System For Tracking Tagged Surgical Articles With A Transport Container Tracking Assembly

A system for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network. A transport container defining an interior with upper and lower interior surfaces receives a tracking assembly including a, housing supporting an antenna arranged to selectively generate a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface towards the upper interior surface within the interior. A communication interface wirelessly communicates with a network, and a controller coupled to the housing and disposed in electrical communication with the antenna, and the communication interface is configured to: generate the wave with the antenna to scan the interior of the transport container for tagged surgical articles, receive identity data from each of the tagged surgical articles with the antenna in response to generating the wave, and transmit the identity data, across the network via the communication interface.

BACKGROUND

Conventional surgical procedures routinely involve the use of various types of surgical articles, such as tools and associated accessories and/or energy applicators (e.g., bits, burrs, blades, irrigators, lumens, and the like), as well as implants (e.g., anchors, screws, plates, prosthetics, and the like), used to facilitate approaching, treating, and/or stabilizing tissue. Surgical articles maybe reusable (e.g., sterilizable, re-processable, and the like), or may be single-use (e.g., disposable). Many types of surgical articles are packaged in sealed containers, realized such as by sealed or otherwise sterile enclosures which, in turn, may be disposed within a box. Here, boxes may contain one or more surgical articles of a specific size, type, and/or configuration, or ranges thereof, the details of which may be printed or otherwise presented on one or more labels and/or tags secured to the box.

Depending on the type of surgical procedure being performed, various sizes and/or types of surgical articles may be required. A logistics representative responsible for sourcing surgical articles generally provides medical facilities with surgical articles as they are needed. Here, the logistics representative may maintain a working inventory of surgical articles ready to be provided to the medical facility. To this end, the working inventory may be realized as a plurality of surgical articles stored in one or more transport containers. A single transport container may contain an assortment of different surgical articles organized or otherwise defined by common sizes, types, and the like, which may be optimized to suit a particular medical facility's needs, or may be based on a particular category or type of procedure carried out at the medical facility (e.g., specific orthopedic procedures, trauma procedures, and the like). If a medical facility where the surgical procedure is being performed needs a specific surgical article for a given procedure, the logistics representative will generally source the surgical article from the working inventory.

If the working inventory is running low on (or is out of) a particular surgical article, the logistics representative may need to replenish or otherwise supplement the working inventory. To this end, specific surgical articles may be separately sourced by the logistics representative when needed (e.g., via overnight shipping from a warehouse). In addition, transport containers may be exchanged and subsequently replenished with new surgical articles, such as at a warehouse or another facility. In such a scenario, the transport container may be inventoried, such as by scanning or otherwise inspecting its contents, to determine which new and/or replacement surgical articles are needed in order to replenish the transport container.

Depending on the size and quantity of transport containers a logistics representative is responsible for, as well as the size, shape, configuration, and assortment of surgical articles placed therein, it can be difficult to readily ascertain when the transport container needs to replenished or supplemented, in particular where the logistics representative frequently accesses and rearranges surgical articles in transport containers. Here, the logistics representative may inventory the contents of the transport container (e.g., by scanning or manually inspecting surgical articles as they are removed), and may carefully track inventory of the transport containers. However, this process can be cumbersome and time consuming, and it will be appreciated that it can be difficult to readily confirm availability of the surgical articles when a specific quantity of surgical articles is needed on short notice.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art to overcome one or more of the challenges described above.

SUMMARY

A system for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network includes a transport container and a tracking assembly. The transport container defines an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface. The tracking assembly includes a housing shaped to be received within the interior of the transport container. The tracking assembly also includes an antenna supported by the housing adjacent to the lower interior surface and being arranged to selectively generate a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container. The tracking assembly further includes a communication interface for wirelessly communication with the network. The tracking assembly further includes a controller coupled to the housing and disposed in electrical communication with the antenna and the communication interface.

The controller is being configured to generate the wave with the antenna to scan the interior of the transport container for tagged surgical articles, receive identity data from each of the tagged surgical articles with the antenna in response to generating the wave, and transmit the identity data across the network via the communication interface.

The system for tracking tagged surgical articles across the network permits a logistics representative to quickly inventory the surgical articles in the transport container, thus permitting the logistics representative to readily ascertain when the transport container runs low on (or out of) a particular surgical article and thus when the transport container needs to be replenished or supplemented, in particular where the logistics representative frequently accesses and rearranges the surgical articles. The system for tracking tagged surgical articles across the network also permits the logistics representative to quickly source surgical articles for medical facilities as they are needed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS.1-5B, a system100is generally shown for tracking a plurality of tagged surgical articles102(hereinafter, “surgical articles102”) placed in a transport container104via a tracking assembly106. As is described in greater detail below, the tracking assembly is configured to communicate across a network108with a server110disposed in communication with various remote electronic devices112in order to facilitate tracking surgical articles102disposed in the transport container104.

In the representative versions illustrated throughout the drawings, the surgical articles102are generically depicted as generally rectangular boxes114to which respective labels116and tags118are affixed in order to, among other things, identify the surgical article102inside the box114. The surgical articles102are generally configured for utilization during various types of medical and/or surgical procedures, and may be of numerous types, styles, and/or configurations. While not illustrated in detail herein, surgical articles102may be realized as tools, components, or materials utilized in the treatment of tissue, or may be realized as implantable components, prosthetics, and the like. Surgical articles102may be packaged individually in a single box114, or a single box114may include a plurality of surgical articles102of the same type, size, configuration, and the like. It is also contemplated that a single box114may include a plurality of surgical articles102of different types, sizes, configurations, and the like. The surgical articles102may be placed in sterile enclosures, packages, and the like (not shown, but generally known in the related art) which, in turn, are placed in boxes114. Alternatively, the box114itself may be realized as a sterile enclosure to which the label116and the tag118are affixed. Similarly, the surgical article102may itself be provided with the label116and/or tag118.

While a number of different configurations of boxes114are contemplated by the present disclosure, in some versions, certain boxes114may be approximately 5″×3″×1″ (inches), 6″×6″×3″ (inches), 6″×6″×1.4″ (inches), 6″×12″×3″ (inches). Furthermore, while the boxes114are depicted generically throughout the drawings, it will be appreciated that the system100can detect surgical articles102of various types, styles, and configurations via the use of tags118as described in greater detail below, with or without utilizing the box114, and/or with different types or styles of enclosures, packaging, and the like other than boxes114. Other configurations are contemplated.

The labels116are placed on a top surface of the boxes114to, among other things, identify the respective surgical article102. Here, labels116may include text, symbols, bar codes, and the like, arranged in various ways to facilitate managing inventory, distribution, sorting, handling, identification, and the like. The tags118are placed on a side surface of the box to facilitate identification of the respective surgical article102. The tags118are realized as Radio Frequency Identification RFID tags operable according to Ultra High Frequency UHF RFID protocols, and may include or otherwise define identity data ID corresponding to the surgical article102. Identity data ID may include part numbers, lot numbers, serial numbers, date information, processing information, codes (e.g., an Electronic Product Code EPC), and the like. Other configurations are contemplated.

The transport container104defines an interior120into which the tracking assembly106and one or more surgical articles102are disposed, as described in greater detail below. In the representative version illustrated herein, the transport container104is realized as a plastic tote122to which interlocking flaps124are pivotably coupled. More specifically, the upper interior surface128of the transport container104may include interlocking flaps124pivotably coupled to a plurality of interior side walls130. However, it will be appreciated that the transport container104could be configured in other ways. The interior120of the transport container104defines a lower interior surface126, an upper interior surface128, and the plurality of interior side walls130extending between the lower interior surface126and the upper interior surface128(seeFIG.4). Here, the upper interior surface128is defined by the flaps124when in a closed configuration (seeFIGS.5A-5B). In one aspect, the transport container104is provided with shield132which, as described in greater detail below, is configured facilitate proper operation and consistent, high level accuracy of the tracking assembly106. To this end, in some versions, the lower interior surface126, the upper interior surface128, and the interior side walls130of the transport container104, as well as portions of the tracking assembly106, may be provided with a coating134such as CuPro Cote™ copper-based paint. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, additional layers of different types of coating134may be provided, such as a polyurethane paint applied over CuPro Cote™ copper-based paint to help ensure durability. As shown inFIGS.3-5C, the coating134is not applied along an area of one of the interior side walls130in order to define a shield window136arranged relative to components of the transport container104to facilitate communication across the network108as described in greater detail below. More specifically, the shield window136defined by the shield132may be arranged relative to the communication interface146to facilitate transmittal of the identity data ID across the network108via the communication interface146. In some versions, the shield132may include additional components and/or materials. For example, the shield132may include a liner138disposed along the lower interior surface126, the upper interior surface128, and the interior side walls130of the transport container104, as well as on portions of the tracking assembly106. Here, the liner138may be constructed from or otherwise realized by one or more pieces of metallic foil panels and/or tape secured together and to the coating134(e.g., via foam, adhesive, and the like) or otherwise supported within the interior120of the transport container104. Here too as shown inFIGS.3-5C, a liner window140is defined so as to be positioned adjacent to and in alignment with the shield window136to facilitate communication of the tracking assembly106across the network108.

Referring now, generally, toFIGS.1-16, as noted above, the tracking assembly106of the system100is configured to identify surgical articles102disposed within the interior120of the transport container104and communicate across the network108to, among other things, transmit identity data ID of identified surgical articles102to the server110for access by various remote electronic devices112as described in greater detail below. To this end, the tracking assembly106generally includes a housing142, an antenna144, a communication interface146, a controller148, and at least one battery module150. The housing142is shaped to be received within the interior120of the transport container104. The antenna144is supported by the housing142adjacent to the lower interior surface126and is arranged to selectively generate a wave WV extending helically away from the lower interior surface128and towards the upper interior surface128within the interior of the transport container104(seeFIG.5B). It is to be appreciated that the antenna144may be configured to generate the wave WV in a helical configuration. The communication interface146is provided for wirelessly communicating with the network108. The battery module150is configured to power the controller148, and may be operatively attached to the tower154and supported in the tower interior120.

The controller148is powered by the battery module150, is coupled to the housing142, and is disposed in electrical communication with the antenna144and the communication interface146. The controller148may be supported by the housing142. The controller148is configured to, among other things, generate the wave WV with the antenna144to scan the interior120of the transport container104for tagged surgical articles102, receive identity data ID from each of the tagged surgical articles102with the antenna144in response to generating the wave WV, and transmit the identity data ID across the network108via the communication interface146. More specifically, the controller148is configured to, among other things, generate the wave WV with the antenna144to scan the interior120of the transport container104for the tags118of surgical articles102, receive identity data ID from each of the tags118of the respective surgical articles102in response to generating the wave WV, and transmit the identity data ID to the server110(and/or one or more remote electronic devices112) across the network108via the communication interface146. Each of the components introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

The system100for tracking tagged surgical articles102across the network108permits a logistics representative to quickly inventory the tagged surgical articles102in the transport container104, thus permitting the logistics representative to readily ascertain when the transport container104runs low on (or out of) a particular surgical article102and thus when the transport container104needs to be replenished or supplemented, in particular where the logistics representative frequently accesses and rearranges the tagged surgical articles102. The system100for tracking tagged surgical articles102across the network108also permits the logistics representative to quickly source surgical articles102for medical facilities as they are needed.

As shown inFIGS.1-5Cand, the tracking assembly106may further include a shield132arranged to block waves WV generated by the antenna144from exiting the transport container104. The shield132of the tracking assembly106may be used instead of, or in addition to, the shield132of the transport container104. Moreover, the shield132of the tracking assembly106may include any of the characteristics of the shield132of the transport container104as described herein. The shield132of the tracking assembly106will be described in further detail below.

Referring now toFIGS.6-10, the housing142of the tracking assembly106generally includes a base152and a tower154. In one aspect the tower154is pivotably coupled to the base152of the housing142. The base152of the housing142may be adjacent to the lower interior surface126of the transport container104. The base152may have a generally rectangular profile sized similarly to the lower interior surface126and may include a base frame156and a base cover158coupled to the base frame156. In some aspects, as shown inFIGS.6and7, the base cover158is pivotably covered to the base frame156. In other aspects, as shown inFIGS.12-15, the base cover158is slidably coupled to the base frame156. The base frame156supports the antenna144therein, which is realized by two generally rectangular antenna modules160as described in greater detail below.

The base cover158may be selectively moveable relative to the base frame156to permit access to the antenna144. To this end, the housing142may define a slot180sized to permit the base cover158to selectively move relative to the base frame156to permit access to the antenna144. Channels, notches, and the like (not shown in detail) may be defined in the base152for routing wires194between the antenna module160and the controller148. It will be appreciated that shield132is not provided on the base cover158, but may be provided on portions of the tower154. More specifically, the shield may be disposed in spaced relation from the base cover158to permit waves generated with the antenna144to scan the interior120of the transport container104for tagged surgical articles102, and the shield132may be adjacent to the base frame156and the tower154to prevent waves generated with the antenna144from exiting the transport container104through the base frame156and/or the tower154, which could interfere with adjacent transport containers104.

The shield132may be integral with the housing142, including but not limited to formed integrally with the housing142. Alternatively, the shield132may be a separate component than the housing142. The shield132may even be formed as a separate component than the housing142, and later joined with the housing142to become integral. In non-limiting examples, the shield132may be mechanically affixed, including but not limited to stapled or crimped, to the housing142to become integral with the housing142, and/or the shield132may be taped, glued, or otherwise adhered to the housing142to become integral with the housing142.

The shield132may include at least one chosen from a lower shield surface182arranged to block waves WV generated by the antenna144from exiting the lower interior surface126of the transport container104, an upper shield surface184arranged to block waves WV generated by the antenna144from exiting the upper interior surface128of the transport container104, and interior shield walls186arranged to block waves WV generated by the antenna144from exiting the interior side walls130of the transport container104. In other words, the shield132may include any combination of the lower shield surface182, the upper shield surface184, and the interior shield walls186, including but not limited to all of the lower shield surface182, the upper shield surface184, and the interior shield walls186. In one aspect, as shown inFIGS.1-5C, the shield132includes the interior shield walls186, and the interior shield walls186are disposed about the tower154. In another aspect, as shown inFIGS.12-15, the shield132includes the interior shield walls186, and the tower154is disposed exterior to the interior shield walls186.

Moreover, the housing142includes exterior surfaces188facing the transport container104and interior surfaces190defining a housing interior120. In one aspect, the shield132is disposed on the exterior surfaces188of the housing142. In another aspect, the shield132is disposed on the interior surfaces190of the housing142. It is to be appreciated that the shield132may be constructed from or otherwise realized by one or more pieces of metallic foil panels and/or tape secured together. The metallic foil panels and/or tape may be disposed on the exterior surfaces188of the housing142, may be disposed on the interior surfaces190of the housing142, or may be disposed on both the exterior surfaces188of the housing142and on the interior surfaces190of the housing142.

The tower154generally may include a tower frame162, a tower cover164pivotably coupled to the tower frame162, and a tower lid166pivotably coupled to the tower frame162. The tower154may be coupled to the base152and extend away from the lower interior surface126of the transport container104. The tower154may define a tower interior120, and the communication interface146and the controller148may be operatively attached to the tower154and supported in the tower interior120. As is best shown inFIG.8, the tower frame162is shaped to accommodate the communication interface146, the controller148, and the battery module150therein, and may be provided with various channels, notches, and the like (not shown in detail) to facilitate routing wires194between components of the tracking assembly106. More specifically, the tower154may define a channel192to facilitate routing of wires194between at least one chosen from the communication interface146, the controller148, and the battery module150to the antenna144. In other words, the channel192may facilitate routing of wires194between any combination of the communication interface146, the controller148, and the battery module150, including but not limited to all of the communication interface146, the controller148, and the battery module150, to the antenna144.

As shown inFIG.9, the tower frame162is provided with a tower window168adjacent to the communication interface146to facilitate communication across the network108. Here too, the tower window168is arranged so as to be disposed adjacent to and in alignment with the liner window140and the shield window136. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, this arrangement allows wireless signals to be exchanged across the network108via the communication interface146from within the transport container104while, at the same time, inhibiting transmission of the wave WV outside of the interior120of the transport container104. The alignment and arrangement of the tower window168, the liner window140, the shield window136, and the communication interface146configured laterally and vertically offset relative to one of the interior side walls130of the transport container104. This configuration helps prevent signals from inadvertently being exchanged between two adjacently positioned transport containers104during use.

As noted above, the antenna144may be realized by two antenna modules160. The two antenna modules160may be supported by the housing142adjacent to the lower interior surface126. Moreover, the system100, particularly the tracking assembly106, may further include a foam insert196adjacent to the base152of the housing142, and the foam insert196may define a recess198shaped to receive the antenna144, particularly the two antenna modules160. The antenna modules160have generally flat, rectangular profiles, and are configured as circular polarized flat panel UHF RFID antenna modules160. In some versions, the antenna modules160may be realized as Times-7 Part Number A6034 antennas. However, other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that the antenna144could instead employ a single antenna module160, or more than two antenna modules160, in some versions. By way of non-limiting example, in the representative version depicted inFIG.5B, two antennas144are depicted, each shown generating a respective wave WV. In some versions, each antenna144could be configured to generate a respective wave WV according to different parameters (e.g., different scan rates). Other configurations are contemplated. By way of further non-limiting example, in the representative version depicted inFIG.5C, a single antenna144is depicted shown generating the wave WV. Thus, in some versions, the wave WV and/or the functions facilitated by the wave WV could be generated or otherwise defined by a single antenna144or by multiple antennas144. Other configurations are contemplated.

The communication interface146is configured to facilitate wireless communication across the network108. It will be appreciated that the communication interface146could communicate according to a number of different protocols, such as 3G, 4G, and/or 5G cellular protocols. However, additional protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and the like are contemplated. Further, the communication interface146may also be configured for satellite navigation, such as according to the Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS.

While the communication interface146is schematically depicted as a separate component from the controller148in the Figures, it will be appreciated that one or more components, systems, and/or devices of the tracking assembly106could be integrated together in a common housing and/or on a common circuit, and the like. Furthermore, the communication interface146itself may include or otherwise comprise a controller, which could be separate from and connected to the controller148coupled to the antenna144. In some versions, signals received by the communication interface146across the network108may be utilized to selectively generate the wave WV with the controller148(e.g., the communication interface146may prompt the controller148to generate the wave WV). In some versions, the communication interface146may be configured to prompt the controller148to generate the wave WV in other ways, such as at predetermined intervals or based on data from one or more types of sensors170as described in greater detail below. Here too, it will be appreciated that the controller148may be programmed or otherwise configured to generate the wave WV and/or perform other actions without necessarily requiring prompts from the communication interface146. Other configurations are contemplated.

In some versions, the controller148may employ one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or an algorithm stored in memory to control operation of one or more components of the system100. Additionally or alternatively, the controller148may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and/or other suitable hardware, software, and/or firmware that is capable of carrying out the functions described herein. The controller148may comprise one or more subcontrollers configured to control one or more components of the system100. Other configurations are contemplated.

In some versions, the system further comprises one or more sensors170configured to generate data. The sensor170is in communication with the controller148, and the controller148is configured to generate the wave WV with the antenna144dependent upon the data received from the sensor170. More specifically, the controller148includes or otherwise cooperates with one or more types of sensors170, such as for example altimeters, accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature and/or humidity sensors, pressure sensors, and the like. Here, data from one or more sensors170may be used to determine when the controller148should selectively generate the wave WV. The controller148may include an RFID interface172configured to selectively sgenerate the wave WV by generating a wave signal WS that is transmitted to the antenna144. Here, the RFID interface172may operate according to RFID Protocol Support EPC global Gen 2V2 (ISO 18000-63). However, other protocols are contemplated.

The battery module150powers the controller148(and, thus, the communication interface146), and may configured for replacement or exchange from the tower154, such as by one or more power connectors174coupled to the controller148and/or to the communication interface146. In some versions, the communication interface146could be powered via connection with the controller148. It will be appreciated that power connectors174could be of various configurations, types, and/or arrangements. In some versions, the power connectors174may be realized as USB cables and the battery module150may be provided with USB ports. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, the battery module150may be configured for connection to a charging station176via prongs178arranged to facilitate “stackable” charging of multiple battery modules150(seeFIG.11; depicted schematically). However, other configurations are contemplated.

In some versions, the controller148may be configured to compare one or more operating parameters OP of the battery module150(e.g., charging state, voltage, temperature, and the like) relative to one or more predetermined operating parameter thresholds PT to, among other things, determine when the battery module150should be charged or otherwise exchanged. To this end, the controller148may be configured to generate battery schedule data SD based on comparisons between the operating parameter OP and the predetermined operating parameter threshold PT, and to send the battery schedule data SD across the network108to the server110or some other remote electronic device112. Other configurations are contemplated.

It will be appreciated that the network108, the server110, and/or the remote electronic devices112may be configured or otherwise realized in a number of different ways. By way of non-limiting example, the network108could be configured as a 5G cellular network and the server110could be realized by one or more types of cloud computing systems, edge computing systems, and/or combinations thereof. The server110may employ, include, or otherwise communicate with various interfaces, databases, and the like in order to facilitate collecting, presenting, organizing, and/or evaluating various forms of data. For example, the server110may include an interface that is accessible via various types of remote electronic devices112(e.g., portable electronic devices such as cell phones, notebook computers, and the like). Other configurations are contemplated.

Referring again, generally, toFIGS.1-16, as noted above, the system100is configured to facilitate remotely tracking various surgical articles102stored within transport containers104via tracking assemblies106in communication with the server110across the network108. It will be appreciated that, depending on the size and quantity of the surgical articles102to be supported within the interior120of the transport container104, as well as the physical dimensions of the transport container104itself, a number of possible arrangements of different surgical articles102may be utilized. Moreover, as surgical articles102are removed from (and/or placed into) the interior120, or otherwise shift in response to movement of the transport container104, the arrangement may change. Accordingly, the tracking assembly106and transport container104described and illustrated herein are configured to facilitate reliable, highly-accurate identification of the surgical articles102disposed in the interior120.

The surgical articles102may be arranged within the interior120with their labels116facing upwardly to, among other things, allow logistics representatives or other users of the system100to visually identify and distinguish between different surgical articles102. Here too with this arrangement, the tag118is arranged on one of the lateral sides of the box114. In this way, even when multiple surgical articles102are stacked on top of each other within the interior120, the helically-extending wave WV generated via the antenna144can reliably detect all of the tags118in order to communicate the identity data ID of each surgical article102within the interior120to the server110across the network108. In some versions, over one hundred different surgical articles102positioned within the interior120can be identified accurately in under five seconds. Furthermore, the system100is configured such that the battery module150can be used to perform periodic scans of the transport container104for multiple weeks before requiring a recharge or replacement.

To this end, in some versions, the controller148is configured to perform a scan at predetermined intervals of time (e.g., every three hours). The controller148may be further configured to selectively generate the wave WV by generating a wave signal WS that is transmitted to the antenna144, and the controller148may be further configured to send the wave signal WS to the antenna144at predetermined intervals of time. Once the identity data ID have been transmitted to the server110across the network, the tracking assembly106may enter a “sleep mode” to conserve power before awaking at the next interval of time and/or until prompted via signals received across the network108. For example, a user may utilize a remote electronic device112to request an accounting of the inventory of a particular transport container104, whereby a signal transmitted to the communication interface146may cause the controller148to “wake” and perform a scan between the intervals of time. Here, it will be appreciated that the connectivity to the network108via the communication interface146(e.g., via a 5G cellular connection) allows the system100to routinely and/or selectively (e.g., when prompted) inventory the surgical articles102and transmit identity data ID to the server110from any location where there is connectivity to the network108(e.g., from inside buildings, during transit between locations, and the like).

It will be appreciated that the configurations described above afford significant advantages in connection with inventory management, asset distribution optimization, and interrelated logistics, in that identity data ID and other data stored in or otherwise accessible via the server110can be accessed and utilized by multiple users, and in various ways. For example, a logistics representative can remotely check the inventory of one or more transport containers104without having to physically access and inspect each surgical article102disposed therein. Similarly, logistics representatives could conceivably set various thresholds for particular surgical articles102, whereby predetermined changes in quantity for a given transport container104could be utilized to generate alerts, prompts, and the like (e.g., sent to the remote electronic device112assigned to the logistics representative). Similarly, replenished transport containers104, or additional quantities of certain surgical articles102, could be automatically shipped to logistics representatives when their inventory falls below a certain threshold.

Moreover, opportunities for decentralized asset distribution are also contemplated, such as where one logistics representative within a particular area or region has an urgent need for a specific surgical article102and another logistics representative has an available quantity of that surgical article102which are not currently allocated for use (or, potentially, not frequently utilized by that logistics representative). In such circumstances, the system100could help facilitate coordination between multiple logistics representatives, with or without intermediary parties (e.g., couriers) to optimize distribution of surgical articles102. Here too, location data associated with the surgical articles102could be utilized (e.g., GNSS location data) to facilitate or otherwise influence coordination of this type. By way of non-limiting example, geofencing could be employed to determine whether or not surgical articles in particular transport containers104should be redistributed. Other configurations are contemplated.

In some versions, data from one or more sensors170could be utilized to further optimize power consumption and/or optimization of asset distribution. For example,FIG.16depicts an exemplary of a transport container104of the system100. Beginning at an initial location L1such as a warehouse, the transport container104outfitted with the tracking assembly106and stocked with an assortment of surgical articles102may perform an initial scan to transmit identity data ID to the server110at 3:00 PM on Day 1 in this illustrative example. The transport container104is loaded onto a courier vehicle headed for an airport. The system100is configured to perform scans every three hours unless certain conditions are met as described in greater detail below. During transport in the courier vehicle, another scan is performed at 6:00 PM on Day 1, and identity data ID transmitted to the server110while the transport container104is in the courier vehicle confirms that no surgical articles102have been added or removed from the transport container104. At 9:00 PM on Day 1, another scan is performed as the transport container104is sorted along with other items for transport on an airplane. During air travel, no scans are performed. Here, the system100may determine that the transport container104is in an airplane via location data (e.g., GNSS location data), and/or based on certain types of sensor data, such as where the sensor170is realized as an altimeter. Thus, no scans are performed during air transport.

At 6:00 AM on Day 2, a scan is performed after the transport container104has been unloaded from the airplane and is subsequently loaded into a different courier vehicle, which delivers the transport container104to a second location L2such as a regional distribution center. Another scan is performed at 9:00 AM on Day 2, after which a logistics representative loads the transport container104into their local vehicle and transports it to a third location L3such as a city hospital. At 12:00 PM on Day 2, a scan is performed before the local vehicle arrives at the city hospital. The logistics representative removes certain surgical articles102from the transport container104and delivers them to the city hospital. At 3:00 PM on Day 2, a scan confirms that certain surgical articles102have been removed from the transport container104. At this point, a determination is made that the remaining surgical articles102in the transport container104should be shipped elsewhere, so the logistics representative travels back to the second location L2and the transport container104is again transported to an airport via a courier vehicle. Scans at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM confirm that the inventory of the transport container104remains unchanged, but once again no scans are performed during air travel.

At 6:00 AM on Day 3, once the transport container104has arrived at a different airport and during transit on another courier vehicle to a fourth location L4, such as a different regional distribution center, yet another scan is performed. At 9:00 AM on Day 3, another scan is performed at the fourth location L4, and a different logistics representative takes the transport container to a fifth location L5, such as a rural hospital, to deliver the surgical articles102. It will be appreciated that the forgoing is an illustrative, non-limiting example of the types of optimization afforded by the system100of the present disclosure.

A method for tracking tagged surgical articles102across a network108is also provided. In one aspect, the method includes the step of providing a transport container104defining an interior120having a lower interior surface126, an upper interior surface128, and a plurality of interior side walls130extending between the lower interior surface126and the upper interior surface128. The method also includes the steps of applying a shield132to the interior120of the transport container104, inserting a tracking assembly106into the interior120of the transport container104, the tracking assembly106including an antenna144, a communication interface146, and a controller148, and placing a plurality of tagged surgical articles102within the interior120of the transport container104. The method further includes the step of sending, with the controller148, a wave signal WS to the antenna144. The method further includes the step of, generating, with the antenna144and in response to receiving the wave signal WS, a wave WV extending helically away from the lower interior surface126and towards the upper interior surface128within the interior120of the transport container104, the wave WV passing through the tagged surgical articles102placed within the interior120of the transport container104. The method further includes the step of receiving, with the controller148via the antenna144, identity data ID from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articles102placed within the interior120of the transport container104. The method further includes the step of transmitting, with the controller148via the communication interface146, the identity data ID across the network108.

In another aspect, the method includes providing a transport container104defining an interior120having a lower interior surface126, an upper interior surface128, and plurality of interior side walls130extending between the lower interior surface126and the upper interior surface128. The method also includes the steps of applying a shield132to the interior120of the transport container104, inserting a tracking assembly106into the interior120of the transport container104, the tracking assembly106including an antenna144, a power connector174, a communication interface146, and a controller148, connecting a battery module150to the power connector174of the tracking assembly106, and placing a plurality of tagged surgical articles102within the interior120of the transport container104. The method further includes the step of sending, with the controller148, a wave signal WS to the antenna144. The method further includes the step of generating, with the antenna144and in response to receiving the wave signal WS, a wave WV extending helically away from the lower interior surface126and towards the upper interior surface128within the interior120of the transport container104, the wave WV passing through the tagged surgical articles102placed within the interior120of the transport container104. The method further includes the step of receiving, with the controller148via the antenna144, identity data ID from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articles102placed within the interior120of the transport container104. The method further includes the step of transmitting, with the controller148via the communication interface146, the identity data ID across the network108.

The method further includes the step of comparing, with the controller148, an operating parameter of the battery module150relative to a predetermined operating parameter threshold. The method further includes the step of generating, with the controller148, battery schedule data based on a comparison between the operating parameter and the predetermined operating parameter threshold. The method further includes the step of sending, with the controller148via the communication interface146, the battery schedule data across the network108.

Either aspect of the method may further require the step of sending, with the controller148, a wave signal WS to the antenna144to be completed at predetermined intervals of time. Moreover, either aspect of the method may further include the step of transmitting a signal to the communication interface146to cause the controller148to send the wave signal WS to the antenna144. Further, in either aspect of the method, the tracking assembly106may further include a sensor170in communication with the controller148, and may further include the step(s) of generating data with the sensor170and sending the data to the controller148. Further still, in either aspect of the method, the step of sending, with the controller148, a wave signal WS to the antenna144may be dependent upon the data received from the sensor170. Even further still, either aspect of the method may further include the step of transmitting, with the controller148via the communication interface146, alerts in response to predetermined changes in identity data ID received with the controller148via the antenna144.

It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.”

Several versions have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the versions discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Moreover, two or more of the versions disclosed herein may be combined with or without modification.

The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.

CLAUSES

I. A system for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network, the system comprising:a transport container defining an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface; anda tracking assembly including a housing shaped to be received within the interior of the transport container, an antenna supported by the housing adjacent to the lower interior surface and being arranged to selectively generate a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container, a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with the network, and a controller coupled to the housing and disposed in electrical communication with the antenna and the communication interface, the controller being configured to:generate the wave with the antenna to scan the interior of the transport container for tagged surgical articles,receive identity data from each of the tagged surgical articles with the antenna in response to generating the wave, and transmit the identity data across the network via the communication interface.II. The system as set forth in clause I, wherein the tracking assembly further includes a shield arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the transport container.III. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-II, wherein the housing includes a base adjacent to the lower interior surface of the transport container, and wherein the housing includes a tower coupled to the base and extending away from the lower interior surface of the transport container.IV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-III, wherein the tower defines a tower interior, and wherein the communication interface and the controller are operatively attached to the tower and supported in the tower interior.V. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-IV, wherein the base includes a base frame supporting the antenna and a base cover coupled to the base frame and selectively moveable relative to the base frame to permit access to the antenna.VI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-V, wherein the shield is adjacent to the base frame and the tower.VII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-VI, wherein the shield is disposed in spaced relation from the base cover to permit waves generated with the antenna to scan the interior of the transport container for tagged surgical articles.VIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-VII, wherein the shield includes at least one chosen from a lower shield surface arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the lower interior surface of the transport container, an upper shield surface arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the upper interior surface of the transport container, and interior shield walls arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the interior side walls of the transport container.IX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-VIII, wherein the shield includes the interior shield walls, and wherein the interior shield walls are disposed about the tower.X. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-IX, wherein the shield defines a shield window arranged relative to the communication interface to facilitate transmittal of the identity data across the network via the communication interface.XI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-X, wherein the shield includes the interior shield walls, and wherein the tower is disposed exterior to the interior shield walls.XII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XI, wherein the housing defines a slot sized to permit the base cover to selectively move relative to the base frame to permit access to the antenna.XIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XII further comprising at least one battery module configured to power the controller.XIV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XIII, wherein the housing includes a base adjacent to the lower interior surface of the transport container, and a tower coupled to the base, extending away from the lower interior surface of the transport container, and defining a tower interior, with the at least one battery module operatively attached to the tower and supported in the tower interior.XV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XIV, wherein the housing includes exterior surfaces facing the transport container, and wherein the shield is disposed on the exterior surfaces of the housing.XVI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XV, wherein the housing includes interior surfaces defining a housing interior, and wherein the shield is disposed on the interior surfaces of the housing.XVII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XVI further comprising a sensor configured to generate data, wherein the sensors is in communication with the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the wave with the antenna dependent upon the data received from the sensor.XVIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XVII, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively generate the wave by generating a wave signal that is transmitted to the antenna, and wherein the controller is further configured to send the wave signal to the antenna at predetermined intervals of time.XIX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XVIII, wherein the antenna is configured as a circular polarized flat panel ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio-frequency identification (RFID) antenna module.XX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XIX, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the identity data across the network according to at least one chosen from IIIG, IVG, and/or VG cellular protocols.XXI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XX, wherein the shield includes a liner.XXII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXI, wherein the liner defines a liner window in alignment with the shield window and arranged relative to the communication interface to facilitate transmittal of the identity data across the network via the communication interface.XXIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXII, wherein the tower defines a tower window in alignment with the shield window and arranged relative to the communication interface to facilitate transmittal of the identity data across the network via the communication interface.XXIV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXIII, wherein the tower window is in alignment with the liner window.XXV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXIV, wherein the tower defines a channel to facilitate routing of wires between at least one chosen from the communication interface, the controller, and the battery module to the antenna.XXVI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXV, wherein the antenna includes two antenna modules supported by the housing adjacent to the lower interior surface.XXVII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXVI, wherein the upper interior surface of the transport container includes interlocking flaps pivotably coupled to the plurality of interior side walls.XXVIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXVII, wherein the tower is pivotably coupled to the base of the housing.XXIX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXVIII further comprising a foam insert adjacent to the base of the housing.

XXX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXIX, wherein the foam insert defines a recess shaped to receive the antenna.XXXI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXX, wherein the antenna is configured to generate the wave in a helical configuration.XXXII. A method for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network, the method comprising:providing a transport container defining an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface;applying a shield to the interior of the transport container;inserting a tracking assembly into the interior of the transport container, the tracking assembly including an antenna, a communication interface, and a controller;placing a plurality of tagged surgical articles within the interior of the transport container;sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna;generating, with the antenna and in response to receiving the wave signal, a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container, the wave passing through the tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container;receiving, with the controller via the antenna, identity data from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container; andtransmitting, with the controller via the communication interface, the identity data across the network.XXXIII. A method for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network, the method comprising:providing a transport container defining an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface;applying a shield to the interior of the transport container;inserting a tracking assembly into the interior of the transport container, the tracking assembly including an antenna, a power connector, a communication interface, and a controller;connecting a battery module to the power connector of the tracking assembly;placing a plurality of tagged surgical articles within the interior of the transport container;sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna;generating, with the antenna and in response to receiving the wave signal, a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container, the wave passing through the tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container;receiving, with the controller via the antenna, identity data from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container;transmitting, with the controller via the communication interface, the identity data across the network;comparing, with the controller, an operating parameter of the battery module relative to a predetermined operating parameter threshold;generating, with the controller, battery schedule data based on a comparison between the operating parameter and the predetermined operating parameter threshold; andsending, with the controller via the communication interface, the battery schedule data across the network.XXXIV. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXIII, wherein the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna is completed at predetermined intervals of time.XXXV. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXIV further comprising transmitting a signal to the communication interface to cause the controller to send the wave signal to the antenna.XXXVI. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXV, wherein the tracking assembly further includes a sensor in communication with the controller, and further comprising generating data with the sensor and sending the data to the controller.XXXVII. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXVI wherein the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna is dependent upon the data received from the sensor.XXXVIII. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXVII further comprising transmitting, with the controller via the communication interface, alerts in response to predetermined changes in identity data received with the controller via the antenna.