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Smart connector system for surgical machine

  • US 7,796,040 B2
  • Filed: 10/20/2008
  • Issued: 09/14/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A surgical machine, comprising:

  • a machine connector disposed on a face of the surgical machine;

    an RFID reader antenna, located in close proximity to the machine connector, and configured to establish a communications connection between the surgical machine and a surgical tool, wherein the RFID reader antenna is configured to read an identification datum from an RFID tag antenna on the surgical tool, wherein the surgical machine is configured to determine if the surgical tool can safely be used with the surgical machine based on the identification datum; and

    an illumination ring located on the face of the surgical machine at least partially on a periphery of the machine connector, wherein the surgical machine is configured to illuminate the illumination ring in different colors to indicate different modes of operation or statuses of the surgical machine;

    wherein the surgical machine is configured to provide power to the surgical tool only if the determination is made that the surgical tool can safely be used with the surgical machine and wherein illuminating the illumination ring in different colors to indicate different modes of operation or statuses of the surgical machine comprises illuminating the illumination ring in a pattern or color indicative of the determination as to whether the surgical tool can safely be used with the surgical machine.

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