公开(公告)号：US07837694B2

公开(公告)日：2010-11-23

申请号：US11116379

申请日：2005-04-28

申请人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Paul Elliott ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Robert Varner ,  Mark Pelo

发明人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Paul Elliott ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Robert Varner ,  Mark Pelo

IPC分类号： A61B19/00

CPC分类号： A61B90/00 ,  A61B50/33 ,  A61B90/98

摘要： Systems and methods for identifying surgical instruments by use of radio-frequency identification tags (RFID) are disclosed. In the systems and methods, each of a plurality of surgical instruments is provided with at least one RFID transponder tag storing identification information associated with the corresponding instrument. The tag may be adhered to, embedded, or potted within a portion of the instrument. Using an RFID reading device, a user may interrogate the tag, thereby identifying the particular instrument. This identification information may be used to index a database and retrieve a data record unique to that instrument. The systems and methods allow a user to track, inspect, and verify inbound and outbound surgical instruments, to assess, for example, the surgical instruments' duty life cycle usage.

摘要翻译： 公开了通过使用射频识别标签（RFID）识别手术器械的系统和方法。 在系统和方法中，多个外科器械中的每一个设置有存储与相应仪器相关联的识别信息的至少一个RFID应答器标签。 标签可以粘附到，嵌入或封装在器械的一部分内。 使用RFID读取装置，用户可以询问标签，从而识别特定的仪器。 该识别信息可以用于索引数据库并检索该仪器唯一的数据记录。 系统和方法允许用户跟踪，检查和验证入站和出站手术器械，以评估例如外科器械的职责生命周期使用。

公开(公告)号：US20100108761A1

公开(公告)日：2010-05-06

申请号：US12618190

申请日：2009-11-13

申请人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo

发明人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo

IPC分类号： G06F19/00 ,  G06Q10/00

CPC分类号： G06Q10/0875 ,  A61B50/33 ,  A61B90/98 ,  G06Q10/087

摘要： An apparatus and method for interrogating and automatically identifying a radio-frequency tagged surgical instrument tray and its contents of RFID-tagged surgical instruments are disclosed. The surgical instrument tray and its contents come into contact with an RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader, and as a result, the RFID tags affixed on the instrument tray and the surgical instruments respond by transmitting back to the RFID reader data pertaining to the history of the surgical instruments. A data terminal, which is connected to the RFID reader, may contain data pertaining to the radio frequency tagged surgical instruments during packaging, and during the return of the surgical instrument trays to the packager, identifies the surgical instruments.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于询问并自动识别射频标记的外科器械托盘及其RFID标签的外科器械的内容物的装置和方法。 手术器械托盘及其内容物与RFID读取器发送的RF信号接触，结果，固定在仪器托盘上的RFID标签和外科器械通过向RFID读取器发送与历史有关的数据的响应 的手术器械。 连接到RFID读取器的数据终端可以包含与打包期间的无线电频率标记的手术器械有关的数据，并且在将外科器械托盘返回到包装机期间，识别外科器械。

公开(公告)号：US07118029B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-10

申请号：US10927475

申请日：2004-08-27

申请人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo

发明人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo

IPC分类号： G06F17/00

CPC分类号： A61B50/33 ,  A61B90/98

摘要： A method and apparatus for automatically identifying the contents of an instrument tray by use of a radio-frequency tag (RFID) is disclosed. The method, apparatus, and system enable the instrument tray to receive an interrogation signal from a reader and to respond to the interrogation signal with a code comprised of its identifying information as well as its contents of radio frequency tagged instruments. Both the instrument tray and/or the reader may be coupled by a proximity electromagnetic field, an inductive coupling, or may be units of a wireless LAN system such as a wireless fidelity local area network. The interrogation signal interrogates the tray to ascertain its contents, and the tray in turn transmits a signal to the reader to inform the reader of its contents. The method, apparatus, and system can track, inspect, and verify inbound and outbound surgical instrument trays and kits, to assess, for example, the surgical instruments' and trays' duty life cycle usage.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种通过使用射频标签（RFID）来自动识别仪器盘的内容的方法和装置。 方法，装置和系统使得仪器托盘能够从读取器接收询问信号，并用包含其标识信息的代码以及其无线电频率标签的仪器的内容来响应询问信号。 仪器盘和/或读取器可以通过接近电磁场，感应耦合耦合，或者可以是诸如无线保真局域网的无线LAN系统的单元。 询问信号询问托盘以确定其内容物，并且托盘又将信号发送到读取器以通知读者其内容。 方法，设备和系统可以跟踪，检查和验证入站和出站手术器械托盘和试剂盒，以评估例如手术器械和托盘的使用寿命周期。

公开(公告)号：US07644016B2

公开(公告)日：2010-01-05

申请号：US10924897

申请日：2004-08-25

申请人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo

发明人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo

IPC分类号： G06Q10/00 ,  A01K5/02 ,  G08C19/04

CPC分类号： G06Q10/0875 ,  A61B50/33 ,  A61B90/98 ,  G06Q10/087

摘要： An apparatus and method for interrogating and automatically identifying a radio-frequency tagged surgical instrument tray and its contents of RFID-tagged surgical instruments are disclosed. The surgical instrument tray and its contents come into contact with an RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader, and as a result, the RFID tags affixed on the instrument tray and the surgical instruments respond by transmitting back to the RFID reader data pertaining to the history of the surgical instruments. A data terminal, which is connected to the RFID reader, may contain data pertaining to the radio frequency tagged surgical instruments during packaging, and during the return of the surgical instrument trays to the packager, identifies the surgical instruments.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于询问并自动识别射频标记的外科器械托盘及其RFID标签的外科器械的内容物的装置和方法。 手术器械托盘及其内容物与RFID读取器发送的RF信号接触，结果，固定在仪器托盘上的RFID标签和外科器械通过向RFID读取器发送与历史有关的数据的响应 的手术器械。 连接到RFID读取器的数据终端可以包含与打包期间的无线电频率标记的手术器械有关的数据，并且在将外科器械托盘返回到包装机期间，识别外科器械。

公开(公告)号：US07474223B2

公开(公告)日：2009-01-06

申请号：US11108130

申请日：2005-04-18

申请人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo ,  Robert Varner ,  Paul Elliott

发明人： Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Mark Pelo ,  Robert Varner ,  Paul Elliott

IPC分类号： A61B5/05 ,  G08B13/14

CPC分类号： A61B90/98 ,  A61B17/8605 ,  A61B90/90 ,  A61F2/32 ,  A61F2/34 ,  A61F2/3662 ,  A61F2/367 ,  A61F2/38 ,  A61F2/3859 ,  A61F2/3877 ,  A61F2/389 ,  A61F2002/3067 ,  A61F2002/3071 ,  A61F2002/3611 ,  A61F2002/4632 ,  A61F2002/488 ,  A61F2250/0002 ,  A61F2250/0085 ,  G06F19/00 ,  G16H10/65

摘要： A method and apparatus for automatically identifying surgical implants by use of a radio-frequency tag (RFID) is disclosed. The method, apparatus, and system enable a radio-frequency tagged implant to receive an interrogation signal from a reader and to respond to the interrogation signal with identifying information about the tagged implants. The interrogation signal interrogates the implant to ascertain its information, and the RFID tag affixed on the implant in turn transmits a signal back to the reader. The method, apparatus, and system can track, inspect, and verify surgical implants, to assess, for example, any wear and tear on implants, and/or positional displacement of components of the implant.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种通过使用射频标签（RFID）自动识别外科植入物的方法和装置。 方法，装置和系统使得射频标记的植入物能够从读取器接收询问信号，并且通过识别关于标记植入物的信息来响应询问信号。 询问信号询问植入物以确定其信息，并且固定在植入物上的RFID标签又将信号发送回读取器。 方法，装置和系统可以跟踪，检查和验证手术植入物，以评估例如植入物上的任何磨损和/或植入物的部件的位置位移。

公开(公告)号：US07253736B2

公开(公告)日：2007-08-07

申请号：US10926299

申请日：2004-08-26

申请人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Mark Pelo

发明人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Mark Pelo

IPC分类号： G08B13/14

CPC分类号： G06K19/07749 ,  A61B90/90 ,  A61B90/98

摘要： Disclosed are exemplary implementations of an instrument having an RFID tag formed in or on the material of its handle. One or more antenna segments of the RFID tag may be formed from conductive material printed on or otherwise applied to a surface of the material or they may be formed from a conductive foil or other preformed material applied to the surface of the elastic material of the instrument handle. The antenna segments may be configured to represent at least a portion of a graphic, such as a company logo, for viewing by a user or handler of the instrument. At least a portion of the RFID tag and surrounding of the instrument handle may be covered by a protective material to prevent damage to the RFID tag as a result of repeated handling or subjection of the instrument to autoclaving, sterilization or caustic materials.

摘要翻译： 公开了具有形成在其手柄的材料中或其上的RFID标签的仪器的示例性实施方式。 RFID标签的一个或多个天线段可以由印刷在材料表面上或以其它方式施加到材料表面的导电材料形成，或者它们可以由施加到仪器的弹性材料的表面的导电箔或其它预成型材料形成 处理。 天线段可以被配置为表示诸如公司标志的图形的至少一部分，以供用户或处理器查看。 RFID标签的至少一部分和仪器手柄的周围可以被保护材料覆盖，以防止由于将仪器重复处理或取代于高压灭菌，灭菌或苛性物质而导致对RFID标签的损坏。

公开(公告)号：US07227469B2

公开(公告)日：2007-06-05

申请号：US10993487

申请日：2004-11-22

申请人： Robert Varner ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz

发明人： Robert Varner ,  Steven M. Tethrake ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz

IPC分类号： G08B13/14

CPC分类号： G08B13/2462 ,  G06Q10/08

摘要： A surgical instrument tray shipping tote identification system is provided. During transit to or from a medical facility, processing center, distribution center or other location, multiple surgical instruments trays are placed in an instrument tray shipping tote. Each instrument tray includes at least one RFID transponder tag storing identification information about that tray. The shipping tote has a bar coded shipping label affixed to one surface generated at the point of origin. When the tote arrives at the distribution center, it is placed on a conveyor system that includes a reading station having an RFID transceiver and a bar code reader. Information read from the RFID transponder tags and the bar code label is transmitted by a controller to an external database to check for any off-nominal status indicators. Once this check is performed, an indication is sent back to the controller and an appropriate indicator on the identification system is activated.

摘要翻译： 提供外科器械托盘运输手提箱识别系统。 在往返医疗设施，加工中心，配送中心或其他位置的过境期间，多个手术器械托盘放置在仪器托盘运送手提箱内。 每个仪器托盘包括至少一个存储关于该托盘的识别信息的RFID应答器标签。 运输手提包有一个条形码的运输标签贴在原点生成的一个表面上。 当手提箱到达配送中心时，它被放置在包括具有RFID收发器和条形码读取器的读取站的输送机系统上。 从RFID应答器标签读取的信息和条形码标签由控制器发送到外部数据库，以检查任何非标称状态指示符。 一旦执行此检查，将指示发送回控制器，并且识别系统上的适当指示器被激活。

公开(公告)号：US07705733B2

公开(公告)日：2010-04-27

申请号：US11326460

申请日：2006-01-06

申请人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Robert Varner ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz

发明人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Robert Varner ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz

IPC分类号： G08B13/14

CPC分类号： G06K19/04 ,  G06K19/07758

摘要： A coiled RFID tag that includes an RFID transponder circuit that is formed over a generally cylindrically-shaped substrate core so that portions of the antenna of the transponder circuit circumscribe the substrate core. With this configuration, the tag may be applied to objects without regard to antenna orientation. The transponder circuit and substrate core are encased in a protective material that will prevent ingress of moisture and dust, insulate from heat and cold but will allow radio frequency waves to pass without significant attenuation. The tag may be attached various items by an overmolding process in the formation of a grip of other portions. Alternatively, the tag may be attached to objects by forming it into a flexible sleeve-like portion that is pulled over objects and maintained in position by the resilient properties of the sleeve.

摘要翻译： 一种卷绕的RFID标签，其包括在大致圆柱形的衬底芯上形成的RFID应答器电路，使得应答器电路的天线的一部分围绕衬底芯。 利用这种配置，可以不考虑天线方向将标签应用于对象。 应答器电路和基板芯被封装在防止水分和灰尘进入的保护材料中，防止热和冷，但将允许射频波通过而没有显着的衰减。 标签可以通过包覆成型工艺在形成其它部分的把手中附接各种物品。 替代地，标签可以通过将其形成柔性的套筒状部分而附接到物体上，该部分被拉过物体并通过套筒的弹性保持在适当的位置。

公开(公告)号：US07492257B2

公开(公告)日：2009-02-17

申请号：US11354080

申请日：2006-02-15

申请人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Robert Varner ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Chad Chun

发明人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Robert Varner ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz ,  Chad Chun

IPC分类号： G08B13/14

CPC分类号： G08B13/2462 ,  G06Q10/08

摘要： Systems and methods for processing surgical instrument tray shipping totes. A control system is adapted to control a bar code reader module, an RFID module, a database module and an interface module. The control system provides functionality adapted to process incoming and outgoing surgical instrument shipping totes containing one or more RFID-enabled surgical instrument trays. A database, ERP system or other system in communication with the control system alerts the operator of the status of an incoming tote and/or trays contained in the tote to increase processing efficiency and speed.

摘要翻译： 手术器械托盘运输手提箱的系统和方法。 控制系统适于控制条形码读取器模块，RFID模块，数据库模块和接口模块。 控制系统提供适于处理包含一个或多个支持RFID的手术器械托盘的进入和离开的手术器械运送手提箱的功能。 与控制系统通信的数据库，ERP系统或其他系统向操作者报告包含在手提箱中的进入手提箱和/或托盘的状态，以提高处理效率和速度。

公开(公告)号：US07268684B2

公开(公告)日：2007-09-11

申请号：US11006750

申请日：2004-12-08

申请人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Robert Varner ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz

发明人： Steven M. Tethrake ,  Robert Varner ,  Jeffrey H. Nycz

IPC分类号： G08B13/14

CPC分类号： A61B90/90 ,  A61B50/10 ,  A61B50/33 ,  A61B90/98 ,  A61B2090/065

摘要： A radio frequency identification (RFID) workstation reader for RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays and a method of using a RFID workstation reader to read RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays. The method, apparatus, and system enable individual instruments or a surgical instrument tray containing several surgical instruments to be quickly and efficiently inventoried and tracked. An instrument or instrument tray is placed on the workstation reader. An RF field generated by a plurality of antennae, causes RFID tags embedded in or attached to the instrument or instrument tray to emit a signal containing item specific identification information stored in the tags. The information is received by a control circuit and passed to a computer for data analysis. A status LED is illuminated on the workstation reader based on the results of the data analysis. The method, apparatus, and system can track, inspect, and verify inbound and outbound surgical instrument kits, and help to assess the surgical instruments' and trays' duty life cycle usage.

摘要翻译： 一种用于支持RFID的手术器械和手术器械托盘的射频识别（RFID）工作站读取器，以及使用RFID工作站读取器读取支持RFID的手术器械和手术器械托盘的方法。 该方法，装置和系统使得能够快速且有效地盘存和跟踪包含若干手术器械的各个器械或外科器械托盘。 仪器或仪器托盘放置在工作站读取器上。 由多个天线产生的RF场使嵌入在仪器或仪表盘中的RFID标签发射包含存储在标签中的特定标识信息的信号。 信息由控制电路接收并传递到计算机进行数据分析。 基于数据分析的结果，工作站读取器上的状态LED亮起。 方法，设备和系统可以跟踪，检查和验证入站和出站手术器械套件，并帮助评估外科器械和托盘的使用寿命周期。