Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a sled and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, an anvil, and a cartridge channel. The staple cartridge includes a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body, and staples supported in the cartridge body, wherein the sled is movable to deploy the staples from the cartridge body against tissue captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil. The cartridge channel is configured to removably retain the staple cartridge, wherein a load is required to remove the staple cartridge from the cartridge channel, and wherein the sled is configured to reduce the cartridge removal load.

Abstract: Leak detection sensors, appliances configured to detect leaks and methods of detecting leaks are provided. The leak detection sensor is a self-powered leak detection sensor. The leak detection sensor includes a water-permeable medium and at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell can include a first electrode and a second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the electrodes, wherein in a dormant state, the electrolyte is in a solid, dry state. The electrochemical cell can enter an active state when exposed to water. The electrochemical cell can be configured to generate electrical power in the active state. The leak detection sensor can further include a peripheral electronic component configured to receive electrical power produced by the electrochemical cell. The self-powered leak detection sensor is configured for, and related methods include, detecting exposure to water in response to electrical energy generation of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lighting systems, including high output lighting systems for various environments. The lighting systems include a lighting controller for driving lighting modules and transmitting a data signal to the lighting modules. The data signal varies between logical states. The lighting controller provides a low loss rectified power signal. The lighting controller further provides data within the power signal by forming a positive polarity rectified power waveform corresponding to data in a first state and a negative polarity rectified waveform signal corresponding to data in a second state using substantially loss-less circuitry.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a processor and a memory that either forms a part of the processor or is connected to the processor. A plurality of manually actuable controls allow a user to enter a watering program into the memory or select a watering program stored in the memory. Circuitry is controlled by the processor for turning corresponding valves ON and OFF in accordance with the watering program. Programming stored in the memory implements predetermined watering restrictions that disable portions of the watering otherwise effectuated by the watering program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lighting systems, including high output lighting systems for various environments. The lighting systems include a lighting controller for driving lighting modules and transmitting a data signal to the lighting modules. The data signal varies between logical states. The lighting controller provides a low loss rectified power signal. The lighting controller further provides data within the power signal by forming a positive polarity rectified power waveform corresponding to data in a first state and a negative polarity rectified waveform signal corresponding to data in a second state using substantially loss-less circuitry.