Smart connector system for surgical machine

US7443296B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ALCON INC. · CH

Inventors

• Victor B. Mezhinsky · Brea, US
• Fang Wen · Beijing, CN
• Argelio Olivera · Mission Viejo, US
• Mark Hopkins · Mission Viejo, US
• Kirk W. Todd · Yorba Linda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 21, 2006
• Grant date: Oct 28, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 5, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F9/007
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A smart connector system includes a machine connector disposed on a face of a surgical machine, an illumination ring located on the face of the surgical machine and disposed around a periphery of the machine connector, an RFID reader antenna located in close proximity to the machine connector and the face of the surgical machine, and an accessory connector adapted to couple with the machine connector. The accessory connector has an RFID tag antenna and is capable of attaching a tool to the surgical machine. When the accessory connector is brought within close proximity to the machine connector, a communications connection is established between the RFID tag antenna and the RFID reader antenna.