Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft. The housing includes a docking portion that includes one or more apertures defined therein and electrical circuitry disposed therein. An end effector is operably supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft. A battery assembly is selectively and pivotably engageable with the docking portion of the housing and configured to generate electrical energy. The battery assembly includes one or more protrusions that are configured to releasably engage the aperture(s) on the docking portion and a latch mechanism that is movable from an initial position for latching the battery assembly to the docking portion to a subsequent position for unlatching the battery assembly from the docking portion. The battery assembly is adapted to communicate with the electrical circuitry of the docking member upon insertion of the battery assembly into the at least one aperture.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided having a treatment portion attached at a distal end thereof and a handle for actuating the treatment portion. The instrument includes at least one switch, each configured to close an associated open circuit upon activation thereof for controlling at least one respective function or parameter associated with the treatment portion. The instrument is provided with a cap configured to mechanically engage the housing and having an inner surface including a corresponding number of mechanical interfaces configured to align with each switch, such that an activation force against an outer surface of the cap and relative to the housing closes the open circuit associated with a corresponding switch.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft. The housing includes a docking portion that includes one or more apertures defined therein and electrical circuitry disposed therein. An end effector is operably supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft. A battery assembly is selectively and pivotably engageable with the docking portion of the housing and configured to generate electrical energy. The battery assembly includes one or more protrusions that are configured to releasably engage the aperture(s) on the docking portion and a latch mechanism that is movable from an initial position for latching the battery assembly to the docking portion to a subsequent position for unlatching the battery assembly from the docking portion. The battery assembly is adapted to communicate with the electrical circuitry of the docking member upon insertion of the battery assembly into the at least one aperture.