Abstract: A sensor power controlling circuit of a machinery health monitoring module includes (1) a positive voltage input for receiving a positive voltage from a galvanically isolated voltage source within the machinery health monitoring module, (2) a sensor power connecter for providing power to a machine sensor, (3) a push-pull comparator having a positive input, a negative input, and an output, (4) a first resistor, (5) a PNP transistor, and (6) a first capacitor. A sensor signal conditioning circuit of the machinery health monitoring module is disposed between a machine sensor and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The sensor signal conditioning circuit includes a sensor interface connector, a first and second operational amplifier, a passive Nyquist filter, and first and second gain flattening feedback networks.

Abstract: A machine monitor includes sensors producing a series of scalar values corresponding to sensed physical parameters. An analyzer produces a first database based on the scalar values and determines a median value of the scalar values for each sensor. It also sets a spike level that is offset from the median value by a predetermined multiple of the median value. A spike filter in the analyzer compares the scalar values to the spike level, and identifies a particular scalar value as a potential spike when the particular scalar value differs from the median value by an amount that is equal to or greater than the spike level. A potential spike is determined to be an actual spike if the first and second side values are within a predetermined range of the median value. A second database is produced with the actual spikes eliminated.

Abstract: A universal sensor interface for a machine data acquisition system includes a sensor power control circuit that: (1) provides a fast and accurate limiting response to a short-circuit fault, (2) survives and automatically recovers from multiple concurrent continuous short-circuit faults with no interruption to the electrical and thermal integrity of the acquisition system, (3) reduces power consumption/dissipation when in a faulted condition, (4) isolates adverse effects of a faulted channel from uninvolved channels, (5) isolates adverse effects of loose wiring termination “chatter” from uninvolved channels, (6) protects against adverse effects resulting from “hot wiring” of sensors, (7) protects the acquisition system against reasonably anticipated installation wiring errors, and (8) minimizes the availability of spark-inducing energy to the data acquisition system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is separable into a transducer unit and a lower body portion. The lower body portion includes a waveguide and a casing. The transducer unit includes a transducer and a geared mechanism operable to couple the transducer to the waveguide. In some versions the geared mechanism includes bevel gears coupled to a rack and pinion such that linear motion may be used to rotatably couple a transducer to a waveguide. The rack gear may further include a handle extending out of the transducer unit casing to be actuatable by a user. The rack gear may also be flexible or rigid. In other versions, the bevel gears may be coupled to a threaded shaft that is operable to translate the transducer into the waveguide to form an interference fit. The transducer unit may also include a slide lock mechanism to couple to the casing of the lower body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for aseptic insertion includes a container, a first cover, and a second cover. The container includes a first compartment, a second compartment, and a detachable wall disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment. The first cover is sized and configured to attach to the first compartment and the second cover is sized and configured to attach to the container. The detachable wall may defined by a top portion, a portion of a first distal wall of the first compartment, and a portion of a second proximal wall of the second compartment. The detachable wall may be removably attached to the first cover by the top portion of the detachable wall.

Abstract: A field programmable gate array (FPGA) in a machine health monitoring (MHM) module includes interface circuitry, vibration data processing circuitry, and tachometer data processing circuitry. The interface circuitry de-multiplexes a synchronous serial data stream comprising multiple multiplexed data channels, each containing machine vibration data or tachometer data, into separate input data streams. The vibration data processing circuitry comprises parallel processing channels for the separate input data streams containing vibration data, each channel including a highpass filter, two stages of integration circuits, a digital tracking bandpass filter, and multiple parallel scalar calculation channels. The tachometer data processing circuitry processes the tachometer data to generate RPM and other values. A cross-point switch in the FPGA distributes tachometer signals between MHM modules in a distributed control system, thereby allowing multiple modules to share tachometer information.

Abstract: A system is described for time synchronizing digitized measurement signals, such as vibration signals. The digitized signals, which are acquired asynchronously by multiple distributed measurement units, indicate the operational condition of a machine or a process. To measure the phase of the digitized signals relative to a pulse tachometer input, the time between the leading edge of the tachometer pulse and the digitized samples is measured. To achieve phase-coherent synchronization across the distributed measurement units, a local synchronization signal is embedded into the data produced by the measurement units. The systems uses the synchronization signal to align the data in post processing, which phase aligns the data and aligns the data in absolute time. The synchronization signal may be encoded with a timestamp to provide additional timing information.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first power source and a second power source. The first power source is configured to deliver power to a surgical instrument at a first rate of discharge. The second power source is configured to deliver power to the first power source at a second rate of discharge. The first power source and the second power source are positioned within the surgical instrument. The first power source and the second power source are further configured to communicate with a control module. The control module may rely on power from the first power source to drive an end effector of the surgical instrument. The end effector may comprise a harmonic/ultrasonic blade, RF electrosurgical electrodes, powered cutting/stapling features, and/or various other types of components.

Abstract: A vibration data acquisition and analysis module is operable to be inserted directly into a distributed control system (DCS) I/O backplane, so that processed vibration parameters may be scanned directly by the DCS I/O controller. Because the process data and the vibration data are both being scanned by the same DCS I/O controller, there is no need to integrate numerical data, binary relay outputs, and analog overall vibration level outputs from a separate vibration monitoring system into the DCS. The system provides for: (1) directly acquiring vibration data by the DCS for machinery protection and predictive machinery health analysis; (2) direct integration of vibration information on DCS alarm screens; (3) acquisition and display of real time vibration data on operator screens; (4) using vibration data to detect abnormal situations associated with equipment failures; and (5) using vibration data directly in closed-loop control applications.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an end effector having an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a clamp pad. The end effector applies ultrasonic energy at the blade. The clamp arm pivots relative to the blade. The clamp pad is positioned on the clamp arm adjacent to the blade. The clamp arm includes a latching feature to retain the clamp pad relative to the clamp arm to prevent the clamp pad from moving laterally, longitudinally, and perpendicularly relative to the clamp arm.

Abstract: Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and u

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an elongated shaft that defines defining a central axis. The elongated shaft may have a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be axially movable within the elongated shaft such that a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft may be distally advanced beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that at least one tissue acquisition member is selectively pivotable about a corresponding acquisition axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. Various embodiments include an annular cutting member that is supported by the distal end of the elongated shaft for selective axial travel relative thereto.

Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a firing member, an anvil shaft assembly operably supported within an elongated shaft, and an anvil removably attachable to a distal connection portion of an anvil shaft assembly. The instrument further comprises a tissue acquisition shaft rotatably supported within the elongated shaft, tissue acquisition members pivotally attached to a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft and being selectively pivotable between a retracted position to deployed positions, and at least one tissue acquisition pin corresponding to each one of the tissue acquisition members, each tissue acquisition pin radially protruding outward from the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft to impale tissue drawn in towards the tissue acquisition shaft by the tissue acquisition members when the tissue acquisition members are moved from the deployed positions to the retracted position.

Abstract: A universal sensor interface for a machine data acquisition system includes a sensor power control circuit that: (1) provides a fast and accurate limiting response to a short-circuit fault, (2) survives and automatically recovers from multiple concurrent continuous short-circuit faults with no interruption to the electrical and thermal integrity of the acquisition system, (3) reduces power consumption/dissipation when in a faulted condition, (4) isolates adverse effects of a faulted channel from uninvolved channels, (5) isolates adverse effects of loose wiring termination “chatter” from uninvolved channels, (6) protects against adverse effects resulting from “hot wiring” of sensors, (7) protects the acquisition system against reasonably anticipated installation wiring errors, and (8) minimizes the availability of spark-inducing energy to the data acquisition system.

Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base and at least one indicator in communication with the base. The base comprises a housing and at least one slot. The at least one slot is shaped to receive a reusable component from a surgical instrument. The at least one indicator is in communication with the at least one slot. The base is configured to detect at least one characteristic related to the reusable component when the reusable component is placed into the at least one slot. Wherein the at least one indicator is configured to provide a signal to the user regarding the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: A system is described for time synchronizing digitized measurement signals, such as vibration signals. The digitized signals, which are acquired asynchronously by multiple distributed measurement units, indicate the operational condition of a machine or a process. To measure the phase of the digitized signals relative to a pulse tachometer input, the time between the leading edge of the tachometer pulse and the digitized samples is measured. To achieve phase-coherent synchronization across the distributed measurement units, a local synchronization signal is embedded into the data produced by the measurement units. The systems uses the synchronization signal to align the data in post processing, which phase aligns the data and aligns the data in absolute time. The synchronization signal may be encoded with a timestamp to provide additional timing information.

Abstract: A vibration data acquisition and analysis module is operable to be inserted directly into a distributed control system (DCS) I/O backplane, so that processed vibration parameters may be scanned directly by the DCS I/O controller. Because the process data and the vibration data are both being scanned by the same DCS I/O controller, there is no need to integrate numerical data, binary relay outputs, and analog overall vibration level outputs from a separate vibration monitoring system into the DCS. The system provides for: (1) directly acquiring vibration data by the DCS for machinery protection and predictive machinery health analysis; (2) direct integration of vibration information on DCS alarm screens; (3) acquisition and display of real time vibration data on operator screens; (4) using vibration data to detect abnormal situations associated with equipment failures; and (5) using vibration data directly in closed-loop control applications.

Abstract: A field programmable gate array (FPGA) in a machine health monitoring (MHM) module includes interface circuitry, vibration data processing circuitry, and tachometer data processing circuitry. The interface circuitry de-multiplexes a synchronous serial data stream comprising multiple multiplexed data channels, each containing machine vibration data or tachometer data, into separate input data streams. The vibration data processing circuitry comprises parallel processing channels for the separate input data streams containing vibration data, each channel including a highpass filter, two stages of integration circuits, a digital tracking bandpass filter, and multiple parallel scalar calculation channels. The tachometer data processing circuitry processes the tachometer data to generate RPM and other values. A cross-point switch in the FPGA distributes tachometer signals between MHM modules in a distributed control system, thereby allowing multiple modules to share tachometer information.