WO2025226858A1

WO2025226858A1 - Hub connector for thermal fluid delivery system

Info

Publication number: WO2025226858A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/026040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean E. Walker; Matthew SOJKA; Madeline Stich; Gabriel A. Johnston
Original assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
Current assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
Priority date: 2024-04-25
Filing date: 2025-04-23
Publication date: 2025-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-25

Abstract

A fluid connector set includes a hub and a number of fluid connectors configured to individually coupled with the hub. The hub and the fluid connectors each can include valves that open upon coupling and close upon decoupling. A latch mechanism can permit decoupling of the fluid connector from the hub only upon depressing an actuator, while coupling of the fluid connect to the hub can be permitted without depressing the actuator. Electrical pins of the hub are arranged to make a correct connection with contact pads of an electrical device of the fluid connector in a first orientation of the fluid connector and a second orientation flipped 180 degrees from the first orientation.

Description

HUB CONNECTOR FOR THERMAL FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/638,841, filed April 25, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

BACKGROUND

[0002] TTM systems circulate a fluid (e.g., water) through one or more thermal contact pads coupled with a patient to affect surface-to-surface thermal energy exchange with the patient. In general, TTM systems comprise a TTM fluid control module coupled with one or multiple thermal contact pads via a single fluid delivery line coupled with the TTM fluid control module multiple fluid lines individually coupled with multiple thermal pads. In some embodiments, tubing extends from a thermal contact pad to couple with the fluid delivery line. One such TTM system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,232, titled “Patient Temperature Control System with Fluid Pressure Maintenance” filed October 11, 2001, and one such thermal contact pad and related system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,045 titled “Cooling/heating Pad and System” filed lanuary 4, 1999, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0003] A fluid delivery line generally includes at least two fluid conduits for transporting TTM fluid to and from the thermal contact pad. Fluid delivery lines may include connection systems for selectively connecting to and disconnecting from the thermal contact pad. Although TTM systems may include a functionality to purge a thermal contact pad prior to disconnecting the thermal contact pad from a fluid delivery line, an operator may fail to utilize such functionality and, even when utilized, such functionality may leave some TTM fluid in the thermal contact pad. As a result, upon disconnection, some TTM fluid may leak from the tubing extending from the thermal connection pad thereby causing health and safety risks. Disclosed herein are connector systems, and devices for preventing leakage of TTM fluid upon disconnecting a thermal contact pad from a fluid delivery line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Briefly summarized, disclosed herein is a hub that, according to some embodiments, a hub housing defining a proximal end and a distal end and a first fluid port and a second fluid port at the proximal end of the hub housing. The hub further includes a number of hub connector sets at the distal end, where each hub connector set is configured to couple with a pad connector. Each hub connector set includes a first male connector in fluid communication with the first fluid port, where the first male connector is configured to fluidly couple with a first female connector of the pad connector; and a second male connector in fluid communication with the second fluid port, where the second male connector is configured to fluidly couple with a second female connector of the pad connector. The hub further includes a latch mechanism operatively coupled the hub housing and the pad connector, where the latch mechanism is configured to prevent decoupling of the pad connector from the hub connector set in the absence of a deliberate action by a user.

[0005] In some embodiments, each of the first and second male connectors includes a normally closed hub valve in line therewith such that (i) coupling the pad connector to the connector set transitions the hub valve from a closed configuration to an opened configuration, and (ii) decoupling the pad connector from the connector set transitions the hub valve from the opened configuration to the closed configuration.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hub valve comprises a piston longitudinally slidable within the hub housing between a distal position defining the closed configuration and a proximal position defining the open configuration, where the piston is biased toward the distal position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the piston includes a piston lumen extending longitudinally along the piston, the piston lumen defining fluid communication between an open distal end of the piston and one or more side ports adjacent a proximal end of the piston, where in the open configuration, the one or more side ports are in fluid communication with a respective one of the first or second fluid ports, and where in the closed configuration, the fluid communication with a respective one of the first or second fluid ports is interrupted. In some embodiments, the piston includes a distal tip having a frustoconical outer surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, each hub connector set further includes a number of electrical pins configured to define an electrical connection between electrically conducting members of the hub and an electrical device of the pad connector. In some embodiments, the electrical pins are positioned between the first and second male connectors. In some embodiments, the electrical pins include a signal pin disposed between two ground pins, the signal pin centrally located between the first and second male connectors.

[0009] In some embodiments, the latch mechanism includes a latch actuator, such that depressing the latch actuator transitions the latch mechanism from a retaining configuration to a releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to decouple from the hub, and the latch mechanism includes a ramp surface configured to slidably engage an angled edge of the pad connector, such that displacing the pad connector toward the hub automatically transitions the latch mechanism toward the releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to couple with the hub.

[00010] Also disclosed herein is a pad connector that, according to some embodiments, includes a frame attaching a first female connector to a second female connector in side by side relationship, where each of the first and second female connectors includes a lumen extending between an opening at a proximal end and conduit connector a distal end. Each of the first and second female connectors are configured to fluidly couple with first and second male connectors of a hub when the pad connector is coupled with the hub, and each of the first and second female connectors includes a connector valve disposed within the opening in line with the connector lumen, where the connector valve is configured to transition from a closed configuration to an opened configuration upon coupling of the pad connector with the hub. In some embodiments of the pad connector, the connector valve includes a septum extending across the opening, and the septum includes a slit extending through the septum.

[00011] In some embodiments of the pad connector, each of the first and second female connectors includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending laterally away from opposite sides of the first and second female connectors, and each protrusion is configured to operatively engage a latch mechanism of the hub.

[00012] In some embodiments, the pad connector further includes an electrical device coupled with the frame between the first and second female connectors adjacent the proximal ends of the first and second female connectors.

[00013] In some embodiments of the pad connector, the electrical device includes a first electrical contact pad and a second electrical contact pad, where the first and second electrical contact pads face a proximal direction. The first electrical contact pad is centrally positioned between the first and second female connectors, and the second electrical contact pad is position off set from the first electrical contact pad. In some embodiments of the pad connector, a line extending between the first and second electrical contact pads is perpendicular to a line extending between the first and second female connectors.

[00014] Also disclosed herein is a connector set that, according to some embodiments, includes hub including a hub housing defining a proximal end and a distal end, where the hub includes a first fluid port and a second fluid port at the proximal end of the hub housing. The hub further includes a number of hub connector sets at the distal end, where each connector set includes a first male connector in fluid communication with the first fluid port and a second male connector in fluid communication with the second fluid port. The connector set further includes a number of pad connectors configured to couple with the hub, where the number of pad connectors is equal to or less than the number of hub connector sets. Each pad connector includes a frame attaching a first female connector to a second female connector in side by side relationship, where each of the first and second female connectors includes a lumen extending between an opening at a proximal end and conduit connector a distal end and a connector valve disposed within the opening in line with the connector lumen. Each of the first and second female connectors are configured to fluidly couple each of the first and second male connectors of the hub when the pad connector is coupled with the hub, and each of the first and second male connectors includes a distal tip configured for insertion with the opening such that the distal tip contacts the connector valve when pad connector is coupled with the hub. Further, each connector valve is configured to transition from a closed configuration to an opened configuration as a result of the contact of the distal tip with the connector valve.

[00015] In some embodiments of the connector set, each of the first and second male connectors includes a normally closed hub valve in line therewith such that (i) coupling the pad connector to the hub transitions the hub valve from a closed configuration to an opened configuration, and (ii) decoupling the pad connector from the hub transitions the hub valve from the opened configuration to the closed configuration.

[00016] In some embodiments of the connector set, the hub valve is operatively coupled with the distal tip such that depression of the distal tip away from an extended position transitions the hub valve from the closed configuration to the opened configuration, and the contact of the connector valve with the distal tip when the pad connector is coupled with the hub depresses the distal tip away from an extended position. [00017] In some embodiments of the connector set, the hub includes a latch mechanism configured to prevent decoupling of the pad connector from the hub in the absence of a deliberate action by the user.

[00018] In some embodiments of the connector set, the latch mechanism includes a latch actuator, such that depressing the latch actuator transitions the latch mechanism from a retaining configuration to a releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to decouple from the hub, and the latch mechanism further includes a ramp surface configured to slidably engage an angled edge of a protrusion of the pad connector, such that displacing the pad connector toward the hub automatically transitions the latch mechanism toward the releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to couple with the hub.

[00019] In some embodiments of the connector set, the pad connector includes an electrical device coupled with the frame between the first and second female connectors adjacent the proximal ends of the first and second female connectors, where the electrical device includes a signal contact pad and a ground contact pad, and where the ground contact pad is positioned off set from the signal contact pad. The hub includes a signal pin positioned between a first ground pin and a second ground pin, where the first ground pin and the second ground pin are positioned off set from the signal pin on opposite sides of the signal pin. Upon coupling of the pad connector with the hub with the pad disposed in a first orientation, the signal pin electrically contacts the signal pad and the first ground pin contacts the ground pad, and upon coupling of the pad connector with the hub with the pad disposed in a second orientation, where the pad connector is flipped 180 degrees from the first orientation, the signal pin electrically contacts the signal pad and the second ground pin electrically contacts the ground pad.

[00020] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which describe particular embodiments of such concepts in greater detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00021] A more particular description of the present disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. Example embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[00022] FIG. 1 illustrates a connector system for a targeted temperature management (TTM) system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00023] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a hub of the connector system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00024] FIG. 3 A is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the hub of FIG. 2 showing a valve assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00025] FIG. 3B is a detailed cross-sectional illustration of the valve assembly of FIG. 3 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00026] FIG. 4A is a perspective illustration of a pad connector of the connector system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00027] FIG. 4B is a perspective illustration of a valve of the pad connector of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00028] FIG. 4C is a detailed cross-sectional illustration of the valve of FIG. 4B placed within an opening of the pad connector, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00029] FIGS. 5A-5B are front and back side perspective views a frame member of a latch mechanism of the hub of FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00030] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional illustration of the hub coupled with the pad connector showing in a retaining configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00031] FIG. 5D is an illustration of components of the latch mechanism during coupling of the pad connector with the hub, in accordance with some embodiments.

[00032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of the hub coupled with the pad connector showing the valve of the pad connector in an opened configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. [00033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of the hub coupled with the pad connector showing the electrical connection between the hub and the pad connector, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00034] Before some particular embodiments are disclosed in greater detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that a particular embodiment disclosed herein can have features that can be readily separated from the particular embodiment and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of a number of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[00035] Regarding terms used herein, it should also be understood the terms are for the purpose of describing some particular embodiments, and the terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a group of features or steps, and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” features or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the particular embodiments including such features or steps need not necessarily be limited to the three features or steps. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “horizontal,” “vertical” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The words “including,” “has,” and “having,” as used herein, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” Furthermore, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. As an example, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, components, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[00036] The phrases “connected to” and “coupled with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, signal, communicative (including wireless), and thermal interaction. Two components may be connected to or coupled with each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled with each other through an intermediate component.

[00037] “Proximal” is used to indicate a portion, section, piece, element, or the like of a medical device or system intended to be near or relatively nearer to a clinician when the medical device or system is used on a patient. For example, “proximal” is used to indicate a portion, section, piece, element, or the like of the TTM system near or relatively nearer to the clinician such as the control module while the clinician operates the control module with the one or more pads placed around the patient. A “proximal portion” or “proximal section” of the medical device or system includes a portion or section of the medical device or system intended to be near the clinician when the medical device is used on the patient. Likewise, a “proximal length” of the medical device or system includes a length of the medical device or system intended to be near the clinician when the medical device is used on the patient. A “proximal end” of the medical device or system is an end of the medical device or system intended to be near the clinician when the medical device or system is used on the patient. The proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the medical device or system need not include the proximal end of the medical device or system. Indeed, the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the medical device or system can be short of the proximal end of the medical device or system. However, the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the medical device or system can include the proximal end of the medical device or system. Should context not suggest the proximal portion, the proximal section, or the proximal length of the medical device or system includes the proximal end of the medical device or system, or if it is deemed expedient in the following description, “proximal portion,” “proximal section,” or “proximal length” can be modified to indicate such a portion, section, or length includes an end portion, an end section, or an end length of the medical device or system for a “proximal end portion,” a “proximal end section,” or a “proximal end length” of the medical device or system, respectively.

[00038] “Distal” is used to indicate a portion, section, piece, element, or the like of a medical device or system intended to be near or relatively nearer a patient when the medical device or system is used on the patient. For example, “distal” is used to indicate a portion, section, piece, element, or the like of the TTM system near or relatively nearer to the patient such as the one-or-more pads around the patient while a clinician operates the control module. A “distal portion” or “distal section” of the medical device or system includes a portion or section of the medical device or system intended to be near, relatively nearer, or even in the patient when the medical device or system is used on the patient. Likewise, a “distal length” of the medical device or system includes a length of the medical device or system intended to be near, relatively nearer, or even in the patient when the medical device or system is used on the patient. A “distal end” of the medical device or system is an end of the medical device or system intended to be near, relatively nearer, or even in the patient when the medical device or system is used on the patient. The distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device or system need not include the distal end of the medical device or system. Indeed, the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device or system can be short of the distal end of the medical device or system. However, the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device or system can include the distal end of the medical device or system. Should context not suggest the distal portion, the distal section, or the distal length of the medical device or system includes the distal end of the medical device or system, or if it is deemed expedient in the following description, “distal portion,” “distal section,” or “distal length” can be modified to indicate such a portion, section, or length includes an end portion, an end section, or an end length of the medical device or system for a “distal end portion,” a “distal end section,” or a “distal end length” of the medical device or system, respectively.

[00039] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. Moreover, sub-routines or only a portion of a method described herein may be a separate method within the scope of this disclosure. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps described in a more detailed method.

[00040] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[00041] FIG. 1 illustrates a connector system 100 that may be employed by a targeted temperature management (TTM) system configured to provide a temperature management therapy to a patient including a cooling and/or warming of the patient. The TTM system includes a TTM system module and a number of thermal pads. The TTM system prepares and delivers a TTM fluid (water) to the thermal pads. A fluid deliver line is coupled to TTM system module and each thermal pad includes a pad fluid line coupled thereto. The connector system 100 defines a coupling mechanism between the fluid delivery line and the pad fluid lines, where the hub 110 is coupled with the fluid delivery line and each pad connector 150 is coupled with a respective pad fluid line The fluid delivery line may in some embodiments include a number of wires so that an electrical device associated with a thermal pad may be electrically connected the TTM system module.

[00042] The connector system 100 generally includes a hub 110 and a number of pad connectors 150. The hub 110 is configured to couple with all of the pad connectors 150 or any subset of the pad connectors 150 simultaneously. The connector system 100 is configured to enable coupling and decoupling of any of the pad connectors 150 during operation of the TTM system. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of pad connectors 150 is three. However, in other embodiments, the number of pad connectors 150 may be 1, 2, 4, 5 or more. In some embodiments, the hub 110 may be permanently attached to fluid delivery line such that a fluid delivery line may be provided with the hub 110 already attached thereto. Similarly, the pad connector 150 may be permanently attached to pad fluid line such that a thermal pad may be provided with the pad connector 150 already attached to the pad fluid line.

[00043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hub 110 according to some embodiments disclosed herein. The hub 100 includes a hub housing 210 that defines the overall structure of the hub 110. The hub housing 210 may be formed of a first housing section 210A coupled with a second housing section 210B. The first and second housing sections 210A, 210B may include a thermoplastic material formed by the injection molding process. The first and second housing sections 210A, 210B may be joined together via any suitable process for joining thermoplastic parts together, such as RF welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding or adhesive bonding, for example.

[00044] The hub housing 210 includes a distal face 211 at a distal end of the hub housing 210 extending between a front side 201 and a back side 202 and further extending between a left side 203 and right side 204 of the hub housing 210. Preferably, although not required, the distal face 211 may include a curve such that a center portion of the distal face 211 extends distally beyond left and right portions of the distal face 211. The housing 210 further includes a first tubing connection 221 (or fluid port) and a second tubing connection 222 (or fluid port) extending away from a proximal end 205 of the hub housing 210. Each of the first and second tubing connections 221, 222 may include one or more tubing retention features, such as barbs, ribs, or groves, for example.

[00045] Disposed along the distal face 211 is a number (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more) of male connector sets 250. Each male connector set 250 includes a first male connector 251 and a second male connector 252. The hub housing 210 includes a first manifold (i.e., series of fluid passages within hub housing, not shown) defining fluid communication between the first male connector 251 and the first tubing connection 221 and a second manifold defining fluid communication between the second male connector 252 and the second tubing connection 222. The male connector sets 250 are arranged from left to right across the distal face 211 although other arrangements are contemplated. The arrangement of left to right across the distal face 211 may be advantageous because the hub 110 may be placed on a bed or other surface with the back side facing downward during use.

[00046] The hub 110 includes a latch mechanism 230 for each male connector set 250, where the latch mechanism 230 is configured to secure a pad connector 150 to the hub 110 and maintain a fluid connection between a female connector set of the pad connector 150 and the respective one of the male connector sets 250. The latch mechanism 230 is further configured to selectively (i) prevent separation of the pad connector 150 from the hub 110 and (ii) allow separation of the pad connector 150 from the hub 110. The latch mechanism 230 includes a latch actuator 231 located on the front side 201 of the hub housing 210. The latch actuator 231 is positionable between an extended position consistent with a retaining configuration of the latch mechanism 230 and a depressed position consistent with a releasing configuration of the latch mechanism 230. The latch actuator 231 is biased (i.e., spring-loaded) toward the extended position. During use, a user may exert a force 232 on the latch actuator 231 to depress the latch actuator 231 from the extended position to the depressed position so as to transition the latch mechanism 230 from the retaining configuration to the releasing configuration, thereby allowing the pad connector 150 may be decoupled from the hub 110.

[00047] The hub housing 210 may include a permitter rib 225 protruding from the distal face 211 for each of the male connector sets 250. The permitter rib 225 may extend partially or entirely around the respective male connector set 250. The permitter rib 225 may define an alignment guide for the pad connector 150 during coupling of the pad connector 150 with the hub 110. [00048] The hub 110, as discussed above, is also configured to establish an electrical connection between the hub 110 and the pad connector 150. Accordingly, each male connector set 250 includes a number of electrical pins (pins) 240 configured to make the electrical connection with an electrical device of the pad connector 150. Each of the pins 240 is electrically connected at least one of a number of wires 245 (electrically conducting members) of the hub 110, where the wires 245 extend through and away the proximal end 205 of the hub housing 210. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second pin 242 is defined as a signal pin, and as such, is connected to a signal wire of the wires 245. The first pin 241 and the third pin 243 are defined as ground pins, and as such, the first and third pins 241, 243 are connected together and connected a ground wire of the wires 245. In some embodiments, the wires 245 may include a separate signal wire for each second pin 242 (i.e., the second pin of each of the male connector sets 250). As such, each second pin 242 is connected to its own signal wire of the wires 245. Conversely, in an alternative embodiment, the wires 245 may include a single common signal wire, in which embodiment, all of the second pins 241 may be connected to the common signal wire.

[00049] In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 240 include a first pin 241, second pin 242, and a third pin 243. The pins 240 are configured to make the same electrical connection with the pad connector 150 whether the pad connector 150 is disposed in a first orientation or a second orientation, flipped 180 degrees with respect to the first orientation. As such, the pins 240 are disposed centrally between the first and second connectors 251, 252. The pins 240 may further be arranged in a liner array such that the second pin 242 is positioned between the first pin 241 and the third pin 243 as shown. In some embodiments, the linear array is oriented perpendicular to a line extending from the first connector 251 to the second connector 252, so that the distance between the first connector 251 and the second connector 252 may be minimized.

[00050] According to one embodiment, the pins 240 may be longitudinally displaceable (i.e., depressible) with respect the hub housing 210. More specifically, the pins 240 may be (i) spring-loaded toward an extended position and (ii) depressible inward away from the extended position thus enabling the pins 240 to establish a reliable electrical contact with the electrical device 710 (see FIG. 7). During use, the pins 240 may be depressed away from the extended position by the pad connector 150 when the pad connector is 150 coupled with the hub 110. According to another embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the pins 240 being spring- loaded, the electrical device 710 may be spring-loaded to enable the pins 240 to establish a reliable electrical contact with the electrical device 710, as further described below.

[00051] FIG. 3 A is a cut-away section view of the hub housing 210 cut along the section line 3A-3 A of FIG.2 illustrating a hub valve assembly 300 of a male connector where the male connector refers to any one of the first and second connectors 251, 252. Accordingly, each of the first and second male connectors 251, 252 of each of the male connector sets 250 includes the valve assembly 300. The valve assembly 300 is disposed within an opening 315 of the hub housing 210 where the opening 315 is part of one of the first or second manifolds. The valve assembly 300 includes a valve assembly sealing member 302 (e.g., an annular O-ring) disposed between the valve assembly 300 and an inside surface of the opening 315, where the valve assembly sealing member 302 defines a fluid tight seal between the valve assembly 300 and the hub housing 210. The valve assembly 300 includes an annular recess 306 configured to receive a retention member 316 of the hub housing 210, where the combination of the annular recess 306 and the retention member 316 prevent longitudinal displacement of the valve assembly 300 with respect to the hub housing 210. The retention member 316 may include a deflectable inward protrusion disposed on the inside surface of the opening 315, are a separate component such as a pin, for example. In some embodiments, the opening 315 may include a cylindrical shape.

[00052] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional illustration of the valve assembly 300 cut along the section line 3B-3B of FIG. 3 A. The valve assembly 300 includes a piston 350 slidably disposed within a sleave 320. The piston 350 is longitudinally displaceable between an extended position (shown in FIG. 3B) and a depressed position (not shown). The extended position of the piston 350 defines a closed configuration of the valve assembly 300 and the depressed position of the piston 350 defines an opened configuration of the valve assembly 300. The sleave 320 includes a spring pocket 311 containing a compression spring 312 operatively coupled between the piston 350 and the sleave 320, such that the piston 350 is biased toward the extended position.

[00053] A valve sealing member 316 is compressed between a first valve sealing surface 356 of the piston 350 and a second valve sealing surface 328 of the sleave 320 to define a fluid tight seal between the piston 350 and the sleave 320, thereby defining the closed configuration of the valve assembly 300. When the piston 350 is depressed away from the extended position, the valve sealing member 316 is allowed to separate from the either or both of the first valve sealing surface 356 or the second valve sealing surface 326, thereby defining the opened configuration of the valve assembly 300. In some embodiments, the valve sealing member 326 may be disposed and retained within an annular recess of the piston 350.

[00054] The valve assembly 300 further includes a sliding sealing member 317 configured to define a sliding fluid-tight seal between the piston 350 and sleave 320. The sliding sealing member 317 may be sealably disposed and retained within an annular grove 357 of the piston 350 such that the sliding sealing member 317 is displaced along with the piston 350 when the piston 350 is displaced between the extended position and the depressed position. The sliding sealing member 317 slidably and sealably engages an inside surface 327 of the sleave 320. The sliding sealing member 317 may include any suitable sealing device, such as a lip seal or an O-ring, for example.

[00055] The valve assembly 300 further includes a connector interface sealing member 318 configured to define a fluid-tight seal between the valve assembly 300 and the pad connector 150. The connector interface sealing member 318 may be sealably disposed and retained within an annular grove 358 of the piston 350. The connector interface sealing member 318 is sealably compressed between the piston 350 and a sealing surface of the pad connector 150 when the piston 350 is displaced away from the extended position during coupling of the pad connector 150 to the hub 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector interface sealing member 318 includes an O-ring having a square cross section as shown, although other types and shapes of sealing devices are also considered.

[00056] The piston 350 includes a piston lumen 360 extending longitudinally along the piston 350 from an open distal end 361 and a number (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more) of side ports 362 adjacent a proximal end of the piston 350. The piston lumen 360 defines the flow path for a fluid passing through the valve assembly 300. When the piston 350 is displaced to the depressed position defining the opened configuration of the valve assembly 300, the piston lumen 360 is in fluid communication with the opening 315 via the side ports 362.

[00057] The piston 350 includes a distal tip 352 having a frustoconical outer surface 353. The distal tip 352 is configured to engage a valve of the pad connector 150 as further described below. The distal tip 352 may optionally include one or more drain ports 363 in fluid communication with the piston lumen 360. The drain ports 363 are configured to enable fluid to drain from the piston lumen 360 when the pad connector 150 is decoupled from the hub 110. [00058] The sleave 320 and the piston 350 may be formed a thermoplastic material via the injection molding process. In some embodiments, the sleave 320 may be initially formed as two components that are subsequently coupled together after placement of the piston 350 and other components therein.

[00059] FIG. 4A shows a front perspective view of the pad connector 150 of the connector system 100, in accordance with some embodiments. The pad connector 150 includes a frame 402 and a pair of finger pads 404 disposed on opposite sides of the pad connector 150, where the finger pads 404 enable the user to firmly grasp the pad connector 150 during use. The frame 402 may be formed of a thermoplastic material via the injection molding process.

[00060] The pad connector 150 includes a pair (or set) of female connectors 411, 412 attached to each other via the frame 402. Each of the female connectors 411, 412 may facilitate flow of a fluid therethrough in either direction. The female connectors 411, 412 may be formed integrally with the frame 402, i.e., the circumference walls of the female connectors 411, 412 may be portions of the frame 402. The female connectors 411, 412 may be arranged parallel to each other in a side by side relationship and at least the proximal ends of the female connectors 411, 412 may be in alignment with each other.

[00061] The female connectors 411, 412 may include similar features. As such, the female connector 411 may include the same features and functionalities of the female connector 412 as shown and described. As such, the female connectors 411, 412 may be interchangeable in operation. In other words, the pad connector 150 may be flipped 180 degrees so that the female connectors 411, 412 swap locations with respect to the hub 110.

[00062] The components, features, and functionalities of the female connector described below may apply to either or both of the female connectors 411, 412. The female connector includes a lumen 416 extending between a conduit connector 414 and an opening 418 at a proximal end of the female connector, such that fluid may pass through the female connector via the lumen 416. The female connector includes a connector valve 420 disposed within the opening 418. The connector valve 420 is configured to transition between a normally closed configuration (preventing flow of fluid through the female connector) and an opened configuration (allowing flow of fluid through the female connector).

[00063] The female connector includes a protrusion 430 extending laterally away from a side of the female connector adjacent the proximal end. The protrusion 430 is configured to operatively engage the latch mechanism 230 of the hub 110 as further described below. The protrusion 430 may include an inverted triangular shape having a top horizontal edge 433, a first angled edge 431, and second angled edge 432. The top horizontal edge 433 is configured to engage the latch mechanism 230 and thereby, prevent separation of the pad connector 150 from the hub 110 when the latch mechanism 230 is disposed in the retaining configuration. The first and second angled edges 431, 432 are configured to individually (i.e., one at atime) engage the latch mechanism 230 during attachment of the pad connector 150 to the hub 120 such that the latch mechanism 230 is automatically transitioned toward the releasing configuration. The first angled edge 431 is configured to engage the latch mechanism when the pad connector 150 is disposed in a first orientation, and the second angled edge 432 is configured to engage the latch mechanism 230 when the female connector is disposed in the second orientation, i.e., flipped 180 degrees with respect to the first orientation. The female connector may include a second protrusion extending laterally away from a side opposite the side of the protrusion 430. The second protrusion includes the same features as the protrusion 430 and functions in the same way with the latch mechanism 230 as the protrusion 430. As the female connectors 411, 412 include the same features, the pad connector 400 may include four protrusions 430.

[00064] The pad connector 150 further includes a plurality ribs 440 extending outward from the female connectors 411, 412. The ribs 440 are configured (e.g. sized and positioned) to engage the permitter rib 225 of the hub 110 such that a rocking motion and/or a lateral displacement of the pad connector 150 with respect to the hub 110 is limited when the pad connector 150 is connected to the hub 110, thereby ensuring a reliable connection of the pad connector 150 to the hub 110. The ribs 440 are configured to define a clearance between the ribs 440 and the permitter rib 225 so that engagement of the ribs 440 with the permitter rib 225 does not interfere with (i.e., negatively affect) the alignment of the valve 420 with the hub valve assembly 300. In some embodiments, the ribs 440 may define a number of subsets that form an eagle claw shape as shown in FIG. 4A.

[00065] FIG. 4B is a detailed perspective view of the connector valve 420, according to some embodiments. The connector valve 420 includes a septum 422 configured to extend across the opening 418. The septum 422 includes a rim 424 extending along an entire circumference of the septum 422. The septum 422 includes a slit 426 extending through (i.e., from a top side to a bottom side of) the septum 422. The slit 426 extends across at least a portion (e.g., 40, 60, 70, 80 percent, or more) of a diameter of the septum 422. In some embodiments, the septum 422 may include a dome shape as shown. The septum 422 further includes a rib 428 extending across a diameter of the septum 422. The rib 428 extends away from a top side of the septum 422. A top edge 428A of the rib 428 may be substantially straight or slightly convex. The rib 428 is oriented perpendicular to the slit 426 and the slit 426 extends through the rib 428. The slit 426 may be closed or open in a free state (i.e., absent any external force applied thereto) of the septum 426. The valve 420 may be formed of any suitable elastomeric material such as EPDM, silicone, or natural rubber, for example.

[00066] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional illustration of the connector valve 420 disposed within the opening 418 of the female connector. Placement of the connector valve 420 may help establish a closed configuration of the connector valve 420, i.e., closure of the slit 426. More specifically, portions of the septum 422 may define an interference fit with an inside surface of the circumferential wall 413 to at least partially establish the closed configuration of the connector valve 420. In some embodiments, a ring member 417 may be coupled with a circumferential wall 413 of the female connector such that the rim 424 is compressed between the ring member 417 and the circumferential wall 413. In the compressed state, the rim 424 forms a seal with the circumferential wall 413. The rib 428 (or more specifically a length of the rib 428) is sized to form an interference fit with an inside surface of the circumferential wall 413, so that the circumferential wall 413 exerts a force 409 directed radially inward onto the rib 428. The force 409 is configured to establish complete closure of the connector valve 420 or more specifically the slit 426. The ring member 417 may be coupled with the circumferential wall 413 via any suitable process for thermoplastic materials, such as RF welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding or an adhesive, for example. The ring member 417 defines a conical inside sealing surface 417A configured sealably engage the connector interface sealing member 318.

[00067] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate detailed front and back side perspective views of a frame member 505 of the latching mechanism 230. The frame member 505 is attached to or formed integrally with the latch actuator 231. The frame member 505 may be formed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, for example. The frame member 505 includes an opening 506 configured to receive the pad connector 150 therethrough. The frame member 505 includes a number (e.g., four corresponding to the four protrusions 430) engagement regions 510, where each engagement region 510 is configured to interface with one of the four protrusions 430 of the pad connector 150 to facilitate operation of the latch mechanism 230. The engagement regions 510 are arranged, such that two of the four engagement regions 510 are disposed along a first side of the opening 506 and the other two engagement regions 510 are disposed along a second side of the opening 506, opposite the first side. The engagement regions 510 are arranged to correspond with the arrangement or position the protrusions 430 of the pad connector 150 when the pad connector 150 is coupled with the hub 110.

[00068] Referring to FIG. 5B, each engagement region 510 includes a ramp surface 514, a recessed portion 515, and a retainment surface 516. The recessed portion 515 is configured to allow passage of a respective protrusion 430 through the opening 506 during coupling and decoupling of the pad connector 150 with the hub 110 when the latch mechanism 230 is transitioned to the releasing configuration. The ramp surface 514 is configured to operatively engage a respective one of the first angled edge 431 or the second angled edge 432 of the protrusion 430 in accordance with an orientation of the pad connector 150 as further described below in relation to FIG. 5D. The retainment surface 516 is configured to operatively engage the top horizontal edge 433 of the protrusion 430 when the latch mechanism 230 is transitioned to the retaining configuration as further described below in relation to FIG. 5C. The frame member 505 includes a notch 518 configured to provide a mechanical stop for the frame member 505 when the frame member 505 is displaced to the retaining position and the releasing position in accordance with the latch mechanism 230 transitioning between the retaining configuration and the releasing configuration, respectively.

[00069] A latch spring 509 is coupled with the latch actuator 231 such that the latch spring 509 is disposed between the latch actuator 231 and the front side 201 of the hub housing 210. The latch spring 509 is configured to bias the latch actuator 231 toward the extended position such that the frame member 505 is biased toward the retaining position consistent the latch mechanism 230 transitioning toward retaining configuration.

[00070] FIG. 5C illustrates a portion of the hub 110 and the pad connector 150 in a coupled state with the latch mechanism 230 transitioned to the retaining configuration. Various portion of the hub 110 and the pad connector 150 are cut away so that the interface of the frame member 505 with the protrusions 430 of the pad connector 150 can be visualized. The frame member 505 is slidably disposed within the hub housing 210 such as within a channel (not shown) of the hub housing 210. The hub housing includes a stop protrusion 519 configured to engage the notch 518 so as to limit displacement of the frame 505 between the retaining position and the releasing position. The stop protrusion 519 is shown in FIG. 5C limiting displacement of the frame 505 in the retaining position. With the frame 505 displaced to the retaining position, the retainment surface 516 of the frame member 505 overlaps the top horizontal edge 433 of the protrusion 430 such that separation of the pad connector 150 from the hub 110 is prevented. To decouple the pad connector 150 from the hub 110, the user depresses the latch actuator 231 to displace the frame member 505 toward the releasing position so that the retainment surface 516 of the frame member 505 does not overlap the top horizontal edge 433, thereby allowing the protrusion 430 to pass back through the recessed portion 515 consistent separation of the pad connector 150 from the hub 110.

[00071] FIG. 5D illustrates an exemplary instance of interaction between the frame member 505 and the protrusion 430 during insertion of the pad connector 150 through the opening 506 as the pad connector 150 is coupled with the hub 110. The protrusion 430 passes through the recessed portion 515 such that the second angled edge 432 of the protrusion 430 (in the illustrated instance) slidably engages the ramp surface 514 of the frame member 505. As illustrated, a downward displacement of the protrusion 430 results in displacement of the frame member 505 to the right, i.e., toward the releasing position in opposition to the bias defined by the latch spring 509. As such, during coupling of the pad connector 150 with the hub 110, the latch mechanism 230 is automatically transitioned toward the releasing configured to allow the pad connector 150 to couple which the hub 110, without requiring the user to depress the latch actuator 231.

[00072] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional illustration of the interaction of the distal tip 352 of the piston 350 with the valve 420 of the pad connector 150 when the pad connector 150 is coupled with the hub 110. As shown, the distal tip 352 deforms the valve 420 away from the closed configuration (see FIG. 4C), i.e., deforms the septum 422 so as to open the slit 426, thereby defining fluid communication between the piston lumen 360 and the lumen 416 of the pad connector 150.

[00073] In some embodiments, the septum 422 and the distal tip 352 are configured to form a fluid tight seal between septum 422 and the distal tip 352 and/or the frustoconical outer surface 353 when the distal tip 352 engages the septum 422 during coupling of the pad connector 150 with the hub 110. Further, the distal tip 352 and the septum 422 may be configured to form the seal prior to the hub valve assembly 300 transitioning to the opened configuration so as to prevent a fluid leak prior to complete connection of the pad connector 150 to the hub 110. As discussed above, the connector interface sealing member 318 is compressed between the piston 350 and the conical inside sealing surface 417A of the ring member 417, to prevent a leak of fluid to the environment while the pad connector 150 is coupled with the hub 110. As shown, a comer of the square cross section of the connector interface sealing member 318 sealably interfaces the conical inside sealing surface 417A. The engagement of a comer of the square cross section of the connector interface sealing member 318 with the conical inside sealing surface 417A may define a more reliable seal than other sealing interface arrangements because engagement of the comer defines compliance of the connector interface sealing member 318 to account for part tolerances and/or motion between the ring member 417 and the hub valve assembly 300.

[00074] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional illustration of the interaction of the pins 240 with the pad connector 150 when the pad connector 150 is coupled with the hub 110. The pad connector 150 may include an electrical device 710, e.g., a disposable chip. The electrical device 710 may be configured to electrically couple with the hub 110 via the pins 240. The electrical device 710 may include a polarized two pad connection, where the pad connection includes a ground pad 711 and a signal pad 712. The signal pad 712 is centrally positioned with respect to the pad connector 150 and the ground pad 711 is positioned laterally off set from the signal pad 712. The signal pad 712 is located centrally between the female connectors 411, 412. The polarized two pad connection is oriented such that line extending between the ground pad 711 and a signal pad 712 is perpendicular to a line extending between the female connectors 411, 412.

[00075] As discussed above, the pins 240 include the second pin 242 designated as a signal pin positioned between the first and third pins 241, 243 designated as ground pins. As the second pin 242 and signal pad 712 are both centrally located, the second pin 242 and signal pad 712 are aligned with each other when the pad connector 150 is coupled with the hub 110 whether pad connector 150 is disposed in a first orientation (as shown in FIG. 7) or flipped 180 degrees to the second orientation. As shown in FIG. 7, with the pad connector 150 in the first orientation, the first pin 241 is aligned with the ground pad 711. As such, a ground pin (the first pin 241) is connected to the ground pad 711. As also shown in FIG. 7, the third pin 243 is located on the opposite side of the second pin 242 from the first pin 241. As such, when the pad connector 150 is flipped to the second orientation, the third pin 243 would be in alignment with the ground pad 711. Therefore, the ground pad 711 is connected to a ground pin (i.e., either the first pin 241 or the third pin 243) when the pad connector 150 is oriented in either the first orientation or the second orientation. [00076] As indicated above, although not specifically shown, the electrical device 710 may be spring-loaded. By way of one example, the electrical device 710 may be attached to a deflectable member of the pad connector 150. The deflectable member may define a cantilever extending along a long edge 715 of the electrical device 710, where the long edge 715 extends along and/or parallel to the ground pad 711 and a signal pad 712 such that the electrical device 710 defectively pivots about the long edge 715 or a parallel line thereabouts. As may be appreciated, other arrangements of the deflectable member are considered.

[00077] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the order of the steps or actions of the methods disclosed herein may be changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order or use of specific steps or actions may be modified. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A hub, comprising: a hub housing defining a proximal end and a distal end; a first fluid port and a second fluid port at the proximal end of the hub housing; and a number of hub connector sets at the distal end, each hub connector set configured to couple with a pad connector and each hub connector set comprising: a first male connector in fluid communication with the first fluid port, the first male connector configured to fluidly couple with a first female connector of the pad connector; a second male connector in fluid communication with the second fluid port, the second male connector configured to fluidly couple with a second female connector of the pad connector; and a latch mechanism operatively coupled the hub housing and the pad connector, the latch mechanism configured to prevent decoupling of the pad connector from the hub connector set in the absence of a deliberate action of a user.

2. The hub according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second male connectors includes a normally closed hub valve in line therewith such that: coupling the pad connector to the hub connector set transitions the hub valve from a closed configuration to an opened configuration, and decoupling the pad connector from the hub connector set transitions the hub valve from the opened configuration to the closed configuration.

3. The hub according to claim 2, wherein the hub valve comprises a piston longitudinally slidable within the hub housing between a distal position defining the closed configuration and a proximal position defining the open configuration, the piston biased toward the distal position.

4. The hub according to claim 3, wherein the piston includes a piston lumen extending longitudinally along the piston, the piston lumen defining fluid communication between an open distal end of the piston and one or more side ports adjacent a proximal end of the piston, wherein: in the open configuration, the one or more side ports are in fluid communication with a respective one of the first or second fluid ports, and in the closed configuration, the fluid communication with a respective one of the first or second fluid ports is interrupted.

5. The hub according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the piston includes a distal tip having a frustoconical outer surface.

6. The hub according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each hub connector set further includes a number of electrical pins configured to define an electrical connection between electrically conducting member of the hub and an electrical device of the pad connector.

7. The hub according to claim 6, wherein the electrical pins are positioned between the first and second male connectors.

8. The hub according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the electrical pins include a signal pin disposed between two ground pins, the signal pin centrally located between the first and second male connectors.

9. The hub according any of the preceding claims, wherein the latch mechanism includes: a latch actuator configured to transition the latch mechanism from a retaining configuration to a releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to decouple from the hub when the actuator is depressed by a user; and a ramp surface configured to slidably engage an angled edge of the pad connector, such that displacing the pad connector toward the hub automatically transitions the latch mechanism toward the releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to couple with the hub.

10. A pad connector, comprising: a frame attaching a first female connector to a second female connector in side by side relationship, each of the first and second female connectors including a lumen extending between an opening at a proximal end and conduit connector a distal end, wherein: each of the first and second female connectors are configured to fluidly couple with first and second male connectors of a hub when the pad connector is coupled with the hub; and each of the first and second female connectors includes a connector valve disposed within the opening in line with the connector lumen, the connector valve configured to transition from a closed configuration to an opened configuration upon coupling of the pad connector with the hub.

11. The pad connector according to claim 10, wherein: the connector valve includes a septum extending across the opening, and the septum includes a slit extending through the septum.

12. The pad connector according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: each of the first and second female connectors includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending laterally away from opposite sides of the first and second female connectors, and each protrusion is configured to operatively engage a latch mechanism of the hub.

13. The pad connector according to any of claims 10-12, further including an electrical device coupled with the frame between the first and second female connectors adjacent the proximal ends of the first and second female connectors.

14. The pad connector according to claim 13, wherein: the electrical device includes a first electrical contact pad and a second electrical contact pad, the first and second electrical contact pads facing a proximal direction, the first electrical contact pad is centrally positioned between the first and second female connectors, and the second electrical contact pad is positioned off set from the first electrical contact pad.

15. The pad connector according to claim 14, wherein a line extending between the first and second electrical contact pads is perpendicular to a line extending between the first and second female connectors.

16. A connector set, comprising: hub including a hub housing defining a proximal end and a distal end, the hub comprising: a first fluid port and a second fluid port at the proximal end of the hub housing; and a number of hub connector sets at the distal end, each hub connector set comprising a first male connector in fluid communication with the first fluid port, and a second male connector in fluid communication with the second fluid port; and a number of pad connectors configured to couple with the hub, the number of pad connectors equal to or less than the number of hub connector sets, each pad connector comprising a frame attaching a first female connector to a second female connector in a side by side relationship, each of the first and second female connectors including: a lumen extending between an opening at a proximal end and conduit connector a distal end; and a connector valve disposed within the opening in line with the connector lumen, wherein: each of the first and second female connectors are configured to fluidly couple with each of the first and second male connectors of the hub when the pad connector is coupled with the hub, each of the first and second male connectors includes a distal tip configured for insertion within the opening such that the distal tip contacts the connector valve when pad connector is coupled with the hub, and each connector valve is configured to transition from a closed configuration to an opened configuration as a result of the contact of the distal tip with the connector valve.

17. The connector set according to claim 16, wherein each of the first and second male connectors includes a normally closed hub valve in line therewith such that: coupling the pad connector to the hub transitions the hub valve from a closed configuration to an opened configuration, and decoupling the pad connector from the hub transitions the hub valve from the opened configuration to the closed configuration.

18. The connector set according to claim 17, wherein: the hub valve is operatively coupled with the distal tip such that depression of the distal tip away from an extended position transitions the hub valve from the closed configuration to the opened configuration, and the contact of the connector valve with the distal tip when the pad connector is coupled with the hub depresses the distal tip away from the extended position.

19. The connector set according to any of claims 16-18, wherein the hub includes a latch mechanism configured to prevent decoupling of the pad connector from the hub in the absence of a deliberate action by the user.

20. The connector set according to claim 19, wherein the latch mechanism includes: a latch actuator configured to transition the latch mechanism from a retaining configuration to a releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to decouple from the hub when the latch actuator is depressed by a user; and a ramp surface configured to slidably engage an angled edge of a protrusion of the pad connector, such that displacing the pad connector toward the hub automatically transitions the latch mechanism toward the releasing configuration allowing the pad connector to couple with the hub.

21. The connector set according to any of claims 16-20, wherein: the pad connector includes an electrical device coupled with the frame between the first and second female connectors adjacent the proximal ends of the first and second female connectors, the electrical device including a signal contact pad and a ground contact pad, the ground contact pad positioned off set from the signal contact pad, the hub includes a signal pin positioned between a first ground pin and a second ground pin, the first ground pin and the second ground pin positioned off set from the signal pin on opposite sides of the signal pin, upon coupling of the pad connector with the hub with the pad disposed in a first orientation, the signal pin electrically contacts the signal pad and the first ground pin contacts the ground pad, and upon coupling of the pad connector with the hub with the pad disposed in a second orientation, flipped 180 degrees from the first orientation, the signal pin electrically contacts the signal pad and the second ground pin electrically contacts the ground pad.