Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7044949?dq=5537618&ei=urENT6-uEoHegQe698i5Bw
Timestamp: 2014-07-14 02:05:12
Document Index: 495303152

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 15', 'art 16', 'arts 15', 'arts 15', 'arts 15', 'art 15', 'art 16', 'art 15', 'art 16']

Patent US7044949 - Smart recognition apparatus and method - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA qualifying connection for an instrument attaches to a source of electrosurgery energy and to the instrument and has first and second parts coupled to the instrument and the source, respectively. Optical couplings on the connection transmit invisible energy to identify the instrument and are proximate...http://www.google.com/patents/US7044949?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7044949 - Smart recognition apparatus and methodAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7044949 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/766,661Publication dateMay 16, 2006Filing dateJan 27, 2004Priority dateDec 10, 1997Fee statusPaidAlso published asCA2313118A1, CA2313118C, EP1037561A1, EP1037561A4, US6068627, US6402743, US6685701, US20030014043, US20040243120, WO1999029244A1Publication number10766661, 766661, US 7044949 B2, US 7044949B2, US-B2-7044949, US7044949 B2, US7044949B2InventorsJames Henry Orszulak, Gary Lee Dobbins, Jr.Original AssigneeSherwood Services AgExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (15), Referenced by (1), Classifications (31), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSmart recognition apparatus and methodUS 7044949 B2Abstract A qualifying connection for an instrument attaches to a source of electrosurgery energy and to the instrument and has first and second parts coupled to the instrument and the source, respectively. Optical couplings on the connection transmit invisible energy to identify the instrument and are proximate on the first and second parts. A light modifier on the first part is proximal to the second part for modification of radiation in the infrared wavelengths so infrared transmitters encode signals and non-contact coded proximity detectors on the second part are the coupled detectors. Mechanical attachments include conjugating male and female portions which physically extend between the parts and matingly engage. An identifying circuit couples to the second part and responds to invisible light optically communicated across the couplings for verifying the type of instrument connected by the cable to the source. A method of using the connection has steps including juxtaposing and conjugating the parts with attachments and couplings for transmitting invisible optical energy to identify the instrument. The method includes modifying the invisible optical energy with geographically disposed proximate couplings of the parts when the attachments engage and the couplings are proximate. Passing and assessing signals of the modified energy are transmitted through the connection and to an identifying circuit in the source.
1. A qualifying connection for a recognition apparatus for identifying a type of surgical instrument attached to a surgical generator, the qualifying connection comprising:
a plug having at least one mechanical interface which matingly engages a corresponding mechanical interface disposed on an electrosurgical generator which is configured to selectively supply electrosurgical energy, at least one of the mechanical interfaces of the plug and the corresponding mechanical interface on the generator including fluid passages for delivering one of suction and irrigation to the surgical instrument;
a first optical coupling disposed on the plug and a second optical coupling disposed on the generator, the first and second optical couplings optically communicating upon mating engagement of the plug and the generator, the first and second optical couplings, when arranged for optical communication, communicating identifying information to the generator relating to the type of surgical instrument.
2. A qualifying connection according to claim 1, further comprising:
an identifying circuit disposed in the generator and in electrical communication with at least one optical coupling which differentiates the type of surgical instrument attached to the generator and which provides a signal to the generator upon verification of the type of surgical instrument attached thereto.
3. A qualifying connection according to claim 2, further comprising:
a switch in electrical communication with the identifying circuit which regulates electrosurgical energy from the generator to the instrument in accordance with the type of surgical instrument attached to the generator.
4. A qualifying connection according to claim 1 wherein the optical coupling on the plug includes a light modifier which modifies the radiation of the light for thereafter receipt by the optical coupling on the generator, the modified radiation of light being indicative of the type of surgical instrument connected to the generator.
5. A qualifying connection according to claim 4 wherein infrared transmitters are positioned on the surgical generator proximal the light modifier for optical communication of the light therethrough.
6. A qualifying connection according to claim 4 wherein the light modifier of the optical coupling on the plug includes one of a diffuse surface, a coating, a matrix of apertures and a pre-selective light responsive material.
7. A qualifying connection according to claim 6 wherein the optical coupling of the generator includes at least one light transmitter and the light modifier on the plug alters the optical energy transmitted from the at least one transmitter.
8. A qualifying connection according to claim 2 wherein the identifying circuit includes a memory for controlling the activation or deactivation of electrosurgical energy according a predetermined criteria for the type of instrument identified.
9. A qualifying connection according to claim 1 further comprising a display indicator which provides visual feedback as to the type and mechanical mating integrity of the surgical instrument attached to the generator.
10. A qualifying connection according to claim 1 wherein the qualifying connection communicates treatment information from the surgical instrument through at least one of the optical couplings regarding the status of tissue being treated.
11. A qualifying connection according to claim 1 wherein the qualifying connection communicates parametric information from the surgical instrument through at least one of the optical couplings regarding at least one of tissue temperature, thermal spread, tissue eschar and tissue desiccation.
12. A qualifying connection for a recognition apparatus for identifying a type of surgical instrument attached to a surgical generator, the qualifying connection comprising:
a plug having at least one mechanical interface which matingly engages a corresponding mechanical interface disposed on an electrosurgical generator which is configured to selectively supply electrosurgical energy;
a first optical coupling disposed on the plug and a second optical coupling disposed on the generator, the first and second optical couplings optically communicating upon mating engagement of the plug and the generator, the first and second optical couplings, when arranged for optical communication, communicating identifying information to the generator relating to the type of surgical instrument, wherein the qualifying connection communicates treatment information from the surgical instrument through at least one of the optical couplings regarding the status of tissue being treated.
13. A qualifying connection for a recognition apparatus for identifying a type of surgical instrument attached to a surgical generator, the qualifying connection comprising:
a first optical coupling disposed on the plug and a second optical coupling disposed on the generator, the first and second optical couplings optically communicating upon mating engagement of the plug and the generator, the first and second optical couplings, when arranged for optical communication, communicating identifying information to the generator relating to the type of surgical instrument, wherein the qualifying connection communicates parametric information from the surgical instrument through at least one of the optical couplings regarding at least one of tissue temperature, thermal spread, tissue eschar and tissue desiccation.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/166,500 filed on Jun. 10, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,701 by Orszulak et al. entitled �SMART RECOGNITION APPARATUS AND METHOD� which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/528,380 filed on Mar. 17, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,743 by Orszulak et al. entitled �SMART RECOGNITION APPARATUS AND METHOD� which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/988,362 filed on Dec. 10,1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,627 by Orszulak et al. entitled �SMART RECOGNITION APPARATUS AND METHOD�, the entire contents of all of these applications are incorporated by reference herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A qualifying connection 10 is disposed between an instrument 11 and a source of medical 12 treatment for passage of treatment energy from the source of medical treatment 12 through the qualifying connection 10 to the instrument 11 and to a patient. The qualifying connection 10 selectively permits passage of information from the instrument 11 to the source of medical treatment 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The qualifying connection 10 includes the instrument 11 having a distal end 13 for treatment of the patient and a proximal end 14 for manipulation by a surgeon. The instrument 11 is connected to the qualifying connection 10. The source of medical treatment 12 provides energy delivery to the instrument 11. The source of medical treatment 12 is attached to the qualifying connection 10. A first part 15 of the qualifying connection 10 connects to the instrument 11 in FIG. 2. A second part 16 of the qualifying connection 10 is carried on and connected to the source of medical treatment 12. Optical couplings 17 and 18 on the qualifying connection 10 extend between the first and second parts 15 and 16 respectively to pass optical energy thus communicating information in the form of the identity of the instrument 11 to the source of medical treatment 12.
Conjugating male and female portions may be one form of the mechanical attachment 20 and 21 as shown in FIG. 2. The male and female portions physically extend between the first and second parts 15 and 16 across the qualifying connection 10 for mating engagement. The optical couplings 17 and 18 positioned on the first and second parts 15 and. 16 are preferrably aligned in proximate relation for communication therebetween upon the mating engagement of the mechanical attachments. The optical coupling 17 on the first part 15 includes a light modifier 24. The light modifier 24 includes either a diffuse surface, a coating, a matrix of holes or a preselected light responsive material to modify the wavelength of radiation affected by the light modifier 24 for thereafter receipt by the optical coupling 18 on the second part 16 for signaling the source of medical treatment 12, see FIG. 2.
Switch 23 is connected to an energy provider such as an electrosurgical generator in source of medical treatment 12. Switch 23 within identifier circuit 22 communicates identification information to allow setting the nature of the energy conveyed in accord with instrument 11 identified and for differentiating instrument 11 attached through qualifying connection 10 from other unqualified instruments 11. Transmitter 19 delivers light in the infrared wavelengths and the modifier 24 is preferably a surface on first part 15 positioned proximal to transmitter 19 on second part 16. The surface is configured to modify the delivered light by absorption, diffraction, reflection or a combination thereof. Mechanical attachments 20 and 21 preferable include one or more electrical conductors and the energy provider includes the electrosurgical generator for delivery of modes of radio frequency electrosurgery across the mechanical attachments 20 and 21. Mechanical attachments 20 and 21 include alternatively one or more wave guides when the energy provider is a laser for delivery of light energy through mechanical attachments 20 and 21. Mechanical attachments 20 and 21 include alternatively one or more fluid passages 51 when the energy provider is a fluid movement apparatus for delivery of suction or irrigation via Supply/return passage 50 to and through the mechanical attachments 20 and 21. Mechanical attachments 20 and 21 include alternatively one or more energy couplings when the energy provider is a microwave generator for delivery of microwaves through the mechanical attachments 20 and 21. The mechanical attachment 20 and 21 include alternatively male and female portions.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS5157603Nov 20, 1989Oct 20, 1992Storz Instrument CompanyControl system for ophthalmic surgical instrumentsUS5342356Dec 2, 1992Aug 30, 1994Ellman Alan GElectrical coupling unit for electrosurgeryUS5396062May 27, 1993Mar 7, 1995The Whitaker CorporationReceptacle having an internal switch with an emitter and a receiverUS5400267Dec 8, 1992Mar 21, 1995Hemostatix CorporationLocal in-device memory feature for electrically powered medical equipmentUS5413573May 22, 1992May 9, 1995Onesys OyDevice for surgical proceduresUS5434398Feb 22, 1994Jul 18, 1995Haim LabenskiMagnetic smartcardUS5605150Nov 4, 1994Feb 25, 1997Physio-Control CorporationElectrical interface for a portable electronic physiological instrument having separable componentsUS5625370Jul 25, 1994Apr 29, 1997Texas Instruments IncorporatedElectromagnetic deviceUS5651780Dec 22, 1994Jul 29, 1997Ep Technologies, Inc.Systems for identifying catheters and monitoring their useUS5660567Nov 14, 1995Aug 26, 1997Nellcor Puritan Bennett IncorporatedMedical sensor connector with removable encoding deviceUS5681307 *Oct 26, 1994Oct 28, 1997Mcmahan; William H.Fiber-optic plug and receptacle providing automatic appliance recognitionUS6068627Dec 10, 1997May 30, 2000Valleylab, Inc.Smart recognition apparatus and methodUS6402743Mar 17, 2000Jun 11, 2002Sherwood Services AgSmart recognition apparatus and methodUS6685701Jun 10, 2002Feb 3, 2004Sherwood Services AgSmart recognition apparatus and methodWO1996008794A1Jul 17, 1995Mar 21, 1996Westinghouse Electric CorpSecurity code identification circuit* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7762735 *Apr 26, 2007Jul 27, 2010Cedar Mesa Design Company, LlcSelf-locking, quick-releasing, and self-releasing ball-and-socket latch system* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification606/34, 607/101, 606/41International ClassificationA61B18/12, H04B10/22, H04B10/00, G02B6/38, A61B18/04, A61M1/00, A61B17/00, A61B18/18, G02B6/42, A61B18/00, A61B19/00, A61B18/14Cooperative ClassificationA61B18/12, G02B2006/4297, A61B19/44, A61B18/14, A61B2217/005, A61B2018/00178, G02B6/3895, A61B2217/007, A61B18/18, A61B2017/00482, A61B2018/00988, A61B2019/448European ClassificationG02B6/38D15, A61B18/14, A61B19/44, A61B18/12Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionSep 19, 2013FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Sep 21, 2010ASAssignmentOwner name: COVIDIEN AG, SWITZERLANDEffective date: 20070309Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:SHERWOOD SERVICES AG;REEL/FRAME:025017/0657Effective date: 20081215Owner name: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP AG, SWITZERLANDFree format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:COVIDIEN AG;REEL/FRAME:025017/0670Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP AG;REEL/FRAME:025017/0663Jan 21, 2010ASAssignmentOwner name: SHERWOOD SERVICES AG, SWITZERLANDFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VALLEYLAB INC.;REEL/FRAME:023821/0270Effective date: 19981001Owner name: VALLEYLAB INC., COLORADOFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ORSZULAK, JAMES HENRY;DOBBINS, GARY LEE, JR.;REEL/FRAME:023821/0261;SIGNING DATES FROM 19971204 TO 19971208Nov 16, 2009FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google