Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/700,917, filed Apr. 30, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,763,661, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/017,510, filed Jun. 26, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use in surgical systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices. 
       2. Background of Related Art 
       [0003]    A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lines with proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulating electromechanical surgical devices. In many instances the electromechanical surgical devices include a handle assembly, which is reusable, and disposable loading units and/or single use loading units or the like that are selectively connected to the handle assembly prior to use and then disconnected from the handle assembly following use in order to be disposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use. 
         [0004]    In certain instances, an adapter assembly is used to interconnect an electromechanical surgical device with any one of a number of surgical loading units to establish a mechanical and/or electrical connection therebetween. Due to the complexity of the adapter assembly and the electromechanical surgical device, it is important to ensure that all electrical and mechanical connections therebetween can be easily, reliably and repeatedly accomplished. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a need exists for an adapter assembly that provides a robust way of electromechanically interconnecting with the surgical device. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices. 
         [0007]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical loading unit that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the loading unit, is provided. The loading unit may include at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device may include at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an outer tube having a proximal end supported by the housing and a distal end configured and adapted for connection with the loading unit, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the axially translatable drive member of the loading unit; the force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting a respective one drive shaft of the surgical device and a respective one axially translatable drive member of the loading unit; and an electrical assembly supported within at least one of the housing and the outer tube. The electrical assembly includes a circuit board and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a connector housing coupled to a plurality of electrical contact pins. The plurality of electrical contact pins are electrically connected to the circuit board and are configured and adapted to selectively electrically connect to a complementary electrical plug of the surgical device. Each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins extends through the connector housing. 
         [0008]    The electrical assembly may a single connector housing, where each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins extends through the single connector housing. Each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins may be fixed from moving relative to the single connector housing. 
         [0009]    In disclosed embodiments, the connector housing is secured to the plurality of electrical contact pins via over-molding. Each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins may include a hole extending therethrough, such that a portion of the connector housing extends through the hole of each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins. 
         [0010]    A proximal portion of each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins may include a rectangular cross-section. 
         [0011]    The connector housing may include at least one projection extending from a surface thereof. A distal face of the at least one projection is configured to abut the circuit board when the plurality of electrical contact pins are electrically connected to the circuit board. A proximal face of the at least one projection is configured to abut a surface of proximal cap  210  to prevent unintended disengagement between the electrical connector and the circuit board. 
         [0012]    In disclosed embodiments, the electrical assembly includes a strain gauge supported on and electrically connected to the circuit board. A rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device extends through the strain gauge. The electrical assembly may also include a slip ring disposed about a portion of a first force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly. The slip ring is in electrical connection with the circuit board, and includes an electrical contact supported therein for maintaining electrical contact with at least one electrical component within the adapter assembly. 
         [0013]    The present disclosure also relates to an electrical assembly for use with an adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical loading unit that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the loading unit. The electrical assembly includes a circuit board and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a connector housing coupled to a plurality of electrical contact pins. The plurality of electrical contact pins are electrically connectable to the circuit board and are configured and adapted to selectively electrically connect to a complementary electrical plug of a surgical device. Each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins extends through the connector housing. 
         [0014]    In disclosed embodiments, the electrical assembly includes a single connector housing, such that each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins extends through the single connector housing. Here, each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins is fixed from moving relative to the single connector housing. 
         [0015]    It is also disclosed that the connector housing is secured to the plurality of electrical contact pins via over-molding. Also, each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins may include a hole extending therethrough, such that a portion of the connector housing extends through the hole of each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins. 
         [0016]    A proximal portion of each of the electrical contact pins of the plurality of electrical contact pins may include a rectangular cross-section. 
         [0017]    In disclosed embodiments, the connector housing includes at least one projection extending from a surface thereof. A distal face of the at least one projection is configured to abut the circuit board when the plurality of electrical contact pins are electrically connected to the circuit board. A proximal face of the at least one projection is configured to abut a surface of proximal cap  210  to prevent unintended disengagement between the electrical connector and the circuit board. 
         [0018]    It is further disclosed that the electrical assembly further comprises a strain gauge supported on and electrically connected to the circuit board. Additionally, the electrical assembly may also include a slip ring disposed in electrical connection with the circuit board, such that the slip ring includes an electrical contact supported therein for maintaining electrical contact with at least one electrical component within the adapter assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an adapter assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, interconnected between an exemplary electromechanical surgical device and an end effector assembly; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view illustrating an attachment of a proximal end of the adapter assembly to a distal end of the electromechanical surgical device; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  is a front, perspective view of the adapter assembly of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2B  is a rear, perspective view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a side, elevational view of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a rear, perspective view of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , with some parts thereof separated; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a rear, perspective view of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , with most parts thereof separated; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an articulation assembly of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged, perspective view, with parts separated, of the articulation assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the articulation assembly of  FIG. 7 , shown in a first orientation; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the articulation assembly of  FIG. 7 , shown in a second orientation; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an electrical assembly of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the electrical assembly of  FIG. 12A  showing a connector housing separated from a circuit board; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12C  is a perspective view of the connector housing of  FIG. 12B ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12D  is a perspective view of an electrical contact pin of the connector housing of  FIGS. 12B-12C ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the electrical assembly of  FIG. 12A  shown connected to the core housing of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a slip ring cannula or sleeve of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of  FIG. 2B , illustrating an inner housing assembly of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is a rear, perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 16  with an outer knob housing half-section and a proximal cap removed therefrom; 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  is a rear, perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 16  with the outer knob housing, the proximal cap and a bushing plate removed therefrom; 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  is a rear, perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 16  with the outer knob housing, the proximal cap, the bushing plate and an inner housing removed therefrom; 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  is a rear, perspective view of the an alternative embodiment of inner housing assembly similar to that shown in  FIG. 16  with the outer knob housing and the proximal inner housing removed therefrom; 
           [0045]      FIG. 21  is a rear, perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 20  with the outer knob housing, the proximal inner housing and the articulation assembly removed therefrom; 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  is a front, perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 20  with the outer knob housing, the proximal inner housing and the articulation assembly removed therefrom; 
           [0047]      FIG. 23  is a front, perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 20  with the outer knob housing and the proximal inner housing removed therefrom; 
           [0048]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of  FIG. 24 , illustrating a lock button being actuated in a proximal direction; 
           [0051]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 2B , illustrating actuation of the articulation assembly in a distal direction; 
           [0053]      FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 32  is a rear, perspective view of a proximal inner housing hub according to the present disclosure; 
           [0057]      FIG. 33  is a front, perspective view of the proximal inner housing hub of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 34  is a front, perspective view of the proximal inner housing hub of  FIGS. 32 and 33  illustrating a first and a second force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly and a reinforcing assembly associated therewith; 
           [0059]      FIG. 35  is a front, perspective view of a plate bushing of the proximal inner housing assembly of the present disclosure; 
           [0060]      FIG. 36  is a rear, perspective view of the plate bushing of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 37  is a rear, perspective view of the proximal inner housing assembly illustrating the plate bushing of  FIGS. 35 and 36  attached thereto; 
           [0062]      FIG. 38  is a rear, perspective view of the proximal inner housing assembly of  FIG. 37  with connector sleeves removed therefrom; 
           [0063]      FIG. 39  is a rear, perspective view of the proximal inner housing assembly of  FIG. 37  with connector sleeves removed therefrom and the plate bushing shown in phantom; 
           [0064]      FIG. 40  is a rear, perspective view of the proximal inner housing assembly of  FIG. 37  with connector sleeves removed therefrom; 
           [0065]      FIG. 41  is a rear, perspective of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 37  illustrating a support plate, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, coupled thereto; 
           [0066]      FIG. 42  is a rear, perspective of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 41  with the support plate removed therefrom; 
           [0067]      FIG. 43  is a front, perspective view of an inner housing assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with the outer knob housing, the proximal inner housing removed therefrom; 
           [0068]      FIG. 44  is a rear, perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIG. 43  with the outer knob housing, the proximal inner housing and the articulation assembly removed therefrom; 
           [0069]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a bracket assembly of the inner housing assembly of  FIGS. 43 and 44 ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a reinforcing sleeve for use with the inner housing assembly of  FIGS. 43 and 44 ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view of the inner housing assembly of  FIGS. 43 and 44 , illustrating the reinforcing sleeve of  FIG. 46  supported thereon; and 
           [0072]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an exemplary loading unit for use with the surgical device and the adapter of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0073]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical devices, adapter assemblies, and loading unit detection assemblies for surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, closer to the user. 
         [0074]    A surgical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as  100 , and is in the form of a powered hand held electromechanical instrument configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors that are each configured for actuation and manipulation by the powered hand held electromechanical surgical instrument. 
         [0075]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , surgical device  100  is configured for selective connection with an adapter assembly  200 , and, in turn, adapter assembly  200  is configured for selective connection with a loading unit  300  (e.g., an end effector, or multiple- or single-use loading unit; see  FIG. 48 ). Surgical device  100  and adapter assembly  200 , together, may comprise an electromechanical surgical system that is configured and adapted to selectively connect with a loading unit  300  and to actuate loading unit  300 . 
         [0076]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , surgical device  100  includes a handle housing  102  including a circuit board (not shown), and a drive mechanism (not shown) is situated therein. The circuit board is configured to control the various operations of surgical device  100 . Handle housing  102  defines a cavity therein (not shown) for selective removable receipt of a rechargeable battery (not shown) therein. The battery is configured to supply power to any of the electrical components of surgical device  100 . 
         [0077]    Handle housing  102  includes an upper housing portion  102   a  which houses various components of surgical device  100 , and a lower hand grip portion  102   b  extending from upper housing portion  102   a . Lower hand grip portion  102   b  may be disposed distally of a proximal-most end of upper housing portion  102   a . The location of lower housing portion  102   b  relative to upper housing portion  102   a  is selected to balance a weight of a surgical device  100  that it is connected to or supporting adapter assembly  200  and/or end effector  300 . 
         [0078]    Handle housing  102  provides a housing in which the drive mechanism is situated. The drive mechanism is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to perform the various operations of surgical device  100 . In particular, the drive mechanism is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to selectively move a tool assembly  304  of loading unit  300  (see  FIGS. 1A and 48 ) relative to a proximal body portion  302  of loading unit  300 , to rotate loading unit  300  about a longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 1A ) relative to handle housing  102 , to move/approximate an anvil assembly  306  and/or a cartridge assembly  308  of loading unit  300  relative to one another, and/or to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly  308  of loading unit  300 . 
         [0079]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , handle housing  102  defines a connecting portion  108  configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly  210  of adapter assembly  200 . Specifically, connecting portion  108  of surgical device  100  has a recess  108   a  that receives a proximal cap  210   a  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of drive coupling assembly  210  of adapter assembly  200  when adapter assembly  200  is mated to surgical device  100 . Connecting portion  108  houses three rotatable drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  which are arranged in a common plane or line with one another. 
         [0080]    When adapter assembly  200  is mated to surgical device  100 , each of rotatable drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  couples with a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve  218 ,  220 ,  222  of adapter assembly  200  (see  FIG. 1B ). In this regard, the interface between corresponding first drive connector  118  and first connector sleeve  218 , the interface between corresponding second drive connector  120  and second connector sleeve  220 , and the interface between corresponding third drive connector  122  and third connector sleeve  222  are keyed such that rotation of each of drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding connector sleeve  218 ,  220 ,  222  of adapter assembly  200 . 
         [0081]    The mating of drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  with connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222  of adapter assembly  200  allows rotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the three respective connector interfaces. The drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  are configured to be independently rotated by the drive mechanism of surgical device  100 . In this regard, a function selection module (not shown) of the drive mechanism selects which drive connector or connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  is to be driven by the motor of surgical device  100 . 
         [0082]    Since each of drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  has a keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respective connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222  of adapter assembly  200 , when adapter assembly  200  is coupled to surgical device  100 , rotational force(s) are selectively transferred from drive connectors of surgical device  100  to adapter assembly  200 . 
         [0083]    The selective rotation of drive connector(s)  118 ,  120  and/or  122  of surgical device  100  allows surgical device  100  to selectively actuate different functions of loading unit  300 . For example, selective and independent rotation of first drive connector  118  of surgical device  100  corresponds to the selective and independent opening and closing of tool assembly  304  of loading unit  300 , and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly  304  of loading unit  300 . As an additional example, the selective and independent rotation of second drive connector  120  of surgical device  100  corresponds to the selective and independent articulation of tool assembly  304  of loading unit  300  transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 1A ). Additionally, for instance, the selective and independent rotation of third drive connector  122  of surgical device  100  corresponds to the selective and independent rotation of loading unit  300  about longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 1A ) relative to handle housing  102  of surgical device  100 . 
         [0084]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , handle housing  102  supports a plurality of finger-actuated control buttons, rocker devices and the like for activating various functions of surgical device  100 . 
         [0085]    Reference may be made to International Application No. PCT/US2008/077249, filed Sep. 22, 2008 (Inter. Pub. No. WO 2009/039506) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,827, filed on Nov. 20, 2009, the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed description of various internal components of and operation of exemplary electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical instrument  100 . 
         [0086]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 1B-2B , adapter assembly  200  includes an outer knob housing  202  and an outer tube  206  extending from a distal end of knob housing  202 . Knob housing  202  and outer tube  206  are configured and dimensioned to house the components of adapter assembly  200 . Outer tube  206  is dimensioned for endoscopic insertion, in particular, outer tube  206  is passable through a typical trocar port, cannula or the like. Knob housing  202  is dimensioned to not enter the trocar port, cannula of the like. Knob housing  202  is configured and adapted to connect to connecting portion  108  of handle housing  102  of surgical device  100 . 
         [0087]    Adapter assembly  200  is configured to convert a rotation of either of drive connectors  118 ,  120  and  122  of surgical device  100  into axial translation useful for operating a drive assembly  360  and an articulation link  366  of loading unit  300 , as illustrated in  FIG. 48  and as will be described in greater detail below. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 6, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25-34 and 37-40 , adapter assembly  200  includes a proximal inner housing assembly  204  rotatably supporting a first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212 , a second rotatable proximal drive shaft  214 , and a third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  therein. Each proximal drive shaft  212 ,  214 ,  216  functions as a rotation receiving member to receive rotational forces from respective drive shafts of surgical device  100 , as described in greater detail below. 
         [0088]    As described briefly above, inner housing assembly  210  of shaft assembly  200  is also configured to rotatably support first, second and third connector sleeves  218 ,  220  and  222 , respectively, arranged in a common plane or line with one another. Each of connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222  is configured to mate with respective first, second and third drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100 , as described above. Each of connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222  is further configured to mate with a proximal end of respective first, second and third proximal drive shafts  212 ,  214 ,  216 . 
         [0089]    Inner housing assembly  210  also includes, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 17, 27 and 28 , a first, a second and a third biasing member  224 ,  226  and  228  disposed distally of respective first, second and third connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222 . Each of biasing members  224 ,  226  and  228  is disposed about respective first, second and third rotatable proximal drive shaft  212 ,  214  and  216 . Biasing members  224 ,  226  and  228  act on respective connector sleeves  218 ,  220  and  222  to help maintain connector sleeves  218 ,  220  and  222  engaged with the distal end of respective drive rotatable drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  when adapter assembly  200  is connected to surgical device  100 . 
         [0090]    In particular, first, second and third biasing members  224 ,  226  and  228  function to bias respective connector sleeves  218 ,  220  and  222  in a proximal direction. In this manner, during assembly of adapter assembly  200  to surgical device  100 , if first, second and or third connector sleeves  218 ,  220  and/or  222  is/are misaligned with the drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100 , first, second and/or third biasing member(s)  224 ,  226  and/or  228  are compressed. Thus, when surgical device  100  is operated, drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  will rotate and first, second and/or third biasing member(s)  224 ,  226  and/or  228  will cause respective first, second and/or third connector sleeve(s)  218 ,  220  and/or  222  to slide back proximally, effectively coupling drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  to first, second and/or third proximal drive shaft(s)  212 ,  214  and  216  of inner housing assembly  210 . 
         [0091]    Adapter assembly  200  includes a plurality of force/rotation transmitting/converting assemblies, each disposed within inner housing assembly  204  and outer tube  206 . Each force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly is configured and adapted to transmit/convert a speed/force of rotation (e.g., increase or decrease) of first, second and third rotatable drive connectors  118 ,  120  and  122  of surgical instrument  100  before transmission of such rotational speed/force to loading unit  300 . 
         [0092]    Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , adapter assembly  200  includes a first, a second and a third force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  240 ,  250 ,  260 , respectively, disposed within inner housing  208  and outer tube  206 . Each force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  240 ,  250 ,  260  is configured and adapted to transmit or convert a rotation of a first, second and third drive connector  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  into axial translation of articulation bar  258  of adapter assembly  200 , to effectuate articulation of loading unit  300 ; a rotation of a ring gear  266  of adapter assembly  200 , to effectuate rotation of adapter assembly  200 ; or axial translation of a distal drive member  248  of adapter assembly  200  to effectuate closing, opening and firing of loading unit  300 . 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIGS. 5, 6 and 24-31 , first force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  240  includes first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212 , which, as described above, is rotatably supported within inner housing assembly  204 . First rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  includes a non-circular or shaped proximal end portion configured for connection with first connector  218  which is connected to respective first connector  118  of surgical device  100 . First rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  includes a distal end portion  212   b  having a threaded outer profile or surface. 
         [0094]    First force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  240  further includes a drive coupling nut  244  rotatably coupled to threaded distal end portion  212   b  of first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212 , and which is slidably disposed within outer tube  206 . Drive coupling nut  244  is slidably keyed within proximal core tube portion of outer tube  206  so as to be prevented from rotation as first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  is rotated. In this manner, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  is rotated, drive coupling nut  244  is translated along threaded distal end portion  212   b  of first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  and, in turn, through and/or along outer tube  206 . 
         [0095]    First force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  240  further includes a distal drive member  248  that is mechanically engaged with drive coupling nut  244 , such that axial movement of drive coupling nut  244  results in a corresponding amount of axial movement of distal drive member  248 . The distal end portion of distal drive member  248  supports a connection member  247  configured and dimensioned for selective engagement with a drive member  374  of drive assembly  360  of loading unit  300  ( FIG. 48 ). Drive coupling nut  244  and/or distal drive member  248  function as a force transmitting member to components of loading unit  300 , as described in greater detail below. 
         [0096]    In operation, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  is rotated, due to a rotation of first connector sleeve  218 , as a result of the rotation of the first respective drive connector  118  of surgical device  100 , drive coupling nut  244  is caused to be translated axially along first distal drive shaft  242 . As drive coupling nut  244  is caused to be translated axially along first distal drive shaft  242 , distal drive member  248  is caused to be translated axially relative to outer tube  206 . As distal drive member  248  is translated axially, with connection member  247  connected thereto and engaged with drive member  374  of drive assembly  360  of loading unit  300  ( FIG. 48 ), distal drive member  248  causes concomitant axial translation of drive member  374  of loading unit  300  to effectuate a closure of tool assembly  304  and a firing of tool assembly  304  of loading unit  300 . 
         [0097]    With reference to  FIGS. 5-11, 19 and 23-31 , second drive converter assembly  250  of adapter assembly  200  includes second proximal drive shaft  214  rotatably supported within inner housing assembly  204 . Second rotatable proximal drive shaft  214  includes a non-circular or shaped proximal end portion configured for connection with second connector or coupler  220  which is connected to respective second connector  120  of surgical device  100 . Second rotatable proximal drive shaft  214  further includes a distal end portion  214   b  having a threaded outer profile or surface. 
         [0098]    Distal end portion  214   b  of proximal drive shaft  214  is threadably engaged with an articulation bearing housing  252   a  of an articulation bearing assembly  252 . Articulation bearing assembly  252  includes a housing  252   a  supporting an articulation bearing  253  having an inner race  253   b  that is independently rotatable relative to an outer race  253   a . Articulation bearing housing  252   a  has a non-circular outer profile, for example tear-dropped shaped, that is slidably and non-rotatably disposed within a complementary bore  204   c  ( FIGS. 25, 26, 29 and 33 ) of inner housing hub  204   a.    
         [0099]    Second drive converter assembly  250  of adapter assembly  200  further includes an articulation bar  258  having a proximal portion  258   a  secured to inner race  253   b  of articulation bearing  253 . A distal portion  258   b  of articulation bar  258  includes a slot  258   c  therein, which is configured to accept a portion  366 , e.g., a flag, articulation link ( FIG. 48 ) of loading unit  300 . Articulation bar  258  functions as a force transmitting member to components of loading unit  300 , as described in greater detail below. 
         [0100]    With further regard to articulation bearing assembly  252 , articulation bearing assembly  252  is both rotatable and longitudinally translatable. Additionally, it is envisioned that articulation bearing assembly  252  allows for free, unimpeded rotational movement of loading unit  300  when its jaw members  306 ,  308  are in an approximated position and/or when jaw members  306 ,  308  are articulated ( FIG. 48 ). 
         [0101]    In operation, as second proximal drive shaft  214  is rotated due to a rotation of second connector sleeve  220 , as a result of the rotation of the second drive connector  120  of surgical device  100 , articulation bearing assembly  252  is caused to be translated axially along threaded distal end portion  214   b  of second proximal drive shaft  214 , which in turn causes articulation bar  258  to be axially translated relative to outer tube  206 . As articulation bar  258  is translated axially, articulation bar  258 , being coupled to articulation link  366  of loading unit  300 , causes concomitant axial translation of articulation link  366  of loading unit  300  to effectuate an articulation of tool assembly  304  ( FIG. 48 ). Articulation bar  258  is secured to inner race  253   b  of articulation bearing  253  and is thus free to rotate about the longitudinal axis X-X relative to outer race  253   a  of articulation bearing  253 . 
         [0102]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 17, 18, 20-23, 25-28, 31 and 37-40  and as mentioned above, adapter assembly  200  includes a third force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  260  supported in inner housing assembly  204 . Third force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  260  includes a rotation ring gear  266  fixedly supported in and connected to outer knob housing  202 . Ring gear  266  defines an internal array of gear teeth  266   a  ( FIG. 6 ). Ring gear  266  includes a pair of diametrically opposed, radially extending protrusions  266   b  ( FIG. 6 ) projecting from an outer edge thereof. Protrusions  266   b  are disposed within recesses defined in outer knob housing  202 , such that rotation of ring gear  266  results in rotation of outer knob housing  202 , and vice a versa. 
         [0103]    Third force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly  260  further includes third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  which, as described above, is rotatably supported within inner housing assembly  204 . Third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  includes a non-circular or shaped proximal end portion configured for connection with third connector  222  which is connected to respective third connector  122  of surgical device  100 . Third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  includes a spur gear  216   a  keyed to a distal end thereof. A reversing spur gear  264  inter-engages spur gear  216   a  of third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  to gear teeth  266   a  of ring gear  266 . 
         [0104]    In operation, as third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  is rotated, due to a rotation of third connector sleeve  222 , as a result of the rotation of the third drive connector  122  of surgical device  100 , spur gear  216   a  of third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  engages reversing gear  264  causing reversing gear  264  to rotate. As reversing gear  264  rotates, ring gear  266  also rotates thereby causing outer knob housing  202  to rotate. As outer knob housing  202  is rotated, outer tube  206  is caused to be rotated about longitudinal axis “X” of adapter assembly  200 . As outer tube  206  is rotated, loading unit  300 , that is connected to a distal end portion of adapter assembly  200 , is also caused to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of adapter assembly  200 . 
         [0105]    Adapter assembly  200  further includes, as seen in  FIGS. 1B, 3-5, 16, 17, 20 and 24-26 , an attachment/detachment button  272  supported thereon. Specifically, button  272  is supported on drive coupling assembly  210  of adapter assembly  200  and is biased by a biasing member  274  to an un-actuated condition. Button  272  includes lip or ledge  272   a  formed therewith that is configured to snap behind a corresponding lip or ledge  108   b  defined along recess  108   a  of connecting portion  108  of surgical device  100 . In use, when adapter assembly  200  is connected to surgical device  100 , lip  272   a  of button  272  is disposed behind lip  108   b  of connecting portion  108  of surgical device  100  to secure and retain adapter assembly  200  and surgical device  100  with one another. In order to permit disconnection of adapter assembly  200  and surgical device  100  from one another, button  272  is depresses or actuated, against the bias of biasing member  274 , to disengage lip  272   a  of button  272  and lip  108   b  of connecting portion  108  of surgical device  100 . 
         [0106]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, 3-5 and 24-26 , adapter assembly  200  further includes a lock mechanism  280  for fixing the axial position and radial orientation of distal drive member  248 . Lock mechanism  280  includes a button  282  slidably supported on outer knob housing  202 . Lock button  282  is connected to an actuation bar  284  that extends longitudinally through outer tube  206 . Actuation bar  284  moves upon a movement of lock button  282 . Upon a predetermined amount of movement of lock button  282 , a distal end of actuation bar  284  may move into contact with a lock out (not shown), which causes the lock out to cam a camming member  288  ( FIG. 24 ) from a recess  249  in distal drive member  248 . When camming member  288  is in engagement with recess  249  (e.g., at least partially within recess  249 , see  FIGS. 6 and 24 ), the engagement between camming member  288  and distal drive member  248  effectively locks the axial and rotational position of end effector  300  that is engaged with connection member  247 . 
         [0107]    In operation, in order to lock the position and/or orientation of distal drive member  248 , a user moves lock button  282  from a distal position to a proximal position ( FIGS. 25 and 26 ), thereby causing the lock out (not shown) to move proximally such that a distal face of the lock out moves out of contact with camming member  288 , which causes camming member  288  to cam into recess  249  of distal drive member  248 . In this manner, distal drive member  248  is prevented from distal and/or proximal movement. When lock button  282  is moved from the proximal position to the distal position, the distal end of actuation bar  284  moves distally into the lock out, against the bias of a biasing member (not shown), to force camming member  288  out of recess  249 , thereby allowing unimpeded axial translation and radial movement of distal drive member  248 . 
         [0108]    Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/875,571, filed on May 2, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the construction and operation of lock mechanism  280 . 
         [0109]    With reference to  FIGS. 1B, 6, 12A-15 and 25-28 , adapter assembly  200  includes an electrical assembly  290  supported on and in outer knob housing  202  and inner housing assembly  204 . Electrical assembly  290  includes an electrical connector  292  supported on a circuit board  294 , for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical plug  190  disposed in connecting portion  108  of surgical device  100 . 
         [0110]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 12A-12D , electrical connector  292  includes a plurality of electrical contact pins  293  and a housing or connector housing  295 . Electrical contact pins  293  serve to allow for calibration and communication of life-cycle information to the circuit board of surgical device  100  via electrical plugs  190  that are electrically connected to the circuit board (not shown) of surgical device  100 . 
         [0111]    Each electrical contact pin  293  includes a distal portion  293   a  and a proximal portion  293   b . Distal portion  293   a  of each contact pin  293  is configured to engage circuit board  294 , e.g., via soldering. Proximal portion  293   b  of each contact pin  293  is configured to releasably engage corresponding electrical plug  190  disposed in connecting portion  108  of surgical device  100 . With continued reference to  FIGS. 12A-12D , distal portion  293   a  of each electrical contact pin  293  is tapered to facilitate insertion into holes  294   a  ( FIG. 12B ) of circuit board  294 . Proximal portion  293   b  of each electrical contact pin  293  includes a rectangular cross-section, and is tapered and chamfered to facilitate engagement and disengagement with electrical plug  190 . 
         [0112]    Additionally, each electrical contact pin  293  includes a hole  293   c  extending laterally therethrough. Hole  293   c  is configured to facilitate the connection between electrical contact pins  293  and housing  295 . It is envisioned that housing  295  is over-molded, such that portions of the over-mold extend through holes  293   c  in electrical contact pins  293 . As can be appreciated, the engagement between electrical contact pins  293  and housing  295  helps maintain proper alignment of pins  293  to further facilitate engagement between electrical connector  292  and circuit board  294  and electrical plug  190 , and to further facilitate engagement between electrical connector  292  and electrical plug  190 . While seven electrical contact pins  293  are shown, it is envisioned that more or fewer electrical contact pins  293  are included with electrical assembly  290 . 
         [0113]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 12A-12D , housing  295  of electrical connector  292  includes a rectangular cross-section. The rectangular cross-section of housing  295  is configured to mate with a rectangular opening of proximal cap  210   a  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of drive coupling assembly  210  to prevent radial movement therebetween. 
         [0114]    Housing  295  also includes a plurality of projections  297  extending therefrom. Projections  297  each include a distal face  297   a  and a proximal face  297   b . Distal face  297   a  of each projection  297  is configured and positioned to contact circuit board  294  during insertion of electrical connector  292 . Thus, distal face  297   a  of each projection  297  prevents electrical contact pins  293  of electrical connector  292  from being inserted too far distally into holes  294   a  of circuit board  294 . While distal face  297   a  of each projection  297  is illustrated as being flush with a distal face  295   a  of housing  295  ( FIG. 12D ), it is envisioned that distal face  297   a  of each projection  297  is positioned farther proximally or distally than distal face  295   a  of housing  295 . Proximal face  297   b  of each projection  297  is configured and positioned to prevent disengagement between electrical connector  292  and circuit board  294 , e.g., during disengagement between surgical device  100  and adapter assembly  200 . More particularly, a surface of proximal cap  210  of electrical assembly  290  is configured to abut proximal face  297   b  of at least one or all projections  297 , thus preventing proximal movement of electrical connector  292  with respect to circuit board  294 . In the illustrated embodiment, two projections  297  extend from a first surface  295   b  of housing  295 , and two projections  297  extend from a second surface  295   c  of housing  295 . However, housing  295  may include more or fewer projections  297 . 
         [0115]    Electrical assembly  290  further includes a strain gauge  296  electrically connected to circuit board  294 . Strain gauge  296  is provided with a notch  296   a  which is configured and adapted to receive stem  204   d  of hub  204   a  of inner housing assembly  204 . Stem  204   d  of hub  204   a  functions to restrict rotational movement of strain gauge  296 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 25-28 , first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  extends through strain gauge  296 . Strain gauge  296  provides a closed-loop feedback to a firing/clamping load exhibited by first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212 . 
         [0116]    Electrical assembly  290  also includes a slip ring  298  disposed within outer tube  206 . Slip ring  298  is in electrical connection with circuit board  294 . Slip ring  298  functions to permit rotation of first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  and axial translation of drive coupling nut  244  while still maintaining electrical contact of electrical contact rings  298   a  thereof with at least another electrical component within adapter assembly  200 , and while permitting the other electrical components to rotate about first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212  and drive coupling nut  244   
         [0117]    Electrical assembly  290  may include a slip ring cannula or sleeve  299  positioned core tube of tube  206  to protect and/or shield any wires extending from slip ring  298 . 
         [0118]    Turning now to  FIGS. 6, 11, 14, 32 and 33 , inner housing assembly  204  has been designed to reduce incidents of racking of second proximal drive shaft  214  as drive shaft  214  rotates to axially translate articulation bearing assembly  252 . Inner housing assembly  204  includes a hub  204   a  having a distally oriented annular wall  204   b  defining a substantially circular outer profile, and defining a substantially tear-drop shaped inner recess or bore  204   c . Bore  204   c  of hub  204   a  is shaped and dimensioned to slidably receive articulation bearing assembly  252  therewithin. 
         [0119]    Inner housing assembly  204  includes a ring plate  254   a  ( FIG. 34 ) secured to a distal face of distally oriented annular wall  204   b  of hub  204   a . Plate  254   a  defines an aperture  254   e  therethrough that is sized and formed therein so as to be aligned with second proximal drive shaft  214  and to rotatably receive a distal tip  214   c  of second proximal drive shaft  214 . In this manner, distal tip  214   c  of second proximal drive shaft  214  is supported and prevented from moving radially away from a longitudinal rotational axis of second proximal drive shaft  214  as second proximal drive shaft  214  is rotated to axially translate articulation bearing assembly  252 . 
         [0120]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 14, 32, 39 and 40 , hub  204   a  defines a feature (e.g., a stem or the like)  204   d  projecting therefrom which functions to engage notch  296   a  of strain gauge  296  of electrical assembly  290  to measure forces experienced by shaft  212  as surgical device  100  is operated. 
         [0121]    With reference to  FIGS. 35-40 , a plate bushing  230  of inner housing assembly  204  is shown and described. Plate bushing  230  extends across hub  204   a  of inner housing assembly  204  and is secured to hub  204   a  by fastening members. Plate bushing  230  defines three apertures  230   a ,  230   b ,  230   c  that are aligned with and rotatably receive respective first, second and third proximal drive shafts  212 ,  214 ,  216  therein. Plate bushing  230  provides a surface against which first, second and third biasing members  224 ,  226  and  228  come into contact or rest against. 
         [0122]    While plate bushing  230  has been shown and described as being a unitary monolithic piece, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 37-40 , it is envisioned and within the scope of the present application that plate bushing  230  may be separated into several parts including, and not limited to, as seen in  FIGS. 40-42 , a support plate  230 ′ extending across drive shafts  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and a separate bushing for each of drive shafts  212 ,  214 ,  216  and disposed between the support plate  230 ′ and hub  204   a  of inner housing assembly  204 . Support plate  230 ′ may include a pair of slots  230   a ′,  230   b ′ formed therein, which are configured and adapted to receive tabs  296   b  of strain gauge  296  that project axially therefrom. 
         [0123]    Turning now to  FIGS. 43-47 , an inner housing assembly  204 ′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and will be described. In order to reduce incidents of racking (i.e., distal end  214   b  of second proximal drive shaft  214  moving radially away from a longitudinal rotational axis thereof) of second proximal drive shaft  214  as drive shaft  214  rotates to axially translate articulation bearing assembly  252 , inner housing assembly  204 ′ may include a reinforcement frame or bracket assembly  254 ′. Bracket assembly  254 ′ includes a first plate  254   a ′ and a second plate  254   b ′ integrally connected to and spaced a distance from first plate  254   a ′ by a plurality of connecting rods  254   c ′ extending therebetween. 
         [0124]    First plate  254   a ′ is disposed adjacent to or in close proximity to ring gear  266  and defines an aperture  254   d ′ therethrough. Aperture  254   d ′ is sized and formed in first plate  254   a ′ so as to be aligned with second proximal drive shaft  214  and to permit second proximal drive shaft  214  to freely rotate therewithin. Second plate  254   b ′ is spaced from first plate  254   a ′ so as to be disposed at a distal free end of second proximal drive shaft  214 . Second plate  254   b ′ defines an aperture  254   e ′ therethrough. Aperture  254   e ′ is sized and formed in second plate or flange  254   b ′ so as to be aligned with second proximal drive shaft  214  and to rotatably receive a distal tip  214   c  of second proximal drive shaft  214 . 
         [0125]    In this manner, distal tip  214   c  of second proximal drive shaft  214  is supported and prevented from moving radially away from a longitudinal rotational axis of second proximal drive shaft  214  as second proximal drive shaft  214  is rotated to axially translate articulation bearing assembly  252 . 
         [0126]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 38, 46 and 47 , inner housing assembly  204 ′ may include a reinforcing sleeve  255 ′ disposed about bracket assembly  254 ′ to further reinforce bracket assembly  254 ′. It is contemplated in an embodiment that reinforcing sleeve  255 ′ may be interposed between first plate  254   a ′ and second plate  254   b ′ of bracket assembly  254 ′. It is further contemplated that reinforcing sleeve  255 ′ may be interposed between second plate  254   b ′ and a distally oriented face of proximal inner housing assembly  204 ′. 
         [0127]    In accordance with the present disclosure, an overall length of adapter assembly  200  has been reduced as compared to prior adapter assemblies that have been developed to transmit/convert forces/rotations from surgical device  100  to loading unit  300 . By reducing an overall length of adapter assembly  200 , a center of gravity of an assembled surgical device  100 , adapter assembly  200  and loading unit  300  has been shifted proximally as compared to a center of gravity of an assembled surgical device  100 , a prior adapter assembly and a loading unit  300 . As such, a level of comfort to the end user in using the electromechanical surgical system of the present disclosure has been increased, and a level of fatigue has been decreased. 
         [0128]    In operation, when a button of surgical device  100  is activated by the user, the software checks predefined conditions. If conditions are met, the software controls the motors and delivers mechanical drive to the attached surgical stapler, which can then open, close, rotate, articulate or fire depending on the function of the pressed button. The software also provides feedback to the user by turning colored lights on or off in a defined manner to indicate the status of surgical device  100 , adapter assembly  200  and/or loading unit  300 . 
         [0129]    Reference may be made to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0314821, filed on Aug. 31, 2009, entitled “TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE” for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of loading unit  300 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 48 . 
         [0130]    Any of the components described herein may be fabricated from either metals, plastics, resins, composites or the like taking into consideration strength, durability, wearability, weight, resistance to corrosion, ease of manufacturing, cost of manufacturing, and the like. 
         [0131]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the presently disclosed adapter assemblies. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.