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 robotic surgical system includes a robotic manipulator that includes a mounting fixture defining a longitudinal channel, and a surgical tool removably coupleable to the mounting fixture. The surgical tool including a tool housing matable with the mounting fixture, an elongate shaft extending from the tool housing and receivable within the channel, and a latching mechanism provided on the elongate shaft and comprising one or more retention tabs biased radially outward with one or more biasing members. The one or more retention tabs are movable between a deployed state, where the one or more retention tabs protrude radially outward through a corresponding one or more slots to engage the mounting fixture, and a retracted state, where the one or more retention tabs are urged radially inward through the one or more slots to disengage the mounting fixture.

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 robotic surgical system includes a robotic manipulator that includes a mounting fixture defining a longitudinal channel, and a surgical tool removably coupleable to the mounting fixture. The surgical tool including a tool housing matable with the mounting fixture, an elongate shaft extending from the tool housing and receivable within the channel, and a latching mechanism provided on the elongate shaft and comprising one or more retention tabs biased radially outward with one or more biasing members. The one or more retention tabs are movable between a deployed state, where the one or more retention tabs protrude radially outward through a corresponding one or more slots to engage the mounting fixture, and a retracted state, where the one or more retention tabs are urged radially inward through the one or more slots to disengage the mounting fixture.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools can incorporate a latching mechanism as a secondary fastener to maintain operable coupling between the robotic surgical tool and a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. Such robotic surgical tools may comprise: a tool housing, an elongate shaft extending from the tool housing, and a latching mechanism arranged on the elongate shaft. The latching mechanism comprises one or more retention tabs that are biased radially outward with one or more biasing members. The one or more retention tabs are configured to transition between a retracted state and a deployed state under influence of a biasing force supplied by the one or more biasing members. In the deployed state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to engage an exterior surface of a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. In the retracted state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to disengage from the mounting fixture.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a failure response system with a first circuit configured to detect a first operational error of the powered surgical stapling and cutting instrument, and a control circuit configured to activate a first failure response mode if the first operational error is detected.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools can incorporate a latching mechanism as a secondary fastener to maintain operable coupling between the robotic surgical tool and a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. Such robotic surgical tools may comprise: a tool housing, an elongate shaft extending from the tool housing, and a latching mechanism arranged on the elongate shaft. The latching mechanism comprises one or more retention tabs that are biased radially outward with one or more biasing members. The one or more retention tabs are configured to transition between a retracted state and a deployed state under influence of a biasing force supplied by the one or more biasing members. In the deployed state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to engage an exterior surface of a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. In the retracted state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to disengage from the mounting fixture.

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 surgical instrument includes a failure response system with a first circuit configured to detect a first operational error of the powered surgical stapling and cutting instrument, and a control circuit configured to activate a first failure response mode if the first operational error is detected.

Abstract: A self-supporting platform for a wind turbine tower comprises a grid structure having a plurality of grid nodes, wherein the grid structure transfers a load on the platform to the wall of the tower.