Patent Publication Number: US-2021161514-A1

Title: Intelligent adapter assembly for use with an electromechanical surgical system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/134,316, filed Dec. 19, 2013, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/756,101, filed Jan. 24, 2013. The entire disclosures of the foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with an electromechanical surgical system and their methods of use. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to intelligent adapter assemblies for use between hand-held, electromechanical surgical devices and end effectors. 
     2. Background of Related Art 
     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. 
     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. 
     A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lines with proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulating the surgical device. In many instances the surgical devices include a handle assembly, which is reusable, and a disposable end effector or the like that is selectively connected to the 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. 
     Many of the existing end effectors for use with many of the existing 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. 
     In order to make the linear driven end effectors compatible with 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 rotary driven electromechanical surgical devices and/or handle assemblies. 
     Additionally, a need exists for various type of adapter assemblies to store and/or retain relevant information pertaining to the safe and effective operation of the adapter assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to intelligent adapter assemblies for use between hand-held, electromechanical surgical devices and end effectors. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a surgical function and an electromechanical surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one force receiving drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. 
     The adapter assembly comprises a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one 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 end effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; and a circuit board supported in the housing and storing at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information which are unique to the adapter assembly. 
     The operating parameters for the adapter assembly may include at least identification information relating to the adapter assembly; dimensions of the adapter assembly; specific designations for which rotational input received from the surgical device will perform which specific function in the adapter assembly; and a maximum force that can be delivered from the surgical device to the adapter assembly. 
     The identification information may include at least a model number and a serial number. 
     The life-cycle information for the adapter assembly may include at least one of a number of revolutions experienced by an input force receiving member of the adapter assembly; a number of cleaning cycles of the adapter assembly; an assembly date of the adapter assembly; and any repair/maintenance dates of the shaft assembly. 
     The adapter assembly may further include at least one electrical contact supported in the housing and being configured to interface with the surgical device. 
     The at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly may include a first end that is releasably connectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and a second end that is releasably connectable to the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector. The at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly may convert and transmit a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electromechanical surgical system for performing at least one surgical procedure is provided. The electromechanical surgical system includes an electromechanical surgical device and a plurality of surgical end effectors. The electromechanical surgical system further comprises at least a pair of unique, diverse adapter assemblies, wherein each adapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one 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 end effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; and a circuit board supported in the housing and storing at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information which are unique to the adapter assembly. 
     The operating parameters for each adapter assembly may include at least identification information relating to the adapter assembly; dimensions of the adapter assembly; specific designations for which rotational input received from the surgical device will perform which specific function in the adapter assembly; and a maximum force that can be delivered from the surgical device to the adapter assembly. 
     The identification information may include at least a model number and a serial number. 
     The electromechanical surgical system according to claim  8 , wherein the life-cycle information for each adapter assembly may include at least one of a number of revolutions experienced by an input force receiving member of the adapter assembly; a number of cleaning cycles of the adapter assembly; an assembly date of the adapter assembly; and any repair/maintenance dates of the shaft assembly. 
     Each adapter assembly may include at least one electrical contact supported in the housing and being configured to interface with the surgical device. 
     The at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly of each adapter assembly may include a first end that is releasably connectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and a second end that is releasably connectable to the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector. The at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly may convert and transmit a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of performing a surgical procedure is provided and comprises the steps of providing an electromechanical surgical system, the electromechanical surgical system including a plurality of surgical end effectors, each being configured to perform a surgical function, each end effector including at least one force receiving drive member; an electromechanical surgical device configured to actuate each of the plurality of end effectors, the electromechanical surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft; and a plurality of unique, diverse adapter assemblies for selectively interconnecting a selected one of the plurality of surgical end effectors and the electromechanical surgical device. 
     Each adapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one 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 end effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; and a circuit board supported in the housing and storing at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information which are unique to the adapter assembly. 
     The method includes the steps of selecting a surgical end effector for performing a surgical procedure; selecting a proper adapter assembly for interconnecting the selected end effector and the surgical device; connecting the selected adapter assembly to the surgical device; and communicating at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information, of the selected adapter assembly, to the surgical device. 
     The method may further include the step of processing the communicated at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information, of the selected adapter assembly. 
     The method may further include the step of setting operating parameters for the surgical device based on the at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information communicated from the selected adapter assembly. 
     The method may further include the step of creating a signal in response to the processing the communicated at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information of the selected adapter assembly, providing an indication of a readiness of at least one of the selected adapter assembly and the surgical device. 
     The method may further include the step of connecting the selected end effector to the selected adapter assembly. 
     The method may further include the step of updating at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information of the selected adapter assembly at least one of before, during and after the surgical procedure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a hand-held, electromechanical surgical device and adapter assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a connection thereof with an end effector; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the surgical device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a battery for use in the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 , with a housing thereof removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the connecting ends of each of the surgical device and the adapter assembly, illustrating a connection therebetween; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 , as taken through  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 , as taken through  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a drive coupling assembly of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a distal portion of the adapter assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of the outputs to the LED&#39;s; selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotation or articulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform a function selected; 
         FIG. 14  is a rear, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an adapter assembly and an alternate embodiment of an end effector incorporating novel aspects of the present disclosure, for use with the hand-held, electromechanical surgical device of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a rear, perspective view of a proximal portion of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 14 , with a housing removed therefrom. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical devices, and adapter assemblies for electromechanical 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. 
     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. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , surgical device  100  is configured for selective connection with any one of a number of adapter assemblies  200  (whether intelligent or not intelligent, i.e., dumb), and, in turn, each unique adapter assembly  200  is configured for selective connection with any number of unique end effectors or single use loading units  300 . 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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. While a battery  156  is shown, it is contemplated that the surgical device may be powered by any number of power sources, such as, for example, a fuel cell, a power cord connected to an external power source, etc. 
     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. 
     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 . 
     The drive mechanism  160  includes a selector gearbox assembly  162  that is located immediately proximal relative to adapter assembly  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 . 
     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 assembly  200 . 
     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 assembly  200  when adapter assembly  200  is mated to surgical device  100 . Connecting portion  108   a  houses three rotatable drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122 . 
     When a selected adapter assembly  200  is mated to surgical device  100 , at least one of the rotatable drive connectors  118 ,  120 ,  122  of surgical device  100  couples with a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve, such as, for example connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222  of adapter assembly  200  (see  FIG. 6 ). In regard to adapter assembly  200 , 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 . 
     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 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 . 
     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 mechanism  160  of surgical device  100  to adapter assembly  200 . 
     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 . 
     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. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  and  FIG. 9 , handle housing  102  supports a trigger housing  107  on a distal surface or side of intermediate housing portion  108 . Trigger housing  107 , in cooperation with intermediate housing portion  108 , supports a pair of finger-actuated control buttons  124 ,  126  and rocker devices  128 ,  130 . In particular, trigger housing  107  defines an upper aperture  124   a  for slidably receiving a first control button  124 , a lower aperture  126   b  for slidably receiving a second control button  126 , and a includes a fire button or safety switch  132 . 
     Each one of the control buttons  124 ,  126  and rocker devices  128 ,  130  and safety switch  132  includes a respective magnet (not shown) that is moved by the actuation of an operator. In addition, circuit board  150  includes, for each one of the control buttons  124 ,  126  and rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and for the safety switch  132 , respective Hall-effect switches  150   a - 150   g  that are actuated by the movement of the magnets in the control buttons  124 ,  126  and rocker devices  128 ,  130 , and safety switch  132 . 
     In particular, located immediately proximal to the control button  124  is a first Hall-effect switch  150   c  (see  FIGS. 3 and 7 ) that is actuated upon the movement of a magnet within the control button  124  upon the operator actuating control button  124 . The actuation of first Hall-effect switch  150   c,  corresponding to 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 . 
     Also, located immediately proximal to rocker device  128  is a second and a third Hall-effect switch  150   b,    150   d  (see  FIGS. 3 and 7 ) that are actuated upon the movement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device  128  upon the operator actuating rocker device  128 . The actuation of second Hall-effect switch  150   b,  corresponding to an actuation of rocker device  128  in a first direction, 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  in a relatively left direction. The actuation of third Hall-effect switch  150   d,  corresponding to an actuation of rocker device  128  in a second direction (opposite the first direction), 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  in a relatively right direction. Advantageously, 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. 
     Furthermore, located immediately proximal to control button  126  is a fourth Hall-effect switch  150   f  (see  FIGS. 3 and 7 ) that is actuated upon the movement of a magnet (not shown) within control button  126  upon the operator actuating control button  126 . The actuation of fourth Hall-effect switch  150   f,  corresponding to 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 . 
     In addition, located immediately proximal to rocker device  130  is a fifth and a sixth Hall-effect switch  150   e,    150   g  (see  FIGS. 3 and 7 ) that are actuated upon the movement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device  130  upon the operator actuating rocker device  130 . The actuation of fifth Hall-effect switch  150   e,  corresponding to an actuation of rocker device  130  in a first direction, 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  of surgical device  100  in a first direction (i.e., counter clockwise). The actuation of sixth Hall-effect switch  150   g,  corresponding to an actuation of rocker device  130  in a second direction (opposite the first direction), 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  of surgical device  100  in a second direction (i.e., clockwise).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. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-3 and 7 , as mentioned above, surgical device  100  includes a fire button or safety switch  132  supported on or in an upper portion of trigger housing  107 . In use, tool assembly  304  of end effector  300  is actuated between opened and closed conditions as needed and/or desired. In order to fire end effector  300 , to expel fasteners therefrom when tool assembly  304  of end effector  300  is in a closed condition, safety switch  132  is depressed thereby moving a magnet (not shown), supported therein, to actuate a seventh Hall-effect switch  150   a,  which in turn, instructs surgical device  100  that end effector  300  is ready to expel fasteners therefrom (i.e., places surgical device  100  in a firing mode). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 9-12 , surgical device  100  is configured for selective connection with adapter assembly  200 , and, in turn, adapter assembly  200  is configured for selective connection with end effector  300 . Reference may 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 adapter assembly  200 . 
     Adapter assembly  200  is configured to convert a rotation of either of drive connectors  120  and  122  of surgical device  100  into axial translation useful for operating a drive assembly  360  and an articulation link  366  of end effector  300 . 
     Adapter assembly  200  includes a first drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting third rotatable drive connector  122  of surgical device  100  and a first axially translatable drive member of end effector  300 , wherein the first drive transmitting/converting assembly converts and transmits a rotation of third rotatable drive connector  122  of surgical device  100  to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drive assembly  360  of end effector  300  for firing. 
     Adapter assembly  200  includes a second drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting second rotatable drive connector  120  of surgical device  100  and a second axially translatable drive member of end effector  300 , wherein the second drive transmitting/converting assembly converts and transmits a rotation of second rotatable drive connector  120  of surgical device  100  to an axial translation of articulation link  366  of end effector  300  for articulation. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , adapter assembly  200  includes a 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, that outer tube 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   a  of upper housing portion  108  of distal half-section  110   a  of surgical device  100 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 9-11 , adapter assembly  200  includes a surgical device drive coupling assembly  210  at a proximal end thereof and to an end effector coupling assembly  230  at a distal end thereof. Drive coupling assembly  210  includes a distal drive coupling housing  210   a  and a proximal drive coupling housing  210   b  rotatably supported, at least partially, in knob housing  202 . Drive coupling assembly  210  rotatably supports a first rotatable proximal drive shaft  212 , a second rotatable proximal drive shaft  214 , and a third rotatable proximal drive shaft  216  therein. 
     Proximal drive coupling housing  210   b  is configured to rotatably support first, second and third connector sleeves  218 ,  220  and  222 , respectively. 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 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 12 , adapter assembly  200  further includes a lock mechanism for fixing the axial position and radial orientation of drive tube  246  for the connection and disconnection of end effector  300  thereto. The lock mechanism includes a button  282  slidably supported on knob housing  202 . Lock button  282  is connected to an actuation bar  284  that extends longitudinally through outer tube  206 . Actuation bar  284  is interposed between outer tube  206  and inner housing tube  206   a.  Actuation bar  284  moves upon a movement of lock button  282 . Actuation bar  284  includes a distal portion  284   a  defining a window  284   b  therein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the lock mechanism further includes a lock out  286  supported on distal coupling assembly  230  at a location in registration with window  284   b  of distal portion  284   a  of actuation bar  284 . Lock out  286  includes a tab extending toward connection member  247  of drive tube  246 . The tab of lock out  286  is configured and dimensioned to selectively engage a cut-out formed in connection member  247  of drive tube  246 . Lock mechanism  280  further includes a biasing member  288  tending to maintain lock out  286  and the tab thereof spaced away from the cut-out formed in connection member  247  of drive tube  246 . 
     In operation, in order to lock the position and/or orientation of drive tube  246 , a user moves lock button  282  from a distal position to a proximal position, thereby causing a cam surface of actuation bar  284  to engage lock arm  286  and urge lock out  286  toward drive tube  246 , against the bias of biasing member  288 , such that the tab of lock out  286  is received in the cut-out formed in connection member  247  of drive tube  246 . In this manner, drive tube  246  is prevented from distal and/or proximal movement. 
     When lock button  282  is moved from the proximal position to the distal position, the cam surface is disengaged from lock out  286  thereby allowing biasing member  288  to urge lock out  286  and the tab thereof out of the cut-out formed in connection member  247  of drive tube  246 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 6 and 12 , adapter assembly  200  includes a pair of electrical contact pins  290   a,    290   b  for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical plug  190   a,    190   b  disposed in connecting portion  108   a  of surgical device  100 . Electrical contacts  290   a,    290   b  serve to allow for calibration and communication of necessary operating parameters and/or life-cycle information, of adapter assembly  200 , to circuit board  150  of surgical device  100  via electrical plugs  190   a,    190   b  that are electrically connected to circuit board  150 . Adapter assembly  200  further includes a circuit board  292  supported in knob housing  202  and which is in electrical communication with electrical contact pins  290   a,    290   b.  Circuit board  292  of adapter assembly  200  stores the operating parameters and/or life cycle information for each unique adapter assembly thereon. 
     Circuit board  292  may include a volatile and/or non-volatile memory for storing either the operating parameters and/or life cycle information, whether the operating parameters and/or life cycle information is original or updated (during or following use). 
     It is further contemplated that adapter assembly  200  may include a power source or the like, i.e., battery (not shown) which is electrically connected to circuit board  292 . It is contemplated that the battery of adapter assembly  200  may provide power to adapter assembly  200  which is different from any power provided from battery  156  of surgical device  100 . For example, the batter of adapter assembly  200  may be used to power any mechanical motors in the adapter assembly, power any visual devices or displays supported on or in adapter assembly, or power any audible devices in the adapter assembly. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, the operating parameters for adapter assembly  200  include identification information relating to the adapter assembly (e.g., model number, serial number, etc.); dimensions of the adapter assembly; specific designations for which rotational input received from surgical device  100  will perform which specific function in the adapter assembly; what the maximum force is that can be delivered from surgical device  100  to the adapter assembly; and any other required information. 
     Additionally, in accordance with the present disclosure, the life-cycle information for adapter assembly  200  may include a number of revolutions experienced by connector sleeves  218 ,  220 ,  222  of the adapter assembly; a number of cleaning cycles (e.g., hand-washing, dishwashing, irradiating, sterilizing, autoclaving, with or without cleaning fluids, etc.) of the adapter assembly; an assembly date of the adapter assembly; and any repair/maintenance dates of the shaft assembly. 
     In use, any or all of the operating parameters and/or the life-cycle information may be transmitted from adapter assembly  200  to surgical device  100 , via the electrical interface between electrical plugs  190   a,    190   b  of surgical device  100  and electrical contact pins  290   a,    290   b  of the adapter assembly  200 , when adapter assembly  200  and surgical device  100  are connected to one another. Alternatively, any or all of the operating parameters and/or the life-cycle information may be transmitted from adapter assembly  200  to surgical device  100  during a calibration sequence of surgical device  100 . 
     While an electrical interface between surgical device  100  and adapter assembly  200 , including electrical plugs  190   a,    190   b  and electrical contact pins  290   a,    290   b,  is shown and described, it is contemplated that any other form or telecommunication is within the scope of the present disclosure, for transmitting any or all of the operating parameters and/or the life-cycle information from adapter assembly  200  to surgical device  100 , such as, for example, wireless communication, near-field communication, Blue Tooth communication, etc. 
     In this manner, in accordance with the present disclosure, as new adapter assemblies are developed for a common surgical device (i.e., surgical device  100 ), any new unique operating parameters and/or the life-cycle information of the new adapter assembly may be specifically associated therewith and transmitted or communicated to the surgical device when the new adapter assembly is connected thereto or during any calibration sequence of the assembled surgical device  100  and new adapter assembly. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that any or all of the operating parameters and/or the life-cycle information may update automatically, may be manually updated by a technician following each surgical use, wherein the adapter assembly may be electrically connected to a computer interface via electrical contact pins  290   a,    290   b  or other communication interface. 
     In this manner, surgical device  100 , being an intelligent surgical instrument, is able to properly handle new (i.e., not yet developed) adapter assemblies, without having to be pre-programmed with required operating parameters for said new adapter assemblies. 
     In use, 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 end effector (e.g., surgical stapler), via an adapter assembly, 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 end effector  300 . 
     A high level electrical architectural view of the system is displayed below in Schematic “A” and shows the connections to the various hardware and software interfaces. Inputs from presses of buttons  124 ,  126  and from motor encoders of the drive shaft are shown on the left side of Schematic “A”. The microcontroller contains the device software that operates surgical device  100 , adapter assembly  200  and/or end effector  300 . The microcontroller receives inputs from and sends outputs to a MicroLAN, an Ultra ID chip, a Battery ID chip, and Adaptor ID chips. 
     The MicroLAN, the Ultra ID chip, the Battery ID chip, and the Adaptor ID chips control surgical device  100 , adapter assembly  200  and/or end effector  300  as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 MicroLAN - 
                 Serial 1-wire bus communication to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 read/write system component ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 information. 
               
               
                   
                 Ultra ID chip - 
                 identifies surgical device 100 and records 
               
               
                   
                   
                 usage information. 
               
               
                   
                 Battery ID chip - 
                 identifies the Battery 156 and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 records usage information. 
               
               
                   
                 Adaptor ID chip 
                 identifies the type of adapter 
               
               
                   
                 assembly 200, - 
                 records the presence of an end 
               
               
                   
                   
                 effector 300, and records usage 
               
               
                   
                   
                 information. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The right side of the schematic illustrated in  FIG. 13  indicates outputs to the LED&#39;s; selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotation or articulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform the function selected. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the end effector is designated as  300 . End effector  300  is configured and dimensioned for endoscopic insertion through a cannula, trocar or the like. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , end effector  300  may pass through a cannula or trocar when end effector  300  is in a closed condition. 
     End effector  300  includes a proximal body portion  302  and a tool assembly  304 . Proximal body portion  302  is releasably attached to a distal coupling  230  of adapter assembly  200  and tool assembly  304  is pivotally attached to a distal end of proximal body portion  302 . 
     Tool assembly  304  includes an anvil assembly  306  and a cartridge assembly  308 . Cartridge assembly  308  is pivotal in relation to anvil assembly  306  and is movable between an open or unclamped position and a closed or clamped position for insertion through a cannula of a trocar. 
     Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,896, 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 . 
     Since adapter assembly  200  is reusable, prior to each use, at least adapter assembly  200  must be sterilized using known sterilization techniques and methods (e.g., hand-washing, dishwashing and/or then autoclaving using cleaning fluids or the like). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 14-15 , an alternate embodiment of an adapter assembly  200   a  and an alternate embodiment of an end effector  300   a,  incorporating novel aspects of the present disclosure, for use with the hand-held, electromechanical surgical device  100 , is shown. Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/769,419, filed on Feb. 18, 2013, entitled “APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of adapter assembly  200   a  and end effector  300   a.    
     As seen specifically in  FIG. 15 , adapter assembly  200   a  includes a circuit board  292  and electrical contacts  290   a,    290   b,  similar to adapter assembly  200 . 
     While the specific operation and functionality of adapter assembly  200   a  may be different than adapter assembly  200 , in order to operate end effector  300   a,  circuit board  292  of adapter assembly  200   a  may store operating parameters and/or life cycle information which is/are unique to adapter assembly  200   a.    
     Reference may additionally be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/769,414, filed on Feb. 18, 2013, entitled “APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES”; and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/799,379, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, entitled “APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES”, the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of alternate adapter assemblies and/or end effectors, incorporating novel aspects of the present disclosure, for use with the hand-held, electromechanical surgical device  100 . 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that an operating room or the like would be supplied with an electromechanical surgical system including at least one surgical device  100 ; a plurality of unique and/or diverse adapter assemblies, in accordance with the present disclosure; and a plurality of diverse end effectors, capable of performing a number of different surgical procedures. In use, depending on the surgical procedure to be performed, the surgeon will select a desired and appropriate end effector for performing the particular surgical procedure; the surgeon will select an appropriate adapter assembly for interconnecting the particular end effector and the surgical device  100 ; and the surgeon (or other operating room staff) will connect the appropriate adapter assembly to the surgical device  100 . 
     It is then contemplated that the appropriate adapter assembly will communicate with surgical device  100 , wherein the operating parameters and/or life cycle information for the appropriate adapter assembly will be transmitted or communicated from circuit board  292  of the appropriate adapter assembly to surgical device  100  for processing thereby. If the operating parameters and/or life cycle information for the appropriate adapter assembly produce no error signals from surgical device  100 , during a calibration and/or initialization sequence, surgical device  100  may produce a ready signal, whereby the surgeon (or other operating room staff) will connect the selected end effector to the appropriate adapter assembly. 
     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.