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End effector identification by mechanical features

  • US 8,733,614 B2
  • Filed: 05/04/2010
  • Issued: 05/27/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2006
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

  • a handle portion;

    a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis;

    a loading unit, the loading unit including a tool assembly, the loading unit adapted to be coupled to the body portion;

    a sensor tube having a ferromagnetic core portion and movably positioned within the body portion, the sensor tube adapted to engage the loading unit;

    a linear variable differential transducer disposed about the ferromagnetic core portion and adapted to be actuated by the sensor tube when the sensor tube is engaged by the loading unit being inserted into the body portion and to generate a sensor signal reflective of the sensor tube being engaged therewith, the linear variable differential transducer comprising;

    a primary coil disposed about the sensor tube;

    a first secondary coil disposed about the sensor tube and positioned distally of the primary coil; and

    a second secondary coil disposed about the sensor tube and positioned proximally of the primary coil; and

    a microcontroller configured to determine a type of the loading unit engaged with the body portion based on the sensor signal.

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