JP2018514896A - Reinforced battery for surgical instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed that includes a housing and one or more battery cells positioned within the housing. The battery assembly further includes a mechanism configured to absorb impact forces and protect the battery cells. The battery assembly further includes a mechanism configured to accommodate thermal expansion of the battery cell.

Description

  The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith.

  The stapling instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jaw members that can be adapted to be inserted into the patient and positioned relative to the tissue to be stapled and incised. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge that houses at least two rows of laterally spaced staples therein, the other jaw member within the staple cartridge. An anvil having staple forming pockets aligned with the staple rows can be supported. Generally, the stapling instrument further includes a pusher bar and a knife blade that are slidable relative to the jaw members, via a cam surface on the pusher bar and / or a cam surface on the wedge sled pushed by the pusher bar, Staples can be continuously released from the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the cam surface is held by the cartridge and actuates a plurality of staple drive elements associated with the staples to push the staples against the anvil and into the tissue grasped between the jaw members, It can be configured to form a row of deformed staples spaced laterally. In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can follow the cam surface and cut tissue along the line between the staple rows. Examples of such stapling instruments are "SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESIBLE OR CRUSHABLE MEMBERS FOR SECURING TISSUE THEHERE AND AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING 75". The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

  The above discussion is intended only to illustrate various aspects of the related art in the field of the present invention at that time and should not be construed as denying the scope of the claims.

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with their advantages, can be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 is a perspective view of a modular surgical system including an electric handle module and three replaceable removable shaft modules. FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the handle module of FIG. 1 with a portion of the handle housing removed for brevity. FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the handle module of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is another partially exploded view of the handle module of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the handle module of FIG. 1 with a portion of the handle housing removed. 2 is an exploded view of a mechanical coupling system for operably coupling the handle module rotational drive system of FIG. 1 to a removable shaft module drive system; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic component of the handle | steering-wheel module and removable shaft module of FIG. FIG. 3 is a process flow executed by the handle processor of the handle module of FIG. 1 to determine when the handle module reaches its end of life. FIG. 3 is another diagram of a process flow executed by the handle processor of the handle module of FIG. 1 to determine when the handle module reaches its end of life. 2 is a graph showing the difference between the expected firing force and retracting force applied by the handle module of FIG. 1 and the actual firing force and retracting force imparted by the handle module as a function of the stroke of the shaft module. The difference between the expected firing force and retracting force applied by the handle module of FIG. 1 and the actual firing force and retracting force imparted by the handle module, executed by the handle processor of the handle module of FIG. FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram for determining when a handle module reaches its end of life based on the basis. The time when the handle module reaches its end of life, executed by the handle processor of the handle module of FIG. 1, is determined by the total amount of energy consumed by the handle module during use and the energy consumed by the handle module during each use cycle. It is a figure of the process flow determined based on. Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of the total amount of energy consumed by the handle module through multiple activations of the device. It is a graph which shows the example of the electric power consumed during each starting of the handle module of FIG. Fig. 5 shows a sterilization tray into which the handle module can be inserted for sterilization. Fig. 5 shows a sterilization tray into which the handle module can be inserted for sterilization. Fig. 3 shows a sterilization tray into which a handle module and a removable shaft module can be inserted for sterilization. Fig. 3 shows a sterilization tray into which a handle module and a removable shaft module can be inserted for sterilization. Fig. 5 shows another sterilization tray into which the handle module can be inserted for sterilization. 12 illustrates the sterilization tray embodiment of FIG. 11E interfacing with the handle module. 12 illustrates the sterilization tray embodiment of FIG. 11E interfacing with the handle module. 12 illustrates the sterilization tray embodiment of FIG. 11E interfacing with the handle module. 12 illustrates the sterilization tray embodiment of FIG. 11E interfacing with the handle module. Fig. 5 shows an inspection station for inspecting the handle module before, during and / or subsequent to a surgical procedure. Fig. 5 shows an inspection station for inspecting the handle module before, during and / or subsequent to a surgical procedure. It is a block diagram of an inspection station and a handle module. FIG. 6 is a process flow that is executed by the handle processor of the handle module to determine when the handle module reaches its end of life based on the number of times the handle module has been placed on the inspection station. Fig. 5 shows an inspection station for inspecting the handle module before, during and / or subsequent to a surgical procedure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of a handle module and a removable battery pack that includes an ID emitter so that the handle module can identify the battery pack. FIG. 13B shows a process flow executed by the handle processor of the handle module of FIG. 13A to determine when the handle module reaches its end of life based on the number of times the battery pack has been attached to the handle module. Fig. 4 shows an aspect of a handle module that detects the attachment of a removable shaft module. Fig. 4 shows an aspect of a handle module that detects the attachment of a removable shaft module. Fig. 4 shows an aspect of a handle module that detects the attachment of a removable shaft module. Shown is a handle module and a detachable shaft module that detects the attachment of the detachable shaft module. 14D shows the handle module of FIG. 14D, which also detects the attachment of a removable battery pack. FIG. 14D shows the sensor of the handle module of FIG. 14D detecting insertion of a removable battery pack. FIG. 14D shows the sensor of the handle module of FIG. 14D detecting insertion of a removable battery pack. Fig. 5 shows another sensor of the handle module that detects the insertion of a removable battery pack. Fig. 5 shows another sensor of the handle module that detects the insertion of a removable battery pack. Figure 2 shows a handle module with multiple power packs. FIG. 6 illustrates a further process flow executed by the handle processor of the handle module to determine when the handle module reaches its end of life. FIG. 6 illustrates a further process flow executed by the handle processor of the handle module to determine when the handle module reaches its end of life. Fig. 5 shows a handle module with a mechanism for preventing insertion of a battery pack in a specific environment. Fig. 5 shows a handle module with a mechanism for preventing insertion of a battery pack in a specific environment. Fig. 5 shows a handle module with a mechanism for preventing insertion of a battery pack in a specific environment. FIG. 18B illustrates the handle module mechanism of FIG. 18A that prevents removal of the battery pack from the handle module in certain circumstances. FIG. 18B illustrates the handle module mechanism of FIG. 18A that prevents removal of the battery pack from the handle module in certain circumstances. A charging station and a handle module are shown, the charging station being for charging the battery pack of the handle module. A charging station and a handle module are shown, the charging station being for charging the battery pack of the handle module. A charging station and a handle module are shown, the charging station being for charging the battery pack of the handle module. Fig. 3 shows a handle module with a sterilization cover for coating the components of the handle module during sterilization. Fig. 3 shows a handle module with a sterilization cover for coating the components of the handle module during sterilization. FIG. 20B illustrates a sterilization cover for the battery cavity of the handle module of FIG. 20A. FIG. 20B shows a removable battery pack for the handle module of FIG. 20A. Fig. 3 shows a display arrangement for a surgical instrument comprising a handle module and a removable shaft module. Fig. 3 shows a display arrangement for a surgical instrument comprising a handle module and a removable shaft module. Fig. 3 shows a display arrangement for a surgical instrument comprising a handle module and a removable shaft module. Fig. 3 shows a display arrangement for a surgical instrument comprising a handle module and a removable shaft module. Fig. 2 shows a removable battery pack with an internal circuit board. Fig. 4 shows a handle module with a protruding device that, when protruding, prevents insertion of the handle module into the sterilization tray. FIG. 23B shows the handle module and sterilization tray of FIG. 23A. Figure 3 shows a handle module inspection station for applying vacuum pressure to the handle module. Figure 3 shows a handle module inspection station for applying vacuum pressure to the handle module. FIG. 4 shows a handle module inspection station with one or more fans for drying the handle module. FIG. 4 shows a handle module inspection station with one or more fans for drying the handle module. FIG. 4 shows a handle module inspection station with one or more fans for drying the handle module. FIG. 4 shows a handle module inspection station with one or more fans for drying the handle module. Fig. 3 shows an inspection station with a vacuum port for drying the handle module. Fig. 4 illustrates an inspection station, a handle module, and a load simulation adapter for applying a simulated load to the handle module when the handle module is coupled to the inspection station. Fig. 4 illustrates an inspection station, a handle module, and a load simulation adapter for applying a simulated load to the handle module when the handle module is coupled to the inspection station. Fig. 4 illustrates an inspection station, a handle module, and a load simulation adapter for applying a simulated load to the handle module when the handle module is coupled to the inspection station. It is sectional drawing of the load simulation adapter of FIG. It is a graph which shows the sample model of the backlash of the gear of a handle module according to use. Fig. 2 shows an inspection station capable of accommodating both a handle module and a removable shaft module. Fig. 2 shows an inspection station capable of accommodating both a handle module and a removable shaft module. Fig. 4 shows a process flow executed by the inspection station processor to make a repair recommendation for the handle module. Fig. 5 shows a process flow executed by the handle module processor to make a repair recommendation for the handle module. Fig. 3 shows a charging station for charging one or more removable battery packs that can be used in the handle module. The mechanism of the charging station for fixing a battery pack to a charging station is shown. The mechanism of the charging station for fixing a battery pack to a charging station is shown. It is a block diagram of a charging station and a battery pack. Fig. 4 shows a process flow performed by the handle module charging station. Fig. 4 shows a process flow performed by the handle module charging station. Fig. 4 shows a process flow performed by the handle module charging station. It is an electrical connection diagram of a charging station. It is an electrical connection diagram of a charging station. It is a top view of a battery pack. FIG. 33B is a top view of the charging station showing the contact configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 33A. It is a top view of a battery pack. FIG. 34B is a top view of the charging station showing the contact configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 34A. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process using an inspection station. 6 is a process flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for sterilizing a handle module and tracking the number of sterilizations. 6 is a process flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for sterilizing a handle module and tracking the number of sterilizations. 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument, the battery assembly including a plurality of shock absorbing elements according to at least one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 39 is a detailed cross-sectional view of one of the shock absorbing elements of the battery assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of FIG. 38. 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument comprising a battery housing configured to protect one or more battery cells of the battery assembly. FIG. FIG. 41 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of FIG. 40. 1 shows a handle of a surgical instrument system including a power adapter that extends from the handle to a power source, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 42 illustrates the handle of FIG. 41 that can be selectively used with the power adapter of FIG. 41, or a power adapter system that includes a removable battery and a removable power cord, according to at least one embodiment. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power adapter according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power adapter according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handle of a surgical instrument system that includes a battery. FIG. FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a second battery attached to the handle of FIG. 45. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the handle, the battery of FIG. 45, and the second battery of FIG. 46. FIG.

  Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The illustrations described herein are illustrative of various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such illustration should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Absent.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on the same day as this application, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, name "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER", Attorney Docket No. END7539USNP / 140464;
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION", Attorney Docket Number END7542USNP / 140467;
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, name "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHEHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS I PE T
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES", Attorney Docket No. END7545USNP / 140470;
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, name "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", agent reference number END7543USNP / 140468;
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, name "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED", Attorney Docket No.END7558USNP / 140483;
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, name "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", Attorney Docket Number END7553USNP / 140478;
-US Patent Application No. __________, Name "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE", Attorney Docket Number END7541USNP / 140466; and-United States Patent Application No. _______________________________.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on December 18, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROFING OF AFIF"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,483, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS";
-US patent application No. 14 / 575,139, entitled “DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148, entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS";
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 575,130, “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCLETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATED TO ASTAGLE”;
-US patent application No. 14 / 575,143, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSER ARRANGEMENTS";
-US patent application No. 14 / 575,117, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTULABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,154, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTULABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS";
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 574,493, name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM"; and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 574,500, name "SURGIMAL INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL

The assignee of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, entitled "Articulable Surgical Instruments With Conductive Pathways For Signal Communication" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,323, entitled "Rotary Powered Articulation Joints for Surgical Instruments" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, entitled "Thumbwheel Switch Arrangements For Surgical Instruments" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, name "Electromechanical Medical Device Signal Relay Arrangement" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246474);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, entitled "Multiple Processor Motor Control for Modular Surgical Instruments" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246477);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,481, entitled "Sensor Straightened End Effector Removing Removable Through Trocar" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246479);
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, name "Control Methods for Surgical Instruments with Removable Implementation Portions" (current US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475);
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, entitled "Rotary Powered Surgical Instruments With Multiple Degrees of Freedom" (current US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246473); and-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536. , “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP” (current US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246476).

Applicant also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,193, titled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVER MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263537);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,053, entitled "INTERCHANGABLE SHAFTS ASEMBLIES FOR US WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTULATION LOCK" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,210, entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, entitled "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,117, entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263553);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263543); and-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159, Name "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (current US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017).

Applicant also owns the following patent application filed on March 7, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539).

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 26, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,106, entitled "POWER MANAGENENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, name "STERILZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCESSED COUNT";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,117, entitled "POWER MANAGENMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075, entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFFT ASSEMBLIES";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,093, entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,116, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,071, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS";
-US patent application No. 14 / 226,126, entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,081, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,076, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION";
-US patent application No. 14 / 226,111, name "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM"; and-US patent application No. 14 / 226,125, name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT".

Applicant also owns the following patent applications filed on September 5, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103, entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESION";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASIC ON COMPONENT EVALUATION";
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECONDS SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERRETATION";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,110, entitled "USE OF POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET DETECTION TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE";
-US patent application No. 14 / 479,098, entitled “SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION”:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE"; and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, named "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STATION".

The Applicant also owns the following patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,590, entitled "MOTOR DRIVER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/03030587);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSEING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTABLE TABLE OUTPUT" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305)
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT” (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 98/305)
-US patent application No. 14 / 248,588, name "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE" (current US patent application publication No. 2014/0309666);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991);
-US patent application No. 14 / 248,584, name "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVER SHAFTS WITH NUMBER 20 publish
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, named "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, named "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990); and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607, Name "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS" (current US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992).

The Applicant also owns the following patent applications filed on April 16, 2013, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,365, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WITH MULTIFUL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR";
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,376, name "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER";
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,382, "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP";
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/812, 385, name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CONTROL"; A SINGLE MOTOR ".

  Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. The embodiments described and illustrated herein are understood by the reader to be non-limiting examples, and thus the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative. It should be understood that it may be exemplary and exemplary. Variations and changes to these may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

  The term “comprise” (any word form of rises such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (any word form such as “has” and “having”), “includes” include) ”(any word form of include, such as“ includes ”and“ including ”)”, “contain” (any word form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”). It is a verb. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises”, “haves”, “includes”, or “contains” one or more elements may comprise one or more of them. Having elements, but not limited to having only one or more of those elements. Similarly, a system, device, or apparatus element “comprising”, “having”, “including”, or “containing” one or more features may be one or more of those However, the present invention is not limited to having only one or two or more features.

  The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician operating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term “distal” refers to the portion located far from the clinician. It will be further understood that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, and “bottom” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. Let's go. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

  Various representative devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, it is easy for the reader that the various methods and device apparatus disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications, including those associated with open surgical procedures, for example. Will be understood. By reading the “Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” herein, the reader will be able to see that the various instruments disclosed herein can be incised or punctured into tissue, eg, through natural openings. It will further be appreciated that it can be inserted into the body in any way, such as through a hole. The working or end effector portions of these instruments can be inserted directly into the patient's body or an access device such as a trocar having a working channel through which the surgical instrument end effector and elongate shaft can be advanced. Can also be inserted through.

  The surgical stapling system can include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw, but the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw or at least not easily replaceable Examples are also envisioned. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform the staples released from the staple cartridge. Other embodiments in which the second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about the closure axis, but the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. Is also envisaged. The surgical stapling system further includes an articulation joint configured to allow the end effector to rotate or articulate relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis that extends through the articulation joint. Other embodiments that do not include articulation joints are also envisioned.

  The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal and distal ends. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on the first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on the second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Subsequently, staples removably stored within the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes a staple cavity defined therein, and the staple is removably stored within the staple cavity. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on the first side of the longitudinal slot, and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on the second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

  Staples are supported by staple drive elements within the cartridge body. The drive element is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position that releases the staples from the staple cavity. The drive element is held in the cartridge body by a holding element extending around the bottom of the cartridge body, and is configured to hold the cartridge body and hold the holding element with respect to the cartridge body. including. The drive element is movable between its unfired position and its fired position by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of sloping surfaces configured to slide under the drive element and lift the drive element, and a staple supported thereon and toward the anvil.

  In addition to the above, the sled is moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first and second cams can control the distance between the staple cartridge deck and the anvil, i.e., the tissue gap. The firing member also includes a knife configured to cut through the tissue captured midway between the staple cartridge and the anvil. Desirably, the knife is positioned at least partially proximal to the ramp so that the staple is ejected forward of the knife.

  The end effector can be configured to articulate relative to the handle and / or shaft of the surgical instrument. For example, the end effector can be pivotally and / or rotatably coupled to the surgical instrument shaft such that the end effector is configured to pivot relative to the shaft and handle. In various examples, the end effector can be configured to articulate at an articulation joint located intermediate the end effector and the shaft. In other examples, the shaft can include a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an articulation joint, which can be located, for example, intermediate the proximal and distal portions of the shaft.

  1-5 are motor drives that may be used and reused in connection with one or a variety of different removable (and typically reusable) shaft modules (DSMs) in one form. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a modular surgical cutting and fastening instrument including a reusable handle module 10. As will be described in further detail below, the handle module 10 can produce a variety of control operations and apply one or more motorized operations to the corresponding drive shaft portion of the particular DSM being coupled. A housing 12 with a rotary drive system may be included. Two such rotary drive systems 20, 40 are shown in the handle module 10 of FIGS. The first rotary drive system 20 may be used, for example, to apply a “closed” motion to a corresponding closed drive shaft assembly that is operatively supported in the DSM, and the second rotary drive system 40 may be, for example, , May be used to apply a “fire” motion to a corresponding fire drive shaft assembly in the coupled DSM. Various DSMs may be releasably and interchangeably connected to the housing 12. FIG. 1 shows three exemplary DSMs that can be connected to the handle module 10 in various configurations. The illustrated exemplary DSM includes an open linear stapler DSM1, a curved cutter stapler DSM2, and a surgical circular stapler DSM3. End Cutter, described in further detail in US Patent Application No. _______, name “MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY”, Attorney Docket No. END7544USNP / 140469, filed on the same day as this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other types of DSM suitable for the drive system 20, 40 of the handle module 10, such as DSM, can also be used. For further details regarding exemplary dual drive surgical cutting and fastening instruments, see US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 248,590, filed Apr. 9, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Provided under the name “MOTOR DRIVER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS” (hereinafter “the '590 application”).

  As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the housing 12 includes a handle 14 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by a clinician. The handle 14 may include a pair of handle housing segments 16 and 18 that may be interconnected with screws, snap mechanisms, adhesives, and the like. In the illustrated configuration, the handle housing segments 16, 18 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 19 that can be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. The handle 14 operably supports the two rotary drive systems 20, 40.

  The first rotary drive system 20 and the second rotary drive system 40 may be powered by a motor 80 through a “shifted” transmission assembly 60 that effectively shifts power / motion between the two power trains. . The first rotary drive system 20 includes a first rotary drive shaft 22 that is rotatably supported within the housing 12 of the handle 14 and has a first drive shaft axis “FDA-FDA”. Is defined. The first drive gear 24 is key-coupled to the first rotary drive shaft 22 such that it rotates with the first rotary drive shaft 22 about the first drive shaft axis FDA-FDA or otherwise. It is fixed so that it cannot rotate. Similarly, the second rotational drive system 40 includes a second rotational drive shaft 42, which is rotatably supported within the housing 12 of the handle 14 and has a second drive shaft axis “ Define "SDA-SDA". In at least one device configuration, the second drive shaft axis SDA-SDA is offset from the first drive shaft axis FDA-FDA and is parallel to the first drive shaft axis FDA-FDA. Or substantially parallel. When used in this situation, the term “deviation” means that the first drive shaft axis and the second drive shaft axis are not coaxial. The second rotary drive shaft 42 has a second drive gear 44, and the second drive gear 44 rotates with the second rotary drive shaft 42 about the second drive shaft axis SDA-SDA. , Key-coupled to the second rotary drive shaft 42 or otherwise fixed non-rotatably. In addition, the second drive shaft 42 has an intermediate drive gear 46 that is rotatably supported on the second rotary drive shaft 42 so that the intermediate drive gear 46 is It is freely rotatable on the second rotary drive shaft 42 around the second drive shaft axis SDA-SDA.

  In one form, the motor 80 has a motor output shaft, and the motor output shaft has a motor drive gear 82 attached to the motor output shaft. The motor drive gear 82 is configured to engage the “operational” engagement with the transmission assembly 60. In at least one form, the transmission assembly 60 includes a transmission carriage 62 that is supported for axial movement between the drive gear 82 and the gears 44 and 46 on the second rotary drive shaft 42. Has been. For example, the transmission carriage 62 may be slidably supported on the support shaft 63, and the support shaft 63 is within the housing 12 such that the line of action of the transmission carriage is perpendicular to the gear train of the rotary drive system. Mounted on the shaft mount 61. The shaft mount 61 is configured to be firmly supported in a slot or other mechanism in the handle module 10. The transmission carriage 62 has a carriage gear 64, and the carriage gear 64 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 63, and is selectively engaged with the gears 44 and 46 while making driving engagement with the driving gear 82. Are configured to engage with each other. 1 to 5, the transmission carriage 62 is operatively attached to a shifter, that is, a “means for shifting” 70, and the means 70 for shifting is the “first driving position”. ”And“ second drive position ”, the transmission carriage 62 is shifted in the axial direction. In one form, for example, the means for shifting 70 includes a shifter solenoid 71 supported within the housing 12 of the handle 14. The shifter solenoid 71 may include a bistable solenoid or may include, for example, a two-stage spring loaded solenoid. The illustrated device configuration includes a spring 72 that biases the transmission carriage 62 distally “DD” to a first drive position, and the carriage gear 64 is in meshing engagement with the intermediate drive gear 46. Thus, the drive gear 82 is also meshed. Actuation of the motor 80 when in the first drive position results in the rotation of the gears 82, 46, and 24, which eventually causes the first drive shaft 22 to rotate. become.

  The shifter solenoid 71 may be actuated by a firing trigger 90, which is pivotally supported on the housing 12 of the handle 14, as shown in FIGS. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing trigger 90 is pivotally supported on a firing trigger shaft 92 mounted in the handle 14. The firing trigger 90 is normally biased by a firing trigger spring 94 in the inoperative position, as shown in FIG. Firing trigger 90 is mounted to operably activate firing switch 96, which is operatively supported on control circuit board assembly 100 housed within housing 12 of handle module 10. ing. In the illustrated apparatus configuration, when the firing trigger 90 is activated, the shifter solenoid 71 is activated as a result. As a result of activation of the firing trigger 90, the shifter solenoid 71 pulls the transmission carriage 62 in the proximal direction “PD”, thereby moving the carriage gear 64 into meshing engagement with the second drive gear 44. The motor 80 operates when the carriage gear 64 is in meshing engagement with the drive gear 82 and the second drive gear 44. As a result, the second drive shaft 42 is moved to the second drive shaft axis “SDA”. ”. The shift transmission assembly 60 may also include a display system 74 that includes a pair of switches 75 and 76 that are operatively coupled to the control board 100 and the transmission indicator light 77. The switches 75 and 76 function to detect the position of the transmission carriage 62, and as a result, the control system activates the indicator lamp 77 according to the position of the transmission carriage 62. For example, the indicator lamp 77 may be energized when the transmission carriage 62 is in the first drive position. This provides the clinician with instructions to activate the first drive system 20 as a result of the motor 80 being activated.

  The motor 80 may be a brushed DC drive motor having a maximum rotational speed of, for example, about 25,000 RPM. In other configurations, the motor can include any other suitable electric motor such as a brushless motor, cordless motor, synchronous motor, stepper motor, or autoclavable motor. The motor 80 may be powered by a power source 84, which in one form may include a power pack 86 that is removably stored within the pistol grip portion 19 of the handle 14. To access the power pack 86, the clinician removes the removable cap 17 attached to the bottom of the pistol grip portion 19. The power pack 86 may operably support a plurality of battery cells (not shown) therein. Each battery cell may include, for example, lithium ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery type. The power pack 86 is configured to be removably and operably attached to the control circuit board assembly 100 of the handle module 10, and the control circuit board assembly 100 is also operably coupled to the motor 80 and is within the handle 14. Installed. The power pack 86 may include a number of battery cells connected in series that may function as a power source for a surgical instrument. In addition, the power source 84 may be replaceable and / or rechargeable and may include, for example, a CR123 battery in at least one example.

  The motor 80 may be actuated by a “rocker trigger” 110 that is pivotally attached to the pistol grip portion 19 of the handle 14. The rocker trigger 110 is configured to actuate a first motor switch 112 that is operably coupled to the control board 100. The first motor switch 112 may include a pressure switch that operates by pivoting and contacting the rocker trigger 110. The operation of the first motor switch 112 results in the operation of the motor 80 so that the drive gear 82 rotates in the first rotation direction. A second motor switch 114 is attached to the circuit board 100 so as to be selectively contacted by the rocker trigger 110. The operation of the second motor switch 114 results in the operation of the motor 80 so that the drive gear 82 rotates in the second rotational direction. For example, in use, the electric motor 80 can be operated clockwise by the voltage polarity provided by the power supply 84, but the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery operates the electric motor 80 counterclockwise. Can be reversed. The handle 14 may also have a sensor configured to detect the direction in which the drive system is moving.

  The housing 12 may also include a surgical instrument contact substrate 30 attached to the housing 12. Accordingly, various DSMs (eg, DSM 1, 2, 3) may include mating DSM contact substrates (see FIGS. 34-60 of the '590 application). The DSM contact board is such that the end effector contact board is electrically coupled to the handle module contact board 30 mounted within the handle module 10 when the DSM is operatively coupled to the handle module 10. May be positioned within. In this way, data and / or power can be exchanged between the handle module 10 and the DSM via the mating contact board.

  FIG. 6 shows a mechanical coupling system that can be used to facilitate simultaneously and detachably operatively coupling the two drive systems 20, 40 in the handle module 10 to corresponding "driven" shafts in the DSM. One form of 50 is shown. The coupling system 50 may comprise a male coupler that can be attached to a drive shaft in the handle module 10 and a corresponding female socket coupler that is attached to a driven shaft in the surgical DSM. Each of the male couplers 51 is configured to be driven in a corresponding female socket coupler 57, and the female socket coupler 57 may also be attached to a driven shaft in the DSM.

  The '590 application discloses a configuration for driving the drive systems 20, 40 such that the handle module 10 may include multiple motors.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a modular powered surgical instrument 2100 that includes a handle module 2102 and a DSM 2104. Handles and DSMs 2102, 2104 comprise electrical subsystems 2106, 2108 that are electrically coupled by a communication power interface 2110, respectively. The components of the electrical subsystem 2106 of the handle portion 2102 can be supported by and connected to the control board 100 described above. Communication power interface 2110 is configured such that electrical signals and / or power can be easily exchanged between handle portion 2102 and shaft portion 2104.

  In the illustrated example, electrical subsystem 2106 of handle portion 2102 is electrically coupled to various electrical elements 2112 and display 2114. In one example, display 2114 is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, but display 2114 should not be limited to this situation, and other display technologies may be used. The electrical subsystem 2108 of the DSM 2104 is electrically coupled to various electrical elements 2116 of the DSM.

  In one aspect, the electrical subsystem 2106 of the handle module 2102 comprises a solenoid driver 2118, an accelerometer system 2120, a motor controller / driver 2122, a handle processor 2124, and a voltage regulator 2126, and the DSM and / or handle It is configured to receive inputs from a plurality of sensor switches 2128 that may be located anywhere. The handle processor 2124 may be a general purpose microcontroller suitable for medical and surgical instrument applications. In one example, the handle processor 2124 comprises a 32-bit ARM® Cortex ™ -M4 80-MHz processor and on-chip memory such as 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, internal ROM for C Series software, and 2 KB EEPROM. It may be a TM4C123BH6ZRB microcontroller from Texas Instruments. The electrical subsystem 2106 may also include one or more separate external memory chips / circuits (not shown) connected to the handle processor 2124 via a data bus. As used herein, a “processor” or “processor circuit” such as handle processor 2124 is programmed with program code, executing program code, such as firmware and / or software, stored in associated memory. It may be implemented as a microcontroller, microprocessor, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that performs various functions.

  In one aspect, the electrical subsystem 2106 of the handle module 2102 includes a solenoid 2132, a clamp position switch 2134, a firing position switch 2136, a motor 2138, a battery pack 2140, an OLED interface board 2142 (which drives the display 2114), and an open switch 2144. Various electronic components including various switches (indicating whether the closure trigger is open), closure switch 2146 (indicating whether the closure trigger is closed), firing switch 2148 (indicating whether the firing switch is activated), etc. A signal is received from 2112. 2-5, the motor 2138 may indicate the motor 80.

  In one aspect, the electrical subsystem 2108 of the DSM 2104 may comprise a shaft processor 2130. The DSM electrical subsystem 2108 is configured to receive signals from various switches and sensors 2116 located in the DAM, which indicate the status of the DSM clamping jaws and cutting elements. . Specifically, the DSM electrical subsystem 2108 includes a clamp release status switch 2150 (indicating whether the end effector clamp is open), clamp closure status, so that various switches indicate the status of the clamp and cutting elements. Switch 2152 (indicates whether the end effector clamp is closed), firing start status switch 2154 (indicates whether the end effector has started firing), and firing end status switch 2156 (whether the end effector has finished firing) Signal may be received.

  The accelerometer system 2120 may include a MEMS motion sensor that senses three-axis motion of the handle module 10, such as a LIS331 DLM accelerometer from STMicroelectronics. The motor controller / driver 2122 can include, for example, a three-phase brushless DC (BLDC) controller and a MOSFET driver, such as the A3930 motor controller / driver provided by Allegro. In one aspect, the modular power surgical instrument 2100 is equipped with a brushless DC electric motor 2138 (BLDC motor, BL motor), also known as an electronic commutation motor (ECM, EC motor). One such motor is the BLDC Motor B0610H4314 offered by Portescap. The sensor switch 2128 may include one or more unipolar integrating circuit Hall effect sensors. Voltage regulator 2126 regulates the power supplied from the power source (eg, battery 2140) to the various electronic components of handle module 2102 and DSM 2104. The battery 2140, which may represent the battery pack 86 of FIGS. 1-5, may be, for example, a lithium ion polymer (LiPo) battery, a polymer lithium ion battery, and / or a lithium polymer battery, for example, these (Li- poly, Li-Pol, LiPo, LIP, PLi, or LiP) rechargeable battery (secondary battery). The LIPO battery 2140 may include multiple (eg, four or six) identical secondary batteries (“packs”) connected in parallel. The OLED interface 2142 is an interface to an OLED display 2114 comprising organic light emitting diodes.

  In one aspect, the DSM processor 2130 of the electrical subsystem 2108 of the DSM 2104 may be implemented as an ultra low power 16-bit mixed signal MCU, such as the MSP430FR5738 Ultra-low Power MCU provided by Texas Instruments. This may include, inter alia, an internal RAM non-volatile memory, a CPU, an A / D converter, a 16 channel comparator, and three extended serial channels capable of supporting I2C, SPI, or UART protocols. Subsystem 2108 may also include one or more separate external memory chips / circuits connected to DSM processor 2130 via a data bus.

  Further details regarding exemplary electrical subsystems for handles and DSMs 2102, 2104 can be found in the '590 application. In operation, electrical subsystem 2106 of handle module 2102 receives signals from open switch 2144, close switch 2146, and firing switch 2148 supported on the housing (eg, housing 12) of handle module portion 2102. When a signal is received from the closure switch 2146, the handle processor 2124 activates the motor 2138 to initiate closure of the clamp arm. When the clamp is closed, a clamp closure status switch 2152 in the end effector sends a signal to the shaft processor 2130 that communicates the status of the clamp arm to the handle processor 2124 through the communication power interface 2110.

  Once the target tissue is clamped, firing switch 2148 may be activated to generate a signal received by handle processor 2124. In response, the handle processor 2124 actuates the transmission carriage to the second drive position, so that actuation of the motor 2138 results in rotation of the second drive shaft. When the cutting member is positioned, the firing start status switch 2154 located within the end effector sends a signal indicating the position of the cutting member to the DSM processor 2130 which again returns to the handle processor 2124 through the communication power interface 2110. Communicate position to.

  By actuating the first switch 2148 once more, a signal is sent to the handle processor 2138, which reacts to actuate the second drive system and firing system in the DSM, and the tissue cutting member and The wedge sled assembly is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge. When the tissue cutting member and wedge sled assembly are driven to the most distal position within the surgical staple cartridge, the end-of-fire switch 2156 sends a signal to the DSM processor 2130 which again returns to the handle processor 2124 through the interface 2110. Communicate position to. The firing switch 2148 can now be activated to send a signal to the handle processor 2124, which operates the motor 2138 in reverse rotation to return the firing system to the starting position.

  By actuating the release switch 2144 once again, a signal is sent to the handle processor 2124 which operates the motor 2138 to release the clamp. When released, the clamp release status switch 2150 located within the end effector sends a signal to the shaft processor 2130 which communicates the position of the clamp to the handle processor 2124. Clamp position switch 2134 and firing position switch 2136 provide signals to handle processor 2124 indicating the respective positions of the clamp arm and cutting member.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a handle processor in various examples by executing software and / or firmware instructions related to the handle processor 2124 stored in the processor's internal memory and / or external memory chip / circuit connected to the handle processor 2124. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a process flow that may be performed by 2124. In step 202, the handle processor 2124 monitors the input signal from the sensor of the instrument 2100 for so-called “life events”. A life event is an event or action that requires the handle module 2102 and / or the DSM 2104, and the handle module 2102 should be retired (ie, no longer used) once the life event threshold count has been reached. Life events can be sensed by or clamped to end effector clamps, end effector firings, combinations of these events, and / or instruments 2100 that require a handle module 2102 and / or DSM 2104. It can be an event or an action. For example, the opening switch 2144, closing switch 2146, and firing switch 2148 of the handle module 2102 may be coupled to the handle processor 2124. In addition or in the alternative, clamp release status switch 2150, clamp closure status switch 2152, firing start status switch 2154, and firing end status switch 2156 in DSM 2104 are communicated to handle processor 2124 (via interface 2110). May be combined. Life events may occur when some or all of these respective switches are activated and / or activated in a specific order detected by the handle processor 2124, depending on the design and use of the handle module 2102 and the instrument 2100. May occur and may be counted. For example, in various implementations, each closure of the detected clamp and each detected firing may be counted as a life event. In other words, the detected closure of the clamp may include a first life event and the detected firing may include a second or another life event. In other implementations, a series of clamp closures and subsequent firings may be counted as one life event. Also, as described above, the handle processor 2124 can detect life events, for example, using inputs from the handle sensors 2144, 2146, 2148, and / or DSM sensors 2150, 2152, 2154, 2156.

  The handle processor 2124 holds the number of life events. When a life event is detected, the handle processor 2124 increments the current value of the life event counter in either its internal memory or external memory at step 204. When the life event occurs, the counter may be an addition counter that increments by 1 count (increments by +1) until a preset threshold is satisfied, or when the life event occurs, the counter May be a different, subtracting counter starting from a value that is a preset threshold and decrementing by one count (incrementing by -1) until reaching a specific end count (eg, zero). The preset life event count threshold may be set to any desired value, taking into account the specific sensor event that the manufacturer of the handle module 2102 counts as a life event.

  When the life event counter reaches the preset life event threshold at step 206, the handle processor 2124 may display the display 2114 of the handle module 2102 or any other display in communication with the handle processor 2124 (step 208) (step 208). Initiate one or more end-of-life operations, such as indicating that the handle module 2102 is used (end-of-life) and should be retired, eg, a mechanical counter that the user can check) Good. Any suitable visual, tactile, and / or audible display may be used. For example, the display 2114 may include an icon and / or text indicating that the end of life of the handle module has been reached. The display 2114 also continuously monitors the life event count, for example, by a numeric display or volume indicator (full, near empty, etc.) so that the user can monitor whether the handle module is approaching the end of the life cycle. Can show. In addition to or instead of a permanent display of the life event count, the display 2114 may have an icon indicating that the handle module is approaching its end of life and / or may use text (For example, “N remaining use times”). The handle processor 2124 may also initiate a state that prevents further use of the handle module 2102 when the end of life count is reached, as will be described in detail below. If the end of life count has not been reached, the handle processor 2124 monitors switches and sensors for a life event count until the end of life threshold is reached.

  Various realizations of sensors can be used to detect specific life events. For example, the DSMs used (eg, DSM 1, 2, 3) are, for example, two drive shafts (a shaft for driving the closure system and a shaft for driving the firing system (respectively drive system 20 , 40))). Each such drive shaft may drive the carriage forward during a clamping event or firing event, respectively. Thus, the closure system and / or firing system may optionally include a switch that is triggered when the closure carriage or firing carriage contacts. The switch may be coupled to the handle processor 2124, which may record a life event count upon receiving a signal from the triggered switch. The switch may be an automatic return pushbutton switch that is reset each time it is touched (triggered) by a carriage driven by a drive shaft.

  In addition to the above, the '590 application explains that DSMs 1-3 can include a pair of main screws for driving various different types of DSM closure and firing systems. Examples of such main screw pairs are FIGS. 34-37 (open linear stapler) of the '590 application, FIGS. 38-41 (curved cutter stapler) of the' 590 application, and FIGS. 42-45 (surgical circular stapler) of the '590 application. ) In the '590 application. Other DSM types suitable for handle modules such as end cutters and / or right angle staplers can also be used. Because different DSMs can be used in the handle module, the handle module (eg, handle processor 2124) is more sophisticated to track handle module usage and remaining life based on the number of uses and firings of various types of DSMs. Simple algorithms can be used. For example, in one example, the handle processor 2124 calculates a progressive cumulative life event score that weights use by different DSMs in different ways (eg, depending on the stress on the handle module), and sets the score to a predetermined threshold. You can compare. When the handle module score reaches a threshold, the handle module is retired (eg, one or more end-of-life operations are performed). For example, the handle processor 2124 may calculate a life event score based on the following relationship:

式中、ｉ＝１、．．．Ｎは、ハンドルモジュール（例えば、エンドカッター、リニアオープン、円形、湾曲、直角ステープラなど）で使用できる、異なるＤＳＭタイプを示し、Ｗ_ｉは、ＤＳＭタイプｉの重み係数であり、Ｆ_ｉ，ｊは、ＤＳＭタイプｉを必要とする、ｊ＝１，．．．Ｓ処置中のＤＳＭタイプｉの発射回数である。ハンドルモジュールに対して概してより少ない応力を加えるＤＳＭタイプは、ハンドルモジュールに対して概してより多くの応力を加えるＤＳＭタイプより低い重みＷを有し得る。このようにして、様々な構成において、高応力処置のみに使用されるハンドルモジュールは、他のすべての条件が同一であるならば、より低応力処置にのみ使用されるハンドルモジュールよりも前に有効期限が切れるであろう。

Where i = 1,. . . N denotes a different DSM type that can be used with a handle module (eg, end cutter, linear open, circular, curved, right angle stapler, etc.), W _i is a weight factor for DSM type i, and F _{i, j} is , DSM type i, j = 1,. . . S Number of DSM type i firings during treatment. A DSM type that generally applies less stress to the handle module may have a lower weight W than a DSM type that generally applies more stress to the handle module. In this way, in various configurations, a handle module that is used only for high stress treatment will be effective before a handle module that is used only for lower stress treatment if all other conditions are the same. It will expire.

  FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary process flow that the handle processor 2124 may execute to calculate a life event score and / or compare the life event score to a threshold score. In such an example, the handle processor 2124 can execute firmware and / or software stored, for example, in internal and / or external memory. Assuming that the handle module threshold score has not yet been reached, the process begins at block 250 where the handle processor 2124 receives input for the next treatment. The at least one such input may include a DSM type ID attached to the handle module, when the DSM is connected to the handle module and / or between the handle processor 2124 and the DSM processor 2130. The handle processor can receive from the DSM processor 2130 when data communication is established. In the process of recognizing and / or authenticating the DSM, the DSM processor 2130 sends an ID identifying the type of DSM (eg, end cutter, circle, etc.) attached to the handle module to the handle processor 2124. . Next, in step 252, the handle processor 2124 tracks the number of firings of the handle module during the surgical procedure. The handle processor 2124 tracks the number of firings of the handle module by tracking the number of firing trigger actuations and / or by tracking feedback from the DSM, eg, an indication that the end effector cartridge has been replaced. It's okay.

Referring now to step 254, following the procedure and / or at any other suitable time, the handle processor 2124 adds the score for the just completed procedure to the previous score, thereby adding the handle processor's The life event score may be updated. The score for the treatment just completed may be based on multiplying the DSM type weight W _i used in the treatment and the number of firings S in the treatment. The handle processor 2124 may determine the weight W _i for the DSM type by looking up the weight in a lookup table (stored in internal and / or external memory) based on the type ID received from the DSM in step 250. . In step 256, the handle processor compares the handle module's updated life event score to a preset threshold score to determine whether the handle module is at its end of life. If the threshold has been reached, the process proceeds to step 258 where one or more end-of-life operations for the handle module are performed, for example, one or more end-of-life operations described herein. . On the other hand, if the threshold has not been reached, the process can proceed to step 260 so that the handle module can be used in at least one or more procedures, and the process of FIG. 9 is immediately repeated.

  The load conditions experienced by the instrument can be used to track the usage of both the handle module and the DSM to assess whether one or both of the handle module and the DSM should retire. One such illustration includes, for example, comparing the force that is actually applied by the instrument to drive the firing member of the end effector with the force that the instrument is expected to experience. Similarly, the force actually applied to retract the firing member can be compared to the force expected to be experienced by the instrument to assess whether the handle module and / or DSM should be retracted. The handle module can be evaluated against a threshold firing number based on the force level that the handle module is expected to experience. Similarly, the DSM can be evaluated against a threshold number of firings based on the force level that the DSM is expected to experience. The handle module threshold count and the DSM threshold count may be the same or different. If the actual force experienced by the handle module and / or DSM significantly exceeds the expected force level, the handle processor and / or DSM processor may optionally cause the handle module and / or DSM to have its expected firing. It may be determined whether to retire before the number of times is reached.

  In some examples, in addition to the above, the force applied by the handle module and / or DSM may be constant throughout the firing stroke of the firing member, but the force applied by the handle module and / or DSM may be It is very common to change throughout the stroke. In any case, the force applied by the handle module and / or the force expected to be applied by the handle module may depend on the position of the firing member. Similarly, the force applied by the DSM and / or the force expected to be applied by the DSM may depend on the position of the firing member. A particular DSM type may have an expected firing force that correlates with the firing stroke of the DSM over its entire length, ie, the distance between the initial start position of the firing member and its stroke end position. The DSM may also have an expected retracting force that correlates with the retracting stroke of the DSM over its entire length, ie, the distance between the firing member stroke end position and its starting position. FIG. 10A shows an example of an expected force of a certain DSM type. The upper curve 270 shows the expected firing force as the firing member traverses the end effector from its start position to its stroke end position, and the lower curve 272 retracts the firing member back to its start position. Indicates the expected retraction force at times. In this particular example, the expected firing force is greater than the expected retracting force.

  For each launch, in addition to the above, the handle module and / or DSM processor can track the force applied per unit distance increment of stroke length (eg, 1 millimeter). In addition, the handle module and / or DSM processor tracks the force applied for each distance increment of stroke length, and then compares the actual force with the expected force to determine the actual applied force. You can check whether you have exceeded the power. One way to measure the force applied by the instrument during firing and retraction is to measure the torque output of the motor during the firing and retraction strokes. In at least one example, the torque output of the motor can be measured based on the current drawn by the motor and the motor speed. In at least one such example, the voltage applied to the motor is constant. For example, the current can be measured with a current sensor and the motor speed can be measured with an encoder. FIG. 10A shows an exemplary force measurement as a departure from the expected firing stroke force and the expected reverse stroke force. In this figure, for simplicity of explanation, all measured forces exceed the expected force, and only the difference between the measured and expected force is shown in line 274 for the firing stroke. The reverse stroke is indicated by a dotted line segment 276. The reader should understand that one or more measured forces can be less than their expected forces.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram of an exemplary process flow performed by the handle module processor and / or DSM processor, optionally by executing firmware and / or software stored in the memory of the handle module and / or DSM. . Referring now to step 280, the processor sums the force difference (denoted ΔL below) between the measured and expected forces in each unit length increment along the firing and / or retracting strokes of the instrument. Yes, it can be accumulated. For example, the cumulative force difference between the firing stroke and the subsequent reverse stroke can be calculated based on the following relationship.

式中、ＥＯＳはストローク終了位置を示し、Ｆ_{ｍ，ｆ，ΔＬ}及びＦ_{ｅ，ｆ，ΔＬ}は、位置ΔＬにおける測定された発射力及び予期される発射力をそれぞれ示し、Ｆ_{ｍ，ｒ，ΔＬ}及びＦ_{ｅ，ｒ，ΔＬ}は、位置ΔＬにおける測定された後退力及び予期される後退力をそれぞれ示す。工程２８２において、次いでプロセッサは、ハンドルモジュール及び／又はＤＳＭが経験した各発射について発射あたりの累積力差を合計することによって力差を累積できる。

Where EOS indicates the stroke end position, F _{m, f, ΔL} and F _{e, f, ΔL} indicate the measured and expected firing forces at position ΔL, respectively, F _{m, r, ΔL} And F _{e, r, ΔL denote the} measured and expected retracting force at position ΔL, respectively. In step 282, the processor can then accumulate the force difference by summing the accumulated force difference per firing for each firing experienced by the handle module and / or DSM.

  For certain embodiments, in addition to the above, the processor can calculate cumulative force differences in real time. In at least one example, the processor can calculate the force difference after each firing and retracting cycle. In certain examples, the processor can calculate a force difference after each surgical procedure that may include more than one firing cycle and a retracting cycle. For example, if there were 7 firings in a particular procedure, the processor would sum the results of step 280 for each of the 7 firings. Next, in step 284, the handle may optionally be added by adding the cumulative force difference of the recently calculated treatment to the sum before the recently calculated treatment (or zero for the first treatment of the module). The total cumulative force difference of the handle module and / or DSM can be updated. In step 286, the processor can then compare the updated total accumulated force difference to a threshold value. If the threshold is reached or otherwise met, the process proceeds to step 288 where the handle module or DSM end-of-life operation is optionally performed. Conversely, in step 286, if the processor determines that the threshold has not yet been reached, then the handle module and / or DSM may be used once again.

  In some cases, the handle module and / or DSM may have reached end of life according to another threshold even though the cumulative force difference threshold has not yet been reached. For example, the process of FIG. 10B can proceed to step 289 where, after step 286, the processor optionally compares the total number of treatments requiring a handle module and / or DSM to a treatment count threshold. In at least one example, the handle module may have a treatment count threshold of 20 treatments and the DSM may have a treatment count threshold of 10 treatments. Other examples are possible. In at least one other example, the handle module and the DSM may have the same treatment count threshold. When the treatment count threshold is reached, in step 288, an end-of-life operation of the handle module and / or DSM is initiated, as the case may be. Conversely, if the treatment count threshold has not yet been reached, the process proceeds to step 290 where the handle module and / or DSM is prepared for another treatment. Any technique described herein for tracking treatment counts may be used to detect treatment termination.

  In various embodiments, the handle processor can perform both handle module and DSM calculations, and then communicate the DSM results to the DSM processor so that the DSM processor can initiate end-of-life operations as needed. . Similarly, the DSM processor can perform both handle module and DSM calculations, and then communicates the handle module results to the handle processor so that the handle processor can initiate end-of-life operations as needed. In another configuration, all forces measured for the procedure are connected to the handle module following the procedure, for example, a remote processor such as a processor in an examination station, or a procedure for post-treatment processing. Or it can be downloaded to a processor-based system. Such an inspection station is disclosed and described, for example, in connection with FIGS.

  FIG. 10C, in conjunction with FIGS. 10D and 10E, illustrates another example process flow that can be monitored using a handle processor, for example, whether the handle module has reached its end of life. The process shown in FIG. 10C determines whether the handle module has reached its end of life based on the energy used by the handle module during its lifetime (an exemplary graph is shown in FIG. 10D). FIG. 10D shows the total or cumulative energy consumption by the handle module as a function of use or firing of the handle module. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the process shown in FIG. 10C may determine whether the handle module has reached its end of life based on the power used during each firing of the handle module (an example thereof). A simple graph is shown in FIG. 10E). FIG. 10E shows the power consumed for each firing of the handle module. In at least one particular embodiment, the processor, when performing the exemplary process of FIG. 10C, whether the energy consumed by the handle module has cumulatively exceeded various thresholds (see FIG. 10D), At the same time, it monitors whether the handle module has a certain number of firings that exceed a threshold power level (see FIG. 10E). When both of these conditions are met, in at least one example, the handle processor can conclude that the handle module is at its end of life. In a particular example, the handle processor can use any number of multi-factor tests (with a threshold set for each test) to determine whether the handle module is at its end of life. In at least one example, the handle processor may determine that its end of life has been reached if any test threshold is met or exceeded.

  Following the procedure, the handle processor can perform the process of FIG. 10C by executing firmware and / or software stored in internal and / or external memory to determine whether the handle module is at its end of life. . In step 290, the handle processor can compare the accumulated energy over the life of the handle module to a first threshold energy level, ie, energy level 1 of FIG. 10D. The energy level 1 may be 40 kJ, for example. The handle module may include a microwatt or wattmeter connected to the handle module motor to measure and record the motor electrical parameters so that the energy and power output of the motor can be determined. If the first threshold energy level, i.e., energy level 1 has been reached or exceeded, the handle processor determines in step 291 that the handle module is at its end of life, eg, as described herein. End-of-life operations can be initiated, such as one or more end-of-life operations described.

  In step 290, if the handle processor determines that the first threshold energy level, ie, energy level 1, has not been reached, the process determines that the handle module has a second (eg, lower) energy threshold, ie, FIG. 10D. The process proceeds to step 292 where it is determined whether or not energy level 2 is satisfied. The energy level 2 can be, for example, 30 kJ. If the second threshold energy level is reached or exceeded (without reaching or exceeding the first threshold energy level), the process determines that the handle module has a first power level threshold. Proceed to step 293 where the handle processor determines whether a specific number of firings exceeding, eg, two firings exceeding 55 watts (see FIG. 10E), have occurred during its lifetime. If the second energy level threshold is met or exceeded and the power level threshold is met or exceeded a predetermined number of times, the handle processor can determine that the handle module is at its end of life. However, if the power level threshold has not been met or exceeded a predetermined number of times, the handle processor may have met or exceeded the second energy level threshold, but the handle module is still at the end of life. It can be determined that it has not reached. The double factor of steps 292 and 293 can be another test for the life of the handle module, if the handle module fails both tests (ie, both thresholds or conditions are met) It can be determined that the product is at the end of its life.

  The handle processor can perform any number of such double factor tests. The example of FIG. 10C shows one further such double factor test. If neither of the dual factors of steps 292 and 293 are met, the process determines whether the handle module has met a third (eg, even lower) energy threshold, ie, energy level 3, step 294. You can proceed to. The energy level 3 may be 25 kJ, for example. If the third threshold energy level is reached or exceeded (without reaching or exceeding the third threshold energy level), the process is identified by the handle processor and the handle module as specified. A number of firings that exceed the second power level threshold (which may be the same as or different from the power level threshold in step 293) (preferably greater than the number of such firings identified for step 293), eg The process proceeds to step 295 where it is determined whether four firings exceeding 55 watts have been completed during the lifetime. The double factor of steps 294 and 295 can be another test for the life of the handle module, if the handle module fails both tests (ie, the threshold or condition is met) It can be determined that it is at the end of its life. Otherwise, the handle processor can determine that the handle module is not at its end of life and can be used in subsequent actions.

  Obviously, the steps of FIG. 10C can be performed in various orders while achieving the same result. For example, steps 294 and 295 can be performed before step 290, and so forth.

  According to current best practice, before a surgical procedure can be performed using the handle module, it must be sterilized. In various examples, the handle module is placed in a sterilization tray that is then placed in the sterilization chamber. In addition to or instead of the above method for tracking the end of life of the handle module, the number of times the handle module is placed on the sterilization tray for sterilization can be used to track the end of life of the handle module. In other words, the number of times the handle module is sterilized serves as a substitute for the number of times the handle module is used. In at least one exemplary embodiment, each handle module has its own sterilization tray that holds the number of sterilizations of a particular handle module. In such a configuration, the sterilization tray may include a counter that increments each time an associated handle module is placed on the tray. The counter has a visual readout display that can indicate the number of sterilizations of the handle module when an addition counter is used, or the number of remaining sterilizations when a subtraction counter is used, ie, the number of sterilizations allowed. Can have. In this way, the user can know when the upper limit of sterilization has been reached, so that the user can retire the handle module and / or perform other suitable end-of-life measures. Can do. As an alternative to the number of sterilizations of the handle module and, therefore, to use placing the handle module on the sterilization tray as an alternative to the use of the handle module, the handle module is sterilized with one and only one sterilization tray. It is necessary to In this way, the counter does not count the placement of other handle modules on the tray. Thus, the handle module and sterilization tray may be provided together as, for example, a kit and may include an ID (eg, a number or icon) indicating that they will be used together. The handle module and DSM can be sterilized, for example, separately or together.

  FIG. 11A shows an exemplary sterilization tray 300 and a handle module 302 that can be positioned within the sterilization tray 300. The sterilization tray 300 defines an opening, or recess 304, whose shape matches the shape of the handle module 302 disposed therein. The recess 304 is configured to tightly receive the handle module 302, and therefore there is little if any relative movement between them. The sterilization tray 300 includes a stroke counter 306 having a lever arm 308 that extends into the opening 304. The stroke counter 306 further includes a counter visual readout device 310. When the user places the handle module 302 in the opening 304, the lever arm end 308 is pushed down, switched or stroked. Thereby, it is recorded as a count. Therefore, in the case of an addition counter, the stroke counter (stoke counter) 306 displayed on the reading device 310 is incremented by 1 (or in the case of a subtraction counter by −1). In various configurations, the lever arm end 308 has a protrusion 312 that is configured to fit a corresponding opening 314 defined in the handle module 302 to reduce false switching or stroke of the lever arm 306. May include. FIG. 11B shows the handle module 302 after it has been placed on the sterilization tray 300. In FIG. 11B, the lever arm end 308 is not visible because it is below the handle module 302. The counter readout device 310 remains visible to the user even when the handle module 302 is positioned in the opening 304.

  FIGS. 11C and 11D show a modification in which the handle module 302 can be placed on the sterilization tray 300 with the DSM 312. The handle module 302 is similar in many respects to the handle module 10 and the DSM 312 shows an exemplary DSM. In such a configuration, the sterilization tray 300 includes a handle module opening 318 for receiving the handle module 302, a handle module lever counter 314, and a handle module counter reading device 316. The tray 300 also includes a DSM opening 324 for receiving the DSM 312, a DSM lever counter 320, and a DSM counter reader 322. In such a configuration, the handle module 302 and DSM 312 should be sterilized only with a specific sterilization tray 300 so that each sterilization can be accurately tracked. The handle module counter 312 indicates the number of times the handle module 302 has been sterilized and / or the number of remaining sterilizations in the sterilization tray 300. The DSM counter 324 indicates the number of times the DSM 312 has been sterilized and / or the number of remaining sterilizations in the sterilization tray 300. The handle module 302 can be sterilized without the DSM 312 and vice versa. In this case, the respective counts may not be equal.

  FIGS. 11E-11I illustrate another configuration for tracking the use of a handle module using a sterilization tray 300. In FIG. 11E, the sterilization tray 300 includes a protrusion 340 that extends upward from the bottom of the sterilization tray opening 304. The protrusion 340 is positioned to extend into a corresponding opening 342 defined in the handle module 302 when the handle module 302 is secured to the opening 304. As shown in FIG. 11F, the handle module 302 includes a mechanical two-position toggle switch 344 having a portion that extends into an opening 342 defined by the handle 302 when the switch 344 is in the first position. You may prepare. When the handle module 302 is placed in the sterilization tray 300, the opening 342 is aligned with the protrusion 340 such that the protrusion 340 pushes the switch 344 to the second position, as shown in FIG. 11G. The switch 344 may be in communication with the handle processor, and when the switch 344 is moved from the first position (FIG. 11F) to the second position (FIG. 11G), the handle processor (internal and / or external processor of the handle module) The internal sterilization count (stored in memory) may be updated. In such embodiments, the handle module 302 may include a power source as described herein to power the handle processor and update the sterilization count during sterilization. Such a power source may comprise a secondary battery that is not removed from the handle module even if the primary battery is removed from the handle module 302. The handle processor may compare the sterilization count to a predetermined threshold (e.g., 20 sterilizations), and when the sterilization count reaches the predetermined threshold, the handle processor may, for example, use one or two described herein. One or more various end-of-life operations may be performed. The switch 344 may remain in a “triggered” or “activated” state until it is reset later, eg, after a sterilization process (see FIG. 36). The switch 344 can return to its open position, for example, by a spring when the handle module 302 is removed from the tray 300 and the protrusion 340 is removed from the opening 342. The handle module processor also sets an internal flag to indicate that the handle module 302 has been placed on the sterilization tray 300, which can be reset later after the sterilization process (see FIG. 37). FIGS. 11H and 11I show a similar embodiment with a contact switch 348. When the handle module 302 is placed in the sterilization tray 300, the opening 342 causes the protrusion 340 to close the contact switch 348 when the handle module 302 is secured to the opening 304, as shown in FIG. 11G. To the protrusion 340. Contact switch 348 is in communication with the handle processor and updates the handle module's sterilization count. The contact switch 348 is returned to its open position, for example by being biased by a spring, when the handle 302 is removed from the tray 300 and the pressure applied to the contact switch 348 by the inserted protrusion 340 is removed. To obtain (FIG. 11H).

  In addition to or instead of the above method for tracking the end of life of the handle module, the end of life of the handle module can be tracked by using an inspection station to which the handle module can be connected. The inspection station can be used at any suitable time to assess whether the handle module can be used to perform a surgical procedure and / or subsequent steps of the surgical procedure. For example, the inspection station can be used before, during, and / or after the handle module sterilization process and / or during the preparation of the handle module for reuse. The handle module may be, for example, (i) post-operative cleaning of the reusable component of the handle module following treatment (usually including manual wiping of the component or instrument), (ii) decontamination of the component or instrument. (E.g., by an automatic washer) and / or (iii) can be connected to an inspection station after cleaning of components or instruments and / or room drying. Placing the handle module at the inspection station can be an alternative to the number of times the handle module is used, the number of sterilizations, and / or the number of processing times for other reuse. The display at the inspection station (or elsewhere) has reached or is likely to reach the threshold for the number of times the handle module is placed in the inspection station, at which point the user can perform an appropriate action with respect to the handle module, such as retirement. It may be shown to the user at any time. The inspection station can also upload data to the handle processor that prevents further use of the handle module (eg, disables the handle module) when the handle module reaches the end of life.

  In addition to the above, FIGS. 12A and 12B show an exemplary inspection station 400 and handle module 402. The handle module 402 is similar to the handle module 10 in many respects. FIG. 12A shows the handle module 402 before being placed in the inspection station 400, and FIG. 12B shows the handle module 402 after being placed in place on the inspection station 400. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, the handle module 402 includes a battery cavity 403 defined therein that is configured to receive a battery pack. For example, see the battery pack 86 of FIGS. As disclosed elsewhere herein, the battery pack can be easily inserted into and removed from the battery cavity 403. FIG. 12A also shows that the battery pack has been removed from the handle module 402 and thus the battery cavity 403 is exposed before the handle module 402 is placed in the inspection system 400. Inspection station 400 includes an insert or data / power adapter 404 extending from inspection station 400 that is dimensioned and configured to fit within battery cavity 403 of handle module 402. As described in further detail below, the data / power adapter 404 is one or two positioned by power contacts configured to engage the battery pack power terminals and / or within the battery cavity 403. One or more signal contacts are arranged to communicate with the processor of the handle module. The handle module 402 may be positioned at the inspection station 400 by sliding the opening 403 over the data / power adapter 404.

  FIG. 12C is a block diagram illustrating certain components of the inspection station 400 and handle module 402. The data / power adapter 404 provides a voltage to the voltage regulator 432 of the handle module 402 in the same or similar manner that the battery pack provides a voltage to the voltage regulator 432 when the battery pack is positioned in the opening 403. The power supply terminal 430 is provided. For example, if the battery pack is configured to supply 6V DC to the voltage regulator 432, the insertion member 404 can be configured to supply 6V DC to the voltage regulator 432, for example. The voltage regulator 432 provides power to the control board 100 of the handle module 402 (see FIGS. 1-6) and includes, for example, a handle processor 434 and associated internal and / or external memory 436, etc. Provides power to the components. The inspection station 400 itself may be powered by an AC power source through a power cord 437 using a suitable AC-DC converter. Inspection station 400 includes a data port 438 that contacts handle module 402 data port 440 when handle module 402 engages inspection station 400 so that handle processor 434 can communicate with inspection station processor 442. As will be appreciated by the reader, the inspection station 400 may further include internal and / or external memory 444 associated with the inspection station processor 442.

  FIG. 12D is executed by the handle processor 434 and / or inspection station processor 442 during execution of the software and / or firmware in the handle memory 436 and / or inspection station memory 444 so that the handle module 402 is located in the inspection station 400. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a process flow that can track and respond to a number of times. In various configurations, the handle processor 434 may provide a data and / or power connection to the control board 100 of the handle module 402 whenever the handle module 402 is installed in the inspection device 400. The inspection counter may be incremented. The inspection counter may be an addition counter from zero to a preset threshold number of inspections or a subtraction counter from a preset threshold number of inspections to zero. In at least one example, the handle module 402 includes an inspection station insertion switch 446 (FIG. 12C) that is triggered when the data / power adapter 404 is fully and properly inserted into the opening 403. This switch 446 may be in communication with the handle processor 434 via the control board 100, and when the switch 446 is triggered in step 420 of FIG. 12D, in step 422, the handle processor 434 increments the test counter. Good (possibly +1 or -1 depending on the counter type). In step 424, the handle processor 434 may compare the examination count to a predetermined threshold. If the threshold has not yet been reached, then in step 426 the handle processor 434 may output the value of the inspection counter to the inspection station processor 442 during communication with the inspection station 400 via the insertion member 404. .

  Referring to FIG. 12E, the inspection station 400 may check, for example, the number of times the handle module 402 has been placed in the inspection station 400 and / or the handle module 402 for inspection before the handle module 402 reaches its end of life. A visual display 448 may be included that displays visual information related to the examination counter, such as the remaining number (or approximate number) to be placed at station 400. However, if the test count threshold is reached, the process may proceed to step 428 where an appropriate end of life operation may be performed. One such end of life operation is that the display 448 of the inspection station 400 provides a visual indication to the user that the handle module 402 should not be used anymore. Another end-of-life operation that can be used in addition to or instead of the visual indication is that the test station processor 442 provides a sequence of instructions to the handle processor 434 that causes the handle processor 434 to invalidate further use of the handle module 402. Is to send. For example, the instruction sequence can command the handle processor 434 to never subsequently operate the motor of the handle module 402 or other invalidation actions. For example, the instruction sequence, when set, may instruct the handle processor to set a flag that prevents the handle processor 434 from operating the motor.

  In various embodiments, the test station insertion switch 446 is activated when the data / power adapter 404 is fully inserted into the opening 403 and the data / power adapter 404 is removed from the opening 403 or at least partially. It may be a pressure switch that resets when taken out. In various aspects, the inspection station insertion switch 446 may be configured so that the inspection station counter is incremented (step 422 of FIG. 12D) only when the switch 446 has been active for at least a threshold time (eg, 30 seconds, etc.). There may be an associated timer. Such a timer can reduce the number of false positives (i.e., short-term placement of the handle module 402 on the test station 400 that is less likely to be associated with post-treatment testing or sterilization of the handle module 402).

  In another variation, the inspection station 400 includes a pressure switch with a counter whose readout is displayed to the user. The inspection station pressure switch is activated by placing a handle module 402 at the inspection station 400. For example, the inspection station pressure switch is located at the base of the insertion member 404 of the inspection station 400 such that when the handle module 402 is slid and fully positioned on the insertion member 404, the inspection station pressure switch is activated. Good. Each time the test station pressure switch is activated, the counter may be updated (e.g., incremented by one) so that the readout device indicates the number of times the handle module 402 has been installed in the test system 400. Such a counter can be, for example, a mechanical counter and / or an electronic counter. If the upper limit, i.e., the threshold, is displayed on the inspection station 400, displayed on the handle module 402, and / or otherwise informed to the user, the user may indicate whether the upper limit has been reached or is approaching. I can know. In at least one example, the upper limit may be displayed on, for example, inspection station 400 and / or handle module 402.

  The display 448 of the inspection station 400 can also display other information obtained by the inspection station 400 and / or communicated from the handle module 402 to the inspection station 400 via a data connection therebetween. For example, the handle processor memory may store the device type ID (eg, serial number) of the handle module, and this device type ID may be downloaded to the inspection station processor 442 for display on the display 448. In addition to or in lieu of the above, display 448 may be based on status data received from handle processor 434, for example, to the extent that the handle module is nearing its end of life and / or whether the handle module has been locked out. The status of the handle module may be indicated. As described herein, the display 448 may indicate the number of remaining uses (eg, number of treatments) of the handle module and / or the number of treatments in which the handle module has been used. As disclosed herein, a post-treatment test of the handle module 402 can be performed using the inspection station 400 to ensure that the handle module 402 can be used in subsequent procedures. This test may include, for example, a moisture content test, a hermetic integrity test, and / or a simulated load test. The display can show the results of these tests (eg, pass, fail, in progress).

  In addition to or in lieu of the above, the display 448 of the inspection station 400 may display the status of the inspection station itself, eg, whether the inspection station is downloading data from the handle module, (ii) data and / or It may indicate whether a software upgrade is being uploaded to the handle module, (iii) whether data is being processed, and / or (iv) whether a test is being performed, etc. Display 448 may indicate, for example, whether the handle module is ready for use in another procedure, whether the handle module needs repair, whether the handle module has reached its threshold usage count, and the handle module warranty has expired Results of testing and data processing such as whether and / or other warnings may be indicated. The display 448 of the inspection station 400 may be, for example, an LED-backlit LCD display that is controlled by the inspection station processor 442. The inspection station 400 may also include a control button 410, as shown in FIG. 12E, that allows the user to enter data and / or settings that are stored and used by the inspection station processor 442. The display 448 may also be a touch screen, and the user can enter data and / or settings, for example, via the touch screen. The inspection station 400 may include an external data port 412 such as a USB, micro USB, or mini USB for connection to the data cable 414 so that data can be uploaded or downloaded to the inspection station 400, for example. For example, treatment data from the handle module 402 can be downloaded to the examination station 400 and then downloaded to the remote computing device via the data port 412. Software and / or firmware upgrades may be downloaded from a remote computing device to the inspection station 400 via the data port 412 and then uploaded to the handle module 402, for example.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B show a configuration for tracking use of the handle module by tracking the installation of the power pack in the handle module. FIG. 13A is a block diagram of the handle module 500. The handle module 500 is similar in many respects to the handle module 10. The handle module 500 includes, for example, a removable power pack 502 such as a battery, and a handle processor 504. FIG. 13B shows a process flow that may be executed by the handle processor 504. This process may be performed from firmware and / or software in memory 506 associated with processor 504. As shown in FIG. 13A, the power pack 502 may include an ID emitter 508, such as an RFID tag, for example, that can communicate with an ID receiver 510, such as an RFID reader, within the handle module 500. The ID emitter 508 is, for example, a wireless signal emitter, but any suitable ID emitter can be used. The ID receiver 510 is, for example, a wireless signal receiver in communication with the handle processor 504, although any suitable ID receiver can be used. ID emitter 508 transmits a unique ID of power pack 502, which may be received by ID receiver 510. The intensity of the signal transmitted by the ID emitter 508 is such that when the power pack 502 is very close to the ID receiver 510 (for example, within 10 cm), only the signal transmitted from the ID emitter 508 by the ID receiver 510. Can be controlled or limited to be detectable. In at least one example, the ID receiver 510 can be mounted on the control board 100 such that the ID receiver 510 can only detect the ID emitter 508 when the power pack 502 is inserted into the handle module 500 (see FIG. 2-4). In various examples, short range RFID tags and readers may be used so that the ID receiver 510 is less likely to falsely detect a power pack 502 that is not attached to the handle module 500.

  Referring to the process flow shown in FIG. 13B, ID reader 510 detects an ID emitter at step 520. In step 522, the handle processor 504 determines whether the power pack 502 is a new power pack based on its ID received by the ID receiver 510. The term “new” in this context means that a particular power pack 502 is not being used with a particular handle module 500. The handle processor 504 may perform this step by comparing the ID of the newly detected power pack 502 with the stored list of power pack IDs detected by the ID receiver 510. The list of used power pack IDs is stored in, for example, a nonvolatile memory of the handle module 500. If the power pack 502 is not new, that is, its ID is listed in the stored list of used power packs, the process proceeds to step 524 where an appropriate preset action is taken. For example, the handle processor 504 can disable the handle module 500 until a new, i.e., previously unrecognized power pack, is attached to the handle module 500. In at least one such example, the handle module 500 can disable the motor 80. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the display of the handle module 500 may indicate to the user that the power pack is not new and request another power pack installation (return the process to step 520).

  If the processor 504 determines that the power pack 502 is new, i.e., the ID of the power pack 502 is not listed in the stored used power pack list, the process causes the handle processor 504 to handle the handle module 500. Proceed to step 526 of incrementing the usage count. As described above, an addition counter and / or a subtraction counter can be used. In step 528, the handle processor 504 compares the usage count to a preset threshold that indicates the number of times the handle module 500 should be used with a different, unique power pack. Such a usage count can serve as a substitute for the number of times the handle module 500 is used in the treatment of the patient. If the usage count threshold is reached at step 528, a preset end-of-life operation may be performed at step 529. For example, the handle processor 504 may disable the motor, the handle module display may indicate to the user that the handle module 500 has no remaining usage and / or, for example, that there is no remaining usage. A warning may be activated to alert the user. If the usage count threshold has not been reached, the handle processor 504 identifies the new power pack 502 ID in the stored list of used power packs so that the new power pack 502 cannot be used after the current use in step 530. Add In other variations, the steps shown in FIG. 13B may be performed in a different order. For example, a new power pack ID can be added to the stored list before incrementing the usage count. Other techniques for tracking the attachment of the power pack at the handle module are described below in connection with FIGS. 14E and 15A-B.

  The embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 13A and 13B can be used with rechargeable and / or non-rechargeable battery packs. Nevertheless, a battery pack that is used in the handle module 500, recharged, and then reused in the same handle module 500 may cause the handle module 500 to enter lockout mode. For this particular embodiment, the recharged battery pack needs to be reused with another handle module. Along this line, an embodiment of a handle module 500 is envisaged where the recharged battery pack is reusable with the same handle module 500.

  In at least one example, the processor 504 can employ logic that prevents the battery pack 502 from being counted more than once or twice for the same use. In at least one example, processor 504 may not count battery pack 502 a second time unless it is disengaged from handle module 500 and reengaged with it. Even in that case, the processor 504 may request an elapsed time between the first engagement and the subsequent engagement before the subsequent engagement is counted as the second use. Such elapsed time can be, for example, the time required to recharge the battery pack.

  In addition to or in lieu of the above, the handle module can track the number of times the DSM is connected to and / or disconnected from the handle module, instead of the number of times the handle module has been used. The handle module may use the updated remaining usage count of the handle module, eg, a volume indicator that indicates a remaining life ratio, to determine the estimated remaining usage count of the handle module and / or the usage count of the handle module. Can be displayed. When the upper usage threshold is reached, the handle module disables further use of the handle module via the handle processor, for example, indicating that the handle module has been used, by disabling the motor, and Or, for example, one or more end-of-life operations can be performed, such as sounding an alarm. 14A-G show different configurations for tracking DSM connection or disconnection to the handle module, as discussed in more detail below.

  Referring now to FIG. 14A, a handle module 600, which is similar in many respects to the handle module 10, includes two rotational drive systems 602, 604. A DSM having the two drive systems described above can be operably coupled to a rotary drive system 602,604. The DSM may have a groove configured to receive and slide on both side edges 605A, 605B of the tongue defined in the connection region 608 at the top of the handle module 600. In such a configuration, the handle module 600 has a tongue as shown in FIG. 14A so that when a DSM such as DSM 634 (FIGS. 14B and 14C) is connected to the handle module 600, the pushable switch 612 is pressed. A switch 612 that can be pressed on the part and / or other parts of the connection region 608 may be included. In at least one example, the DSM may not press the switch 612 until the DSM is fully secured to the handle module 600. The switch 612 may be connected to a handle processor, and the handle processor may depress the pushable switch 612 as a substitute for the number of times the DSM is connected to the handle module 600 and / or as a substitute for the number of times the handle module 600 has been used. You may count the number of times. Also, the handle processor can reduce the number of false detections by requiring that the depressible switch 612 be depressed continuously for at least a specific period (eg, 30 seconds) before incrementing the count. . Upon reaching a preset threshold use count or threshold actuation count of switch 612, an end-of-life operation may be performed as described herein.

  FIGS. 14B and 14C show one configuration of an electromechanically depressible switch 612. As shown, the pushable switch 612 includes a head 620 that extends into an opening 622 defined in the tongue and / or any other suitable DSM mating surface of the handle module 600. The head 620 may be at the end of a spring arm 624 that is configured to bias the position of the head 620 upward into the opening 622. The spring arm 624 also limits the upward movement of the head 620 to the desired position within the opening 622, an extension defined within the handle module 600, a shoulder positioned behind the edge 628. 626. Pushable switch 612 also includes a contact 630. As shown in FIG. 14B, the spring arm 624 is not engaged with the contact 630 when the switch 612 is in an inoperative state, that is, in an open state. As shown in FIG. 14C, when the DSM 634 is attached to the handle module 600 and pushing the head 620 down, the shoulder 626 of the spring arm 624 engages the contact 630 and closes the switch 612. DSM 634 includes a protrusion 632 extending from DSM 634 that is configured to contact head 620. The switch arm 624 and the contacts 630 can be made of a conductive material that can complete the circuit in communication with the handle processor when the head 620 is pressed downward by the DSM 634 as described above.

  Referring now to FIG. 14D, the handle module 700 may include an electrical contact board 702 that interfaces with / engages and makes electrical connection with a corresponding electrical contact board 704 on the DSM 706. In at least one example, the processor of handle module 700 may count the number of times a DSM, such as DSM 706, is assembled to handle module 700, for example. The processor can increase the DSM connection count when the contact 704 of the DSM 706 engages the contact 702 of the handle module 700 and creates a working data connection therebetween. Engagement of the contact substrates 702 and 704 can function as a substitute for the number of times the DSM has been connected to the handle module 700 and as a substitute for the number of times the handle module 700 has been used. Similar to the above, the handle processor requires that the data connection between the contact boards 702, 704 exist continuously for at least a specific period (eg, 30 seconds) before incrementing the count, resulting in a false detection example. Can be reduced. In another variation, the handle processor and the DSM processor may exchange data when the DSM 706 is connected to the handle module 700. In this exchange, the handle processor can receive DSM 706 ID information (eg, DSM model type) so that the handle processor can identify the DSM 706 connected to the handle module 700. In such a configuration, the handle processor may increment the DSM connection count each time the handle processor receives ID information for the attached DSM. In any of these modifications, the handle processor compares the DSM connection count to a preset threshold, and when the threshold is reached, the handle processor performs an end of life operation.

  14E-14G show another configuration for detecting the connection of the DSM to the handle module. The illustrated configuration uses a Hall effect sensor to detect the connection of the DSM 706 to the handle module 700. As shown in FIG. 14E, the handle module 700 may include a Hall Effector sensor 710 positioned against the top surface 712 of the handle module 700 to which the DSM 706 is attached. Accordingly, the DSM 706 includes a magnet 714, such as a permanent magnet, in close proximity to the Hall effect sensor 710 when the DSM 706 is fully and properly connected to the handle module 700, as shown in FIG. 14G. Hall effect sensor 710 may be in communication with a handle processor via lead 716, for example. Hall effect sensor 710 can sense approaching DSM 706 magnet 714 when DSM 706 is attached to handle module 700. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 714 may be constant and the handle processor can access data regarding the magnetic field so that the distance between the magnet 714 and the Hall effect sensor 710 can be measured based on the output of the Hall effect sensor 710. . When the distance between the magnet 714 and the Hall effect sensor 710 stabilizes at a distance corresponding to the DSM 706 fully and properly attached to the handle module 700, the handle processor attaches the DSM 706 to the handle module 700 completely and properly. The DSM connection count can be updated.

  Similarly, referring again to FIG. 14E, the handle module 700 includes a battery cavity 72 configured to receive a battery pack 722 therein. Handle module 700 further includes a Hall effect sensor 720 configured to detect insertion of removable battery pack 722 into battery cavity 724. The battery pack Hall effect sensor 720 may be positioned on the upper inner surface 723 of the battery cavity 724 in the handle module 700 for the battery pack 722. As will be appreciated by the reader, the battery pack 722 is configured to supply power to the handle module 700 via the electrical terminal 726 so that any magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the terminal 726 is not affected. It is desirable to position the Hall effect sensor 720 as far as possible from the electrical terminal 726 so as not to substantially impede the ability of the Hall effect sensor 720 to accurately detect insertion of the battery pack 722 into the handle module 700. is there. The battery pack 722 includes a magnet 730, such as a permanent magnet, that the Hall effect sensor 720 senses when the battery pack 722 is inserted into the battery cavity 724. Similar to the DSM Hall effect sensor 710, the battery pack Hall effect sensor 720 is in communication with the handle processor via, for example, a lead 732. The Hall effect sensor 720 can sense the approaching battery pack magnet 730 when the battery pack 722 is installed in the battery cavity 724. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 730 may be constant and the handle processor can access data about the magnetic field so that the distance between the magnet 730 and the Hall effect sensor 720 can be measured based on the output of the Hall effect sensor 720. . When the distance between the magnet 730 and the Hall effect sensor 720 stabilizes to a distance corresponding to the battery pack 722 fully and properly attached to the handle module 700, the handle processor causes the battery pack 722 to be fully and securely attached to the handle module 700. The battery pack connection count can be updated by assuming that it is properly installed.

  The handle module can track the number of times the DSM and / or battery pack is connected to and / or disconnected from the handle module as an alternative to the used number of handle modules. The handle module may use the updated remaining usage count of the handle module, eg, a volume indicator that indicates a remaining life ratio, to determine the estimated remaining usage count of the handle module and / or the usage count of the handle module. Can be displayed. When the upper usage threshold is reached, the handle module disables further use of the handle module via the handle processor, for example, indicating that the handle module has been used, by disabling the motor, and Or, for example, one or more end-of-life operations can be performed, such as sounding an alarm.

  Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the handle module 800 tracks the mounting of the power pack using, for example, a pressure switch that is depressed when the power pack 806 is fully and properly attached to the handle module 800. it can. The handle module 800 is similar in many respects to the handle module 10. The handle 800 includes conductive contact pads 802 that connect a power pack 806 to supply voltages to the electronic components of the handle module 800. In the illustrated configuration, the pressure switch 804 is proximate to the conductive contact pad 802 and is in communication with the handle processor. Referring to FIG. 15B, when the power pack 806 is assembled to the handle module 800, the housing of the power pack 806 presses the pressure switch 804 and activates it. Each time the pressure switch 804 is actuated, the handle processor can increment the power pack connection count until a threshold is reached and an end of life operation can be performed at this point. As above, the handle processor may reduce the number of false positives by requiring the pressure switch 804 to operate continuously for a period of time (eg, 30 seconds) before incrementing the power pack connection count. . In other configurations, for example, an electromechanical switch may be used.

  In various examples, the handle module processor may increment the usage count each time the handle processor is powered on. In certain instances, when the battery pack is disengaged from the handle module, the handle module processor may be automatically powered off. Similarly, the processor can be automatically powered on when the battery pack engages the handle module. In at least one such embodiment, the battery pack is the sole power source for the handle module, and the processor may be powered off immediately upon disconnection of the battery pack from the handle module, and immediately upon connection of the battery pack to the handle module. The processor may be power cycled. In certain embodiments, the handle module may include one or more capacitive elements that can store power from the battery pack when the battery pack engages the handle module. When the battery pack is removed from the handle module, the capacitive element can power the processor for a predetermined period of time, so that the processor may not be powered down during battery pack replacement. In such an example, as described above, the processor can count a life event or usage event whether the battery installation is detected by a sensor and / or the processor is powered on after being powered down.

  In various examples, the handle processor of the handle module 800 can track the number of times it receives power via the conductive contact pads 802 that are used to couple the battery power pack 806 to the internal electronics of the handle module 800. For example, the handle module 800 may include a micro voltage and / or current sensor (not shown) connected to the conductive contact pad 802. The voltage and / or current sensor may be in communication with the handle processor. When a threshold input voltage and / or current from the power pack 806 is detected at the contact pad 802, the handle processor can increment the battery pack connection count. This configuration may be useful when the handle processor is sometimes powered by a power source other than a power pack, such as a supercapacitor or other power source.

  Referring now to FIG. 16, the handle module 900 includes a plurality of power sources, such as a removable battery power pack 902 and a secondary power source 904, for example. The removable battery power pack 902 is similar in many respects to the removable battery power pack described herein. The battery power pack 902 includes, for example, a large number of Li ions and / or LiPo battery cells. The secondary power supply 904 provides power to the handle module 900 even when the removable battery power pack 902 is removed or otherwise disconnected from the handle module 900. For this embodiment, the secondary power source 904 provides for low power operation of the handle module 900, such as powering electronic components on the control board 910 when the removable battery power pack 902 is removed from the handle module 900. Used, not for high power operation, such as powering the motor 905 of the handle module 900, for example. In various configurations, the secondary power source 904 is rechargeable battery cells and / or supercapacitors (a / k / a ultracapacitors) that are charged when a removable battery power pack 902 is installed. ) May be provided. The secondary power source 904 can supply power to the electronic components on the control board 910 as long as the secondary power source 904 has sufficient charge when the primary power source 902 is absent.

  The secondary power source 904 may allow the handle module 900 to track usage events and / or perform end-of-life operations even when the power pack 902 is not attached to the handle module 900. FIG. 17A is a flowchart of a process that can be performed by a processor of the control board 910, such as the handle processor 2124, for example. This process can be performed, for example, from software and / or firmware stored in the memory of the handle module, according to at least one embodiment. The power pack 902 is attached to the handle module 900 before performing a surgical procedure. In process step 920, the handle processor may record a time stamp when the DSM is properly connected to the handle module 900. When a surgical procedure is initiated, at step 922, the handle processor may record a time stamp for each firing of the handle module 900 that occurs during the surgical procedure. In addition, the handle processor can track the time elapsed between firings. In at least one example, the secondary power source 904 can continue to supply power to the handle processor and track the time after the firing event even if the removable power pack 902 is removed from the handle module 900. In step 924, the handle processor can determine whether the elapsed time since the last firing is greater than a threshold period. In at least one example, the threshold period may be approximately the same as, for example, the time required to substantially process and sterilize the handle module following the procedure. If the duration between firings is not greater than the threshold, it can be estimated that treatment is currently in progress and the process may return to step 922 to record the timestamp of the next firing. On the other hand, if the period between firings is greater than the threshold, the procedure is complete, at which point it can be estimated that in step 926 the handle processor can increment the usage count of the handle module 900. In step 928, the handle processor compares the usage count to a preprogrammed threshold usage count of the handle module 900. If the usage count is less than the threshold, the handle module 900 can be used in another procedure, and the process can return to step 920 and wait for a DSM connection for the next procedure. On the other hand, if the usage count threshold has been reached, the process proceeds to step 930 where the end-of-life operation of the handle module 900 can be initiated. As described above, end-of-life operations may include disabling the handle module so that the handle module cannot be used in subsequent surgical procedures. In at least one example, the handle module motor may be physically and / or electrically disabled. In certain examples, end of life operations include, for example, visually indicating the end of life of the handle module on the display of the handle module and / or sounding an alarm.

  FIG. 17B is a flowchart of another exemplary process that may be performed by a handle processor and sometimes powered by a secondary power source 904 to track the use of the handle module. In step 950, the handle processor can detect the connection of the removable battery power pack 902 to the handle module 900. Various techniques for detecting the insertion of the battery power pack 902 are described elsewhere herein. In various examples, insertion of the power pack 902 indicates to the handle processor that a surgical procedure requiring the handle module 900 is about to begin. As a result, the handle processor can set the process flag on at step 952 when the handle processor detects insertion of the power pack 902 into the handle module 900. In step 954, the handle processor can detect that the DSM is fully and properly connected to the handle module for treatment. Various techniques for detecting DSM attachment are described elsewhere herein. Once the DSM and battery pack 902 are properly installed, surgical instruments can be used to complete the surgical procedure. If the battery pack 902 is removed from the handle module 900, the handle processor can detect removal of the battery power pack 902 at step 956. Various techniques for detecting power pack removal are described elsewhere herein. In various examples, removal of the power pack indicates completion of the surgical procedure, and as a result, the handle processor currently powered by the secondary power source 904 can increment the usage count of the handle module 900 at step 958. Even if removal of the power pack is not a component of termination of the surgical procedure, insertion of a new battery pack and / or re-insertion of a recharged battery pack can be considered another use. Such reuse of the handle module 900 may be adjusted in a test performed at step 960 to evaluate whether the handle module 900 has reached the end of its useful life. If the end of life of the handle module has been reached, the handle processor can initiate an appropriate end of life operation at step 962. Various end-of-life operations are disclosed elsewhere herein. Of course, for any embodiment disclosed herein, end-of-life operation may be disabled by a user of the handle module. Such an example can typically occur, for example, when the use threshold count is reached in the middle of a surgical procedure.

  18A-18E illustrate end-of-life operations that may be performed by the handle module, for example using a removable battery power pack, to prevent further use of the handle module. FIG. 18A shows a handle module 1000 that includes a lockout 1002 with an internal spring activated. When the lockout 1002 is released by the handle module 1000, it prevents complete and proper attachment of the battery power pack 1004 and / or any other suitable battery pack to the handle module 1000. In various examples, lockout 1002 may be configured to completely prevent power pack 1004 from entering handle module 1000. In another example, the lockout 1002 can be prevented from inserting the power pack 1004 to a depth where the battery contacts are in electrical contact with the handle contacts, as shown in FIG. 18A and described in further detail below. As also shown in FIG. 18A, the operation of the lockout 1002 causes the power pack 1004 to protrude from the handle module 1000 by a distance D. Without lockout 1002, battery pack 1004 can be secured to a depth where end cap 1006 of battery pack 1004 is flush with, or at least substantially flush with, the housing of handle module 1000.

  As described above, lockout 1002 can selectively prevent power pack 1004 from supplying power to handle module 1000. In the unlocked state of the handle module 1000 shown in FIG. 18B, the electrical contact pads 1016 of the handle module 1000 may contact the battery pack 1004 such that internal electronic components of the handle module 1000 can be powered by the battery power pack 1004. Can contact the pad 1018. In the lockout state of the handle module 1000 shown in FIG. 18C, the lockout 1002 prevents the contact pad 1018 of the battery pack 1004 from coming into contact with the contact pad 1016 of the handle module 1000. In embodiments where the handle module 1000 does not include a secondary power source and / or power storage means, the handle module 1000 cannot be used in this locked out state. In embodiments where the handle module 1000 includes a secondary power source and / or power storage means, the handle module 1000 can use power from these other power sources, for example, to run the operating system of the handle module 1000, but the handle module 1000 This drive system and / or electric motor cannot be implemented.

  18B shows the lockout 1002 in a normal operating state where the battery pack 1004 is not locked out, and FIG. 18C shows the lockout 1002 in the locked out state where the battery pack 1004 is locked out. Lockout 1002 is biased by a torsion screw 1010 connected to lockout 1002 and rotates from its unlocked position (FIG. 18B) to the lockout position (FIG. 18C). Torsion screw 1010 has a first end that is biased against inner surface 1013 of handle module 1000 and a second end that is attached to lockout 1002. The handle module 1000 further includes a latch 1012 configured to releasably hold the lockout 1002 in its unlocked position. The lockout 1002 includes a locking shoulder 1014 that contacts the latch 1012 when the latch 1012 is in the extended position and thus holds the lockout 1002 in its unlocked position. As shown in FIG. 18C, when the latch 1012 is retracted, the shoulder 1014 of the lockout 1002 no longer engages the latch 1012, and the torsion screw 1010 can bias the lockout 1002 to its locked out position.

  When the end of life state of the handle module 1000 has not yet been reached, the latch actuator of the handle module 1000 can hold the latch 1012 in the position shown in FIG. 18B. However, when the end-of-life condition is reached, the latch actuator may move the latch 1012 in the direction indicated by arrow A and move the latch 1012 away from the lock shoulder 1014, and therefore, due to the bias of the spring 1010. The lockout 1002 can be rotated counterclockwise as shown by arrow B in FIG. 18C. In the lockout state, as described above, when the battery pack 1004 is inserted into the handle module 1000, the lockout is performed so that the electrical contact pad 1016 of the handle module 1000 does not contact the contact pad 1018 of the battery pack 1004. 1002 projects into the battery compartment of the handle module. The latch actuator may include any actuator such as a solenoid.

  In addition to or in lieu of the above, FIGS. 18D and 18E show that the battery pack positioned within the handle module cannot be removed from the handle module when it is determined that the handle module is at the end of its life, and therefore FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment that prevents insertion of a new (or recharged) battery pack into the handle module for the procedure. 18D shows the battery pack 1004 in a normal operating state that can be removed from the handle module following the procedure, and FIG. 18E shows the battery pack in the handle module so that the battery pack 1004 cannot be removed from the handle module. A latch 1040 is shown locking 1004. As shown in FIGS. 18D and 18E, the battery pack 1004 may define an opening 1042 into which the latch head 1044 of the latch 1040 can be inserted to lock the battery pack 1004 in place. The latch 1040 is urged downward by a compression spring 1046 attached to the upper shaft 1048 of the latch 1040. The latch 1040 also includes an upper shoulder that contacts the second latch 1052 positioned to keep the spring 1046 in a compressed state and prevent downward movement of the latch 1040 in the normal operating state of the handle module shown in FIG. 18D. 1050 included. As shown also in FIGS. 18D and 18E, the latch head 1044 is a shoulder that locks behind the mating shoulder 1056 defined by the battery pack 1004 when the latch 1044 is in the activated position as shown in FIG. 18E. Part 1054.

  In operation, when the handle processor determines that the handle module has reached its end of life (by any means described herein), the handle processor activates the second latch 1052 to remove the first from the path of the latch 1044. 2 latch 1052 is released. The second latch 1052 may be actuated by any suitable actuator such as, for example, a solenoid. In the illustrated embodiment, the second latch 1052 moves from left to right in a direction away from the shoulder 1050 of the latch 1040 as indicated by arrow A when the latch 1052 is actuated. When the second latch 1052 is removed from the shoulder 1050, the spring 1046 reduces the pressure and moves the latch 1044 downward as shown by arrow B through the opening 1060 defined in the housing 1013 of the handle module. Can be made. As the latch 1040 is moved downward by the spring 1046, the latch head 1044 extends into the opening 1042 defined in the battery pack 1004. The latch shoulder 1054 of the latch head 1044 can slide and pass through the opening 1042 and can be locked behind the meshing shoulder 1056 of the battery pack 1004. When the upper shoulder 1050 of the latch 1040 contacts the handle module housing 1013, the downward movement of the latch head 1044 is limited by the handle module housing 1013. As a result, the battery pack 1004 cannot be removed from the handle module, thus preventing insertion of a new (or recharged) battery pack into the handle module for subsequent processing.

  Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19C, the handle module 1100 can be rechargeable battery packs 1102 (one or more rechargeable batteries) that can be recharged when the handle module 1100 is docked to the charging station 1106. Battery cell 1104). The handle module 1100 further includes a slidable door 1108 that slides generally up and down a channel 1110 defined in the handle module 1100 between an open position (FIG. 19C) and a closed position (FIG. 19B). The compression spring 1112 is positioned in a channel 1110 that is configured to bias the slidable door 1108 downward into a closed position. When the door 1108 is in its closed position, the door 1108 can shield the battery charging terminal 1114 from, for example, damage and / or accidental contact with conductive surfaces in the surrounding environment, as shown in FIG. 19B. To recharge the battery cell 1104, the handle module 1100 engages the charging terminal 1114 of the handle module 1100 when the handle module 1100 is fully and properly inserted into the receiving area 1120 as shown in FIG. 19C. , Located in a receiving area 1120 defined by the charging station 1106, including the charging terminal 1122 that contacts it. When the handle module 1100 is placed in the receiving area 1120, the slidable door 1108 engages the shoulder 1124 of the charging station 1106 to move the slidable door 1108 upward as indicated by arrow A. The spring 1112 is compressed, and the battery pack charging terminal 1114 is unshielded (that is, exposed). In such a position, the charging terminal 1114 is connected to and in contact with the charging terminal 1122 of the receiving station so that the battery cell 1104 of the battery pack 1102 can be recharged.

  Charging station 1106 may be powered by an AC power source via power cord 1130. The charging station 1106 may also include a visual display 1132 that displays information regarding the handle module 1100. For example, the charging station 1106 may include a processor (not shown) that communicates with the handle processor when the handle module 1100 is attached to the charging station 1106. For example, the charging terminals 1114, 1122 may also include data terminals that provide a data path between the processors. The charging station processor can receive information / data from the handle processor that can be displayed on the display 1132. The displayed information is tracked by the handle processor, such as, for example, the charging status of the battery pack 1102 (eg, X% charge) and / or, for example, the life count or remaining usage of the handle module, and / or the number of life firings. Any information may be mentioned.

  20A-20B illustrate covers 1201, 1202, 1203 that can be used with the handle module 1200 during the sterilization process to protect the internal components of the handle module 1200. Handle module 1200 includes an attachment configured to attach a DSM. The end effector connection area cover 1201 can be connected to a part where the DSM is connected to the handle module 1200 (for example, snap fit) and cover that part. Handle module 1200 also includes a removable trigger assembly that is used to actuate the drive system of handle module 1200. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the trigger cover 1202 can connect (eg, a snap fit) to an opening formed when the firing trigger assembly is removed from the handle module 1200 and cover that portion. Handle module 1200 further includes a battery cavity configured to receive a removable power pack therein. In addition to or instead of the above, the battery pack cover 1203 can be connected to a portion where the battery pack is inserted into the pistol grip portion 1206 of the handle module 1200 to cover the portion. These covers 1201, 1202, 1203 are preferably made of a material that is resistant to the chemicals used to sterilize the handle module, such as plastic. Further, the covers 1201, 1202, 1203 can cover electrical contacts of the handle module 1200, such as, for example, end effector contact board 1210, drive system 1212, and / or battery pack internal contacts (not shown).

  Attachment of the covers 1201, 1202, and / or 1203 to the handle module 1200 may help track the number of times the handle module 1200 has been used and / or sterilized. Similarly, removal of the covers 1201, 1202, and / or 1203 from the handle module 1200 may help track the number of used and / or sterilized handles 1200. At least one of the covers 1201, 1202, 1203 may include means for triggering a switch on the handle module 1200 that indicates that the cover is attached. When such a switch is triggered, the handle processor can assume that a sterilization procedure is about to take place and enter a sterilization mode of operation optimized to withstand the sterilization procedure. When the handle processor is in a sterilization mode of operation, the handle processor can turn off the power of a particular contact and / or sensor, for example, which can prevent the motor of the handle module 1200 from operating. Any data stored in temporary memory can be recorded in the memory chip, the memory of the handle module can be copied to the backup memory, and / or a copy of the current version of the operating system software of the handle module can be made. The handle processor may also increase the usage count of the handle module 1200 when one or more of the covers 1201, 1202, 1203 are attached to or removed from the handle module 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the DSM connection area cover 1201 contacts a corresponding switch 1222 (eg, a pushable switch or a contact switch) on the handle module 1200 when the cover 1201 is disposed on the handle module 1200. A protrusion 1220 for actuating it. The switch 1222 may be in communication with the handle processor, and in various examples, the handle processor may update its sterilization count when activation of the switch 1222 is detected. In other configurations, the trigger 1220 may be on other cover pieces 1202, 1203 and / or may be located at another location on the DSM connection area cover 1201. In any case, since the battery pack is typically removed during sterilization, the covers 1201, 1202, 1203 are preferably powered to the handle processor even when the battery pack is removed as described herein. Used in handle module with secondary power supply. As described in other configurations herein, the handle processor may perform one or more of the end-of-life operations described herein when the sterilization count reaches a threshold level.

  20C shows a modification of the battery pack cover 1203, and FIG. 20D shows a battery pack 1240 that can be replaced with the battery pack cover 1203 of FIG. 20C. Both battery pack cover 1203 and battery pack 1240 are designed to fit into the battery pack opening in pistol grip portion 1206 of handle module 1200 instead of each other, so that battery pack cover 1203 in FIG. It has a shape and configuration very similar to the battery pack 1240 of FIG. 20D. For example, the battery pack cover 1203 and the battery pack 1240 both include a clip 1244 for locking to the handle module 1200. Each of the battery pack cover 1203 and the battery pack 1240 also includes one or more tubular containers 1242. The battery cell 1246 may be in the container 1242 of the battery pack 1240, but the cover 1203 is not. However, the cover 1203 also includes a mechanism for easily distinguishing itself from the battery pack 1240. In the illustrated configuration, the cover 1203 includes a relatively thin, long, easily graspable tab 1248 at the bottom of the cover 1203 that is marked for sterilization as shown in FIG. 20C. May be included.

  As also shown in FIGS. 20C and 20D, each of the cover 1203 and the battery pack 1240 may include respective tabs 1250, 1252 located at different relative positions. In the illustrated configuration, the tab 1250 of the cover 1203 is on the right side container 1242 and the tab 1252 of the battery pack 1240 is on the left side container 1242. When inserted into the handle module 1200, the tabs 1250, 1252 contact and activate the corresponding respective switches in the handle module 1200 to identify the insertion of the cover 1203 or battery pack 1240, as the case may be. It's okay. Switches (not shown) may be in communication with the handle processor, which may use the activation of the respective switch to optionally update usage, sterilization, and / or battery pack connection counts. For example, when the sterilization switch is activated, the handle module 1200 can be in a sterilization mode of operation, and when the battery switch is activated, the handle module can be in a surgical mode. The tabs 1250, 1252 are preferably in two different positions so that the handle module 1200 can include two different switches: a battery switch that is activated only by the battery pack 1240 and a sterilization switch that is activated only by the sterilization cover 1203. In various configurations, the tabs 1250, 1252 may be located at, for example, mirror opposite positions on the container 1242. Both cover 1203 and battery pack 1240 include a mechanism so that it is inserted in only one direction, thus preventing battery pack tab 1252 from activating the sterile cover switch, and vice versa. In the illustrated configuration, for example, both the battery pack cover 1203 and the battery pack 1240 include tongues 1254 on only one side that can fit into corresponding grooves defined on only one side of the handle module 1200.

  21A-21C illustrate an exemplary display of handle module 1300 and / or DSM 1302 that may provide a user with visual information regarding the status of handle module 1300 and / or DSM 1302. As shown in FIG. 21A, the display may include a display portion 1304A of the handle module 1300 and a display portion 1304B of the DSM. Display port portions 1304A and 1304B may be proximate to each other or separated from each other. In a particular example, display portions 1304A and 1304B can be used to display a separate or non-overlapping set of information. In various examples, display portions 1304A and 1304B can be used to display tailored information that may or may not overlap. In certain other examples, the display 1304 may be entirely on the DSM 1302, as shown in FIG. 21B, or the display 1304 may be entirely on the handle module 1300, as shown in FIG. 21C. The display 1304 may comprise, for example, a flat panel display such as an LED backlit LCD flat panel display, and / or any other flat panel or non-flat panel display scheme. Display 1304 may be controlled by a handle processor and / or a DSM processor.

  FIG. 21D shows an exemplary display configuration that includes a proximal handle and end effector portions 1304A, 1304B. As shown in FIG. 21D, the handle portion 1304A indicator may include a battery status indicator 1310, an indicator 1312 indicating that a DSM connected to the handle module is recognized, and / or a general handle module error indicator 1314, etc. An indicator associated with the handle module may be included. The DSM display 1304B includes, for example, an indicator 1320 regarding whether the end effector jaws are closed, an indicator regarding whether the staples in the end effector have not yet been fired, an indicator 1322 regarding whether the staples have been fired properly, and / or Or an indicator associated with the DSM, such as an indicator 1324 regarding whether there is an error associated with the staple or staple cartridge. Of course, in other variations, fewer, more, and / or different icons can be used to alert the user / clinician regarding the status of various parts and aspects of the handle module 1300 and / or DSM 1302. . For example, the display 1304 may show, for example, the remaining number of times the battery pack has been fired and / or the remaining number of times the handle module has been used. The display may include buttons and / or a touch screen interface, allowing the user / clinician to enter information into the handle module and / or DSM processor / memory.

  In various examples, the removable battery pack may be sterilized and recharged after the procedure so that it can be used in subsequent procedures on the same handle module and / or another handle module. FIG. 22 is a diagram of a removable battery pack 1350 that can track the number of times the battery pack 1350 has been sterilized, which can be substituted for the number of uses of the removable battery pack 1350 in a surgical procedure. The battery pack 1350 may include a number of battery cells 1352 that include output voltage terminals 1354. As shown in FIG. 22, the battery pack 1350 may also include a battery pack processor 1360 mounted on the battery pack circuit board 1362. The battery pack processor 1360 may include internal or external memory (such as an external memory chip 1364 mounted on a circuit board 1362), and the battery pack processor 1360 may execute software / firmware stored in the memory. Accordingly, the battery pack processor 1360 can execute a battery management system (BMS) that manages rechargeable batteries. BMS can, for example, protect the battery from operating outside the safe operating area, monitor the condition of the battery, calculate secondary data, report the data, control the environment, Authenticating the battery and / or balancing the cells of the battery can be performed.

  In various configurations, the battery pack 1350 also includes a micro humidity sensor 1366 for sensing when, for example, the battery pack 1350 is in a humid environment suitable for undergoing a sterilization process. The battery pack processor 1360 updates its sterilization count as a substitute for the used number of battery packs 1350 each time the humidity sensor 1366 detects a threshold humidity level over a threshold period suitable for a typical sterilization process. As such, the humidity sensor 1366 may be in communication. In various examples, battery processor 1360 may be configured not to count abnormal events that may result in false positives. In any case, when the threshold sterilization count is reached, the battery pack processor 1360 may disable the battery pack 1350. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the battery pack 1350 may include a data terminal 1368 that can provide a connection to the handle processor of the handle module. If the battery pack 1350 has been used (eg, when the sterilization count threshold has been reached), the battery pack processor 1360 may send a signal to the handle processor indicating that the battery pack 1350 should not be used. The handle processor may then indicate through the display that there is a problem with the battery pack 1350.

  In various examples, the battery pack processor 1360 may update its usage count based on the data connection to the handle module. Each time the battery pack processor 1360 detects a data connection to the handle module, the battery pack processor can update its usage count.

  The battery pack 1350 may include a secondary power source (not shown) that is charged by the battery cell 1352 when the battery cell 1352 is charged and / or powers the handle module during a surgical procedure. In such an embodiment, the low power battery pack electronic component can remain powered on even if the battery pack 1350 is not attached to the handle module. Also, as shown in FIG. 22, the battery pack 1350 may include an end cap 1370 and a latch 1372 to facilitate connection of the battery pack 1350 to the handle module.

  Figures 23A and 23B illustrate another possible end-of-life operation of the handle module. In the illustrated configuration, the handle module 1400 includes a protrusion 1402 that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Prior to the end of the life of the handle module 1400, the protrusion 1402 is held in its retracted position. In such a position, the protrusion 1402 does not prevent the handle module 1400 from being positioned within the corresponding opening of the sterilization tray 1404. When the handle processor determines that the handle module 1400 has reached end of life, the protrusion 1402 moves to its extended position according to any suitable algorithm. In such a position, the protrusion 1402 prevents the handle module 1400 from being properly placed in the corresponding opening of its sterilization tray 1404. In the illustrated configuration, the protrusion 1402 is at the distal end 1406 of the handle module 1400, but is convenient and is optional to prevent placement of the handle module 1400 into the corresponding opening in the sterilization tray 1404 when protruded. It can be arranged at the position. As described above in connection with FIG. 11A, the sterilization tray includes an opening whose shape corresponds to the shape of the handle module so as to closely receive the handle module in the opening. In the configuration of FIGS. 23A and 23B, the handle module 1400 fits into the opening of the sterilization tray 1404 when the protrusion 1402 is retracted (not protruding), but as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, When 1402 protrudes outward from the handle module 1400, it does not fit into the opening. The protrusion 1402 may be solenoid driven, for example. When the handle processor determines that the end of life of the handle module 1400 has been reached, the coil of the solenoid, for example, causes the solenoid armature to extend outward, thus causing the protrusion 1402 to extend outward from the handle module 1400. In addition, a voltage is applied. The handle module 1400 may also include a stop, such as a spring loaded detent, that prevents the solenoid armature and protrusion 1402 from retracting when activated.

  As described in connection with FIGS. 12A-E, the handle module can be connected to the examination station before, during, and / or subsequent to the procedure. An examination station is used to test the handle module to determine whether the handle module is in a suitable state for another surgical procedure or whether the handle module is adjusted or repaired before being suitable for another surgical procedure. You can determine if you need to receive it. As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the inspection station 1500 can be inserted into an empty battery cavity of the handle module so that the extension 1504 can be arranged to communicate with a handle module similar to the above embodiment. The expansion unit 1504 is configured. A handle module 1501 illustrated in FIG. 24B includes, for example, a handle module. The inspection station includes a vacuum connection 1502 at the top of the extension 1504 that can mate with a corresponding vacuum connection 1506 within the handle module 1501. The inspection station 1500 may be connected to a vacuum pump via a vacuum port 1508 that is connected by a tube 1510 to the vacuum connection 1502 of the inspection station 1500. When the vacuum pump is turned on, air may be sucked from the inside of the handle module 1501 to dry the inside of the handle module 1501. The inspection station 1500 may include a pressure gauge and / or air flow sensor that communicates with the tube 1510 and measures the degree to which the handle module 1501 maintains a vacuum pressure. In various examples, such a vacuum test may include, for example, a seal that engages rotational drive outputs 1512, 1514, a seal that engages firing trigger region 1516, and / or an electrical contact substrate 1518 that connects to a DSM. The sealability of various seals, such as seals that engage with, can be evaluated throughout the handle module 1501. If the various handle module seals are not sufficient and the handle module does not sufficiently maintain the vacuum detected by the vacuum sensor, the inspection station 1500 may indicate that the handle module 1501 needs to be repaired through its display. A warning can be issued.

  In addition to or in lieu of the above, the examination station may be configured to dry the handle module following a surgical procedure and / or sterilization procedure as part of preparing the handle module for subsequent procedures. FIG. 25A shows an inspection station 1600 that can be used, for example, to dry the handle module 1602. Similar to the above, the inspection station 1600 can be positioned within the empty battery cavity of the handle module 1602 to position the handle module 1602 in communication with the base 1610 and additionally the inspection station 1600. And an extension 1606 extending from the base 1610. The inspection station 1600 includes two fans, that is, a first fan 1604 located at the upper end of the extension 1606 and a second fan 1608 located in front of the base 1610. Fans 1604 and 1608 are powered by an AC power source via a power adapter 1612, for example. The first fan 1604 may target an internal part of the handle module 1602 through the opening of the battery pack cavity. The upper surface of the extension 1606 may have a ventilation opening through which air blown by the first fan 1604 can circulate through the handle module 1602. The second fan 1608 may target the trigger area 1614 of the handle module 1602 to dry the trigger area 1614 and the surrounding area of the handle module 1602. The top and front surfaces of the base 1610 of the inspection station 1600 may include a vent 1616 for the second fan 1608 so that air blown from the second fan 1608 can circulate through the trigger region 1614. Base 1610 may also include air intakes for fans 1604 and 1608, such as air intake 1618 of base 1610. Inspection station 1600 may also include an exhaust, such as a bilateral exhaust 1620 at the bottom of extension 1606, to allow exhaust to escape from inspection station 1600. The inspection station 1600 may include as many fans, air intakes, and / or exhausts as deemed necessary.

  Figures 25B, 25C, and 25D show another exemplary inspection station 1600. The base 1610 of FIGS. 25B, 25C, and 25D is not in the front-rear direction as the base of FIG. 25A, and the lower front fan 1608 of FIGS. It is inclined with respect to. The configurations shown in FIGS. 25B, 25C, and 25D also include a cover (or lid) 1630 that is attached to the base 1610 of the test 1600 and covers and includes the handle module 1602. The cover 1630 may be made of a hard translucent plastic, such as polycarbonate. In one aspect, the fan 1608 may be powered by an adapter 1612 for an inspection station 1600, as shown in FIG. 25C. In another aspect, the fan 1608 may have its own power adapter 1632 separate from the power adapter 1612 for the inspection station 1600, as shown in FIG. 25D. The top surface of the cover / lid 1630 may include one or more exhausts 1634 and the cover / lid 1630 may also include an air intake 1636 near the fan 1608.

  FIG. 25E shows another configuration of an inspection station 1600 that uses a vacuum flow to dry the handle module 1602. In such a configuration, the cover / lid 1630 may define one or more air intakes 1640 (two of which are shown in FIG. 25E) and are arranged in communication with the vacuum pump. It has a configured vacuum port 1642. To dry the handle module 1602, the vacuum pump is powered on and air is drawn across the handle module 1602 from the air intake 1640 to the vacuum port 1642. Preferably, the vacuum port 1642 is spaced from the air intake 1640 to increase the air flow across the handle module 1602. In the example of FIG. 25E, the air intake 1640 is at the bottom of the cover / lid 1630 and the vacuum port 1642 is at the top of the cover / lid 1630, but any suitable configuration can be used.

  For example, a handle module such as handle module 1602 may also be tested with a simulated load adapter. In various examples, the handle module 1602 may be tested by the load adapter 1650 when the handle module 1602 is connected to the inspection station 1600, as shown in the example of FIGS. In other examples, the simulated load adapter may be configured to test the handle module without complementing the inspection station. In any event, the simulated load adapter 1650 may include a housing 1651 and opposing load motors 1652, 1654 positioned within the housing 1651. As will be described in further detail below, the first load motor 1652 is configured to apply a first test load to the first drive motor of the handle module 1602 and the second load motor 1654 The module 1602 is configured to apply a second test load to the second drive motor. The first load motor 1652 is configured to drive a first engagement nut 1660 that can be operably engaged with a coupler 1656 driven by a first drive motor of the handle module 1602. The second load motor 1654 is configured to drive a second meshing nut 1662 that can be operatively engaged with a coupler 1658 driven by a second drive motor of the handle module 1602.

  The simulated load adapter 1650 may include, for example, a motor control circuit including at least a processor for controlling the load motors 1652 and 1654, a memory, and a motor controller on a circuit board. The motor control circuit may be integrated as one integrated circuit (eg, SOC) or as a number of separate integrated circuits or other circuits. The motor control circuit may control the motors 1652, 1654 to apply opposing forces to the rotational drive system of the handle module 1602 under various load conditions. The power drawn by the rotary drive system of the handle module 1602 to counter and / or overcome conflicting forces is monitored by the inspection station 1600 to ensure that the handle module motor and rotary drive system function properly. It can be determined whether or not. In various examples, the first motor 1652 of the simulated load adapter 1650 can be driven in one direction and the drive motor of the handle module 1602 can drive the first coupler 1656 in the opposite direction. If the drive motor of the handle module 1602 cannot cope with or overcome the simulated load applied by the first motor 1652 of the simulated load adapter 1650, the simulated load adapter 1650 causes the handle module 1602 to perform at the required performance. It can be notified to the handle module 1602 that it cannot be performed. In various examples, the second motor 1654 of the simulated load adapter 1650 can be driven in one direction, and the drive motor of the handle module 1602 can drive the second coupler 1658 in the opposite direction. If the drive motor of the handle module 1602 cannot cope with or overcome the simulated load applied by the second motor 1654 of the simulated load adapter 1650, the simulated load adapter 1650 causes the handle module 1602 to perform at the required performance. It can be notified to the handle module 1602 that it cannot be performed. Such an assessment may constitute one aspect of an overall assessment regarding whether the handle module 1602 is suitable for another procedure.

  In various examples, in addition to the above, the simulated load adapter motor control circuit may provide a rotational drive system for the handle module 1600 in a manner that mimics the load that the handle module rotational drive system is expected to experience during a surgical procedure. The load applied by the above simulated load adapter motors 1652, 1654 can be varied from a (relatively) low load to a (relatively) high load. In at least one example, the motor control circuit may be programmed to change the load profile of the motors 1652, 1654 based on the DSM type used in the next procedure. For example, the user may use a user interface 1672 (eg, button 1670 and / or interface touch screen 1672) to select a pre-programmed simulated load state corresponding to different available DSMs, for example. A desired simulated load can be specified. The simulated load adapter 1650 may have a data contact terminal 1647 that mates with a data connection terminal of the handle module 1602. In this way, user load profile selections can be uploaded from the inspection station processor to the handle module processor and to the motor control circuitry of the load simulator 1650. In real time and / or after simulation, the motor control circuit may provide a time stamped power reading (eg, volt amperes) of power supplied to the load simulator motors 1652, 1654 during the simulation to the handle module processor and / or inspection station. Can be downloaded to the processor. The inspection station processor and / or handle module processor can correlate these readings with time stamped readings of power drawn by the handle module motor to evaluate the effectiveness of the handle module motor and the rotary drive system.

  The simulated load adapter 1650 may be powered by the inspection station 1600, for example. As shown in the example of FIG. 26B, power from the inspection station 1600 can be supplied to the simulated load adapter 1650 via the handle module 1602 and the electrical contact board 1684. In the example of FIG. 26C, a separate power cord 1680 extending from the test station 1600 to the simulated load adapter 1650 can bypass the handle module 1602 and provide power directly to the load simulator adapter 1650. In another configuration, the load simulation adapter 1650 may have its own connection to the AC power source and / or its own battery power source. In various examples, the code 1680 may also deploy a load simulator 1650 that is in direct signal communication with the inspection station 1600.

  The simulated load adapter 1650 can also be used to monitor backlash in the handle module gear that is part of the rotary drive system. When the simulated load adapter 1650 is in the backlash detection mode, the simulated load adapter motor control circuit can rotate one or both of the simulated load motors 1652, 1654, and either the inspection system 1600 and / or the handle module 1602 Can track the rotation of the handle module 1602 by the corresponding rotational drive system. The difference in rotation between the simulated load adapter motors 1652, 1654 and the rotational drive system of the handle module 1602 is indicative of backlash in the corresponding rotational drive system of the handle module 1602, which can reduce the life of the handle module. In other words, an increase in backlash may decrease the remaining number of uses of the handle module 1602. Thus, at each test of the handle module 1602, the test station 1600 and the load simulator 1650 can confirm the backlash of the handle module and write the result to the memory of the handle module. The handle module memory can store and time stamp backlash readings. The handle processor and / or inspection station processor can determine, for example, a modified end-of-life threshold for the handle module for firing based on a model of the effect of backflushing on the remaining number of times. FIG. 26E shows a sample model. A broken line 1690 indicates the upper limit of the backlash threshold according to the number of firings of the handle module. Line 1691 shows the expected backlash of the handle module as a function of use (eg, firing). In this example, the backlash threshold is reached at about 500 firings (intersection of lines 1690 and 1691). Since backlash measurements can be tracked over a long period of time (and thus over a number of firings), the handle processor and / or inspection processor can compare the backlash measurements shown in the diamonds of FIG. Can be determined to show a tendency to reach the threshold with less than 500 firings (about 370 firings in this example). This modified and updated firing threshold can be used to assess the remaining life of the handle module. For example, if the handle module has been fired 220 times, the end of life corrected for backlash is 370 fires and the processor has 150 fires remaining in the handle module or treatment Assuming that 7 shots per shot, it can be determined that 21 treatments remain in the handle module. Backlash can be tested in this manner for each rotary drive system of the handle module, and the one with the least remaining life can determine the overall remaining life of the handle module.

  As such, if fewer backlashes are measured than expected, the firing required to reach the end-of-life threshold of the handle module can be upwardly corrected, ie increased. Indeed, for example, if any parameter and / or combination of parameters indicate that the handle module is experiencing less wear than expected, the end-of-life threshold of the handle module may be increased. Accordingly, the end-of-life threshold of the handle module may decrease, for example, if any parameter and / or combination of parameters indicate that the handle module is experiencing more wear than expected. Further, the various parameter thresholds disclosed herein can be modified or adapted. The threshold parameter can be adapted based on specific information and / or external information. For example, the control system of the handle module can evaluate parameter data patterns or trends and adapt parameter thresholds to the patterns or trends. In at least one example, the control system can determine a reference value from the detected parameter data and determine a parameter threshold for the reference value. In some examples, the control system of the handle module can evaluate the pattern or trend of the data obtained for the first parameter and adjust the second parameter threshold based on the evaluation of the first parameter data. In at least one example, the control system can determine a reference value from the detected data of the first parameter and determine a threshold value of the second parameter for the reference value. In addition, many thresholds are described herein as including two ranges: a first range that is below the threshold and a second range that is above the threshold. The threshold itself may be part of the first range or the second range, depending on the situation. That said, as used herein, the threshold is divided into three ranges: a first range below the minimum value, a second range above the maximum value, and between the minimum and maximum values. A third range may be included. When the parameter detection data is in the first range, the control system may perform a first operation, and when the parameter detection data is in the second range, the control system may perform a second operation; The second operation may or may not be the same as the first operation. When the parameter detection data is in the third range, the control system may perform the third operation, and the third operation may not include any operation. The minimum value can be part of the first range or the third range, depending on the situation, and the maximum value can be part of the third range or the second range, depending on the situation. For example, in at least one embodiment, if data is detected in a first range, the control system may adapt the threshold to a certain direction, and if data is detected in the second range, the control system may May be adapted in the opposite direction, and the control system may not adapt the threshold if data is detected in the third range.

  In another aspect, as shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the inspection station 1600 can accommodate both a handle module 1602 and one or more DSM 1680, for example. FIG. 27A shows such an inspection station 1600 alone, and FIG. 27B shows an inspection station 1600 that includes both a handle module 1602 and a DSM 1680 connected thereto. The inspection station processor may be in communication with the handle module processor and / or the DSM processor to download and upload data and information. As shown in FIG. 27A, an inspection station 1600 that also supports a DSM may include rotational drives 1682, 1684 that are configured like rotational drives 1656, 1658 of the handle module 1600. The inspection station 1600 may activate the inspection station rotation drives 1682, 1684 to test the DSM 1680 drive system. In yet other configurations, the DSM 1680 may have its own inspection station for performing various tests and / or data transfers, for example.

From this, the inspection station 1600 can be used to perform a number of pre-treatment and / or post-treatment instrument processing tasks for a handle module and / or DSM, such as, for example:
Determine and display device ID (eg, serial number) and / or model, and device status (eg, end of life, lockout, etc.).
Read / download data from the memory of the handle module 1602, such as the number of firings / cycles, performance parameters, handle and / or DSM software version.
Set and upload handle module and / or DSM operational instructions and criteria that the inspection station can obtain from memory based on device ID based on device ID.
Modular connection integrity test, memory version test, system electronic check, transfer rate (read / write) check, periodic maintenance check, warranty expiration check, end of life check, system lockout check, and / or internal battery life Perform various electronic tests such as adjustment tests.
Perform various physical tests such as motor performance tests (with and / or not using the simulated load described above), seal integrity tests, etc.
Perform tests such as comparing actual data from the treatment (downloaded from the handle module and / or DSM memory) with expected treatment data.
• Reset the lockout at the handle module if necessary.
-Dry the device.
Notifying the user that the device (handle module and / or DSM) is suitable or not suitable for continuous use (eg via a display).
Upgrade the handle module and / or DSM software.
Write test results to handle module memory and / or DSM memory. And / or
Send handle and / or DSM performance and usage data to the remote computer system, eg, via a USB or wireless (eg, WiFi) connection.

  The inspection station memory may store software and / or firmware that is executed by the inspection station processor to perform various functions.

  The inspection station and / or handle module display may also make maintenance and repair recommendations based on various use-related data of the handle module. For example, based on usage data such as number of treatments, number of sterilizations, number of firings and / or maintainability, and / or gear backlash, the inspection station and / or handle module processor may perform various maintenance or repair tasks. Can be determined or recommended to the handle module and / or DSM, and these recommendations can be communicated to the user via the display of either the inspection station and / or the handle module. Maintenance recommendations and repair recommendations may be executed and communicated to the user after the procedure is completed, during the procedure, and / or at the beginning of the procedure.

  FIGS. 28A-28B are illustrative examples for making maintenance recommendations and / or repair recommendations that may be executed by the handle module processor and / or inspection station processor by executing firmware and / or software in the processor's associated memory. Process flow. FIG. 28A shows an exemplary process flow for the inspection station processor 442. In step 1800, following a procedure, the handle module is connected to the inspection station (see, eg, FIG. 19A) and immediately, usage and performance data from the handle module memory is downloaded to the inspection station. This data may include a count of the number of treatments of the handle module, and various methods for counting the number of treatments are described herein. The data may also be consumed by the handle module, for example, the number of firings by the handle module, the strength of each firing (eg, force), the difference between the expected firing force and the actual firing force, the life of the handle module (Cumulative) energy and / or gear backlash.

In step 1802, the inspection station processor determines based on the data whether the handle module needs repair. The inspection station processor may analyze the usage and performance data in a number of ways as programmed to determine whether repair is necessary, and if it is determined that repair is required, then in step 1804, one Or multiple repair recommendations may be made. The repair advisory can be, for example, a major one suggesting that the handle module needs to be rebuilt, or a minor one such as lubricating a particular part. Also, for example, one repair check that may be performed by the inspection station processor at step 1802 may be performed every N ₁ treatment and / or every S ₁ firing, or treatment and firing (eg, N ₂ treatment and S ₂ firing). ) To reconstruct the handle module for any combination of In such a case, if the inspection station processor determines that any of these thresholds are met, at step 1804, the inspection station processor controls the inspection station display to indicate that the handle module needs to be rebuilt. You can do it. Inspection station processor checks repaired another may run in step 1802 is that S ₃ to the gear of the rotary drive system for each firing is necessary to lubricate. Other repair checks that can be performed by the inspection station and recommended where appropriate include, for example, electrical integrity check of the handle module electrical contacts, testing of the communication system, extended diagnostics of the handle module electronics (eg, RAM) And / or ROM integrity, processor operation, idle and operating current draw, operating temperature of selected components, etc.), indicator, display and sensor operation and / or cycle, balance and / or test. Battery problems. A repair check may be performed on the battery to assess the condition of the battery. For example, the inspection station can evaluate, for example, whether the battery is nearing its lifetime in the case of rechargeable, or whether it is approaching a threshold of less than one remaining discharge for a disposable battery. Other repair checks include firing the device (in diagnostic mode or other modes that can fire without the use of a DSM or cartridge) and monitoring for abnormalities in motor parameters (such as voltage or current). Damaged gears can cause changes in motor load that can be detected through monitored motor parameters, which can indicate an internal problem that requires replacement. Also, generally higher motor loads may indicate the need for cleaning or lubrication, or damage within the device.

  In step 1806, the inspection station processor may determine whether any component of the handle module needs to be checked. As described above, the inspection station processor may analyze usage and performance data in a number of ways as programmed to determine whether various handle module component checks are required. In step 1808, one or more component check recommendations may be made. For example, if, at step 1806, the inspection station processor determines that the gear backlash exceeds a preset threshold, at step 1808, the inspection station processor should check the gear of the rotary drive system. You may display a suggestion that Also, in step 1806, if the inspection station processor determines that the accumulated energy consumed by the handle module exceeds a preset threshold, in step 1808, the inspection station processor determines that the rotational drive system motor and A suggestion may be displayed indicating that a gear check should be performed. Similarly, at step 1806, the test station processor has exceeded a preset intensity threshold (eg, force or power) with a threshold firing count (in the last completed procedure and / or during the life of the handle module). If so, at step 1808, the inspection station processor may display a suggestion indicating that a check of the motors and / or gears of the rotary drive system should be performed. The inspection station processor may also display a suggestion via the display indicating that the DSM should be checked in various embodiments. For example, if, at step 1806, the inspection station processor determines that the threshold firing count for the most recently completed procedure exceeds a preset intensity threshold, the dull cutting instrument is more powerful in performing the cutting stroke. In step 1808, the inspection station processor may also display a suggestion indicating that a sharpness check of the cutting instrument in the end effector should be performed.

  The handle module processor may also make repair and / or component check decisions and recommendations. FIG. 28B shows an exemplary process flow for the handle module processor 2124. The process of FIG. 28B allows the handle module processor to use usage and performance data from its treatment and post-treatment in step 1801 so that it can determine whether a repair and / or component check is required in steps 1802 and 1806. Is similar to the process of FIG. 28A. The recommendations and suggestions displayed in steps 1804 and 1808 may relate to the display of the handle module and / or if the handle module is connected to an inspection station and a data connection exists between them, the handle The module processor may communicate the recommendation to the inspection station processor so that the inspection station display can display the recommendation instead of, or in addition to, displaying the recommendation on the handle module display.

  As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the DSM 1680 may also be connected to an inspection station 1600. In such a configuration, the DSM processor and / or inspection station processor may make repair and component check decisions and recommendations based on usage and performance data stored in the DSM memory.

  For this purpose, FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating steps that can be performed using the inspection station described herein. In step 2200, the clinician performs a surgical procedure using a surgical instrument that includes one of a handle module and a DSM. As described herein, the handle module memory can store usage and treatment data from any treatment, such as, for example, motor energy and power levels, motor torque, and / or time stamps for the activation of various triggers. Following the procedure, in step 2202, the clinician can prepare the handle module for use in subsequent procedures, for example, in step 2204 by connecting the handle module to an examination station as described herein. The DSM can be disconnected from the handle module and the removable battery pack can be removed. In step 2206, the inspection station can download (or read) treatment and usage data from the memory of the handle module. The inspection station can also download handle module ID data, and in step 2208, the inspection station processor uses this data to determine the handle module type and / or configuration that the inspection station can display on its display.

  In step 2210, the inspection station can set an inspection program and inspection criteria for the handle module based on the type and configuration of the handle module. For example, the inspection station memory may store an inspection program to be executed for each handle module type and configuration and inspection criteria. Based on the handle module type and configuration ID determined by the inspection station in step 2208, the inspection station can call and / or set an appropriate inspection program and inspection criteria to be used for the handle module. For example, at step 2212, the inspection module can dry the components of the handle module, for example, as described herein in connection with FIGS. 25A-25E. Also, at step 2214, a seal integrity test can be performed, such as, for example, those described herein in connection with FIGS. In step 2216, an electrical integrity test of the handle module may be performed. These tests include testing that there is an electrical connection between the appropriate components and that the data processing components of the handle module are functioning for data transmission protocols and connections. Can be. At step 2218, a functional and / or physical test of the handle module may be performed. For example, the motor and / or rotational drive system may be tested (eg, driven) to confirm that it functions properly. In step 2220, the handle module lockout that needs to be reset following the procedure may be reset. In step 2222, further adjustments necessary for the handle module may be performed. This adjustment may include any other adjustments necessary to prepare the handle module for subsequent surgical procedures and / or performance of any repair recommendations identified by the inspection station. In step 2224, the handle module can be released from the examination station and immediately used in a subsequent surgical procedure (or sterilized prior to use in a subsequent procedure). The inspection station may “release” the handle module, for example, by indicating on the display of the inspection station that the handle module is removable.

  As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the DSM can also be connected to such an inspection station following use in a surgical procedure to inspect the DSM. A process similar to that shown in FIG. 35 can be used for the DSM connected to the inspection station to prepare the DSM for further treatment.

  The various steps shown in FIG. 35 may be performed in different orders or simultaneously, and the steps shown in FIG. 35 may be as shown in FIG. 35, but are not necessarily performed in the order shown in FIG. For example, an electrical integrity test (step 2216) can be performed prior to a seal integrity test (step 2214), and so forth.

  36 and 37 are flowcharts illustrating exemplary steps involved in sterilizing the handle module and tracking use / sterilization times. In FIG. 36, the process begins at step 2300 where the handle module (and DSM) is used in a surgical procedure. After treatment, in step 2302, post-operative cleaning of the handle module may be performed, which may involve, for example, manually wiping the handle module. Thereafter, in step 2304, the handle module can be cleaned using, for example, an automatic washer. In step 2306, the handle module may be dried in a clean room using, for example, heat and / or air. In step 2308, the handle module is connected to an inspection station, such as, for example, the inspection station described herein in connection with FIGS. 12A-12C, 19A, 25A-25E, 26A-26C, and / or 27A-27B. obtain.

  In step 2310, the inspection station queries or interrogates the handle module and a sterilization switch (eg, switch 344, see FIGS. 11E-11I) has been actuated or otherwise as described above with respect to FIGS. 11E-11I. It is determined whether it is in a state indicating before being placed on the sterilization tray. If the sterilization tray switch has been triggered or is active, at step 2311 the sterilization count is incremented and the switch state is reset. Then, at step 2312, the inspection station may determine whether a threshold sterilization count for the handle module has been reached, as described herein. If the sterilization count is reached, at step 2314, any end-of-life operation of the handle module as described herein may be performed.

  Conversely, if the threshold has not yet been reached, the process places the handle module on the corresponding sterilization tray (eg, see FIGS. 11E-11I) and / or places the sterilization cover over the handle module (eg, , See FIGS. 20A-20D) (in either case, the sterilization trigger may be actuated at step 2318) may proceed to step 2316 where the handle module is prepared for sterilization. The handle module may be sterilized at step 2320 and immediately stored at step 2322 for use in subsequent procedures at step 2300 and subsequently moved to the operating room.

  Returning to step 2310, if the sterilization trigger has not been activated or its status has not changed, the handle module may need to be physically inspected in step 2324.

  The exemplary process flow of FIG. 37 is that following the procedure at step 2300, the handle module is re-powered at step 2310 and its sterilization status flag (set by the handle module processor upon activation of switch 344). 36 is similar to the process flow of FIG. 36, except that it can be determined whether or not (see FIGS. 11E-11I) is set. If set, at step 2311, the sterilization count may be updated and the sterilization state may be reset.

  As noted above, the handle module battery pack may be used in subsequent procedures, typically following a surgical procedure, so that it can be used with the same or another similarly configured handle module after recharging. May be removed from the module. FIGS. 29A-D show a charging station 1700 for recharging the battery pack 1702. When the battery pack 1702 is inserted, the battery pack 1702 is charged such that the corresponding power terminal 1706 contacts the corresponding charging terminal 1708 on the side of the receptacle 1704 to charge the corresponding battery pack 1702. It is inserted into a receptacle 1704 defined in station 1700 (shown in the side view of FIGS. 29B and 29C). The illustrated charging station 1700 can charge two battery packs simultaneously. However, in other configurations, the charging station may have a receptacle for storing and charging more or fewer battery packs.

  The charging station 1700 may include a display 1709 that displays the status of the battery pack 1702 with respect to a charging process, eg, currently charging or charged / ready for use. For a battery pack that is currently being charged, the display may indicate the progress of the charging process and / or the extent of the incomplete charging process. Use text and / or graphics to indicate the charging status, such as amount, and / or other types of fraction indicators that indicate the degree of charge of the battery pack (eg, 40% charged, 50% charged, etc.) Good.

  As shown in FIGS. 29B and 29C, the receptacle 1704 may be dimensioned such that the end of the battery pack 1702 that is inserted into the receptacle fits easily (eg, zero insertion force connection). Charging station 1700 may include means for detecting when battery pack 1702 is inserted into the receptacle. For example, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 29D, the charging station 1700 may include a pressure switch 1720 in communication with the charging station processor 1722 at the bottom of the receptacle 1704 that operates when the battery pack 1702 is inserted. Additionally or alternatively, the charging station processor 1722 may detect the insertion of a battery back 1702 when the charging station data terminal 1712 makes a data connection with the battery pack data terminal 1710. In any case, when the battery pack 1702 is inserted into the receptacle 1704 of the charging station 1700 for charging, the charging station 1700 may expedite the battery pack 1702 (eg, before charging and / or completion of charging). The battery pack 1702 may be temporarily fixed to the charging station 1700 so that it cannot be removed. As shown in FIGS. 29B and 29C, in one configuration, this is dimensioned to receive a screw 1724 and therefore automatically into a corresponding opening 1726 at the bottom of the battery pack 1702 that is threaded. This is accomplished by the screw 1724 at the bottom of the receptacle 1704 of the charging station 1700 being screwed.

  FIG. 29D is a simplified block diagram of a charging station 1700 and a battery pack 1702 according to various configurations. Assuming that charging station 1700 is powered by an AC power source, charging station 1700 has an AC / DC converter 1730 that converts AC voltage to DC voltage and a desired charge to charge battery cell 1734 of battery pack 1702. And a voltage regulator 1732 that converts the DC voltage into voltage and / or current. Charging station 1700 includes a charging control circuit 1736 for controlling voltage regulator 1732 based on detected parameters of the charging operation, such as current, voltage, and / or temperature that can be detected by detection circuit 1738 of charging station 1700. Good. For example, when charging the battery pack 1702 under normal charging conditions, the charge control circuit 1736 controls the voltage regulator 1732 until the Li ion or LiPo battery cell 1734 reaches the specified voltage (Vpc) per cell. It may be charged with a constant current. The charge control circuit 1736 can then hold the cell at that Vpc until the charge current drops to X% (eg, 10%) of the initial charge rate at which the charging process can be terminated. Other charging regimes suitable for battery technology can be implemented.

  Pressure switch 1720 may detect insertion of battery pack 1702 into receptacle 1704 of charging station 1700 and sends a signal to charging station processor 1722 when activated. The charging station processor 1722 may in response send a control signal to a connection actuator 1740, such as a linear actuator, that pushes the screw 1724 into the battery pack screw opening 1726. The connection actuator 1740 may be powered by a second voltage regulator 1742, which can power other electronic components of the charging station 1700 in addition to the connection actuator 1740.

  In addition to the above, battery pack 1702 may include a data terminal 1710 that mates with a corresponding data terminal 1712 of charging station 1700 when battery pack 1702 is inserted into receptacle 1704. Charging station processor 1722 may include an internal or external memory 1744 that stores firmware and / or software executed by charging station processor 1722. By executing firmware and / or software, the charging station processor 1722 can (i) control the display 1709, (ii) control aspects of the battery cell charging process by communicating with the charging controller 1736, and / or Or (iii) data can be exchanged with the battery pack processor 1750 via data terminals 1710, 1712. As described herein, the battery pack electronics may also include a memory 1752 that stores firmware and / or software executed by a battery pack processor 1750, such as a battery management system (BMS). The battery pack 1702 may also include a sensor 1754 for detecting a condition associated with the battery pack 1702, such as, for example, humidity and / or humidity, as described above. The data terminal 1712 of the charging station 1700 may also supply a low level of power to the battery pack processor 1750. Charging station 1700 may also include a wireless module 1755 that is in communication with a processor 1722 that can communicate with a remote device via a wireless communication link (eg, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, etc.). Accordingly, the charging station 1700 can provide a remote computing system (eg, server, desktop, tablet computer, laptop, smartphone, etc.) with a charging status and other data regarding the battery pack 1702 attached to the charging station 1700 ( For example, it is possible to wirelessly communicate near the end of life, temperature). The charging station may also include a wired connection port (eg, a USB port) so that the charging status and other data regarding the battery pack 1702 can be downloaded from the charging station 1700 to the connected device. In this way, surgical staff and / or battery pack suppliers can receive such information.

  In one aspect, to extend battery run time and battery life, for example, battery cells with battery pack 1702 may be rebalanced from time to time during battery pack 1702 life. FIG. 29E is a diagram of a process flow that may be performed by charging station processor 1722 (by executing firmware / software stored in memory 1744) to rebalance battery cells. In step 1760, the charging station processor 1722 may insert the battery pack 1702 into the inspection station 1700 for charging based on, for example, a signal from the pressure switch 1720 of the receptacle 1704 and / or some other suitable means. It can be detected. In step 1762, the charging station processor 1722 can actuate the connection actuator 1740 to temporarily secure the battery pack 1702 to the charging station 1700 during a charging (and / or discharging) session. At step 1764, charging station processor 1722 can exchange data with battery pack processor 1750. In particular, the battery pack processor 1750 can exchange a log of the battery pack 1702 charged time and the number of times the cell is balanced. In step 1765, the charging station 1700 can quickly bring the battery cell to the highest level if a battery pack is needed before a complete charge or discharge cycle can be performed. The highest level of charge in step 1765 may be, for example, simply charging the battery cell at a constant current to the specified Vpc level, or a fraction thereof. In step 1766, the charging station processor 1722 can determine whether the battery cell should be rebalanced. In various aspects, the cells may be balanced every N times, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and preferably greater than 1. If it is not time to rebalance the cell, the process proceeds to step 1768 where the battery cell is recharged, such as stopping the connection actuator 1740 so that the battery pack 1702 can be removed from the receptacle, etc. To release the battery cell for use. On the other hand, if it is determined at step 1766 that the battery cell needs to be rebalanced, the process may proceed to step 1772 where the cell is discharged before the cell is charged at step 1768. In step 1772, the cell may be discharged to a suitable (low) voltage level.

  As shown in FIG. 29A, the charging station 1700 may include an emergency release button 1780 in each battery pack charging receptacle, or a battery pack 1702 that is currently most charged (and thus most suitable for emergency use). Only one emergency release button 1780 may be included, which only releases. In various aspects, the charging station processor 1722 may initiate one or many operations when the emergency release button 1780 is pressed for a particular battery pack 1702 and charging of this battery pack is in progress. For example, the charging station processor 1722 may signal the connection actuator 1740 to unscrew the battery pack 1702 so that the battery pack 1702 can be removed. In addition, prior to such mechanical release of the battery pack 1702, the charging station processor 1722 can instruct the charge controller to act to facilitate rapid charging of the battery pack 1702. For example, the charging station processor 1722 can instruct the charge controller 1736 to use a charging profile that charges the battery cell 1734 more quickly in a short period of time, but such short-term charging can also charge the battery cell to its full capacity. It may not be fully charged or promote long battery life. Common charge profile steps for charging Li-ion battery cells include (i) trickle charge, (ii) constant current charge, and (iii) constant pressure charge. The charge control circuit 1736 can switch to one of these profiles (eg, constant current charge) in a short period of time and provide as much additional charge as possible to the battery pack 1702 in a short period of time. The charging station processor 1722 also allows other power sources to be used for charging, such as from other receptacles and / or power storage devices (eg, supercapacitors or battery cells) within the charging station 1700. It can be adjusted to increase the charging voltage available for charging. Data regarding the charging procedure etc. can also be recorded in the battery pack memory.

  FIG. 30A illustrates another exemplary charge / discharge determination process that the charging station processor 1722 may undertake in addition to or instead of the process shown in FIG. 29E. The process of FIG. 30A shows that the discharge of a surgical instrument battery pack is often beneficial for its long life, but the battery pack has sufficient time to discharge before it is needed in a surgical procedure. If not, acknowledge that it should not be discharged. The process of FIG. 30A begins at step 1780 where a “first” rechargeable battery pack is inserted into one of the charging receptacles 1704 of the charging station 1700. In step 1782, battery pack usage data from the first battery pack is downloaded to the charging station memory, which may include the current remaining battery capacity. Although not shown in FIG. 30A, the first battery pack can also be secured to the charging station upon insertion (see, eg, FIGS. 29B-29C). In step 1784, the charging station 1700 may immediately charge the first battery pack if required by the currently ongoing procedure or the immediate procedure. In step 1786, data relating to the charging of the first battery pack in step 1784 is written into the memory of the first battery pack. This data may include, for example, time stamps at the start and end of the charging process, and battery capacity at the start and end.

  In step 1788, the charging station processor confirms charging / discharging of the first battery pack, and if the first battery pack has been fully discharged since the last treatment, the process Proceed to step 1790 which is ready for use. In this step, the charging station display may indicate that the first battery pack is ready for use. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1788 that the first battery pack has not been fully discharged since the last treatment, the process has detected that the charging station processor is at least one other fully charged in the charging receptacle. Proceed to step 1792 where it can be determined whether a battery pack is present. In such a case, in step 1794, the first battery pack can be fully discharged to extend its life. This is because another fully charged battery pack is ready for use as needed. When the discharge of the first battery pack is complete, discharge data (eg, start and end time stamps, start capacity and end capacity) is stored in the first battery pack memory in step 1796 so that an evaluation can be performed in step 1788. Can be written to. Thereafter, the process may proceed to step 1784 where the battery cells of the first battery pack are recharged and the process is repeated. In step 1794, if the first battery pack is discharged since the last treatment, the process proceeds from step 1788 to step 1790 because another discharge of the battery cell is not required.

  The process of FIG. 30A can be modified. For example, the initial charging step 1784 can be omitted, for example, and / or moved between steps 1788 and 1790, and / or between steps 1792 and 1790.

  FIG. 30B illustrates another exemplary charge / discharge determination process that the charging station processor 1722 may undertake. In the process of FIG. 30B, in step 1783 following step 1782, the charging station 1700 performs the highest level of fast charge of the battery pack (eg, a short time charge less than full charge), and the battery pack memory is charged to the highest level. Is similar to the process of FIG. 30A, except that data about can be recorded. Then, in step 1788, as shown in FIG. 30A, the charging station processor may determine whether the battery pack has been fully discharged since the last treatment, in which case, in step 1789, the battery pack's A full charge is performed and the battery pack is ready for use at this point (block 1790). On the other hand, if, in step 1788, the charging station processor determines that the battery pack has not been fully discharged since the last treatment, the process has the charging station currently inserted into one of the receptacles 1704. Proceed to step 1792 to determine if another battery pack is ready for use (eg, fully or fully charged). Otherwise, the first battery pack can be fully charged at step 1789. However, if another battery pack is fully or fully charged and ready for use, in step 1794 the first battery pack can be discharged (data relating to the discharge is stored in the battery pack memory. ) After complete discharge, the process can then proceed to step 1789 so that the first battery pack can be charged.

  In various embodiments, the charging station processor 1722 can monitor and store the time when various battery cells are inserted as indicating the time when the procedure is performed by the hospital or operating room where the charging station is located. The charging station processor 1722 can be programmed to determine when a hospital or operating room typically performs and does not perform a procedure that requires an instrument that uses such a battery pack. Specifically, the charging station processor 1722 is a statistical that performs a procedure requiring a device using such a battery pack for a hospital or operating room for a non-overlapping time increment over 24 hours, eg, an increment of 1 hour. A trend can be determined. Thus, for a full charge of a battery pack (eg, in step 1789 of FIG. 30B), the charging station is currently in progress, particularly if there is another fully charged battery pack that is ready for use. The full charge process can be initiated over a time period where there is a low tendency to exist. That is, for example, in FIG. 30B, the full charge at step 1789 following the discharge at step 1792 does not have to be immediately after the discharge at step 1792, but instead is determined and scheduled by the charging station processor 1722. As such, it may be scheduled at a time when there is a low tendency to have a treatment currently in progress. In addition, a hospital or operating room representative can provide data to the charging station 1700 via the user interface 1709, for example, regarding the duration of the treatment and / or the type of treatment to be performed (or the amount of charge required for the treatment). You can enter. This data is stored in the charging station memory 1744 and can be used by the charging station processor 1722 to determine when to charge the battery pack.

  In systems that charge and discharge batteries, the discharged battery cell's charge is usually discharged through the load resistance, so a significant amount of energy is wasted and the power from the cell under maintenance is discarded in the form of heat. It is done. Thus, the charging station may include a fan and / or a heat sink to facilitate heat dissipation. In other aspects, the charging station may use the charge of the discharged cell to charge another cell in the charging station or store it in another power storage device. FIG. 31 is a simplified diagram of a circuit 1900 for discharging battery cells in such a manner. When charging the “first” battery cell 1902, the power / voltage regulator 1904 is connected to the first battery cell 1902 by closing switch S 1 (all other switches (S 2, S 3, S 4, and S5) is open). To discharge the first battery cell 1902 via the resistor 1906, the switches S2 and S3 are closed and the switches S1, S4, and S5 are opened. The diode 1903 controls the direction in which current flows from the first battery cell 1902. To discharge the first battery cell 1902 to an energy storage device 1908 (eg, a supercapacitor or another battery cell that is internal to the charging station and not normally used in a surgical instrument), switch S2 is closed. The remaining switches S1, S3, S4 and S5 are opened. The diode 1903 controls the direction in which current flows to the energy storage device 1908. To charge the first battery cell 1902 using the charge of the energy storage device 1908, the switch S5 is closed and the remaining switches S1, S2, S3, and S4 are opened. The diode 1905 controls the direction in which current flows to the first battery cell 1902. To charge another battery cell 1910 using the first battery cell 1902, switches S2 and S4 are closed and switches S1, S3, and S5 are open. Switches S 1, S 2, S 3, S 4, and S 5 may be controlled by charging station processor 1722 and / or charging controller 1736.

  FIG. 32 is similar to FIG. 31 except that the configuration of FIG. 32 includes a battery cell set 1920 that can be used to charge the first battery cell 1902. The first battery pack 1902 is charged and discharged. The circuit for this is shown. In the illustrated configuration, the battery cell set 1920 includes three battery cells 1922, 1924, 1926. However, in other configurations, the battery cell set 1920 may include more or less than three battery cells. Battery cells 1922, 1924, and 1926 in battery cell set 1920 may be internal battery cells of the charging station and / or other battery packs inserted into the charging station. The cells 1922, 1924, 1926 in the battery cell set 1920 may be used to quickly charge the first battery pack 1902, for example, a situation where a replacement battery pack is required for an ongoing procedure. . In the illustrated configuration, cells 1922, 1924, 1926 in battery cell set 1920 are connected in series or in parallel to provide increased voltage (in the case of series connection) or increased current (in the case of parallel connection). Good. To connect cells 1922, 1924, 1926 in series, switch S7 is closed and switch S6 is opened. To connect cells 1922, 1924, 1926 in parallel, switch S6 is closed and switch S7 is opened. Each cell may have an associated resistor, eg, R1, R2, R3, respectively, to provide a current source when connected in parallel.

  In one aspect, referring again to FIG. 29A, if the clinician is in the middle of a procedure and needs a new battery pack to complete the procedure, the clinician (or his assistant) is fully charged. Select one of the ready-to-use battery packs and remove it from the charging station 1700. This battery pack may be shown on the display 1709 of the charging station 1700. If none of the battery packs 1702 are shown to be ready for use, the clinician may, for example, charge controller 1736, and / or so that a partially charged battery pack can be inserted into the handle module currently in use. Alternatively, an emergency release button 1780 can be pressed that can release the battery pack 1702 at the current charging station 1700 that is currently most charged, as determined by the charging station processor 1722. Charging station 1700 may also include a visual indicator showing battery pack 1702 being released in an emergency to clarify which battery pack should be removed from the charging station for insertion into a surgical instrument. For charging station 1700 that includes means for securing battery pack 1702 to charging station 1700 during charging, such as screw 1724 in the configuration of FIGS. 29A-29C, actuating emergency release button 1780 as described herein. Thus, the connection of the appropriate battery pack 1702 can be released (or released) from the connection means. At substantially the same time, the charging station 1722 can perform a process that quickly charges the selected battery pack 1702 in a short period of time, preferably resulting in sufficient charging to complete one or several firings. As described herein, the charging station processor 1722, along with the charging control circuit 1736, changes the charging profile (eg, constant current or constant voltage charging), charges the battery pack using the supercapacitor 1908, and / or Charging of a battery pack comprising one or more other battery cells (which can be in series connection or parallel connection as described herein) may be performed. In various configurations, the battery pack 1702 (e.g., the screw 1724 of the screw 1724) is charged until the battery pack 1702 is charged to a charge level equal to a threshold charge sufficient to complete one or more firings with a short charge. Not released by disconnecting).

  In various aspects, the charging station also facilitates proper placement of the battery pack at the charging station for charging and / or enhanced engagement between the electrical contacts of the battery pack and the charging terminal of the charging station. Thus, it may be configured to increase the efficiency of the charging process. For example, a well (or receptacle) in a charging station may be such that the battery pack charging terminal contacts one of the charging station charging terminal sets, no matter how the battery pack is inserted into the well / receptacle. It can have multiple terminal sets. 33A and 33B show top views of a battery pack 2000 and a charging station 2002, respectively, where the battery pack 2000 has a square cross-sectional shape and the well / receptacle 2004 of the charging station 2002 has such a square cross-sectional shape. It is a dimension that accepts. Although the illustrated charging station 2002 has two wells / receptacles 2004, in other configurations, the charging station 2002 may have one well / receptacle or more than two wells / receptacles. As shown in FIG. 33A, the battery pack 2000 has a positive terminal 2006 and a negative terminal 2008 that are in contact with the charging station terminal to charge the battery pack. In the illustrated configuration, the terminals 2006 and 2008 are not at the center of the upper part of the battery pack 2000. Such a battery pack 2000 is one of the four wells / receptacles 2004 in four configurations (assuming that each side is rotated 90 degrees and the side of the battery pack 2000 with terminals 2006-2008 is always facing downward). Since each well / receptacle is inserted into the well / receptacle 2004 regardless of the direction of insertion of the battery pack 2000, the off-center battery pack terminals 2006-2008 are connected to the charging station terminal pair. There may be four pairs of charging terminals 2010 positioned within each of its wells / receptacles to contact one of 2010. Each charging station terminal pair 2010 is connected to the charging circuit of the charging station, but only one charging station terminal pair 2010 in contact with the battery pack terminals 2006-2008 is to allow charging current to flow to the battery pack 2000. Have a completed circuit. In another configuration, one of the battery pack terminals may be in the center of the battery pack 2000, as shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B. In this illustrated example, the negative terminal 2008 is in the center and the positive terminal 2006 is on one side. However, in another embodiment, the opposite configuration can be used. The well / receptacle of the charging station accordingly has one central terminal 2014 for contacting the negative terminal 2008 of the battery pack 2000 and no matter which direction the battery pack 2000 is inserted into the well / receptacle, There may be four terminals 2016 on each side of the center terminal 2014 for contacting the positive terminal 2006. For battery packs with other geometries, the well / receptacle may require a small or large number of terminal pairs (such as two for a triangular battery pack).

  As noted above, the surgical instrument can include a battery assembly that can be attached to and / or removed from the surgical instrument. Such handling of the battery assembly can increase the chance of damaging the battery assembly. For example, the battery assembly may be inadvertently dropped during assembly of the battery assembly to a surgical instrument and / or during transfer of the battery assembly to a charging station. As discussed in more detail below, the battery assembly may be configured to protect the housing, battery cells, and / or power supply circuit of the battery assembly should the battery assembly be inadvertently dropped.

  Referring now to FIG. 38, for example, a battery assembly, such as battery assembly 5000, includes a battery housing 5010 and a plurality of internal components 5030 such as at least one battery cell 5031 and / or a power circuit positioned within the battery housing 5010; Can be provided. At least one battery cell 5031 may include, for example, a lithium ion battery. The battery assembly 5000 also includes one or more electrical contacts 5011 configured to transmit electrical energy provided by the at least one battery cell 5031 to the surgical instrument. The battery assembly 5000 further comprises one or more alignment features 5012 that are configured to help a user properly assemble the battery assembly 5000 to a surgical instrument. The alignment mechanism 5012 includes, for example, a slot that can be aligned with a protrusion extending from a surgical instrument. The alignment mechanism 5012 is symmetrically disposed on the outer periphery of the battery housing 5010. Although not shown, other embodiments are envisioned in which the alignment mechanism 5012 has an asymmetric configuration so that the battery assembly 5000 is attached to the surgical instrument in only one direction. The battery assembly 5000 further comprises a locking mechanism 5040 configured to secure the battery assembly 5000 to the surgical instrument during use. When the battery assembly 5000 is attached to a surgical instrument, the battery assembly 5000 can transfer electrical energy to the powered contact of the surgical instrument.

  The battery housing 5010 can act as a container that is configured to house the internal component 5030 and / or can serve as a support structure that is configured to support various components thereon. The battery housing 5010 that functions as a container and / or support structure may be rigid to support an internal component 5030 positioned therein. The battery housing 5010 may be made of a plastic material, for example. In a particular example, the inner housing 5010 is comprised of, for example, an elastomeric material. Referring to FIG. 38 again, the battery housing 5010 includes a top surface, a bottom surface 5016, a plurality of side surfaces 5015, and a plurality of corner portions 5014. The bottom surface 5016 can be associated with an electrical contact 5011. The side surface 5015 and the corner portion 5014 are configured to surround the internal component 5030.

  Various embodiments described herein relate to the protection of battery assemblies for use with surgical instruments. Referring again to FIG. 38, the battery assembly 5000 includes radial and / or longitudinal stiffeners configured to protect the battery housing 5010, internal components 5030, and / or electrical contacts 5011. The radial and / or longitudinal reinforcement may include, for example, a shock absorbing layer. In various examples, the impact absorbing layer may surround the battery housing 5010 to absorb impact forces applied to the side surfaces 5015, bottom surface 5016, and / or corners 5014 of the battery housing 5010. In addition to or instead of the above, the shock absorbing layer may be housed within the battery housing 5010. In addition to or instead of the above, the battery assembly 5000 may further include an outer housing for further protection. The outer housing can be configured to house the battery housing 5010 and the shock absorbing layer.

  One means for protecting the battery assembly 5000 is detailed in FIG. 38A, which comprises, for example, a battery housing or inner housing 5010 and a shock absorbing layer 5020. As described above, the housing 5010 may be constructed of a rigid material that can support the internal components 5030 of the battery assembly 5000. The shock absorbing layer 5020 may include a lattice structure 5022 that includes a plurality of cells 5024. The cell 5024 can reduce the density of the shock absorbing layer 5020. Cell 5024 may have an open cell structure and / or a closed cell structure. Further, the lattice structure 5022 may comprise one or more lattice layers. For example, the lattice structure 5022 may include a first or inner lattice layer and a second or outer lattice layer.

  The lattice structure 5022 further comprises a plurality of braces 5025 that are designed to deflect and / or bend under pressure. When the battery assembly 5000 is dropped, the impact force is absorbed by the compression of the cell 5024 and the bending and / or deflection of the brace 5025. Thus, depending on the battery housing 5010, the shock absorbing layer 5020 absorbs shock and / or vibration energy in some circumstances rather than absorbing energy that can cause damage to the internal components 5030 of the battery assembly 5000. it can. In various examples, the shock absorbing layer 5020 may include, for example, a foam structure and / or an elastomeric material.

  In various examples, referring again to FIG. 38, the cells 5024 are arranged in, for example, several columns and include cells 5026 in the inner column, cells 5027 in the intermediate column, and cells 5028 in the outer column. Each cell of the inner row of cells 5026 may comprise a planar wall 5026a. The cell 5026 is oriented such that the planar wall 5026a of the cell 5026 is at least substantially parallel to the side surface 5015 of the battery housing 5010. Each cell of the outer row of cells 5028 may comprise a planar wall 5028a. The cell 5028 is oriented such that the planar wall 5028a of the cell 5028 is at least substantially parallel to the outer surface 5029 of the shock absorbing layer 5020. When the planar walls 5026a and 5028a of the cells in the inner row 5026 and the outer row 5028 are oriented in this manner, the shock absorbing layer 5020 having higher impact resistance can be formed. The shock absorbing layer 5020 may include corners positioned near the corners 5014 of the battery housing 5010 that can absorb impact forces directed to the corners 5014 of the battery housing 5010. Although the corners 5020 are not connected to each other, embodiments in which the corners 5020 can be connected to each other are also envisioned.

  In various examples, battery assembly 5000 includes a plurality of shock absorbing elements 5020. The shock absorbing element 5020 is positioned to protect the corners 5014 of the battery assembly 5000. In various examples, the impact force is concentrated by the corners 5014, which may increase the risk of damaging the battery housing 5010 and / or internal components 5030. The shock absorbing element 5020 includes an end 5021 that extends beyond the bottom surface 5016 of the battery housing 5010 to prevent damage to the electrical contacts 5011 and further protect the battery assembly 5000, for example. If the battery assembly 5000 is dropped in a direction such that the bottom surface 5016 is at least substantially parallel to the ground, one or more of the ends 5021 can absorb the impact force and dissipate the impact energy. .

  It may be desirable that the battery assembly be usable after experiencing an impact force, such as when the battery assembly 5000 is inadvertently dropped. In such an example, the shock absorbing element 5020 can retain the ability of the battery assembly 5000 to properly fit the battery receiving portion of the surgical instrument, and even if the battery assembly 5000 is dropped, the electrical energy is still delivered to the surgical instrument. It is configured so that it can be transmitted to the power receiving contact. The impact absorbing element 5020 may comprise a crample zone configured to deform when an impact force is applied. In at least one example, the crample zone may not be permanently deformed or at least substantially not permanently deformed if the impact force is below a crample force threshold. In such an example, the crample zone may be permanently deformed only when the impact force meets or exceeds the crample force threshold. The crample zone may limit the deformation direction of the shock absorbing element 5020 toward the center of the battery assembly 5000. This inward deformation prevents the battery assembly 5000 from acquiring a shape that does not fit the battery receptacle of the surgical instrument, thereby preventing the battery assembly 5000 from fitting into the battery receptacle of the surgical instrument. Can be maintained.

  In various examples, shock absorbing element 5020 may experience excessive deformation that requires replacement of shock absorbing element 5020. If the shock absorbing element 5020 needs to be replaced, the battery assembly 5000 can allow a surgical instrument user to remove the damaged shock absorbing element from the battery assembly 5000 and then attach a usable shock absorbing element thereto. Can be configured as follows. As described in further detail below, it may be preferred that the shock absorbing element 5020 be replaceable in a timely manner. Minimizing the time required to replace the shock absorbing element 5020 can be important when performing other tasks in surgery.

  Assembling the shock absorbing element 5020 to the battery assembly 5000 may be necessary when the shock absorbing element 5020 needs to be replaced. In various examples, shock absorbing element 5020 includes one or more protrusions 5023 configured to slide into and / or plug into corresponding slots 5013 in battery housing 5010. Prepare. The slot 5013 is configured to receive a new and / or usable shock absorbing element protrusion 5023 when the shock absorbing element 5020 needs to be replaced. In various examples, the protrusion 5023 and the slot 5013 can include a press fit therebetween to allow the protrusion 5023 to slide within the slot 5013 along the corner of the housing 5010. In at least one example, the protrusion 5023 and the slot 5013 can include a push fit therebetween. In various examples, the shock absorbing element 5020 may be attached to the battery housing 5010 in a snap-fit manner. In at least one example, the battery housing 5010 may include an opening that is snap-fit and configured to receive the protrusion 5023. In a particular example, the protrusion 5023 can snap into the slot 5013 in a snap fit fashion. In addition to or instead of the above, the shock absorbing element 5020 may be attached to the housing 5010 using, for example, an adhesive.

  In various examples, the battery assembly 5000 further includes an impact absorbing cap 5050. The shock absorbing cap 5050 is positioned at the outer end 5002 of the battery assembly 5000. The shock absorbing cap includes a shoulder 5051 that is configured to contact the surgical instrument when the battery assembly 5000 is fully secured to the surgical instrument. Shoulder 5051 may act as a stop, for example, and may define a fully secured position for battery assembly 5000. In various examples, the shoulder 5051 is configured to contact the shock absorbing element 5020. When the battery assembly 5000 is attached to a surgical instrument, the shock absorbing cap 5050 may be used for the battery assembly 5000 and / or surgical if the surgical instrument is dropped in a direction such that the top surface is at least substantially parallel to the ground upon impact. Can protect equipment. On the other hand, if the battery assembly 5000 is not attached to a surgical instrument, the shock absorbing cap 5050 still protects the battery assembly 5000 when the battery assembly 5000 is dropped in a direction such that the top surface is at least substantially parallel to the ground. To do.

  A partial cross-sectional view of the battery assembly 5000 is shown in FIG. The shock absorbing cap 5050 may include a lattice structure or a cell structure, and includes a plurality of cells 5052. The shock absorbing cap 5050 can be made of a material similar to that of the shock absorbing layer 5020. In the vicinity of the outer edge 5054 of the battery assembly 5000, which can dissipate more concentrated impact forces, a denser lattice arrangement 5055 is used. The shock absorbing cap 5050 includes a central portion 5053 with a columnar grid configuration 5056 that is configured to absorb impact energy generated by an impact force applied to the central portion 5053. In various examples, the columnar grid arrangement 5056 is configured to dissipate a wide range of impact forces.

  In various examples, the shock absorbing cap 5050 may include a crample zone configured to deform when an impact force is applied. The shock absorbing cap 5050 can be designed using the crample zone, for example, so that the battery assembly 5000 does not bounce off the floor when the battery assembly 5000 is dropped.

  The shock absorbing cap 5050 may be easily replaceable. If the shock absorbing cap 5050 experiences excessive deformation that requires replacement of the shock absorbing cap 5050, the battery assembly 5000 can be used by a surgical instrument user removing the damaged shock absorbing cap from the battery assembly 5000. It may be configured such that a shock absorbing cap can be attached.

  In various examples, the shock absorbing element 5020 can be coupled to the middle with a tether. The intermediate portion may be configured to protect the side surface 5015 and / or the alignment mechanism 5012 of the battery housing 5010. Of course, if the impact force is applied to the entire surface area of the side surface 5015 of the battery housing 5010, if the same impact force is applied to the corner 5014 of the battery housing 5010 having a smaller surface area, the stress caused by the impact force is Will be smaller than this. In other words, the greater the surface area to which the impact force is distributed, the lower the stress and stress concentration. Therefore, the intermediate portion between the shock absorbing elements 5020 may not need to have a configuration as large as the shock absorbing elements 5020. In at least one example, as a result, the intermediate portion may be configured to be thinner than the shock absorbing element 5020, but the intermediate portion may have the same configuration and / or a thicker configuration than the shock absorbing element 5020. Embodiments are also envisioned.

  Each of the shock absorbing elements 5020 of the battery assembly 5000 has a similar structure, but other embodiments are envisioned in which one or more of the shock absorbing elements 5020 may be different from the others. In at least one such example, at least one of the shock absorbing elements 5020 has an additional weight, such as a metal weight, positioned in it that can cause the battery assembly 5000 to fall and land in a particular direction. Can be provided. Such an effect can also be achieved, for example, by placing one or more weights in the battery housing 5010.

  A battery assembly 5100 that is similar in many respects to battery assembly 5000 is shown in FIG. The battery assembly 5100 may comprise means for protecting the internal components 5030 of the battery assembly 5100 from impact and / or thermal damage. Various means for protecting the battery assembly 5100 from impact are described above. The heat indicated by Q in FIG. 40A can pass through the battery housing 5110 and can be absorbed, for example, by the battery cells 5031 positioned in the battery housing 5110.

  Of course, heat flows from a high temperature environment to a low temperature environment. Under typical sterilization conditions, battery assembly 5100 is exposed to high temperatures. As a result, heat flows from the sterilization chamber to the battery assembly 5100. However, in some circumstances, the battery assembly 5100 may be sterilized improperly and exposed to excessive temperatures. If at least one of the battery cells 5031 absorbs and / or retains a damaging amount of heat Q, the battery cell 5031 may experience a thermal runaway event and failure.

  Referring now to FIG. 40A, the battery housing 5110 includes a heat reflecting shell or shield 5111, a shock absorbing layer 5112, and a heat sink layer 5113. The reflective shell 5111 is configured to reflect and / or block heat Q movement caused by, for example, improper sterilization. In various examples, the reflective shell 5111 may be composed of a low thermal conductivity material, such as, for example, a polymer and / or a ceramic material. A material having a low thermal conductivity usually has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. A material with low thermal conductivity also functions well as an insulating layer. In any case, the reflective shell 5111 can include a reflective outer surface that can reflect heat away from the battery assembly 5100. The reflective outer surface can be composed of a polished metal such as, for example, polished aluminum.

  In addition to the above, the heat sink layer 5113 is configured to absorb heat passing through the reflective shell 5111. The heat sink layer 5113 can also be configured to absorb heat generated by the battery cell 5031, for example, when the battery cell 5031 is recharged. In some examples, the battery cell 5031 may generate an atypical amount of heat due to its overcharge and / or overuse. In various examples, the heat sink layer 5113 can be composed of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as, for example, a metal. Any suitable material having a high thermal conductivity can be used to absorb the heat generated by at least one battery cell 5031. Furthermore, a material having a high thermal conductivity usually has a high coefficient of thermal expansion.

  In addition to the above, the battery cell 5031 can expand as it is charged. The expanding battery cell 5031 can push the heat sink layer 5113 outward. Furthermore, the heat sink layer 5113 can rapidly expand outward due to its high coefficient of thermal expansion. Such outward movement of the battery cell 5031 and the heat sink layer 5113 may push the shock absorbing layer 5112 toward the reflective shell 5111 and apply pressure to the reflective shell 5111. Such stress can cause stress in the reflective shell 5111, the heat sink layer 5113, and the battery cell 5031, particularly in embodiments where the reflective shell 5111 is composed of a material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the heat sink layer 5113. . In such an example, the heat sink layer 5113 can expand more than the reflective shell 5111, thus creating additional stress within the reflective shell 5111, the heat sink layer 5113, and the battery cell 5031.

  The shock absorbing layer 5112 is configured to allow the battery cell 5031 to expand while preventing damage to the battery housing 5110. The shock absorbing layer 5112 acts as a degree of freedom for the battery housing 5110 so that the heat sink layer 5113 and at least one battery cell 5031 can expand and / or contract due to heat transfer while maintaining the support capability of the battery assembly 5100. By doing so, the battery cells 5031 may expand and / or contract to manage expansion and / or contraction. In various examples, the expansion and contraction of the shock absorbing layer 5112 can prevent damage to the battery housing 5110. The shock absorbing layer 5112 can absorb thermal shock and shock.

  Referring now to FIGS. 41 and 42, the surgical instrument system 5300 includes a handle 5310 that can be used with a shaft assembly selected from a plurality of shaft assemblies. In addition to the above, one or more of such shaft assemblies may include, for example, a staple cartridge. The handle 5310 includes a housing 5312, a first rotatable drive output unit 5340, and a second rotatable drive output unit 5350. Handle 5310 further includes a first actuator 5314 for actuating first rotatable drive output 5340 and a second actuator 5315 for actuating second rotatable drive output 5350. Handle housing 5312 includes a battery cavity 5311 configured to receive a battery therein. The battery can be any suitable battery such as, for example, a lithium ion battery. In various examples, the battery can be inserted into and removed from the battery cavity 5311. In many instances, such a battery can provide power to handle 5310 to operate surgical instrument system 5300 without being supplemented with, for example, an additional power source and / or a tethered power source. Such a design can be advantageous for a number of reasons. For example, if the surgical instrument system 5300 is not tethered to a power source, the entire surgical instrument system 5300 can be in a sterile section of the operating room. However, such batteries can only supply a finite amount of power. In many instances, the finite amount of power that the battery can supply is sufficient for the surgical instrument system 5300 to operate. On the other hand, the battery may not be able to supply the necessary power to the surgical instrument system 5300.

  Referring again to FIG. 41, the battery located in the battery cavity 5311 of the handle 5310 can be removed and replaced, for example, with a power adapter 5360. The power adapter 5360 includes a distal plug 5361 that can be positioned within the battery cavity 5311. Distal plug 5361 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 5366 that are engageable with corresponding electrical contacts 5316 in handle 5310. In various examples, the battery and distal plug 5361 can engage the same electrical contact 5316 depending on the electrical contact positioned within the battery cavity 5311. In such an example, the handle 5310 may be powered from a set of electrical contacts 5316 regardless of whether a battery or power adapter 5360 engages the handle 5310. In other examples, the battery engages a first set of electrical contacts 5316 and the distal plug 5361 engages a different set of electrical contacts 5316. In such an example, the microprocessor of handle 5310 may be configured to identify whether a battery or power adapter 5360 is coupled to handle 5310.

  The distal plug 5361 of the power adapter 5360 may comprise any suitable shape as long as the distal plug 5361 can be positioned within the battery cavity 5311. In various examples, the distal plug 5361 can comprise the same geometry as, for example, a battery. In certain instances, the housing of the distal plug 5361 is similar or sufficiently similar to the battery housing. In any case, the distal plug 5361 has little relative movement between the distal plug 5361 and the battery cavity 5311, if present, once the distal plug 5361 is fully secured to the battery cavity 5311. May be configured to not. In at least one example, the distal plug 5361 includes a stop 5368 configured to contact a stop reference 5318 defined on the handle housing 5312. When the stop portion 5368 of the stop plug comes into contact with the handle stop reference 5318, the plug 5361 can be completely fixed to the battery cavity 5311. Handle 5310 and / or plug 5361 may include a lock configured to hold plug 5361 in its fully secured position. For example, the plug 5361 includes at least one lock 5362 that is configured to releasably engage the housing 5312.

  The power adapter 5360 further includes a cord 5363 extending from the plug 5361. For example, the cord 5363 electrically couples the power source such as the power source 5370 and the plug 5361. The power source 5370 may comprise any suitable power source such as a signal generator that receives power from, for example, a 110V, 60 Hz power source and / or a battery. The cord 5363 includes any suitable number of conductors and insulators to transmit power from the power source 5370 to the plug 5361. In at least one example, the cord 5363 includes a supply conductor, a return conductor, and a ground conductor that are electrically isolated from each other, for example, by an insulating jacket. Each conductor of cord 5363 may comprise, for example, a proximal terminal contained within proximal plug 5369. In various examples, the proximal plug 5369 can be releasably attached to the power source 5370. In certain other examples, the proximal plug may not be easily removed from the power source 5370.

  In various examples, the power source 5370 may comprise a direct current (DC) power source, for example. In such an example, both the battery and the power adapter 5360 can supply DC power to the handle 5310 depending on whether it is electrically coupled to the handle 5310. The power adapter 5360 and the power source 5370 can supply the handle 5310 with power that is equal to and / or greater than the power that the battery can supply to the handle 5310. In at least one example, a surgeon using handle 5310 as part of surgical instrument system 5300 determines that handle 5310 is underpowered, removes the battery from handle 5310, and couples power adapter 5360 to handle 5310. It's okay. The power source 5370 can then operate to provide sufficient power to the handle 5310 via the power adapter 5360 to operate the surgical instrument system in the desired manner. In various examples, the power source 5370 can supply a greater voltage to the handle 5310, for example.

  In certain examples, the power source 5370 may comprise an alternating current (AC) power source. In at least one such example, power adapter 5360 may include an alternating current to direct current (AC / DC) power converter configured to convert AC power supplied by power source 5370 to DC power. In such an example, both the battery and the power adapter 5360 can supply DC power to the handle 5310 depending on which is electrically coupled to the handle 5310. The AC / DC power converter may include, for example, a transformer, a full-wave bridge rectifier, and / or a filter capacitor, but any suitable AC / DC power converter can be used. Although the AC / DC power converter is positioned in the plug 5361, the AC / DC power converter may be positioned in the power adapter 5360 at any suitable location, such as a cable 5363, for example.

  In various examples, the handle 5310 includes an AC / DC power converter in addition to or instead of the AC / DC power converter of the power adapter 5360. Such an embodiment can implement a double set of battery contacts 5316 as described above. In at least one such embodiment, the battery power circuit includes: (1) a first circuit segment including a first set of contacts 5316 engaged by a battery; and (2) a first circuit engaged by a power adapter 5360. A second circuit segment including two sets of contacts 5316 and parallel to the first circuit segment. The second circuit segment includes an AC / DC power converter configured to convert AC power supplied by the power source 5370 into DC power, and the first circuit segment allows the battery to supply DC power. Does not include an AC / DC power converter.

  Referring again to FIG. 41, the handle 5310 can be in the sterile surgical section 5301 and the power source 5370 can be in the non-sterile section 5302. In such an example, power adapter 5360 may extend between sterilization compartment 5301 and non-sterile compartment 5302. The sterilization compartment 5301 and the non-sterile compartment are separated by a boundary 5303. The boundary 5303 may be a physical boundary, such as a wall, or a virtual boundary, such as, for example, between a sterile operating table and a non-sterile back table.

  In order to use the power adapter 5360, the battery positioned in the battery cavity 5311 needs to be removed in order to attach the plug 5361 of the power adapter 5360 into the battery cavity 5311. Another embodiment is envisioned where the battery can remain in the battery cavity 5311 when the power adapter is operably coupled with the handle 5310. Referring now to FIG. 42, the battery 5461 can be positioned within the battery cavity 5311. When the lock 5362 is disabled, the battery 5461 can be easily removed from the battery cavity 5311, but embodiments in which the battery 5461 cannot be easily removed from the battery cavity 5311 are also envisioned. Similar to plug 5361, battery 5461 is tightly connected to battery cavity 5311 to limit relative movement between battery 5461 and battery cavity 5311 when battery 5461 is fully secured to battery cavity 5311. Acceptable dimensions and can be configured as such. Similarly to the plug 5361, the battery 5461 includes an end stop 5468 configured to contact the stop reference 5318 of the handle 5310.

  The battery 5461 includes, for example, one or more lithium ion battery cells positioned therein. Similar to the above, the battery 5461 can provide sufficient power to the handle 5310 to operate the surgical instrument system in various examples. If the battery cell of battery 5461 has insufficient power to operate the surgical instrument system, power adapter 5460 can be coupled to battery 5461. Power adapter 5460 is similar to power adapter 5360 in many respects. Similar to above, the power adapter 5460 includes a cord 5463 that includes a proximal end 5369 that can be connected to a power source, such as, for example, a power source 5370. Battery 5461 includes an electrical connector 5464 defined therein and configured to receive distal connector 5465 of cord 5463 and electrically couple power source 5370 to battery 5461.

  In at least one example, in addition to the above, the power adapter 5460 can be placed in series with the cells of the battery 5461 when the adapter connector 5465 is inserted into the battery connector 5464. In such an example, both the battery 5461 and the power source 5370 can supply power to the handle 5310. FIG. 43 shows such an embodiment. As disclosed in FIG. 43, the battery 5461 ′ includes a power supply circuit that includes one or more battery cells 5470 ′ configured to supply DC power to the handle 5310. When the power adapter 5460 is electrically coupled to the battery 5461 ′, the power supply 5370 can (1) recharge the battery cell 5470 ′ via the recharge circuit 5471 ′ and / or (2) the battery cell 5470. 'Can complement the power supplied to the handle 5310. In an example where the power source 5370 comprises an AC power source, the battery 5461 ′ may convert the AC power supplied by the power source 5370 into DC power before power is supplied to the charging circuit 5471 ′ and / or the battery cell 5470 ′. An AC / DC transformer 5467 ′, The power supply circuit in the battery includes a battery connector 5464, an AC / DC transformer 5467 ′, a charging circuit 5471 ′, a battery cell 5470 ′, and a battery terminal 5366 that are in series with each other. Can be used.

  In another example, insertion of adapter connector 5465 into battery connector 5464 can electrically couple power source 5370 with handle 5310 and at the same time electrically separate battery cells of battery 5461 from handle 5310. FIG. 44 illustrates such an embodiment. As disclosed in FIG. 44, the battery 5461 ″ includes a power supply circuit that includes one or more battery cells 5470 ″ configured to supply DC power to the handle 5310. Battery cell 5470 ″ is in electrical communication with battery contact 5366 via first circuit segment 5472 ″ and battery switch 5474 ″ when adapter connector 5465 is not positioned within battery connector 5464. In such an example, battery switch 5474 "is in the first switch state. Insertion of the adapter connector 5465 into the battery connector 5464 places the switch 5474 "in the second switch state, as shown in FIG. 44, and the battery cell 5470" can no longer supply power to the contact 5366. In addition, the power adapter 5460 and the battery connector 5464 are electrically connected to the battery contact 5366 via the second circuit segment 5473 ″ and the battery switch 5474 ″ when the battery switch 5474 ″ is in its second switch state. Communicate. In the example where the power source 5370 comprises an AC power source, the second circuit segment 5473 ″ of the battery 5461 ″ is configured to convert the AC power supplied by the power source 5370 into DC power. 5467 ''.

  As described above, referring again to FIG. 44, the battery switch 5474 ″ includes a first parallel circuit segment 5472 ′ that includes a battery cell 5470 ″ when the switch 5474 ″ is in its first switch state. 'Is selectively in electrical communication with battery contact 5366 or includes a battery connector 5464 and an AC / DC transformer 5467' 'when switch 5474' 'is in its second switch state. The parallel circuit segment 5473 ″ can be selectively operated to be in electrical communication with the battery contact 5366. The battery switch 5474 ″ may comprise a mechanical switch, an electromechanical switch, and / or an electronic switch, as will be described in further detail below.

  Mechanical battery switch 5474 ″ is, for example, between a first position associated with a first switch state of switch 5474 ″ and a second position associated with a second switch state of switch 5474 ″. There may be a sliding bus bar that is pushed into the. In the first position of the sliding bus bar, the bus bar couples the first circuit segment 5472 "with the battery contact 5366, but does not couple the second circuit segment 5473" with the battery contact 5366. In the second position of the sliding bus bar, the bus bar couples the second circuit segment 5473 ″ with the battery contact 5366, but does not couple the first circuit segment 5472 ″ with the battery contact 5366. The battery 5461 can further comprise a biasing member, such as a spring, for example, which biases the bus bar to its first position, thus causing the battery switch 5474 ″ to move to its first switch state. It is configured to be energized. In addition to the above, adapter connector 5465 has adapter connector 5465 inserted into battery connector 5464 and pushes the bus bar from its first position to its second position, bringing switch 5474 '' to its second switch state. When doing so, it can come into contact with the bus of switch 5474 ″. When adapter connector 5465 is removed from battery connector 5464, the biasing member can return the bus bar to its first position and electrically recombine battery cell 5470 '' with battery contact 5366. In certain other embodiments, insertion of adapter connector 5465 into battery connector 5464 may permanently separate battery cell 5470 ″ from battery contact 5466. In at least one such embodiment, the battery 5461 ″ may include a lock configured to hold the bus bar in its second position when the bus bar is pushed into its second position by the adapter connector 5465. . Such an embodiment can provide a permanent lockout so that the battery 5461 "cannot be reused to supply power from the battery cell 5470". This is because it may be undesirable and / or unreliable to reuse and / or recharge a battery that could not supply sufficient power to the handle 5310.

  The electromechanical switch 5474 "may comprise a relay, for example. The relay may be energized to the first relay state when the adapter connector 5465 is not positioned within the battery connector 5464. When adapter connector 5465 is electrically coupled to battery connector 5464, the relay can be switched to the second relay state. The relay may comprise an electromagnet that may include a wire coil and an armature that operates when the contacts of the adapter connector 5465 interface with the battery connector 5464, for example. In at least one example, the power adapter 5460 provides sufficient voltage to the coil of the relay to move the relay armature between its first switch state and its second switch state. In addition to the circuit, a relay control circuit may be provided. In various examples, the switch 5474 "can comprise a latch relay, for example. In at least one example, the switch 5474 " can comprise, for example, a contactor, which can be electronically controlled by, for example, a microprocessor and control circuitry.

  A particular electronic switch may have any moving part such as, for example, a solid state relay. The solid state relay may use, for example, a thyristor, triac, and / or any other solid state switching device. For example, the solid state relay can be operated by a control signal from the power source 5370 to switch the load supplied to the battery contact 5366 from the battery cell 5470 ″ to the power source 5370. In at least one example, the solid state relay may include, for example, a contactor type solid state relay. In various examples, the electronic switch includes, for example, a microprocessor and a sensor in signal communication with the microprocessor that detects whether power is supplied to the contacts of the battery connector 5464. In at least one example, the sensor can be configured to inductively detect a field that occurs when a voltage is applied to the contacts of the battery connector 5464. In a particular example, the microprocessor switches the relay between a first relay state and a second relay state, eg, in response to a control signal received from a power source 5370, to provide a first parallel circuit segment 5472 ′. 'Or the second parallel circuit segment 5473 ″ may each control whether they are in electrical communication with the battery contacts 5366.

  In addition to the above, the power adapter 5460 may include an AC / DC power converter. The power adapter 5460 includes an AC / DC power transformer 5467 in the cord 5463, but the AC / DC power transformer may be located at any suitable location on the power adapter 5460.

  In various examples, the power adapter supply system may include a battery such as, for example, batteries 5361, 5461, 5461 ′, and / or 5461 ″ and a power adapter such as, for example, power adapter 5360 and / or 5460. .

  Referring now to FIGS. 45-47, the surgical instrument system handle 5510 includes a gripping or pistol grip 5511 and a housing 5512. Handle 5510 further comprises one or more batteries positioned within gripper 5511, such as battery cell 5470, for example. In many examples, the battery cell 5470 may provide sufficient power to the handle 5510 to operate the surgical instrument system. In other examples, the battery cell 5470 may not be able to supply sufficient power to the handle 5510. In such an example, an auxiliary battery, such as auxiliary battery 5560, for example, may be attached to handle 5510 to supply power to handle 5510, as will be described in further detail below.

  In addition to the above, mainly referring to FIG. 47, the battery cells 5470 are arranged in series as part of the battery power supply circuit 5513. Battery power circuit 5513 is in electrical communication with electrical connector 5516 defined in housing 5512. The electrical connector 5516 may comprise any suitable number of electrical contacts. In at least one example, electrical connector 5516 includes, for example, two electrical contacts. Although the electrical connector 5516 is positioned at the end of the gripper 5511, the electrical connector 5516 can be positioned in any suitable any suitable position on the handle 5510.

  The handle 5510 further includes a connector cover 5517. The connector cover 5517 is movable between a first position where the electrical connector 5516 is covered and a second position where the electrical connector 5516 is exposed. The housing 5512 includes a slot 5518 defined therein that is configured to slidably receive and support the connector cover 551. The handle 5510 further includes a biasing member, such as a spring 5519, positioned in the slot 5518 between the housing 5512 and the connector cover 5517. The spring 5519 is configured to cover the electrical connector 5516 by urging the connector cover 5517 to the first position.

  As described above, the auxiliary battery 5560 can be attached to the handle 5510. The auxiliary battery 5560 includes a housing 5562 and one or more battery cells, for example, battery cells 5570, positioned therein. Battery cells 5570 are arranged in series as part of auxiliary battery supply circuit 5563. The auxiliary battery supply circuit 5563 is in electrical communication with an electrical connector 5566 defined in the battery housing 5562. The electrical connector 5566 includes the same number of electrical contacts as the electrical connector 5516 and is configured to form a mating pair with the electrical contacts of the electrical connector 5516.

  The housing 5562 of the auxiliary battery 5560 further includes a cavity, or receptacle 5561, defined therein, which is configured to receive the grip 5511 of the handle 5510. Cavity 5561 is configured to closely receive gripper 5511 such that, when auxiliary battery 5560 is fully assembled therein, there is little or no relative movement between auxiliary battery 5560 and handle 5510. Has been. Since the auxiliary battery 5560 is assembled to the handle 5510, the housing 5562 contacts the connector cover 5517 and pushes the connector cover 5517 into its second position to expose the electrical connector 5516. When the contact of electrical connector 5516 is at least partially exposed, the contact of electrical connector 5566 can engage the contact of electrical connector 5516. At this time, the auxiliary battery supply circuit 5563 is electrically coupled to the battery power supply circuit 5513.

  The electrical connectors 5516 and 5566 can be positioned and arranged such that they do not engage each other until the auxiliary battery 5560 is fully secured on the gripper 5511. In other embodiments, the electrical connectors 5516 and 5566 can be positioned and arranged to engage each other before the auxiliary battery 5560 is fully secured with the gripper 5511. In any case, the housing 5512 of the handle 5510 and / or the housing 5562 of the auxiliary battery 5560 may include a lock configured to hold the auxiliary battery 5560 in the housing 5510. Although the lock can be released so that the auxiliary battery 5560 can be easily removed from the handle 5510, embodiments are also envisaged that prevent the lock from easily removing the auxiliary battery 5560 from the handle 5510.

  As described above, when auxiliary battery 5560 is assembled to handle 5510, auxiliary battery supply circuit 5563 is electrically coupled to battery power supply circuit 5513. In various examples, the auxiliary battery cell 5570 may be placed in series with the handle battery cell 5470 to increase the power available to the handle 5510. Such an embodiment may be useful, for example, when the handle battery cell 5470 is depleted by use. In another example, the auxiliary battery cell 5570 of the auxiliary battery 5560 is arranged in parallel with the battery cell 5470 of the handle 5510. In at least one such example, handle battery cell 5470 can be electrically isolated from handle 5510 when auxiliary battery cell 5570 is electrically coupled to handle 5510. Such an embodiment may be useful when a short circuit occurs in the handle battery cell 5470. Various embodiments of the handle 5510 may include a switch that allows a user to selectively place the auxiliary battery cell 5570 in series or in parallel with the handle battery cell 5470.

  Example 1-Surgical device comprising a handle module with an attachment, the removable shaft module can be attached to the attachment for performing a surgical procedure in bulk, the handle module being removable A surgical apparatus comprising: a rotary drive system for driving a movable shaft module; an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system to power the rotary drive system; and one or more sensors. The handle module further comprises a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors and the electric motor, the handle module processor circuit controlling the electric motor, input from the one or more sensors. Is programmed to track the end-of-life parameter of the handle module and to maintain a count of end-of-life parameters.

  Example 2-The surgical of Example 1 further comprising means for communicating with a handle module processor circuit for performing an end of life operation when the handle module processor circuit determines that the end of life parameter count has reached a threshold value apparatus.

  Example 3-The surgical apparatus of Example 2, wherein the means for performing the end-of-life operation comprises a display that displays to the user of the surgical apparatus information indicating that the end-of-life parameter has reached a threshold.

  Example 4 The surgical apparatus of Example 3, wherein the display displays the count.

  Example 5-The surgical apparatus of Example 3 or 4, wherein the display displays an indicator indicating the remaining number of uses of the handle module before the threshold is reached.

  Example 6 The surgical apparatus of Examples 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the means for performing end-of-life operations includes means for disabling the handle module for subsequent surgical procedures.

  Example 7-The surgical apparatus of example 6, wherein the means for disabling the handle module includes means for disabling the operation of the electric motor.

  Example 8-The surgical apparatus of example 6 or 7, wherein the means for disabling the handle module includes means for preventing attachment of the charged battery pack to the handle module.

  Example 9-End-of-life parameters are number of firings by handle module, number of surgical procedures requiring handle module, number of attachments of removable shaft module to handle module, number of sterilization of handle module, and removable battery Examples 2, 3, 4, 5, wherein the removable battery pack, selected from the group consisting of the number of times the pack is attached to the handle module, is for supplying power to the handle module during the surgical procedure. 6, 7, or 8 surgical devices.

  Example 10-End of life parameters are calculated according to a function whose inputs include the number of firing of the handle module and the number of surgical procedures that require the handle module, Examples 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 , 8, or 9 surgical devices.

  Example 11-The surgical apparatus of example 10, wherein the function calculates end of life parameters by using different weighting factors for different removable shaft modules.

  Example 12-A removable shaft module comprises an end effector having a firing member that traverses the stroke length upon firing, and the force and handle that the end-of-life parameter is expected to be applied by the handle module over the stroke length of the firing member The surgical apparatus of Examples 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 including handle module usage parameters that indicate a difference from the force actually applied by the module.

  Example 13--The surgical device of Examples 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 wherein the end of life parameter includes the number of times the handle module has been sterilized.

  Example 14--The handle module includes a sterilization sensor in communication with a handle module processor circuit that operates when a protective sterilization cover is attached to the handle module. , 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 surgical devices.

  Example 15-The surgical apparatus of example 14, wherein the sterilization sensor comprises a switch that is activated when a protective sterilization cover is attached to the handle module.

  Example 16-further comprising an inspection station, wherein the handle module is connectable to the inspection station for inspecting the handle module following a surgical procedure, the inspection station being connected to the inspection station An inspection station display in communication with the handle module processor circuit and the inspection station processor circuit via a data connection, wherein the inspection module displays information about the handle module when the handle module is connected to the inspection station. The surgical apparatus of Examples 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 comprising a station display.

  Example 17-Surgical device, a handle module that can be attached to a removable shaft module to perform a surgical procedure in bulk, and can be activated to drive the removable shaft module A rotary drive system, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system to power the rotary drive system, and means for tracking a count of end-of-life parameters of the handle module based on the number of startups of the rotary drive system; A surgical device comprising a handle module.

  Example 18-Means for tracking a count of end-of-life parameters comprise a processor circuit and a memory, the memory being executed by the processor with program code for tracking the count of end-of-life parameters of the handle module The surgical apparatus of Example 17, storing.

  Example 19-The handle module is powered by a removable battery pack and the means for tracking the handle module end-of-life parameter count is further based on the number of connections of the removable battery pack to the handle module. The surgical device of example 17 or 18.

  Example 20-Further comprising a sterilization tray for holding the handle module during the sterilization procedure, the means for tracking the end-of-life parameter count of the handle module is counted when the handle module is placed in the sterilization tray. The surgical apparatus of example 17, 18, or 19 comprising a counter on the sterilization tray that increments.

  Example 21-Apparatus comprising a handle module that can be attached to a removable shaft module for performing a surgical procedure in bulk, the handle module being a rotational drive system for driving the removable shaft module And an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the electric motor. The apparatus further comprises an inspection station for connecting to the handle module when the handle module is not being used in a surgical procedure, the inspection station providing a data connection when the handle module is connected to the inspection station. An inspection station processor circuit in communication with the handle module processor circuit, and an inspection station display in communication with the inspection station processor circuit, the inspection station display displaying information about the handle module connected to the inspection station .

  Example 22-The apparatus of Example 21, wherein the inspection station comprises a power source for supplying power to the handle module when the handle module is connected to the inspection station.

  Example 23-An inspection station is configured to perform one or more tests on a handle module to determine the suitability of the handle module for use in a subsequent surgical procedure. The apparatus of Example 21 or 22.

  Example 24-1 The apparatus of Example 23, wherein the one or more tests include a handle module seal integrity test.

  Example 25-The apparatus of Example 23 or 24, wherein the one or more tests include a gear backlash test of a handle module rotary drive system.

  Example 26-The apparatus of Examples 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, wherein the inspection station is configured to perform an adjustment operation to adjust the handle module for use in a subsequent surgical procedure. .

  Example 27-The apparatus of example 26, wherein the adjusting action comprises drying the components of the handle module.

  Example 28-The apparatus of Examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the inspection station comprises one or more fans for blowing air into the components of the handle module.

  Example 29-Apparatus according to example 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the inspection station comprises a vacuum port for drying the handle module components with a flow of vacuum pressure air.

  Example 30-The apparatus of example 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the inspection station further comprises a load simulation adapter connectable to a handle module rotational drive system.

  Example 31-The apparatus of Example 30, wherein the load simulation adapter comprises a motor for supplying a simulated load to the rotational drive system of the handle module.

  Example 32-Apparatus according to example 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31, wherein the inspection station is further connected to a removable shaft module.

  Example 33-Surgical process, wherein a clinician performs a surgical procedure on a patient using a surgical instrument comprising a handle module connected to a removable shaft module, the handle module comprising: Including a memory for storing data relating to the handle module and the surgical procedure, and data relating to the surgical procedure stored in the memory of the handle module while the handle module is connected to the examination station. A surgical process comprising: downloading to the memory of the computer; and visually displaying information about the handle module on a display of the examination station while the handle module is connected to the examination station.

  Example 34-Following a surgical procedure and prior to connecting the handle module to the inspection station, removing the removable battery pack from the handle module, wherein the removable battery pack is undergoing a surgical procedure The power supply to the handle module, and removing the power supply to the handle module with power from the test station while the handle module is connected to the test station. Surgical process.

  Example 35-One or more tests are performed on a handle module while the handle module is connected to an examination station to make the handle module compatible for use in a subsequent surgical procedure The surgical process of example 33 or 34, wherein:

  Example 36-The surgical process of example 35, wherein the one or more tests include a handle module seal integrity test.

  Example 37-1 The surgical process of example 35 or 36, wherein the one or more tests include a gear backlash test.

  Example 38-The surgical of Examples 34, 35, 36, or 37, wherein an adjustment operation is performed to adjust the handle module for use in a subsequent surgical procedure while the handle module is connected to the examination station. process.

  Example 39-The surgical process of example 38, wherein the adjusting action comprises drying the components of the handle module.

  Example 40-Surgical device comprising a handle module that can be attached to a removable shaft module for performing a surgical procedure in bulk, the handle module rotating to drive the removable shaft module A drive system, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system to power the rotary drive system, one or more sensors for detecting data relating to the electric motor, and one or more of the two A handle module processor circuit in communication with the sensor, wherein the handle module processor circuit is programmed to monitor a handle module performance parameter based on input from one or more sensors, the handle module Processor circuit has acceptable performance parameters By monitoring whether a performance band outside monitors the performance parameters of the handle module, the surgical device.

  Example 41-The surgical apparatus of example 40, wherein the processor circuit monitors the performance parameter of the handle module by monitoring whether the performance parameter is below or above an acceptable performance band.

  Example 42-The surgical apparatus of example 40 or 41, wherein the handle module further comprises means for performing corrective action when the handle module processor circuit determines that the performance parameter is outside an acceptable performance band.

  Example 43-The surgical device of examples 40, 41, or 42, wherein the performance parameters include electric motor performance parameters.

  Example 44-The surgical device of example 43, wherein the performance parameter of the electric motor includes energy consumed by the electric motor over the life of the handle module.

  Example 45-The surgical device of example 43 or 44, wherein the performance parameter of the electric motor includes the power consumed by the electric motor per firing of the handle module.

  Example 46-Example 43, 44, or wherein the performance parameters of the electric motor include the energy consumed by the electric motor over the life of the handle module and the power consumed by the electric motor per firing of the handle module 45 surgical devices.

  Example 47- A handle module processor circuit wherein the energy consumed by the electric motor over the life of the handle module exceeds a first energy threshold and the energy consumed by the electric motor over the life of the handle module is the first energy Determining that a corrective action should be taken when a second energy threshold lower than the threshold is exceeded and the handle module has at least one of the threshold device firing times exceeding the threshold power level. The surgical device of example 46, programmed as follows:

  Example 48-The surgical device of Examples 43, 44, 45, 46, or 47, wherein the performance parameter includes the output torque of the electric motor.

  Example 49-The surgical device of examples 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48, wherein the performance parameters include rotational drive system performance parameters.

  Example 50-The surgical apparatus of example 49, wherein the performance parameter of the rotary drive system includes gear backlash.

  Example 51-The surgical apparatus of examples 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50, wherein the means for performing corrective action includes a display for displaying the status of the handle module .

  Example 52-The surgical of example 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or 51, wherein the means for performing corrective action includes means for disabling the handle module apparatus.

  Example 53-Means for disabling a handle module prevent insertion of a charged, removable battery pack into the handle module so that the handle module cannot be powered during a surgical procedure The surgical device of embodiment 52, comprising the means of:

  Example 54-The surgical apparatus of example 53, wherein the means for preventing the insertion of a charged, removable battery pack includes a spring loaded mechanical lockout.

  Example 55-Embodiment wherein the means for preventing the insertion of a charged, removable battery pack includes a latch that, when activated, prevents removal of the discharged, removable battery pack from the handle module. 53 or 54 surgical devices.

  Example 56-Surgical device comprising a removable shaft module and a handle module connected to the removable shaft module for performing a surgical procedure in bulk, wherein the handle module is a removable shaft A rotary drive system for driving the module; an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system; and for monitoring performance parameters of at least one of the electric motor and the rotary drive system A surgical device comprising: means; and means for performing corrective action upon determining that the performance parameter is outside an acceptable performance band.

  Example 57-The surgical device of example 56, wherein the performance parameters include energy consumed by the electric motor over the life of the handle module.

  Example 58-The surgical device of example 56 or 57, wherein the performance parameters include power consumed by the electric motor per firing of the handle module.

  Example 59-The surgical device of examples 56, 57, or 58, wherein the performance parameter includes an output torque of the electric motor.

  Example 60-The surgical apparatus of examples 56, 57, 58, or 59, wherein the means for performing corrective action includes means for disabling the handle module.

  Example 61-The surgical apparatus of example 60, wherein the means for disabling the handle module includes means for disabling the electric motor.

  Example 62-Means for disabling the handle module prevent insertion of a charged, removable battery pack into the handle module so that the handle module cannot be powered during a surgical procedure 62. The surgical device of example 60 or 61, comprising:

  Example 63-Combination handle module that can be attached to a removable shaft module for performing a surgical procedure in bulk and a handle module for supplying power to the handle module during a surgical procedure A removable, rechargeable battery pack comprising a memory for storing charge and discharge data of the battery pack, the battery pack being removed from the handle module and charged A charging station for performing at least one of charging and discharging of a battery pack when inserted into the station, and charging and discharging of the battery pack based on charging data and discharging data stored in a memory of the battery pack Charge stays for performing at least one of the discharges ® including down and, the, combination.

  Example 64-Battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells and the charging station determines when to rebalance the battery cells based on charge and discharge data stored in the battery pack memory and based on a rebalance criterion Embodiment 63. The combination of embodiment 63 comprising a charging station processor circuit for determining, wherein the charging station rebalances the battery cells of the battery pack when the charging station processor circuit determines that the battery cells should be rebalanced.

  Example 65-A charging station processor circuit is programmed to determine that a battery cell should be rebalanced after charging the battery pack N times without rebalancing, where N is an integer greater than 0 A combination of Example 64.

  Example 66 The combination of examples 64 or 65, wherein the charging station is configured to maximize the charging of the battery cell prior to rebalancing the battery cell.

  Example 67-A charging station comprises a charging station processor circuit that determines whether to discharge a battery pack based on charging data and discharging data stored in a battery pack memory and based on a discharge criterion, Embodiment 63, 64, 65, or 66 combination wherein the charging station discharges the battery pack when the processor circuit determines that the battery pack should be discharged.

  Example 68 The combination of example 67, wherein the discharge criteria includes whether the second battery pack attached to the charging station is fully charged and ready for use with the handle module.

  Example 69-A charging station is programmed to charge a battery pack at a time based on surgical procedure data for tissue users of the charging station, and the surgical procedure data is stored in the memory of the charging station A combination of Examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, or 68.

  Example 70 The combination of example 69 wherein the surgical procedure schedule data includes a statistical likelihood that the tissue user will perform the surgical procedure using the handle module at that time.

  Example 71-The charging station comprises means for automatically securing the battery pack to the charging station when the battery pack is not ready for use with the handle module for a surgical procedure. , 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70.

  Example 72-The combination of example 71 wherein the means for automatically securing the battery pack to the charging station comprises a screw that is screwed into the battery pack when activated by insertion of the battery pack into the charging station. .

  Example 73 The combination of examples 71 or 72, wherein the means for automatically securing the battery pack to the charging station further comprises a linear actuator for actuating the screw.

  Example 74-A combination of Examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, or 73, wherein the charging station comprises a display for displaying charging status information about the battery pack.

  Example 75-The charging station comprises means for rapidly charging the first battery pack when a fast charge user input for the battery pack is received at the charging station, Examples 63, 64, 65, 66 , 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, or 74.

  Example 76-Combination of example 75, wherein the charging station comprises means for automatically securing the battery pack to the charging station when the battery pack is not ready for use with the handle module for a surgical procedure .

  Example 77-A surgical process wherein a clinician performs a surgical procedure on a patient using a surgical instrument comprising a handle module connected to a removable shaft module, the removal A rechargeable battery pack capable of powering the handle module during the surgical procedure, the battery pack comprising a memory for storing battery pack charge and discharge data; and during the surgical procedure. Removing the battery pack from the handle module after use, following the removing step, placing the battery pack in the charging station to recharge the battery pack, and following the placing step, the battery pack by the charging station The process of downloading charge data and discharge data from the memory and the process of downloading There are, on the basis of the charging data and discharge data stored in the memory of the battery pack, and a step of performing at least one of charging and discharging of the battery pack by the charging station, the surgical process.

  Example 78-A battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells, and the process follows the downloading step, based on charge and discharge data stored in the battery pack memory, and based on rebalance criteria. An embodiment further comprising: determining by the charging station whether to rebalance; and rebalancing the battery cells by the charging station upon determining that rebalancing of the battery cells in the battery pack should be performed. 77 surgical processes.

  Example 79-The surgical process of example 77 or 78, wherein following the downloading step, the battery pack is rapidly charged in response to receipt of the fast charge user input.

  Example 80--Examples 77, 78, or automatically fixing the battery pack to the charging station when the battery pack is not ready for use with the handle module for a surgical procedure following the placing step 79 surgical processes.

  Example 81-Combination handle module that can be attached to a removable shaft module to perform a surgical procedure in bulk, and a handle module for supplying power to the handle module during a surgical procedure A rechargeable battery pack that can be connected to the battery pack and a charging station for charging the battery pack when the battery pack is removed from the handle module and inserted into the charging station. A combination comprising: a charging station comprising circuitry for rapidly charging the battery pack when a fast charging user input is received at the charging station.

  Example 82-The combination of example 81, wherein the charging station comprises a display for displaying the charging status of the battery pack.

  Example 83-The combination of example 81 or 82, wherein the charging station comprises a user interface for a user to enter a quick charging user input to the charging station.

  Example 84-The combination of example 83, wherein the user interface comprises a button on the charging station that is operable to provide a quick charging user input to the charging station.

  Example 85-A combination of examples 81, 82, 83, or 84, wherein the circuit for rapidly charging the battery pack comprises a circuit for changing the charge profile of the battery pack.

  Example 86-Examples 81, 82, 83, 84, wherein a circuit for changing a charge profile of a battery pack comprises a voltage regulator connected to the battery pack and a charge control circuit connected to the voltage regulator Or 85 combinations.

  Example 87-Examples 81, 82, 83, wherein a circuit for rapidly charging a battery pack comprises a storage device of a charging station, and the charge stored in the storage device is used to charge the battery pack 84, 85, or 86 combinations.

  Example 88-The combination of example 87, wherein the power storage device comprises a supercapacitor.

  Example 89-The combination of example 88, wherein the charging station further includes circuitry for discharging the first battery pack to the supercapacitor.

  Example 90-The combination of examples 87, 88, or 89, wherein the power storage device comprises one or more battery cells inside the charging station.

  Example 91-A power storage device comprises a plurality of battery cells inside a charging station, and a circuit for rapidly charging the battery pack comprises a circuit for charging the battery pack using the plurality of battery cells , Examples 87, 88, or 89 combinations.

  Example 92-The combination of example 91, wherein a plurality of battery cells are connected in series.

  Example 93-Combination of example 91 or 92, wherein a plurality of battery cells are connected as a parallel current source.

  Example 94-Examples 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, wherein the charging station further comprises circuitry for discharging the first battery pack to a plurality of internal battery cells. A combination of 90, 91, 92, or 93.

  Example 95--A battery pack includes a first battery pack, and a charging station receives a first battery pack and charges the first battery pack, and a second battery pack And a second charging receptacle for charging the second battery pack, and a circuit for rapidly charging the first battery pack with the charge accumulated in the second battery pack A combination of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, or 94 comprising a circuit for charging the first battery pack.

  Example 96-The combination of example 95, wherein the charging station further comprises circuitry for discharging the first battery pack to the second battery pack.

  Example 97-The combination of examples 95 or 96, wherein the charging station comprises a display for displaying the charging status of the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

  Example 98-The charging station comprises means for automatically securing the battery pack to the charging station when the battery pack is not ready for use with the handle module for a surgical procedure. 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, or 97.

  Example 99-Surgical instrument system, a handle module for performing a surgical procedure and a removable module connectable to the handle module for supplying power to the handle module during the surgical procedure A rechargeable battery pack and a charging station for charging the battery pack, a first operating condition in which the battery pack is charged from a primary power source, and the battery pack is urgently needed in a surgical procedure Charging with a circuit for charging the handle module under two operating conditions, a second operating condition in which the battery pack is charged from a primary power source and a secondary power source in order to rapidly charge the battery pack A surgical instrument system comprising: a station;

  Example 100- The surgical instrument system of example 99 wherein the secondary power source comprises a second removable, rechargeable battery pack connectable to the handle module.

  Example 101-An apparatus, a handle module that can be attached to a removable shaft module to perform a surgical procedure in bulk, and a handle module memory for storing handle module usage data of the handle module A handle module comprising a circuit and an inspection station for connecting to the handle module when the handle module is not being used in a surgical procedure, based on handle module usage data stored in the memory of the handle module; And an inspection station comprising an inspection station processor circuit for determining one or more repair recommendations for the handle module based on repair recommendation criteria.

  Example 102-The apparatus of Example 101, wherein the inspection station further comprises a display in communication with the inspection station processor circuit, the display being for displaying information regarding one or more repair recommendations. .

  Example 103-The apparatus of Example 101 or 102, wherein repair recommendation criteria are stored in an inspection station memory of an inspection station and an inspection station processor circuit is in communication with the inspection station memory.

  Example 104-A handle module comprises a handle module processor circuit in communication with a handle module memory circuit, the handle module processor circuit being able to download usage data from the handle module memory to an examination station. 104. The apparatus of example 101, 102, or 103, in communication with an inspection station processor circuit when connected to a station.

  Example 105-Handle module usage data includes data relating to the number of surgical procedures requiring a handle module, data relating to the number of device firings by the handle module, data relating to power consumed during device firing of the handle module, Selected from the group consisting of: data relating to forces experienced during device firing; data relating to energy consumed by the handle module's electric motor over the life of the handle module; The apparatus of example 101, 102, 103, or 104, comprising data.

  Example 106-1 The apparatus of example 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the one or more repair recommendations include a recommendation that the handle module should be rebuilt.

  Example 107-1 Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, wherein one or more repair recommendations include a recommendation that one or more components of the handle module should be lubricated 105 or 106 devices.

  Example 108-1 Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, wherein the one or more repair recommendations include a recommendation that one or more components of the handle module should be inspected 106 or 107 device.

  Example 109-An apparatus, a handle module that can be attached to a removable shaft module to perform a surgical procedure in bulk, wherein the handle module memory for storing handle module usage data of the handle module A handle module processor circuit for determining one or more repair recommendations for the handle module based on the handle module usage data stored in the memory of the handle module and based on repair recommendation criteria; An apparatus comprising a handle module.

  Example 110-The apparatus of Example 109, wherein the handle module further comprises a display in communication with the handle module processor circuit, wherein the display is for displaying information regarding one or more repair recommendations. .

  Example 111-Handle module usage data includes data relating to the number of surgical procedures requiring a handle module, data relating to the number of device firings by the handle module, data relating to power consumed during device firing of the handle module, Selected from the group consisting of: data relating to forces experienced during device firing; data relating to energy consumed by the handle module's electric motor over the life of the handle module; The apparatus of example 109 or 110, comprising data.

  Embodiment 112-The apparatus of Embodiment 109, 110, or 111, wherein one or more repair recommendations include a recommendation that the handle module should be rebuilt.

  Example 113-1 The apparatus of Example 109, 110, 111, or 112, wherein one or more repair recommendations include a recommendation that the handle module should be rebuilt.

  Example 114-Examples 109, 110, 111, 112, wherein one or more repair recommendations include a recommendation that one or more components of the handle module should be lubricated Or 113 devices.

  Example 115-1 Examples 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, wherein one or more repair recommendations include a recommendation that one or more components of the handle module should be inspected Or 114 devices.

  Example 116-Surgical instrument system, comprising a handle including a battery cavity and a DC electric motor, and a battery removably positioned within the battery cavity so as to supply DC power to the DC electric motor A power adapter including a battery, a plug that can be removably positioned in the battery cavity instead of the battery, and a cord extending from the plug so as to transmit power from the power source to the plug A surgical instrument system comprising a cord configured. The surgical instrument system further comprises an AC to DC power converter configured to convert AC power supplied from a power source into DC power.

  Example 117-The surgical instrument system of example 116, wherein an AC to DC power converter is positioned in the plug.

  Example 118-The surgical instrument system of example 116 or 117, wherein the battery comprises a battery housing and the plug comprises a plug, the battery housing being similar to the plug housing.

  Example 119-A handle comprises a set of handle electrical contacts in the battery cavity and the battery comprises a set of battery electrical contacts configured to engage the handle electrical contacts when the battery is positioned within the battery cavity. The surgical instrument system of Examples 116, 117, or 118, wherein the plug comprises a plug electrical contact set configured to engage the handle electrical contacts when the plug is positioned within the battery cavity.

  Example 120-A handle comprises a first handle electrical contact set and a second handle electrical contact set in a battery cavity, wherein the battery has a first handle electrical when the battery is positioned in the battery cavity. A battery electrical contact set configured to engage the contact set, the plug being configured to engage the second handle electrical contact set when the plug is positioned within the battery cavity. The surgical instrument system of example 116, 117, 118, or 119, comprising a plug electrical contact set.

  Example 121- The surgical instrument system of Examples 116, 117, 118, 119, or 120, wherein an AC to DC power converter is positioned in the handle and is in electrical communication with a second handle electrical contact set.

  Example 122-The surgical instrument system of Examples 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, or 121, further comprising a plurality of shaft assemblies, each of the shaft assemblies being selectively engageable with a handle.

  Example 123-The surgical instrument system of example 122, wherein at least one of the shaft assemblies comprises a staple cartridge.

  Example 124-Surgical instrument system comprising a handle including a battery cavity and a direct current electric motor, a battery positioned within the battery cavity, the battery comprising at least one battery cell, and an electrical connector; A surgical instrument system comprising: a power adapter comprising: a cord engagable with the electrical connector, the cord configured to transmit power from a power source. The surgical instrument system further includes an AC-DC power converter configured to convert AC power supplied from a power source into DC power and supply DC power to a DC electric motor.

  Example 125-At least one battery cell, AC-DC, further comprising a battery circuit, such that when the cord is engaged with the electrical connector, the at least one battery cell and the power source can supply power to the DC electric motor The surgical instrument system of example 124, wherein the power converter and the electrical connector are arranged in series in the battery circuit.

  Example 126-First battery circuit segment, a first battery circuit segment including at least one battery cell, and a second battery circuit segment, including an AC to DC power converter, second A battery circuit segment and a switch positioned within the battery, wherein at least one battery cell can supply power to the DC electric motor and the power source cannot supply power to the DC electric motor; A switch that is switchable between a second switch state in which at least one battery cell cannot supply power to the DC electric motor and the power source can supply power to the DC electric motor. The surgical instrument system of example 124.

  Example 127-The surgical instrument system of example 126, wherein the switch is biased to the first switch state.

  Example 128-The surgical instrument system of example 126 or 127, wherein insertion of the cord into the battery electrical connector switches the switch from the first switch state to the second switch state.

  Example 129-The surgical instrument system of example 128 further comprising a biasing member configured to return the switch to the first switch state.

  Example 130-The surgical instrument system of example 126, 127, or 128, wherein the switch cannot be returned to the first switch state after being placed in the second switch state.

  Example 131-The surgical instrument system of Examples 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, or 130, further comprising a plurality of shaft assemblies, each of the shaft assemblies being selectively engageable with a handle. .

  Example 132-The surgical instrument system of example 131 wherein at least one of the shaft assemblies comprises a staple cartridge.

  Example 133-Handle housing, handle battery cell positioned within the handle housing, and handle electrical circuit, wherein the handle battery cell is configured to supply power to the handle electrical circuit A surgical instrument system comprising a handle, and a handle electrical connector in communication with the handle electrical circuit. The surgical instrument system includes an auxiliary battery that is selectively engageable with a handle, a battery housing engageable with the handle housing, a battery electrical circuit, and an auxiliary battery cell positioned within the battery housing. An auxiliary battery cell configured to supply power to the battery electrical circuit, and a battery electrical connector in communication with the battery electrical circuit, wherein the auxiliary battery engages the handle and the battery electrical circuit An auxiliary battery comprising a battery electrical connector that is engageable with the handle electrical connector when communicating with the handle electrical circuit.

  Example 134-The surgical instrument system of Example 133 wherein the handle housing includes a grip and the battery housing includes a receptacle configured to receive the grip.

  Example 135-The handle further comprises a connector cover, wherein the connector cover engages the battery electrical connector with the handle electrical connector in a first position where the connector cover prevents accidental contact with the handle electrical connector. The surgical instrument system of example 133 or 134, which is movable between a second position that allows the combination.

  Example 136-The battery housing of Example 135 is configured to move the connector cover between a first position and a second position when the auxiliary battery is engaged with the handle. Surgical instrument system.

  Example 137-The surgical instrument system of Examples 133, 134, 135, or 136 further comprising a plurality of shaft assemblies, each of the shaft assemblies being selectively engageable with a handle.

  Example 138-The surgical instrument system of example 137, wherein at least one of the shaft assemblies comprises a staple cartridge.

  Example 139-Surgical instrument comprising a housing, a motor, and a battery assembly that can be attached to the housing of the surgical instrument, the battery cell being configured to supply electrical energy to the motor; A battery housing, comprising: a support housing configured to support battery cells; and an impact absorbing element configured to absorb an impact caused by an impact force. A surgical instrument, wherein the shock absorbing element is configured to collapse when an impact force is applied to the shock absorbing element.

  Example 140-The surgical instrument of example 139, wherein the shock absorbing element is replaceable.

  Example 141- Surgical instrument according to Example 139 or 140, wherein the shock absorbing element comprises attachment means configured to allow the shock absorbing element to be snap-fit and attached to the battery assembly.

  Example 142- The surgical instrument of Example 141, wherein the attachment means comprises an adhesive.

  Example 143-The surgical instrument of Example 141 or 142, wherein the battery housing further comprises an opening and the attachment means comprises a protrusion adapted to be received in the opening of the battery housing with a push fit. .

  Example 144-The surgical instrument of example 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the shock absorbing element comprises a lattice structure.

  Example 145-When the shock absorbing element collapses, the shock absorbing element deforms inward, but still allows attachment of the battery assembly to the housing of the surgical instrument after a crash to the shock absorbing element The surgical instrument of Examples 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, or 144.

  Example 146-The surgical instrument of example 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145, wherein the shock absorbing element collapses when the impact force is greater than a threshold force.

  Example 147-Examples 139, 140, 141 wherein the battery assembly further comprises a plurality of corners, the battery housing further comprises a plurality of shock absorbing elements, the plurality of shock absorbing elements positioned at each of the corners. 142, 143, 144, 145, or 146 surgical instruments.

  Example 148-A battery housing comprising an electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy from a battery cell to a motor and a bottom surface associated with the electrical contact, wherein each of the shock absorbing elements is a battery housing. 149. The surgical instrument of example 147, comprising an end extending beyond the bottom surface of the to protect the electrical contact.

  Example 149-The surgical instrument of example 148 or 149, wherein each of the shock absorbing elements comprises a lower end and an upper end, and the battery assembly further comprises a shock absorbing cap positioned on the upper end of the shock absorbing element.

  Example 150—Battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the battery cell and electrical energy supplied by the battery cell are transmitted to the surgical instrument when the battery assembly is attached to the surgical instrument An electrical contact configured as described above, a first housing configured to support a battery cell, a second housing configured to receive the first housing, and a first housing And an impact absorbing layer positioned between the first housing and the second housing, the impact absorbing layer comprising a lattice structure.

  Example 151-Battery assembly of Example 150, wherein the shock absorbing layer is comprised of a foam material.

  Example 152-A lattice structure includes a plurality of cells, the plurality of cells being inner cells comprising an inner planar wall, the inner planar wall being oriented at least substantially parallel to the first housing; The battery of embodiment 150 or 151, comprising an inner cell and an outer cell comprising an outer planar wall, the outer planar wall being at least substantially oriented parallel to the second housing. assembly.

  Example 153- The battery assembly further comprises a shock absorbing cap, the shock absorbing cap comprising an outer grid and an inner grid, the outer grid being denser than the inner grid, of Examples 150, 151, or 152. Battery assembly.

  Example 154-The battery assembly of Example 150, 151, 152, or 153, wherein the shock absorbing layer comprises a plurality of cushioning elements.

  Example 155-A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument, the battery cell configured to supply power to the surgical instrument, a housing, a heat reflective shell, a heat sink layer, A housing comprising a compressible layer positioned between the heat sink layer and the heat reflective cell, wherein the compressible layer is configured to bend in response to expansion of the battery cell. assembly.

  Example 156-The battery assembly of Example 155, wherein the compressible layer is further configured to dissipate impact energy absorbed by the heat reflective shell.

  Example 157-The battery assembly of Example 155 or 156, wherein the compressible layer comprises a lattice structure.

  Example 158-The battery assembly of Example 157, wherein the lattice structure is a closed lattice structure defined by a heat reflective shell and a heat sink layer.

  Example 159—The heat reflective shell comprises a first fist thermal expansion coefficient, the heat sink layer comprises a second thermal expansion coefficient, and the first thermal expansion coefficient is greater than the second thermal expansion coefficient. The battery assembly of Examples 155, 156, 157, or 158, which is smaller.

The entire disclosures of the following documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
US Pat. No. 5,403,312 issued on April 4, 1995, entitled “ELECTROSURICAL HEMOSSTATIC DEVICE”;
US Patent No. 7,000,818 issued on February 21, 2006, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSEING AND FIRING SYSTEMS”;
US Pat. No. 7,422,139, issued on September 9, 2008, entitled “MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK”;
US Pat. No. 7,464,849, issued on December 16, 2008, entitled “ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSE CLOSE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS”;
US Pat. No. 7,670,334 issued on March 2, 2010, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTURALING END EFFECTOR”;
-U.S. Patent No. 7,753,245 issued on July 13, 2010, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";
-U.S. Patent No. 8,393,514 issued on March 12, 2013, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE";
・ US Patent Application No. 11 / 343,803, name “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES” (current US Pat. No. 7,845,537),
-US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 031,573, filed Feb. 14, 2008, entitled “SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES”;
US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 031,873, filed on Feb. 15, 2008, entitled “END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT” (current US Pat. No. 7,980,443);
US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 235,782, “MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT” (current US Pat. No. 8,210,411);
US Patent Application No. 12 / 249,117, “POWERED SURGICAL COUNTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM” (current US Pat. No. 8,608,045);
US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 647,100, filed Dec. 24, 2009, entitled “MOTOR-DRIVER SURGICAL CUTCHING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTORATOR DIRECTORAL CONTROL ASEMBLY” (current US Pat. No. 8,22068) ),
Filed September 29, 2012, US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 893,461, entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE” (current US Pat. No. 8,733,613);
Filed on Feb. 28, 2011, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 036,647, named “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT” (current U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870);
US Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, name “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS” (current US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719);
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 524,049 filed on June 15, 2012, named "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE" (current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0334278),
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,025, filed March 13, 2013, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067 filed March 13, 2013, named "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM";
US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, filed on January 31, 2006, named “SURGICAL CUTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSEURE LOCKING MECHANISM”, and US filed on April 22, 2010, Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, name “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULABLE END EFFECTOR” (current US Pat. No. 8,308,040).

  Although various embodiments of the apparatus have been described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, many modifications and changes can be made to those embodiments. Also, although materials have been disclosed for specific components, other materials may be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. May be. The foregoing description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

  The devices disclosed herein may be designed to be discarded after a single use, or may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of equipment disassembly steps followed by cleaning or replacement of specific parts and subsequent reassembly steps. In particular, the device can be disassembled and any number of the particular parts or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Once a particular part has been cleaned and / or replaced, the device can be reassembled for later use at a reconditioning facility or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of the device can utilize various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques and the resulting reconditioned device are all within the scope of the present invention.

  Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed before surgery. First, obtain a new or used instrument and clean it if necessary. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, x-rays, and high energy electrons. Radiation kills bacteria on the instrument or in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility.

  While this invention has been described as having a representative design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

  Any patents, publications or other disclosures incorporated herein by reference, in whole or in part, may be incorporated by reference into the current definitions, descriptions, or other disclosures herein. To the extent that they are not inconsistent with this disclosure. As such and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein shall supersede any conflicting description incorporated herein by reference. Any references, or portions thereof, which are incorporated herein by reference but are inconsistent with the existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosures described herein, are incorporated by reference It shall be incorporated only to the extent that no contradiction arises between the contents.

Embodiment
(1) a surgical instrument,
A housing;
A motor,
A battery assembly that can be attached to the housing of the surgical instrument,
A battery cell configured to supply electrical energy to the motor;
A battery housing,
A support housing configured to support the battery cell;
A battery housing, comprising: a battery housing comprising: a battery housing comprising: a shock absorbing element configured to absorb a shock caused by a shock force, wherein the shock absorbing element has a shock force applied to the shock absorbing element. A surgical instrument configured to collapse when applied to.
(2) The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the shock absorbing element is replaceable.
(3) The surgical instrument of embodiment 2, wherein the shock absorbing element comprises attachment means configured to allow the shock absorbing element to be snap-fit and attached to the battery assembly.
(4) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 3, wherein the attachment means includes an adhesive.
(5) The battery housing further comprises an opening, and the attachment means comprises a protrusion configured to be received in the opening of the battery housing in a wedge-fit fashion. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 3.

(6) The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the shock absorbing element comprises a lattice structure.
(7) When the shock absorbing element collapses, the shock absorbing element deforms inwardly, but still after the impact to the shock absorbing element, the battery assembly to the housing of the surgical instrument The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, allowing attachment.
(8) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the impact-absorbing element collapses when the impact force is greater than a threshold force.
(9) The battery assembly further comprises a plurality of corners, the battery housing further comprises a plurality of shock absorbing elements, and the plurality of shock absorbing elements are positioned at each of the corners. The surgical instrument according to 1.
(10) The battery housing is
An electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy from the battery cell to the motor;
And a bottom surface associated with the electrical contact, wherein each of the shock absorbing elements includes an end that extends beyond the bottom surface of the battery housing to protect the electrical contact. Appliances.

The surgical assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the shock absorbing elements comprises a lower end and an upper end, and the battery assembly further comprises a shock absorbing cap positioned at the upper end of the shock absorbing element. Appliances.
(12) A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument,
A battery cell;
An electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy supplied by the battery cell to the surgical instrument when the battery assembly is attached to the surgical instrument;
A first housing configured to support the battery cell;
A second housing configured to receive the first housing;
A battery assembly, comprising: a shock absorbing layer positioned between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the shock absorbing layer has a lattice structure.
(13) The battery assembly according to embodiment 12, wherein the shock absorbing layer is made of a foam material.
(14) The lattice structure includes a plurality of cells, and the plurality of cells are:
An inner cell comprising an inner planar wall, wherein the inner planar wall is oriented at least substantially parallel to the first housing;
13. The battery assembly of embodiment 12, comprising an outer cell comprising an outer planar wall, wherein the outer planar wall is oriented at least substantially parallel to the second housing.
(15) The battery assembly further includes an impact absorbing cap, and the impact absorbing cap includes:
An outer grid,
Embodiment 13. The battery assembly of embodiment 12, comprising an inner grid, wherein the outer grid is denser than the inner grid.

16. The battery assembly according to embodiment 12, wherein the shock absorbing layer comprises a plurality of buffer elements.
(17) A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument comprising:
A battery cell configured to supply power to the surgical instrument;
A housing,
A heat reflective shell,
A heat sink layer;
A housing comprising a compressible layer positioned between the heat sink layer and the heat reflective cell, wherein the compressible layer is configured to bend in response to expansion of the battery cell. The battery assembly.
18. The battery assembly according to embodiment 17, wherein the compressible layer is further configured to dissipate impact energy absorbed by the heat reflecting shell.
19. The battery assembly according to embodiment 17, wherein the compressible layer comprises a lattice structure.
20. The battery assembly according to embodiment 19, wherein the lattice structure is a closed lattice structure defined by the heat reflecting shell and the heat sink layer.

(21) The heat reflecting shell has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the heat sink layer has a second coefficient of thermal expansion, and the first coefficient of thermal expansion is smaller than the second coefficient of thermal expansion. The battery assembly according to aspect 17.

Claims (21)

A surgical instrument,
A housing;
A motor,
A battery assembly that can be attached to the housing of the surgical instrument,
A battery cell configured to supply electrical energy to the motor;
A battery housing,
A support housing configured to support the battery cell;
A battery housing, comprising: a battery housing comprising: a battery housing comprising: a shock absorbing element configured to absorb a shock caused by a shock force, wherein the shock absorbing element has a shock force applied to the shock absorbing element. A surgical instrument configured to collapse when applied to.   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing element is replaceable.   The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the shock absorbing element comprises attachment means configured to allow the shock absorbing element to be snapped onto the battery assembly.   The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein the attachment means comprises an adhesive.   The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein the battery housing further comprises an opening, and wherein the attachment means comprises a protrusion configured to be received in the opening of the battery housing with a push fit. .   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing element comprises a lattice structure.   When the shock absorbing element collapses, the shock absorbing element deforms inward, but still allows the battery assembly to be attached to the housing of the surgical instrument after a crash into the shock absorbing element The surgical instrument according to claim 1.   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing element collapses when the impact force is greater than a threshold force.   The battery assembly further comprises a plurality of corners, the battery housing further comprises a plurality of shock absorbing elements, and the plurality of shock absorbing elements are positioned at each of the corners. Surgical instruments. The battery housing
An electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy from the battery cell to the motor;
And / or each of the shock absorbing elements includes an end that extends beyond the bottom surface of the battery housing to protect the electrical contact. Appliances.   The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein each of the shock absorbing elements comprises a lower end and an upper end, and the battery assembly further comprises a shock absorbing cap positioned at the upper end of the shock absorbing element. A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument comprising:
A battery cell;
An electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy supplied by the battery cell to the surgical instrument when the battery assembly is attached to the surgical instrument;
A first housing configured to support the battery cell;
A second housing configured to receive the first housing;
A battery assembly, comprising: a shock absorbing layer positioned between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the shock absorbing layer has a lattice structure.   The battery assembly according to claim 12, wherein the shock absorbing layer is made of a foam material. The lattice structure includes a plurality of cells, and the plurality of cells are:
An inner cell comprising an inner planar wall, wherein the inner planar wall is oriented at least substantially parallel to the first housing;
The battery assembly of claim 12, comprising: an outer cell comprising an outer planar wall, wherein the outer planar wall is at least substantially oriented parallel to the second housing. The battery assembly further comprises a shock absorbing cap, the shock absorbing cap comprising:
An outer grid,
The battery assembly of claim 12, comprising an inner grid, wherein the outer grid is more dense than the inner grid.   The battery assembly of claim 12, wherein the shock absorbing layer comprises a plurality of cushioning elements. A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument comprising:
A battery cell configured to supply power to the surgical instrument;
A housing,
A heat reflective shell,
A heat sink layer;
A housing comprising a compressible layer positioned between the heat sink layer and the heat reflective cell, wherein the compressible layer is configured to bend in response to expansion of the battery cell. The battery assembly.   The battery assembly of claim 17, wherein the compressible layer is further configured to dissipate impact energy absorbed by the heat reflective shell.   The battery assembly of claim 17, wherein the compressible layer comprises a lattice structure.   The battery assembly of claim 19, wherein the lattice structure is a closed lattice structure defined by the heat reflective shell and the heat sink layer.   The heat reflective shell has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the heat sink layer has a second coefficient of thermal expansion, and the first coefficient of thermal expansion is less than the second coefficient of thermal expansion. The battery assembly as described.

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