Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Inc.

Brian Douglas McCary

John Joseph Weidenbenner

A ground detection apparatus for sensing the presence of a malfunction within an electronic instrument. The apparatus includes an active electrical circuit for delivering electrical energy from a power source to an electrically-driven instrument. The apparatus further includes a plurality of return electrical circuits connected in series with the active electrical circuit distal the electrically-driven instrument. A transformer coil is positioned within the apparatus such that the active electrical circuit includes a first winding about the transformer coil and such that one of the return electrical circuits includes a second winding about the transformer coil. The first and second windings are configured such that no substantial net flux is created in transformer coil when the plurality of return electrical circuits are functioning properly. The apparatus further includes a sensing and signalling circuit capable of sensing the presence of a flux in the transformer coil and producing a signal in response thereto. The circuit which the signal triggers has the capacity to deactivate the power.

Electrical ground fault detection apparatus

An apparatus and method for determining the motor type of an electric intraocular surgical handpiece. A circuit including a voltage divider, opto-isolators and amplifiers receives signals from the motor of the handpiece to determine its type. The circuit provides a signal, which can be visual or auditory, to the user concerning the motor type of the handpiece so that the user may choose the proper controls compatible with the motor type.

Detection of intraocular surgical scissors

A current compensation system for an electrical brush motor senses the amount of current by the electrical motor and generates a signal quantifying the amount of current drawn by the motor so that the amount of current drawn can be re-supplied together with a target speed signal through a power amplifier device to the electrical motor.

Current compensation system for driving electric motor

A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments is disclosed. Particularly, the present invention includes an ophthalmic handpiece, such as an intraocular surgical scissors or forceps, which is electrically isolated from the electric power source for controlling electrical hardware by a transformer. In a preferred embodiment, the handpiece is removably attachable to the electric control handpiece and is interchangeable with other ophthalmic handpieces. Furthermore, an apparatus to detect the presence of the interchangeable handpiece when it is connected to the controlling electric hardware is provided.

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St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Brian Douglas McCary