Abstract: An ultracapacitor that includes an energy storage cell immersed in an advanced electrolyte system and disposed within a hermetically sealed housing, the cell electrically coupled to a positive contact and a negative contact, wherein the ultracapacitor is configured to output electrical energy within a temperature range between about ?40 degrees Celsius to about 210 degrees Celsius. Methods of fabrication and use are provided.

Abstract: A method of dispensing surgical fasteners includes providing an applicator instrument having a housing with a cartridge opening, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a firing system disposed within the housing for dispensing surgical fasteners, and an actuator for activating the firing system. The method includes forming a surgical opening in tissue, inserting a distal end of the elongated shaft into the surgical opening, inserting a cartridge containing a plurality of first surgical fasteners into the cartridge opening, and engaging the actuator for dispensing one of the first surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A method of dispensing surgical fasteners includes providing an applicator instrument having a housing with a cartridge opening, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a firing system disposed within the housing for dispensing surgical fasteners, and an actuator for activating the firing system. The method includes forming a surgical opening in tissue, inserting a distal end of the elongated shaft into the surgical opening, inserting a cartridge containing a plurality of first surgical fasteners into the cartridge opening, and engaging the actuator for dispensing one of the first surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: Sensing systems as well as their methods of operation and training are described. In some embodiments, a sensing system may include a compliant contact pad configured to contact an environment, and a plurality of sensors configured to detect a physical parameter associated with deformation of the compliant contact pad. A processor configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors may determine a magnitude and direction of a force applied to the compliant contact pad.

Abstract: Sensing systems as well as their methods of operation and training are described. In some embodiments, a sensing system may include a compliant contact pad configured to contact an environment, and a plurality of sensors configured to detect a physical parameter associated with deformation of the compliant contact pad. A processor configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors may determine a magnitude, direction, and/or contact location of a force applied to the compliant contact pad.

Abstract: An applicator instrument having a reconfigurable handle for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a handle coupled with the proximal end of the housing, and a trigger coupled with the handle. The applicator instrument has a firing system including an energy storing assembly that is disposed within the housing, and a gear train disposed within the handle and coupled with the trigger. The trigger is squeezed for commencing a firing cycle and storing energy in the energy storing assembly. The applicator instrument includes a handle reconfiguration actuator having a first position for locking the handle in place relative to the housing and a second position for enabling the handle to rotate relative to the housing between a pistol configuration and an in-line configuration.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section and an articulating distal shaft section extending from the housing, a firing system disposed within the housing, an actuator that is engageable for commencing a firing cycle of the firing system, and an articulation lever provided on the housing for selectively articulating the articulating distal shaft section of the elongated shaft. The applicator instrument includes a cam plate disposed within the housing that is linked with the articulating distal shaft section and that coupled with the articulation lever for being rotated by the articulation lever between a first or horizontal position for straightening the articulating distal shaft section and a second or vertical position for articulating the articulating distal shaft section.

Abstract: A method of dispensing surgical fasteners includes providing an applicator instrument having a housing with a cartridge opening, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a firing system disposed within the housing for dispensing surgical fasteners, and an actuator for activating the firing system. The method includes forming a surgical opening in tissue, inserting a distal end of the elongated shaft into the surgical opening, inserting a cartridge containing a plurality of first surgical fasteners into the cartridge opening, and engaging the actuator for dispensing one of the first surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section and an articulating distal shaft section extending from the housing, a firing system disposed within the housing, an actuator that is engageable for commencing a firing cycle of the firing system, and an articulation lever provided on the housing for selectively articulating the articulating distal shaft section of the elongated shaft. The applicator instrument includes a cam plate disposed within the housing that is linked with the articulating distal shaft section and that coupled with the articulation lever for being rotated by the articulation lever between a first or horizontal position for straightening the articulating distal shaft section and a second or vertical position for articulating the articulating distal shaft section.

Abstract: An applicator instrument having a reconfigurable handle for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a handle coupled with the proximal end of the housing, and a trigger coupled with the handle. The applicator instrument has a firing system including an energy storing assembly that is disposed within the housing, and a gear train disposed within the handle and coupled with the trigger. The trigger is squeezed for commencing a firing cycle and storing energy in the energy storing assembly. The applicator instrument includes a handle reconfiguration actuator having a first position for locking the handle in place relative to the housing and a second position for enabling the handle to rotate relative to the housing between a pistol configuration and an in-line configuration.