End effector coupling arrangements for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument

In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.

Disposable motor-driven loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus

A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position.

Surgical stapling apparatus with control features

A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.

Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor

A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Surgical device having a rotatable jaw portion

A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion, having a first jaw in opposed corresponence with a second jaw, the second jaw including a surgical member. The surgical device may include a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion and at least one motor configured to rotate the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, to move the first jaw relative to the second jaw and move the surgical member within the second jaw. The surgical member be prevented from moving within the second jaw unless the first jaw is in a closed position relative to the second jaw. Advantageously, the surgical member may be, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within one of the jaws.

Prosthetic valve for replacing mitral valve

Embodiments of prosthetic valves for implantation within a native mitral valve are provided. A preferred embodiment of a prosthetic valve includes a radially compressible main body and a one-way valve portion. The prosthetic valve further comprises at least one ventricular anchor coupled to the main body and disposed outside of the main body. A space is provided between an outer surface of the main body and the ventricular anchor for receiving a native mitral valve leaflet. The prosthetic valve preferably includes an atrial sealing member adapted for placement above the annulus of the mitral valve. Methods and devices for delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.

Autonomous grid shifting lighting device

In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for autonomous shifting of at least a portion of a lighting load off an energy distribution grid, comprising electrically connecting a lighting device to the energy distribution grid; causing the lighting device to interpret information obtained from an information source proximate the lighting device; and causing the lighting device to select from at least two different power sources based on the interpretation, where selecting may include a sharing of the load between the two different power sources, and where one power source may be the energy distribution grid.

Using an electric power cable as the vehicle for communicating an information-bearing signal through a barrier

The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it as a surface wave along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.

Technique for conveying a wireless-standard signal through a barrier

The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.

Surface wave coupler

The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.