Enforcement device for limited usage product
US10039589B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0814
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical device employs a longevity circuit for preventing operation after a specified time based on safe use expectations. The surgical device delivers a therapy signal via a handpiece having electrodes in proximity to the surgical site. The therapy signal is a high frequency electrical signal delivered from a generator coupled to the handpiece, and activated by a control signal. A therapy circuit established by coupling the handpiece and generator delivers the therapy signal, and is monitored for activation based on a time since a first activation, a number of activations, or an aggregate time of activated intervals. A usage limit defines the activation lifespan, and is employed for monitoring either the therapy circuit or the control circuit, to determine a usage history. Following expiration of a safe usage limit, a longevity circuit in the handpiece disables the handpiece for successive uses, and is independent of a connection to a particular generator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.