Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are operable to track usage of a surgical instrument and modify the performance of the surgical instrument based on the prior usage of the surgical instrument. Some surgical instruments are designed to have a limited service life beginning at their first use, or a limit to their overall usage in order to ensure safe use of the sensitive instruments. However, a lack of ability to track usage characteristics when the instrument is separated from an external power supply allows for user abuse and avoidance of such safety mechanisms. Adding a battery or capacitor to the instrument may allow for an ability to track usage when the instrument is separated from an external power supply. Implementing special user prompts, device use ratios, and device use half-life upon powering down of an instrument may additionally be used to prevent circumvention of safety features.

Abstract: A ramp is provided for use with vehicles having tailgates. The ramp is attached to the tailgate. The ramp is capable of folding into a bed of the vehicle and against the tailgate when not in use, and is folded away from the vehicle and the tailgate to extend toward the ground or other loading surface for use. A hinge controls the movement of the device relative to the tailgate of the vehicle to allow the device to be pivoted into position for use, and to be pivoted into the storage position against the tailgate.