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Publication Number
US-12465447-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A powered surgical system includes an instrument drive unit and an instrument configured to couple to the instrument drive unit. The system also includes a detection circuit configured to supply input signal to the instrument and to output one of a first value indicating a connection of the instrument or a second value indicating a disconnection of the instrument in an asymmetric-in-time hysteresis manner. The connection of the instrument is detected within a first interval and the disconnection of the instrument is detected after expiration of a second interval that is longer than the first interval.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a powered surgical system that includes an instrument drive unit and an instrument configured to couple to the instrument drive unit. A detection circuit supplies an input signal to the instrument and outputs, in an asymmetric-in-time hysteresis-in-time manner, an output signal having a first value indicating connection or a second value indicating disconnection. The connection is detected within a first interval, while disconnection is detected only after expiration of a second interval longer than the first interval.
The invention further recites an instrument connection detection circuit and a comparator-based output that produces one of the first value or the second value in an asymmetric-in-time hysteresis manner. The connection condition is detected within the first interval, and the disconnection condition is declared after expiration of the second interval that is longer than the first interval. In embodiments, the detection circuitry includes a follower amplifier and a charge shutdown amplifier to buffer/control the signal and to enable or disable the follower amplifier.
Additional circuitry includes a charge tank with a resistor divider and a tank capacitor, configured to output a charge signal based on charge stored in the tank capacitor. The tank capacitor charging and discharging are tied to enabled and disabled states of the follower amplifier, and the discharging interval is aligned with the second interval that is longer than the first interval. The resulting output signal is provided to a processor to output a connection status message, and the system integrates with a controller/display as described in the document.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three inventive features: powered surgical system asymmetric-in-time hysteresis detection, comparator-based instrument connection detection circuitry, and method-based connection status messaging. The claims emphasize that connection is detected within a shorter first interval and disconnection is detected only after expiration of a longer second interval.
Asymmetric-in-time hysteresis detection of instrument connection and disconnection
A powered surgical system in which a detection circuit supplies an input signal to the instrument and outputs, in an asymmetric-in-time hysteresis-in-time manner, an output signal having a first value indicating a connection of the instrument or a second value indicating a disconnection of the instrument, wherein the connection of the instrument is detected within a first interval and the disconnection of the instrument is detected after expiration of a second interval that is longer than the first interval.
Comparator producing asymmetric-in-time hysteresis connection state
An instrument connection detection circuit with an input signal source supplying an input signal to an instrument coupled to an instrument drive unit, and a comparator that outputs, in an asymmetric-in-time hysteresis manner, one of a first value indicating a connection of the instrument or a second value indicating a disconnection of the instrument, wherein the connection of the instrument is detected within a first interval and the disconnection of the instrument is detected after expiration of a second interval that is longer than the first interval.
Connection status messaging from asymmetric-in-time hysteresis output
A method for determining a connection status of an instrument that includes supplying an input signal from a detection circuit to an instrument coupled to an instrument drive unit, outputting, in an asymmetric-in-time hysteresis manner, an output signal including one of a first value indicating a connection of the instrument or a second value indicating a disconnection of the instrument, wherein the connection of the instrument is detected within a first interval and the disconnection of the instrument is detected after expiration of a second interval that is longer than the first interval, providing one of the first value or the second value to a processor, and outputting a connection status message based on receipt of the output signal.
Across the independent claims, the central claim coverage is asymmetric-in-time hysteresis in which connection is detected within a shorter first interval and disconnection is detected only after expiration of a longer second interval. The claims also recite a comparator-based detection circuit and a method that provides the output to a processor for a connection status message.
Stated Advantages
Reduced false disconnections (as indicated by simulation plots and discussion in the provided content).
Documented Applications
Powered surgical system integration including a processor/controller and connection status message output for instrument connection/disconnection detection.
Robotic-arm and instrument-drive form factors, including an instrument drive unit associated with a robotic arm.
Powered surgical handle/powered surgical stapler configuration as described in alternate embodiments.
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