Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil and an elongate channel. The elongate channel includes a plurality of first electrical contacts and a plurality of electrical connectors comprising a plurality of second electrical contacts, wherein the electrical connectors are spring-biased such that a gap is maintained between the first electrical contacts and the second electrical contacts. The surgical instrument further includes a staple cartridge releasably attachable to the elongate channel, wherein the staple cartridge has a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples deployable from the staple cavities into the tissue, and a plurality of third electrical contacts, wherein the attachment of the staple cartridge to the elongate channel moves the electrical connectors causing the second electrical contacts to bridge the gap and become electrically coupled to the first electrical contacts.

Abstract: A modular construction system and modular member are provided for the construction of concatenated structures having interconnected, overlapping, offset or parallel courses. The modular members are provided with substantially planar upper and lower surfaces with the thickness, width and hole spacing of each modular member being predetermined and interdependent. The modular members present holes which receive connectors, and may have holes presenting a plurality of bore diameters. The members may be cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member midway between adjacent holes to provide compatible modular member segments. The complementally shaped connectors are received in the holes and may include mechanical barbs or threads, or separate retainers for use with the connectors inhibit preventing vertical separation of overlapping adjacent modular members.