Smart recognition apparatus and method
US6402743B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/4297
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
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 physically extending between the parts for mating engagement. 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 pr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.