Patent ID: 7806696

Claim:
An apparatus for interfacing a peripheral device for simulating a medical procedure, comprising: a capture mechanism configured to engage a peripheral device separate therefrom, the peripheral device configured as a medical instrument and the capture mechanism having a tubular shaped grasping member and an actuator longitudinally moveable with respect to the grasping member when pushed by the peripheral device, the actuator urged against the grasping member when in a first position to maintain the grasping member in an open position prior to receiving the peripheral device, the grasping member configured to close to a closed position around the peripheral device to engage the peripheral device therein in response to the peripheral device being inserted into the grasping member and pushing the actuator away from the grasping member from the first position to the second position; and a sensing assembly configured to detect movement of the peripheral device while the peripheral device is engaged by the capture mechanism.