Abstract

Systems and methods for handling and packaging instruments are fully automated thereby eliminating human handling and increasing accuracy of packaging and labeling of the instruments. One system includes an instrument identification element, an element that determines packaging requirements, an element that creates the packaging such as a labeled peel pouch. The system makes the package including the instrument or instruments. The completed packaging is ready of next steps including sterilization.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 50/30 - Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
• A61L 2/00 - Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lensesAccessories therefor
• A61L 2/28 - Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour

Abstract

Embodiments of the instrument inventory system create, record and enable access of data about collections of instruments and tools such as surgical instruments and dental instruments. The instrument inventory system includes at least one user interface, at least one instrument interface, an instrument processor and a database storing instrument records. The instrument inventory system includes a training function which enables the system to create a data record for new instruments when the system encounters new instruments.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
• G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders

Abstract

A bagmaker interoperable with an item processor is disclosed, the bagmaker being configured to produce bags for packaging items for sterilization, such as medical instruments. The bagmaker may include a controller interoperable with a bag production device, the bag production device including a bag cutter and a heat sealer, such that tubing may be sealed and cut, such that a bag of a specified length is formed. Operation of the bagmaker may include identifying tubing corresponding to a bag width of the bag, advancing tubing to correspond with the length of the bag, sealing at least a first end of the tubing, and then advancing and cutting the tubing; ejecting the bag from the bagmaker and retracting remaining uncut tubing, wherein the retraction and ejection may occur contemporaneously or interchangeably in order.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65B 9/02 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, between opposed webs
• B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it

Abstract

A bagmaker interoperable with an item processor is disclosed, the bagmaker being configured to produce bags for packaging items for sterilization, such as medical instruments. The bagmaker may include a controller interoperable with a bag production device, the bag production device including a bag cutter and a heat sealer, such that tubing may be sealed and cut, such that a bag of a specified length is formed. Operation of the bagmaker may include identifying tubing corresponding to a bag width of the bag, advancing tubing to correspond with the length of the bag, sealing at least a first end of the tubing, and then advancing and cutting the tubing; ejecting the bag from the bagmaker and retracting remaining uncut tubing, wherein the retraction and ejection may occur contemporaneously or interchangeably in order.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65B 9/02 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, between opposed webs
• B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
• B65B 51/10 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof

Abstract

A bagmaker interoperable with an item processor is disclosed, the bagmaker being configured to produce bags for packaging items for sterilization, such as medical instruments. The bagmaker may include a controller interoperable with a bag production device, the bag production device including a bag cutter and a heat sealer, such that tubing may be sealed and cut, such that a bag of a specified length is formed. Operation of the bagmaker may include identifying tubing corresponding to a bag width of the bag, advancing tubing to correspond with the length of the bag, sealing at least a first end of the tubing, and then advancing and cutting the tubing; ejecting the bag from the bagmaker and retracting remaining uncut tubing, wherein the retraction and ejection may occur contemporaneously or interchangeably in order.

IPC Classes  ?

• B31B 70/00 - Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
• B31B 70/02 - Feeding or positioning sheets, blanks or webs
• B31B 70/10 - Feeding or positioning webs
• B31B 70/16 - Cutting webs
• B31B 70/64 - Uniting opposed surfaces or edgesTaping by applying heat or pressure
• B31B 70/94 - Delivering singly or in succession

Abstract

Embodiments of the instrument inventory system create, record and enable access of data about collections of instruments and tools such as surgical instruments and dental instruments. The instrument inventory system includes at least one user interface, at least one instrument interface, an instrument processor and a database storing instrument records. The instrument inventory system includes a training function which enables the system to create a data record for new instruments when the system encounters new instruments.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
• G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders

Abstract

An object recognition and data retrieval system interfaces with a target system, such as an automated storage cabinet, to share object data for storage and retrieval.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
• G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods

Abstract

Systems and methods for handling and packaging instruments are fully automated thereby eliminating human handling and increasing accuracy of packaging and labeling of the instruments. One system includes an instrument identification element, an element that determines packaging requirements, an element that creates the packaging such as a labeled peel pouch. The system makes the package including the instrument or instruments. The completed packaging is ready of next steps including sterilization.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65B 5/00 - Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
• B65B 5/02 - Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
• B65B 5/04 - Packaging single articles
• B65B 55/00 - Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
• B65B 55/02 - Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
• B65B 55/12 - Sterilising contents prior to, or during, packaging
• B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices

Abstract

Systems and methods for handling and packaging instruments are fully automated thereby eliminating human handling and increasing accuracy of packaging and labeling of the instruments. One system includes an instrument identification element, an element that determines packaging requirements, an element that creates the packaging such as a labeled peel pouch. The system makes the package including the instrument or instruments. The completed packaging is ready of next steps including sterilization.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 50/30 - Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
• A61L 2/00 - Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lensesAccessories therefor
• A61L 2/28 - Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour

Abstract

Systems and methods for handling and packaging instruments are fully automated thereby eliminating human handling and increasing accuracy of packaging and labeling of the instruments. One system includes an instrument identification element, an element that determines packaging requirements, an element that creates the packaging such as a labeled peel pouch. The system makes the package including the instrument or instruments. The completed packaging is ready of next steps including sterilization.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65B 5/00 - Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
• B65B 5/02 - Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
• B65B 5/04 - Packaging single articles
• B65B 55/00 - Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
• B65B 55/02 - Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
• B65B 55/12 - Sterilising contents prior to, or during, packaging
• B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices

Abstract

Embodiments of the instrument inventory system create, record and enable access of data about collections of instruments and tools such as surgical instruments and dental instruments. The instrument inventory system includes at least one user interface, at least one instrument interface, an instrument processor and a database storing instrument records. The instrument inventory system includes a training function which enables the system to create a data record for new instruments when the system encounters new instruments.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
• A61B 19/02 - Protective casings or covers for appliances or instruments, e.g. boxes or sterile covers; Instrument tables or cupboards; Doctors' bags

Abstract

Embodiments of the instrument inventory system create, record and enable access of data about collections of instruments and tools such as surgical instruments and dental instruments. The instrument inventory system includes at least one user interface, at least one instrument interface, an instrument processor and a database storing instrument records. The instrument inventory system includes a training function which enables the system to create a data record for new instruments when the system encounters new instruments.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 90/90 - Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
• G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• G16H 40/20 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms

Abstract

Embodiments of the instrument inventory system create, record and enable access of data about collections of instruments and tools such as surgical instruments and dental instruments. The instrument inventory system includes at least one user interface, at least one instrument interface, an instrument processor and a database storing instrument records. The instrument inventory system includes a training function which enables the system to create a data record for new instruments when the system encounters new instruments.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management