Patent ID: 8412361

Claim:
A method for function activation control of medical equipment comprising: providing a medical instrument having a desired function that performs a medical task; providing a foot-operated device in communication with the medical instrument, said foot-operated device controlling activation of said desired function of said medical instrument; an end-user temporarily actuating said foot-operated device by applying an initial pressure to said foot-operated device to generate a first signal including an identification of a function prior to activation of said function; transmitting said first signal to a second device that is separate and distinct from the foot-operated device, said second device receiving said first signal and determining said identification of said function prior to activation thereof; generating a second signal having said identification of said function at said second device; transmitting said second signal to a sensory component; said sensory component alerting said end-user of said identification of said function prior to activation thereof; and said end-user verifying that said identified function that is about to be activated is the desired function of said medical instrument prior to activation thereof, whereby, if said identified function is said desired function, then said end-user further actuating said foot-operated device by applying additional pressure to said foot-operated device to immediately activate said desired function and perform said medical task, if said identified function is not said desired function, then said end-user de-actuating said foot-operated device to prevent activation of said identified function.