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: The disclosure provides improvements in effecting the routing function in a communication network operating under a distributed control protocol. Selected nodes (control nodes) have extended memory and computing capabilities and each maintains a topology data base, other nodes (ordinary nodes) have more limited memory and computing capabilities and maintain information respecting solely local topology. The method of the invention provides for maintaining the topology data bases in the control nodes current in the face of changes in the network, provides for the selection of a particular control node from which a particular ordinary node will obtain necessary routing information and establishes and maintains communication between the ordinary node and the selected control node. Control nodes identify adjacent control nodes, and upon determining changes in network status, such network status changes are communicated to the adjacent control nodes.