Abstract: Mitigating a user interface display function of a modular energy system includes receiving formatted video data at a video data converter circuit, providing differential video signaling data to the display from the video data converter circuit, providing a copy of the differential video signaling data to a processor, and determining that the differential video signaling data is changing over time. Mitigating erroneous outputs from an isolated interface includes receiving a state of a first switch of a first footswitch coupled to a first comparator and a reference voltage coupled to the first comparator, receiving the state of the first switch coupled to the first duplicate comparator and the reference voltage coupled to the first duplicate comparator, comparing the output of the first comparator with the output of the first duplicate comparator, and determining activation or deactivation of a surgical instrument coupled to the controller based on the comparison.

Abstract: Several mitigation circuits are disclosed. An audio mitigation circuit includes an audio mitigation control module configured to read a unique tone identification embedded in a digital audio signal to identify a digital audio tone. A video mitigation circuit confirms video to be displayed by a user interface. Another audio mitigation circuit is configured to process super-audible tones in an audio signal to confirm an audio asset. The disclosure also describes various methods associated with the mitigation circuits.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for systems and methods for identifying characteristics of a return pad in a monopolar electrosurgical system using contact quality monitoring (CQM) and near field communication (NFC) signals. In some aspects, resistance or impedance materials are sensed that may help identify what kind of return pad is being used, including what is the structure of the pad. In some aspects, NFC signals are used to identify characteristics of the return pad. In some aspects, the grounding or return pad may include two separate materials that form an interconnecting or interwoven mesh and both act as non-active electrodes when both contact the patient. A non-zero impedance may separate conductive lines connecting the two separate materials that may be analyzed to obtain a defining signature about that is linked to structural characteristics about the return pad.

Abstract: A home automation platform coalesces various devices for home monitoring, control and automation in a comprehensive control application for complete home control. Devices sourced from different vendors are responsive to the control application via a GUI from a personal device. User authentication is handled transparently through exchanges with the vendor specific website for a particular device. A set of agents monitors device operation and builds a model for issuing autonomous instructions to the devices based on the model of established operation. Compatible devices may be any suitable IP addressable device, and the agents gather a history of devices concerned with different comfort and function areas, such as lighting, appliances, air quality and occupancy awareness (e.g. security). In this manner, comprehensive, cross-vendor oversight is implemented from a common control via the personal device app, and a gathered history of home usage drives learning of a usage model for autonomous operation.

Abstract: Drawn and ironed (D & I) aluminum can bodies are prepared for conversion coating by cleaning and etching using a spray of a dilute aqueous solution of caustic and chelating agent at temperatures of up to about 130.degree. F. The dilute aqueous alkaline solution consists essentially of from about 6 to 12 grams per liter of an alkali metal hydroxide and from about 3 to 6 grams per liter of a chelating agent. The cleaning and etching can be accomplished in a single step without smut formation.