#$%^&*AU2007202837B220130207.pdf#####ULTRASONIC PROBE DEFLECTION SENSOR ABSTRACT An ultrasonic surgical instrument (12) having a deflection detection circuit is disclosed. The instrument includes (12) an ultrasonic probe (21) configured to conduct electricity and positioned a predetermined distance from one or more tubes (46). The ultrasonic probe (21) is adapted to be operatively connected to an ultrasonic generator 5 (14) for vibration. The instrument (12) also includes a deflection detection circuit (200) having a secondary power source (202) and an indicator (204), the power source (202) being configured to supply electrical current to the tube (46), the probe (21), and the indicator (204), wherein the circuit (200) is configured to close in response to the probe (21) contacting the tube (46) when the probe (21) is deflected toward the tube (46) 1o thereby activating the indicator (204).1/5 C Jj co~
