Apparatus for counting the number of times a surgical instrument has been used
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United States of America Patent
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-
May 24, 1994
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Aug 17, 1993
filing date -
Dec 31, 1992
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
An improved use counter for endoscopic instruments is mounted in the ferrule of the distal portion of an endoscopic instrument having separable proximal and distal portions. The counter includes a ratchet wheel having inner and outer teeth and a bimetallic coil having a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the bimetallic coil is attached to a hub portion of the ferrule and the free end of the bimetallic coil engages the inner teeth of the ratchet wheel. An inwardly extending tooth in the ferrule engages the outer teeth of the ratchet wheel to prevent backward movement of the ratchet wheel. The outer surface of the ratchet wheel is also provided with incremental indicia viewable through a window in the ferrule. As the bimetallic coil is heated and cooled when the instrument is sterilized, the free end of the coil engages and advances one tooth of the ratchet wheel. Movement of the free end is preferably limited by stops. A spring biased locking and disabling pin is mounted in the ferrule and engages a stepped width portion of the ratchet wheel. The pin prevents advancement of the ratchet wheel during shipping and disables the instrument after a predetermined number of sterilizations.
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