c. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the proximal end 870c of the sensor assembly 800c includes a proximal protrusion 872c on either side of the top surface of the proximal end 870c of the sensor tab 810c. In some embodiments, the height of the proximal protrusion 872c ensures that the sensor tab 810c is inserted through the opening 420c at a distance from the top of the opening 420c and therefore at a distance from the pogo pins <NUM>.

The sensor assembly receiver embodiments illustrated in <FIG> can reduce the wear on the surface sensor assembly through the configuration of the receptor and detent located on the insides surface of the sensor assembly receiver. As discussed above, the sensor assembly receiver includes a receptor that is configured to receive a key located on the underside of the sensor assembly. As discussed above, this ensures that the sensor assembly receiver can only receive certain sensor assemblies. As well, it ensures that the sensor assembly is attached to the sensor assembly receiver with the sensor side facing up so as to properly form an electrical connection with the pogo pins located inside the connector. In some embodiments, the detent located inside the sensor assembly receiver can engage with a corresponding detent located on the underside of the sensor assembly. As discussed above, the detent provides the user with a tactile or mechanical feedback to indicate to the user that the sensor assembly has been properly inserted. In the embodiments of the sensor assembly receivers illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor assembly receiver includes a ramp that brings the surface of the sensor assembly receiver.

<FIG> illustrate the interaction between the sensor assembly receiver and sensor assembly discussed above in <FIG> and <FIG> respectively. <FIG> illustrate the sensor assembly 800c as it is inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400c. <FIG> provide a side cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly 800c as it is incrementally inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400c. <FIG> provides a top perspective two-thirds cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly 800c as it is partially inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400c. <FIG> illustrate the sensor assembly 800d as it is inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400d. <FIG> --- E provide a side cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly 800d as it is incrementally inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400d. <FIG> provides a top perspective two-thirds cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly 800e as it is partially inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400e. <FIG> illustrate the sensor assembly 800e as it is inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400e. <FIG> provide a side cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly 800e as it is incrementally inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400e. <FIG> provides a top perspective two-thirds cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly 800c as it is partially inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400e.

In operation, as discussed above, the sensor assembly and sensor assembly receiver can interact to reduce the wear on the top surface of the sensor assembly as its received in the sensor assembly receiver. As illustrated in <FIG>, as the sensor assembly 800c is inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400c, the sensor side 812c of the sensor tab 810c can interact with the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> that extend downward into the sensor assembly receiver 400c. Because each of the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> can be spring loaded, the closer the sensor side 812c is to the pogo pins <NUM>, the greater the pressure is exerted on the sensor side 812c of the sensor tab 810c as the sensor assembly 800c is inserted. This can cause increased wear of the sensor on the sensor assembly 800c. As
illustrated in <FIG>, wear on the sensor side 812c of the sensor tab 810c is reduced by creating two levels on the bottom surface 443c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c for the sensor assembly 800c to move against. As is illustrated in <FIG>, when the sensor assembly 800c is first inserted into the sensor assembly receiver 400c, the sensor tab 810c moves adjacent to the bottom surface 443c. The
bottom surface 443c is configured such that it reduces the interaction and pressure placed on the sensor side 812c by the plurality of pogo pins <NUM>. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, as the sensor tab 810c of the sensor assembly 800c is further inserted into sensor assembly 800c, an angled surface 441c of the bottom surface 443c serves as a ramp to move the sensor tab 810c to an elevated level. In some embodiments, the sensor tab 810c further includes a ramp 815c on the distal end that can also serve to move the sensor tab 810c to an elevated level. This elevated level brings the sensor tab 810c closer against the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> in order to provide a more secure electrical connection with the sensor assembly receiver 400c. In some embodiments, the key detent 865c and detent 440c, in addition to providing the user with a mechanical feedback, can serve to lock the sensor tab 810c of the sensor assembly 800c in the elevated configuration. In addition, in some examples, as illustrated in <FIG>, the bottom receptor 876c and bottom protrusion 874c located at the proximal end 870c of the sensor tab 810c can interact with the receptor protrusion 447c and receptor end 449c of the sensor assembly receiver 400c to secure the sensor assembly 800c in the sensor assembly receiver 400c. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sensor assembly 800d and sensor assembly receiver 400d and sensor assembly 800e and sensor assembly receiver 400e interact in a similar or identical manner as discussed above. These embodiments further illustrate the goal of reducing wear on the sensor side of the sensor tab in various embodiments. The numbering convention of <FIG> applies to <FIG> except the "c" is replaced with a "d" and <FIG> except the "c" is replaced with an "e.

As discussed above, one of the advantages of the present design is the ability of the connector and sensor assembly to accommodate various sensors with a wide range of electrical contacts. This is accomplished through the use of pogo pins <NUM> and a sensor with a plurality of electrical contacts on its surface. As will discussed more fully below, because the connector <NUM> can accommodate a large number of electrical contacts, the configuration of the pogo pins <NUM> in the connector <NUM> is important to prevent short circuiting.

As discussed above, the sensor assembly can accommodate different sensors. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the sensor assembly 800a has a connector assembly 840a has a top connector assembly 842a and bottom connector assembly 844a that can accommodate and retain the sensor. The proximal end of the sensor has a plurality of electrical contacts on the sensor that are located on the sensor side 812a of the sensor tab 810a. <FIG> illustrates an example of a sensor assembly proximal end <NUM> with the sensor placed on the sensor tab. The sensor assembly proximal end <NUM> includes the connector assembly <NUM> with a sensor tab <NUM> and lip <NUM> on the proximal end. The sensor <NUM> is retained between the two parts of the connector assembly <NUM> such that the sensor <NUM> protrudes from both the opening <NUM> of the top connector assembly <NUM> and also from the distal end <NUM> of the connector assembly <NUM>. The proximal end of the sensor <NUM> has a plurality of electrical contacts on its surface (e.g. electrical contact 900al, electrical contact 900b1, electrical contact 900c1, electrical contact 900c2, electrical contact 900d1, electrical contact 900d2, electrical contact 900e1, electrical contact 900f1, electrical contact 900g1, electrical contact 900g2) that are configured to engage the contact tips <NUM> of the plurality of pogo pins <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the staggered electrical contacts on the surface of the sensor <NUM> are arranged in a plurality of rows. In the example shown in <FIG>, electrical contact 900a1 is in one row, electrical contact 900b1 is in a second row, electrical contact 900c1 and electrical contact 900c2 are in a third row, electrical contact 900d1 and electrical contact 900d2 are in a fourth row, electrical contact 900e1 is in a fifth row, electrical contact 900f1 is in a sixth row, and sensor assembly proximal end <NUM> electrical contact g1 and electrical contact 900g2 is in a seventh row. As will be further shown below, the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> are arranged and retained in a similar configuration in the inner shield <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the sensor assembly proximal end <NUM> wherein the plurality of traces <NUM> includes a ground trace <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the ground trace <NUM> - labeled as trace <NUM> "<NUM>" - has portions that extend from the proximal end of the sensor tab to the proximal end of the lip <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the ground trace 955b is electrically connected entirely on the surface of the sensor tab. In other embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the ground trace <NUM> has portions that are electrically connected beneath the surface of the sensor. In other embodiments, the ground trace <NUM> is intermittently connected across the surface of the sensor.

In some embodiments, the ground trace <NUM> can serve as a grounding line to discharge any buildup of static electricity in the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, to prevent damage to the connector <NUM> or the sensor assembly, the sensor assembly can be discharged before certain electrical connections are formed between the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> and the traces <NUM> (e.g. whether some or all of the traces <NUM>). In some examples, in order to ground the sensor assembly before any of the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> contacts any of the plurality of traces <NUM>, the ground trace <NUM> can be configured such that a portion of the connector <NUM> will contact the ground trace <NUM> before any of the other traces <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the ground trace <NUM> extends further in a proximal direction than the other traces in the same row (e.g. trace "<NUM>", trace "<NUM>", and trace "<NUM>"). In this way, as the sensor side <NUM> of the sensor assembly proximal end <NUM> is inserted into the connector <NUM>, a structure within the connector <NUM> will contact the ground trace <NUM> to first discharge the sensor assembly before the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> contact the remaining traces <NUM> on the sensor side <NUM>.

In order to ground the sensor assembly, a portion of the connector <NUM> can be grounded. In some embodiments the outer shield <NUM> is connected to ground. In other embodiments, the inner shield <NUM> is connected to ground. As discussed above, in some examples, a portion of the connector <NUM> that is configured to contact the sensor side <NUM> of the sensor assembly is connected to the grounded portion of the connector <NUM> (for example, the outer shield <NUM> or the inner shield <NUM>). In some examples, one of the plurality of pogo pins <NUM> is connected to ground and can be configured to contact the ground trace <NUM>. In other examples, the inside surface of the connector <NUM> includes a structure (for example, a protrusion or extended piece such as a flexible wire or contact) near the opening of the connection which is configured to contact the ground trace <NUM> to ground the sensor assembly before contact is made with any other electrically conductive portion of the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> show an example of a connector with pogo pins <NUM> that correspond with the electrical contacts on the sensor of the corresponding sensor assembly. The sensor assembly proximal end <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a connector assembly <NUM> with a top connector assembly <NUM> that has an opening <NUM> from which the sensor <NUM> protrudes from. The sensor <NUM> is contained on the sensor tab <NUM> and has a plurality of electrical contacts <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the connector <NUM> with a plurality of pogo pins <NUM>. In the example sensor assembly and connector shown in <FIG>, the configuration of the electrical contacts on the sensor <NUM> and pogo pins <NUM> in the connector <NUM> are arranged to establish a plurality of electrical connections between the sensor <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> has a plurality of electrical contacts - electrical contact a, electrical contact b1, electrical contact b2, electrical contact c1. electrical contact c2, electrical contact d1, electrical contact d2, electrical contact el, electrical contact e2, electrical contact e3, electrical contact e4, electrical contact f1 , electrical contact f2, electrical contact g1. and electrical contact g2. The connector <NUM> has a plurality of pogo pins <NUM> - pogo pin contact a', pogo pin contact b1, pogo pin contact b2', pogo pin contact c1', pogo pin contact c2', pogo pin contact d1', pogo pin contact d2', pogo pin contact e1', pogo pin contact e2', pogo pin contact e3', pogo pin contact e4', pogo pin contact f1', pogo pin contact f2', pogo pin contact g1', and pogo pin contact g2'. These pogo pins <NUM> contact the plurality of electrical contacts <NUM> to establish a plurality of electrical connections. In the present example, once the sensor tab <NUM> is fully inserted into the connector <NUM>, the following pogo pins contact the following electrical contacts: pogo pin contact a' with electrical contact a, pogo pin contact b1' with electrical contact b1. pogo pin contact b2' with electrical contact b2, pogo pin contact c1' with electrical contact c1, pogo pin contact c7' with electrical contact c2, pogo pin contact d1' with electrical contact d1, pogo pin contact e1' with electrical contact e1, pogo pin contact f1' with electrical contact f1, pogo pin contact f2' with electrical contact f2, pogo pin contact g1' with electrical contact g1, and pogo pin contact g2' with electrical contact g2.

As the sensor tab <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> of the sensory assembly receiver <NUM>, the pogo pins <NUM> proximal to the opening <NUM> will contact the length of the sensor <NUM> before connecting with its corresponding electrical contacts. For example, pogo pin contact a1' will contact the proximal end of the sensor <NUM> before reaching the electrical contact a. Therefore, in one configuration, to prevent short circuiting, the electrical contacts on the sensor <NUM> and the corresponding pogo pins <NUM> in the connector <NUM> are arranged in staggered rows to minimize the electrical contacts that the proximal end of each of the pogo pins <NUM> will touch as the sensor tab <NUM> is inserted into the connector <NUM>. For example, as seen in <FIG>, the electrical contact b1 is located proximal and between the electrical contact a and electrical contact c1. In this way, the pogo pin contact a1' and pogo pin contact c1' on either side of the pogo pin contact b1' will not contact the electrical contact b1 as the sensor tab <NUM> is inserted.

Claim 1:
A connector and sensor assembly (<NUM>) for the connection of medical sensors suitable for measuring bodily functions, the connector and sensor assembly including:
a connector (<NUM>) including a sensor assembly receiver (400c-e), the sensor assembly receiver (400c-e) comprising:
an opening (420c) with an internal surface, and
a plurality of pogo pins (<NUM>) extending from the internal surface, wherein the plurality of pogo pins are in a staggered configuration; and
a sensor assembly (800c to 800e) accommodating a sensor including a plurality of electrical contacts, the sensor assembly (800c to 800e) including:
a body portion, and
a sensor tab (810c-e) having on its top side the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the sensor tab (810c-e) is configured to be removably inserted into the opening (420c) of the connector (<NUM>),
wherein the plurality of electrical contacts includes an electrical contact (<NUM>) that serves as a grounding line,
wherein the electrical contact (<NUM>) that serves as the grounding line is configured such that any of the plurality of pogo pins (<NUM>) contacts the grounding line before contacting any of the remaining plurality of electrical contacts, and
the connector (<NUM>) further comprising a first tapered surface (430c) on the proximal end of the connector (<NUM>) and the sensor assembly (800c to 800e) further comprising a second tapered surface on the proximal end of the sensor assembly (800c to 800e), and wherein the first tapered surface (430c) tapers into the opening (420c) of the connector (<NUM>) and the second tapered surface tapers outward,
wherein the connector and sensor assembly is configured such that, when the sensor assembly (800c 800e) is first inserted into the sensor assembly receiver (400c-e), the sensor tab (810c-e) moves adjacent to a bottom surface (443c-d) of the sensor assembly receiver (400c-e), and as the sensor tab (810c-e) is further inserted into the sensor assembly receiver (400c-e), an angled surface (441c-d) of the bottom surface (443c-d) of the sensor assembly receive (400c-e) serves as a ramp to move the sensor tab (810c-e) to an elevated level.