Patent Publication Number: US-9852566-B2

Title: Devices and methods for locking and unlocking mechanical equipment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/052,364 filed Sep. 18, 2014, and entitled “Devices and Methods for Locking and Unlocking Mechanical Equipment,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for locking and unlocking mechanical equipment and devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to devices and methods for locking and unlocking unpowered medical equipment. 
     It is common in the medical field for hospitals to rent medical equipment for periods of time in order to avoid the cost of purchasing the equipment. In this manner, the medical device may be rented only when needed for performing medical operations. For example, it is common for medical devices to be rented for fixed intervals of time, such as from month-to-month or other common rental periods. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of an electronic locking device for selectively locking a medical device comprises an antenna configured to wirelessly receive information from an identification tag, wherein the identification tag comprises unlocked duration period data, a motor coupled to the antenna, and a locking pin coupled to the motor, wherein the motor is configured to transition the locking pin from a locked position to an unlocked position for a predetermined period of time prescribed by the unlocked duration period data in response to an unlocking signal received by the antenna from the identification tag, wherein the locking pin is configured to prevent usage of the medical device in the locked position and allow usage of the medical device in the unlocked position. In an embodiment, the identification tag comprises initial count data prescribing the number of times the identification tag can instruct the electronic locking device to move the locking pin from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to the unlocking signal from the identification tag. In an embodiment, the electronic locking device further comprises a digital display coupled to an integrated circuit, wherein the digital display is configured to visually indicate the unlocked duration period data. In an embodiment, the digital display is configured to visually indicate initial count data prescribing the number of times the identification tag can instruct the electronic locking device to move the locking pin from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to the unlocking signal from the identification tag. In some embodiments, the identification tag comprises a passive radio-frequency identification tag. In some embodiments, the motor is configured to retract the locking pin into the unlocked position in response to the locking pin engaging an obstruction while moving towards the locked position from the unlocked position. 
     An embodiment of a medical device for performing a surgical or diagnostic procedure on a patient, the medical device comprising a base, a locking member moveably coupled to the base, and an electronic locking device coupled to the base, the electronic locking device comprising an antenna configured to wirelessly receive information from an identification tag, wherein the identification tag comprises unlocked duration period data, a motor coupled to the antenna, and a locking pin coupled to the motor, wherein the motor is configured to transition the locking pin from a first position to a second position for a predetermined period of time prescribed by the unlocked duration period data in response to an unlocking signal received by the antenna from the identification tag, wherein the locking pin is configured to restrict relative movement between the locking member and the base in the first position and allow relative movement between the locking member and the base in the second position. In an embodiment, the identification tag comprises initial count data prescribing the number of times the identification tag can instruct the electronic locking device to move the locking pin from the first position to the second position in response to the unlocking signal from the identification tag. In an embodiment, the locking member is pivotally coupled to the base, and comprises a locked position configured to prevent usage of the medical device and an unlocked position configured to allow usage of the medical device. In some embodiments, when the locking pin is in the first position, the locking pin is configured to lock the locking member in the locked position. In an embodiment, when the locking pin is in the first position and the locking member is in the locked position, the locking pin is received in a groove of the locking member. In an embodiment, when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member is configured to restrict the rotation of a crank coupled to the base. In some embodiments, the motor is configured to retract the locking pin into the second position in response to the locking pin engaging an obstruction while moving towards the first position from the second position. In some embodiments, the motor is configured to extend the locking pin towards the first position following a predetermined period of time after the refraction of the locking pin into the second position. 
     An embodiment of a method for controllably locking a medical device using an electronic locking device comprises preventing use of the medical device with the electronic locking device coupled to the medical device, wirelessly communicating an unlocking signal from an identification tag to the electronic locking device coupled to the medical device, wirelessly communicating unlocked duration period data from the identification tag to the electronic locking device, unlocking the electronic locking device in response to receiving the unlocking signal from the identification tag to allow free use of the medical device, and locking the electronic locking device to prevent use of the medical device after a predetermined period of time prescribed by the unlocked duration period data. In an embodiment, the method further comprises programming the identification tag with unlocked duration period data. In an embodiment, communicating information from the identification tag to the electronic locking device comprises wirelessly transmitting a radio-frequency identification signal from the identification tag to the electronic locking device. In an embodiment, the method further comprises wirelessly communicating to the electronic locking device from the identification tag initial count data prescribing the number of times the identification tag can communicate the unlocking signal to the electronic locking device to unlock the electronic locking device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises visually displaying the unlocked duration period data on a digital display of the electronic locking device. In some embodiments, unlocking the electronic locking device in response to receiving the unlocking signal from the identification tag comprises allowing a locking member coupled to a base of the medical device to move relative to the base. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a first perspective view of a medical device including an embodiment of a locking device in accordance with principles disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 1B  is a second perspective view of the medical device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is an enlarged perspective view of the medical device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the locking device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view of the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a rear view of the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2D  is a first side view of the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2E  is a second side view of the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2F  is a top view of the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2G  is a bottom view of the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a first perspective view of the electronic components within the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a second perspective view of the electronic components within the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a third perspective view of the electronic components within the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3D  is a front view of the electronic components within the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3E  is a rear view of the electronic components within the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a plurality of identification tags for use with the locking device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a locking device in accordance with principles disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 5B  is a second perspective view of the locking device of  FIG. 5A ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for employing the locking device of  FIG. 2A or 5A  unlocking a medical device for performing one or more medical procedures in accordance with principles disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following discussion is directed to various exemplary embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment. 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not function. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness. 
     In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis. Further, as used herein, the terms “bed” and “table” refer to a patient&#39;s bed, operating table, examination bed, or any other bed used for medical procedures, operations, care, diagnostics, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an embodiment of a medical device  10  is shown. In this embodiment, medical device  10  is mechanically operated to selectively and controllably hold, support, manipulate, position, and orientation a patient&#39;s leg during a surgical or diagnostic procedure. Medical device  10  is provided with a locking device  100  that controllably locks and unlocks device  10 —when device  10  unlocked via actuation of locking device  100 , device  10  can be used to perform a surgical or diagnostic procedure, however, when device  10  is locked via locking device  100 , device  10  cannot be used to perform a surgical or diagnostic procedure. Thus, as will be described in more detail below, device  100  may be described herein as having a “locked” position or configuration and an “unlocked” position or configuration. In this manner, locking device  100  is used to control and limit the usage of device  10 . For example, inclusion of locking device  100  on medical device  10  enables the owner or renter of medical device  10  to control and limit the usage of device  10  by another person or entity such as a medical facility that is renting device  10 . 
     In this embodiment, locking device  100  is an electronically actuated and operated device, and thus, may also be referred to herein as electronic locking device  100 . As will be described in more detail below, in this embodiment, locking device  100 , and hence medical device  10 , is unlocked (i.e., transitioned from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration) via a wireless communication signal to the medical device  10 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in this embodiment, medical device  10  includes a support base  12 , a rail assembly  20 , a foot support assembly  40 , and locking device  100 . Support base  12  supports the weight of the medical device  10  and the weight of a patient&#39;s appendage, which is coupled to foot support assembly  40 . Particularly, support base  12  includes a plurality of wheels  14  allowing for convenient transportation and movement of medical device  10 , and a plurality of support pads  16  for releasably affixing medical device  10  to the ground, thereby providing additional support to medical device  10  during the performance of a medical procedure. 
     Rail assembly  20  provides for positioning and manipulation of the patient&#39;s appendage during the performance of a medical procedure. In this embodiment, rail assembly  20  generally includes a support member  22 , a first or vertical rail  24 , a rail holder  26 , a second or horizontal rail  28 , and a pair of rotatable cranks  30  with each crank  30  having a handle  32 . Support member  22  physically supports rail assembly  20  and foot support assembly  40  and couples rail assembly  20  to support base  12 . Vertical rail  24  extends vertically downwards from support member  22  towards the ground. Rail holder  26  is moveably coupled to vertical rail  24  such that rail holder  26  may be displaced along the longitudinal length of vertical rail  24 . Particularly, a flexible belt (not shown) is disposed in vertical rail and couples to rail holder  26 , where the flexible belt is driven by a sprocket (not shown) coupled with rotatable cranks  30 . In this arrangement, rail holder  26  may be displaced along the longitudinal length of vertical rail  24  in response to the rotation of cranks  30  via the interaction between rail holder  26 , flexible belt, and accompanying sprocket. Further, the flexible belt frictionally engages vertical rail  24  such that rail holder  26  may occupy various positions along the longitudinal length of vertical rail  24  without a force being applied to cranks  30  by the operator of device  10 . In other words, rail holder  26  will remain stationary with respect to vertical rail  24  until cranks  30  are rotated by a practitioner. 
     An inner end of horizontal rail  28  couples to rail holder  26 , and thus, horizontal rail  28  is displaced in conjunction with rail holder  26  along the longitudinal length of vertical rail  24  when cranks  30  are rotated. Horizontal rail  28  is configured to physically support foot support assembly  40 , which is moveably coupled thereto. In this embodiment, foot holder assembly  40  generally includes a carriage  42 , a pair of cranks  44 , a support member  46 , and a padded boot  48 . Carriage  42  is moveably coupled to horizontal rail  28  and is configured to be displaced along the longitudinal length of horizontal rail  28  in response to the rotation of cranks  44 . Particularly, carriage  42  includes a drive assembly (not shown) disposed therein that interfaces with cranks  44  to convert the rotation of cranks  44  into longitudinal motion of carriage  42 . Support member  46  physically supports padded boot  48  and couples boot  48  to the carriage  42 . In this embodiment, padded boot  48  is pivotally coupled to support member  46 , allowing for the pivoting of padded boot  48  during the performance of a medical operation. Padded boot  48  is configured to physically support and releasably couple with a patient&#39;s appendage during the performance of a medical operation utilizing medical device  10 . 
     In the manner described, foot holder assembly  40 , horizontal rail  28 , and rail holder  26  are displaceable (generally up and down in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) along the length of vertical rail  24  in response to the rotation of cranks  30 . Also, foot holder assembly  40  is displaceable (generally right and left in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) along the length of horizontal rail  28  in response to the rotation of cranks  44 , and padded boot  48  may be pivoted about a horizontal axis with respect to support member  46 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1C , medical device  10  also includes a locking arm or member  34  pivotally coupled to support member  22  at a pivot point  36 . Locking member  34  includes a recess or notch  34   a  between its ends for selectively receiving a locking pin  32   a  extending from the handle  32  of one of the cranks  30 . Locking member  34  also includes a generally cylindrical recess or groove  34   b  extending laterally into locking member  34  at its lower end. For purposes of clarity, the crank  30  including locking pin  32   a  is shown as transparent in  FIG. 1C . 
     Locking member  34  can pivot about pivot point  36  between a withdrawn or unlocked position (shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C ) allowing the free rotation of cranks  30 , and an advanced or locked position restricting rotation of cranks  30 . In the unlocked position, arm  34  is generally refracted relative to pin  32   a , thereby allowing pin  32   a  to pass by notch  34   b  as cranks  30  rotate. However, when locking arm  34  is in the locked position, member  34  is advanced toward pin  32   a  and slidingly engages pin  32   a  as cranks  30  rotate. However, as pin  32   a  seeks to pass by locking member  34  during rotation of cranks  30 , pin  32   a  is received within and physically engages notch  34   a , thereby restricting further rotation of crank  30  relative to locking member  34 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , in this embodiment, locking member  34  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about pivot point  36  to transition from the unlocked position to the locked position pivots in a clockwise direction about pivot point  36  to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position. In this embodiment, locking member  34  is biased to the locked position by a biasing member (e.g., spring). 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1C , electronic locking device  100  is fixably coupled to support member  22 . In particular, locking device  100  is mounted in the lower portion of support member  22  and includes a locking pin  152  that is extended and refracted through a hole in support member  22 , and is sized to be slidingly received by groove  34   b . When locking member  34  is in the locked position, locking pin  152  is aligned with groove  34   b , and thus, locking pin  152  can be extended through support member  22  into groove  34   b , thereby preventing locking member  34  from pivoting from the locked position to the unlocked position. However, when locking pin  152  is retracted from groove  34   b , locking member  34  can pivot freely about pivot point  36  between the locked and unlocked positions. Accordingly, locking pin  152  may also be described as having a first, extended, or locked position when locking pin  152  is extended into groove  34   b , thereby preventing rotation of locking member  34  about pivot point  36  and maintaining locking member  34  in the locked position; and a second, retracted, or unlocked position withdrawn from groove  34   b , thereby allowing locking member  34  to be rotated freely about pivot point  36  between the locked and unlocked positions. As will be described in more detail below, locking pin  152  is transitioned between the locked and unlocked positions by locking device  100 . Accordingly, when pin  152  is in the locked position, device  100  may also be described as being in a locked position, and when pin  152  is in the unlocked position, device  100  may also be described as being in an unlocked position. 
     In this embodiment, when locking member  34  is in the locked position and locking pin  152  is in the locked position seated in groove  34   b , the rotation of cranks  30  is limited and/or prevented, and thus, rail holder  26  is restricted and/or prevented from being displaced along vertical rail  24 , thereby restricting the ability of the operator of medical device  10  from performing a surgical or diagnostic procedure. However, when locking pin  152  is in the retracted/unlocked position, locking member  34  can be freely transitioned between the locked and unlocked positions, thereby allowing rail holder  26  to be displaced along vertical rail  24 . 
     As described above, in this embodiment, locking member  34  is biased to the locked position. However, when pin  152  is in the retracted/unlocked position, locking member  34  can be pivoted from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     Although locking device  100  is configured to selectably lock the pivoting locking member  34  in the locked position, in other embodiments, locking device  100  can be used to restrict other movements of components of a medical device (e.g., medical device  10 ) to selectably restrict or inhibit a practitioner from using the medical device in a procedure. For instance, locking device  100  could be employed to selectably lock foot support assembly  40  to horizontal rail  28 . Further, while in this embodiment locking device  100  is shown and described as a component of medical device  10 , it should be appreciated that locking device  100  can be used with other mechanical devices and equipment, including devices that are not used in the medical field. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-3E , different views of locking device  100  are shown. As previously described, locking device  100  is configured to transition pin  152  between a locked position, restricting use of medical device  10 , and an unlocked position, allowing use of the medical device  10  in a medical procedure. In this embodiment, locking device  100  transitions pin  152  from the locked to the unlocked position by reading or interrogating an identification tag with an electromagnetic signal, and then receiving an electromagnetic signal transmitted by the identification tag in response to the interrogation that instructs device  100  to actuate pin  152  to the unlocked position. Accordingly, in this embodiment, locking device  100  comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader or interrogator configured for use with a passive RFID identification tag forming an active reader passive tag (APRT) system. In other embodiments locking device  100  may employ other types of RFID systems, including active reader active tag (ARAT) and passive reader active tag (PRAT) RFID systems. Also, in other embodiments locking device  100  may utilize other types of readers capable of sending and receiving wireless electromagnetic signals. For instance, in another embodiment the locking device  100  may be a Bluetooth transponder. In other embodiments, electronic locking device  100  may comprise a type of reader configured for sending and receiving electromagnetic signals across a wired connection, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 2A-3E , in this embodiment, locking device generally includes a housing  102 , a wireless receiver or antenna,  120 , a power supply  130 , a motor controller  140 , a linear motor  150 , a processor or integrated circuit (IC)  160 , and a digital display  170 . Housing  102  physically protects and shields the electronic components of locking device  100 . In this embodiment, housing  102  is a box including a front member  104 , a rear member  106 , a side member  108  coupled between front member  104  and rear member  106 , and a bottom member or antenna housing  110  coupled to front member  104 , rear member  106 , and side member  108 . Housing  102  also includes a pair of fasteners  112  for coupling electronic locking member  100  to medical device  10 . 
     Power supply  130  of electronic locking device  100  is configured to provide electrical power to the antenna  120 , motor controller  140 , linear motor  150 , IC  160 , and digital display  170 . In an embodiment, power supply  130  comprises a rechargeable battery. Antenna  120  is electrically coupled with power supply  130  and IC  160 , and is physically received within antenna housing  110 . Antenna  120  is configured to wirelessly transmit and receive signals and power from other devices, including identification tags, as will be explained further herein. IC  160  is disposed between power supply  130  and side member  108  of housing  102  and is configured to send and receive signals from the antenna  120 , and to transmit signals to the motor controller  140  and/or digital display  170 . IC  160  is electrically coupled with antenna  120 , power supply  130 , motor controller  140 , and digital display  170 . In this embodiment, IC  160  comprises a processor for processing received signals and a memory for storing instructions and signals received from antenna  120 . Particularly, IC  160  is configured to transmit signals to the motor controller  140  for actuating the linear motor  150 , and to transmit signals to digital display  170  for displaying information relating to the operation of electronic locking device  100 , as will be discussed further herein. Motor controller  140  is electrically coupled with power supply  130  and IC  160 , and is configured to receive signals from IC  160 , and transmit electrical signals to linear motor  150  for actuating linear motor  150 . 
     Linear motor  150  of electronic locking device  100  is electrically coupled to power supply  130  via wires  154  and motor controller  140 , and is configured to convert electrical power received from power supply  160  into linear motion of the locking pin  152 , such that locking pin  152  may be actuated or displaced between the extended/locked position and the retracted/unlocked position as previously described. In this embodiment, linear motor  150  includes a retract feature, wherein when locking pin  152  is impeded from actuating to the extended position due to an obstruction (e.g., locking member  34  is not in the locked position with groove  34   b  aligned with pin  152 ), locking pin  152  will automatically retract back to the refracted position to protect locking pin  152  and linear motor  150  from damage. Particularly, the linear motor  150  is configured to retract locking pin  152  if a threshold force is “felt” upon locking pin  152 , and the locking process is repeated until electronic locking device  100  successfully locks with locking pin  152  disposed in the extended position. The actuation of linear motor  150  and locking pin  152  is controlled by motor controller  140 , where motor controller  140  transmits signals to linear motor  150  and receives signals from IC  160 . Digital display  170  is electrically coupled to power supply  130  and IC  160 , and is configured to receive signals from the IC  108  and display the received signals digitally, such that they may be read by a user of electronic locking device  100 . In this embodiment, digital display  170  is disposed in a window  106   w  extending through rear member  106  of housing  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a plurality of identification tags  180  is shown. Identification tags  180  are configured to wirelessly communicate with, and transmit information to, the locking device  100 . In this embodiment, identification tags  180  each include a processor, memory, and antenna (not shown), where the identification tag  180 &#39;s antenna is configured to receive wireless signals from the antenna  120  of locking device  100 , and to transmit the received signal to the processor of the identification tag  180 . Since in this embodiment locking device  100  is an APRT-type RFID system, the processor of each identification tag  180  is powered by signals transmitted from the antenna  120  of electronic locking device  100 . However, as discussed above, in other embodiments, locking device  100  may comprise other forms of wireless readers, and thus, in other embodiments identification tags  180  may comprise other forms of wireless transmitters. Moreover, in other embodiments, locking device  100  may communicative via a wired connection with an electronic device. In these embodiments, the functionality provided by identification tags  180  may be provided by another electronic component capable of forming a wired electronic connection with electronic locking device  100 . In order to communicate with IC  160  of electronic locking device  100 , the processor of each identification tag  180  includes data identifying the particular identification tag  180  and other data relating to the actuation of linear motor  150 . 
     In this embodiment, locking device  100  transitions pin  152  from the locked position to the unlocked position by placing an identification card  180  proximal the antenna  120  of electronic locking device  100 . By placing the card  180  proximal antenna  120 , an unlocking signal is transmitted from IC  160  of electronic locking device  100  to the processor of card  180  via wireless antenna  110 . In response to receiving a signal from the IC  160  of locking device  100 , an unlocking signal including an unlocked duration period data signal (e.g., 60 minutes) is transmitted to the IC  160  via the antenna of the card  180 . The unlocking signal identifies the identification card  180  and includes unlocked duration period, instructing the IC  160  to maintain pin  152  in the unlock position for a predetermined period of time, and then transition pin  152  to the locked position after expiration of the predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the unlocked duration period may be programmed directly into the IC  160 . Thus, upon receiving the unlocking signal from the tag  180 , the IC  160  actuates the linear motor  150  to displace the locking pin  152  from the extended position to the retracted position to unlock locking member  34  of medical device  10 . 
     During this process, the IC  160  of electronic locking device  100  also communicates a signal to the digital display  170  to display a message visually indicating the unlocking of the locking device  100 , or in other words, the displacement of locking pin  152  from the extended position to the retracted position. In an embodiment, the digital display  170  also visually indicates the time remaining of the unlocked duration period. Once the electronic locking device  100  has been unlocked, a timer included in the IC  160  counts down the unlocked duration period provided by either the processor of the identification tag  180 . For instance, in one embodiment the unlocked duration period is programmed into the identification tag  180 , while in another embodiment the unlocked duration period is programmed into the IC  160  of electronic locking device  100 . The remaining duration of time left of the unlocked duration period is visually displaced on the digital display  170  via the IC  160 . After the unlocked duration period has expired, the IC  160  actuates linear motor  150  to displace locking pin  152  from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby placing electronic locking device  100  back into the locked configuration. If, after the unlocked duration period has expired, the groove  34   b  of locking member  34  is misaligned with locking pin  152 , the locking pin  152  will contact the surface of locking member  34  and immediately retract, as instructed by motor controller  140 , back into the unlocked position for a brief predetermined period of time (e.g., 1-5 seconds). Following the brief period of time in the unlocked position, the locking pin  152  will again be displaced by linear motor  150  towards the locked position. If groove  34  of locking member  34  is still misaligned with locking pin  152 , then locking pin  152  will again retract into the unlocked position, as described above. The above process will be repeated until groove  34   b  of locking member  34  aligns with locking pin  152 , allowing locking pin  152  to be actuated into the locked position. 
     The predetermined unlocked duration period is selected to provide a practitioner with more than sufficient time to perform a single medical procedure using medical device  10 , but insufficient time to perform more than one medical procedure using medical device  10 . In other words, the unlocked duration period is configured to allow a practitioner to perform a single medical procedure employing medical device  10  before electronic locking device  100  reenters the locked position with locking pin  152  disposed in the extended position. In other embodiments, the unlocked duration period may be configured to allow a practitioner to perform more than one medical procedure employing medical device  10  before electronic locking device  100  reenters the locked position. In still other embodiments, the unlocked duration period may be configured for other periods of time unrelated to the time required to perform a medical procedure employing medical device  10 . For example, the unlocked duration period may be set for a fixed interval of time, such as one week, one month, etc. 
     In the embodiment described above, the identification card  180  includes unlocked duration period data prescribing the duration of time electronic locking device  100  is to remained unlocked following the scanning or reading of the identification tag  180  by the electronic locking device  100 . in other embodiments, the processor of the identification tag  180  may also include a programmable counter including initial count data prescribing a predetermined number of “uses” or “unlocks” of medical device  10 , whereby each time the electronic locking device  100  is unlocked by the unlocking signal transmitted from the identification tag  180 , the IC  160  instructs the processor of the identification tag  180  to reduce the overall count (e.g., the remaining number of uses or unlocks) of the counter by one. For instance, a practitioner of locked medical device  10  may purchase an identification tag  180  including a predetermined number of “unlocks” or uses such that the identification tag  180  may only be used to unlock the electronic locking device  100  the predetermined number of times programmed into the identification tag  180 . As described above, each time the identification tag  180  is used to unlock medical device  10 , the identification tag  180  will transmit to the electronic locking device  100  unlocked period duration data, stored on identification tag  180 , prescribing the duration of time electronic locking device  100  is to remain unlocked. Once the predetermined number of times of unlocks have been used, the unlocking signal transmitted to the electronic locking device  100  from the identification tag  180  will no longer unlock the electronic locking device  100 . In this way, a practitioner may rent a medical device  10  for a predetermined number of medical procedures employing the medical device  10 , with the electronic locking device  100  and identification tag  180  used to ensure that electronic locking device  10  may only be used for the number of procedures purchased by the practitioner. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , another embodiment of an electronic locking device  200  is shown. Electronic locking device  200  is configured for use with identification tags  180  for selectably locking and unlocking medical device  10 . In this embodiment, electronic locking device  200  generally includes a housing  202 , a wireless receiver or antenna housing  204 , a power supply  210 , an IC  220 , a linear motor  230  having a locking pin  232 , and a digital display  240 . Power supply  210  is configured to supply electrical power to the antenna (not shown), IC  22 , linear motor  230 , and digital display  240 . The antenna (not shown) is configured to receive unlocking signals from, and send signals to identification tag  180 , including signals from identification tag  180  including unlocked duration period data and initial use count data. IC  220  comprises a processor and a memory for processing and storing signals received from the antenna. As with linear motor  150 , linear motor  230  is configured to displace locking pin  232  between a locked or extended position and a refracted or unlocked position, thereby actuating electronic locking device  200  between a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively, in response to a signal sent from the IC  220 . Digital display  240  is configured to visually display signals transmitted to the electronic locking device  200  from the identification tag  180 , including unlocked duration period data and/or initial use count data. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of a method  300  for using locking device  100  to control and limit use of a medical device is shown. For purposes of clarity and further explanation, use of locking device  100  will be described within the context of medical device  10  previously described. However, in general, locking device  100  can be used to control and limit the use of other medical devices or non-medical devices. 
     Starting at block  302 , an identification card  180  is programmed for unlocking medical device  10  (i.e., transitioning pin  152  of locking device  100  from the locked to the unlocked position). In one embodiment, programming the identification card comprises programming a predetermined unlocked duration period data onto the card  180  so that the card  180  can be used to unlock device  10  for the predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, programming the identification card comprises programming an initial use count data onto the identification card, where the identification card may be used to unlock the medical device  10  for the predetermined number of uses as defined by the use count data. 
     Moving now to block  304 , the programmed identification card  180  is used to unlock medical device  10 . In particular, identification card  180  is placed adjacent antenna  120  of locking device  100  of medical device  10  to wirelessly transmit signals from the identification card  180  to the antenna  120  of the locking device  100 . The transmitted signals are subsequently transmitted or communicated from antenna  120  to IC  160  of locking device  100 . In general, the wireless transmission of signals from identification card  180  to antenna  120  may comprise transmitting the unlocked duration period data and/or initial count data stored on the programmed identification  180  to the antenna  120  of locking device  100 . Upon receipt of the transmitted signals, locking device  100  transitions pin  152  from the locked position to the unlocked position. More specifically, once the signal from identification card  180  is been transmitted to antenna  120  and communicated to IC  160 , the IC  160  instructs motor controller  140  to actuate linear motor  150 , thereby displacing locking pin  152  from the extended/locked position to the retracted/unlocked position. Once pin  152  is in the unlocked position, locking member  34  of medical device  10  is free to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby enabling free use of device  10 . Further, the IC  160  also communicates a signal to the digital display  170  visually displaying the unlocked duration period data transmitted to locking device  100  from the programmed identification card  180 . In an embodiment, the IC  160  may also communicate a signal to the digital display  1700  to visually display the initial count data, including the number of “unlocks” remaining on the identification card  180  following the latest unlocking of electronic locking device  100 . 
     Next, at block  306 , once pin  152  is in the unlocked position, a first medical procedure is performed with medical device  10 . For example, following the unlocking of locking device  100 , medical device  10  is employed to perform a medical procedure during which the unlocked duration period data is visually displaced on the digital display  170  of electronic locking device  100 . In this embodiment, the unlocked duration period is sufficient to allow for the performance of a single medical procedure employing medical device  10  before the unlocked duration period reaches zero. Once the unlocked duration period expires or reaches zero, the IC  160  sends a signal to motor controller  140  to actuate the linear motor  150  and displace locking pin  152  from the retracted position to the extended position to lock the medical device  10 . If, after the unlocked duration period has expired, the groove  34   b  of locking member  34  is misaligned with locking pin  152 , the locking pin  152  will contact the surface of locking member  34  and immediately retract, as instructed by motor controller  140 , back into the unlocked position for a brief period of time (e.g., 1-5 seconds). Following the brief period of time in the unlocked position, the locking pin  152  will again be displaced by linear motor  150  towards the locked position. If groove  34  of locking member  34  is still misaligned with locking pin  152 , then locking pin  152  will again retract into the unlocked position, as described above. The above process will be repeated until groove  34   b  of locking member  34  aligns with locking pin  152 , allowing locking pin  152  to be actuated into the locked position. 
     The activities illustrated at blocks  308  and  310  are optional with respect to the method  300 . Particularly, the activities illustrated at blocks  308  and  310  relate to an embodiment where the identification card  180  is initially programmed with initial count data at block  302 , and the initial count data is transmitted to the electronic locking device at block  304 . At block  308  the medical device  10  is unlocked using the programmed identification card  180  for a second time. For example, an initial count data of “2” may be transmitted to an identification card  180  at block  302 , with the initial count being reduced to “1” following the transition of locking device  100  from the locked position to the unlocked position at block  304 , thereby leaving one count to perform a second unlocking of locking device  100  and medical device  10  at block  308 . As described above, each time the identification tag  180  is used to unlock medical device  10 , the identification tag  180  will transmit to the electronic locking device  100  unlocked period duration data, stored on identification tag  180 , prescribing the duration of time electronic locking device  100  is to remain unlocked. Following the second unlocking of locking device at block  308 , the initial count data is reduced to “0”, prohibiting the identification card  180  from being used to unlock medical device  10  for a third time unless the identification card  180  is reprogrammed, similar to the programming performed at block  302 , to include one or more counts on the initial count data stored on the identification card  180 . 
     Block  310  illustrates the performance of a second medical procedure employing the medical device  10  which has been unlocked for a second time using the programmed identification card  180 . As with block  306 , at block  308  the medical device  10  will remain unlocked until the unlocked duration period reaches zero, at which point the electronic locking device  100  will actuate to the locked position, locking medical device  10 . In this embodiment, the unlocked duration period transmitted to the electronic locking device  100  at block  308  is for the same period of time as the duration period data transmitted to the electronic locking device  100  at block  304 . 
     While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a method claim are not intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.