Abstract: A waste disposal device for sealing waste and a cassette for dispensing film are disclosed. The waste disposal device comprises first and second rollers, each comprising first and second end portions and a joining portion therebetween. The end portions of the first and second rollers are arranged to receive and seal first and second film portions therebetween as the first and second rollers rotate. The joining portions of the first and second rollers are arranged to define an aperture for receiving waste in a first rotary configuration of the rollers and to seal the first and second film portions therebetween in a second rotary configuration of the first and second rollers. The cassette comprises first and second portions comprising respective first and second film dispensers. The first portion is mechanically connected to the second portion. The cassette is moveable between a first, compact configuration and a second, extended configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to antennas for wearable devices. In an aspect, the antenna includes an active portion that includes conductive traces that send and receive radiofrequency communication signals. The antenna also includes a ground plane. The antenna includes a spacer that provides separation between the active portion and the ground plane portion.

Abstract: An electronic device having a unique interface between the electronic circuitry of the device and an antenna that is external to the device and located in a band. The antenna functionality is achieved externally in the band and includes a conductive path from one or more components of the device to the antenna in the band. The conductive path may extend through an exterior housing of the device to electrically connect the one or more components and the antenna.

Abstract: A waste disposal device for sealing waste and a cassette for dispensing film are disclosed. The waste disposal device comprises first and second rollers, each comprising first and second end portions and a joining portion therebetween. The end portions of the first and second rollers are arranged to receive and seal first and second film portions therebetween as the first and second rollers rotate. The joining portions of the first and second rollers are arranged to define an aperture for receiving waste in a first rotary configuration of the rollers and to seal the first and second film portions therebetween in a second rotary configuration of the first and second rollers. The cassette comprises first and second portions comprising respective first and second film dispensers. The first portion is mechanically connected to the second portion. The cassette is moveable between a first, compact configuration and a second, extended configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to antennas for wearable devices. in an aspect, the antenna includes an active portion that includes conductive traces that send and receive radiofrequency communication signals. The antenna also includes a ground plane. The antenna includes a spacer that provides separation between the active portion and the ground plane portion.

Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument is shown, which comprises a shaft and an end effector. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, and the end effector is operationally coupled, preferably mechanically coupled, to the shaft at an articulation pivot. The instrument also comprises a first band, and in some embodiments, a second band, each operationally connected to the end effector and extending through at least a portion of the shaft. An articulation control applies a force in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the force, when applied in one direction, is translated through the first band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a first rotational direction, and when the force is applied in the opposite direction, is translated through the second band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic and laparoscopic insertion through a cannula of a trocar into an insufflated body cavity or lumen includes a bending member in an elongate shaft that acts to rotate an end effector about an articulation pivot joint. A proximally directed camming surface (e.g., gear segment, cam recess) aft of a pivotal attachment of the end effector to a proximal frame ground of the elongate shaft interacts with a bending member whose proximal end is ground to the proximal frame ground. Differential fluidic actuators or mechanical cam bars deflect a distal end (e.g., rack, cam point) of the bending member to effect articulation. Thereby, the end effector may act upon tissue that would otherwise be obscured, such as behind an organ. The articulated end effector also advantageously allows an endoscope to be positioned behind the end effector without being blocked by the instrument shaft.