Fiber detector apparatus and related methods
US6829427B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/228
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber detector apparatus includes a hub having one or more electrical contacts. The hub is configured to be placed against a connector, which is disposed on an electromagnetic energy source, such that electrical continuity is established between the electrical contacts of the hub and electrical contacts on a connector plate of the electromagnetic energy source. The number and positions of the electrical contacts correlate with the presence and characteristics of one or more fibers extending through the hub toward the electromagnetic energy source. A data storage microcircuit may also be provided within the hub to store identification information about the fibers being used. Knowing the physical characteristics of the fibers being used in a particular procedure can permit a user of the apparatus to improve the effectiveness of a procedure using the electromagnetic energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.