SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND REMOTE SENSOR
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1-21. -21. (canceled)
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22. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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a housing, comprising; a power source configured to generate electrical power; a control unit; and a first element coupled with the control unit; and a tool assembly, comprising; a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein; and a second element separate from the first element, wherein the control unit is configured to effect wireless transmission of the electrical power from the first element to the second element.
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23. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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a housing, comprising; a power source configured to generate electrical energy; a control unit; and an energy transmitting member coupled to the control unit; and a tool assembly, comprising; a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein; and an energy receiving member, wherein the control unit is configured to effect wireless transmission of the electrical energy from the energy transmitting member to the energy receiving member.
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24. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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a housing, comprising a power source; and means for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy generated by the power source; and a tool assembly, comprising; a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein; and means for receiving the wirelessly transmitted electrical energy.
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Specification