Abstract: A multi-compartment walk-in bathtub is disclosed that allows for a first compartment of the walk-in bathtub to be filled with a quantity of water while a second compartment of the walk-in bathtub allows the user to enter the bathtub. A first movable gate contains a volume of water in the first compartment while the second compartment is in an unfilled condition. A second movable gate is operable to open and close an entry sidewall of the bathtub, allowing the user to enter the second compartment. The second movable gate is then moved to a closed position. When the second movable gate is in the closed condition, the first movable gate may be moved to an open condition to release the volume of water and fill the walk-in bathtub to a filled condition. A seat may be provided that is selectively elevated and lowered by drive mechanism.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products relating to a dynamic dispensing system. Embodiments may include a dishwasher including a washing chamber, a water supply, an additive supply, and a plurality of fluid supply lines that provide fluid communication between the water supply and the washing chamber and the additive supply and the washing chamber. The dishwasher includes one or more pumps that direct additives stored in the additive supply to the washing chamber and water from the water supply to the washing chamber. The dishwasher further includes a tank sensor within the washing chamber and a controller communicably coupled to the controller. The controller may receive and analyze signals from the tank sensor to determine an additive concentration within the washing chamber and cause additive or water to be added to the washing chamber in response to the signal.

Abstract: An example soaker sink may include a sink basin that receives wash items therein and defines an inlet opening. The soaker sink may further include a manifold that defines an inlet opening, an interior that receives a fluid flow input via the inlet opening, and a plurality of outlets. The outlets may permit discharge of fluid from the interior of the manifold to the sink basin and may include at least a first outlet and may further include a common outlet dimension. The soaker sink may further include a pump fluidically coupled with the inlet opening of the sink basin and the inlet opening of the manifold to recirculate fluid from the sink basin to the manifold. A flow restrictor may be removably coupled with the first outlet and may be configured to modify a flow rate of the fluid discharged via the first outlet.

Abstract: A compact counter manual use tableware hydro-cleaning apparatus (10, 10?) comprising two operating units defined by a first unit (12, 12?) and by a second unit (14) not rigidly connected to each other, separable, movable and positionable/repositionable independently with respect to each other, the first unit (12, 12?) defining a control unit which houses the components/devices required for the operation of the hydro-cleaning apparatus and the second unit (14) defining a tableware washing chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, includes: a cleaning container having a cleaning chamber and accommodating cleaning material to be cleaned; a heat pump device which has an evaporator arranged inside a heat storage medium tank; and an intermediate storage positioned above the heat storage medium tank, the intermediate storage receiving liquid heat storage medium displaced from the heat storage medium tank.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a main body housing a suction motor, the suction motor having a suction motor axis of rotation. A cyclone assembly is removably mounted to the main body. The cyclone assembly comprises a first cyclonic stage and a second cyclonic stage. The first cyclonic stage comprises a first stage cyclone, and the second cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of cyclones in parallel. The first cyclonic stage is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the second cyclonic stage is positioned rearward of the first cyclonic stage, and the suction motor is positioned rearward of the second cyclonic stage. The first stage cyclone axis of rotation, the second stage cyclone axes of rotation and the suction motor axis of rotation are parallel. The first stage cyclone axis of rotation extends through the second cyclonic stage and the suction motor.

Abstract: A cleaner includes a suction motor that generates suction force, a dust separation unit that is disposed under the suction motor and separates dust from air, a handle disposed behind the suction motor, and a battery disposed under the handle and behind the dust separation unit to supply power to the suction motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot including a driver configured to move a main body, an image obtainer configured to obtain an image of the surroundings and far and near distances between the main body and an obstacle, and a controller configured to analyze the image and the far and near distances obtained by the image obtainer and to determine whether an obstacle is present near the main body. The controller determines whether the obstacle is a mat-type obstacle. Upon determining that the obstacle is a mat-type obstacle, the controller calculates the planar area of the mat-type obstacle, and determines a climbing operation or an avoidance operation of the main body based on the planar area of the mat-type obstacle.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting chamber in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station configured to be connected to the dust collecting chamber to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting chamber is configured to collect foreign substances through centrifugation, and configured to be docked to the docking station, and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign substances and air in the dust collecting chamber docked to the docking station.

Abstract: A robot floor cleaning system features a mobile floor cleaning robot and an evacuation station. The robot includes: a chassis with at least one drive wheel operable to propel the robot across a floor surface; a cleaning bin disposed within the robot and arranged to receive debris ingested by the robot during cleaning; and a robot vacuum configured to pull debris into the cleaning bin from an opening on an underside of the robot. The evacuation station is configured to evacuate debris from the cleaning bin of the robot, and includes: a housing defining a platform arranged to receive the cleaning robot in a position in which the opening on the underside of the robot aligns with a suction opening defined in the platform; and an evacuation vacuum in fluid communication with the suction opening and operable to draw air into the evacuation station housing through the suction opening.

Abstract: A cleaning system comprising a vacuum source, a current sensor, a recovery tank having a shutoff float configured to float on a surface of fluid within the recovery tank, and a controller. The vacuum source is in fluid communication with a suction inlet via first and second air paths within the recovery tank. The shutoff float is further configured to block the first air path upon the fluid within the recovery tank reaching a desired level. The controller is configured to receive, from the current sensor, a signal indicative of the current drawn by the vacuum source. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the current drawn by the vacuum source crossing a threshold, the fluid within the recovery tank has reached the desired level and control an operating element of the cleaning system upon determining the fluid within the recovery tank has reached the desired level.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a housing, a bumper, driven wheels, and a controller. The bumper can be coupled to a front of the housing. The bumper may include a plurality of projections extending from a top edge of the bumper and above a top surface of the housing. The projections may include at least one leading projection proximate a forward most portion of the bumper and at least two side projections on each respective side of the bumper. The driven wheels may be rotatably mounted to the housing. The controller may be for controlling at least the driven wheels.

Abstract: An airway visualization system is described herein having an elongate delivery sheath and defining at least one lumen therethrough, wherein the length is positionable within an airway of a subject. An isolation component positioned near or at a distal end of the elongate delivery sheath is expandable to at least partially obstruct the airway and a controller is in communication with the delivery sheath. The controller is also configured to manipulate a fluid flow through the at least one lumen whereby a pressure change within the airway of the subject is imparted sufficiently to at least partially expand or collapse the airway to alter the density of the airway.

Abstract: A modular endoscope system comprises an exoskeleton, a camera unit couplable to the exoskeleton, a therapeutic unit couplable to the exoskeleton, a steering unit couplable to the exoskeleton, and a control unit couplable to the exoskeleton. A method for building a modular endoscope comprises determining camera and therapeutic capabilities of the endoscope, selecting an exoskeleton for the endoscope, attaching a camera unit and therapeutic unit, if such capabilities are determined, to the selected exoskeleton to satisfy the determined capabilities, and attaching a control unit to the exoskeleton to control any camera unit and therapeutic unit attached to the exoskeleton. A method of processing modular endoscope components for performing a surgical procedure comprises identifying a patient to receive a treatment, selecting components of the endoscope to perform the treatment, treating the patient with the endoscope, and deconstructing the components of the endoscope into reusable and disposable components.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes: a flexible tube; a stiffness control system configured to control a stiffness of the tube; a buckling detection system configured to detect occurrence of a buckling in the tube; a pulling operation detection system configured to detect that a pulling operation of the tube is performed, after detection of the occurrence of the buckling; and a storage configured to store position information of a stiffness-to-be-enhanced portion of the tube neighboring a buckling portion of the tube and located on a distal side of the buckling portion. The stiffness control system is configured to enhance a stiffness of the stiffness-to-be-enhanced portion, based on the position information, at detection of the pulling operation.

Abstract: Stiffening mechanisms or systems that assist or enable holding a pose or shape of a flexible body may be part of a steering mechanism for an end effector. The stiffening mechanisms may be separately actuated and/or may themselves also enable steering of a flexible elongate device. Further, the stiffening mechanisms may use information from sensor systems, such as a shape sensor in the form of an optical fiber, a plurality of EM sensors distributed along the length of a flexible device, and/or navigation systems, such as a sensor system that computes the approximate location of medical instruments (such as a flexible body) within the anatomy of the patient and/or medical tools that are delivered through a main lumen of the flexible body, to inform a control system which then controls formation and holding of a shape of the flexible body.

Abstract: There is provided is an endoscope that can improve the cleanliness of a peripheral portion of an elevator. An endoscope (1) includes an insertion part (12) that is provided with a treatment tool insertion channel (82), a distal end portion main body (36), an elevator housing portion (62) that is provided in the distal end portion main body (36) and is open in a first direction, a treatment tool outlet (80) that is open to an inside of the elevator housing portion (62) and communicates with the treatment tool insertion channel (82), and an elevator (60). The elevator (60) has a first surface (64) and a second surface (66) inside a facing region facing the treatment tool outlet (80) in a state where the elevator is positioned at an elevated position.

Abstract: A kit for use in an endoscopic procedure on a patient comprises a device for use in the endoscopic procedure, such as an external accessory device for an endoscope or an endoscopic device configured for advancement through an opening into a patient. The kit further includes a coupler device for an endoscope that comprises a main body having a proximal end configured to attach to the distal end portion of the endoscope, and a mechanism for articulating an instrument passing through the endoscope so that instruments can exit the endoscope at various angles. The coupler device also provides a protective cover to reduce the ingress of debris, fluid, bacteria, or other unwanted matter from the working end of the endoscope which could lead to infection and decreased performance of the scope.

Abstract: A connection body for use with an endoscope that provides an electrical connection between at least one electrical component arranged in a proximal end region of the endoscope and an internal electrical connection provided in the proximal end region. The connection body including: a dimensionally stable three-dimensional circuit carrier: and a flexible elongate circuit board. Where, in a first region of the circuit carrier, the electrical component is mechanically directly connected to the circuit carrier and is contacted by conductor tracks provided in the circuit carrier; in a second region different from the first region, a first end of the circuit board is mechanically directly connected to the circuit carrier and contacts the conductor tracks for electrical connection to the electrical component and a second end of the circuit board opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the circuit board, contacts the internal electrical connection.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an insertion section main body extending along a longitudinal axis, a rotation supporter attached to the insertion section main body, a power transmission member rotatably supported by the rotation supporter and having a blade to which a fluid is supplied, external teeth arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the power transmission member in a circumferential direction, a tubular rotation member disposed outside the power transmission member in a radial direction, internal teeth arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the rotation member in the circumferential direction, and a fluid duct configured to supply the fluid to the blade. The power transmission member is configured to rotate by receiving power generated in the blade due to supply of the fluid. The rotation member is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis by receiving the power from the power transmission member as the internal teeth are meshed with the external teeth.

Abstract: An objective optical system includes, in order from an object side: a positive first group; a negative second group; a negative third group; and a positive fourth group, in which the second group and the third group move together toward an image side to perform focusing from an object point at a long distance to an object point at a close distance, and the following conditional expression (2) is satisfied: 0.2<(t34f?t34n)/F<2 (2), where t34f is a distance between the third group and the fourth group at a time of focusing to the object point at the long distance, t34n is a distance between the third group and the fourth group at a time of focusing to the object point at the close distance, and F is a focal length of the overall objective optical system at a time of focusing to the object point at the long distance.

Abstract: An optical system includes a first relay rod of a first material, a second relay rod of a second material, different from the first material, and a lens between the first and second relay rods.

Abstract: A modular endoscope system comprises a first modular section comprising imaging and illumination units, and a patient-insertable second modular section that can be detached to the first modular section via an attachment mechanism, wherein the first modular section is positionable at a distal end section of the second modular section and is configured to illuminate and image a portion of a patient anatomy. A method of using a modular endoscopy system comprises attaching a first modular section of the modular endoscopy system to a second modular section of the modular endoscopy system, positioning at least a portion of the modular endoscopy system within a patient, illuminating and imaging a portion of a patient anatomy via the first modular section, removing the modular endoscopy system from the patient, and detaching the second modular section from the first modular section after removal of the modular endoscopy system from the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an achromatic capsule endoscope with diffractive optics. A micromotor (or a broadband rotary joint) and a custom 800 nm SD-OCT system make ultrahigh-resolution 3D volumetric imaging over a large area possible. The diffractive microlens is used directly with other miniature lens including but not limited to a GRIN lens, making the capsule endoscope design simpler and cost effective. Preliminary ex vivo 3D intraluminal imaging was performed with the distal-scanning capsule endoscope in conjunction with a home-built broadband spectral-domain OCT system, demonstrating the performance of the diffractive capsule.

Abstract: An image sensor package includes a first substrate, an image sensor, a second substrate, a light-emitting element, and a first encapsulant. The image sensor is disposed on and electrically connected with the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed on and electrically connected with the first substrate, wherein the second substrate includes an accommodating portion and the image sensor protrudes from the second substrate via the accommodating portion. The light-emitting element is disposed on the second substrate and close to the image sensor, and is electrically connected to the second substrate. The first encapsulant is filled in a space between the image sensor and the light-emitting element. The abovementioned image sensor package can achieve miniaturization and provide better illumination. An endoscope including the abovementioned image sensor package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaged image sensor includes a substrate, an image sensor, a light-emitting element, and a first encapsulant. The substrate includes a through-hole. The image sensor and the light-emitting element are disposed on the substrate and are electrically connected to the substrate. The first encapsulant is filled between the image sensor and the light emitting element, and keeps the through-hole of the substrate opened. The through-hole of the substrate of the above-mentioned packaged image sensor can define a relative position between a pipe and the image sensor to facilitate the subsequent packaging process. An endoscope including the above-mentioned packaged image sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light amount control unit of an endoscope derives a photometric value in an area of an observation spot corresponding to each of angular ranges of a first light output unit and a second light output unit having different wavelength ranges based on imaging data about the observation spot output from an imaging unit, derives an amount of light from each of the first light output unit and the second light output unit based on the derived photometric value, and causes each of the first light output unit and the second light output unit to output illumination light based on the derived amount of light.

Abstract: A medical observation system for observing a biological object includes a medical light source apparatus for illuminating the biological object. The medical light source apparatus includes a first, second and third laser light sources that emit respective first, second, and third laser light beams. First and second laser light beams have different wavelength bands. The medical light source apparatus also includes an optical assembly including a reflecting surface disposed to reflect the first laser light beam, cause the second laser light beam to be transmitted therethrough, and guide the first laser light beam and the second laser light beam in a same direction. The medical light source apparatus also includes a reflection mirror having a reflecting surface that is not parallel with the reflecting surface of the optical assembly. The system includes a medical observation device including a detector for detecting a light received from the biological object.

Abstract: An endoscope system that controls an amount of illumination light according to a change of a subject where the subject is illuminated with a plurality of pieces of light while the plurality of pieces of light are switched. The system includes a light source unit that emits first illumination light and second illumination light having an emission spectrum different from an emission spectrum of the first illumination light, a first processor, and a second processor. A set light amount-adjustment unit performs at least one of adjustment of the amount of second illumination light that is set at a first switching timing at which illumination light is switched to the second illumination light from first illumination light or adjustment of the amount of first illumination light that is set at a second switching timing at which illumination light is switched to the first illumination light from second illumination light.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an endoscope during a surgical procedure performed with a surgical instrument. The method includes: measuring with a processor module an aggregate activation time of the surgical instrument during the surgical procedure; and activating an endoscope cleaning system with the processor module to clean a lens of the surgical instrument after the processor module determines that the measured aggregate activation time of the surgical instrument has reached a target duration.

Abstract: A device which illuminates internal tissue and organs of a patient is described. The illumination member includes an array of light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The arrangement of the array depends on the configuration of the device and the procedure for which the device is being used. In all cases, the illumination member is used to illuminate relevant organs or structures in the body in order to increase visibility during surgical procedures. The LED array reduces the potential for inadvertent injury to internal structures for procedures located throughout the body. These procedures include those involving the reproductive organs of males and females, gastric and bariatrics, and other structures in the abdomen.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: A device may comprise a work element, an outer tube co-axially disposed around a portion of the work element and a collar assembly. The work element may be configured to rotate and define proximal and distal ends, and may comprise a body portion, one or more articulable beak(s) configured to cut tissue, and a beak actuation portion. The collar assembly may be coupled to the work element away from the articulable beak(s), and may comprise a distal collar element coupled to the body portion, a middle collar element coupled to the outer tube and a proximal collar element coupled to the beak actuation portion. The distal collar element may comprise a first peripheral surface that extends around the distal collar element and that faces the proximal end and the middle collar element may comprise a second peripheral surface that that extends around the middle collar element, faces the distal end and at least partially contacts the first peripheral surface.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy and delivery device may comprise one or more rotating, penetrating and cutting rod elements. The rod elements may be configured to advance from a stored and confined first position and rotate about an axis, while being simultaneously revolved about a central axis. The rod elements may then assume a second released and expanded configuration that is operative to cut around and surround target tissue. In this manner, the rod elements are operative to move through the surrounding tissue to create a volume of revolution and to sever and capture the target tissue contained within the volume of revolution from the surrounding tissue. The severed and captured volume of revolution containing the target issue may then be removed.

Abstract: A method for use in a lung access procedure to aid in preventing pneumothorax includes providing a cannula having a pair of balloons, the pair of balloons including a first balloon longitudinally spaced from a second balloon along the cannula; inserting the cannula along an access opening and through pleural layers of a patient, with the first balloon and the second balloon of the pair of balloons respectively positioned on opposite sides of the pleural layers; inflating the pair of balloons with a first amount of a two-component sealant to compress the pleural layers together; and inflating the pair of balloons with a second amount of the two-component sealant that is sufficient to rupture the pair of balloons so as to comingle a first sealant component and a second sealant component of the two-component sealant at the site of the pleural layers so as to adhere the pleural layers together.

Abstract: Systems and methods for closing a tissue defect are disclosed. The systems may include a subcutaneous guide that is placed transcutaneously between two skin access sites and a self-locking strap that may be advanced into the body through a first access site via a first needle and then passed to a second needle. The strap may be withdrawn with the second needle through a second access site to the outside of the body. The strap may be withdrawn from the first needle, leaving the strap placed through both access sites and across the defect. As the subcutaneous guide is withdrawn from the body it pulls the captured strap such that both ends of the strap protrude from the first access site, allowing the strap to be tightened around the defect. Devices for closure of a tissue defect are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical locking assembly for an endovascular device, comprising a shaft comprising a main body a shaft comprising a main body and enlarged end, an inner channel component comprising a full collar formed on proximal end of the inner channel component, and an outer cage component comprising a partial collar formed on the outer cage component wherein the full collar of the inner channel component fully surrounds the outer cage component and the partial collar of the outer cage component at least partially surrounds the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation between a locked position and an unlocked positions. The joint clamp may include springs which provide a scissors clamp of the clamps with a clip-on feature in which the scissors clamp may clipped-on and clipped-off an object such as a frame member, table post, or retractor handle. The springs may further prevent or reduce a rising movement of the clamps when the cam lever rotates from an unlocked state to a locked state.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a biological construct according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, attaching a suture loop/needle construct to a reinforcement material and stitching the reinforcement material to a biological construct to form a reinforced biological construct. The reinforcement material is attached to the suture loop/needle construct prior to approximating the reinforcement material to the biological construct.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.

Abstract: Instruments for placing complex sutures into animal tissues, including instruments useful in arthroscopic surgical techniques which minimize incision size. Manipulate the flat tissue by, for example, rolling, wrinkling, folding, bending or tucking the tissue so that a needle can be placed through the tissue more than once. Sutures are placed, for example from top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top with a single pass of a straight needle. Roll, wrinkle, fold, bend or tuck the flat tissue so that a needle can be placed through the tissue more than once. Suturing a loop through the tissue that another suture will pass through result in sewing both sides of the tissue. This will allow surgeons to place complex locking and grasping suture configurations that will significantly improve the repair.

Abstract: A surgical fastener instrument (30) includes an outer delivery tube (36); an inner delivery shaft (42), disposed at least partially in the outer delivery tube (36); and a handle (44) coupled to a proximal portion (46) of the outer delivery tube (36), and including a user control element (48) arranged to rotate the inner delivery shaft (42) with respect to the outer delivery tube (36). A suture fastener (32) is removably disposed in the outer delivery tube (36) in an unlocked conical helical configuration. Distal advancement of the inner delivery shaft (42), when one or more portions of one or more sutures (22) pass through respective portions of the suture fastener (32), transitions the suture fastener (32) from the unlocked configuration to a locked planar spiral configuration, in which the one or more sutures (22) are fixedly coupled to the suture fastener (32). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A needle holder for holding a curved needle to which a suture thread is connected. The needle holder includes a flexible tube; and a grasper provided at a distal end of the flexible tube. The grasper includes a first jaw having a groove, and a protrusion at a distal end portion of the first jaw; and a second jaw movably connected to the first jaw. The grasper can hold the curved needle between the second jaw and the protrusion of the first jaw, and can hold a part of the suture thread between a surface of the groove and the second jaw such that another part of the suture thread passes through a gap formed between another surface of the groove and the second jaw. The protrusion has a hook surface for hooking the suture thread extending outside the groove.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a reload assembly that includes a locking member to retain a knife carrier of the reload assembly in a retracted position after the stapling device is fired. The locking member may be supported on an inner housing portion of the shell housing or on a staple pusher assembly of the reload assembly.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed including a replaceable staple cartridge stored in a packaging that includes a first RFID tag including first encrypted information. The replaceable staple cartridge includes a second RFID tag including second encrypted information. A retainer includes a third RFID tag including third encrypted information. A controller includes a first key to decrypt the first encrypted information. The controller releases a second key if the first encrypted information is recognized. The controller uses the second key to decrypt the second encrypted information. The controller releases a third key if the second encrypted information is recognized. The controller uses the third internal key to decrypt the third encrypted information. The controller prevents a surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke if at least one of the first encrypted information, the second encrypted information, and the third encrypted information is unable to be recognized.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.

Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector including an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and an anvil face positionable on the first side of an anatomical structure, a cartridge operably configured to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge comprising a first end, a second end, and a cartridge face positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure. The end effector includes a blade assembly comprising a blade, a beam, and a nut, the blade comprising a first side and a second side joined at a cutting edge. The end effector includes first and second electrodes coupled to the first side of the blade and an electrosurgical power generating source in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge deck, and a sloped nose. The cartridge deck comprises a first tissue-supporting surface extending distally to a first distal edge, a plurality of staple cavities defined in the first tissue-supporting surface, a sloped wall extending from the first tissue-supporting surface, a longitudinal slot defined in the first tissue-supporting surface and at least a portion of the sloped wall, and a second tissue-supporting surface. The sloped wall slopes from the first distal edge to a second distal edge. The sloped wall comprises a distal blocking surface. The longitudinal slot extends from the proximal end to the distal blocking surface. The second tissue-supporting surface extends from the second distal edge. The second tissue-supporting surface does not comprise staple cavities defined therein. The sloped nose is positioned distal to the second tissue-supporting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a stapling assembly and an anvil. The stapling assembly includes first and second staples. Each of the first and second staples include first legs. The anvil together with the stapling assembly is configured to clamp tissue of a patient. The anvil includes a first staple forming pocket that is configured to transition the first legs of the first and second staples from a non-deformed state to a deformed state with the same firing stroke.