Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a surgical device, comprising: a jaw assembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated body defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly, wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate about an articulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body; a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongated body and comprising at least one motor mechanically coupled to the jaw assembly; and a control assembly coupled to the handle assembly, the control assembly including a first control button, a second control button, a first rocker device disposed about the first control button and configured to rotate thereabout, and a second rocker device disposed about the second control button and configured to rotate thereabout.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/669,263, filed on Jul. 9, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to surgical devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to control assemblies for use on a powered, rotating and/or articulating surgical device or handle assembly. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    One type of surgical device is a linear clamping, cutting and stapling device. Such a device may be employed in a surgical procedure to resect a cancerous or anomalous tissue from a gastro-intestinal tract. Conventional linear clamping, cutting and stapling instruments include a pistol grip-styled structure having an elongated shaft and distal portion. The distal portion includes a pair of scissors-styled gripping elements, which clamp the open ends of the colon closed. In this device, one of the two scissors-styled gripping elements, such as the anvil portion, moves or pivots relative to the overall structure, whereas the other gripping element remains fixed relative to the overall structure. The actuation of this scissoring device (the pivoting of the anvil portion) is controlled by a grip trigger maintained in the handle. 
         [0006]    In addition to the scissoring device, the distal portion also includes a stapling mechanism. The fixed gripping element of the scissoring mechanism includes a staple cartridge receiving region and a mechanism for driving the staples up through the clamped end of the tissue against the anvil portion, thereby sealing the previously opened end. The scissoring elements may be integrally formed with the shaft or may be detachable such that various scissoring and stapling elements may be interchangeable. 
         [0007]    A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lines with proprietary powered drive systems for operating and/or manipulating the surgical device. In many instances the surgical devices include a powered handle assembly, which is reusable, and a disposable end effector or the like that is selectively connected to the powered handle assembly prior to use and then disconnected from the end effector following use in order to be disposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use. 
         [0008]    Many of the existing end effectors for use with many of the existing powered surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are driven by a linear force. For examples, end effectors for performing endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures, end-to-end anastomosis procedures and transverse anastomosis procedures, each typically require a linear driving force in order to be operated. As such, these end effectors are not compatible with surgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motion to deliver power or the like. 
         [0009]    In order to make the linear driven end effectors compatible with powered surgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motion to deliver power, a need exists for adapters and/or adapter assemblies to interface between and interconnect the linear driven end effectors with the powered rotary driven surgical devices and/or handle assemblies. 
         [0010]    Many of these powered rotary driven surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are complex devices, including many parts and requiring extensive labor to assemble. Accordingly, a need exists to develop powered rotary driven surgical devices and/or handle assemblies that incorporate fewer parts, are less labor intensive to assemble and ultimately more economical to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present disclosure relates to surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and for interconnecting a powered, rotating and/or articulating surgical device or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue. 
         [0012]    The present disclosure provides a surgical device, comprising: a jaw assembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated body defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly, wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate about an articulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body; a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongated body and comprising at least one motor mechanically coupled to the jaw assembly; and a control assembly coupled to the handle assembly, the control assembly including a first control button, a second control button, a first rocker device disposed about the first control button and configured to rotate thereabout, and a second rocker device disposed about the second control button and configured to rotate thereabout. 
         [0013]    In additional aspects, actuation of the first control button moves the second jaw in approximation relative to the first jaw and actuating the second control button moves the second jaw away from the first jaw. 
         [0014]    In further aspects, actuation of the first rocker switch is configured to articulate the jaw assembly about the articulation axis. 
         [0015]    In further aspects, actuation of the second rocker switch is configured to rotate the jaw assembly about the second longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body. 
         [0016]    In additional aspects, the first control button includes a first magnetic element, the second control button includes a second magnetic element, the first rocker device includes third and fourth magnetic elements, and the second rocker device includes fifth and sixth magnetic elements. 
         [0017]    In additional aspects, the handle assembly comprises a plurality of sensors configured to detect proximity of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth magnetic elements. 
         [0018]    In further aspects, the control assembly comprises a magnetic shield having a plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of sensors, the magnetic shield configured to shield the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth magnetic elements from respect sensors until the first and second rocker devices are actuated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a surgical device and adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a connection thereof with an end effector according to the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the surgical device of  FIG. 1  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a battery for use in the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 , with a housing thereof removed according to the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the connecting ends of each of the surgical device and the adapter, illustrating a connection therebetween according to the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 , as taken through  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 , as taken through  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a control assembly of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective front view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10B  is a front view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10C  is a perspective rear view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11A  are cross-sectional views of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  and enlarged portions of interest thereof according to the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11B  is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11C  is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12A  is an enlarged side, cross-sectional perspective view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12B  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13A  is a rear view of a rocker switch housing without a magnetic element according to the present disclosure; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13B  is a rear view of the rocker switch housing with the magnetic element according to the present disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14A  is a perspective, disassembled view of a control button according to the present disclosure; 
           [0040]      FIG. 14B  is a side, cross-sectional view of the control button according to the present disclosure; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective, partially-disassembled view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0042]      FIGS. 15B and 15C  are a rear view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective, rear view of the control button of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  and a rocker device according to the present disclosure; 
           [0044]      FIG. 16B  is a side, cross-sectional view of the control button of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  and the rocker device according to the present disclosure; 
           [0045]      FIG. 17A  is a side, cross-sectional view of the control button of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  with a single magnetic element according to the present disclosure; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17B  is a side, cross-sectional view of the control button of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  with a dual magnetic element according to the present disclosure; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18A  is a side, cross-sectional view of the rocker switch housing of  FIGS. 13A and 13B  with a single magnetic according to the present disclosure; 
           [0048]      FIG. 18B  is a side, cross-sectional view of the rocker switch housing of  FIGS. 13A and 13B  with a dual magnetic according to the present disclosure; 
           [0049]      FIG. 19  is a rear, partially-disassembled view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 20  is a rear, partially-disassembled view of the control assembly of  FIG. 9  according to the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    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. 
         [0052]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , surgical device  100  is configured for selective connection with an adapter  200 , and, in turn, adapter  200  is configured for selective connection with an end effector or single use loading unit  300 . 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , surgical device  100  includes a handle housing  102  having a lower housing portion  104 , an intermediate housing portion  106  extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion  104 , and an upper housing portion  108  extending from and/or supported on intermediate housing portion  106 . Intermediate housing portion  106  and upper housing portion  108  are separated into a distal half-section  110   a  that is integrally formed with and extending from the lower portion  104 , and a proximal half-section  110   b  connectable to distal half-section  110   a  by a plurality of fasteners. When joined, distal and proximal half-sections  110   a ,  110   b  define a handle housing  102  having a cavity  102   a  therein in which a circuit board  150  and a drive mechanism  160  is situated. 
         [0054]    Distal and proximal half-sections  110   a ,  110   b  are divided along a plane that traverses a longitudinal axis “X” of upper housing portion  108 , as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0055]    Handle housing  102  includes a gasket  112  extending completely around a rim of distal half-section and/or proximal half-section  110   a ,  110   b  and being interposed between distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b . Gasket  112  seals the perimeter of distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b . Gasket  112  functions to establish an air-tight seal between distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b  such that circuit board  150  and drive mechanism  160  are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures. 
         [0056]    In this manner, the cavity  102   a  of handle housing  102  is sealed along the perimeter of distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b  yet is configured to enable easier, more efficient assembly of circuit board  150  and a drive mechanism  160  in handle housing  102 . 
         [0057]    Intermediate housing portion  106  of handle housing  102  provides a housing in which circuit board  150  is situated. Circuit board  150  is configured to control the various operations of surgical device  100 , as will be set forth in additional detail below. 
         [0058]    Lower housing portion  104  of surgical device  100  defines an aperture (not shown) formed in an upper surface thereof and which is located beneath or within intermediate housing portion  106 . The aperture of lower housing portion  104  provides a passage through which wires  152  pass to electrically interconnect electrical components (a battery  156 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a circuit board  154 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , etc.) situated in lower housing portion  104  with electrical components (circuit board  150 , drive mechanism  160 , etc.) situated in intermediate housing portion  106  and/or upper housing portion  108 . 
         [0059]    Handle housing  102  includes a gasket  103  disposed within the aperture of lower housing portion  104  (not shown) thereby plugging or sealing the aperture of lower housing portion  104  while allowing wires  152  to pass therethrough. Gasket  103  functions to establish an air-tight seal between lower housing portion  106  and intermediate housing portion  108  such that circuit board  150  and drive mechanism  160  are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures. 
         [0060]    As shown, lower housing portion  104  of handle housing  102  provides a housing in which a rechargeable battery  156 , is removably situated. Battery  156  is configured to supply power to any of the electrical components of surgical device  100 . Lower housing portion  104  defines a cavity (not shown) into which battery  156  is inserted. Lower housing portion  104  includes a door  105  pivotally connected thereto for closing cavity of lower housing portion  104  and retaining battery  156  therein. 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , distal half-section  110   a  of upper housing portion  108  defines a nose or connecting portion  108   a . A nose cone  114  is supported on nose portion  108   a  of upper housing portion  108 . Nose cone  114  is fabricated from a transparent material. An illumination member  116  is disposed within nose cone  114  such that illumination member  116  is visible therethrough. Illumination member  116  is in the form of a light emitting diode printed circuit board (LED PCB). Illumination member  116  is configured to illuminate multiple colors with a specific color pattern being associated with a unique discrete event. 
         [0062]    Upper housing portion  108  of handle housing  102  provides a housing in which drive mechanism  160  is situated. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , drive mechanism  160  is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to perform the various operations of surgical device  100 . In particular, drive mechanism  160  is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to selectively move tool assembly  304  of end effector  300  (see  FIGS. 1 and 20 ) relative to proximal body portion  302  of end effector  300 , to rotate end effector  300  about a longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 3 ) relative to handle housing  102 , to move anvil assembly  306  relative to cartridge assembly  308  of end effector  300 , and/or to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly  308  of end effector  300 . 
         [0063]    The drive mechanism  160  includes a selector gearbox assembly  162  that is located immediately proximal relative to adapter  200 . Proximal to the selector gearbox assembly  162  is a function selection module  163  having a first motor  164  that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly  162  into engagement with an input drive component  165  having a second motor  166 . 
         [0064]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , and as mentioned above, distal half-section  110   a  of upper housing portion  108  defines a connecting portion  108   a  configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly  210  of adapter  200 . 
         [0065]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , connecting portion  108   a  of surgical device  100  has a cylindrical recess  108   b  that receives a drive coupling assembly  210  of adapter  200  when adapter  200  is mated to surgical device  100 . Connecting portion  108   a  houses three rotatable drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122 . 
         [0066]    When adapter  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  200 . (see  FIG. 6 ). 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  200 . 
         [0067]    The mating of drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  with connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222  of adapter  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 drive mechanism  160 . In this regard, the function selection module  163  of drive mechanism  160  selects which drive connector or connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  is to be driven by the input drive component  165  of drive mechanism  160 . 
         [0068]    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  200 , when adapter  200  is coupled to surgical device  100 , rotational force(s) are selectively transferred from drive mechanism  160  of surgical device  100  to adapter  200 . 
         [0069]    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 end effector  300 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, 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 end effector  300 , and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly  304  of end effector  300 . Also, 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 end effector  300  transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, the selective and independent rotation of third drive connector  122  of surgical device  100  corresponds to the selective and independent rotation of end effector  300  about longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 3 ) relative to handle housing  102  of surgical device  100 . 
         [0070]    As mentioned above and as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , drive mechanism  160  includes a selector gearbox assembly  162 ; a function selection module  163 , located proximal to the selector gearbox assembly  162 , that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly  162  into engagement with second motor  166 . Thus, drive mechanism  160  selectively drives one of drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  at a given time. 
         [0071]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  and  FIG. 9-18 , handle housing  102  supports a control assembly  107  on a distal surface or side of intermediate housing portion  108 . The control assembly  107  is a fully-functional mechanical subassembly that can be assembled and tested separately from the rest of the instrument  100  prior to coupling thereto. 
         [0072]    Control assembly  107 , in cooperation with intermediate housing portion  108 , supports a pair of finger-actuated control buttons  124 ,  126  and a pair rocker devices  128 ,  130  within a housing  107   a . The control buttons  124 ,  126  are coupled to extension shafts  125 ,  127  respectively. In particular, control assembly  107  defines an upper aperture  124   a  for slidably receiving the extension shaft  125 , and a lower aperture  126   a  for slidably receiving the extension shaft  127 . 
         [0073]    The control assembly  107  and its components (e.g., control buttons  124 ,  126  and rocker devices  128 ,  130 ) my be formed from low friction, self-lubricating, lubricious plastics or materials or coatings covering the moving components to reduce actuation forces, key component wear, elimination of galling, smooth consistent actuation, improved component and assembly reliability and reduced clearances for a tighter fit and feel consistency. This includes the use of plastic materials in the bushings, rocker journals, plunger bushings, spring pockets, retaining rings and slider components as described in further detail below. Molding the components in plastic also provides net-shape or mesh-shaped components with all of these performance attributes. Plastic components eliminate corrosion and bi-metal anodic reactions under electrolytic conditions such as autoclaving, steam sterilizations and cleaning. Press fits with lubricious plastics and materials also eliminate clearances with minimal strain or functional penalties on the components when compared to similar metal components. 
         [0074]    Suitable materials for forming the components of the control assembly  107  include, but are not limited to, polyamines, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphthalamides, polyphenylsulfones, polyether ketones, polytetrafluoroethylenes, and combinations thereof. These components may be used in the presence or absence of lubricants and may also include additives for reduced wear and frictional forces. 
         [0075]    With reference to  FIGS. 9-11C , the rocker devices  128 ,  130  are disposed about the control buttons  124 ,  126 , namely, extension shafts  125 ,  127 , and are configured to rotate about the extension shafts  125 ,  127 . The rocker devices  128 ,  130  are coupled to rocker device housings  129 ,  131 , respectively, having a substantantially arcuate shape. Each of the housing  129 ,  131  includes an opening for receiving the distal ends of the extension shafts  125 ,  127 , respectively, which are secured within apertures  124   a ,  126   a  of control assembly housing  107   a  using retaining rings  125   d ,  127   d , which prevent longitudinal movement of the rocker devices  128 ,  130  while allowing for rotation of the rocker devices  128 ,  130  within the apertures  124 ,  126   a . In particular, the rocker device housings  129 ,  131  prevent longitudinal movement of the rocker devices  128 ,  130  with respect to the control assembly  107 . 
         [0076]    With reference to  FIGS. 9-11C ,  12 A-B, and  16 A- 16 B, each of the control shafts  125 ,  127  includes a bushing  125   b ,  127   b , respectively, which is in contact with springs  125   a ,  127   a  disposed within the apertures  124   a ,  126   a  of housing  107   a . The extension shafts  125 ,  127  are biased against the rocker devices  128 ,  130 , respectively, by the springs  125   a ,  127   a , which contact the bushings  125   b ,  127   b , which also act as stop members by contacting the distal end of the stems of the rocker devices  128 ,  130 . The bushings  125   b ,  127   b  are also in contact with an interior surface of the stems of the rocker devices  128 ,  130 , allowing the extension shafts  125 ,  127  to move longitudinally with respect to the rocker devices  128 ,  130  and the rocker devices  128 ,  130  to rotate with respect to the extension shafts  125 ,  127  in response to actuation by the user. 
         [0077]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , each of the rocker device housings  129 ,  131  include a pair of arcuately disposed springs  129   a ,  129   b  and  131   a ,  131   b , respectively, which bias the rocker device housings  129 ,  131  and the rocker devices  128 ,  130  to a horizontal neutral (e.g., central) position against detents within the housing  107   a  of control assembly  107 . Thus, as the rocker devices  128 ,  130  are pivoted in a first direction, the springs  129   a ,  131   a  are compressed while the springs  129   b ,  131   b  are stretched. As the user diminishes and/or terminates the actuation of the rocker devices  128 ,  130  in the first direction the springs  129   a ,  131   a  return the rocker devices  128 ,  130  to its neutral position at which point the springs  129   b ,  131   b  counterbalance the biasing force of the  129   a ,  131   a . Conversely, as the rocker devices  128 ,  130  are pivoted in a second direction, as viewed from the back of the instrument  100 , the springs  129   b ,  131   b  are compressed while the springs  129   a ,  131   a  are stretched. As the user diminishes and/or terminates the actuation of the rocker devices  128 ,  130  in the second direction the springs  129   b ,  131   b  return the rocker devices  128 ,  130  to their neutral position at which point the springs  129   a ,  131   a  counterbalance the biasing force of the springs  129   b ,  131   b.    
         [0078]    With reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the housing  107   a  of control assembly  107  includes vertical side walls  107   b ,  107   c  having left stop members  109   a ,  111   a  and right stop members  109   b ,  111   b . The stop members  109   a ,  109   b  and  111   a ,  111   b  prevent rotation of the rocker devices  128 ,  130 , respectively, beyond a predetermined limit. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the stop members  109   a ,  111   a  come into contact with flat portions of the rocker device housings  129 ,  131  while the stop members  109   b ,  111   b  come into contact with arcuate portion thereof, thereby preventing rotation of the rocker devices  128 ,  130 . 
         [0079]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the housing  107   a  of control assembly  107  further includes a top drain opening  107   d  and a lower drain opening  107   e  disposed above and below, respectively, the control buttons  124 ,  126  and rocker devices  128 ,  130 . The housing  107   a  of control assembly  107  further includes one or more interior drain openings  107   f  and  107   g . The openings  107   d - g  provide for flow of fluids and other contaminants through the housing  107   a  that may enter the housing  107   a  during surgery as well as flow of cleaning fluids and gases during sterilization procedures. The configuration of the housing  107   a  eliminates the need for lubrication and allows for flow-thorough of cleaning and drainage fluids. This also provides an advantage over sealed control assemblies, since sealing of an autoclaveable switch assembly can retain internal pressures or vacuums in functional areas that can inhibit movement of various components. 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIGS. 9-11C , the control assembly  107  further includes a fire button or safety switch  132  disposed above the control buttons  124 ,  126  and rocker devices  128 ,  130 . The safety switch  132  includes two opposing switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  disposed within side openings  133   d ,  133   f , respectively, formed in housing  107   a . The switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  are slidably coupled to a shaft  133   c  with a spring  133   d  disposed about the shaft  133   c . The spring  133   d  biases the switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  against each other pushing the switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  out of the side openings  133   d ,  133   f . During actuation, the user may depress either one of the switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  prior to commencing the firing process as described in further detail below. 
         [0081]    In embodiments, the control buttons  124 ,  126 , the rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  may be color-coded to assist the user in selection of the actuators. The control buttons  124 ,  126 , rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  may be subjected to anodization or cold sealing to eliminate color bleeding and/or degradation from auclaving and cleaning procedures. 
         [0082]    Each of the control buttons  124 ,  126 , rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  includes magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b , respectively. The magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  move in response to actuation of the respective control buttons  124 ,  126 , rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b . The circuit board  150  determines actuation and/or degree of actuation of the control buttons  124 ,  126 , rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  based on relative position of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  relative to corresponding sensors  150   a - 150   g . This allows for control signals to be transmitted to the circuit board  150  without electrical contacts therebetween allowing the circuit board  150  and the control assembly  107  to be housed in any suitable material that allows for transference of magnetic fields. 
         [0083]    The magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  may be formed from any suitable ferromagnetic material, such as samarium cobalt, neodymium, ceramic, ferrite, combinations thereof, and the like and may have any suitable shape, such as, cylindrical, polygonal, (e.g., square or hexagonal cross-section), and the like. The sensors  150   a - 150   g  may be any suitable contactless sensors such as Hall Effect sensors, reed switches, ferromagnetic transducers, and the like, that are configured to measure the strength of the magnetic field and/or polarity change of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b . As described above, the control buttons  124 ,  126 , rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  are biased away from the sensors  150   a - 150   g . Actuation by the user moves the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  toward and/or in alignment with the sensors  150   a - 150   g . In additional embodiments, the sensors  150   a - 150   g  may be triggered in reverse, namely, the triggering process may be reversed by spring biasing the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  towards the sensors  150   a - 150   g  in their free spring states such that the sensors  150   a - 150   g  are triggered “on” and when the controls are actuated, the sensors  150   a - 150   g  are triggered “off”. 
         [0084]    The sensors  150   a - 150   g  may be configured as toggle switches that are activated when the amplitudes of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  cross a predetermined threshold through linear or rotational displacement thereof. In embodiments, the sensors  150   a - 150   g  may be configured as variable speed sensors by detecting changes in the amplitudes of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b . In further embodiments, the sensors  150   a - 150   g  may be configured to measure polarity changes from one or more magnets of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b.    
         [0085]    With reference to  FIGS. 11A-11C ,  14 A-B,  16 B, and  17 A- 17 B the control buttons  124 ,  126  are coupled to the respective extension shafts  125 ,  127  having the respective magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b , disposed therein. The shafts  125 ,  127  include cavities  125   c ,  127   c , respectively, for housing the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b . In embodiments, the cavities  125   c ,  127   c  may include one or more surface features (e.g., ribs) to frictionally engage and secure the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b , therein. 
         [0086]    With respect to  FIG. 17A , the magnetic element  124   b  is shown including two portions  124   b ′ and  124   b ″. In embodiments, any of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  may include two portions and for simplicity only the magnetic element  124   b  is described below. A dual magnet configuration or a magnet having two portions  124   b ′ and  124   b ″ allows for detection of relative position of the magnetic element  124   b  using polarity shift of the two portions  124   b ′ and  124   b ″ in addition to the strength of the magnetic field as a suitable input method indicative of the position of the control button  124 . 
         [0087]    With reference to FIGS.  10 C and  13 A- 13 B, the rocker device housings  129 ,  131  include cavities  129   c ,  129   d , and  131   c ,  131   d , respectively. The cavities  129   c ,  129   d ,  131   c ,  131   d  include the magnetic elements  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b , respectively. In embodiments, the cavities  129   c ,  129   d ,  131   c ,  131   d  may include one or more surface features (e.g., ribs) to frictionally engage and secure the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b , therein. 
         [0088]    The cavities (e.g., cavities  125   c ,  127   c ,  129   c ,  129   d ,  131   c ,  131   d ) housing the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  may be formed from “sacrificial” (e.g., destructible or deformable) plastic or compliant component materials or geometry that are used for press-fit retention of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b . Magnetic materials are produced primarily using powdered metal manufacturing processes and are inherently fragile. As a result, magnets can crack or be stressed beyond a threshold where their magnetic or ferromagnetic properties are affected or diminished. The plastic or compliant materials or compliant geometries of the cavities of the present disclosure have a lower tensile strength and hardness than the magnets. The magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  may be retained in a net shape plastic component or in metal components with additional plastic sleeves or inserts with the press-fit feature geometries. This configuration allows for autoclave steam sterilization and is superior to similar press fit geometries with more rigid materials and metals without use of any adhesives. The press fit geometry for the magnets includes features such as ribs, bumps, granular surfaces which act as sacrificial crush members and allow for material displacement in the interspatial regions. The features may be spaced in any suitable configuration, such as evenly spaced around the circumference of the cavities to fit the shape of the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  to reduce the overall stress on the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  while providing larger tolerance allowances with respect to a full-surface press fit of conventional magnet retention cavities. 
         [0089]    With reference to  FIGS. 15A-15C , the control assembly  107  also includes a magnetic shield  170  to selectively control the magnetic field strength and triggering points for the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b . In particular, the magnetic shield  170  provides more robust triggering thresholds by localizing the magnetic fields generated by magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b , which are in close proximity to one another. Suitable materials for forming the magnetic shield  170  include stainless steel alloys, coated/plated steel, and any suitable iron alloys. In embodiments, the magnetic shield  170  may be formed from non-magnetic base materials such as plastics and then plated or coated with ferromagnetic materials. The magnetic shield  170  may have a thickness from about 0.001″ to about 0.1″, in embodiments from about 0.01″ to about 0.05″. In further embodiments, the magnetic shield  170  may be formed from a single piece or multiple pieces and may be stationary or include movable components (e.g., shielding elements coupled to the control buttons  124 ,  126 , rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b ). 
         [0090]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 11A-11C  and  15 A- 15 C, the magnetic shield  170  includes a plurality of openings  170   a - 170   g  allowing for the magnetic elements  124   b ,  126   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  to interface with the corresponding sensors  150   a - 150   g  as described in the further detail below. In particular, the opening  170   a  is disposed between the magnetic elements  132   a ,  132   b , and the sensor  150   a . The openings  170   b  and  170   d  are disposed between with the magnetic elements  128   a ,  128   b  and the sensors  150   b ,  150   d  only when the magnetic element  128   a ,  128   b  are rotated to either first ( FIG. 15C ) or second directions as described further below, such that while the rocker device  128  is in the neutral configuration ( FIG. 15B ) the sensors  150   b  and  150   d  cannot read the magnetic elements  128   a  and  128   b  as they are blocked by the magnetic shield  170 . The opening  170   c  is disposed in proximity with the magnetic element  124   b  and the sensor  150   c.    
         [0091]    The openings  170   e  and  170   g  are disposed between with the magnetic elements  130   a ,  130   b  and the sensors  150   e ,  150   g  only when the magnetic element  130   a ,  130   b  are rotated to either first or second positions as described below, such that while the rocker device  130  is in the neutral configuration ( FIG. 15B ) the sensors  150   e  and  150   g  cannot read the magnetic elements  130   a  and  130   b  as they are blocked by the magnetic shield  170 . The opening  170   f  is disposed between the magnetic element  124   b  and the sensor  150   f.    
         [0092]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 ,  10 C, and  11 A- 11 C, the circuit board  150  includes the sensors  150   a - 150   g . The sensors  150   b  and  150   d  are disposed proximally of the magnetic elements  128   a  and  128   b  of the rocker device  128  such that the sensors  150   b  and  150   d  sense actuation (e.g., rotation) of the rocker device  128 . More specifically, the sensor  150   b  senses a position of the magnetic element  128   a  and the sensor  150   d  senses a position of the magnetic element  128   b . As the rocker device  128  is rotated in the first direction the magnetic element  128   a  is sensed by the sensor  150   b  and as the rocker device  128  is rotated in the second direction the magnetic element  128   b  is sensed by the sensor  150   d . The activation of sensors  150   b  and  150   d  by the rocker device  128 , causes circuit board  150  to provide appropriate signals to function selection module  163  and input drive component  165  of drive mechanism  160  to articulate tool assembly  304  relative to body portion  302  of end effector  300 . Namely, movement of rocker device  128  in a first direction causes tool assembly  304  to articulate relative to body portion  302  in a first direction, while movement of rocker device  128  in an opposite, e.g., second, direction causes tool assembly  304  to articulate relative to body portion  302  in an opposite, e.g., second, direction. 
         [0093]    With continued reference to FIGS.  7  and  11 A- 11 C, the sensor  150   c  is disposed proximally of the magnetic element  124   b  of the control button  124  such that the sensor  150   c  senses actuation (e.g., longitudinal movement) of the control button  124 . As the control button  124  is moved distally the magnetic element  124   b  is sensed by the sensor  150   c . The activation of sensor  150   c  by the control button  124 , causes circuit board  150  to provide appropriate signals to function selection module  163  and input drive component  165  of the drive mechanism  160  to close a tool assembly  304  of end effector  300  and/or to fire a stapling/cutting cartridge within tool assembly  304  of end effector  300 . 
         [0094]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 ,  10 C, and  11 A- 11 C, the sensors  150   e  and  150   g  are disposed proximally of the magnetic elements  130   a  and  130   b  of the rocker device  130  such that the sensors  150   e  and  150   g  sense actuation (e.g., rotation) of the rocker device  130 . More specifically, the sensor  150   e  senses a position of the magnetic element  130   a  and the sensor  150   g  senses a position of the magnetic element  130   b . As the rocker device  130  is rotated in the first direction the magnetic element  130   a  is sensed by the sensor  150   e  and as the rocker device  130  is rotated in the section direction the magnetic element  130   b  is sensed by the sensor  150   g . The activation of sensors  150   e  and  150   g  by the rocker device  130 , causes circuit board  150  to provide appropriate signals to function selection module  163  and input drive component  165  of drive mechanism  160  to rotate end effector  300  relative to handle housing  102  surgical device  100 . Specifically, movement of rocker device  130  in a first direction causes end effector  300  to rotate relative to handle housing  102  in a first direction, while movement of rocker device  130  in an opposite, e.g., second, direction causes end effector  300  to rotate relative to handle housing  102  in an opposite, e.g., second, direction. 
         [0095]    With continued reference to FIGS.  7  and  11 A- 11 C, the sensor  150   f  is disposed proximally of the magnetic element  126   b  of the control button  126  such that the sensor  150   f  senses actuation (e.g., longitudinal movement) of the control button  126 . As the control button  126  is moved distally the magnetic element  126   b  is sensed by the sensor  150   f . The activation of sensor  150   f  by the control button  126 , causes circuit board  150  to provide appropriate signals to function selection module  163  and input drive component  165  of drive mechanism  160  to open tool assembly  304  of end effector  300 . 
         [0096]    With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 C, and  12 B, the switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  include shafts  132   c ,  132   d , coupled thereto having the magnetic elements  132   a ,  132   b , respectively. In embodiments, the shafts  132   c ,  132   d  may include cavities (not shown) having one or more surface features (e.g., ribs) to frictionally engage and secure the magnetic elements  132   a ,  132   b , therein. The sensor  150   a  is disposed proximally of the magnetic elements  132   a ,  132   b  and on the same horizontal plane as the magnetic elements  132   a ,  132   b . The sensor  150   a  senses actuation of one or both of the switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  signaling to the circuit  150  that the end effector  300  may be fired once the control button  124  is actuated. Thus, as one of the switch buttons  133   a ,  133   b  is actuated following the actuation of the control button  124 , the circuit board  150  provides appropriate signals to function selection module  163  and input drive component  165  of the drive mechanism  160  to fire a stapling/cutting cartridge within tool assembly  304  of end effector  300 . 
         [0097]    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,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of end effector  300 . 
         [0098]    Reference may also be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/484,975, filed on May 31, 2012, entitled “HAND HELD SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY, SURGICAL ADAPTERS FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, AND METHODS OF USE”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of any of the remaining components of surgical device  100 , adapter assembly  200 , and end effector  300 . 
         [0099]    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.