Display device for the number of heatings performed
AssigneeEthicon, Inc.
InventorDale Schulze
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A display device is described which indicates the number of heatings performed, especially for the purpose of autoclave sterilization. The display device comprises a temperature-sensitive mechanical element which essentially reversibly transforms from a first spatial state to a second spatial state when the temperature-sensitive mechanical element is heated in excess of a predetermined temperature. The temperature-sensitive mechanical element is coupled to the actuating element of a counter mechanism and upon the transformation to the second spatial state effects movement of the actuating element into an actuation position.
Claims5
A device for monitoring the number of times a sterilization has been performed comprising:
- a temperature sensitive mechanical element which transforms from a first spatial state to a second spatial state at a predetermined temperature;
- and
- a blocking element coupled to said mechanical element movable from a retracted position to an extended blocking position when the number of heatings of said temperature sensitive mechanical element beyond a predetermined temperature exceed a predetermined number of such heatings;
- and
- said monitoring device capable of blocking operation of a surgical instrument when said blocking element is in said extended position.
A device for monitoring the number of times a sterilization has been performed comprising:
- a temperature sensitive mechanical element which transforms from a first spatial state to a second spatial state at a predetermined temperature;
- and
- a blocking element coupled to said mechanical element movable from a retracted position to an extended blocking position when the number of heatings of said temperature sensitive mechanical element beyond a predetermined temperature exceed a predetermined number of such heatings;
- and
- said monitoring device capable of blocking operation of a surgical instrument when said blocking element is in said extended position;
- and
- a display device attached to said temperature sensitive element in order to indicate the number of times said element has transferred from said first state to said second state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.