System and method for remotely controlling devices

Abstract

A system and a method for remotely controlling devices are provided. The system includes a foot pedal unit having a moveable member. The system further includes a transmitter operatively associated with the moveable member. The transmitter transmits a first signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a first device is selected. The transmitter transmits a second signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a second device is selected.

1 . A foot pedal control system for monitoring operation of a foot pedal apparatus, the foot pedal apparatus having a moveable member operably coupled to a pneumatic valve in a conduit, comprising: 
 a first sensor configured to detect at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position by monitoring a pressure level in the conduit; and    a processor operably coupled to the first sensor and to an RF transmitter, the processor configured to induce the RF transmitter to generate a first RF signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member.    
   
   
       2 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 1 , wherein at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus increases the pressure level in the conduit.  
   
   
       3 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 2 , wherein the first sensor comprises a pressure sensor operably coupled to the conduit.  
   
   
       4 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 3 , wherein the pressure sensor generates a pressure signal indicative of the pressure level in the conduit, the processor being further configured to receive the first signal and to induce the RF transmitter to generate the first RF signal when the pressure signal indicates the pressure level is greater than a predetermined pressure.  
   
   
       5 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 2 , wherein the first sensor comprises a pneumatic switch operably coupled to the conduit.  
   
   
       6 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 5 , wherein the pneumatic switch that generates an actuation signal when the pressure level in the conduit is greater than a predetermined pressure, the processor being further configured to receive the actuation signal and to induce the RF transmitter to generate the first RF signal in response to the actuation signal.  
   
   
       7 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 1 , wherein the first RF signal has an identifier identifying the processor.  
   
   
       8 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 1 , wherein the first RF signal comprises a pulsed RF signal.  
   
   
       9 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 1 , wherein the first RF signal is modulated using at least one of amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and frequency shift keying modulation.  
   
   
       10 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 1 , wherein the first RF signal is transmitted at a frequency in at least one of a UHF frequency range, a VHF frequency range, and a microwave frequency range.  
   
   
       11 . The foot pedal control system of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to induce the RF transmitter to generate a plurality of the first RF signals during a first time interval in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member from the first operational position, during the first time interval.  
   
   
       12 . A method for monitoring operation of a foot pedal apparatus, the foot pedal apparatus having a moveable member operably coupled to a pneumatic valve in a conduit, the method comprising: 
 monitoring a pressure level in the conduit to determine at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position; and    transmitting a first RF signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of monitoring the pressure level in the conduit, comprises generating a pressure signal from a pressure sensor operably coupled to the conduit.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of monitoring the pressure level in the conduit, comprises generating an actuation signal from a pneumatic switch coupled to the conduit when a pressure level in the conduit is greater than a predetermined pressure.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first RF signal has an identifier.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first RF signal comprises a pulsed RF signal.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first RF signal is modulated using at least one of amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and frequency shift keying modulation.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first RF signal is transmitted at a frequency in at least one of a UHF frequency range, a VHF frequency range, and a microwave frequency range.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising generating a plurality of the first RF signals during a first time interval in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member from the first operational position, during the first time interval.