Abstract: A surgical system comprising a stapling instrument and a staple cartridge including a plurality of independent circuits powered by the surgical instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical system may include tiered-access features. The surgical system may be used to analyze at least a portion of a surgical field. Based on a control parameter, the system may scale up or down various capabilities, such as visualization processing, endocutter communication, endocutter algorithm updates, smart cartridge connectivity, smart motor control for circular stapler, smart energy control, cloud analytics, hub connectivity control, and/or hub visualization and control interactions. The control parameter may include system aspects such as processing capability or bandwidth for example and/or the identification of an appropriate service tier.

Abstract: A method for establishing signal and power communication between a surgical instrument and a staple cartridge is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument controls communication capabilities between the surgical instrument and a removeable component. The surgical instrument may determine parameters associated with the surgical instrument and the removable component. Based on the parameters, the surgical instrument determines a level or tier of communication between the surgical instrument and the removable component. The surgical instrument may determine to configure one or more of the following levels: one-way static communication with the component; two-way communication with the component; real-time two-way communication with the component; and communication with a surgical hub.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a ballast car hopper door includes logic and control circuitry, a hydraulic actuator, a door position sensor, and one or more sensors operable to measure system operational parameters. During normal operation of the hopper door the logic and control circuitry records the system operational parameters. In the event of failure, or absence, of the door position sensor the control circuitry compares real-time data to recorded data to maintain operation and correct positioning of the hopper door.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a ballast car hopper door includes logic and control circuitry, a hydraulic actuator, a door position sensor, and one or more sensors operable to measure system operational parameters. During normal operation of the hopper door the logic and control circuitry records the system operational parameters. In the event of failure, or absence, of the door position sensor the control circuitry compares real-time data to recorded data to maintain operation and correct positioning of the hopper door.

Abstract: A GPS controlled multiple source material application or ballast spreading system includes tracking the position of a plurality of ballast hopper cars using GPS derived coordinates and controlling the opening of multiple ballast doors to spread ballast on desired sections of track for railroad maintenance. The process involves tracking the current hopper loads, the opened or closed state of the ballast doors, and the concurrent amount of ballast which has been spread on the desired track sections.