Surgical instrument having force feedback capabilities

A surgical instrument system is disclosed. The surgical instrument system comprises an end effector configured to be articulated between a first position and a second position, a motor configured to provide a vibratory force to a user of the surgical instrument system when the end effector moves into the first position and when the end effector moves into the second position, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to sense a first condition of the end effector when the end effector moves into the first position, sense a second condition of the end effector when the end effector moves into the second position, and send a signal to the motor indicative of the first condition and the second condition when one of the first condition and the second condition is sensed. The signal comprises one of the group consisting of a square wave signal and a sine wave signal.

Staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling instrument

The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, a cutting member having a cutting surface, and a driver operably engaged with the cutting member to move the cutting member relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can also be configured to receive a portion of the driver operably engaged with cutting member and support the driver when it moves the cutting member. In at least one embodiment, the slot is defined by at least one radius of curvature.

Method and apparatus for coupling an antenna to a device

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an antenna structure that includes a dielectric antenna comprising a dielectric feedline having a feed point, and a collar that facilitates aligning a port of a waveguide system to the feed point of the dielectric feedline for facilitating transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves exchanged between the port and the feed point of the dielectric feedline, the electromagnetic waves guided by the dielectric feedline without an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for coupling an antenna to a device

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a feed point of a dielectric antenna, electromagnetic waves from a dielectric core coupled to the feed point without an electrical return path, where at least a portion of the dielectric antenna comprises a conductive surface, directing, by the feed point, the electromagnetic waves to a proximal portion of the dielectric antenna, and radiating, via an aperture of the dielectric antenna, a wireless signal responsive to the electromagnetic waves being received at the aperture. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Dielectric transmission medium connector and methods for use therewith

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a connector that includes a first port configured to receive electromagnetic waves guided by a first dielectric core of a first transmission medium. A waveguide is configured to guide the electromagnetic waves from the first port to a second port. The second port is configured to transmit the electromagnetic waves to a second dielectric core of a second transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for launching a wave mode that mitigates interference

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that performs operations including receiving electromagnetic waves on an outer surface of a transmission medium having a non-hybrid wave mode and a cutoff frequency, detecting a degradation of a signal quality of the electromagnetic waves, generating adjusted electromagnetic waves having a hybrid wave mode and a non-optical frequency range responsive to the detecting, and directing the adjusted electromagnetic waves having the hybrid wave mode and the non-optical frequency range to the outer surface of the transmission medium for guiding propagation of the adjusted electromagnetic waves without utilizing an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for launching a wave mode that mitigates interference

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that performs operations including receiving first electromagnetic waves on an outer surface of a transmission medium, detecting a degradation of a signal quality of the first electromagnetic waves due to first electric fields of the first electromagnetic waves inducing first currents in an obstruction disposed on the outer surface of the transmission medium, and generating second electromagnetic waves having second electric fields that induce second currents in the obstruction that are lower in magnitude than the first currents, the electromagnetic waves having a cutoff frequency. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for launching a wave mode that mitigates interference

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that performs operations including detecting a signal degradation of electromagnetic waves guided by a transmission medium, and adjusting at least one phase of signal components of the electromagnetic waves to produce adjusted electromagnetic waves having a hybrid wave mode and a non-optical frequency range to mitigate the signal degradation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for adjusting a field of a signal to mitigate interference

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that performs operations including detecting a signal degradation of guided electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium without utilizing an electrical return path, the guided electromagnetic waves having a non-optical frequency range, and adjusting an alignment of at least a portion of fields of the guided electromagnetic waves to mitigate the signal degradation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Transmission medium and methods for use therewith

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission medium having a core. A conductive layer forms an uninsulated outer surface of the transmission medium. The conductive layer is configured to impede accumulation of water to support propagation of first electromagnetic waves guided by the uninsulated outer surface. Other embodiments are disclosed.