Millimeter-sized recognition signal badge and identification system for accurately discerning and sorting among similar kinds, shapes, and sizes of surgical instruments

摘要

The present invention is a discrete signal-identifying badge and operative system for recognizing, differentiating and distinguishing among the many kinds, shapes and sizes of surgical instruments and tools commonly used today for human and veterinary surgeries and in scientific research. The signal-identifying badge is a discrete millimeter-sized article of manufacture which can be easily affixed to an exposed surface of any type, any configuration and any dimension of surgical instrument or tool; and includes a well-cushioned and protected photovoltaic cell-integrated chip transponder unit embedded within a safeguarding three-tier stack construct. The photovoltaic cell of the embedded transponder is activated by the introduction of light energy in any form; and once activated, provides electric power to the electronic circuitry of the transponder unit of the instrument-affixed badge such that a responsive identifying RF signal is emitted to the ambient atmosphere. That emitted responsive identifying RF signal is detected and decoded by a remotely located reader; and then translated into readable form on a display for human visualization and acknowledgement.