Far-side communication array for tuning the frequency of an RF system

Abstract

This invention discloses a surgical instrument comprising a shaft, a joint extending distally from the shaft, and an end effector extending distally from the joint. The end effector includes jaws and a staple cartridge capable of being disposed within the jaws. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, staples removably stored within the cartridge body, and a first antenna. The surgical instrument further includes: a remote power source configured to supply power; a second antenna configured to cooperate with the first antenna when the staple cartridge is disposed in the jaws to transmit at least one of power and data signals to the staple cartridge; and a tuning electronics package located in a cavity in a proximal portion of the end effector. The tuning electronics package is configured to facilitate locally tunable wireless transmission of at least one of circuitry and data signals.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to surgical instruments, and in various arrangements, to surgical suturing and cutting instruments designed to suture and cut tissues, and staple cartridges used with them. Attached Figure Description

[0002] The various features and advantages of the implementation scheme described herein can be understood in conjunction with the following figures and the following description:

[0003] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment;

[0004] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the controller of the robotic surgical system;

[0005] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a robotic surgical system comprising multiple robotic surgical arms, each of which operably supports surgical instruments.

[0006] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A side view of the robotic surgical arm shown;

[0007] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a pinning device according to at least one implementation scheme;

[0008] Figure 5A yes Figure 5 An exploded view of the staple cartridge;

[0009] Figure 5B yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the distal end of the staple cartridge;

[0010] Figure 5C yes Figure 5 A front view of the distal end of the staple cartridge;

[0011] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system between a surgical instrument and a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system between a surgical instrument and a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system between a surgical instrument and a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 8A yes Figure 8 A fragment of the diagram;

[0015] Figure 8B It is shown that some parts have been removed. Figure 8 A partial perspective view of the surgical instruments;

[0016] Figure 8C It was shown as the pin pod being removed. Figure 8 A partial perspective view of the jaws of a surgical instrument case;

[0017] Figure 8D It is shown as being in a closed or clamped configuration. Figure 8 A partial perspective view of the surgical instruments;

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system between a surgical instrument and a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system between a surgical instrument and a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the staple cartridge positioned in the jaws of the clamp according to at least one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 11A yes Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge;

[0022] Figure 11B It was removed from the jaws of the clamp. Figure 11 A perspective view of the staple cartridge;

[0023] Figure 11C yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the staple cartridge;

[0024] Figure 11D yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the sliding mechanism of the staple cartridge;

[0025] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of a pinning device according to at least one implementation scheme;

[0026] Figure 13 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission and / or processing;

[0027] Figure 14 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission and / or processing;

[0028] Figure 15It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission and / or processing;

[0029] Figure 16 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating various features of a surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 17 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating various features of a staple cartridge according to at least one aspect of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 18 This is a table showing the correlation between the sampling rate (S) of a sensor array according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure and corresponding values ​​of bandwidth capacity (B), discharge rate (D) and remaining capacity (R);

[0032] Figure 19 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for monitoring and resolving signal interference in wireless power and / or data signal transmission;

[0033] Figure 20 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for transmission efficiency in wireless power transmission.

[0034] Figure 21 A specific implementation of a first antenna circuit and a second antenna circuit for a wireless transmission system for power transmission between a surgical instrument 1022 and a staple cartridge, according to at least one aspect of the present invention, is shown.

[0035] Figure 22 An adjustable series RLC (resistor, inductor, capacitor) circuit according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 23 An adjustable parallel RLC circuit according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 24 It is a graph showing the resonant state of the adjustable series RLC circuit 1130 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 25 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for improving power savings or optimizing power consumption of the pin pod.

[0039] Figure 26It is a logic flowchart of algorithm 1150 according to at least one aspect disclosed herein, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for optimizing wireless power and / or data signal transmission on transmission system 1045.

[0040] Figure 27 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for calibrating a sensor array of surgical instruments.

[0041] Figure 28 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for modulating control parameters of surgical instruments;

[0042] Figure 29 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector according to at least one aspect of the invention, comprising a staple cartridge and an anvil separated by a stop member, the end effector being in a closed configuration of an end effector without organization between the staple cartridge and the anvil;

[0043] Figure 30 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for modulating control parameters of surgical instruments;

[0044] Figure 31 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for modulating sensor parameters of a sensor array.

[0045] Figure 32 It is a logic flowchart of an algorithm according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for modulating sensor parameters of a sensor array.

[0046] Figure 33 This is a top view of the pinning device according to at least one aspect of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 34 A diagram is shown of a chamber comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to a set of coils to control circuitry for transmitting power and data between the chamber and control circuitry located within the instrument housing, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 35 A block diagram of a surgical instrument configured or programmed to control distal translation of a displacement member according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 36 A perspective view of the end effector of a surgical suturing and cutting instrument according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0050] Figure 37 An exemplary tissue compression sensor system according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is described;

[0051] Figure 38A and Figure 38B This is a schematic diagram of a tissue contact circuit in which a pair of spaced-apart contact plates, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, are in contact with tissue, and the circuit is switched on.

[0052] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of a surgical instrument including sensor monitoring and processing circuitry according to at least one aspect of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of an end effector including an anvil and a staple cartridge according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, the staple cartridge including a sensor array;

[0054] Figure 41 It includes a plurality of independently addressable sensors according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 40 A partial cross-sectional view of the warehouse;

[0055] Figure 42 A flowchart of a method for monitoring multiple sensors according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0056] Figure 43 A flowchart of a method for monitoring multiple sensors according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0057] Figure 44 A flowchart of a method for monitoring multiple sensors according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0058] Figure 45 A flowchart of a method for monitoring multiple sensors according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0059] Figure 46 This is an exploded view of an end effector comprising a plurality of sensor arrays according to at least one aspect of this disclosure;

[0060] Figure 47 This is a schematic diagram of a first sensor array and a second sensor array positioned in a disk or retainer of a bin base according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, the first sensor array and the second sensor array being shown as coupled to electronic circuitry.

[0061] Figure 48 A perspective view of a nail-shaped recess comprising an anvil containing conductive circuit elements, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0062] Figure 49This illustrates, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the conductive circuit elements after the pin has been cut off during the proper forming of the pin, following the action of the pin. Figure 48 A perspective view of the nail-shaped recess;

[0063] Figure 50 A distal sensor plug including electronic circuitry according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown, the electronic circuitry being configured to monitor and process signals from a first sensor array and a second sensor array; and

[0064] Figure 51 It is a method for monitoring the internal system of a staple cartridge to detect and track the motion state of cartridge components, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0065] In several views, corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The applicant of this application also owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as this application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0067] - U.S. patent application entitled "METHOD OF POWERING AND COMMUNICATING WITH A STAPLE CARTRIDGE"; Agent's file number END9295USNP1 / 200837-1M;

[0068] - U.S. patent application entitled "METHOD OF POWERING AND COMMUNICATING WITH A STAPLE CARTRIDGE"; Agent's file number END9295USNP2 / 200837-2M;

[0069] - U.S. patent application entitled "ADJUSTABLE COMMUNICATION BASED ON AVAILABLE BANDWIDTH ANDPOWER CAPACITY"; Agent's file END9295USNP3 / 200837-3;

[0070] - A U.S. patent application entitled "ADJUSTMENT TO TRANSFER PARAMETERS TO IMPROVE AVAILABLE POWER"; Agent's file number END9295USNP4 / 200837-4;

[0071] - A U.S. patent application entitled "MONITORING OF MANUFACTURING LIFE-CYCLE"; Agent's file number END9295USNP5 / 200837-5;

[0072] - U.S. patent application entitled "MONITORING OF MULTIPLE SENSORS OVER TIME TO DETECT MOVING CHARACTERISTICS OF TISSUE"; Agent's file END9295USNP6 / 200837-6;

[0073] - A U.S. patent application entitled "MONITORING OF INTERNAL SYSTEMS TO DETECT AND TRACK CARTRIDGEMOTION STATUS";

[0074] Agent's case file END9295USNP7 / 200837-7;

[0075] - U.S. patent application entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A SENSOR ARRAY"; Agent's file END9295USNP9 / 200837-9;

[0076] - U.S. patent application entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A SENSING ARRAY AND A TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM"; Agent's file END9295USNP10 / 200837-10;

[0077] - A U.S. patent application entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING AN INFORMATION ACCESS CONTROLSYSTEM";

[0078] Agent's case file END9295USNP11 / 200837-11;

[0079] - U.S. patent application entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A POWER MANAGEMENT CIRCUIT"; Agent's file number END9295USNP12 / 200837-12;

[0080] - U.S. patent application entitled "STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SEPARATE POWER ANTENNA AND ADATA TRANSFER ANTENNA"; Agent's file END9295USNP13 / 200837-13;

[0081] - U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING A POWER TRANSFER COIL"; Agent's File No. END9295USNP14 / 200837-14; and

[0082] - U.S. patent application entitled "STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SIGNAL ANTENNA"; Agent's file number END9295USNP15 / 200837-15.

[0083] The applicant of this application also owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on October 29, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0084] - U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 084,179 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A RELEASABLE CLOSURE DRIVELOCK”;

[0085] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 084,190 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A STOWED CLOSURE ACTUATORSTOP”;

[0086] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 084,198 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN INDICATOR WHICH INDICATESTHAT AN ARTICULATION DRIVE IS ACTUATABLE”;

[0087] - U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 084,205 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION INDICATOR”;

[0088] - U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 084,258 entitled “METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT”;

[0089] - U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 084,206 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK”;

[0090] - U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 084,215 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW ALIGNMENT SYSTEM";

[0091] - U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 084,229 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SEALABLE INTERFACE”;

[0092] - U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 084,180 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LIMITED TRAVEL SWITCH";

[0093] - U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 756,615 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY”.

[0094] - U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 756,620 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY”.

[0095] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 084,188 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A STAGED VOLTAGE REGULATION START-UP SYSTEM"; and

[0096] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 084,193 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR CONFIGURED TO SENSEWHETHER AN ARTICULATION DRIVE OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IS ACTUATABLE".

[0097] The applicant of this application also owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on April 11, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0098] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,303 entitled “METHODS FOR STAPLING TISSUE USING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345353;

[0099] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,304 entitled “ARTICULATION ACTUATORS FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345354;

[0100] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,305 entitled “ARTICULATION DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ON A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345446;

[0101] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,307 entitled “SHAFT ROTATION ACTUATOR ON A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 03453549;

[0102] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,308 entitled “ARTICULATION CONTROL MAPPING FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345355;

[0103] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,309 entitled “INTELLIGENT FIRING ASSOCIATED WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345356;

[0104] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,310 entitled “INTELLIGENT FIRING ASSOCIATED WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345357;

[0105] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,311 entitled “ROTATABLE JAW TIP FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345358;

[0106] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 846,312 entitled “TISSUE STOP FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT”, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345359; and

[0107] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 846,313 entitled “ARTICULATION PIN FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0345360.

[0108] The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 840,715, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM”, filed on April 30, 2019, is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0109] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on February 21, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0110] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 281,658 entitled “METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HASSEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0298350;

[0111] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 281,670 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFTA FIRING MEMBER” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0298340;

[0112] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 281,675 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRINGMEMBER THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE HASBEEN INSTALLED THEREIN"

[0113] Currently, it is published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2019 / 0298354;

[0114] - Named "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-

[0115] The U.S. patent application serial number for “OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES” is 16 / 281,685, now published as U.S. patent application 2019 / 0298341;

[0116] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 281,693 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND ANEXTERIOR ACCESS ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0298342.

[0117] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 281,704 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLEDTHEREIN” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0298356;

[0118] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 281,707 entitled “STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0298347;

[0119] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 281,741 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0298357;

[0120] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 281,762 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0298343;

[0121] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 281,666 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS”; now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0298352;

[0122] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 281,672 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0298353;

[0123] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 281,678, entitled "ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND CHANNELENGAGEMENT FEATURES", is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0298355; and

[0124] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 281,682 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSUREAND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0298346.

[0125] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on February 19, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0126] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 807,310 entitled “METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HASSEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS”;

[0127] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 807,319 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCKOUT SYSTEMS"; and

[0128] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 807,309 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS".

[0129] The applicant of this patent application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 28, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference:

[0130] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,302 entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES”;

[0131] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,294 entitled “DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD”;

[0132] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,300 entitled “SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS”;

[0133] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,309 entitled “SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES INOPERATING THEATER”;

[0134] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,310 entitled “COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS”;

[0135] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,291 entitled “USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINEPROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT”;

[0136] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,296 entitled “ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES”;

[0137] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,333 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION ANDRECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER”;

[0138] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,327 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES”;

[0139] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,315 entitled “DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICSNETWORK”;

[0140] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,313 entitled “CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES”;

[0141] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,320 entitled “DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS”;

[0142] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,307 entitled "AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICALPLATFORMS"; and

[0143] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,323 entitled “SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS”.

[0144] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent application filed on March 30, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference:

[0145] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 650,887 entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES”.

[0146] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent application filed on December 4, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0147] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,423 entitled “METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0200981.

[0148] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on August 20, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0149] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 105,101 entitled “METHOD FOR FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0054323;

[0150] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 105,183 entitled “REINFORCED DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL” is now U.S. Patent 10,912,559;

[0151] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 105,150 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSIONS ANDTISSUE STABILITY FEATURES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0054326;

[0152] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 105,098 entitled “FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0054322;

[0153] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 105,140 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,779,821;

[0154] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 105,081 entitled “METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0054320;

[0155] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 105,094 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0054321;

[0156] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 105,097 entitled “POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVE MOTIONS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0054328.

[0157] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 105,104 entitled “POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ANDLOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,842,492.

[0158] - The U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 105,119 entitled “ARTICULATION MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0054330;

[0159] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 105,160, entitled “SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,” now U.S. Patent 10,856,870; and

[0160] - U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 660,252 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS”.

[0161] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications and U.S. patents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0162] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 386,185 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIESTHEREOF” is now U.S. Patent 10,639,035;

[0163] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 386,230 entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168649;

[0164] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,221 entitled “LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,835,247;

[0165] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 386,209 entitled “SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF” is now U.S. Patent 10,588,632;

[0166] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,198 entitled “LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,610,224.

[0167] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 386,240 entitled “SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168651;

[0168] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,939 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,835,246;

[0169] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,941 entitled “SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FORSHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES ANDARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,736,629;

[0170] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,943 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS” is now U.S. Patent 10,667,811;

[0171] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,950 entitled “SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTIONFEATURES” is now U.S. Patent 10,588,630;

[0172] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,945 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN” is now U.S. Patent 10,893,864;

[0173] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,946 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168633;

[0174] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,951 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASINGA JAW OPENING DISTANCE” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,568,626;

[0175] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,953 entitled “METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE” is now U.S. Patent 10,675,026;

[0176] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,954 entitled “FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FORSURGICAL END EFFECTORS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,624,635;

[0177] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,955 entitled “SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOPARRANGEMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 10,813,638;

[0178] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,948 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168584;

[0179] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,956 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,588,631;

[0180] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,958 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,639,034.

[0181] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,947 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN” is now U.S. Patent 10,568,625;

[0182] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,896 entitled “METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168597;

[0183] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,898 entitled “STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENTTYPES OF STAPLES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,537,325.

[0184] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,899 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL” is now U.S. Patent 10,758,229;

[0185] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,901 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWSDEFINED THEREIN” is now U.S. Patent 10,667,809;

[0186] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,902 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,888,322.

[0187] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,904 entitled “STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / ORSPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,881,401;

[0188] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,905 entitled “FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent 10,695,055;

[0189] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,907 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168608;

[0190] - An American patent titled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE"

[0191] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,908, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168609; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,909 entitled “FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE”, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168610;

[0192] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,920 entitled “STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 10,499,914;

[0193] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,913 entitled “ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168614;

[0194] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,914 entitled “METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168615;

[0195] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,893 entitled “BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE-FORMING POCKET PAIRS” is now U.S. Patent 10,682,138;

[0196] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,929 entitled “CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE ANDDISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,667,810;

[0197] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,911 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,448,950;

[0198] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,927 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168625;

[0199] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,917 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPINGBREADTHS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168617;

[0200] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,900 entitled “STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARYSIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS” is now U.S. Patent 10,898,186.

[0201] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,931 entitled “NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FORSURGICAL STAPLERS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168627.

[0202] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,915 entitled “FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE” is now U.S. Patent 10,779,823;

[0203] -The United States with the name "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMINGSURFACE GROOVES"

[0204] Patent application serial number 15 / 385,897, now U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168598; - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 15 / 385,922, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES”, now U.S. Patent 10,426,471;

[0205] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,924 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS” is now U.S. Patent 10,758,230;

[0206] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,910 entitled “ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH” is now U.S. Patent 10,485,543;

[0207] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,903 entitled “CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 10,617,414;

[0208] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,906 entitled “FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS” is now U.S. Patent 10,856,868;

[0209] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,188 entitled “STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,537,324;

[0210] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,192 entitled “STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAPSETTING FEATURES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,687,810;

[0211] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 386,206 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168586;

[0212] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,226 entitled “DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168648.

[0213] - A US patent titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITHPOSITIVE OPENING FEATURES"

[0214] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,222, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168647; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,236 entitled “CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS”, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168650;

[0215] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,887 entitled “METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICALINSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT” is now U.S. Patent 10,835,245.

[0216] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,889 entitled “SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTIONSYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168590;

[0217] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,890 entitled “SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE ANDRETRACTABLE SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent 10,675,025;

[0218] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,891 entitled “SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THEOUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168592.

[0219] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,892 entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO ANARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM” is now U.S. Patent 10,918,385.

[0220] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,894 entitled “SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent 10,492,785;

[0221] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,895 entitled “SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATIONLOCKOUTS” is now U.S. Patent 10,542,982;

[0222] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,916 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168575;

[0223] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,918 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168618;

[0224] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,919 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168619;

[0225] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,921 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBERCONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,687,809;

[0226] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,923 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168623;

[0227] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,925 entitled “JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE ISINSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,517,595;

[0228] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,926 entitled “AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168577;

[0229] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,928 entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN AMOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168578;

[0230] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,930 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENINGFEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS" is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168579;

[0231] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 385,932 entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFTARRANGEMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168628;

[0232] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,933 entitled “ARTICULATION LOCK”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,603,036;

[0233] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,934 entitled “ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR INAN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,582,928.

[0234] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,935 entitled “LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FORLOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,524,789.

[0235] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,936 entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKEAMPLIFICATION FEATURES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,517,596;

[0236] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 318,996 entitled “FASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0297228.

[0237] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 319,006 entitled “FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING FASTENER CAVITIES INCLUDINGFASTENER CONTROL FEATURES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,010,324.

[0238] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 318,991 entitled “SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER STABILIZING ARRANGEMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,833,241;

[0239] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 319,004 entitled “SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH FIRING ELEMENT MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,844,369;

[0240] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 319,008 entitled “FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS” is now U.S. Patent 10,299,792;

[0241] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 318,997 entitled “FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DEPLOYABLE TISSUE ENGAGINGMEMBERS” is now U.S. Patent 10,561,422;

[0242] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 319,002 entitled “FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING TISSUE CONTROL FEATURES”, now U.S. Patent 9,877,721;

[0243] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 319,013 entitled “FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES AND STAPLE RETAINER COVERARRANGEMENTS”, now published as U.S. Patent Application 2015 / 0297233; and

[0244] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 319,016 entitled “FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYER ATTACHED THERETO” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,470,768.

[0245] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0246] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 191,775 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0367695;

[0247] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,807 entitled “STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPEDSTAPLES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,702,270;

[0248] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 191,834 entitled “STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME” is now U.S. Patent 10,542,979;

[0249] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,788 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES", now U.S. Patent 10,675,024; and

[0250] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,818 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,893,863.

[0251] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0252] - The U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 569,218 entitled “SURGICAL FASTENER” is now U.S. design patent D826,405;

[0253] - The U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 569,227 entitled “SURGICAL FASTENER” is now U.S. design patent D822,206;

[0254] - U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 569,259 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE", now U.S. design patent D847,989; and

[0255] - The U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 569,264 entitled “SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE” is now U.S. design patent D850,617.

[0256] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on April 1, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0257] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,325 entitled “METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0281171;

[0258] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,321 entitled “MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY” is now U.S. Patent 10,271,851;

[0259] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,326 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD” is now U.S. Patent 10,433,849;

[0260] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,263 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIPPORTION” is now U.S. Patent 10,307,159;

[0261] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,262 entitled “ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,357,246;

[0262] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,277 entitled “SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVILCONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,531,874.

[0263] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,296 entitled “Interchangelable Surgical Tool Assembled with a Surgical Endeffertor That Is Selectively ROTATABLE About a Shaft Axis” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,413,293;

[0264] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,258 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION” is now U.S. Patent 10,342,543;

[0265] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,278 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVECUTTING OF TISSUE” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,420,552;

[0266] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,284 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0281186;

[0267] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,295 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSIONLOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent 10,856,867.

[0268] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,300 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent 10,456,140;

[0269] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,196 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent 10,568,632;

[0270] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,203 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent 10,542,991;

[0271] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,210 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGELOCKOUT” is now U.S. Patent 10,478,190;

[0272] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,324 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,314,582.

[0273] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,335 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,485,542;

[0274] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,339 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0281173;

[0275] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,253 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OFSTAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS” is now U.S. Patent 10,413,297.

[0276] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,304 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET” is now U.S. Patent 10,285,705;

[0277] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,331 entitled “ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS” is now U.S. Patent 10,376,263;

[0278] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,336 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,709,446;

[0279] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 089,312 entitled “CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUESUPPORT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0281189;

[0280] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent 10,675,021; and

[0281] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,349 entitled “CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,682,136.

[0282] The applicant of this application also owns U.S. patent applications filed on December 30, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0283] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 984,488 entitled “MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE INPOWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,292,704;

[0284] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 984,525, entitled "Mechanisms for Compensating for Drivetrain Failure in Powered Surgical Instruments," now U.S. Patent 10,368,865; and

[0285] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 984,552 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROLCIRCUITS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,265,068.

[0286] The applicant of this application also owns U.S. patent applications filed on February 9, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0287] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 019,220 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLYTRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR” is now U.S. Patent 10,245,029;

[0288] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 019,228 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATIONARRANGEMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 10,433,837;

[0289] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 019,196 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT” is now U.S. Patent 10,413,291;

[0290] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,206 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,653,413;

[0291] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 019,215 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATIONARRANGEMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0224332;

[0292] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 019,227 entitled “ARTICULATIONLINK ARRANGEMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATIONLINK ARRANGEMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0224334;

[0293] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,235 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLEDRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,245,030;

[0294] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,230, entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAMARRANGEMENTS,” now U.S. Patent 10,588,625; and

[0295] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,245 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTIONARRANGEMENTS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,470,764.

[0296] The applicant of this application also owns U.S. patent applications filed on February 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0297] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 043,254 entitled “MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,258,331;

[0298] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 043,259 entitled “MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,448,948;

[0299] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 043,275, entitled “Mechanisms for Compensating for Drive Train Failure in Powered Surgical Instruments,” now published as U.S. Patent Application 2017 / 0231627; and

[0300] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 043,289 entitled “MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2017 / 0231628.

[0301] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on June 18, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0302] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,925 entitled “SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,182,818;

[0303] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,941 entitled “SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSINGFEATURES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,052,102;

[0304] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,933 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREEVENTING FIRING SYSTEMACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,154,841.

[0305] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,914 entitled “MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,405,863;

[0306] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,900 entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAMSTRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,335,149;

[0307] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent 10,368,861; and

[0308] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,876 entitled “PUSH / PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,178,992.

[0309] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on March 6, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0310] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 640,746 entitled “POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now U.S. Patent 9,808,246;

[0311] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,795 entitled “MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,441,279;

[0312] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,832 entitled “ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURERATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,687,806;

[0313] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,935 entitled “OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TOMEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,548,504.

[0314] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,831 entitled “MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTORFOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 9,895,148;

[0315] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,859 entitled “TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINESTABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,052,044;

[0316] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,817 entitled “INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now published as U.S. Patent Application No. 9,924,961;

[0317] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,844 entitled “CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULARSHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,045,776.

[0318] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,837 entitled “SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,993,248;

[0319] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 640,765 entitled “SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGEINTO A SURGICAL STAPLER” is now U.S. Patent 10,617,412;

[0320] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,799, entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON AROTATABLE SHAFT," now U.S. Patent 9,901,342; and

[0321] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,780 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,245,033.

[0322] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on February 27, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0323] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 633,576 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION” is now U.S. Patent 10,045,779;

[0324] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,546 entitled “SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,180,463.

[0325] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 633,560 entitled “SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016 / 0249910;

[0326] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 633,566 entitled “CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY” is now U.S. Patent 10,182,816.

[0327] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 633,555 entitled “SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TOBE SERVICED” is now U.S. Patent 10,321,907;

[0328] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 633,542 entitled “REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now U.S. Patent 9,931,118;

[0329] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,548 entitled “POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,245,028;

[0330] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 633,526 entitled “ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE” is now U.S. Patent 9,993,258;

[0331] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,541 entitled "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY", now U.S. Patent 10,226,250; and

[0332] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,562 entitled “SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFEPARAMETER” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,159,483.

[0333] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on December 18, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0334] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 574,478 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE ENDEFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,844,374.

[0335] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 574,483 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent 10,188,385;

[0336] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 575,139 entitled “DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,844,375;

[0337] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,148 entitled “LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,085,748.

[0338] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,130 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,245,027.

[0339] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,143 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,004,501;

[0340] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,117 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS ANDMOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS”, now U.S. Patent 9,943,309;

[0341] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 575,154 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,968,355;

[0342] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 574,493, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLEARTICULATION SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent 9,987,000; and

[0343] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 574,500 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM” is now U.S. Patent 10,117,649.

[0344] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on March 1, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0345] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,295 entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYSFOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,700,309;

[0346] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,323 entitled “ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now U.S. Patent No. 9,782,169;

[0347] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 782,338 entitled “THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0249557;

[0348] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,499 entitled “ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAYARRANGEMENT”, now U.S. Patent No. 9,358,003;

[0349] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 782,460 entitled “MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,554,794;

[0350] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 782,358 entitled “JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,326,767;

[0351] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 782,481 entitled “SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGHTROCAR” is now U.S. Patent 9,468,438.

[0352] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,518 entitled “CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLEIMPLEMENT PORTIONS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2014 / 0246475;

[0353] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,375, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OFFREEDOM", now U.S. Patent 9,398,911; and

[0354] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 782,536 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP” is now U.S. Patent 9,307,986.

[0355] The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0356] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,097 entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE” is now U.S. Patent 9,687,230;

[0357] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,193 entitled “CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICALINSTRUMENT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 9,332,987;

[0358] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,053 entitled “Interchangelable Shaft Assemblies for Use with a Surgicalinstrum” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,883,860;

[0359] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,086 entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATIONLOCK” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0263541;

[0360] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,210 entitled “SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FORSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,808,244;

[0361] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,148 entitled “MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now U.S. Patent 10,470,762;

[0362] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,066 entitled “DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,629,623;

[0363] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,117 entitled “ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application No. 9,351,726.

[0364] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent 9,351,727; and

[0365] - The U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,159 entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” is now U.S. Patent 9,888,919.

[0366] The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 7, 2014, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0367] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" is now U.S. Patent 9,629,629.

[0368] The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 26, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0369] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,106 entitled “POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0272582;

[0370] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,099 entitled “STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT” is now U.S. Patent 9,826,977;

[0371] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,094 entitled “VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0272580;

[0372] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,117 entitled “POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUITAND WAKE UP CONTROL” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,013,049;

[0373] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,075 entitled “MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFTASSEMBLIES” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,743,929;

[0374] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,093 entitled “FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,028,761.

[0375] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,116 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0272571;

[0376] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,071 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR” is now U.S. Patent 9,690,362;

[0377] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,097 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent 9,820,738;

[0378] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,126 entitled “INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 10,004,497;

[0379] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,133 entitled “MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0272557;

[0380] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,081 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT” is now U.S. Patent 9,804,618;

[0381] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,076 entitled “POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,733,663;

[0382] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent 9,750,499; and

[0383] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 226,125 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT” is now U.S. Patent 10,201,364.

[0384] The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on September 5, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0385] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 479,103 entitled “CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,111,679;

[0386] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 479,119 entitled “ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,724,094;

[0387] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 478,908 entitled “MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION” is now U.S. Patent 9,737,301;

[0388] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 478,895 entitled “MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'SOUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION” is now U.S. Patent No. 9,757,128;

[0389] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 479,110 entitled “POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO IDENTIFY CARTRIDGE TYPE” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,016,199;

[0390] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 479,098 entitled “SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,135,242;

[0391] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 479,115, entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. Patent 9,788,836; and

[0392] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 479,108 entitled “LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0066913.

[0393] The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0394] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 248,590 entitled “MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVESHAFTS” is now U.S. Patent 9,826,976;

[0395] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 248,581 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRINGDRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT” is now U.S. Patent 9,649,110;

[0396] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 248,595 entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND DRIVE SYSTEMS” is now U.S. Patent 9,844,368;

[0397] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 248,588 entitled “POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER” is now U.S. Patent 10,405,857;

[0398] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 248,591 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A GAP SETTING SYSTEM” is now U.S. Patent 10,149,680;

[0399] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENTFEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now U.S. Patent 9,801,626;

[0400] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 248,587 entitled “POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER” is now U.S. Patent 9,867,612;

[0401] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICALINSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent 10,136,887; and

[0402] - The U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 248,607 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUSINDICATION ARRANGEMENTS" is now U.S. Patent 9,814,460.

[0403] The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 16, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0404] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,365 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY ASINGLE MOTOR”;

[0405] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,376 entitled “LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER”;

[0406] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,382 entitled “LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP”;

[0407] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,385 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and

[0408] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,372 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY ASINGLE MOTOR”.

[0409] The applicant of this patent application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference:

[0410] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,341 entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM”;

[0411] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,340 entitled "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS"; and

[0412] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,339 entitled “ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM”.

[0413] The applicant of this patent application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 28, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference:

[0414] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,302 entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES”;

[0415] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,294 entitled “DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD”;

[0416] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,300 entitled “SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS”;

[0417] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,309 entitled “SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES INOPERATING THEATER”;

[0418] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,310 entitled “COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS”;

[0419] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,291 entitled “USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINEPROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT”;

[0420] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,296 entitled “ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES”;

[0421] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,333 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION ANDRECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER”;

[0422] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,327 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES”;

[0423] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,315 entitled “DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICSNETWORK”;

[0424] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,313 entitled “CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES”;

[0425] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,320 entitled “DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS”;

[0426] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,307 entitled "AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICALPLATFORMS"; and

[0427] - U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 649,323 entitled “SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS”.

[0428] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on March 29, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0429] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,641 entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0207911;

[0430] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,648 entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH CONDITION HANDLING OF DEVICES AND DATA CAPABILITIES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0206004;

[0431] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,656 entitled “SURGICAL HUB COORDINATION OF CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION OF OPERATING ROOM DEVICES”, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201141; - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,666 entitled “SPATIAL AWARENESS OF SURGICAL HUBS IN OPERATING ROOMS”, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0206551;

[0432] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,670 entitled “COOPERATIVE UTILIZATION OF DATA DERIVED FROM SECONDARYSOURCES BY INTELLIGENT SURGICAL HUBS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201116.

[0433] -The United States with the name "SURGICAL HUB CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS"

[0434] Patent application serial number 15 / 940,677, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201143; - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 15 / 940,632, entitled “DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD”, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0205566;

[0435] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,640 entitled “COMMUNICATION HUB AND STORAGE DEVICE FOR STORING PARAMETERS AND STATUS OF A SURGICAL DEVICE TO BE SHARED WITH CLOUD BASED ANALYTICS SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0200863;

[0436] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,645 entitled “SELF DESCRIBING DATA PACKETS GENERATED AT AN ISSUING INSTRUMENT”, now U.S. Patent No. 10,892,899;

[0437] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,649 entitled “DATA PAIRING TO INTERCONNECT A DEVICE MEASURED PARAMETER WITHAN OUTCOME” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0205567;

[0438] -The United States with the name "SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS"

[0439] Patent application serial number 15 / 940,654, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201140; - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 15 / 940,663 entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEM DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING”, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201033.

[0440] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,668 entitled "AGGREGATION AND REPORTING OF SURGICAL HUB DATA", now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0201115; and

[0441] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,671 entitled “SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES INOPERATING THEATER” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201104.

[0442] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,686 entitled “DISPLAY OF ALIGNMENT OF STAPLE CARTRIDGE TO PRIOR LINEARSTAPLE LINE” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201105;

[0443] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,700 entitled “STERILE FIELD INTERACTIVE CONTROL DISPLAYS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0205001;

[0444] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,629 entitled “COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201112;

[0445] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,704 entitled “USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINEPROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0206050;

[0446] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,722 entitled “Characterization of Tissue Irregularities Through the Use of Mono-Chromatic Light Refraction”, now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0200905; and

[0447] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,742 entitled “DUAL CMOS ARRAY IMAGING” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0200906.

[0448] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on March 29, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0449] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,636 entitled “ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0206003;

[0450] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,653 entitled “ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL HUBS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201114;

[0451] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,660 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION ANDRECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0206555;

[0452] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,679 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR LINKING OF LOCAL USAGETRENDS WITH THE RESOURCE ACQUISITION BEHAVIORS OF LARGER DATA SET” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201144;

[0453] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,694 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR MEDICAL FACILITY SEGMENTED INDIVIDUALIZATION OF INSTRUMENT FUNCTION” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0201119.

[0454] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,634 entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201138.

[0455] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,706 entitled "DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICSNETWORK", now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0206561; and

[0456] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,675 entitled “CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES” is now U.S. Patent No. 10,849,697.

[0457] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on March 29, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0458] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,627 entitled “DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201111;

[0459] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,637 entitled “COMMUNICATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICALPLATFORMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201139;

[0460] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,642 entitled “CONTROLS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201113;

[0461] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,676 entitled “AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICALPLATFORMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201142.

[0462] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,680 entitled “CONTROLLERS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201135;

[0463] - The U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,683 entitled “COOPERATIVE SURGICAL ACTIONS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICALPLATFORMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0201145.

[0464] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 940,690, entitled "DISPLAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", now published as U.S. Patent Application 2019 / 0201118; and

[0465] - The U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 940,711 entitled “SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS” is now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201120.

[0466] This document sets forth numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the figures. Well-known operations, components, and elements are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus will recognize that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and illustrative. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0467] The terms “comprise” (and any form of “comprise”, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of “have”, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of “include”, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of “contain”, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. Therefore, a surgical system, apparatus, or device that “comprises,” “haves,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements has, but is not limited to, having only those elements. Similarly, the elements of a system, apparatus, or device that “comprises,” “haves,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features have, but are not limited to, having only those features.

[0468] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein in relation to the clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. "Proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and "distal" refers to the portion furthest from the clinician's position. It should also be understood that, for brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used in conjunction with accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and locations, and these terms are not restrictive and / or absolute.

[0469] Various exemplary apparatuses and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily understand that the various methods and apparatuses disclosed herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in combination with open surgery. Continuing to refer to this specific embodiment, the reader will further understand that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through natural cavities, through incisions or puncture holes formed in tissue, etc. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument can be inserted directly into the patient's body or through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced.

[0470] The surgical suturing system may include an axis and an end effector extending from the axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and can be removed from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cartridge cannot be removed from the first jaw or at least can be easily replaced from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closed axis; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical suturing system also includes an articulation joint configured to allow the end effector to rotate or perform articulation relative to the axis. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments without an articulation joint are contemplated.

[0471] The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a platform extending between the proximal and distal ends. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be sutured, and an anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil moves toward the staple cartridge to compress the tissue and clamp it against the platform. Staples, removably stored in the cartridge body, can then be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined within the cartridge body, in which staples are removably stored. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slots, and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slots. Other arrangements of the staple cavities and staples are also possible.

[0472] The nail is supported by a nail actuator within the cartridge. The actuator is movable between a first or non-firing position and a second or firing position to eject the nail from the cartridge. The actuator is retained within the cartridge by a retainer extending around the bottom of the cartridge and including a resilient member configured to grip the cartridge and hold the retainer to the cartridge. The actuator is movable between its non-firing position and its firing position by a slider. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The slider includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide beneath the actuator toward the anvil and to lift the actuator, on which the nail is supported.

[0473] In addition to the above, the slider can also move distally via the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the slider and push it distally. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam engaging a first jaw and a second cam engaging a second jaw. As the firing member advances distally, the first and second cams control the distance or tissue gap between the platform of the cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also includes a blade configured to cut into tissue captured between the cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the blade be positioned at least partially close to the ramp surface so that the staples are fired before the blade.

[0474] Surgical instruments 10000 shown Figure 1 The surgical instrument 10000 includes a handle 10100 (which includes a handle housing 10120), a shaft 10200 extending from the handle 10100, and an end effector 10400. The end effector 10400 includes a first jaw 10410 configured to receive a staple cartridge and a second jaw 10420 movable relative to the first jaw 10410. The second jaw 10420 includes an anvil with a staple-forming recess defined therein. The surgical instrument 10000 also includes a closure actuator 10140 configured to actuate a closure system of the surgical instrument 10000 and move the second jaw 10420 between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The closure actuator 10140 is operatively coupled to a closure tube 10240, which is advanced distally when the closure actuator 10140 is closed. In this case, the closing tube 10240 contacts the second jaw and is driven and / or pushed downward by the cam into its clamping position.

[0475] In addition to the above, the second jaw 10420 is pivotally coupled to the first jaw 10410 about a pivot axis. In various embodiments, the second jaw is translatable and rotatable as it moves to its clamping position. In various alternative embodiments, the surgical instrument includes a staple cartridge jaw that is movable relative to the anvil jaw between an unclamped position and a clamped position. In any case, the handle 10100 includes a lock configured to releasably retain the closure actuator 10140 in its clamped position. The handle 10100 also includes release actuators 10180b on its opposite sides, which, when actuated, unlock the closure actuator 10140, allowing the end effector 10400 to be reopened. In various alternative embodiments, the handle 10100 includes an electric motor configured to move the closure tube 10240 proximally and / or distally when actuated by a clinician.

[0476] An end effector 10400 is attached to a shaft 10200 about a joint joint 10500 and is rotatable in a plane about a joint axis. The shaft 10200 defines a longitudinal axis, and the end effector 10400 is articulated between an unarticulated position aligned with the longitudinal axis and an articulated position extending at a lateral angle relative to the longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, for example, a surgical instrument 10000 includes a first joint joint allowing the end effector 10400 to articulate in a first plane and a second joint joint allowing the end effector 10400 to articulate in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. A handle 10100 includes at least one electric motor and a control system configured to control the operation of the electric motor in response to joint actuators 10160 and 10170. The electric motor includes a brushless DC motor; however, any suitable motor, such as a brushed DC motor, may be included.

[0477] The full disclosure of U.S. Patent 10,149,683, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM," published on December 11, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference. The full disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0125481, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICALCUTTING INSTRUMENT," published on May 10, 2018, is also incorporated herein by reference. The handle 10100 also includes a replaceable and / or rechargeable battery 10300, which can be attached to the handle housing to power the surgical instrument 10000. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent 8,632,525, entitled “POWER CONTROLARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND BATTERIES”, published on January 21, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0478] In addition to the above, shaft 10200 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending through shaft 10200. Shaft 10200 is rotatably connected to handle 10100 about rotary joint 10220, and shaft 10200 includes one or more finger-like grooves defined therein, which facilitate a clinician to rotate shaft 10200 using suture instrument 10000. In various embodiments, surgical instrument 10000 includes an electric motor and a rotary actuator that, when actuated by a clinician, powers the electric motor to rotate shaft 10200 in a first or second direction depending on the direction in which the rotary actuator is actuated.

[0479] In addition to the above, the surgical instrument 10000 also includes a nail firing drive mechanism configured to eject nails from a nail cartridge. The nail firing drive mechanism includes an electric motor and a firing member driven distally by the electric motor through a nail firing stroke. During the nail firing stroke, the firing member distally pushes a slider in the nail cartridge to eject the nail from the cartridge. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent 9,629,629, entitled “CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS,” published April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0480] The surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by electric motors; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be actuated in any suitable manner. In some instances, the motors disclosed herein may include one or more parts of a robot control system. For example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 118,241 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535), entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,” discloses several examples of robotic surgical instrument systems in more detail, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. International patent publications published on May 18, 2017, entitled "STAPLER WITH COMPOSITE CARDAN AND SCREW DRIVE" (WO 2017 / 083125); international patent publications published on May 18, 2017, entitled "STAPLE PUSHER WITH LOSTMOTION BETWEEN RAMPS" (WO 2017 / 083126); international patent publications published on October 8, 2015, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION" (2015 / 153642); and international patent application filed on March 17, 2017, entitled "STAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVEN ADVANCEABLE CLAMPINGELEMENT AND DUAL DISTAL". The full text of the following U.S. patent applications are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0265954 entitled “PULLEYS” (now U.S. Patent 10,350,016); U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0265865 entitled “STAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVEN ADVANCEABLE CLAMPING ELEMENT ANDDISTAL PULLEY” (now U.S. Patent 10,631,858) filed February 15, 2017; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0290586 entitled “STAPLING CARTRIDGE” (now U.S. Patent 10,722,233) filed March 29, 2017.

[0481] The various implementation schemes disclosed herein can be combined, for example, with, such as Figures 1 to 3 The robotic surgical system 1000 described herein is used for this purpose. Figure 1 Depicting combinable Figure 2The robotic arm 5100 depicted herein uses a main controller 5001. The main controller 5001, the robotic arm 5100, and their respective components and control systems are collectively referred to herein as the robotic system 5000. Examples of such systems and devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,524,320, entitled “MECHANICAL ACTUATOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOLS,” and U.S. Patent 9,072,535, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLE INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For brevity, details of such systems and devices are not repeated herein. The main controller 5001 includes a control element 5003, which is grasped and manipulated by the surgeon when observing the patient via a display 1002. The control unit 5003 may include, for example, a manual input device that moves with multiple degrees of freedom, and may also include an actuable trigger for actuating surgical instruments or tools to, for example, close gripping jaws, suture and cut tissue, and / or apply a potential to electrodes.

[0482] See Figure 2 and Figure 3The robotic arm 5100 is configured to actuate one or more surgical instruments, such as surgical instrument 6000, in response to input from a main controller 5001. In various forms, the robotic arm 5100 includes a base 5002, an arm link including a mounting joint 5104, and an instrument manipulator 5106. This arrangement facilitates rotation of the surgical instrument 6000 about a spatial point, as described in U.S. Patent 5,817,084 entitled “REMOTE CENTER POSITIONING DEVICE WITH FLEXIBLEDRIVE,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This arrangement provides pivotal rotation of the surgical instrument 6000 about axis 5112a, or a pitch axis. The arrangement also provides rotation of the surgical instrument 6000 about axis 5112b, or a yaw axis. The pitch axis 5112a and the yaw axis 5112b intersect at a remote center 5114 aligned along an elongated axis of the surgical instrument 6000. The surgical instrument 6000 may have additional driven degrees of freedom, including sliding motion along the longitudinal axis LT-LT. When the surgical instrument 6000 slides relative to the instrument manipulator 5106 along the longitudinal axis LT-LT (arrow 5112c), the remote center 5114 remains fixed relative to the base 5116 of the instrument manipulator 5106. To move the remote center 5114, a link 5108 is driven by one or more motors 5120, which, in response to commands from the master controller 5001, move the link 5108 to position and / or manipulate the surgical instrument 6000 within the surgical site. Various other arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,878,193, entitled “AUTOMATED ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL POSITIONING,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0483] Furthermore, while the communication between the robotic components and the processor of the robotic surgical system is initially described herein in conjunction with the communication between the surgical instruments or tools and the main controller 5001, it should be understood that similar communication can occur between the circuitry of manipulators, assembly joints, endoscopes, or other image-capturing devices and the processor of the robotic surgical system, which is used for component compatibility verification, component type identification, component correction (such as offset) communication, and component-to-robotic surgical system connection verification, etc. According to at least one aspect, the various surgical instruments disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with other robot-controlled or automated surgical systems, and are not necessarily limited to those used with… Figures 1 to 3The robotic system components shown are used in conjunction with those described in the foregoing references. Various robotic surgical systems and methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,132,368 entitled “MULTI-COMPONENT TELEPRESENCE SYSTEM AND METHOD,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0484] Figures 5 to 5C The image shows a staple cartridge 11000. The staple cartridge 11000 includes a cartridge body 11100, which includes a proximal end 11110 and a distal end 11120. The cartridge body 11100 also includes a platform 11130 extending between the proximal end 11110 and the distal end 11120, and staple cavities 11140 defined in the platform 11130. The staple cavities 11140 are arranged longitudinally on opposite sides of longitudinal slots 11150 defined in the cartridge body 11100. The longitudinal slots 11150 are configured to receive a tissue cutting blade therein, which is pushed distally during the staple firing stroke to cut tissue captured against the platform 11130 of the staple cartridge 11000. The staple cartridge 11000 also includes staples 11200 and staple drivers 11300 positioned in each staple cavity 11140, the staple drivers supporting the staples 11200 and driving the staples 11200 out of the staple cavity 11140 during the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 11000 also includes a slider 11400 pushed distally by the firing member of the staple firing drive to contact the staple driver 11300 during the staple firing stroke and lift the staple driver toward the platform 11130 of the cartridge body 11100. The staple cartridge 11000 also includes a disc 11700 attached to the cartridge body 11100, the disc being configured to prevent the driver 11300 and / or the staples 11200 from falling off the bottom of the cartridge body 11100.

[0485] The stinger 11000 also includes electronic circuitry. Although not included... Figures 5 to 5C As shown, but the stapling chamber 11000 includes Figures 11 to 11C The electronic circuit 11500 is depicted in the diagram. See also... Figures 11 to 11CThe electronic circuit 11500 includes a proximal end portion 11510 and a second end portion 11520. The proximal end portion 11510 includes a cartridge antenna 11530, which is positioned to communicate with an instrument antenna 10530 of the surgical instrument 10000 when the staple cartridge 11000 is placed in the jaws 10410 of the end effector 10400. For example, the electronic circuit 11500 includes a flexible substrate such as a flexible circuit, conductive traces defined in and / or on the flexible substrate, and electronic components mounted to the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the conductive traces. In various embodiments, the electronic circuit 11500 comprises an insulator, conductive traces defined in and / or on the insulator, and electronic components mounted to the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the conductive traces.

[0486] In addition to the above, see again Figures 11 to 11C Electronic circuitry 11500 is embedded in a housing 11100. Housing 11100 includes a circuit slot 11160 defined in a platform 11130, and electronic circuitry 11500 is positioned within the circuit slot 11160. Housing 11100 also includes a first lateral side 11170, a second lateral side 11180, and a distal portion 11120 connecting the first lateral side 11170 and the second lateral side 11180. Circuit slot 11160 extends around and / or between longitudinal pin-pack cavities 11140 on the first lateral side 11170 of housing 11100 in the distal portion 11120, and then extends proximally into the second lateral side 11180. Similar to the first lateral side 11170, circuit slot 11160 extends around and / or between longitudinal pin-pack cavities 11140 on the second lateral side 11180. As a result of this arrangement, the electronic circuitry 11500 can extend within both lateral sides of the housing 11100 without having to cross the longitudinal slot 11150. Furthermore, this arrangement allows the electronic circuitry 11500 to extend into the distal portion 11120 of the housing 11100. In various embodiments, the electronic circuitry 11500 is embedded within the housing 11100. In at least one embodiment, the electronic circuitry 11500 snaps in and / or presses into the circuit slot 11160. In at least one embodiment, the housing 11100 is constructed of plastic injection-molded around at least a portion of the electronic circuitry 11500.

[0487] See again in the various implementation schemes. Figures 11 to 11CThe staple cartridge 11000 includes an elastomeric connector that mechanically and electrically connects the sensor 11600 to the cartridge 11100. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric connector includes conductive and insulating regions within a rubber or elastomeric matrix to create overall anisotropic conductive properties. The matrix is ​​molded into a three-dimensional shape and then attached to the cartridge 11100. In various embodiments, the shape of the matrix matches features on the cartridge. In at least one embodiment, short, fine metal wires are embedded in a rubber sheet to connect the sensor 11600 to the control system of the staple cartridge 11000. In at least one instance, the metal wires are made of, for example, silver. For example, in at least one instance, the density of the metal wires in the matrix is ​​between about 300 wires / cm² and about 2000 wires / cm². At the surface of the rubber sheet, the ends of the wires either extend from the surface or bend backward toward the rubber substrate. At least one material (trademarked as ZEBRA) is available from Fuji Polymer Industries Company.

[0488] In various embodiments, the sensor system includes multiple parts selectively powered by the control system of the staple cartridge. For example, in at least one embodiment, the sensor system includes a first sensor section and a second sensor section, and the processor of the control system is configured to power only the first sensor section during a first operating mode, only the second sensor section during a second operating mode, and both sensor sections during a third operating mode. Such embodiments can reduce the amount of heat generated by the staple cartridge, etc. In various embodiments, the first sensor section and the second sensor section include the same number of sensors, while in other embodiments, the first sensor section and the second sensor section have different numbers of sensors. In some embodiments, the first sensor section includes connecting wires of a first density, and the second sensor section includes connecting wires of a second density different from the first density.

[0489] See Figure 6The cartridge antenna 11530 includes a coil 11540 defined in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the coil 10540 of the instrument antenna 10530. The coils 10540 and 11540 are sized, configured, and positioned to provide sufficient and / or optimal transmission coefficients, such that data and / or power can be efficiently transmitted between the instrument antenna 10530 and the cartridge antenna 11530. In various embodiments, the instrument coil 10540 includes a primary coil, and the cartridge coil 11540 includes a secondary coil, and in use, power is wirelessly transmitted from the instrument coil 10540 to the cartridge coil 11540. In at least this embodiment, data signals can also be transmitted between the instrument coil 10540 and the cartridge coil 11540. More specifically, data signals can be transmitted from the surgical instrument 10000 to the staple cartridge 11000 and / or from the staple cartridge 11000 to the surgical instrument 10000. Any suitable software protocol and / or hardware component can be used to coordinate the transmission of power and data on a single pair of coils, including instrument coil 10540 and bin coil 11540. In at least one embodiment, power and data signals are transmitted simultaneously between instrument coil 10540 and bin coil 11540. In at least one alternative embodiment, see [link to alternative embodiment]. Figure 7 Power and data signals are transmitted sequentially between the instrument coil 10540 and the bin coil 11540. In various embodiments, the instrument antenna 10530 and / or the bin antenna 11530 include, for example, a multiplexer that coordinates signal transmission between antennas 10530 and 11530.

[0490] See you again Figure 6The surgical instrument 10000 includes a processor 10610 in communication with an instrument antenna 10530. For example, in at least one embodiment, the processor 10610 includes a near-field communication (NFC) reader chip. For example, the NFC reader chip uses high-frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and a data rate of approximately 426 kbits / s. In various instances, the processor 10610 includes, for example, a low-frequency RFID reader that communicates at a frequency between approximately 120 kHz and approximately 150 kHz. In various instances, the processor 10610 includes, for example, a high-frequency RFID reader that communicates at a frequency of approximately 13.6 MHz. In various instances, the processor 10610 includes, for example, an ultra-high-frequency RFID reader that communicates at a frequency of approximately 868 MHz. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0405301, entitled “METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT”, published on December 31, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference. In various examples, processor 10610 includes, for example, a Bluetooth component that communicates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz. In various examples, processor 10610 includes, for example, a Qi wireless charging component that communicates at a frequency between approximately 105 kHz and approximately 205 kHz. In any case, processor 10610 includes input and output channels communicating with a device antenna 10530, which facilitates direct peer-to-peer communication with an NFC tag, such as with a storage antenna 11530, as discussed below.

[0491] In addition to the above, the instrument antenna 10530 is configured to supply power and data signals to the staple cartridge 11000 via the cartridge antenna 11530. As discussed above, the staple cartridge circuitry 11500 includes a plurality of sensors 11600 that measure at least one property of the staple cartridge 11000 and / or at least one property of the tissue supported by the staple cartridge 11000. For example, in at least one embodiment, sensor 11600 includes a capacitive sensor configured to detect the thickness of the tissue and / or the amount of fluid or edema contained within the tissue. In at least one embodiment, sensor 11600 includes a resistive sensor, such as a strain gauge, that measures, for example, strain or force loading within the cartridge body 11100. In any case, sensor 11600 requires power to measure the property and generate an output voltage detectable by the cartridge processor 11610 of the staple cartridge 11000. In use, power is delivered from instrument coil 10540 to bin coil 11540, rectified by rectifier 11620, and then filtered by capacitor 11630 before being supplied to sensor 11600. Rectifier 11620 is configured to rectify AC input to DC output for at least one of its output channels. In various instances, rectifier 11620 is also configured to conduct AC input to at least one of its output channels without rectification. Capacitor 11630 may include low-pass and / or high-pass filters that can filter out noise and / or external signals received by bin antenna 11530. The above arrangement and / or any other suitable arrangement can be used to supply appropriate voltage potential and current to sensor 11600 and / or bin processor 11610. The output voltage of sensor 11600 is supplied to the input gate of bin processor 11610. In at least one instance, the processor 11610 includes, for example, a multiplexer (MUX) configured to coordinate the output signal of the sensor 11600 into a single data signal, which is transmitted back to the instrument antenna 10530 via the bin antenna 11530.

[0492] In addition to the above, the staple cartridge 11000 also includes an NFC tag 11640 in communication with the instrument antenna 10530, rectifier 11620, processor 11610, and cartridge antenna 11530. The NFC tag 11640 includes an input in communication with the rectifier 11620, which is configured to control and / or limit the voltage potential applied to the NFC tag 11640. In at least one instance, the NFC tag 11640 includes its own rectifier. When receiving input from the rectifier 11620, the NFC tag 11640 is configured to output a data signal to the cartridge antenna 11530, the data signal including data about the staple cartridge 11000. The NFC tag 11640 stores information therein regarding the identifier of the staple cartridge 11000 included in the data signal and stored therein. The data signal output by the NFC tag 11640 is transmitted to the instrument antenna 10530 via the cartridge antenna 11530, and then the data signal is transmitted to the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 (such as the instrument processor 10610), for example to verify the identification of the cartridge 11000 or to authenticate the cartridge.

[0493] In various instances, besides those described above, many different types of staple cartridges can be used with the surgical instrument 10000. For example, some staple cartridges may not include a sensor array, while others (such as staple cartridge 11000) may include one or more sensor arrays. If a staple cartridge does not include a sensor array, it may not require or be able to use the power that can be supplied by the surgical instrument 10000. Therefore, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to supply power to or not supply power to the staple cartridge located in the surgical instrument 10000 if the staple cartridge does not respond appropriately to an interrogation signal supplied to the staple cartridge by the surgical instrument 10000 during an interrogation procedure. After the staple cartridge is placed in the surgical instrument 10000, in at least one such instance, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 may instruct the instrument processor 10610 to send an interrogation signal to the instrument antenna 10530, which is transmitted to and received by the cartridge antenna 11530. In various instances, the interrogation signal is transmitted at a low power of approximately 10mW to approximately 30mW, for example, at a frequency that will pass through the filter in the cartridge circuitry 11500, such that the interrogation signal reaches the NFC tag 11640. The NFC tag 11640 is configured to transmit a response signal to the cartridge antenna 11530 upon receiving the interrogation signal. The response signal is transmitted by the cartridge antenna 11530, received by the instrument antenna 10530, and conducted to the instrument processor 10610. If the response signal received by the instrument processor 10610 matches a response signal expected by the instrument processor, the surgical instrument 10000 identifies or authenticates the staple cartridge 11000, and the instrument processor 10610 may supply a high-wattage power signal to the instrument antenna 10530 to power the staple cartridge 11000. For example, in at least one instance, the high-wattage power signal may be approximately 1W and / or more than 1W. In various instances, the wattage of the power signal supplied to the instrument antenna 10530 may depend on the identified staple cartridge. For example, if a first type of staple cartridge is identified, a first wattage is used, and if a second type of staple cartridge is identified, a second or different wattage is used. However, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to not supply a power signal to the instrument antenna 10530 if no response signal is received from the staple cartridge. If a response signal is received from the staple cartridge disposed in the surgical instrument 10000, but the response signal is not identified, the control system can be configured to execute one of the two responses. In a first instance, the control system is configured to not supply a power signal to the staple cartridge if the received response signal is not identified, while in a second instance, the control system is configured to supply a low-power signal if the received response signal is not identified. In at least one instance, the lower-power signal may be, for example, about 0.1W.In such instances, the sensors and electronic circuitry can be adequately powered to transmit return data signals, including data from the sensors, while mitigating the risk of over-powering the staple cartridge.

[0494] In various instances, the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to initiate a cartridge interrogation routine upon initial power-up and / or upon awakening from a low-power sleep mode. In such instances, the surgical instrument 10000 interrogates the cartridge to assess whether power is being supplied to the cartridge and the power level supplied to the surgical instrument 10000. Even so, without additional information, if no response signal is received after the interrogation signal, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 may not be able to distinguish whether the cartridge is unrecognizable or completely lost. To address this, the surgical instrument 10000 includes a cartridge presence sensor configured to detect whether the cartridge is positioned in the jaws of the end effector 10400. In at least one instance, the cartridge presence sensor includes a Hall effect sensor mounted in the jaws of the end effector 10400, configured to detect, for example, metallic elements in the cartridge. In at least one instance, the cartridge presence sensor includes a pressure sensor that is compressed by the cartridge when it is positioned in the jaws of the end effector 10400. In all cases, the cartridge presence sensor is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 10000. In various instances, if the control system receives a signal that the cartridge is positioned in the jaws but does not receive a response signal from the cartridge, the control system does not supply power to the cartridge but instead allows the surgical instrument 10000 to be operated to fire the staples from the cartridge. If the control system receives a signal that the cartridge has been lost from the jaws, the control system does not supply power and also electronically locks the staple firing system until the cartridge is positioned in the jaws.

[0495] When the staple cartridge 11000 is placed in the jaws of the surgical instrument 10000, see again Figure 6 Power and data signals can be transmitted simultaneously from the instrument antenna 10530 to the cartridge antenna 11530. Furthermore, while power is delivered from the surgical instrument 10000 to the staple cartridge 11000, data signals can also be delivered from the staple cartridge 11000 to the surgical instrument 10000. See now. Figure 7The control system of surgical instrument 10000' is configured and arranged to intermittently supply power and data signals to staple cartridge 11000'. In at least one embodiment, the control system is configured to alternately deliver low-power and high-power signals to instrument antenna 10530 to transmit data and power to electronic circuitry 11500' of staple cartridge 11000', respectively, but not simultaneously. For example, in at least one such embodiment, the control system delivers a low-power signal with approximately 0.1W of power and a high-power signal exceeding 1W. (As described above...) Figure 6 The discussed device processor 10610 includes an NFC reader chip that generates both power and data signals and simultaneously supplies both to the staple cartridge 11000. On the other hand, Figure 7 A control system comprising an NFC reader chip 10610' that generates data signals and a separate power driver 10620' that generates power signals is described. The NFC reader chip 10610' and the power driver 10620' are in communication with an instrument antenna 10530 and are configured to sequentially supply separate data and power signals to a stapling cartridge antenna 11530 via the instrument antenna 10530. In at least one embodiment, the NFC reader chip 10610' and the power driver 10620' are in communication with, for example, a multiplexer that coordinates the sequential transmission of data and power signals to the stapling cartridge 11000'.

[0496] As mentioned above Figure 7 As discussed, data signals and power signals are transmitted alternately between the surgical instrument and the staple cartridge 11000'. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument supplies power to the staple cartridge 11000' until the instrument processor has data to be transmitted to the staple cartridge 11000'. At this point, the instrument processor stops the power signal and then transmits the data signal. After the instrument processor has transmitted the data signal, it is configured to be able to resume the power signal. The data signal and the power signal are transmitted at different frequencies, but in other embodiments they may be transmitted at the same frequency. In either case, the power signal is transmitted at a higher intensity than the data signal. In various embodiments, the processor of the staple cartridge 11000 is configured to be able to transmit a pause signal to the surgical instrument when the processor has data to be transmitted to the surgical instrument. After receiving the pause signal, the instrument processor stops the power signal or does not generate a power signal until after receiving data from the staple cartridge 11000. In at least one such embodiment, the surgical instrument may transmit a pause signal back to the staple cartridge 11000' after receiving the pause signal from the staple cartridge. When the pause signal is received from the surgical instrument, the staple cartridge is configured to be able to transmit a data signal to the surgical instrument.

[0497] See now Figure 8 and Figure 8AThe surgical instrument 10000” includes a data antenna 10530” and a separate power transmission antenna 10535”, which are used to communicate with and supply power to the staple cartridge 11000 disposed in the jaws of the surgical instrument 10000”. The data antenna 10530” is in communication with an NFC reader chip 10610”. A power driver 10620” is in communication with the power transmission antenna 10535”. The data antenna 10530” includes a coil 10540”, which is aligned with the coil 11540” of the data antenna 11530” when the staple cartridge 11000” is positioned in the cartridge jaws. In at least one embodiment, the coil 10540” is wound in a plane parallel or at least substantially parallel to the plane defining the cartridge coil 11540”. The instrument coil 10540” and the cartridge coil 11540” have the same dimensions, or at least substantially the same dimensions, but can be any suitable dimensions. The instrument coil 10540” includes a… A primary coil has a first number of windings, and the bin coil 11540” includes a secondary coil with a second number of windings, which, in at least one embodiment, is larger than the first number of windings. This improves the transmission coefficient between the instrument data antenna 10530” and the bin data antenna 11530”. The power transmission antenna 10535” includes a coil 10545”, which is aligned with the coil 11545” of the bin power antenna 11535” when the pin cartridge 11000” is positioned in the bin jaws. In at least one instance, the instrument coil 10545” is wound in a plane parallel or at least substantially parallel to the plane defining the bin coil 11545”. The instrument coil 10545” and the bin coil 11545” have the same dimensions, or at least substantially the same dimensions, but can be any suitable dimensions. The instrument coil 10545” includes a primary coil with a first number of windings, and the bin coil 11545” includes a secondary coil with a second number of windings, wherein in at least one embodiment, the second number of windings is greater than the first number of windings. Such an arrangement can improve the transmission coefficient between the power transmission antenna 10535” and the bin power antenna 11535”.

[0498] In addition to the above, the staple cartridge 11000” includes a rectifier 11620 and a capacitor 11630 connected to the cartridge power antenna 11535”. Similar to the above, the rectifier 11620 and capacitor 11630 are configured to rectify, filter, and / or modify the power signal supplied from the power transmission antenna 10535” to the staple cartridge 11000” before supplying power to the sensors of the staple cartridge 11000”. The staple cartridge 11000” also includes an NFC tag 11640 connected to the cartridge data antenna 11530”. Similar to the above, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000” can query the NFC tag 11640 using an interrogation signal generated by the NFC reader chip 10610” and transmitted via the connected data antenna 11535”. The 0” and 11530” signals are transmitted to the NFC tag 11640. Upon receiving an interrogation signal, the NFC tag 11640 is configured to generate a response signal, which is transmitted back to the NFC reader chip 10610” via the connected data antennas 10530” and 11530”. The NFC tag 11640 is also connected to the bin processor 11610” of the bin 11000”, which, similar to the above, is configured to receive data from the bin sensor, generate a data signal including the sensor data, and supply this data signal to the NFC tag 11640 and the bin data antenna 11530”. Data signals supplied to the cartridge data antenna 11530” are transmitted to the NFC reader chip 10610” via the instrument data antenna 10530”, and are then used by the control system to interpret, for example, the nature of the surgical instruments 10000”, the staple cartridge 11000”, and / or the tissue captured by the staple cartridge 11000”. Notably, the cartridge processor 11610” is also in communication with the cartridge power antenna 11535” of the staple cartridge 11000”, and in various embodiments, power can be supplied from the cartridge power antenna 11535” to the NFC tag 11640.

[0499] As described above, the surgical instrument 10000” and the staple cartridge 11000” include a first pair of antenna systems for transmitting data and a second pair of antenna systems for transmitting power. In various embodiments, the first pair of antenna systems is positioned on a first lateral side 11170 of the staple cartridge 11000”, and the second pair of antenna systems is positioned on a second or opposite lateral side 11180 of the staple cartridge 11000”. In at least one such embodiment, the jaw of the surgical instrument 10000” includes a channel comprising a bottom wall, a first transverse sidewall extending from a first side of the bottom wall, and a second transverse sidewall extending from a second or opposite side of the bottom wall. When the staple cartridge 11000” is placed in the jaw, the staple cartridge 11000” is positioned between the first transverse sidewall and the second transverse sidewall and is pushed downward toward the bottom wall until a snap-fit ​​feature and / or locking feature of the staple cartridge 11000” engages the jaw, which releasably locks the staple cartridge 11000” in the proper position within the jaw. In at least one such embodiment, a first instrument antenna is mounted to the first sidewall and a second instrument antenna is mounted to the second sidewall, and furthermore, a first cartridge antenna is mounted to a first transverse side of the cartridge body and a second cartridge antenna is mounted to a second transverse side of the cartridge body. When the staple cartridge 11000” is placed in the jaw, the first cartridge antenna becomes aligned with the first instrument antenna, and similarly, the second cartridge antenna becomes aligned with the second instrument antenna. By placing the first pair of antenna systems on one lateral side and the second pair of antenna systems on the opposite lateral side, the possibility of one pair of antenna systems interfering with the other is reduced. In various instances, the first pair of antenna systems operates within a first frequency range, and the second pair of antenna systems operates within a second or different frequency range that does not overlap with the first frequency range, thereby reducing the possibility of one pair of antenna systems interfering with the other. For this purpose, in addition to the above, the instrument antenna and / or chamber antenna may include one or more capacitors that can filter frequencies outside the intended operating frequency range of each antenna system in the pair of antenna systems.

[0500] In various examples, in addition to the above, the bin data antenna 11530” is mounted on the first lateral side of the bin body 11100, and the bin power antenna 11535” is mounted on the second lateral side of the bin body 11100. More specifically, the coils 11540” and 11545” of antennas 11530” and 11535” are respectively mounted on the proximal ends of the respective sides of the antenna, that is, the antenna is positioned closer to the proximal end 11110 of the staple bin 11000” than the distal end 11120. Therefore, the bin data antenna 11530” and bin power antenna 11535” can be shorter than if they were positioned at the distal end 11120 of the staple bin 11000”, and are therefore less susceptible to interference. In various alternative embodiments, coils 11540” and 11545” are mounted at or near the centerline between the proximal end 11110 and the distal end 11120 of the staple cartridge 11000”. In such an arrangement, the distance between the cartridge data coil 11540” and the sensor mounted to the cartridge body 11100 can be shortened compared to when the cartridge data coil 11540” is mounted to the proximal end 11110 of the cartridge body 11100, thereby reducing the possibility that the sensor output may be damaged before it is processed and transmitted via the cartridge data coil 11540”.

[0501] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, coils 11540” and 11545” are mounted to the cartridge body 11100 and / or disk 11700 of the staple cartridge. Figure 5A In at least one embodiment, the housing 11100 includes recesses defined in its lateral sides, and coils 11540” and 11545” are positioned within these recesses. In at least one such embodiment, potting material is poured into the recesses to secure, seal, and / or protect the coils 11540” and 11545” within the recesses. The potting material may include sealants, such as TECHNOMELT from Eastern Adhesive Systems Technology, Inc., light-curing acrylic adhesives such as LOCTITE 3321 from Henkel Corporation, waxes, and / or paraffin waxes. In various instances, the potting material may include air-curing materials.

[0502] In various embodiments, antenna coils 11540” and 11545” are encapsulated within a housing using one or more manufacturing processes. In at least one embodiment, housing 11100 is formed by two injection molding processes. In at least one such embodiment, a first plastic component or core is molded during a first injection molding process, to which coils 11540” and 11545” are attached, and then a second injection molding process is used to at least partially cover, encapsulate, seal, and / or protect coils 11540” and 11545”. In at least one embodiment, coils 11540” and 11545” are positioned in a recess or pit defined in the housing, and a cover is attached to housing 11100 that at least partially covers, encapsulates, seals, and / or protects coils 11540” and 11545”. In at least one such embodiment, the cover snaps in and / or presses into housing 11100. In some embodiments, an ultrasonic riveting process is used to attach the cover to housing 11000.

[0503] The materials and methods described above for attaching antenna coils 11540” and 11545” to the cartridge 11100 can also be used to attach RFID tags to the slider 11400 and / or the nail driver 11300. In such embodiments, the position and / or movement of the slider 11400 and / or the nail driver 11300 can be tracked by the control system of the nail cartridge 11000 using RFID tags attached to the slider 11400 and / or the nail driver 11300 and / or embedded within the slider and / or the nail driver.

[0504] As discussed above, the surgical instrument 10000 includes a shaft 10200 extending distally from a handle and / or instrument housing, the handle and / or instrument housing being configured to be mounted to an arm of a robotic surgical system. In various examples, the shaft 10200, handle 10100, instrument housing, and / or robotic surgical system may include an instrument processor in communication with a staple cartridge via one or more antenna pairs, as discussed above. To facilitate communication between the instrument processor and the cartridge processor, the shaft 10200 includes a wiring harness with instrument antennas. In at least one such embodiment, the wiring harness includes flexible circuitry 10900. Figure 11B The flexible circuit includes a flexible substrate and wires or traces extending within the flexible substrate. In various embodiments, the flexible circuit 10900 includes, for example, a stack of conductive layers and insulating layers. See also... Figure 8C The distal end of the flexible circuit of the surgical instrument 10000” includes coils 11540” and 11545”, which include embedded wires within the non-conductive substrate of the flexible circuit.

[0505] In addition to the above, the distal end of the flexible circuit is mounted to the sidewall of the first jaw 10410, for example, using one or more adhesives. In at least one embodiment, a ferrite component may be mounted to and / or embedded within the substrate of the flexible circuit to control the field emitted by coils 11540” and 11545”. In at least one embodiment, the ferrite component is positioned between the first jaw 10410 and coils 11540” and 11545”. Furthermore, electronic components may be mounted to and / or embedded within the substrate of the flexible circuit, which modulates and / or amplifies the signal emitted by coils 11540” and 11545”. In at least one such embodiment, one or more capacitors are embedded in the flexible circuit, which filters out low and / or high frequencies. Furthermore, in at least one such embodiment, one or more amplification circuits are embedded in the flexible circuit, which can boost and / or control the power of the signal emitted by coils 11540” and 11545”. In various embodiments, the first jaw 10410 and / or the second jaw 10420 are made of metal and configured to minimize the influence of the metal jaws on the fields emitted by coils 11540” and 11545”. In at least one embodiment, the cross-section of the metal jaws is designed to create a uniform or substantially uniform region that shields or substantially shields external signals from interfering with signals within the end effector 10400.

[0506] In an embodiment where coils 11540” and 11545” are mounted to housing 11000 and coils 10540” and 10545” are mounted to first jaw 10410, disk 11700 may include one or more windows defined therein, such that the coils 10540” and 11540” of the data coil group and the coils 10545” and 11545” of the power coil group have a direct line of sight to each other. In an embodiment where coils 11540” and 11545” are mounted to disk 11700, the coils 10540” and 11540” of the data coil group and the coils 10545” and 11545” of the power coil group have a direct line of sight to each other.

[0507] In various embodiments, the antenna of the surgical instrument 10000” and / or the antenna of the staple cartridge 11000” comprises a coil antenna. Even so, the surgical instrument and / or staple cartridge may comprise any suitable type of antenna. In at least one instance, the surgical instrument and / or staple cartridge may comprise a slot antenna. In at least one such embodiment, the slot antenna comprises a flat plate having one or more cut holes or slits. One or more slot antennas may be mounted to the sidewalls and / or bottom wall of the first jaw 10410, while one or more slot antennas may be mounted to the disc 11700. In various embodiments, for example, the slot antenna may be integrally formed with the first jaw 10410 and / or the disc 11700.

[0508] In various embodiments, surgical instruments and / or staple cartridges may include an active cancellation system that includes a control system that monitors ambient magnetic and / or electric fields and their frequencies, and transmits signals via one or more antennas to cancel or at least partially cancel the ambient fields.

[0509] For example, in various embodiments, the cartridge body includes conductive traces plated on a plastic substrate, which may be made of a liquid crystal polymer, such as VECTRA from Ticona. In at least one embodiment, the conductive traces are electroplated onto and / or plated onto the plastic substrate, for example, using a vapor deposition process. For example, in at least one embodiment, the traces are formed of conductive ink printed onto the plastic substrate. In various instances, the traces are made of, for example, silver and / or copper. In various embodiments, the cartridge body includes recesses defined in the plastic substrate, wherein the conductive traces are plated onto the plastic substrate within the recesses. In at least one embodiment, the recesses are laser-etched into the plastic substrate. In various embodiments, a non-conductive material is printed onto the conductive traces to cover the conductive traces where tissue is not desired to contact them. Such a non-conductive material can also control the field generated by the conductive traces. In various embodiments, the plastic substrate is formed using a three-dimensional printing process using non-conductive and conductive materials, such as graphene-embedded polylactic acid (PLA). In at least one such embodiment, conductive material is printed onto conductive traces that are at least partially embedded in non-conductive material.

[0510] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the nail cavities 11140 are arranged in three longitudinal rows on a first side of the storage platform 11130 and in three longitudinal rows on a second or opposite side of the storage platform 11130. After the nail firing stroke has been performed, the three rows of nails on both sides of the incision have been used to cut into the patient tissue to seal or at least substantially seal the tissue. Even so, implanting two rows of nails on both sides of the incision instead of three rows has proven to be clinically acceptable. Therefore, the third row of nails does not need to include a continuous row of nails. In fact, in at least one embodiment, at least some of the nail cavities in the outermost row of nail cavities 11140 contain sensors instead of nails and nail drivers. In at least one such embodiment, a force sensor is positioned in the nail cavity 11140. The force sensor includes a tissue contact element that is slidable within the nail cavity 11140, the tissue contact element being sized and configured to match or at least substantially match the periphery of the nail cavity 11140 such that movement of the tissue contact element is restricted or at least substantially restricted to the ejection axis of the nail cavity 11140. The force sensor also includes a base mounted to the cartridge platform 11130 and a spring, such as a linear helical spring, positioned between the base and the tissue contact element. When the end effector 10400 is clamped onto patient tissue, the tissue contacts the tissue contact element and compresses the spring. The force sensor also includes a magnetic element mounted to the tissue contact element, the movement of which can be detected and measured, for example, by a Hall effect circuit in the cartridge platform 11130. The Hall effect circuit is in communication with a cartridge processor configured to analyze a voltage output to assess the presence of tissue positioned above the force sensor and the force applied to the tissue at the force sensor. The cartridge 11000 may include any suitable number of force sensors. For example, in at least one embodiment, the outermost row of staple cavities 11140 each includes a sensor at the distal end of the cartridge 11000, a sensor at the proximal end of the cartridge 11000, and at least one sensor located between the distal and proximal sensors. As described above, the cartridge may include any suitable type of sensor and / or any suitable number of sensors in the staple cavity.

[0511] In at least one embodiment, in addition to the above, some of the nail cavities in nail cavity 11300 may include a typical nail driver positioned therein, but not a nail, and at least a portion of the sensor extends above the nail cavity. In at least one such embodiment, the portion of the sensor extending above the nail cavity is fragile and configured to break or snap when the nail driver is driven upward toward the anvil during the nail firing stroke. Such an arrangement can be used to gradually disconnect the sensor from the chamber processor as the nail firing stroke proceeds. Such an arrangement can be used to save processing power and / or track the progress of the nail firing stroke, etc.

[0512] U.S. Patent 8,622,274, entitled "Motorized Cutting and Fastening Instrument Having Controllable Component for Optimizing Battery Use"; U.S. Patent 10,135,242, entitled "Smart Cartridge Wake Up Operation and Data Retention"; U.S. Patent 10,548,504, entitled "Overlaid Multisensor Radio Frequence (RF) Electrode System to Measure Tissue Compression"; U.S. Patent 9,993,248, entitled "Smart Sensors with Local Signal Processing"; and U.S. Patent 9,993,248, entitled "Overlaid Multisensor Radio Frequence (RF) Electrode System to Measure Tissue". The entire disclosures of the following patent applications are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016 / 0256071 entitled “Compression” (now U.S. Patent 10,548,504); U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0168625 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES”; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0250002 entitled “POWERED SURGICALDEVICES HAVING TISSUE SENSING FUNCTION”; and International Patent Publication WO 2018 / 049206 entitled “STAPLER RELOAD DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION”.

[0513] See various examples. Figure 9The stapler 12000 includes an independent identification circuit 12100 and a power supply circuit 12200. The identification circuit 12100 includes, for example, a passive RFID system 12110, which is powered when an interrogation signal is transmitted from the instrument data antenna 10530” to the stapler data antenna 11530”. The identification circuit 12100 is self-contained and does not receive power from the power supply circuit. The passive RFID system 12110 does not include a power supply and is powered by the interrogation signal. Once the passive RFID system 12110 receives an interrogation signal, it transmits a response signal back to the surgical instrument via the instrument data antenna 11530”. This response signal includes data regarding the identification of the staple cartridge 12000. The surgical instrument includes an RFID reader chip 12610 configured to receive and process the response signal from the passive RFID system 12110. In at least one alternative embodiment, the independent identification circuitry includes an active RFID system with its own power supply. In such embodiments, the active RFID system may include a beacon that periodically emits an identification signal with sufficient power to be received by the instrument data antenna 10530”.

[0514] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the independent power supply circuit 12200 of the staple cartridge 12000 includes a cartridge power antenna 11535” configured to receive power from the power transmission antenna 10535” of the surgical instrument. In various instances, similar to the above, the staple cartridge 12000 is configured to transmit data signals back to the surgical instrument via a power antenna pair including antennas 10535” and 11535”, the data signals including data from the sensor array 11600 of the staple cartridge 12000. In some instances, the staple cartridge 12000 includes a third antenna configured to transmit sensor data back to the surgical instrument via a low-power antenna pair, separate and independent from the power antenna pairs of the power supply circuit 12200 and the cartridge identification circuit 12100. In such instances, power is transmitted from the surgical instrument to the staple cartridge via the power antenna pair, an identification signal is transmitted between the surgical instrument and the staple cartridge via an identification signal antenna pair, and sensor data is transmitted from the staple cartridge to the surgical instrument via a sensor data signal antenna pair.

[0515] See various implementation schemes. Figure 10The staple cartridge 13000 includes a cartridge power antenna 11535” and a cartridge data antenna 11530”, both connected to a single instrument antenna 13530. In at least one such embodiment, the single instrument antenna 13530 includes a coil 13540 defined in an instrument coil plane, the cartridge data antenna 11530” includes a coil 11540” defined in a data coil plane, and the cartridge power antenna 11535” includes a coil 11545” defined in a power coil plane. The coils 13540, 11540”, and 11545” are stacked such that a signal transmitted by the single instrument antenna 13530 is received by the cartridge data antenna 11530” and the cartridge power antenna 11535”. In at least one instance, the coils 13540, 11540”, and 11545” may be positioned on a lateral side of the staple cartridge 13000. In various embodiments, coils 13540, 11540”, and 11545” may be positioned on the bottom of the staple cartridge 13000. In various embodiments, it may be desirable for the cartridge data antenna 11530” to receive signals at a lower power than the cartridge power antenna 11535”. In at least one such embodiment, coils 13540, 11540”, and 11545” are stacked such that the cartridge power coil 11545” is positioned between the instrument antenna coil 13540 and the cartridge data coil 11540”. In such embodiments, the signal strength transmitted by the instrument antenna coil 13540 is therefore greater at the cartridge power coil 11545” than at the cartridge data coil 11540”. In various embodiments, coils 13540, 11540”, and 11545” are spaced apart from each other equally or at equal intervals. In other instances, the gap between the bin data coil 11540” and the bin power coil 11545” is greater than the gap between the bin power coil 11545” and the instrument antenna coil 13540. In such instances, the power transmitted to the bin data coil 11540” can be significantly lower than the power transmitted to the bin power coil 11545”. In various alternative embodiments, the instrument antenna coil 13540 is positioned between the bin data coil 11540” and the bin power coil 11545”, and coils 11540” and 11545” can be positioned at any suitable distance from the instrument antenna coil 13540.

[0516] See you again Figure 10Instrument antennas 10530” and 10535” are used to transmit fields that interact with chamber antennas 11530” and 11535”. In various instances, the fields transmitted by instrument antennas 10530” and 10535” are omnidirectional. Therefore, a significant amount of power may be transmitted by instrument antennas 10530” and 10535” without being received by chamber antennas 11530” and 11535”. In various instances, the surgical instrument is configured to shape the fields transmitted by instrument antennas 10530” and 10535”. In at least one instance, the surgical instrument includes one or more metal walls, for example, surrounding instrument data antenna 10530” and / or power transmission antenna 10535”. Such metal walls can limit the intensity of the field transmitted in directions not toward chamber antennas 11530” and 11535”. In at least one instance, the metal walls form a horn that directs the transmitted field from the coil of the instrument antenna toward the coil of the corresponding chamber antenna. In at least one such example, a metal wall extends, for example, from the metal sidewalls and / or metal bottom wall of the clamp jaws. In various examples, for example, a ferrite ring may be positioned around the coil of the instrument antenna to tunnel the transmit field toward the coil of the corresponding clamp antenna. For example, in at least one such example, the ferrite ring is mounted to the sidewalls and / or bottom wall of the clamp jaws. In various instances, the "11000" staple cartridge includes a metal wall that guides the field emitted from the instrument antenna toward the coil of the corresponding cartridge antenna. For example, in at least one such instance, the metal wall forms a horn for the cartridge body mounted to the staple cartridge, which is made of plastic. Additionally, in various instances, the staple cartridge includes a ferrite material configured to guide and / or amplify the field emitted by the coil of the instrument antenna toward the corresponding cartridge antenna. This is supported by U.S. Patent 10,135,242, published November 20, 2018, entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION"; U.S. Patent 9,345,481, published May 24, 2016, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM"; and U.S. Patent 9,345,481, published January 23, 2018, entitled "WAKE-UP SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPOWERED SURGICAL". The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent 9,872,722, concerning “INSTRUMENTS,” is incorporated herein by reference.

[0517] As discussed above, see again Figure 5AThe staple cartridge 11000 includes a metal disc 11700 attached to a cartridge body 11100. The metal disc 11700 includes a base plate 11710 extending around the bottom of the cartridge body 11100, and this base plate is configured to prevent the staple driver 11300 and / or staples from falling out from the bottom of the staple cartridge 11000. The metal disc 11700 includes a first sidewall 11720 extending along a first lateral side of the cartridge body 11100, and a second sidewall 11720 extending along a second lateral side of the cartridge body 11100. For example, the first sidewall 11720 is attached to the cartridge body 11100 via one or more attachment features 11730 (such as hooks and / or shoulder retainers). For example, similar to the first sidewall 11720, the second sidewall 11720 is attached to the cartridge body 11100 via one or more attachment features 11730 (such as hooks and / or shoulder retainers). For example, the metal disk 11700 may be made of any suitable metal such as stainless steel. In various embodiments, the metal disk 11700 may also include portions made of plastic and / or any other suitable material. In various instances, the bin antenna is mounted to the metal disk 11700. In at least one such instance, the bin data coil 11540” and / or the bin power coil 11545” are mounted to the metal disk 11700, which allows the coils to be positioned closer to their respective instrument antennas and improves the antenna's transmission efficiency.

[0518] In various embodiments, the surgical instruments and / or staple cartridges may include a shield or cover configured to control, block, and / or guide signals emitted by the surgical instruments and / or staple cartridges. In at least one embodiment, the shield is made of, for example, ferrite. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge jaws include a metal wall shield extending from the sidewalls and / or bottom wall. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge disc and / or body includes a metal wall shield contained in and / or extending from the disc and / or body. In at least one embodiment, the shield is configured to limit the direction of signal transmission and / or reception. In various embodiments, the surgical instruments and / or staple cartridges include a horn antenna configured to guide signals emitted therefrom. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instruments and / or staple cartridges may include an antenna made of a metal wall. In at least one such embodiment, the cartridge jaws of the surgical instruments are made of a metal wall, at least one of which functions as an antenna. Furthermore, in at least one such embodiment, the cartridge disc is made of a metal wall, at least one of which functions as an antenna. In various implementations, one or more capacitors or capacitor elements are soldered to the disk of the stud cartridge, which filters out unwanted frequencies conducted within and / or transmitted through the disk.

[0519] See Figure 11A staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 14000, includes, for example, a cartridge body 11100 and electronic circuitry 11500 including a sensor 11600. Staple cartridge 14000 is similar in many respects to other staple cartridges disclosed herein, and such aspects are not discussed herein for the sake of brevity. As discussed above, cartridge body 11100 includes a platform 11130 and longitudinal staple cavities 11140 defined in the platform 11130. Each staple cavity 11140 includes a staple stored therein, which is driven upward out of the staple cavity 11140 by a staple driver during the staple firing stroke. Each staple includes a base and two legs extending from the base such that the legs extend generally upward and outward to form a V-shaped configuration. In various instances, when a staple is stored in a staple cavity 11140, the legs of the staple are elastically deflected inward by the proximal and distal end walls of the staple cavity 11140. As the nail is driven upward out of the nail cavity 11140, the legs of the nail protrude from the nail cavity 11140 and extend above the platform 11130, while the remainder of the nail is pushed upward out of the nail cavity 11140. The housing 11100 includes a protrusion 11132 extending from the platform 11130. Figure 5B The protrusion 11132 is configured to guide and / or control the legs of the nail as it is ejected from the nail cavity 11140. The protrusion 11132 is located at the distal end and the proximal end of each nail cavity 11140. However, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the protrusion 11132 is located at only one end of each nail cavity 11140. Furthermore, various embodiments are contemplated in which some nail cavities in the nail cavity 11140 do not include the protrusion 11132 at their ends. The protrusion 11132 is further configured to engage patient tissue positioned against the platform 11130 and restrict the flow or movement of the patient tissue relative to the platform 11130.

[0520] In various embodiments, the electronic circuit 11500 includes a substrate having features that engage with the protrusion 11132. In at least one embodiment, the substrate includes an opening defined therein, the sidewalls of which engage with the protrusion 11132. These openings are arranged in a snap-fit ​​and / or press-fit configuration with the protrusion 11132, such that the electronic circuit 11500 is held in place relative to the housing 11100. In at least one embodiment, the protrusion 11132 includes at least partially annular or circumferential shoulders that hold the sensor circuit 11500 against the housing 11100.

[0521] In various embodiments, the sensor circuitry of the staple cartridge is composed of a conductive material printed on a platform of the cartridge body. In at least one embodiment, the conductive material is composed of metal particles bonded to the platform, which form circuitry connecting the sensor. In at least one such embodiment, the printed circuitry is printed onto the cartridge body using a 3D printer. In various embodiments, the sensor circuitry includes electrodes or contacts printed onto the cartridge body. In at least one embodiment, the sensor circuitry includes electrodes comprising polygonal surfaces configured to contact tissue. In at least one alternative embodiment, the electrodes include curved and / or tortuous paths on the platform surface, which, in various instances, increase the contact area between the electrode and the tissue. In at least one embodiment, the electrode includes needles extending therefrom, which are configured to penetrate tissue. In at least one embodiment, the needles comprise, for example, a diameter of about 1 μm. In various instances, the needles provide a parallel signal path between the tissue and the sensor circuitry within one electrode to improve the sensitivity of the sensor circuitry. In at least one embodiment, conductive grease or conductive adhesive covers the tissue contact points of the sensor circuitry, which improves the contact between the electrode and the tissue. In various embodiments, portions of the sensor circuitry are embedded within the cartridge body. In at least one such embodiment, the sensor circuitry includes a flat, thin conductor that is embedded in the cartridge body when portions of the conductor are overmolded, for example, with a plastic material. However, portions of the conductor remain exposed to provide tissue bonding pads and / or conductive attachment points for soldering the sensor to these pads and / or attachment points. In at least one embodiment, a portion of the cartridge sensor circuitry may be defined on a lateral sidewall of the cartridge jaws. In at least one such embodiment, proximal and distal portions of the sensor circuitry are defined on the cartridge body, and a middle portion of the sensor circuitry is defined on the cartridge jaws, electrically connecting the proximal and distal portions of the sensor circuitry. In at least one embodiment, portions of the sensor circuitry mounted to the cartridge jaws include conductive strips mounted to the sidewalls. When the cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaws, the cartridge sensor circuitry engages the conductive strips to activate the circuitry.

[0522] As discussed above, the sensor circuit may include a conductive tissue contact surface. In various embodiments, the sensor circuit may include a non-conductive tissue contact surface. In at least one embodiment, the sensor circuit includes one or more capacitive electrodes. In various instances, projected capacitance measurement techniques are used to measure the presence and / or properties of tissue on the capacitive electrodes. In at least one embodiment, each capacitive electrode includes an insulating cover that covers a capacitive pad contained therein. In various instances, surface capacitance measurement techniques may be used in addition to those described above. In various embodiments, the sensor circuit includes one or more inductive sensors. In at least one embodiment, eddy currents are induced in each inductive sensor, and these eddy currents change when tissue contacts the sensor. In such embodiments, the change in sensor eddy currents is detected by a control system of the staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the sensor circuit may include a temperature sensor for detecting the presence of tissue on the temperature sensor. In at least one embodiment, the sensor circuit includes electrodes made of doped polycrystalline ceramics, such as barium titanate (BaTiO3). The resistance of these ceramic materials changes in response to temperature changes, such as when patient tissue is positioned against the electrode. The cartridge processor is configured to use algorithms to monitor resistance fluctuations in the ceramic material to assess whether tissue is positioned against the electrodes. In various instances, the electrodes of the sensor circuit are arranged in parallel, allowing detected changes in resistance, capacitance, voltage, and / or current to be directly correlated with the sensor's position. Using this information, the processor can assess whether tissue is positioned above the cartridge and, if so, where it is positioned above the cartridge.

[0523] See Figure 11A and Figure 11D The staple cartridge 14000 also includes a laminate 14900, which is attached to one or more components of the staple cartridge 14000 to control the electrical effects generated within the cartridge components by an electric field emitted from and / or surrounding the staple cartridge 14000. In at least one instance, the laminate 14900 includes a flux-oriented material comprising at least two layers—a first layer 14910 or a cover, and a second layer 14920 of magnetic material attached to the first layer 14910. The first layer 14910 is, for example, composed of polyethylene terephthalate protecting the second layer 14920, but may be composed of any suitable material. For example, the second layer 14920 is composed of a sintered ferrite sheet, but may be composed of any suitable material. In at least one instance, an adhesive layer 14930, consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, is bonded, for example, to a second layer 14920 and is used to attach the laminate 14900 to one or more components of the staple cartridge 14000, as further discussed below. In at least one instance, the laminate 14900 is, for example, a magnetic flux orientation material EM15TF manufactured by 3M.

[0524] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the laminate 14900 is incorporated into the housing 11100 and arranged to alter and / or control the shape of the field extending from the housing antenna. In at least one embodiment, the laminate 14900 focuses the field away from the metal jaws of the mounting cartridge 14000 of the surgical instrument 10000. In at least one instance, the housing 11100 is made of plastic, and the laminate 14900 is mounted to the housing 11100 such that the laminate 14900 surrounds or at least substantially surrounds the housing antenna. In at least one instance, the laminate 14900 is mounted to the housing 11100 at a location between the housing data coil 11540” and the housing power coil 11545”, such that the housing coils 11540” and 11545” are separated by the laminate 14900. In various embodiments, the laminate 14900 is incorporated into the metal wall of the housing jaws 10410. In at least one embodiment, laminate 14900 is mounted to the metal wall of the jaw 10410 at a location between the instrument data coil 10540” and the power transmission coil 10545”. In various embodiments, laminate 14900 binds the jaw data antenna 11530” and / or the jaw power antenna 11535” to the jaw body 11100. In at least one embodiment, laminate 14900 binds the instrument data antenna 10530” and / or the instrument power antenna 10535” to the metal jaw 10410.

[0525] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the laminate 14900 is mounted to the metal disk 11700. In at least one such example, the laminate 14900 is positioned between the metal disk 11700 and the bin data antenna 11530”, and also between the metal disk 11700 and the bin power antenna 11535”. This arrangement can focus the field generated by antennas 11530” and 11535” away from the metal disk 11700 to minimize the field's impact on the metal disk 11700. In various embodiments, the laminate 14900 is mounted to a movable part of the staple cartridge 14000. In at least one example, see [link to documentation]. Figure 11D The laminate 14900 is mounted to the slider 11400. For example, in at least one such example, the laminate 14900 is mounted to the lateral side 11410 of the slider 11400. In at least one example, see [link to example]. Figure 11A For example, laminate 14900 is mounted to one or more nail drivers in nail driver 11300. In at least one such instance, laminate 14900 is mounted to the lateral side 11310 of nail driver 11300. For example, laminate 14900 may be mounted to all nail drivers 11300, or only to nail drivers 11300 adjacent to bin antennas 11530” and 11535”.

[0526] In addition to the above, the field generated by the cartridge antenna and / or instrument antenna can affect the output of sensor 11600. For example, such an effect can be reduced or mitigated by the laminate material 14900. In various embodiments, the processor of the cartridge 14000 is configured to electronically describe the effect of the antenna field on sensor 11600. In at least one such embodiment, the cartridge processor can monitor when a signal is transmitted between the antenna pairs, and in such embodiments, modify the sensor output before transmitting the sensor output received from sensor 11600 to the surgical instrument processor and / or recording the sensor output in a memory device in the cartridge 14000. When a signal is not transmitted between the antenna pairs, the sensor output may not need to be modified by the processor before being transmitted to the surgical instrument processor and / or recorded in a memory device in the cartridge 14000. In various embodiments, the processor can apply a first compensation factor to the sensor output when the power antenna is transmitting a signal, a second compensation factor to the sensor output when the signal antenna is transmitting a signal, and a third compensation factor to the sensor output when both antennas are transmitting signals. In at least one such instance, for example, the third compensation factor is greater than the first compensation factor and the first compensation factor is greater than the second compensation factor.

[0527] In addition to the above, the circuit 11500 is flush with and / or recessed relative to the top surface of the platform 11130. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge 11000 also includes a latch rotatably mounted to the cartridge, which can be rotated from an unlatched position to a latched position to retain the circuit 11500 in the circuit slot 11160. When the latch is in its latched position, the latch engages the cartridge body 11100 in a press-fit and / or snap-fit ​​manner. When the latch is in its latched position, the latch is flush with and / or recessed below the top surface of the platform 11130. In at least one embodiment, the protrusion 11132 is mounted to and / or integrally formed with the latch and / or any other suitable restraining feature. In any case, the circuit 11500 includes one or more sensors, which, as a result of the above, remain in place relative to the cartridge body 11100.

[0528] As discussed above, sensor 11600 may be affected by its surrounding environment. In various instances, sensor 11600 may be affected by temperature changes when the end effector 10400 of a surgical instrument is inserted into a patient. See also Figure 12The pin cartridge (such as pin cartridge 15000) may include, for example, a thermal management system. Pin cartridge 15000 is similar in many respects to other pin cartridges disclosed herein, and such aspects are not repeated for the sake of brevity. Pin cartridge 15000 includes a cartridge body 15100 and a sensor 11600 attached to the cartridge body 15100. Pin cartridge 15000 also includes a heat dissipation system 15800 that moves and / or balances the heat energy with that of the cartridge body 15100. The cartridge body 15100 includes a first lateral side 15170 and a second lateral side 15180, and the heat sink system 15800 includes a first heat sink 15870 embedded in the first lateral side 15170 and a second heat sink 15880 embedded in the second lateral side 15180. The first heat sink 15870 includes a first longitudinal guide rail 15872 extending along a first lateral side 15170 of the housing 15100 and a lateral guide rail 15874 extending laterally from the first longitudinal guide rail 15872. The lateral guide rail 15874 extends between and around the nail cavities 11140 and conducts heat outward away from the sensor 11600 positioned adjacent to the first longitudinal guide rail 15872. Even so, other embodiments are contemplated in which the guide rails 15872 and 15874 are arranged to conduct heat inward away from the sensor 11600 positioned along the outer periphery of the housing 15100. The second heat sink 15880 includes a second longitudinal guide rail 15882 extending along a second lateral side 15180 and a lateral guide rail 15884 extending from the second longitudinal guide rail 15882. The transverse guide rail 15884 extends between and around the nail cavities 11400 and conducts heat outward away from the sensor 11600 positioned adjacent to the second longitudinal guide rail 15882. Even so, other embodiments are contemplated in which the guide rails 15882 and 15884 are arranged to conduct heat inward away from the sensor 11600 positioned along the outer periphery of the chamber 15100.

[0529] In addition to the above, the first heat sink 15870 and the second heat sink 15880 are configured to conduct heat from one region of the pin magazine 15000 to another region. In various embodiments, the first heat sink 15870 includes a first region made of a first material having a first thermal conductivity and a second region having a second thermal conductivity higher than the first thermal conductivity. In at least one embodiment, the first region is positioned adjacent to the sensor 11600 such that the second region rapidly absorbs heat from the first region. In this way, the first heat sink 15870 includes a heat pump. The second heat sink 15880 may include a similar arrangement. In various embodiments, the first heat sink 15870 includes a first region made of a first material having a first heat capacity and a second region made of a second material having a second heat capacity higher than the first heat capacity. In such embodiments, the second region may store heat away from the sensor 11600. The second heat sink 15880 may include a similar arrangement.

[0530] In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the first longitudinal guide rail 15872 includes a constant cross-section along its length. In use, heat energy flows along the first longitudinal guide rail 15872 from a location with a higher temperature to a location with a lower temperature. In at least one alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the first longitudinal guide rail 15872 varies along the length of the first longitudinal guide rail. In use, heat energy can flow along the first longitudinal guide rail 15872 from a location with a smaller cross-section to a location with a larger cross-section. In at least one embodiment, the first longitudinal guide rail 15872 tapers linearly from one end to the other. In at least one such embodiment, the larger end of the first longitudinal guide rail 15872 is located at the distal end of the staple cartridge 15000. In such embodiments, heat can flow toward the distal end of the staple cartridge 15000, rather than toward, for example, the processor and / or other electronic components in the proximal end of the staple cartridge 15000. The second heat sink 15880 may include a similar arrangement.

[0531] In addition to the above, in various examples, the transverse guide 15874 includes a constant cross-section along its length. In use, heat energy flows along the transverse guide 15874 from a location with a higher temperature to a location with a lower temperature. In at least one alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the transverse guide 15874 varies along the length of the transverse guide. In use, heat energy can flow along the transverse guide 15874 from a location with a smaller cross-section to a location with a larger cross-section. In at least one example, each transverse guide 15874 tapers linearly from one end to the other. In at least one such example, the larger end of the transverse guide 15874 is located on the transverse side of the staple cartridge 15000. In such examples, heat can flow from the first longitudinal guide 15872 toward the transverse side of the staple cartridge 15000, where heat can be easily dissipated from the staple cartridge 15000. The second radiator 15880 may include a similar arrangement. Even so, any suitable configuration of the radiator can be used.

[0532] In various instances, in addition to the above, a portion of the heat sink is in direct contact with at least one electronic component of the pin cartridge 15000. For example, in at least one instance, the pin cartridge 15000 includes a microprocessor mounted to the housing 15100, and the heat sink is in direct abutment contact with the microprocessor. In various embodiments, the housing 15100 directly contacts at least one electronic component of the pin cartridge 15000. In at least one instance, the housing 15100 includes fins extending therefrom, which increase the convective surface area and the rate at which the electronic components can be cooled. In at least one such instance, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11AThe cartridge 15100 includes a longitudinal guide rail 11105 defining a longitudinal slot 11115 configured to receive a pin drive rail 11415 of a slider 11400, wherein the longitudinal guide rail 11105 is part of a thermal path for cooling the electronic components of the pin cartridge 15000. In at least one embodiment, the longitudinal guide rail 11105 of the cartridge 15100 is at least partially coated with a material that improves thermal conductivity, convection, and / or radiation between the electronic components and the longitudinal guide rail 11105, and between the longitudinal guide rail 11105 and the surrounding environment. In various embodiments, the metal disc 11700 of the pin cartridge 15000 is in abutment contact with one or more electronic components of the pin cartridge and is configured to conduct heat away from the electronic components. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge 15100 and / or the metal disc 11700 include a window or through-hole configured to allow bodily fluids to enter the staple cartridge 15000 when the end effector 10400 is inside the patient. In such embodiments, the electronic components of the staple cartridge 15000 are coated with a sealant, such as epoxy resin, which protects the electronic components when bodily fluids enter the staple cartridge 15000. Such openings may also be positioned and arranged to facilitate contact between bodily fluids and the heat sink of the staple cartridge 15000.

[0533] In various embodiments, the staple cartridge 15000 also includes a temperature sensor circuit including at least one temperature sensor 15900 in communication with the processor of the staple cartridge 15000. In at least one embodiment, the temperature sensor 15900 includes, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, and / or a resistive temperature detector. In various instances, the staple processor, electronic hardware, tissue sensors, and / or antenna of the staple cartridge 15000 generate heat, which may adversely affect the function of these devices in some cases. Using data provided to the staple cartridge processor from the temperature sensor 15900, the staple cartridge processor can adjust the sampling or processing rate of its tissue sensors, for example, to reduce the heat generated by the staple cartridge processor. In at least one instance, the staple cartridge processor is configured to reduce the data sampling or processing rate of the tissue sensors when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 15900 exceeds a threshold. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge processor can maintain a lower sampling rate of the tissue sensors regardless of whether the temperature remains above or falls below the temperature threshold. In other embodiments, the staple cartridge processor may increase or restore the sampling rate of the tissue sensor after the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 15900 drops below a temperature threshold. Similarly, the staple cartridge processor may be configured to reduce the data transmission rate on the data antenna pair between the staple cartridge 15000 and the surgical instrument when the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 15900 exceeds a threshold. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge processor may maintain a lower transmission rate regardless of whether the temperature remains above or falls below the temperature threshold. In other embodiments, the staple cartridge processor may increase or restore the data transmission rate on the data antenna pair after the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 15900 drops below a temperature threshold.

[0534] In at least one embodiment, in addition to the above, the processor of the staple cartridge 15000 and / or the processor of the surgical instrument 10000 are configured to reduce the power transmitted between the staple cartridge 15000 and the surgical instrument 10000 on the power antenna pair when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 15900 exceeds a threshold. In at least one embodiment, one or more processors may maintain a lower power transmission rate regardless of whether the temperature remains above or falls below the temperature threshold. In other embodiments, after the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 15900 falls below the temperature threshold, one or more processors may increase or restore the power transmission rate.

[0535] In various embodiments, the staple cartridge processor is configured to assess the operational state of the staple cartridge 15000 when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 15900 exceeds a temperature threshold before modifying its operation. For example, if the staple cartridge processor senses that the surgical instrument 10000 has not yet initiated a staple firing stroke when the sensed temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, the staple cartridge processor is configured to modify or reduce the sensor sampling rate, data transmission rate, and / or power transmission rate, and / or otherwise reduce the heat generated by the staple cartridge processor, for example, by changing or stopping the functionality of the staple cartridge processor. Such an arrangement can reduce the heat generated by the staple cartridge 15000 during use. In at least one such embodiment, if the staple cartridge processor senses that a staple firing stroke has been initiated by the surgical instrument 10000 when the sensed temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, the staple cartridge processor does not, for example, modify the sensor sampling rate, data transmission rate, and / or power transmission rate during the staple firing stroke. After the staple firing stroke, in such instances, the staple cartridge processor may modify the operation of the staple cartridge 15000 in some way to reduce the heat generated by the staple cartridge 15000. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge 15000 includes a sensor configured to detect the position of the slider, or at least whether the slider is in its proximal unfired position, to determine whether the staple firing stroke has been initiated. In various implementations, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to communicate to the staple cartridge processor that the staple firing stroke is being initiated. The staple cartridge 15000 may also include a sensor to determine when the slider has reached its fully fired position, and / or the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to communicate to the staple cartridge processor that the retraction stroke of the staple firing system is being initiated.

[0536] In various implementations, in addition to the above, the staple cartridge processor is configured to modify the operation of the first system when the sensed temperature exceeds a first temperature threshold, and to modify the operation of the second system when the sensed temperature exceeds a second or higher temperature threshold. For example, the staple cartridge processor may reduce the sensor sampling rate when the first temperature threshold has been exceeded, and then further reduce the data transmission rate to the surgical instruments when the second temperature threshold has been exceeded.

[0537] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the processor of the staple cartridge 15000 includes an internal temperature sensor that cooperates with or replaces the temperature sensor 15900. In various embodiments, the cartridge body 15100 is constructed of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material used as a temperature sensor. In such embodiments, the cartridge body 15100 is part of a temperature sensor circuit communicated with the processor of the staple cartridge 15000. In various instances, the cartridge body 15100 includes a temperature sensor other than those disclosed herein, or a temperature sensor that replaces those disclosed herein. For example, in at least one instance, the PTC material is composed of a doped polycrystalline ceramic comprising barium titanate (BaTiO3). In at least one embodiment, the processor of the staple cartridge 15000 is in communication with at least one of the temperature sensors, temperature sensor 15900 and surgical instrument 10000. In such embodiments, the staple cartridge processor can assess the temperature at multiple locations and employ an algorithm that considers the temperature readings of both temperature sensors before modifying the operation of the staple cartridge 15000. In various implementations, the staple cartridge 15000 may include two or more temperature sensors, and the staple cartridge processor may employ an algorithm that considers the temperature readings of all temperature sensors before modifying the operation of the staple cartridge 15000.

[0538] In various embodiments, heat generated by the warehouse processor may affect components of the sensor circuitry and / or the voltage potential generated by the sensor in the sensor circuitry. In various instances, the sensed increase in temperature may be a result of, for example, an increased magnetic or electric field generated by the processor. In at least one embodiment, the processor employs an algorithm configured to compensate for the effect of the temperature increase on the sensor output using a correction factor. In at least one such embodiment, the compensation factor is applied when the sensed temperature exceeds a threshold. In various embodiments, the voltage output is modified, for example, according to a modification function (such as a linear and / or nonlinear function). In various embodiments, the warehouse control system includes a sensor configured to directly detect the field generated by the processor and employ an algorithm to compensate for the effect of the field on the sensor output.

[0539] In various embodiments, the staple cartridge disclosed herein is configured to operate in both a low-power mode and a high-power mode. The staple cartridge's processor is configured to switch from a low-power mode to a high-power mode when the staple cartridge processor has received one or more inputs or triggers. In such embodiments, the staple cartridge consumes less power and generates less heat when the staple cartridge processor waits for a signal or combination of signals to switch to the high-power mode. In low-power mode, in at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge processor is configured to process data from the staple cartridge sensor at a low sampling rate and / or transmit data to the surgical instrument 10000, for example, at a low transmission rate over the data antenna pair. In high-power mode, in at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge processor is configured to process data from the staple cartridge sensor at a higher sampling rate and / or transmit data to the surgical instrument 10000 over the data antenna pair at a higher transmission rate. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge includes, for example, at least one strain gauge mounted to the cartridge body, which is in communication with the staple cartridge processor and configured to sense when the cartridge body is compressed. When the voltage potential output by the strain gauge exceeds a threshold in response to high strain experienced by the cartridge, the staple cartridge processor switches from a low-power mode to a high-power mode. In such an example, the staple cartridge can detect that the end effector 10400 of the surgical instrument 10000 has been clamped onto the patient tissue. In addition to or instead of the strain gauge described above, the processor of the surgical instrument 10000 can, for example, transmit a signal to the processor of the staple cartridge via a data antenna pair when the surgical instrument 10000 has been clamped. In either case, when the processor of the staple cartridge determines that the surgical instrument 10000 is in its clamped state, the processor switches from its low-power mode to its high-power mode. In such an example, the staple cartridge processor can, for example, increase the sampling rate of its tissue sensor output and / or increase the data transmission rate back to the processor of the surgical instrument 10000.

[0540] In at least one embodiment, in addition to the above, when the surgical instrument 10000 is in an unclamped state and the staple cartridge is in an unfired state, the staple cartridge is in a low-power mode. When the surgical instrument 10000 is clamped, the staple cartridge enters a first high-power mode, in which one or more (but not all) functions of the staple cartridge are enabled and / or modified. When the staple firing stroke is initiated by the surgical instrument 10000, the staple cartridge enters a second high-power mode, in which all functions of the staple cartridge are enabled and fully operational. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge processor is configured to transmit a first signal to the surgical instrument 10000 indicating that the staple cartridge has entered the first high-power mode, and a second signal to the surgical instrument 10000 indicating that the staple cartridge has entered the second high-power mode. When the instrument processor of the surgical instrument 10000 receives the first signal, the instrument processor increases the wattage of the power signal destined for the staple cartridge to power the staple cartridge in the first high-power mode. Similarly, when the instrument processor receives the second signal, it increases the wattage of the power signal going to the staple cartridge to power the cartridge in the second high-power mode.

[0541] In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument is configured to supply power to the staple cartridge at a first wattage when the cartridge is positioned in the end effector of the surgical instrument and the end effector is in an unclamped state, at a second wattage when the end effector is clamped before the staple firing stroke, and at a third wattage during the staple firing stroke. In at least one such embodiment, the second wattage is higher than the first and third wattages, allowing the cartridge processor to process data from the tissue sensor at a higher rate to assess the tissue before the staple firing stroke without generating excessive heat before the end effector is clamped and / or during the staple firing stroke. In at least one alternative embodiment, the third wattage is higher than the first and second wattages, allowing the cartridge processor to process data from the tissue sensor at a higher rate to assess the tissue during the staple firing stroke without generating excessive heat before the staple firing stroke.

[0542] In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge is in a low-power mode before being placed in the surgical instrument 10000. When the staple cartridge is placed in the surgical instrument 10000, it enters a first high-power mode, in which one or more (but not all) functions of the staple cartridge are activated and / or modified. For example, when the staple cartridge is in the first high-power mode, the cartridge's identification circuit is activated. When the surgical instrument 10000 is clamped, the staple cartridge enters a second high-power mode, in which one or more additional functions of the staple cartridge (but not all) are activated and / or modified. For example, when the staple cartridge is in the second high-power mode, the cartridge's tissue sensing circuit is activated. When the staple firing stroke is initiated by the surgical instrument 10000, the staple cartridge enters a third high-power mode, in which all functions of the staple cartridge are activated and fully operational. In at least one such embodiment, the processor of the staple cartridge is configured to transmit to the surgical instrument 10000 a first signal indicating that the staple cartridge has entered a first high-power mode, a second signal indicating that the staple cartridge has entered a second high-power mode, and a third signal indicating that the staple cartridge has entered a third high-power mode. When the instrument processor of the surgical instrument 10000 receives the first signal, the instrument processor increases the wattage of the power signal destined for the staple cartridge to power the staple cartridge in the first high-power mode. Similarly, when the instrument processor receives the second signal, the instrument processor increases the wattage of the power signal destined for the staple cartridge to power the staple cartridge in the second high-power mode. Similarly, when the instrument processor receives the third signal, the instrument processor increases the wattage of the power signal destined for the staple cartridge to power the staple cartridge in the third high-power mode.

[0543] As discussed above, the staple cartridge's processor is responsive to an input or trigger, which, upon receiving a trigger, activates one or more systems within the staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge includes a control system comprising a wake-up circuit and an onboard power supply. When powered by a power source external to the staple cartridge (i.e., a non-onboard power supply), the wake-up circuit connects the onboard power supply to the control system's data transmission circuitry to transmit data to the surgical instrument 10000 via a data antenna pair. In at least one instance, the data transmission circuitry transmits an identification beacon to the surgical instrument 10000. If the staple cartridge's control system fails to establish authentication communication with the surgical instrument 10000 within a predetermined time period following the transmission of the identification beacon, the control system shuts down the data transmission circuitry by disconnecting the onboard power supply from the data transmission circuitry until the wake-up circuitry is re-powered by the non-onboard power supply. However, if the staple cartridge establishes authentication communication with the surgical instrument 10000 within the predetermined time period following the transmission of the identification beacon, the control system enters a fully wake-up high-power operating mode.

[0544] In various implementations, in addition to the above, the control system of the stapler will switch from low power or sleep mode to high power or wake-up mode after receiving two inputs or triggers. In at least one implementation, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 5A The staple cartridge includes a retainer or cover 11900 attached to the cartridge body, extending above the top or platform of the cartridge body. The cover 11900 includes one or more attachment features 11910 configured to releasably retain the cover 11900 to the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge also includes a cover sensor circuit, which includes a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, in communication with a processor of the cartridge control system. When the cover 11900 is attached to the cartridge body, a magnetic element mounted to the cover 11900 interferes with the field emitted by the Hall effect sensor, and when the cover 11900 is removed from the cartridge body, the magnetic element no longer interferes with the Hall effect sensor field. This change in the Hall effect sensor field is reflected in the voltage output of the Hall effect sensor, which is one of the triggers used by the cartridge control system to switch the staple cartridge into its wake-up mode. In addition to the above, the jaws of the surgical instrument also include a cartridge presence sensor circuit, which is either on or off when the staple cartridge is placed in the jaws. In at least one instance, such as when the staple cartridge is positioned in the jaws, the staple cartridge causes a proximity switch to close. Similar to the cap sensor circuit, the cartridge presence sensor circuit is part of the wake-up circuit. The processor of the control system is configured to switch from a low-power or sleep mode to a high-power or wake-up mode when the processor receives input that the staple cartridge is positioned in the jaws and that the cap 11900 has been removed from the staple cartridge. In sleep mode, the processor does not sample data from the tissue sensor, does not process data transmitted from the surgical instruments to the staple cartridge, and / or does not transmit data to the surgical instruments. In wake-up mode, the processor samples data from the tissue sensor, processes data transmitted from the surgical instruments to the staple cartridge, and transmits data to the surgical instruments.

[0545] In addition to the above, any suitable combination of wake-up events or triggers can be used to switch the staple cartridge's control system from its sleep mode to its wake-up mode. In at least one embodiment, the first trigger is the removal of the staple cartridge cover, and the second trigger includes a complete authentication sequence. In at least one instance, the processor of the control system senses the removal of the cover from the staple cartridge, and the processor switches the staple cartridge from its sleep mode to its authentication mode. In authentication mode, the staple cartridge's processor transmits an identification beacon via a data antenna. If the device processor recognizes the identification beacon, the device beacon transmits a wake-up signal back to the staple cartridge. Upon receiving the wake-up signal, the processor switches from its authentication mode to its wake-up mode. In wake-up mode, the staple cartridge's control system is fully functional, while in authentication mode, the staple cartridge's control system may not be fully functional. For example, in at least one embodiment, when the staple cartridge is in its authentication mode, the staple cartridge's control system does not process input from tissue sensors. Furthermore, the processor includes, for example, timer circuitry, functions, and / or a clock that are activated when the processor enters its authentication mode. The processor is configured to return to its sleep mode if it does not receive a wake-up signal within a predetermined period of time measured by a timer circuit. In various instances, the identification beacon and / or wake-up signal are encoded or encrypted. In at least one such instance, the device processor is configured to decode or decrypt the identification beacon, and / or the chamber processor is configured to decode or decrypt the wake-up signal.

[0546] Various wake-up triggers may include, for example, installing a battery into a surgical instrument, removing a surgical instrument from a charging station, and / or attaching a surgical instrument to a robotic surgical system. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument includes an electrical contact that engages with a corresponding electrical contact on the arm of the robotic surgical system, the corresponding electrical contact closing circuitry sensed by a processor of the surgical instrument and / or a processor of the robotic surgical system. In such instances, the surgical instrument and / or the robotic surgical system sends a wake-up trigger signal to a staple cartridge disposed within the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, the robotic surgical system includes a vision system comprising one or more cameras configured to visually confirm the presence of the arm of the robotic surgical system attached to the suture instrument and / or the staple cartridge in the jaws, and then sends a wake-up trigger signal to the staple cartridge disposed within the surgical instrument. In at least one such embodiment, the arm of the robotic surgical system and / or the surgical instrument includes clamps that releasably hold the surgical instrument to the arm, and the vision system is configured to confirm that the clamps are in their locked position before transmitting the wake-up trigger signal. In various implementations, the operating room or surgical room includes a control system configured to send wake-up signals to the staple cartridge directly and / or via a robotic surgical system and / or surgical instruments.

[0547] In various embodiments, the staple cartridge includes circuitry in communication with the cartridge's processor. This circuitry includes two contacts on a platform of the cartridge body and a gap between the contacts. When the staple cartridge is positioned in the jaws and the end effector is in an open configuration, the circuitry is open. In such instances, the staple cartridge's memory device is not accessible. When the end effector is closed, the anvil jaws bridge the contacts, and the circuitry is closed. In such instances, the staple cartridge's memory device is accessible. In various embodiments, the circuitry includes a wake-up circuit that, when closed, provides a voltage potential to an input gate of the processor, which, when received, causes the processor to switch from sleep mode to wake-up mode. In at least one such embodiment, closing the wake-up circuit when the end effector is closed connects the battery or power source in the staple cartridge to the staple cartridge's control system. In various other embodiments, closing the anvil disconnects the wake-up circuitry in communication with the processor. In at least one such embodiment, the anvil includes a cutting element, such as a knife, that cuts the circuitry in the staple cartridge, thereby disconnecting the circuitry. In such instances, the processor can interpret the loss of voltage potential at the input gate as a wake-up signal.

[0548] In various instances, in addition to those described above, the staple cartridge is stored in a sealed package. Before loading the staple cartridge into a surgical instrument, the clinician must open the package and remove the cartridge. In at least one instance, removing the cartridge from the package activates a wake-up trigger, which switches the cartridge from sleep mode to wake mode. In at least one embodiment, a label is attached to the package and the cartridge. In such instances, the label keeps the wake-up circuitry in the cartridge in an open state. When the cartridge is removed from the package, the label detaches from the cartridge, and the wake-up circuitry closes. In such instances, the processor receives the wake-up trigger signal at its input. In at least one such instance, the cartridge includes an onboard power source, such as a battery and / or charge accumulator, which delivers a voltage potential to the processor input when the label detaches from the cartridge, thereby providing the wake-up trigger signal to the processor. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge includes a wake-up circuit comprising a battery and spring-loaded battery contacts that are held open by tabs when the cartridge is positioned in the package. In at least one instance, for example, the package is made of a plastic material, such as TYVEK. A tab is attached to the package, and when the stud cartridge is removed from the package, the tab is removed between the battery and the spring-loaded battery contacts, causing the battery contacts to engage the battery and close the wake-up circuit. At this point, the stud cartridge's processor is powered and fully functional.

[0549] As discussed above, the staple cartridge may include a cover or retainer 11900 attached to the cartridge body, and when the cover 11900 is removed from the cartridge body, the wake-up circuit in the staple cartridge closes and the processor enters a wake-up state. Similar to the above, in at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge includes a wake-up circuit comprising a battery and spring-loaded battery contacts, which are held open by a tab attached to the cover 11900 when the cover 11900 is attached to the staple cartridge. When the cover 11900 is removed from the staple cartridge, the tab is removed from between the battery and the spring-loaded battery contacts, causing the battery contacts to engage the battery and close the wake-up circuit. At this time, the processor in the staple cartridge is powered and functional. In other embodiments, when the cover 11900 is removed, the processor enters a first power-on mode. In at least one such embodiment, for example, as a result of a cartridge authentication process, the processor enters a second power-on mode.

[0550] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the staple cartridge includes a wake-up circuit comprising a Hall effect sensor and a magnet, the Hall effect sensor being mounted, for example, to a first lateral side of the cartridge body, and the magnet being mounted to a second or opposite lateral side of the cartridge body. When the cap 11900 of the staple cartridge is attached to the cartridge body, the cap 11900 is positioned between the Hall effect sensor and the magnet. When the cap 11900 is removed from the cartridge body, the field detected by the Hall effect sensor changes, and therefore the voltage output of the Hall effect sensor changes, which is detected by the cartridge processor. This change in voltage potential is interpreted by the processor as a wake-up trigger, and in response to this wake-up trigger and / or a combination of wake-up triggers including this wake-up trigger, the processor switches from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode. In various instances, the cap 11900 includes fins, for example, made of ferrite, which are positioned between the magnet and the Hall effect sensor when the cap 11900 is attached to the cartridge body.

[0551] Once the cartridge is removed from its packaging, it is placed in the jaws of the surgical instrument, except as described above. In various embodiments, there is a snap-fit ​​and / or press-fit arrangement between the cartridge and the jaws. When the cartridge is inserted into the jaws in such cases, the cartridge may suddenly accelerate into its placement position when the clinician applies sufficient force to overcome the snap-fit ​​and / or press-fit features. In various embodiments, the cartridge includes a power source, such as a battery and / or charge accelerometer, and additionally includes a wake-up circuit comprising an accelerometer in communication with the cartridge's processor. The accelerometer is in communication with the power source and the processor's input gates, and as the cartridge accelerates as it is placed in the surgical instrument, the voltage output supplied by the accelerometer to the processor's input gates increases above a wake-up voltage threshold, and thus, for example, the cartridge switches from its sleep mode to its wake-up mode. In other embodiments, the processor enters a first power supply mode when the cartridge is placed. In at least one such embodiment, the processor enters a second power supply mode, for example, as a result of a cartridge authentication process.

[0552] Once the staple cartridge is positioned in the jaws, the end effector of the surgical instrument can be inserted into the patient, except as described above. In various instances, the end effector of the surgical instrument is inserted into the patient through a large or open incision and then clamped onto the patient's tissue. In other instances, the end effector of the surgical instrument is inserted into the patient through a cannula or trocar. In such instances, the end effector is closed, inserted through a trocar, and then reopened once the end effector is in the patient's body. At this point, the end effector is then clamped onto the patient's tissue. In either case, the end effector can be opened and closed once and multiple times before being used in the patient's body, and the clamping of the end effector provides a wake-up trigger to the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge includes a processor, a power supply, and a wake-up circuit in communication with the processor and the power supply. The wake-up circuit includes a switch that is in an off state and closes when the end effector of the surgical instrument is clamped. When the switch is closed, the processor enters its fully powered state. In at least one such embodiment, the movable anvil jaws physically contact the staple cartridge to close the wake-up circuit. In at least one embodiment, the wake-up circuit includes a Hall effect sensor that detects the presence of a magnetic element mounted to the anvil jaws when the anvil jaws are in their closed position. When the voltage output of the Hall effect sensor changes due to the presence of the magnetic element, the processor interprets the voltage output change as a wake-up trigger. In at least one embodiment, the wake-up circuit includes a sensing sensor that detects the presence of a metal anvil jaws in their closed position. When the voltage output of the sensing sensor changes due to the closure of the anvil jaws, the processor interprets the voltage output change as a wake-up trigger.

[0553] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the cannula includes: a proximal end including a sealing port; a distal end including a sharp tip configured to cut into patient tissue; and a tube extending between the proximal and distal ends. The sealing port includes an enlarged opening and a flexible seal configured to form a substantially airtight seal against the shaft of the end effector and / or surgical instrument when the shaft of the end effector and / or surgical instrument is inserted through the flexible seal. In various embodiments, the cannula includes a data transmitter including an antenna configured to transmit a wake-up signal to the staple cartridge as it passes through the cannula. In various instances, the wake-up signal from the cannula data transmitter is a sufficient trigger to switch the staple cartridge's control system from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode, and in other instances, the wake-up signal from the cannula data transmitter is one of several triggers required to switch the staple cartridge's control system from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode. In at least one embodiment, the cannula includes a magnetic component, such as a permanent magnet, and the staple cartridge includes a wake-up circuit comprising a sensor configured to detect the magnetic component. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge includes a power source in communication with a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. When the staple cartridge is placed in an end effector and the end effector is inserted through the cannula, the field emitted by the Hall effect sensor is distorted by the magnetic component in the cannula, which alters the voltage output of the Hall effect sensor. This change in the sensor voltage output is detected by a processor of the staple cartridge, and when the change exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor is configured to switch from its sleep mode to its wake-up mode. In various embodiments, the tube of the cannula includes an iron ring embedded in and / or mounted to the tube, and the staple cartridge includes a wake-up circuit comprising an inductive sensor configured to detect the iron ring. In at least one embodiment, the inductive sensor includes, for example, a field sensor, an oscillator, a demodulator, a trigger, and an output. When the staple cartridge is placed in an end effector and the end effector is inserted through the cannula, the iron ring alters the voltage output of the inductive sensor. This change in the sensor voltage output is detected by the processor in the pin magazine, and when the change exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor is configured to switch from its sleep mode to its wake-up mode. In various instances, the inductive sensor outputs a voltage pulse for each iron ring it passes through. In such instances, the processor is configured to switch to its wake-up mode after it has received a number of pulses from the inductive sensor exceeding a predetermined number of pulses.

[0554] See you again Figure 7The staple cartridge may include a power management system comprising a processor and a charge accumulator, such as charge accumulator 11800. The power management system also includes charging circuitry in communication with charge accumulator 11800 and includes an antenna configured to receive power from the surgical instrument when the staple cartridge is placed in the surgical instrument. In various instances, the surgical instrument is capable of supplying power to the staple cartridge at a first or maximum charging rate; however, during use of the staple cartridge, there may be instances where the staple cartridge uses power at a second rate higher than the maximum charging rate. To accommodate such higher power usage, the charge accumulator 11800 stores power when the power usage of the staple cartridge is below the maximum charging rate. The processor of the staple cartridge is configured to manage the power stored in charge accumulator 11800, and when charge accumulator 11800 reaches its maximum capacity, the processor sends a signal to the surgical instrument to reduce the power supplied to the staple cartridge by the surgical instrument. In at least one such instance, the signal includes data regarding the actual power usage of the staple cartridge. Upon receiving a signal, the processor of the surgical instrument reduces the power supplied to the staple cartridge, matching the charging rate to the cartridge's usage rate. In many instances, the power usage of the staple cartridge can be increased beyond the charging rate, and the power management system is configured to utilize power from the charge accumulator 11800 until the charge accumulator 11800's charge drops below a recharge threshold. When the processor detects that the charge accumulator 11800's charge has fallen below the recharge threshold, the staple cartridge's processor sends a signal to the surgical instrument to restore the charging rate to the maximum charging rate to recharge the charge accumulator 11800. In addition to or in place of the charge accumulator 11800, the staple cartridge may include any suitable power storage device, such as a charge pump, battery, and / or supercapacitor.

[0555] In various instances, except as described above, the surgical instruments do not actively charge the charge accumulator 11800 until at least one triggering event has occurred. In at least one instance, the capsule power management system charges the charge accumulator 11800 after receiving a signal from the NFC antenna of the surgical instruments. In at least one such instance, the power transmitted from the NFC antenna sufficiently charges the charge accumulator 11800 to place the capsule in charging mode before it enters full power mode. In some instances, after the charge accumulator 11800 has been at least partially charged by the power transmitted from the NFC antenna, the capsule processor transmits an identification beacon to the surgical instruments. When the instrument processor receives the identification beacon from the capsule, the instrument processor delivers additional power to the capsule on the NFC antenna and / or the power antenna, causing the capsule power management system to fully charge the charge accumulator 11800. In various instances, the charge accumulator 11800 is at least partially charged by power transmitted from the operating room's control system to the capsule's NFC antenna.

[0556] In various embodiments, the surgical instrument is configured to supply power to the staple cartridge as soon as it is placed in the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, for example, the surgical instrument immediately supplies power to the staple cartridge via a low-power data antenna pair (such as an NFC antenna pair) when the staple cartridge is placed in the surgical instrument. In such instances, the cartridge power management system charges the charge accumulator 11800 as part of a charging mode. In at least one instance, less than 0.1W is supplied to the cartridge power management system during the charging mode. After the staple cartridge's processor has received a wake-up trigger or combination of wake-up triggers required to switch the staple cartridge to its wake-up mode, the processor provides the surgical instrument with a wake-up signal indicating that the staple cartridge is in its wake-up mode. Once the surgical instrument's processor receives the wake-up signal, the surgical instrument begins supplying power to the staple cartridge via a high-power antenna pair. In such instances, the cartridge power management system can complete the charging of the charge accumulator 11800 if it has not yet been fully charged. In at least one instance, more than 1.0W is supplied to the cartridge power management system during the wake-up mode. In various alternative embodiments, only one antenna pair exists between the staple cartridge and the surgical instrument. In such embodiments, the surgical instrument can control the supply of low or high power to the staple cartridge via the antenna based on whether the instrument processor has received a wake-up signal from the staple cartridge. In any case, if the cartridge power management system determines that the charge accumulator 11800 has been fully charged and the cartridge processor has not yet received the necessary one or more wake-up triggers to switch the staple cartridge into its wake-up mode, the cartridge power management system can toggle off the charging circuit supplying power to the charge accumulator 11800 to stop charging the charge accumulator 11800. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge processor can transmit a charged but not wake-up signal to the instrument processor, which, upon receiving this signal, is configured to stop supplying power to the staple cartridge until the instrument processor has received a wake-up signal from the staple cartridge. Once the instrument processor has received the wake-up signal, in such cases, the instrument processor is configured to begin supplying power to the staple cartridge at a high power level.

[0557] In various embodiments, as described above, the processor of the stapling bin is configured to switch from a low-power or sleep mode to a high-power or wake-up mode when the processor receives a combination of wake-up triggers. In various embodiments, the processor requires a specific combination of triggers to enter the processor's wake-up mode. For example, the bin processor switches to its wake-up mode when a sufficient voltage potential is applied to the processor's first input gate and a sufficient voltage potential is applied to the processor's second input gate. In various embodiments, the processor is configured to switch from the processor's sleep mode to the processor's wake-up mode after the processor has received a subset of triggers from a larger set of triggers. In at least one such embodiment, the processor is configured to receive three wake-up triggers, but is configured to switch to the processor's wake-up mode after any two of the wake-up triggers have been received. Voltage potentials do not need to be applied to the processor gates simultaneously, but embodiments are envisioned where wake-up triggers must be applied simultaneously for the processor to switch to the processor's wake-up mode. In at least one embodiment, the processor is configured to receive two specific wake-up triggers simultaneously to switch from the processor's sleep mode to the processor's wake-up mode. In at least one such embodiment, for example, one wake-up trigger is that the charge accumulator 11800 reaches a sufficient charge level, and the other trigger is an event. Even so, in any embodiment disclosed herein that includes the charge accumulator 11800 and / or another other suitable power storage device, the charge accumulator 11800 reaching a sufficient charge level can serve as a wake-up trigger. Furthermore, various alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the charge accumulator 11800 is not charged until the memory processor has switched from its sleep mode to its wake-up mode.

[0558] In various embodiments, the staple cartridge disclosed herein includes at least one memory device configured to store data regarding the nature of the staple cartridge before, during, and / or after the staple firing stroke and / or the nature of the tissue before, during, and / or after the staple firing stroke. The memory device is in communication with a processor, which is configured to read data from the memory device and transmit the data in a stored data signal, which is transmitted to the staple cartridge's antenna. In various embodiments, the processor is configured to transmit the stored data signal only after receiving a key or key signal that unlocks this function of the processor. Whenever the processor accesses the memory device to generate the stored data signal, an event is recorded on the memory device. In this way, the memory device includes data regarding the number of times the memory device has been accessed and when it was accessed. Such access data may be included in the stored data signal. If the key signal provided to the cartridge processor does not match the expected key signal stored in the cartridge processor and / or the memory device, the cartridge processor does not generate the stored data signal. In effect, failed attempts are recorded on the memory device. In this manner, the memory device includes data regarding the number of times access to data on the memory device has been denied. Such access denial data can be included in the stored data signal when an appropriate key signal is provided to the memory chip processor. In at least one embodiment, the memory chip processor enters a locked mode after the number of failed attempts to access the memory device has exceeded a threshold. In at least one instance, this threshold is, for example, five failed attempts. Once the memory chip processor is in locked mode, it is configured to not generate a stored data signal even if an appropriate key signal is subsequently provided. In such instances, the data stored on the memory device is no longer accessible. In at least one alternative embodiment, the processor is unlockable after it has entered its locked mode when a master key or master key signal is provided to it. The master key is different from a key and, in various instances, may be held solely by the original manufacturer of the memory chip. Providing the master key signal to the processor causes it to emit a stored data signal even if it is not in locked mode.

[0559] In addition to the above, data stored on the memory device can be encrypted or encoded according to any suitable protocol. Upon receiving a key and / or master key, the processor is configured to decrypt or decode the data stored on the memory device and transmit the decrypted or decoded data as part of the stored data signal. However, various alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the processor is configured to transmit encrypted or encoded data as part of the stored data signal. In at least one such embodiment, a decryption key or code stored on the memory device is included in the stored data signal. In such embodiments, surgical instruments and / or any suitable system can decrypt or decode data in the stored data system.

[0560] In various instances, the cartridge processor must receive a unique identification key to create the stored data signals discussed above. This unique identification key is predefined and static, and anyone who provides the unique identification key to the cartridge processor can access the data stored on the memory device. In other embodiments, the key required to access the data stored on the memory device is dynamic. In at least one embodiment, the dynamic key includes performance information about the cartridge. Such performance information may include data about mechanical and / or electrical features. For example, the dynamic key may include, for example, information about the final position of the slider in the cartridge after the nail firing stroke. Additionally, for example, the dynamic key may include, for example, information about, the maximum current consumed by the electric motor of the nail firing system during the nail firing stroke. In such instances, performance information may be shared between the cartridge and surgical instruments during and / or after the nail firing stroke. For example, the cartridge may include a slider position sensor and may communicate the final position of the slider after the nail firing stroke to the surgical instruments. Additionally, for example, the surgical instruments may include an electric motor current sensor and may communicate the peak current consumed by the electric motor during the nail firing stroke to the cartridge. For example, this performance information can also be shared with robotic surgical systems and / or operating room control systems. In any case, such shared performance data may include a dynamic key for accessing data stored on a memory device in the staple cartridge.

[0561] In addition to or instead of the foregoing, the staple cartridge includes a safety circuit that closes when the movable parts of the staple cartridge are arranged in a specific configuration. The safety circuit is connected to a processor, and when the safety circuit is closed, the processor is unlocked, allowing the processor to generate a stored data signal in response to an interrogation signal, and / or otherwise allowing data stored on a memory device to be accessed by, for example, surgical instruments, robotic surgical systems, and / or operating room control systems. When the safety circuit is open, the processor is locked and configured to not emit a stored data signal or to prevent access to data stored on the memory device. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge's safety circuit is closed when the cover 11900 is not attached to the cartridge body and the slider is not in its unfired position. In various embodiments, for example, when the safety circuit is open, the safety circuit prevents the processor from being powered by the surgical instruments. When the safety circuit is closed, the processor can be powered by the surgical instruments. In such embodiments, when the processor is powered by the surgical instruments, the processor can generate a stored data signal. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge must be housed within a surgical instrument, for example, to activate the safety circuit. In at least one embodiment, the safety circuit includes an electrical contact that engages a corresponding electrical contact in the surgical instrument, for example, when the staple cartridge is placed in the surgical instrument, the corresponding electrical contact closes the safety circuit.

[0562] In various embodiments, the safety circuit includes a safety antenna, for example, in communication with a corresponding safety antenna in the surgical instrument when the staple cartridge is positioned within it. In at least one such embodiment, when the slider is in its unfired position, it is positioned between the cartridge safety antenna and the instrument safety antenna. In such instances, the slider inhibits or prevents communication across the safety antenna pair between the staple cartridge and the surgical instrument. After the slider has moved distally, it no longer obstructs the transmission of data and / or power between the staple cartridge and the surgical instrument.

[0563] In various implementations, as discussed above, the safety circuit of the staple cartridge can be configured to be in both an open and closed state. Various alternative implementations are envisioned in which the safety circuit is in a closed state, but the detectability of the safety circuit changes due to the movable parts of the staple cartridge being in a specific configuration or range of configurations. In at least one implementation, when the cover 11900 is attached to the cartridge body and the slider is in its unfired position, the voltage potential across the safety circuit is in a first voltage range; when the cover 11900 is removed from the cartridge body and the slider is in its unfired position, the voltage potential across the safety circuit is in a second voltage range; and when the cover 11900 is removed from the cartridge body and the slider is in the fired position, the voltage potential across the safety circuit is in a third voltage range. When the voltage potential across the safety circuit is in the third voltage range, the processor is in its unlocked state. For example, when the voltage potential across the safety circuit is in the first or second voltage range, the processor is in its locked state.

[0564] In various embodiments, the staple cartridge includes an inlet cover that opens when the staple cartridge is placed in the jaws of the surgical instrument. When the inlet cover is open, a data access circuit is closed, allowing the surgical instrument to access the staple cartridge's memory device. In at least one instance, the jaws include a conductive contact element that bridges an opening in the data access circuit when the staple cartridge is placed in the jaws and the inlet cover is open. In at least one embodiment, the inlet door includes, for example, a foil. In at least one embodiment, the memory device includes, for example, an RFID tag. However, when the staple cartridge is not placed in the surgical instrument, the data access circuit is open, and the surgical instrument's memory device cannot be accessed.

[0565] The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent 8,991,678, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH STOWING KNIFEBLADE”, published March 31, 2015; U.S. Patent 10,085,749, entitled “SURGICAL APPARATUS WITH CONDUCTOR STRAIN RELIEF”, published October 2, 2018; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0324317, entitled “AUTHENTICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR REUSABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, published November 12, 2015, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0566] In addition to the above, the memory device of the staple cartridge can store any suitable data. For example, the stored data may include the size of the staples stored in the cartridge, the unformed height of the staples stored in the cartridge (which may be reflected in the color of the cartridge body), the number of staples stored in the cartridge, the arrangement of the staples stored in the cartridge, and / or the length of the staple pattern stored in the cartridge (e.g., 30mm, 45mm, or 60mm). Additionally, the stored data may include whether the cartridge has been fired, the time the cartridge was fired, the distance the slider travels during the firing stroke, the elapsed time during the firing stroke, the speed of the firing stroke, the acceleration and deceleration of the firing system during the firing stroke, the firing force experienced during the firing stroke, and / or whether a foreign object was encountered and / or cut into during the firing stroke. Furthermore, the stored data may include the number of sensors in the cartridge, the type of sensors, and / or the position of the sensors within the cartridge body. Additionally, the stored data may include data sensed by the sensors. Additionally, the stored data may include, for example, the type of tissue being sutured, the thickness of the tissue being sutured, the nature of the tissue being sutured, and / or the position of the tissue between the jaws of the end effector. Additionally, the stored data may include, for example, the manufacturing date of the staple cartridge, the batch to which the staple cartridge belongs, the manufacturing location of the staple cartridge, the manufacturer of the staple cartridge, the sterilization date of the staple cartridge, the type of sterilizing agent used to sterilize the staple cartridge, the expiration date of the staple cartridge, and / or whether the staple cartridge was fired after its expiration date and how many were fired.

[0567] According to at least one method, the staple cartridge is removed from its package and placed in the jaws of a suture instrument. The suture instrument is then attached to the arm of a robotic surgical system, and the robotic surgical system is powered on and / or switched from sleep mode to wake-up mode. The control system of the robotic surgical system is configured to transmit power downwards through the surgical instrument to assess whether the staple cartridge is placed in the jaws, and then transmit mechanical power downwards through the surgical instrument to assess whether the staple cartridge is in an unfired state. In at least one embodiment, in addition to the above, the robotic surgical system sends power to a data antenna (e.g., an NFC antenna) in the surgical instrument to supply power to the staple cartridge. As discussed above, the staple cartridge is configured to return an identification signal to the surgical instrument. In various instances, this identification signal is processed on the surgical instrument and / or in the robotic surgical system. In either case, if the authentication process is successful, the staple cartridge is verified. If the authentication process is unsuccessful, the robotic surgical system is configured to notify the clinician operating the robotic surgical system. To verify whether the staple cartridge is not depleted (i.e., previously unfired), the staple firing member is advanced distally by a small stroke via a motor drive of the surgical instrument and / or the robotic surgical system. If the nail firing actuator is blocked by a mechanical feature in the surgical instrument, the robotic surgical system is configured to determine that the cartridge has been previously depleted and prevent the cartridge from being fired. If the nail firing system is not blocked by the mechanical feature, the robotic surgical system is configured to stop the nail firing actuator after a short stroke and determine that the cartridge has not been fired. In addition to the identification data transmitted from the cartridge to the surgical instrument and / or the robotic surgical system, the cartridge may also transmit data stored on the cartridge storage device, including the cartridge's expiration date, the length of the nail pattern stored in the cartridge, the unformed height of the nail stored in the cartridge, the color of the plastic cartridge body, the cartridge manufacturer, and / or whether the cartridge has been fired. If the received cartridge parameters do not match the required cartridge parameters, the clinician operating the robotic surgical system is notified.

[0568] In addition to the above, staple cartridges, surgical instruments, and / or robotic surgical systems are configured to mitigate errors in and / or data loss from the cartridge data provided by the staple cartridge. For example, data may be lost or erroneous due to short circuits within sensors, corrosion, the use of incompatible or incorrect staple cartridges, electronic interference from adjacent surgical instruments and / or surgical systems, software defects, defective hardware, and / or sterilization processes. Therefore, one or more forms of redundancy may be employed to increase the likelihood that the surgical instruments and / or robotic surgical system will receive data from the staple cartridge. For example, in at least one embodiment, the same data is stored at different locations within the stored data signal. In such instances, some data may be lost or corrupted in one part of the signal but can be obtained from another part. Additionally, the stored data may include data from two different sources, which can be considered functionally equivalent. For example, data from a force or load sensor in the staple firing actuator and data from a current sensor monitoring the current consumed by the electric motor of the staple firing actuator could both be part of the stored data. In such instances, if force sensor data is lost or corrupted in the signal, the processor can rely on the current sensor data to assess, for example, the force experienced by a nail-firing actuator.

[0569] In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge may include more than one memory device having stored data. In at least one such embodiment, as part of the staple cartridge's authentication or interrogation process, the staple cartridge's processor transmits a first stored data signal including data from a first memory device, and then transmits a second stored data signal including data from a second memory device. If the data from the first and second memory devices is not corrupted, in at least one embodiment, the first stored data signal will match the second stored data signal. In at least one embodiment, the first stored data signal includes a first signal header at the beginning of the first stored data signal, and the second stored data signal includes a second signal header different from the first signal header at the beginning of the second stored data signal. In such instances, the control system of the surgical instrument processor and / or the robotic surgical system is capable of distinguishing between the first stored data signal and the second data signal. If the control system of the surgical instrument processor and / or the robotic surgical system determines that either signal is corrupted and / or has lost data, the control system of the surgical instrument processor and / or the robotic surgical system is configured to establish a preference for the other signal. In various instances, the first memory device is located on a first lateral side of the staple cartridge, while the second memory device is located on a second or opposite lateral side of the staple cartridge. Such an arrangement can reduce the possibility of electronic interference affecting the two signals. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge includes a first data antenna for transmitting a first stored data signal and a second data antenna for transmitting a second data signal.

[0570] The staple cartridge, surgical instruments, and / or robotic surgical system may be configured to take additional mitigation measures in the event that data contained in the stored data signal is corrupted and / or lost. In various instances, if data is lost from the signal received by the surgical instruments and / or robotic surgical system, the staple cartridge may increase the power of the stored data signal. In at least one instance, if data received from the staple cartridge is corrupted, the processor of the surgical instruments and / or robotic surgical system may increase the processor's noise threshold.

[0571] In various implementations, the data and / or power transmitted between the surgical instrument and the staple cartridge can be continuous or intermittent. In various implementations, the transmitted data may include, for example, discrete digital data and / or continuous analog data. When transmitting digital data, RFID, NFC, Hitachi UHF, Bluetooth, Zigbee, millimeter wave, WiFi 802.11, and / or any other suitable wireless system can be used. Alternatively, when transmitting digital data, wired LAN communication, one-wire communication, EPROM IC, I... 2C and / or any other suitable device. Various types of digital data that can be transmitted include motor feedback, such as current magnitude, rate of change of current over time, torque magnitude, rate of change of torque over time, position data from the encoder, torque constant, magnetic field strength, number of wire turns, armature length, data regarding the torque-current curve, motor regulation, EMF constant, dynamic resistance, inverse EMF, angular velocity, motor speed, and / or rate of change of motor speed over time. Other transmitted data may include, for example, the hardware configuration of the instrument handle and / or data regarding physical contacts and / or switches.

[0572] In addition to the above, the transmitted analog data may include electrically derived data and mechanically derived data. Electrically derived data may include data from magnetic indicators, Hall effect sensor data, data regarding switch states, diode data, circuit opening or closing, and / or, for example, damage to the circuit when the slider and / or tissue cutter cuts the circuit during the nail firing stroke. Mechanically derived data may include, for example, magnitude-based data related to specific events of the nail firing stroke, such as force and / or motor current transmitted by the motor, such as the firing member contacting the slider, the slider moving out of its proximal unfired position, nail formation, and / or the firing member contacting and / or destroying the brake feature of the nail cartridge. Mechanically derived data may also include time-based data comparing motor performance data to the time of the event, and / or position-based data comparing motor performance data to the position of the nail firing drive. Mechanically derived data may also include feature-based data, such as when the nail firing drive opens and / or closes the door and / or when the brake feature of the nail cartridge is destroyed by the nail firing drive.

[0573] In various embodiments, for example, a surgical system (such as a robotic surgical system) may include a visualization system comprising at least one camera configured to, for example, observe parameters of the staple cartridge and modify the operation of the robotic surgical system, surgical instruments, and / or the staple cartridge based on the observation. For example, the visualization system is configured to detect and evaluate physical features or markings on the staple cartridge and jaws to assess whether the staple cartridge is properly positioned in the jaws. If the markings on the staple cartridge and jaws are not properly aligned, the visualization system may instruct the robotic surgical system to lock, for example, the jaw clamping and / or staple firing functions of the robotic surgical system. In various embodiments, the visualization system may instruct the robotic surgical system to warn the operator that the staple cartridge may not be properly positioned in the jaws. Additionally, for example, the visualization system is configured to detect whether an implantable aid is attached to the platform of the staple cartridge and / or whether the implantable aid is aligned with the platform of the staple cartridge. Similar to the above, the implantable aid and the staple cartridge include markings that the visualization system can detect and compare to assess whether the implantable aid is adequately aligned, and if not adequately aligned, instruct the robotic surgical system to warn the operator.

[0574] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, a visualization system is configured to observe the color of the cartridge and provide this data to the robotic surgical system, which can then display this data to the operator. In various instances, the color of the cartridge indicates the size and / or unformed height of the staples contained within it. The robotic surgical system is configured to assess whether the staples housed in the cartridge are suitable for the surgical procedure to be performed and to alert the operator if they are not. In various instances, a visualization system is configured to read, for example, barcodes and / or QR codes on the cartridge and provide this data to the robotic surgical system, which can then display this data to the operator. Similar to the above, this data may include the size and / or unformed height of the staples contained in the cartridge. The robotic surgical system is configured to assess whether the staples housed in the cartridge are suitable for the surgical procedure to be performed and to alert the operator if they are not. For example, the QR code may include, for example, the cartridge's serial number, manufacturing date, and / or data identifying the cartridge's manufacturer. In various embodiments, the QR code contains a decryption key or a portion thereof to access the memory device within the cartridge. In various implementations, the QR code is, for example, molded into the housing, laser-etched into the housing and / or disk, and / or printed on the housing and / or disk.

[0575] As discussed above, see again Figure 1 The surgical instrument 10000 includes a shaft 10200 and an end effector 10400 rotatably coupled to the shaft 10200 around a joint motion joint 10500. See also Figures 8 to 8DSurgical Instrument 10000” is similar to Surgical Instrument 10000 in many respects, most of which will not be discussed further here for the sake of brevity. Similar to Surgical Instrument 10000, Surgical Instrument 10000” includes a nail firing drive mechanism operable to perform a nail firing stroke to eject a nail from a nail magazine 11000”. The nail firing drive mechanism includes an electric motor, a tissue cutter 10630, and a firing lever 10640 driven distally by the electric motor to push the tissue cutter 10630 through the nail magazine 11000 during the nail firing stroke. In such an example, the tissue cutter 10630 contacts the slide 11400 of the staple cartridge 11000”, and pushes the slide 11400 distally to eject the staple as the tissue cutter 10630 advances distally through the staple firing stroke. The tissue cutter 10630 also includes a first cam 10610 configured to engage a first jaw 10410 during the staple firing stroke, and a second cam 10620 configured to engage a second jaw 10420 during the staple firing stroke. The first cam 10610 and the second cam 10620 are configured to cooperatively hold the jaws 10410 and 10420 in place relative to each other as the staple deforms against the second jaw 10420.

[0576] In various embodiments, the nail firing actuator can also be used in the closing end effector 10400. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue cutter 10630 is advanced distally during the closing stroke, such that the second cam 10620 contacts the second jaw 10420 and moves the second jaw 10420 from the open position to the closed position. After the closing stroke, the nail firing actuator can be re-actuated to perform the nail firing stroke discussed above. In an alternative embodiment, the surgical instrument includes separate and distinct closing and nail firing actuators. In at least one such embodiment, the closing actuator is actuated to close the second jaw 10420, and the nail firing actuator is subsequently actuated individually to perform the nail firing. In either case, cams 10610 and 10620 can cooperate to hold jaws 10410 and 10420 together during the nail firing stroke. Even so, other embodiments without one or both of cams 10610 and 10620 are contemplated.

[0577] In addition to the above, similar to surgical instrument 10000, surgical instrument 10000” includes a locking member 10700 that prevents the execution of the nail firing stroke if the first jaw 10410 is empty (i.e., lacking a staple cartridge), the staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw 10410 but not fully seated in the first jaw 10410, and / or the staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw 10410 but has been previously fired. In any of these examples, when the nail firing stroke is initiated, the tissue cutter 10630 is pushed downward by a spring (in shaft 10200) into a recess 10710 defined in the first jaw 10410, such that the tissue cutter 10630 contacts the locking shoulder 10720 and prevents the tissue cutter 10630 from advancing further distally. At this point, surgical instrument 10000” is locked, and the nail firing stroke cannot be executed until the unexploded staple cartridge is fully seated in the first jaw 10410. When the unexploded staple cartridge is fully seated in the first jaw 10410 and the staple firing stroke is restarted, the tissue cutter 10630 passes over the locking shoulder 10720 of the locking member 10700, and the staple firing stroke is completed. More specifically, the slide 11400 of the staple cartridge 11000” supports the tissue cutter 10630 above the locking shoulder 10720 when the slide 11400 is in the proximal unfired position at the start of the staple firing stroke. As described above, any suitable locking member can be used.

[0578] The following patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent No. 7,143,923, published December 5, 2006, entitled “Surgical stapling instrument having a firing lockout for an unclosed anvil”; U.S. Patent No. 7,044,352, published May 16, 2006, entitled “Surgical stapling instrument having a single lockout mechanism for prevention of firing”; U.S. Patent No. 7,000,818, published February 21, 2006, entitled “Surgical stapling instrument having separate distinct closing and firing systems”; U.S. Patent No. 6,988,649, published January 24, 2006, entitled “Surgical stapling instrument having a spent cartridge lockout”; and U.S. Patent No. 6,988,649, published December 27, 2005, entitled “Surgical stapling instrument incorporating an E-beam firing”. The US patent number for “mechanism” is 6,978,921.

[0579] In addition to the above, the housing 11100 includes a longitudinal slot 11150 defined therein, configured to receive the tissue cutter 10630 during the nail firing stroke. The longitudinal slot 11150 includes a wider proximal end 11152 leading to the longitudinal portion 11156. The longitudinal slot 11150 also includes a protrusion or projection 11154 extending inwardly into the longitudinal portion 11156. The protrusion 11154 releasably holds the slider 11400 in a proximal unfired position until the slider 11400 is pushed distally by the tissue cutter 10630 during the nail firing stroke. For example, when the staple cartridge 11000 is positioned in the first jaw 10410, this arrangement prevents or reduces the likelihood of the slider 11400 being accidentally pushed distally. The protrusion 11154 may also be contacted by the tissue cutter 10630 during the staple firing stroke. In such instances, the tissue cutter 10630 may bend, plastically deform, and / or destroy one or both protrusions of the protrusion 11154. Such events can generate a transient pulse or increase the force required to move the tissue cutter 10630 distally. This can be detected by the control system operating the nail firing drive, as discussed further below. It is noteworthy that the protrusion 11154 is positioned distally relative to the locking member 11700, and therefore, the tissue cutting blade 10630 will pass the locking member 11700 and then the protrusion 11154 at the start of the nail firing stroke. As mentioned above, an alternative embodiment with two sets of protrusions is contemplated, one set of protrusions 11154 for holding the slider 11400 in place, and a second set of protrusions for generating a detectable force pulse.

[0580] Sensor measurements in the end effectors of surgical instruments allow the instruments to perform a variety of tissue and instrument parameters for multiple tasks. While higher sensor sampling rates are generally associated with more accurate sensor data, maximizing the sampling rate of all sensors within the end effector indiscriminately during surgical instrument movement is quite burdensome in terms of power consumption, data transmission, and / or data processing.

[0581] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to circuitry and / or algorithms for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing based on real-time constraints such as data bandwidth or capacity, power transmission or discharge rate, and / or remaining power capacity.

[0582] Additionally or alternatively, various aspects of this disclosure relate to circuitry and / or algorithms for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing based on one or more aspects detected by a surgical instrument, a surgical task performed by the surgical instrument, and / or signals from a situation-aware surgical hub (which may indicate a priority level of sensor data), as discussed in more detail below.

[0583] In various aspects, surgical instruments may require different sensor arrangements for different tasks. Furthermore, sensor data resolution requirements can vary between tasks, and in some instances, over the duration of a single task. Various aspects of this disclosure relate to circuitry and / or algorithms for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing based on diverse contextual information derived from various data sources, as discussed in more detail below.

[0584] Sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing can be optimized by modulating, adapting, or adjusting one or more sensor parameters associated with data collection, transmission, and / or processing (e.g., sensor sampling rate, sampling drive current and / or voltage, collection rate, sensor data resolution, sensor data transmission rate, activation duration, and / or activation frequency). In at least one example, a sensor or group of sensors can be switched to an inactive mode, an idle mode, or an active mode to optimize sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing.

[0585] Figure 13 This is a logic flowchart depicting an algorithm 1000 for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing using a sensor array configured to detect one or more conditions of an end effector of a surgical instrument. In the illustrated example, algorithm 1000 includes: detecting 1002 the bandwidth or capacity (B) of data transmission between the sensor array and a remote processing unit; detecting 1004 the discharge rate (D) of a power source configured to supply power to the end effector; and modulating sensor parameters of the sensor array or a subset of the sensor array based on the detected values ​​of bandwidth (B) and discharge rate (D). In some instances, algorithm 1000 also includes detecting 1006 the remaining capacity (R) of the power source and modulating sensor parameters of the sensor array or a subset of the sensor array based on the detected value of the remaining capacity (R) of the remote power source. In some instances, as described in more detail below, sensor parameter modulation can be achieved by selecting sensor parameter values ​​based on the detected values ​​of bandwidth (B), discharge rate (D), and / or remaining capacity (R).

[0586] Figure 14This is a logic flowchart depicting another algorithm 1010 for optimizing the collection, transmission, and / or processing of sensor data using a sensor array configured to detect one or more conditions of an end effector of a surgical instrument. Algorithm 1010 includes receiving 1012 one or more signals indicating a priority level of sensor data from a subset of the sensor array, and modulating 1014 sensor parameters of the sensor subset based on the priority level of the detected sensor data. Additionally or alternatively, algorithm 1010 may also include modulating 1016 sensor parameters of another subset of sensors based on the priority level of the sensor data.

[0587] As discussed above, sensor parameter modulation (e.g., 1014, 1016) can be performed on one or more sensor parameters associated with data collection, transmission, and / or processing. These sensor parameters may include, for example, sensor sampling rate, sampling drive current and / or voltage, collection rate, sensor data resolution, sensor data transmission rate, activation duration, and / or activation frequency. In some instances, the modulation of sensor parameters of a subset of sensors (e.g., 1014, 1016) is also based on real-time constraints such as data bandwidth (B), power discharge rate (D), and / or remaining power capacity (C).

[0588] In some instances, sensor parameter modulation involves adjusting the content of the sampled waveform / signal (i.e., spectrum, vibration frequency, AC frequency, etc.). In other instances, sensor parameter modulation involves adjusting the sampling time of a signal analyzer, reducing the number of active sensors, multiplexing / combining individual sensors into a single sensor, and / or analyzing different combinations of sensors.

[0589] Furthermore, sensor parameter modulation may include one or more step adjustments to sensor parameters, which may be implemented over one or more predetermined time periods. Additionally or alternatively, sensor parameter modulation may include one or more gradual adjustments to sampling parameters, which may be implemented over one or more predetermined time periods.

[0590] In some instances, sensor parameters may be modulated to values ​​equal to or at least substantially equal to zero. Furthermore, for example, sensor parameter modulation may be spaced out with periods of no modulation. In various instances, sensor parameter modulation may be implemented based on one or more preset equations, tables, and / or databases, as discussed in more detail below.

[0591] In addition to the above, algorithm 1010 may include adjusting the sensor parameters of the first sensor subset of the sensor array based on the priority level of sensor data received from the second subset of the sensor array. For example, during joint movement of the end effector, algorithm 1010 may decrease the sampling parameters of the first sensor subset associated with the closure and / or firing of the end effector, and may increase the sampling parameters of the second sensor subset associated with the joint movement. This adjustment improves the resolution of the joint movement sensor data without causing excessive data and / or power load. In another example, during firing of the end effector, algorithm 1010 may decrease the sampling parameters of the second sensor subset associated with the closure of the end effector, and may increase the sampling parameters of the first sensor subset associated with firing. Additionally or alternatively, during closure, algorithm 1010 may increase the sampling parameters of the second sensor subset associated with the closure of the end effector, and may increase the sampling parameters of the first sensor subset associated with firing. In at least one example, the duration of joint movement, firing, and / or closure may be determined based on situational awareness data, as discussed in more detail below.

[0592] Figure 15 This is a logic flowchart depicting another algorithm 1080 for optimizing the collection, transmission, and / or processing of sensor data using a sensor array configured to detect one or more conditions of the end effector of a surgical instrument. In the illustrated example, algorithm 1080 determines 1081 a priority level of one or more subsets of sensors in the sensor array. In some instances, the priority level may be determined based on one or more signals indicating the priority level (e.g., a task that the surgical instrument is performing or will perform). In any case, if 1082 the priority level is determined to be high priority, one or more subsets of sensors are switched to, for example, an active mode 1083. However, if 1082 the priority level is determined to be low priority, one or more subsets of sensors are switched to, for example, an idle mode 1084.

[0593] In various respects, the active mode 1083 is defined by one or more higher values ​​of sensor parameters associated with data collection, transmission, and / or processing, such as sensor sampling rate, sampling drive current and / or voltage, collection rate, sensor data resolution, sensor data transmission rate, activation duration, and / or activation frequency. Conversely, the idle mode 1084 is defined by lower values ​​of such sensor parameters compared to the active mode 1083. Therefore, sensor data in the idle mode 1084 may be associated with higher noise and lower resolution. In some instances, if a change or spike is detected in the high-noise / low-resolution sensor data, the priority level of a subset of sensors is determined to be high, which triggers a switch to the active mode 1082.

[0594] Figure 16 Various aspects of a surgical system 1020 are illustrated, which is configured to implement aspects of one or more algorithms (e.g., algorithms 1000, 1010, 1080) for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing. In the illustrated example, the surgical system 1020 includes a surgical instrument 1022, which includes control circuitry 1026. The surgical instrument 1022 may also include wired and / or wireless communication circuitry for communicating with a surgical hub 1024, a local server, and / or a cloud-based system. In some instances, the surgical instrument 1022 is a handheld surgical instrument. In other instances, the surgical instrument 1022 is a robotic surgical tool.

[0595] In the illustrated example, control circuitry 1026 includes a microcontroller 1028, which includes one or more processors 1030 (e.g., microprocessors, microcontrollers) coupled to at least one memory circuitry 1032. Memory circuitry 1032 stores machine-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 1030, cause processor 1030 to implement the various processes or algorithms described herein. Processor 1030 can be any of a variety of single-core or multi-core processors known in the art. Memory circuitry 1032 may include volatile and non-volatile storage media. Processor 1030 may include an instruction processing unit and an arithmetic unit. The instruction processing unit may be configured to receive instructions from memory circuitry 1032 of this disclosure. Control circuitry 1026 may include analog or digital circuitry (e.g., programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), discrete logic, or other hardware circuitry, software and / or firmware, or other machine-executable instructions) to perform the functions explained herein.

[0596] In addition to the above, the control circuit 1026 communicates with the motor driver 1034, the feedback system 1038, the power supply 1043 (e.g., a battery, supercapacitor, or any other suitable energy source), and the sensor array 1036, which is configured to detect one or more conditions of the end effector 1040 of the surgical instrument 1022. An electric motor 1042 driven by the motor driver 1034 is operatively coupled to a longitudinally movable displacement member 1044, which is configured to drive firing, closing, and / or jointing movements at the end effector 1040, as explained in more detail elsewhere herein. In some instances, the surgical instrument 1022 may include dedicated motor drivers and / or motors for firing, closing, and / or jointing movements.

[0597] In some instances, control circuitry 1026 can control motor 1042 by generating a motor setpoint signal. This setpoint signal can be provided to motor driver 1034. Motor driver 1034 may include one or more circuits configured to provide a motor drive signal to motor 1042 to drive motor 1042, as described herein. In some examples, motor 1042 may be a brushed DC electric motor. For example, the speed of motor 1042 may be proportional to the motor drive signal. In some examples, motor 1042 may be a brushless DC electric motor, and the motor drive signal may include a PWM signal provided to one or more stator windings of motor 1042. Additionally, in some examples, motor driver 1034 may be omitted, and control circuitry 1026 may directly generate the motor drive signal.

[0598] In various arrangements, sensor array 1036 may include any suitable sensor for detecting one or more conditions at end effector 1040, including but not limited to tissue thickness sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, reed switch sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, force sensors, pressure sensors, piezoresistive membrane sensors, ultrasonic sensors, eddy current sensors, accelerometers, pulse oximeters, temperature sensors, sensors configured to detect electrical properties (such as capacitance or resistance) of tissue pathways, or any combination thereof. In some instances, and without limitation, sensor array 1036 may include one or more sensors located at or around the joint joint of surgical instrument 1022, such as potentiometers, capacitive sensors (sliding potentiometers), piezoresistive membrane sensors, pressure sensors, or any other suitable sensor type. In some arrangements, sensor array 1036 may include multiple sensors located at multiple locations within or on end effector 1040.

[0599] See also Figure 16 The surgical instrument 1022 also includes a transmission system 1045 configured to transmit data / communication signals from the microcontroller 1028 to the end effector 1040. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission system 1045 may be further configured to transmit power from the power source 1040 to the end effector 1040. In at least one example, data transmission and / or power transmission are achieved via a wired connection. In another example, data transmission and / or power transmission are achieved via a wireless connection. In some instances, the transmission system 1045 includes both a wireless connection portion and a wired connection portion. The wireless connection portion facilitates reliable transmission of power and / or data over moving parts (e.g., articular joints) of the surgical instrument 1022.

[0600] In various examples, the transmission system 1045 employs one or more wireless communication protocols, such as low-frequency RFID protocols, high-frequency RFID protocols, near-field communication (NFC) protocols, ultra-high-frequency RFID protocols, Bluetooth communication protocols, Qi protocols, or proprietary communication protocols, or any other suitable communication protocol. U.S. Patent 9,171,244, entitled “RFID TAG”, published October 27, 2015, discloses a short-range wireless communication mechanism, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0601] In at least one example, the NFC protocol can utilize a total bit rate of 426 kilobits / s. Other total bit rates are envisioned in this disclosure. In some instances, for example, due to excessive noise, the transmission system 1045 will operate at a lower bit rate. In some instances, the NFC communication protocol utilizes half-duplex communication.

[0602] The transmission system 1045 connects the end effector 1040 to a remote processing unit (e.g., processor 1030) and / or a remote power source (e.g., power supply 1043). In some examples, the remote processing unit and / or power source may be located at a proximal position relatively far from the end effector 1040, such as in the proximal housing or handle of the surgical instrument 1022. The transmission system 1045 ensures a reliable connection between the end effector 1040 and the remote processing unit and / or remote power source.

[0603] As discussed above, the end effector 1040 may include a sensor array 1036 configured to monitor one or more aspects of the surgical instrument 1022 and / or tissue grasped by the end effector 1040. In at least one example, the sensor array 1036 is coupled or partially coupled to a staple cartridge 1046 releasably coupled to a cartridge channel 1048 of the end effector 1040. At least one of the cartridge channel 1048 and the anvil 1031 is movable relative to the other to grasp tissue between the anvil 1031 and the staple cartridge 1046. A transmission system 1045 may be configured to transmit power to the staple cartridge 1046 for operation of the sensor array 1036. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission system 1045 may transmit data / communication signals, for example, between the staple cartridge 1046 and a microcontroller 1028.

[0604] As described in more detail below, the various components of the transmission system 1045 are arranged or positioned to facilitate the wireless transmission of electrical and / or data signals within the end effector 1040, for example, from the cartridge support channel of the end effector 1040 to the staple cartridge 1046 releasably inserted into the cartridge support channel. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the transmission system 1045 may be arranged or positioned to facilitate the wireless transmission of electrical and / or data signals from the axial-to-axial connection of the surgical instrument 1022 and the articular joint of the end effector 1040 to the end effector 1040.

[0605] In various embodiments, the staple cartridge 1046 may accommodate, or at least partially accommodate, the sensor array 1036. A power supply 1043 may be configured to power the sensor array 1036. Power supplied by the power supply 1043 can be wirelessly transmitted to the staple cartridge 1046 via a transmission system 1045. Furthermore, a microcontroller 1028 may communicate with the sensor array 1036. Data / communication signals can be wirelessly transmitted between the surgical instrument 1022 and the staple cartridge 1046 via the transmission system 1045. Additionally, the transmission system 1045 can be used to transmit various command signals to the sensor array 1036.

[0606] See Figure 16 and Figure 17 In some instances, the staple cartridge 1046 includes a local control circuit 1049 in communication with the sensor array 1036. The local control circuit 1049 and / or the sensor array 1036 may be wirelessly powered by a power supply 1043 via a transmission system 1045. Figure 17 An exemplary specific implementation of local control circuitry 1049 is shown. In the illustrated example, local control circuitry 1049 includes a local microcontroller 1076 having a local processor 1041 and local memory circuitry 1047. Local memory circuitry 1047 may store machine-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 1041, cause processor 1041 to implement various processes or algorithms according to this disclosure. Processor 1041 may be any of a variety of single-core or multi-core processors known in the art. Memory circuitry 1047 may include volatile and non-volatile storage media. Processor 1041 may include an instruction processing unit and an arithmetic unit. The instruction processing unit may be configured to receive instructions from memory circuitry 1047 of this disclosure. In some instances, control circuitry 1049 may include analog or digital circuitry (such as a programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), discrete logic, or other hardware circuitry, software and / or firmware, or other machine-executable instructions) to perform the functions explained in the following description.

[0607] In some instances, the control circuit 1049 includes sensor circuitry. Signals from sensors in the sensor array 1036 (e.g., voltage, current, resistance, impedance, capacitance, inductance, frequency, phase, etc.) can be regulated by the sensor circuitry.

[0608] In addition to the above, the local microcontroller 1076 can wirelessly communicate with the microcontroller 1028 via the transmission system 1045. Sensor data from the sensor array 1036 can be collected and prepared for transmission by the local control circuit 1049. The local microcontroller 1076 can be configured to compress the sensor data before it is transmitted to the control circuit 1026 via the transmission system 1045.

[0609] Various aspects of one or more algorithms described in this disclosure may be executed by control circuit 1026, control circuit 1049, or both in cooperation. For the sake of brevity, the following description will focus only on the execution of control circuit 1049 or control circuit 1026, but this should not be construed as limiting.

[0610] Figures 6 to 8 Different specific implementations 1051, 1052, and 1053 of the transmission system 1045 are shown. The reader will understand that other specific implementations are contemplated in this disclosure. Figure 8 An exemplary implementation 1053 of the transmission system 1045 is shown, in which data and power are transmitted wirelessly separately using two independent paths. Alternatively, Figure 7 An exemplary implementation 1052 of the transmission system 1045 is shown, in which data and power are transmitted wirelessly sequentially using a single path. Alternatively, Figure 6 An exemplary implementation 1051 of the transmission system 1045 is shown, in which data and power are transmitted wirelessly simultaneously using a single path.

[0611] Through transmission system 1045, and as Figures 6 to 8 As described in implementations 1051, 1052, and 1053, the staple cartridge 1046 can be wirelessly powered by the power supply 1043. The supplied power is used for the collection of sensor data and / or signal processing of the sensor array 1036. In some instances, power is supplied directly to the sensor array 1036 by the power supply 1043. Alternatively, for example, a charge accumulator 11800 (… Figure 7 The local power source can supply power to the sensor array 1036. The charge accumulator 11800 may include a storage capacitor that can be charged by power supplied by the power source 1043. In various respects, the discharge rate (D) and / or remaining charge capacity (C) can be detected or monitored by the charge meter.

[0612] In addition to the above, the control circuit 1049 may be configured or programmed to modulate sensor parameters of one or more subsets of sensors in the sensor array 1008 1036 according to one or more equations, tables, and / or databases stored, for example, in the memory circuit 1032 or memory circuit 1047, to balance power consumption with remaining power capacity. Figure 18 As shown, the sampling rate (S) can be selected from Table 1090 based on the detected values ​​of bandwidth (B), discharge rate (D), and / or remaining capacity (R). For example, the detected values ​​B1, D1, and R1 cause the control circuit 1049 to select the sampling rate (S1). For example, the sampling rate (S) of one or more sensor subsets of the sensor array 1036 can then be adjusted to the sampling rate (S1). Therefore, the collection and / or signal processing of sensor data from the sensor array 1036 can be automatically adjusted by the control circuit 1026 or the local control circuit 1049 to balance power consumption and remaining capacity.

[0613] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 Control circuitry 1026 can be configured to determine the priority level of sensor data received from a subset of sensors in sensor array 1036 based on one or more signals indicating a priority level. In some instances, signals are transmitted from surgical hub 1024 to control circuitry 1026. In other instances, one or more signals are transmitted from one or more sensors to control circuitry 1026. In still other instances, one or more signals are transmitted from feedback system 1038 to control circuitry 1026.

[0614] In some instances, one or more signals convey contextual information derived from received data regarding surgical procedures, surgical instruments 1022, and / or the patient. This contextual information may be derived by a situation-aware surgical hub 1024. In one example, the contextual information may be derived by the control circuitry of the surgical hub 1024. In another example, the contextual information may be derived by a cloud computing system. In yet another example, for instance, the contextual information may be derived by a distributed computing system including at least one of the aforementioned cloud computing system and / or the control circuitry of the surgical hub 1024 combined with the control circuitry 1026 of the surgical instruments 1022. For economic reasons, the following description focuses on contextual information derived by the control circuitry of the surgical hub 1024; however, it should be understood that the derivation of contextual information can be achieved through any of the above examples.

[0615] In some instances, contextual information is derived from one or more data sources (e.g., databases, patient monitoring devices, and modular devices). In one example, the database may include a patient EMR database associated with the medical facility where the surgical procedure is being performed. Data received from the data source may include perioperative data, including preoperative, intraoperative, and / or postoperative data associated with a given surgical procedure. Data received from the database may include the type of surgical procedure being performed or the patient's medical history (e.g., medical conditions that may or may not be the subject of this surgical procedure). In one example, the control circuitry of the surgical hub 1024 may receive patient or surgical procedure data by querying the patient EMR database using a unique identifier associated with the patient. The surgical hub may receive this unique identifier from, for example, a scanner used to scan a patient's wristband, which encodes the unique identifier associated with the patient when the patient enters the operating room.

[0616] In one example, the patient monitoring device includes a BP monitor, an EKG monitor, and other such devices configured to monitor one or more parameters associated with the patient. The patient monitoring device may be paired with a surgical hub 2034, such that the surgical hub receives data from the patient monitoring device. In one example, data received from a modular device paired with (i.e., communicatively coupled to) the surgical hub 1024 includes, for example, activation data (i.e., whether the device is energized or in use), data on the internal state of the modular device (e.g., firing or closing force of surgical cutting and suturing devices, differential pressure of an insulator or fumigator, or energy level of RF or ultrasound surgical instruments), or patient data (e.g., tissue type, tissue thickness, tissue mechanical properties, respiratory rate, or airway volume).

[0617] In some instances, contextual information may include, for example, the type of procedure being performed, a specific step in the surgical procedure being performed, the patient's status (e.g., whether the patient is under anesthesia or in an operating room), or the type of tissue being operated on. In some instances, contextual information is derived from perioperative data, including, for example, data about the modular device (e.g., differential pressure, motor current, internal force, or motor torque) or patient data used with the modular device (e.g., tissue properties, respiratory rate, airway volume, or laparoscopic image data). Further details are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,395 (now U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0201136), filed December 4, 2018, entitled “METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0618] In some instances, contextual information is derived from imaging data received from one or more imaging devices. The imaging data may represent individual images or video streams. Medical imaging devices may include optical components and image sensors that generate the imaging data. For example, optical components may include lenses or light sources. For example, image sensors may include charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). In various examples, medical imaging devices include endoscopes, laparoscopes, thoracoscopes, and other such imaging devices. Image or video data (or data streams representing video for digital medical imaging devices) from medical imaging devices may be processed by a pattern recognition system or machine learning system to identify features (e.g., organ or tissue type) in the field of view (FOV) of the medical imaging device 5108, for example. Contextual information that can be derived from the identified features may include, for example, the type of surgical procedure (or its steps) being performed, the organ being operated on, or the body cavity in which the operation is being performed.

[0619] In various respects, control circuitry 1026 is configured to select the priority level of one or more subsets of sensors in sensor array 1036 based on context information according to algorithm 1010. Furthermore, control circuitry 1026 can switch one or more subsets of sensors in sensor array 1036 between active mode 1083 and idle mode 1084 based on context information according to algorithm 1080. In at least one example, control circuitry 1026 can utilize context information derived from operating room imaging / video feeds to identify steps in the surgical procedure and further distinguish the priority of sensor data collection, transmission, and / or processing based on the step being performed. For example, control circuitry 1026 can identify steps in anastomosis surgical procedures, such as the initial tissue bonding step, based on context information. Identification of the initial tissue bonding step then causes control circuitry 1026 to switch one or more subsets of sensors to active mode 1083.

[0620] See also Figure 13 and Figure 16 The control circuit 1026 may be configured to determine the priority level of one or more subsets of sensors in the sensor array 1036 based on one or more signals indicating the surgical state of the surgical instrument 1022. The signals may include data related to operating parameters of the surgical instrument 1022. For example, the signals may include data related to the function of a motor (e.g., motor 1042).

[0621] Motor data can indicate whether the end effector 1040 is in a joint movement, a closing movement, or a firing movement. Control circuitry (e.g., control circuitry 1026, 049) can be configured or programmed to prioritize one or more sensors of the surgical instrument 1022 based on the type of movement performed by the end effector 1040. For example, closing and firing typically occur after joint movement is complete, at which point the user is fully satisfied with the joint position of the end effector 1040. Therefore, for example, the control circuitry can be configured or programmed to assign a lower priority to closing and / or firing sensor data than to joint movement sensor data in response to the detection of joint movement. For example, the control circuitry can adjust sensor parameters associated with a subset of sensors related to joint movement to increase the sampling rate of that subset. Alternatively, the control circuitry can adjust sensor parameters associated with a subset of sensors related to closing and / or firing to decrease the sampling rate of that subset during joint movement.

[0622] A similar arrangement can be used to prioritize closure sensor data over firing sensor data during the closing of end effector 1040, and / or prioritize firing sensor data over closure sensor data during the firing of end effector 1040. As discussed above, this real-time balancing method ensures that power resources and data transmission and / or data processing resources are not overburdened.

[0623] See also Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 Control circuitry 1026 may be configured to determine the priority level of one or more subsets of sensors in sensor array 1036 1081 based on one or more signals indicative of gross movement of surgical instrument 1022. Surgical instrument 1022 may include one or more sensors, such as accelerometers, configured to measure gross movement of surgical instrument 1022. Detection of gross movement of surgical instrument 1022 may indicate the status of end effector 1040. For example, gross movement may indicate that end effector 1040 is outside a patient's body cavity. Therefore, control circuitry 1026 may be configured or programmed to de-prioritize closure and / or firing sensor data in response to signals indicative of gross movement of surgical instrument 1022. In at least one example, de-prioritizing closure and / or firing sensor data includes switching the sensors of sensor array 1036 associated with closure and / or firing to idle mode 1084. In at least one example, de-prioritizing the closure and / or firing sensor data includes adjusting one or more sensor parameters of the sensors of the sensor array 1036 associated with closure and / or firing, such as sensor parameters that control the collection, processing, and / or transmission of sensor data.

[0624] In addition to the above, similar methods may be employed in response to signals indicating the loading procedure, including start-up data and / or tool docking data, signals indicating the speed of the high-end actuator, and / or any other signals indicating that warehouse sensing is not required at a particular stage. Control circuitry 1026 may be configured or programmed to adjust one or more sensor parameters of sensor array 1036 in response to the detection of one or more of these conditions, thereby minimizing excessive sensor power / data load.

[0625] Determining the priority level of one or more sensor subsets 1081 according to one or more algorithms (e.g., algorithms 1010, 1080) can be implemented in various ways. In one example, the priority level can be a binary priority level, where control circuitry 1026 is configured to select between, for example, a high priority level or a low priority level. In some instances, a high priority level is associated with an activity mode 1083, while a low priority level is associated with an idle mode 1084. In other examples, the priority level includes values ​​that can be determined based on, for example, one or more equations, tables, and / or databases stored in memory circuitry 1032. One or more conditions can contribute to the priority level based on preset values ​​stored in the form of equations, tables, and / or databases.

[0626] See also Figure 13 and Figure 16 As discussed above, algorithm 1000 includes detecting the data transmission bandwidth (B) or maximum data transmission rate of transmission system 1045 through transmission system 1002. The data transmission bandwidth (B) of 1002 can be detected in various ways. For example, data can be transmitted through transmission system 1045 at a gradually increasing or incremental rate until an error is detected, or the signal strength no longer allows for a higher transmission rate. With each transmission, a data reception acknowledgment and / or data integrity acknowledgment can be requested. If an acknowledgment is received, the transmission rate of subsequent transmissions is increased. However, if no acknowledgment is received, it can be inferred that the most recent transmission rate exceeded the bandwidth capacity of transmission system 1045. In such instances, for example, an earlier transmission rate than the most recent transmission rate can be determined as the data transmission bandwidth (B) of the transmission system. In some instances, an initial transmission is performed using a default transmission rate. Subsequent transmissions are then performed using a gradually increasing or incremental transmission rate according to a predetermined value until, for example, the data transmission bandwidth (B) is detected due to a lack of acknowledgment.

[0627] Additionally or alternatively, the data transmission bandwidth (B) of 1002 can be detected during the initial confirmation or handshake. The confirmation and / or handshake signal can be transmitted between the control circuitry 1026 and the local control circuitry 1049 via the transmission system 1045 as part of an activation, initialization, and / or wake-up sequence, such as that of the staple cartridge 1046 and / or the surgical instrument 1022.

[0628] In some instances, the transmission rates associated with successful transmissions during one or more previous uses of the surgical instrument 1022 are stored and then used to detect bandwidth (B) in subsequent uses of the surgical instrument 1022 or other similar surgical instruments 1022. In one example, successful transmission rates may be stored in memory circuitry 1032 for sharing during initial confirmation or handshakes for future use. Control circuitry 1026 may be configured or programmed to monitor reloads of the compartments used with the surgical instrument 1022, each attempting to maximize data throughput, and may subsequently recommend to future compartment reloads the maximum transmission rates achievable by previous compartment reloads.

[0629] In another example, a successful transmission rate can be transmitted to a surgical hub (e.g., surgical hub 1024) and / or a cloud-based system for data aggregation and analysis. For example, the data transmission bandwidth (B) can be detected 1002 based on a signal indicating the data transmission bandwidth (B) received from the surgical hub or the cloud-based system.

[0630] Figure 19 This is a logic flowchart depicting an algorithm 1100 for a control program or logic configuration used to monitor and resolve signal interference in the power and / or data signal transmission between the staple cartridge 1046 and the surgical instrument 1022. As described elsewhere herein, the reloading of the staple cartridge 1046 is releasably coupled to the surgical instrument 1022 via a cartridge channel 1048 disposed in the end effector 1040. Furthermore, when the staple cartridge 1046 is disposed in the cartridge channel 1048, a wireless connection can be established between the staple cartridge 1046 and the surgical instrument 1022, thereby wirelessly transmitting 1102 power and / or data signals. The power and / or data signals can be transmitted via a wiring harness extending in the cartridge channel and then via the wireless power and / or data transmission circuitry of the transmission system 1045. The transmission of power and / or data signals is subject to various internal and external interferences.

[0631] Various internal and external factors can cause signal interference, such as signal interference from environmental factors (including the presence of tissue and / or fluid in the end effector 1040), signal interference from other surgical tools or even other components of the surgical instrument 1022. Wireless power and / or data transmission circuitry may be at least partially attached to the metal cartridge channel 1048. In some instances, parasitic losses through the metal cartridge channel 1048, antenna misalignment in the wireless power and / or data transmission circuitry, and / or secondary magnetic field generation may also contribute to signal interference.

[0632] To manage signal interference, algorithm 1100 monitors interference in the power and / or data signal transmission between surgical instrument 1022 and staple cartridge 1046. Algorithm 1100 further modulates the operating parameters of surgical instrument 1022 based on the interference. In at least one example, modulating the operating parameters 1106 includes adjusting the strength of the data signal, the data transmission rate, and / or the power transmission rate based on the detected interference. In some instances, modulating the operating parameters 1106 includes adjusting one or more sensor parameters associated with data collection, transmission, and / or processing, such as sensor sampling rate, sampling drive current and / or voltage, collection rate, sensor data resolution, sensor data transmission rate, activation duration, and / or activation frequency. In at least one example, a sensor or sensor group may be switched to an inactive mode, an idle mode, or an active mode to mitigate interference.

[0633] In addition to the above, interference monitoring 1104 can be achieved by comparing the expected data transmission with the actual data transmission of the transmission system 1045 to account for losses due to interference. If the difference between the expected data transmission and the actual data transmission is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the transmission system 1045 adjusts one or more operating parameters of the surgical instrument 1022 (e.g., the strength of the data signal) to mitigate the interference. In various aspects, monitoring 1104 interference includes monitoring signal stability, the number of lost data packets, and / or the ratio of distinguishable signal to random noise. If signal stability, the number of lost data packets, and / or the ratio of distinguishable signal to random noise are greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the transmission system 1045 adjusts one or more operating parameters of the surgical instrument 1022 as previously discussed.

[0634] Furthermore, monitoring interference 1104 may include determining the interference level based on one or more factors that contribute to the inferred level. These factors may include, for example, the ratio of expected data transmission to actual data transmission, signal stability, the number of lost data packets, and / or the ratio of distinguishable signals to random noise. The contribution of each factor to the interference level may be determined from interference equations, interference tables, and / or interference databases that may be stored in memory circuitry (e.g., memory circuitry 1032, 1047). For example, control circuitry 1026 may be configured or programmed to calculate the interference level based on the individual contributions of each factor. Control circuitry 1026 may also compare the determined interference level to a predetermined threshold. If the determined interference level is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, then, as previously discussed, the processor may modulate one or more operating parameters of surgical instrument 1022 1016 until the monitored interference level decreases to, for example, below the predetermined threshold value.

[0635] See also Figures 6 to 8 and Figure 17The staple cartridge 1046 can be configured to detect which of the specific implementations 1051, 1052, and 1053 of the transmission system 1045 is available for wireless signal transmission between the staple cartridge 1046 and the surgical instrument 1022. The staple cartridge 1046 can further select various protocols and / or algorithms associated with the available specific implementations. In one example, the control circuitry 1049 can detect the available specific implementation of the transmission system 1045 by detecting the presence of one or two local antenna arrays. If two antenna arrays are detected, such as... Figure 8 As embodied in specific implementation 1053, control circuit 1049 can adjust one or more operating parameters of surgical instrument 1022, and / or select one or more algorithms and / or communication protocols associated with individual power and data transmission. Alternatively, if only a single antenna array is detected, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As embodied in specific implementations 1051 and 1052, control circuit 1049 can adjust one or more operating parameters of surgical instrument 1022 and / or select one or more algorithms and / or communication protocols associated with simultaneous / sequential power and data transmission.

[0636] In various aspects, antenna array detection is performed during a wake-up or activation sequence or handshake protocol implemented or at least partially implemented by control circuitry 1049. In at least one example, antenna array detection is performed by control circuitry 1049 using predefined test signals. In some instances, control circuitry 1049 detects and monitors short-range and / or long-range data transmission activity to determine connectivity characteristics and / or command hierarchy. In some instances, control circuitry 1049 performs selective pairing based on sensor array capabilities.

[0637] Figure 20 This is a logic flowchart depicting an algorithm 1110 for optimizing the control program or logic configuration of power transmission from surgical instrument 1022 to staple cartridge 1046. As discussed above, when staple cartridge 1046 is positioned in the jaws of end effector 1040, transmission system 1045 can wirelessly electrically couple surgical instrument 1022 and staple cartridge 1046. In at least one example, one or more aspects of algorithm 1110 are executed by power management circuitry, which may be implemented at least in part by control circuitry 1026, control circuitry 1049, and / or separate power management circuitry. In the illustrated example, algorithm 1110 includes wirelessly transmitting power from surgical instrument 1022 to staple cartridge 1046 1112, monitoring 1114 the power transmission efficiency from surgical instrument 1022 to staple cartridge 1046, and adjusting 1116 the operating parameters of surgical instrument 1022 based on the transmission efficiency.

[0638] In various aspects, monitoring the efficiency of 1114 power transmission involves comparing expected power transmission with actual power transmission. In some instances, monitoring the efficiency of 1114 power transmission includes comparing transmission parameters (e.g., transmission rate) with predetermined thresholds. Additionally, the efficiency of power transmission can be affected by several environmental factors, including parasitic losses, interference, antenna misalignment, and / or secondary magnetic field generation. In some instances, monitoring the efficiency of 1114 power transmission includes monitoring one or more of these environmental factors.

[0639] See also Figure 20 The operating parameters of the adjusted surgical instrument 1116 can be the transmission parameters of the transmission system 1045. In some instances, adjusting the operating parameters of the surgical instrument 1022 includes adjusting one or more aspects of the waveform of the power transmission, adjusting the rate of the power transmission, and / or adjusting the frequency of the power transmission. Additionally or alternatively, adjusting the operating parameters of the surgical instrument 1022 may include adaptive voltage scaling. Additionally or alternatively, adjusting the operating parameters of the surgical instrument 1022 may include at least one component of the real-time tuned transmission system 1045, as described in more detail below.

[0640] One or more transmission parameters associated with previous power transfers between surgical instrument 1022 and one or more staple cartridges 1046 are stored, for example, by memory circuitry 1032. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission parameters associated with previous power transfers may be uploaded to, for example, a local server and / or a cloud-based system for data aggregation and analysis. In some instances, the power management circuitry of surgical instrument 1022 may determine transmission parameters for future power transfers based at least in part on the stored transmission parameters associated with previous power transfers. In at least one example, the power management circuitry may determine the transmission parameters for future power transfers and then compare the determined transmission parameters with the stored transmission parameters before implementing them to ensure that the determined transmission parameters are within acceptable thresholds based on the stored transmission parameters.

[0641] In some instances, adjusting the operating parameters of surgical instrument 1116 1022 includes adjusting the power drive frequency of transmission system 1045 based on current operating conditions. Because of restrictions on the use of EM frequencies (which can vary between different regions), the power management circuitry can implement one or more algorithms to select the optimal power drive frequency that also conforms to such restrictions. In other words, when selecting the optimal power drive frequency, the power management circuitry can be restricted to unlicensed frequency bands available in a specific region.

[0642] In addition to the above, the selection of the optimal power drive frequency may also depend on which specific implementation of the transmission system 1045 is available. For example, in representing separate data and power transmissions... Figure 8 In the specific implementation 1053, power transmission is not limited by the data transmission frequency standard. In such instances, the optimal power drive frequency is selected from values ​​different from the data transmission frequency. However, this represents simultaneous or sequential power and data transmission... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The specific implementations 1051 and 1052 are limited by the data transmission frequency standard. Therefore, the power management circuit can implement one or more algorithms for selecting the optimal power drive frequency, at least in part, based on the available specific implementations of the transmission system 1045. As discussed above, detecting the available specific implementations of the transmission system 1045 can be performed by detecting the presence of one or two local antenna arrays. Alternatively, the power management circuit can detect the available specific implementations of the transmission system 1045 using various test signals.

[0643] In some instances, adjusting the operating parameters of the 1116 surgical instrument 1022 includes circuit tuning for resonance, frequency matching, and / or impedance matching. Figure 21 An exemplary specific implementation 1120 of a transmission system 1045 for transmitting power between a surgical instrument 1022 and a staple cartridge 1046 is shown. Other specific implementations are contemplated in this disclosure. In the illustrated example, the first antenna circuit 1121 is connected to an input voltage V. in Input voltage V in A power supply 1043 may be located near the end effector 10...

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising: axis; A joint motion connector that extends distally from the axis; An end effector extending distally from the articulated joint, wherein the end effector is configured to grasp tissue, and wherein the end effector includes: jaws; and A staple cartridge, capable of being disposed within the jaws of the clamps, wherein the staple cartridge comprises: Warehouse body; Nails, the nails being stored removably in the housing; and A first antenna, the first antenna being attached to the housing; and A remote power source, configured to supply power; A second antenna, configured to cooperate with the first antenna when the staple cartridge is placed in the jaws, to transmit at least one of the power and data signals to the staple cartridge; and A tuning electronics package is located in a cavity in the proximal portion of the end effector, wherein the cavity is located proximal to the second antenna and distal to the axis, and wherein the tuning electronics package is configured to facilitate locally tunable wireless transmission of at least one of the power and the data signals.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The second antenna is attached to the clamp.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein, The tuning electronics package is spaced from the second antenna at a distance selected from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity is located distal to the joint motion joint.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The tuning electronics package includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to adjust the rate of the wireless transmission of the power.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein, The program instructions further enable the processor to adjust the rate of wireless transmission of the data signal.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein, The program instructions further cause the processor to adjust the frequency associated with the wireless transmission of at least one of the power and the data signals.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein, The frequency adjustment is region-specific.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein, The program instructions further enable the processor to perform multiple sequential adjustments to the wireless transmission of the power and then the data signal.

10. The surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein, The adjustment is made to minimize the reflected signal.

11. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The tuning electronics package includes an adjustable tuning circuit.

12. A surgical instrument comprising: axis; A joint motion connector that extends distally from the axis; An end effector extending distally from the articulated joint, wherein the end effector is configured to grasp tissue, and wherein the end effector includes: jaws; and A staple cartridge, capable of being disposed within the jaws of the clamps, wherein the staple cartridge comprises: warehouse body; and Nails, which are stored in the compartment in a removable manner; A remote power source, configured to supply power; An antenna array, located on the far side of the axis, comprising: First antenna; and A second antenna, configured to cooperate with the first antenna when the staple cartridge is placed in the jaws, to transmit at least one of the power and data signals to the staple cartridge; and An adaptive control system is located in a cavity in the proximal portion of the end effector, wherein the cavity is located proximal to the second antenna and distal to the axis, and wherein the control system is configured to facilitate the local tunable wireless transmission of at least one of the power and the data signals through the antenna array.

13. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The adaptive control system includes a rigid circuit board positioned within the cavity.

14. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The first antenna is attached to the housing, and the second antenna is attached to the jaws.

15. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The adaptive control system is spaced from the second antenna at a distance selected from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch.

16. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The cavity is located distal to the joint motion joint.

17. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The adaptive control system includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to adjust the rate of the wireless transmission of the power.

18. The surgical instrument according to claim 17, wherein, The program instructions further enable the processor to adjust the rate of wireless transmission of the data signal.

19. The surgical instrument according to claim 18, wherein, The program instructions further cause the processor to adjust the frequency associated with the wireless transmission of at least one of the power and the data signals.

20. The surgical instrument according to claim 19, wherein, The program instructions further enable the processor to perform multiple sequential adjustments to the wireless transmission of the power and then the data signal.

21. The surgical instrument according to claim 20, wherein, The adjustment is made to minimize the reflected signal.

Images