Surgical and medical systems configured to be updated via disposable devices connected thereto

Abstract

A medical waste collection system is provided. The medical waste collection system includes a first surgical device, a second surgical device, and one or more controllers. The first surgical device includes a first coupling interface configured to couple with a first surgical disposable which includes a memory unit having an update module stored thereon, and a first reader in electrical communication with the first coupling interface. The second surgical device includes a second coupling interface configured to couple with a second surgical disposable. At least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the second surgical device in accordance with a first control algorithm. The system is configured to operate at least one controller to control the second surgical device in accordance with a second control algorithm after the first reader of the first surgical device reads the update module.

Description

SURGICAL AND MEDICAL SYSTEMS CONFIGURED TO BE UPDATED VIA DISPOSABLE DEVICES CONNECTED THERETORELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application which claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 678,603, filed on August 2, 2024, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Surgical procedures frequently involve the use of medical systems that include multiple, largely independent units that are each used for their own function. For example, many medical practitioners utilize medical systems that include a smoke evacuation unit for removing smoke and other particulates from a surgical site, and a waste collection unit for removing waste fluids from the surgical site. The units can each include a dedicated controller, and the units may be configured to communicate with one another for various purposes. Each of the units often include a control algorithm which dictate how the units function. Additionally, many of these medical systems cannot be completely sterilized due to the nature of internal components associated with the systems. Thus, the systems may be configured to coordinate with limited use devices that are meant to connected to the medical system, such as to one of the units thereof, and disposed of after a certain amount of uses. The medical systems often determine the usability of the limited use devices prior to allowing the devices to be used with the systems. One way this is done is by utilizing a reader which is part of a unit of the system and is configured to receive data from a memory unit coupled to the limited use device. If the correct data is read from the memory unit, the system determines that the limited use device is authentic and may be used with the system.SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect, a medical waste collection system is provided. The medical waste collection system includes a first surgical device, a second surgical device, and one or more controllers. The first surgical device includes a first coupling interface configured to couple with a first surgical disposable which includes a memory unit having an update module stored thereon, and a first reader in electrical communication with the first coupling interface. The second surgical device includes a second coupling interface configured to couple with a second surgical disposable. Andthe one or more controllers are in communication with the first surgical device, the first reader, and the second surgical device, with at least one of the one or more controllers configured to control the second surgical device in accordance with a first control algorithm. Further, the system is configured to operate at least one of the one or more controllers to control the second surgical device in accordance with a second control algorithm after the first reader of the first surgical device reads the update module from the first surgical disposable.

[0004] According to a second aspect, a medical waste collection system including a medical waste collection unit and a first waste manifold is provided. The medical waste collection unit includes a waste container, a receiver coupled to the waste container, a reader coupled to the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the waste container, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader. The receiver defines an opening into which a first waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the first waste manifold. The reader is positioned to connect to a memory unit of the first waste manifold when the first waste manifold is inserted into the receiver. At least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to authenticate the first waste manifold in accordance with a first authentication algorithm. The first waste manifold includes a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume. The first waste manifold also includes the memory unit, and the memory unit includes an authentication update module. The system is configured to operate the at least one of the one or more controllers to authenticate a second waste manifold in accordance with a second authentication algorithm after the reader of the medical waste collection unit reads the authentication update module from the first waste manifold.

[0005] According to a third aspect, a medical waste collection system including a medical waste collection unit and a first waste manifold is provided. The medical waste collection unit includes a waste container, a receiver coupled to the waste container, a reader coupled to the receiver, a vacuum source, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader. The receiver coupled defines an opening into which a first medical waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the firstmedical waste manifold. The reader is positioned to connect to a memory unit of a manifold when the manifold is inserted into the receiver. The vacuum source is configured to provide a vacuum on the waste container. At least one of the at least one controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to authenticate the first medical waste manifold in accordance with a first authentication algorithm, the first authentication algorithm including a device registry, the device registry including a list of device identifiers. The first waste manifold includes a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, and a memory unit having an authentication update module stored thereon. The system is configured to modify the registry after the reader of the medical waste collection unit reads the authentication update module from the first waste manifold.

[0006] According to a fourth aspect, a medical waste collection system including a medical waste collection unit and a first waste manifold is provided. The medical waste collection unit includes a waste container, a receiver coupled to the waste container, a reader coupled to the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the waste container, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader. The receiver defines an opening into which a first medical waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the medical waste manifold. The reader is positioned to connect to a memory unit of a first medical waste manifold when the manifold is inserted into the receiver. At least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to control the vacuum source in accordance with a first control algorithm. The first waste manifold includes a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, and a memory unit having an update module stored thereon. The system is configured to operate the at least one of the one or more controllers to control the vacuum source in accordance with a second control algorithm after the reader of the medical waste collection unit reads the update module from the first waste manifold.

[0007] According to a fifth aspect, a surgical smoke evacuation system including a surgical smoke evacuation unit and a first filter cartridge is provided. The surgical smoke evacuation unit includes a receiver, a reader coupled to the receiver, avacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the filter cartridge, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader. The receiver defines an opening into which a filter cartridge is configured to be inserted. The reader is positioned to connect to a memory unit of a filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is inserted into the receiver. At least one of the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to authenticate the cartridge in accordance with a first authentication algorithm. The first filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter media disposed within the housing, and the memory unit having an authentication update module stored thereon. The system is configured to operate the at least one of the one or more controllers to authenticate a second filter cartridge in accordance with a second authentication algorithm after the reader of the smoke evacuation unit reads the authentication update module from the first filter cartridge.

[0008] According to a sixth aspect, a surgical smoke evacuation system including a surgical smoke evacuation unit and a first filter cartridge is provided. The surgical smoke evacuation unit includes a receiver, a reader coupled to the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the filter cartridge, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader. The receiver defines an opening into which a filter cartridge is configured to be inserted. The reader is positioned to connect to a memory unit of a filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is inserted into the receiver. At least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to authenticate the filter cartridge in accordance with a first authentication algorithm, the first authentication algorithm including a device registry, the device registry including a list of device identifiers. The first filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter media disposed within the housing, and a memory unit having an authentication update module stored thereon. The system is configured to modify the registry after the reader of the smoke evacuation unit reads the authentication update module from the first filter cartridge.

[0009] According to a seventh aspect, a surgical smoke evacuation system including a surgical smoke evacuation unit and a first filter cartridge is provided. The surgical smoke evacuation unit includes a receiver, a reader coupled to the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the filter cartridge, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader. The receiverdefines an opening into which a filter cartridge is configured to be inserted. The reader is positioned to connect to a memory unit of a filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is inserted into the receiver. At least one of the one or more controllers configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to control the vacuum source in accordance with a first control algorithm. The first filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter media disposed within the housing, and a memory unit having an update module stored thereon. The system is configured to operate the at least one of the one or more controllers to control the vacuum source in accordance with a second control algorithm after the reader of the smoke evacuation unit reads the update module from the first filter cartridge.

[0010] Any of the above aspects can be combined in part or in whole with any other aspect. Any of the above aspects, whether combined in part or in whole, can be further combined with any of the following implementations, in full or in part.

[0011] The system may include a cart for moving the system around an operating room or a hospital. In some implementations, at least one of the first surgical device and the second surgical device may be coupled to the cart.

[0012] The surgical devices may be implemented as specific surgical devices. In some implementations, the first surgical device may be a medical waste collection unit, the second surgical device may be a surgical smoke evacuation unit, the first surgical disposable may be a medical waste manifold, and / or the second surgical disposable may be a filter cartridge. Further, the first coupling interface may be defined as a receiver coupled to a waste container of the waste collection unit, with the receiver defining an opening into which a first medical waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the medical waste manifold. In some implementations, the first surgical device may be a surgical smoke evacuation unit, the second surgical device may be a medical waste collection unit, the first surgical disposable may be a filter cartridge, and / or the second surgical disposable may be a medical waste manifold. Additionally, the first coupling interface may be further defined as a receiver defining an opening into which the cartridge is configured to be inserted.

[0013] The update modules may cause the system to change how devices connected thereto are authenticated. In some implementations, the update module may be further defined as an authentication update module, the first control algorithm maybe defined as a first authentication algorithm, and the second control algorithm may be defined as a second authentication algorithm. The second surgical device may be configured to authenticate the second surgical disposable in accordance with the second authentication algorithm after the first reader of the first surgical device reads the authentication update module from the first surgical disposable. In some implementations, the authentication update module may include a reprogram code, the first surgical device may include a second memory unit, the second memory unit may have a first authentication algorithm and the second authentication algorithm stored thereon before reading the memory unit of the first surgical disposable, and the controller may be configured to utilize the second authentication algorithm in response to reading the authentication update module from the first surgical disposable. In some implementations, the authentication update module may include a batch code, and the second authentication algorithm may result in the at least one controller operating in a limited functionality mode if a batch code stored on the second surgical disposable does not match the batch code stored on the first surgical disposable. In some implementations, the first authentication algorithm may utilize a first cryptographic key to access the memory unit of the second surgical disposable, and the second authentication algorithm may utilize a second cryptographic key to access a memory unit of the second surgical disposable. In some implementations, the first authentication algorithm may include a device registry including a list of device identifiers, and the system may be configured to modify the registry after the first reader reads the authentication update module from the first surgical disposable. In some implementations, the authentication update module may include a registry code which includes a second list of device identifiers, and the one or more controllers may be configured to modify the device registry by being configured to add the second list of device identifiers to the device registry, remove the second list of device identifiers from the device registry, and / or replace the first list of device identifiers with the second list of device identifiers. In such an implementation, the first authentication algorithm may be configured to compare a device identifier received from a memory unit of a second waste manifold with the device identifiers stored on the modified device registry, and the at least one of the one or more controllers may be configured to control the vacuum source based on the comparison between the device identifier received fromthe memory unit of the second waste manifold and the device identifiers stored on the modified device registry.

[0014] The second control algorithm may be initially stored on a second memory unit of the second surgical device. In some implementations, the system may be configured to transfer the second control algorithm from the first memory unit and to the second memory unit after the first reader of the first surgical device reads the update module from the first surgical disposable.

[0015] The system may be in communication with an external computing device. In some implementations, the one or more controllers may be in communication with an external computing device, and the one or more controllers may be configured to send the update module to the external computing device in response to the first reader of the first surgical device reading the update module from the first surgical disposable. Further, the system may be configured to operate at least one of the one or more controllers to control the second surgical device in accordance with the second control algorithm in response to a signal received from the external computing device. In some implementations, the signal received from the external computing device indicates whether the first surgical device is authentic, and the system may be configured to operate at least one of the one or more controllers to control the second surgical device in accordance with the second control algorithm if the signal received from the external computing device indicates that the first surgical device is authentic. In some implementations, the signal received from the external computing device includes the second control algorithm. In some implementations, the one or more controllers may be configured to determine the authenticity of the first waste manifold in accordance with the first authentication algorithm by being configured to send data from the memory unit to the external computing device, and receive a signal from the external computing device indicating whether the first surgical device is authentic according to the first authentication algorithm. The one or more controllers may be configured to send the authentication update module to the external computing device, and the one or more controllers may be configured to determine the authenticity of the second waste manifold in accordance with the second authentication algorithm by being configured to send data from a memory unit of the second waste manifold to the external computing device, and receive a signal from the external computing deviceindicating whether the second surgical device is authentic according to the second authentication algorithm.

[0016] The memory unit(s) may be implemented as specific types of memory devices. In some implementations, the first surgical disposable may include an RFID tag, and the RFID tag may include an antenna and the memory unit. In some implementations, the memory unit of the first surgical device is an EEPROM, an EPROM, or flash memory. Further, the first reader and the memory unit of the first surgical disposable may be placed in electrical communication with one another when the first surgical device is coupled to the first coupling interface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical waste collection system which includes a medical waste collection unit, a surgical smoke evacuation unit, a medical waste manifold, and a filter cartridge according to one implementation.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manifold configured to be used with the medical waste collection unit of FIG. 1 according to one implementation.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a smoke filter configured to be used with the surgical smoke evacuation unit of FIG. 1 according to one implementation.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the medical waste collection system of FIG. 1 according to one implementation.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a medical waste collection system configured to be updated by devices connected thereto according to one implementation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a medical waste collection system 100 which includes a cart 102 housing a medical waste collection unit 110 and a surgical smoke evacuation unit 120. The medical waste collection unit 110 is configured to receive a medical waste manifold 150, while the surgical smoke evacuation unit 120 is configured to receive a smoke filter 160. The manifold 150 and / or the filter 160 maybe of limited use (e.g., disposable), and each may include a respective memory unit 152, 162. The medical waste collection unit 110 includes at least one manifold receiver 112 configured to receive the manifold(s) 152. Similarly, the surgical smoke evacuation unit 120 includes at least one filter receiver 122 configured to receive the smoke filter(s) 160. In the illustrated implementation, the medical waste collection unit 110 includes two manifold receivers 112, and the surgical smoke evacuation unit 120 includes one filter receiver 122. The medical waste collection system 100 may further include a display 104 configured to display information related to the operation / control of the system 100. The display 104 may be a touchscreen display configured to receive touch inputs from a user.

[0024] During a medical procedure, the medical waste collection unit 110 may be used to collect waste material and / or store the waste material until it is necessary or desired to off-load and dispose of the waste material. The medical waste collection unit 1 10 may include at least one waste container 1 17 defining a waste volume for collecting and storing the waste material. As mentioned, the medical waste collection unit 110 includes the at least one manifold receiver 112 supported on the cart 102. In a most general sense, the receiver(s) 112 define an opening 113 sized to removably receive at least a portion of a manifold(s) 150. Further, the unit 110 also includes a vacuum source 111, which is supported on the cart 102 and configured to establish a suction path through the manifold 150 and into the waste container(s) 117. Suitable construction and operation of several subsystems of the medical waste collection unit 110 are disclosed in commonly owned United States Patent No. 10,603,416, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0025] In addition, during the medical procedure, the surgical smoke evacuation unit 120 may be used to draw smoke and other particulate matter into the smoke filter 160 and away from a user of the medical waste collection system 100. To this end, the unit 120 includes the filter receiver 122 supported by the cart 102 and mentioned above. Put simply, the receiver 122 defines an opening 123 sized to removably receive at least a portion of the smoke filter 160. In order to draw the smoke and other particulate matter into the smoke filter 160, the unit 120 includes a vacuum source 121 configured to establish a suction path through the smoke filter 160. More specifically, the smoke filter 160 may be configured to couple to an electrosurgical instrument 170, such as the Smoke Evacuation Pencil sold by Stryker Corporation anddisclosed in commonly owned International Publication No. WO2013 / 000465, published January 3, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The suction path established by the vacuum source 121 may draw smoke and other particulate matter into a distal end of the electrosurgical instrument 170, through a suction line 171 running between a proximal end of the instrument 170 and the smoke filter 160, and into filter media disposed within the smoke filter 160 (see FIG. 3). Suitable construction and operation of several subsystems of the smoke evacuation unit 120 are disclosed in commonly owned United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 646,136, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0026] FIG. 2 includes a perspective view of the manifold 150 configured to be used with the waste collection unit 110 according to one implementation. The manifold 150 is configured to be inserted into the receiver 112 through the opening 113 (see FIG. 1). The manifold 150 may include a housing 151 that defines an internal volume 153, and the manifold memory unit 152 may be arranged relative to the housing 151 (e.g., coupled to the housing 151) such that the reader 114 may communicate with the memory unit 152 when the manifold 150 is disposed within the opening 113 of the receiver 112. In order to provide the suction path through the manifold 150, the manifold 150 may include inlet fitting(s) 154 disposed on a distal end of the housing 151, as well as an outlet opening 155 disposed on a proximal end of the housing 151. The inlet fittings 154 may provide an inlet into the internal volume 153, while the outlet opening 155 may provide an outlet out of the internal volume 153. The resulting suction path may provide fluid communication between the waste volume(s) within the waste collection unit 110 and the inlet fittings 154. For example, suction tubes (not shown) may be coupled to the inlet fittings 154, and a suction tool (also not shown) may be coupled to the suction tubes opposite the inlet fittings 154 of the manifold 150. By doing so, the suction tool may be directed to the surgical site to collect the waste material under the influence of the vacuum provided by the vacuum source 111. The manifold 150 may be like that described in commonly owned United States Patent No. 10,603,416, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the smoke filter 160 configured to be used with the surgical smoke evacuation unit 120 according to one implementation. The smoke filter 160 is configured to be inserted into the receiver 122 through the opening 123 (see FIG. 1). The smoke filter 160 may include a housing 161defining an internal volume 163, and the filter memory unit 162 may be arranged relative to the housing 161 (e.g., coupled to the housing 161) to permit the reader 124 to communicate with the memory unit 162 once the smoke filter 160 is disposed within the opening 123 of the receiver 122. A cover 165 may be coupled to (or integral with) the housing 161. The cover 165 may define an inlet port 166, the housing 161 may define an outlet port 167, and filter media 164 may be disposed within the internal volume 163 and between the ports 166, 167. Thus, a suction path may be provided into and out of the internal volume 163 to provide fluid communication between the electrosurgical instrument 170 (see FIG. 1) and the filter media 164. As a result, the instrument 170 may be moved to the surgical site to collect smoke and other particulate matter by means of suction provided by the vacuum source 121. Further, the smoke filter 160 may include a sensor 168 configured to detect signals emitted by the electrosurgical instrument 170. The smoke filter 160 may be like that disclosed in commonly owned United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 646,136, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the medical waste collection system 100. Various elements of the medical waste collection unit 110 and the surgical smoke evacuation unit 120, which reside inside of the cart 102 and are therefore hidden in FIG. 1 , are shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the medical waste collection unit 110 may include a manifold reader 114 coupled to, arranged in, or disposed near the manifold receiver 112, so that the reader 114 can communicate with the memory unit 152 of the manifold 150 when the manifold 150 is within the receiver 112. If the unit 110 includes two manifold receivers 112, such as in the illustrated implementation, the unit 110 may include two readers 114, each arranged in one of the respective manifold receivers 112. The manifold reader 114 may be in electrical communication with a waste controller 116, which may also be in electrical communication with the waste vacuum source 111. Similarly, the smoke evacuation unit 120 may include a filter reader 124 coupled to, arranged in, or disposed near the filter receiver 122, so that the reader 124 can communicate with the memory unit 162 of the smoke filter 160 when the smoke filter 160 is within the receiver 122. The filter reader 124 may be in electrical communication with a smoke controller 126, which may also be in electrical communication with the smoke vacuum source 121. In implementations that utilize only one of the vacuum sources 111, 121, the wastecontroller 116 and the smoke controller 126 may be in electrical communication with the same vacuum source 111, 121. Further, in some implementations, the waste and smoke controller 116, 126 may be integrated into a single one of the controllers 116, 126.

[0029] The medical waste collection system 100 may be configured to confirm the authenticity of the devices connected thereto, such as the manifold 150 and / or the smoke filter 160. It may be desirable to confirm that these devices are authentic for many reasons. For example, the devices may be disposable or of limited use (e.g., may be used X number of times prior to disposal), and authentication may be used to determine whether the devices have been used more than intended. In another example, the system 100 may be configured to read operational data from the device, such as a required suction force generated by the vacuum source(s) 111, 121 to draw waste and smoke through the manifold 150 and the smoke filter 160, respectively. In this case, authenticating the devices may ensure that the system 100 is used as intended. Regardless of motivation, the system 100 may utilize the readers 114, 124 and the controllers 116, 126 to read data from the memory units 152, 162 for authentication purposes. To this end, the memory units 152, 162 may include, or be implemented as, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, and the readers 114, 124 may include, or be implemented as, RFID transceivers. Other implementations are contemplated below.

[0030] The operation of the medical waste collection system 100, including the waste collection unit 110 and the smoke evacuation unit 120, may be controlled by the controllers 116, 126. More specifically, the controllers 116, 126 may each have predetermined control algorithms stored on and / or accessible by the respective controller 116, 126, such as stored on memory units that are each in communication with one of the controllers 116, 126. For example, the control algorithms may cause the system 100 to control the display 104, the vacuum source 111, 121, and / or other functions of the system 100. Further, the control algorithms may also include authentication algorithms which dictate how the system 100 (e.g., the readers 114, 124) confirms the authenticity of the devices connected to the receivers 112, 122, as well as what functions of the system 100 can be activated if the devices are not authentic. In some implementations, the system 100 operates in a limited functionality mode if the devices 150, 160 are not authenticated. For example, in the event that the manifold 150 is not authenticated, the waste collection unit 110 may still allow the vacuum source1 1 1 to be activated and waste drawn through the manifold 150, while other features are disabled.

[0031] Over time, it may become desirable to change / update the control algorithms carried out by the system 100. The updates may introduce new functions, change existing functions, or remove existing functions. For example, the system 100 may be initially configured to use a first authentication algorithm to confirm the authenticity of the devices 150, 160 and to prevent old, counterfeit, knockoff, and / or reprocessed devices from being used with the units 110, 120. Afterwards, a vulnerability present in the first authentication algorithm may be found, and it may be necessary to change the authentication algorithm to avoid the vulnerability from being exploited. In another example, the devices used with the system 100 may be updated over time and it may become necessary to change how the vacuum source 111, 121 draw waste / smoke through these devices. To these ends, the system 100 may be configured to be updated by devices coupled to the receivers 1 12, 122, such as the manifold 150 and the smoke filter 160.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a block diagram representing one implementation of the medical waste collection system 100, which is configured to be updated by the manifold 150 and / or the smoke filter 160. The manifold(s) 150 and the smoke filter 160 should be understood to be coupled to / disposed within the receivers 112, 122 such that the memory units 152, 162 are in communication with the readers 114, 124. Briefly referring back to FIG. 4, there are two waste manifolds 150, each associated with a respective receiver / reader 112, 114. To increase clarity of description, in FIG. 5, the waste manifolds 150 are realized as a first manifold 150 A and a second manifold 150B. Further, the memory units 152 coupled to the waste manifolds 150 are realized as a first manifold memory unit 152A and a second manifold memory unit 152B. Even further, the readers 114 are realized as a first reader 114A and a second reader 114B. Looking to the waste collection unit 110, the first manifold memory unit 152 A is in communication with the first reader 114A, and the second manifold memory unit 152B is in communication with the second reader 114B. Both of the readers 114A, 114B are in communication with the waste controller 116, and the waste controller 116 is in communication with the vacuum source 111. For the smoke evacuation unit 120, the filter memory unit 162 is in communication with the reader 124, the reader 124 is in communication with the filter controller 126, and the filter controller 126 is incommunication with the vacuum source 121. As described in more detail below, the waste controller 116 may also be in communication with the filter controller 126.

[0033] In one implementation, the waste controller 116 may be configured to control waste collection unit 110 in accordance with at least one control algorithm. The control algorithm(s) may dictate how the unit 110 authenticates the manifolds 150 via the memory units 152, as well as how the unit 110 controls suction and other functions associated with the manifolds 150. As noted above, however, there may be situations where it is desirable to change which control algorithm is being utilized by the controller 116. To this end, the memory units 152 coupled to the manifold 150 may include an update module configured to be read by the reader(s) 114. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to update the authentication algorithm being used by the controller 116. In this case, the update module of the memory unit 152 may include an authentication update module. Multiple examples of changing / updating the control algorithms are provided below.

[0034] In a first example of this implementation, the waste controller 116 may be initially configured to control the operation of the waste collection unit 110 using only a first control algorithm, and the first manifold 150A may be configured to update the first control algorithm. The controller 116 may then use the first control algorithm, as updated by the update module of the first manifold memory unit 152A, to control operation of the waste collection unit 110. Further, if the first control algorithm is an authentication algorithm, the controller 116 may utilize the updated first control algorithm to confirm the authenticity of the second manifold 150B when the second manifold 150B is coupled to / received by the waste collection unit 110.

[0035] In a second example of this implementation, the waste controller 116 may be initially configured to control the operation of the waste collection unit 110 using only a first control algorithm, and the first manifold 150 A may be configured to send a second control algorithm to the controller 116. Once the second control algorithm is received by the controller 116, the controller 116 may begin carrying out the second control algorithm. If the control algorithms are authentication algorithms, the controller 116 may use the first control algorithm, the second control algorithm, or both of the control algorithms to determine the authenticity of the second manifold 150B. More specifically, authentication data may be sent from the second manifold 150B to the controller 116, and the controller 116 may apply the first authenticationalgorithm to the authentication data to determine whether the second manifold 150B is authentic. If the controller 116 fails to determine that the second manifold 150B is authentic using the first authentication algorithm, the second authentication algorithm may be applied to the authentication data to determine whether the second manifold 150B is authentic. So long as the second manifold 150B is authenticated using either of the authentication algorithms, the controller 116 may determine that the second manifold 150B is authentic. In an alternative, the controller 116 may be configured to stop using the first authentication algorithm once the authentication update module is received from the first manifold 150A. This way, even if the second manifold 150B would have been deemed authentic according to the first authentication algorithm, the second manifold 150B will only be considered authentic if data sent from the second manifold memory unit 152B is authenticated via the second authentication algorithm.

[0036] In a third example of this implementation, the waste collection unit 110 may include multiple control algorithms accessible by the waste controller 116, such as the first control algorithm and a second control algorithm, and the first manifold 150A may be configured to cause the controller 116 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm. If the control algorithms are authentication algorithms, the controller 116 may use the second control algorithm, rather than the first control algorithm, to determine the authenticity of the second manifold 150B. Thus, even if the second manifold memory unit 152B included authentication data that would have caused the controller 116 to authenticate the second manifold 150B according to the first control algorithm, the second manifold 150B will not be authenticated by the controller 116 using the second control algorithm.

[0037] In a fourth example of this implementation, the waste collection unit 110 may include multiple control algorithms accessible by the waste controller 116, such as the first control algorithm and a second control algorithm, and the first manifold 150 A may be configured to cause the controller 116 to use both of the first and second control algorithms. If the control algorithms are authentication algorithms, the controller 116 may attempt to determine the authenticity of the second manifold 150B using each of the first and control algorithms. This may be carried out similarly to the second example of this implementation above.

[0038] In another implementation, similar to the waste controller 116 and the waste collection unit 110, the smoke controller 126 may be configured to controlthe smoke evacuation unit 120 according to at least one control algorithm. The control algorithm(s) may govern how the unit 120 controls functions associated with the smoke filter 160, such as suction force generated by the vacuum source 121, and how the unit determines the authenticity of the smoke filter 160 based on data received from the memory unit 162. Like with the waste controller 116, it may be desirable to change and / or update which control algorithm is being carried out by the smoke controller 126. As such, the memory unit 162 coupled to the smoke filter 160 may include an update module that is configured to be read by the reader 124 and cause the smoke controller 126 to change / update the control algorithm used by the controller 126. Where the control algorithm includes an authentication algorithm, the update module stored on the memory unit 162 may include an authentication update module.

[0039] In a first example of this implementation, the smoke controller 126 may be initially configured to control the operation of the smoke evacuation unit 120 using only a first control algorithm, and the smoke filter 160 may be configured to update the first control algorithm. The controller 126 may then use the first control algorithm, as updated by the update module of the filter memory unit 162, to control operation of the smoke evacuation unit 120. Further, if the first control algorithm is an authentication algorithm, the controller 126 may utilize the updated first control algorithm to confirm the authenticity of a second smoke filter when the second smoke filter is coupled to / received by the smoke evacuation unit 120.

[0040] In a second example of this implementation, the smoke controller 126 may be initially configured to control the operation of the smoke evacuation unit 120 using only a first control algorithm, and the smoke filter 160 may be configured to send a second control algorithm to the controller 126. Once the second control algorithm is received by the controller 126, the controller 126 may begin carrying out the second control algorithm. If the control algorithms are authentication algorithms, the controller 126 may use the first control algorithm, the second control algorithm, or both of the control algorithms to determine the authenticity of a second smoke filter 160. More specifically, authentication data may be sent from the second smoke filter 160 to the controller 126, and the controller 126 may apply the first authentication algorithm to the authentication data to determine whether the second smoke filter 160 is authentic. If the controller 126 fails to determine that the second smoke filter 160 is authentic using the first authentication algorithm, the second authentication algorithmmay be applied to the authentication data to determine whether the second smoke filter 160 is authentic. So long as the second smoke filter 160 is authenticated using either of the authentication algorithms, the controller 126 may determine that the second smoke filter is authentic. Alternatively, the controller 126 may be configured to stop using the first authentication algorithm once the authentication update module is received from the first smoke filter 160. Thus, even if the second smoke filter 160 would have been deemed authentic according to the first authentication algorithm, the second smoke filter 160 will only be considered authentic if data sent from the filter memory unit 162 (e.g., a second filter memory unit) is authenticated via the second authentication algorithm.

[0041] In a third example of this implementation, the smoke evacuation unit 120 may include multiple control algorithms accessible by the smoke controller 126, such as the first control algorithm and a second control algorithm, and the smoke filter 160 may he configured to cause the controller 126 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm. If the control algorithms are authentication algorithms, the controller 126 may use the second control algorithm, rather than the first control algorithm, to determine the authenticity of the second smoke filter 160. Thus, even if a memory unit coupled to the second smoke filter 160 included authentication data that would have caused the controller 126 to authenticate the second smoke filter 160 according to the first control algorithm, the second smoke filter 160 will not be authenticated by the controller 126 using the second control algorithm.

[0042] In a fourth example of this implementation, the smoke evacuation unit 120 may include multiple control algorithms accessible by the smoke controller 126, such as the first control algorithm and a second control algorithm, and the smoke filter 160 may be configured to cause the controller 126 to use both of the first and second control algorithms. If the control algorithms are authentication algorithms, the controller 126 may attempt to determine the authenticity of the second smoke filter using each of the first and control algorithms. This may be carried out similarly to the second example of this implementation above.

[0043] In more complex implementations, the waste controller 116 may be in communication with the filter controller 126, and the controllers 116, 126 may be configured to permit devices coupled to the waste collection unit 110, such as the waste manifold 150, to update the operation of the smoke evacuation unit 120, and vice versa.More specifically, the manifold(s) 150 may change / update the control algorithm being carried out by the filter controller 126 to control operation of the smoke evacuation unit 120. Similarly, the filter 160 may change / update the control algorithm being carried out by waste controller 116 to control operation of the waste collection unit 110. A number of examples of carrying out cross-system updates are provided below.

[0044] In a first example of this implementation, the memory unit 152 of the manifold 150 is configured to update / change the control algorithm used by the controller 126 of the smoke evacuation unit 120. More specifically, the manifold memory unit 152 may transmit at least a portion of the update module to the reader 114 of the waste collection unit 110. Subsequently, the reader 114 may send the update module (or portion thereof) to the waste controller 116, and the waste controller 116 may send the update module to the smoke controller 126. Once received, the control algorithm(s) used by the smoke controller 126 may be updated and / or changed. In one specific case, the update module is configured to update / change how the controller 126 controls operation of the unit 120, such as how much suction is generated by the vacuum source 121 to draw smoke and other particulate matter into the smoke filter 160. In another specific case, the update module is configured to update / change the authentication algorithm used by the controller 126 to authenticate smoke filters 160 coupled thereto. These cases may also be combined. In any of these cases, the smoke controller 126 may include the first control algorithm and / or the second control algorithm as shown in FIG. 5. As such, like in various examples of the above implementations, the update module of the manifold memory unit 152 may update the first control algorithm used by the controller 126, send a new algorithm such as the second control algorithm to the controller 126, instruct the controller 126 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm, or cause the controller 126 to utilize both control algorithms.

[0045] In a second example of this implementation, the memory unit 162 of the smoke filter 160 is configured to update / change the control algorithm used by the controller 116 of the waste collection unit 110. More specifically, the filter memory unit 162 may transmit at least a portion of the update module to the reader 124 of the smoke evacuation unit 120. Subsequently, the reader 124 may send the update module (or portion thereof) to the smoke controller 126, and the smoke controller 126 may send the update module to the waste controller 116. Once received, the control algorithm(s)used by the waste controller 1 16 may be updated and / or changed. In one specific case, the update module is configured to update / change how the controller 116 controls operation of the unit 110, such as how much suction is generated by the vacuum source 111 to draw waste into the manifold 150. In another specific case, the update module is configured to update / change the authentication algorithm used by the controller 116 to authenticate waste manifolds 150 coupled thereto. These cases may also be combined. In any of these cases, the waste controller 116 may include the first control algorithm and / or the second control algorithm as shown in FIG. 5. As such, like in various examples of the above implementations, the update module of the filter memory unit 162 may update the first control algorithm used by the controller 116, send a new algorithm such as the second control algorithm to the controller 116, instruct the controller 116 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm, or cause the controller 116 to utilize both control algorithms.

[0046] In a third example of this implementation, either of (or both of) the memory unit 152, 162 are configured to update / change the control algorithm used by both controllers 116, 126. This can be especially useful where the control algorithm is an authentication algorithm, as the update module (i.e., the authentication update module) may include a new or updated version of the authentication algorithm(s) used by the controllers 116 to authenticate devices connected to the system 100. The update module may be received by either of the readers 114, 124, sent to one of the controllers 116, 126, and then sent to the other of the controllers 116, 126. Each of the controllers 116, 126 may then, based on the data contained within the update module, modify the first authentication algorithm, change from the first authentication algorithm to the second authentication algorithm, and / or begin using both authentication algorithms.

[0047] In any of the above implementations and examples, the memory units 152, 162, the update modules, and the authentication algorithms may be more specifically implemented. For example, the manifold 150 and / or the smoke filter 160 may include an RFID tag configured to communicate with the respective reader 114, 124. In such an implementation, each of the RFID tags may include an antenna to facilitate communication with the readers. Additionally, the RFID tag coupled to the manifold 150 may include the manifold memory unit 152, and the RFID tag coupled to the smoke filter 160 may include the filter memory unit 162. Further, the memory units 152, 162 may be implemented as a specific type of non-volatile memory, such asEEPROM, EPROM, flash memory, or any suitable alternative. The memory units 152, 162 and readers 114, 124 may also be differently implemented. For example, an electrical port may be disposed within the receivers 112, 122 and in electrical communication with the readers 114, 124. At the same time, the devices 150, 160 may include plugs in communication with the memory units 152, 162 and arranged relative to the housings 151, 161 such that the plugs are placed into electrical communication with the electrical ports when the devices 150, 160 are within / coupled to the receivers 112, 122. In such an implementation, communication between the readers 114, 124 and the memory units 152, 162 may be wired communication, as opposed to wireless communication that is involved when using RFID transceivers and RFID tags.

[0048] At least one of the update modules stored on the memory units 152, 162 may include a reprogram code that, when received by at least one of the controllers 116, 126, causes the controller(s) 116, 126 to change / update how the control algorithm determines the authenticity of devices. More specifically, where the update module includes the authentication update module, the authentication update module may include the reprogram code. The controllers 116, 126 may be configured to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm, such as by switching from the first authentication algorithm to the second authentication algorithm, in response to reading / receiving the authentication update module from either of the memory units 152, 162. For example, the data on the memory units 152, 162 may be encrypted and require a specific cryptographic key to be sent from the reader 114, 124 before the encrypted data will be sent to the reader 114, 124. The first authentication algorithm may include a first cryptographic key, while the second authentication algorithm may include a second cryptographic key. The authentication update module may cause the controller 116, 126 to switch from the first cryptographic key to the second cryptographic key. Thus, after the authentication update module / reprogram code has been received from a first disposable device, such as the first manifold 150A, at least one of the controller 116, 126 may be configured to authenticate a second disposable device, such as the second manifold 150A or smoke filter 160, using the second cryptographic key. As a result, if the memory unit of the second disposable device was configured to work with the first cryptographic key, the system 100 may fail to authenticate the second disposable device and operate in a limited functionality mode. In some implementations, the authentication algorithms may be asymmetric encryptionalgorithms, and the cryptographic keys may he public or private keys. Further, the authentication update module may cause the controller 116, 126 to switch from using a first public key to a second public key. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 116, 126 may be switched from using a first private key to a second private key.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the controller(s) 116, 126 may be configured to require a code to be sent from the disposable devices connected to the receivers 112, 122, such as the manifold 150 and / or the smoke filter 160, in order to confirm the authenticity of the devices. The code may be a batch code that refers to which batch of disposable devices are meant to be used with the system 100, a brand code that refers to which brand of disposable devices are meant to be used with the system 100, or a registry code that refers to a list of device identifiers that are compatible with the system 100. At least one of the update modules stored on the memory units 152, 162 may include the batch code, the brand code, and / or the registry code. Once the code(s) is received by at least one of the controllers 1 16, 126, the controller(s) 116, 126 may modify a prestored code stored on the memory unit of the controller(s) 116, 126. The controllers 116, 126 may be configured to authenticate the devices based on the prestored code, and modifying the prestored code may change which devices are deemed authentic. The prestored code may be replaced with the code received from the memory unit of the disposable device, such as the batch code, the brand code, or the registry code. In some cases, such as where the prestored code is a registry code, the prestored code may define (1) a list of device identifiers that are compatible / allowed with the system (i.e., a whitelist) and / or (2) a list of device identifiers that are not compatible / allowed with the system (i.e., a blacklist). If the memory unit 152A of the first manifold 150A includes the code, the controller 116 may replace / modify the prestored code with or based on the code received from the first manifold memory unit 152 A. Then, when the second manifold 150B and / or the smoke filter 160 is being authenticated by the respective controller 116, 126, the controller 116, 126 may check a code received from one of the devices 150B, 160 against the replaced / modified prestored code. If the code is the batch code, the device 150B, 160 may need to be from the correct batch to be authenticated. If the code is the brand code, the device 150B, 160 may need to be associated with the correct brand to be authenticated. And if the code is the registry code, the device 150B, 160 may need to send a device identifier (e.g., a unique code) that is included in the registry code to beauthenticated (e.g., based on a comparison of the device identifier to a list of device identifiers included in the registry code). Like in other implementations described herein, the controller 116, 126 may cause the system 100 to operate in the limited functionality mode if the disposable device is not authenticated.

[0050] In implementations and examples that cause at least one of the controllers 116, 126 to use both of the first and second authentication algorithms to determine the authenticity of the devices 150, 160, the updates modules may specify a time period during which both authentication algorithms are used. After the time period, however, the controller 116, 126 may stop using one of the authentication algorithms. For example, the update module stored on the first manifold memory unit 152A may include a time period of 6 months, during which the waste controller 116 may deem the second manifold memory unit 152B to be authentic using both of the authentication algorithms. After the 6 months, the controller 116 may determine that the second manifold memory unit 152B is authentic only if the memory unit 152B includes data which is authenticated according to the second authentication algorithm.

[0051] The implementations and examples described herein may also include adding new functionality to the units 110, 120 of the system 100 via the update module stored on at least one of the memory units 152, 162. More specifically, the update module may update / change the control algorithm being utilized by the controller(s) 116, 126 to add new functions and capabilities to the units 110, 120, and the controllers 116, 126 may require new devices connected to the units 110, 120 to include parts consistent with the added functionality / capability. For example, the smoke evacuation unit 120 may be reconfigured to check that a signal emitted from the electrosurgical instrument 170 is received by the sensor 168 of the smoke filter 160 and sent to the controller 126. Additionally or alternatively, the unit 120 may be reconfigured to determine electrical characteristics of the cover 165 of the smoke filter 160. In the first case, the controller 126 may confirm that the smoke filter 160 coupled to the smoke evacuation unit 120 includes the sensor 168. In the second case, the controller 126 may confirm that the cover 165 of the filter 160 has certain electrical characteristics. Details of the sensor 168 and / or the cover 165 may be included in the update module stored on the filter memory unit 162 (or the manifold memory unit 152) and sent to the controller 126 via the reader 124 (or via the waste controller 116). The controller 126 may confirm the authenticity of the smoke filter 160 according to thedetails included in the update module after the control algorithm of the controller 126 is modified by the update module. Example systems and methods by which the smoke evacuation unit 120 may confirm the authenticity of the smoke filter 160 in accordance with these details are provided by commonly owned United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 646,136, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0052] In any of the above implementations and examples above, the system 100 may be connected to a computer network such as a wide area network, a local area network, the internet, or other computer network types. To this end, at least one of the controllers 116, 126 may include a wired or wireless connection to the computer network to provide the system 100 with an ability to communicate with other computing devices of the computer network. In such an implementation, the system 100 may be configured to permit an external computing device, which is in communication with at least one of the controllers 116, 126 over the computer network, to authenticate the devices 150, 160 and / or to update the units 1 10, 120.

[0053] The system 100 may be configured to coordinate with the external computing device to authenticate the manifold 150 coupled to the waste collection unit 110 and / or the filter 160 coupled to the smoke evacuation unit 120. More specifically, at least one of the readers 114, 124 may receive authentication data from the memory unit 152, 162 of the manifold 150 and / or the filter 160. Once received, the reader(s) 114, 124 may be send the authentication data to the corresponding controller(s) 116, 126, and the controller(s) 116, 126 may send the authentication data to the external computing device (e.g., via the internet or local network). The external computing device may then determine the authenticity of the manifold / filter 150, 160 (e.g., similar to how the controller(s) 116, 126 determine the authenticity as described above), and send a signal to at least one of the controllers 116, 126 indicating whether the manifold / filter 150, 160 is authentic. In response to the signal from the external computing device indicating that the manifold / filter 150, 160 is not authentic, the system 100 may operate in the limited functionality mode as described above. On the other hand, if the signal indicates that the manifold / filter 150, 160 was deemed authentic by the external computing device, the system 100 may operate as if the controller(s) 116, 126 had determined that the manifold / filter 150, 160 is authentic.

[0054] The update module stored on the memory unit(s) 152, 162 may be sent to the external computing device. In implementations where the update moduleincludes an authentication update module, the external computing device may be updated by the authentication update module. More specifically, the external computing device may be initially configured to use the first authentication algorithm to authenticate the manifold / filter 150, 160. Once the authentication update module is received by the external computing device, the device may stop using the first authentication algorithm and start using the second authentication algorithm to authenticate the manifold / filter 150, 160. For example, the first manifold 150A may be authenticated by the external computing device via the first authentication algorithm. Once authenticated, the first manifold 150A may send the authentication update module to the external computing device. In response, the external computing device may switch from the first authentication to the second authentication algorithm. Afterwards, when the second manifold 150B sends authentication data to the external computing device, the external computing device may determine whether the second manifold 150B is authentic according to the second authentication algorithm.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the update module may be configured to cause the system 100 to change operation of at least one of the units 110, 120 as described above, such as by changing the control algorithm used thereby 110, 120. In one example, the update module stored on the manifold memory unit 152 may be sent to the external computing device, and the external computing device may cause the waste controller 116 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm. The external computing device may also cause the smoke controller 126 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm upon receiving the update module from the manifold memory unit 152. Similarly, the update module stored on the filter memory unit 162 may be sent to the external computing device, and the external computing device may cause the smoke controller 126 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm and / or the waste controller 116 to switch from the first control algorithm to the second control algorithm. In some cases, the first and second control algorithms may be stored on the controller(s) 116, 126, and the external computing device simply causes the controller(s) 116, 126 to switch control algorithms. In other cases, the first control algorithm may be stored on the controller(s) 116, 126 the second control algorithm may be stored on the memory unit(s) 152, 162, and the external computing device may cause the controller(s) 116, 126 to permit the corresponding memory unit 152, 162 to send the second control algorithm to thecontroller 1 16, 126. In other words, the external computing device may he used to authenticate the devices 150, 160, and the devices 150, 160 may update the system 100 if deemed authentic. In yet other cases, only the first control algorithm is stored on the controller(s) 116, 126, and the second control algorithm is sent to the controller(s) 116, 126 by the external computing device upon receiving the update module from the memory unit(s) 152, 162.

[0056] Several implementations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the implementations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the system, the units thereof, or the disposable devices configured to be used with the system / units. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the system may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A medical waste collection system comprising: a first waste manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, and a memory unit having an authentication update module stored thereon; and a medical waste collection unit including: a waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container and defining an opening into which the first waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the first waste manifold, a reader coupled to the receiver and positioned to connect to the memory unit of the first waste manifold when the first waste manifold is inserted into the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the waste container, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader, at least one of the one or more controllers configured to determine an authenticity of the first waste manifold in accordance with a first authentication algorithm and to control the vacuum source based on the authenticity of the first waste manifold; wherein the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to determine an authenticity of a second waste manifold in accordance with a second authentication algorithm and control the vacuum source based on the authenticity of the second waste manifold after the reader of the medical waste collection unit reads the authentication update module from the first waste manifold.

2. The medical waste collection system of claim 1, wherein the first waste manifold comprises an RFID tag, the RFID tag including an antenna and the memory unit.

3. The medical waste collection system of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the authentication update module includes a batch code; and the second authentication algorithm causes the at least one of the one or more controllers operating in a limited functionality mode if a batch code stored on the second waste manifold does not match the batch code stored on the first waste manifold.

4. The medical waste collection system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein: the first authentication algorithm is configured to utilize a first cryptographic key to access the memory unit of the first waste manifold; and the second authentication algorithm utilizes a second cryptographic key to access a memory unit of the second waste manifold.

5. The medical waste collection system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein: the authentication update module includes a reprogram code; the waste collection unit comprises a second memory unit; the second memory unit stores a first authentication algorithm and the second authentication algorithm before reading the memory unit of the first waste manifold; and the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to utilize the second authentication algorithm in response to reading the authentication update module from the first waste manifold.

6. The medical waste collection system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: the memory unit of the first waste manifold is realized as a first memory unit; the medical waste collection unit includes a second memory unit in communication with the one or more controllers; the first authentication algorithm is stored on the second memory unit; the second authentication algorithm is stored on the first memory unit; and the system is configured to transfer the second control algorithm from the first memory unit and to the second memory unit after the reader of the medical waste collection unit reads the authentication update module from the first waste manifold.

7. The medical waste collection system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein: the one or more controllers are in communication with an external computing device; the one or more controllers are configured to determine the authenticity of the first waste manifold in accordance with the first authentication algorithm by being configured to: send data from the memory unit to the external computing device, and receive a signal from the external computing device indicating whether the first waste manifold is authentic according to the first authentication algorithm.

8. The medical waste collection system of claim 7, wherein: the one or more controllers are configured to send the authentication update module to the external computing device; and the one or more controllers are configured to determine the authenticity of the second waste manifold in accordance with the second authentication algorithm by being configured to: send data from a memory unit of the second waste manifold to the external computing device, and receive a signal from the external computing device indicating whether the second waste manifold is authentic according to the second authentication algorithm.

9. A medical waste collection system comprising: a first waste manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume; and a memory unit having an authentication update module stored thereon, a medical waste collection unit including: a waste container, a receiver coupled to the waste container and defining an opening into which the first waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the first waste manifold;a reader coupled to the receiver and positioned to connect to the memory unit of the first waste manifold when the first waste manifold is inserted into the receiver; a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the waste container; one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader, at least one of the one or more controllers configured to determine an authenticity of the first waste manifold in accordance with a first authentication algorithm and to control the vacuum source based on the authenticity of the first waste manifold, the first authentication algorithm including a device registry, the device registry including a first list of device identifiers; and wherein the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to modify the device registry after the reader of the medical waste collection unit reads the authentication update module from the first waste manifold.

10. The medical waste collection system of claim 9, wherein the first authentication algorithm is configured to compare a device identifier received from a memory unit of a second waste manifold with the first list of device identifiers stored on the device registry.

11. The medical waste collection system of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on the comparison between the device identifier received from the memory unit of the second waste manifold and the first list of device identifiers stored on the device registry.

12. The medical waste collection system of any one of claims 9-11, wherein: the authentication update module comprises a registry code which includes a second list of device identifiers; and the one or more controllers are configured to modify the device registry by being configured to: add the second list of device identifiers to the device registry,remove the second list of device identifiers from the device registry, or replace the first list of device identifiers with the second list of device identifiers.

13. The medical waste collection system of claim 12, wherein: the first authentication algorithm is configured to compare a device identifier received from a memory unit of a second waste manifold with the device identifiers stored on the modified device registry; and the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on the comparison between the device identifier received from the memory unit of the second waste manifold and the device identifiers stored on the modified device registry.

14. A medical waste collection system comprising: a first waste manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, and a memory unit having an update module stored thereon; and a medical waste collection unit including: a waste container, a receiver coupled to the waste container and defining an opening into which the first waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the first waste manifold, a reader coupled to the receiver and positioned to connect to the memory unit of the first waste manifold when the first waste manifold is inserted into the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the waste container, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader, at least one of the one or more controllers configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to control the vacuum source in accordance with a first control algorithm;wherein the system is configured to operate the at least one of the one or more controllers to control the vacuum source in accordance with a second control algorithm after the reader of the medical waste collection unit reads the update module from the first waste manifold.

15. A surgical smoke evacuation system comprising: a first filter cartridge including: a housing, a filter media disposed within the housing, and a memory unit having an authentication update module stored thereon; a surgical smoke evacuation unit including: a receiver defining an opening into which the first filter cartridge is configured to be inserted, a reader coupled to the receiver and positioned to connect to the memory unit of the first filter cartridge when the first filter cartridge is inserted into the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the first filter cartridge, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader, with at least one of the one or more controllers configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to authenticate the first filter cartridge in accordance with a first authentication algorithm; and wherein the system is configured to operate the at least one of the one or more controllers to authenticate a second filter cartridge in accordance with a second authentication algorithm after the reader of the smoke evacuation unit reads the authentication update module from the first filter cartridge.

16. The surgical smoke evacuation system of claim 15, wherein the first filter cartridge comprises an RFID tag, the RFID tag including an antenna and the memory unit.

17. The surgical smoke evacuation system of claim 15 or 16, wherein: the authentication update module includes a batch code; and the second authentication algorithm causes the one or more controllers to operate in a limited functionality mode if a batch code stored on the second filter cartridge does not match the batch code stored on the first filter cartridge.

18. The surgical smoke evacuation system of any one of claims 15-17, wherein: the first authentication algorithm is configured to utilize a first cryptographic key to access the memory unit of the first filter cartridge; and the second authentication algorithm utilizes a second cryptographic key to access a memory unit of the second filter cartridge.

19. The surgical smoke evacuation system of any one of claims 15-18, wherein: the authentication update module includes a reprogram code; the smoke evacuation unit comprises a second memory unit; the second memory unit stores a first authentication algorithm and the second authentication algorithm before reading the memory unit of the first filter cartridge; and the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to utilize the second authentication algorithm in response to reading the authentication update module from the first filter cartridge.

20. A surgical smoke evacuation system comprising: a first filter cartridge including: a housing, a filter media disposed within the housing, and a memory unit having an authentication update module stored thereon; and a surgical smoke evacuation unit including: a receiver defining an opening into which the first filter cartridge is configured to be inserted,a reader coupled to the receiver and positioned to connect to the memory unit of the first filter cartridge when the first filter cartridge is inserted into the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the first filter cartridge, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader, with at least one of the one or more controllers configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to authenticate the first filter cartridge in accordance with a first authentication algorithm, the first authentication algorithm including a device registry, the device registry including a list of device identifiers; wherein the system is configured to modify the registry after the reader of the smoke evacuation unit reads the authentication update module from the first filter cartridge.

21. The surgical smoke evacuation system of claim 20, wherein: the receiver is further configured to receive a second filter cartridge; and the first authentication algorithm is configured to compare a device identifier received from a memory unit of the second filter cartridge with the list of devices identifiers stored on the device registry.

22. The surgical smoke evacuation system of claim 21, wherein the at least one of the one or more controllers is configured to control the vacuum source based on the comparison between the device identifier received from the memory unit of the second filter cartridge and the list of device identifiers stored on the device registry.

23. A surgical smoke evacuation system comprising: a first filter cartridge including: a housing, a filter media disposed within the housing, and a memory unit having an update module stored thereon; and a surgical smoke evacuation unit including:a receiver defining an opening into which the first filter cartridge is configured to be inserted, a reader coupled to the receiver and positioned to connect to the memory unit of the first filter cartridge when the first filter cartridge is inserted into the receiver, a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the first filter cartridge, and one or more controllers in communication with the vacuum source and the reader, with at least one of the one or more controllers configured to control the vacuum source based on an output signal of the reader and to control the vacuum source in accordance with a first control algorithm; wherein the system is configured to operate the at least one of the one or more controllers to control the vacuum source in accordance with a second control algorithm after the reader of the smoke evacuation unit reads the update module from the first filter cartridge.

24. A medical collection system comprising: a first surgical device including: a first coupling interface configured to couple with a first surgical disposable which includes a first memory unit having an update module stored thereon, and a first reader in electrical communication with the first coupling interface; a second surgical device including a second coupling interface configured to couple with a second surgical disposable; and one or more controllers in communication with the first surgical device, the first reader, and the second surgical device, with at least one of the one or more controllers configured to control the second surgical device in accordance with a first control algorithm, wherein the system is configured to operate at least one of the one or more controllers to control the second surgical device in accordance with a second control algorithm after the first reader of the first surgical device reads the update module from the first surgical disposable.

25. The medical collection system of claim 24, further comprising a cart; and wherein at least one of the first surgical device and the second surgical device are coupled to the cart.

26. The medical collection system of claim 24 or 25, wherein: the second surgical device includes a second memory unit; the first control algorithm is stored on the second memory unit; the second control algorithm is stored on the first memory unit; and the system is configured to transfer the second control algorithm from the first memory unit and to the second memory unit after the first reader of the first surgical device reads the update module from the first surgical disposable.

27. The medical collection system of any one of claims 24-26, wherein: the update module is further defined as an authentication update module; the first control algorithm is defined as a first authentication algorithm; the second control algorithm is defined as a second authentication algorithm; and the second surgical device is configured to authenticate the second surgical disposable in accordance with the second authentication algorithm after the first reader of the first surgical device reads the authentication update module from the first surgical disposable.

28. The medical collection system of claim 27, wherein: the authentication update module includes a reprogram code; the first surgical device comprises a second memory unit; the second memory unit has the first authentication algorithm and the second authentication algorithm stored thereon before reading the memory unit of the first surgical disposable; and the controller is configured to utilize the second authentication algorithm in response to reading the authentication update module from the first surgical disposable.

29. The medical collection system of claim 27 or 28, wherein the authentication update module includes a batch code, and the second authentication algorithm results in the at least one controller operating in a limited functionality mode if a batch code stored on the second surgical disposable does not match the batch code stored on the first surgical disposable.

30. The medical collection system of claim 28 or 29, wherein the first authentication algorithm utilizes a first cryptographic key to access the first memory unit of the second surgical disposable, and the second authentication algorithm utilizes a second cryptographic key to access a memory unit of the second surgical disposable.

31. The medical collection system of any one of claims 28-30, wherein: the first authentication algorithm includes a device registry, the device registry includes a list of device identifiers; and the system is configured to modify the device registry after the first reader reads the authentication update module from the first surgical disposable.

32. The medical collection system of any one of claims 24-31, wherein: the first surgical device is a medical waste collection unit; the second surgical device is a surgical smoke evacuation unit; the first surgical disposable is a medical waste manifold; and the second surgical disposable is a filter cartridge.

33. The medical collection system of claim 32, wherein the first coupling interface is further defined as a receiver coupled to a waste container of the waste collection unit, with the receiver defining an opening into which a first medical waste manifold is configured to be inserted to establish fluid communication between the waste container and the medical waste manifold.

34. The medical collection system of any one of claims 24-33, wherein: the first surgical device is a surgical smoke evacuation unit; the second surgical device is a medical waste collection unit;the first surgical disposable is a filter cartridge; and the second surgical disposable is a medical waste manifold.

35. The medical collection system of claim 34, wherein the first coupling interface is further defined as a receiver defining an opening into which the filter cartridge is configured to be inserted.

36. The medical collection system of any one of claims 24-35, wherein the first surgical disposable comprises an RFID tag, the RFID tag including an antenna and the first memory unit.

37. The medical collection system of any one of claims 24-36, wherein: the first memory unit is an EEPROM unit, an EPROM unit, or a flash memory unit; and the first reader and the first memory unit are placed in electrical communication with one another when the first surgical disposable is coupled to the first coupling interface.

38. The medical collection system of any one of claims 24-37, wherein: the one or more controllers are in communication with an external computing device; the one or more controllers are configured to send the update module to the external computing device in response to the first reader of the first surgical device reading the update module from the first surgical disposable; and the system is configured to operate at least one of the one or more controllers to control the second surgical device in accordance with the second control algorithm in response to a signal received from the external computing device.

39. The medical collection system of claim 38, wherein: the signal received from the external computing device indicates whether the first surgical device is authentic; and the system is configured to operate at least one of the one or more controllers to control the second surgical device in accordance with the second control algorithmif the signal received from the external computing device indicates that the first surgical device is authentic.

40. The medical collection system of claim 38 or 39, wherein the signal received from the external computing device includes the second control algorithm.

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