Automated instrument separation system and method

Abstract

A gripping system for gripping and positioning medical instruments includes a gripping device, an adapter device and a holding device. The gripping device includes an electromagnet configured to receive magnetizable instruments from an instrument container. The adapter device attaches the gripping device to a control system, which may be a robotic system. The holding device attaches the electromagnet to the adapter device. The holding device includes a receptacle, which may be a cone, for receiving the electromagnet. The holding device is arranged such that the electromagnet is movable between a first position, in which the electromagnet is received in the receptacle, and a second position, in which the electromagnet is extended out of the receptacle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.