CPC A61B 17/07207 (2013.01) [A61B 17/320068 (2013.01); A61B 18/1442 (2013.01); A61B 18/1445 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00017 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00022 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00039 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00106 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00123 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00221 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00398 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0046 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00464 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00734 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07271 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07278 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2927 (2013.01); A61B 17/3423 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00619 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0063 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1455 (2013.01); A61B 2034/742 (2016.02); A61B 2090/033 (2016.02); A61B 2090/064 (2016.02); A61B 2090/0811 (2016.02); A61B 90/98 (2016.02)] | 20 Claims |
8. A cover for an articulation joint that is supported in an elongate shaft assembly of a surgical instrument that is operably coupled to a surgical end effector, the cover comprising:
a hollow body including a distal end, a proximal end, and a joint-receiving passage extending between the distal end and the proximal end for receiving the articulation joint therein, the hollow body configured to permit portions of the articulation joint to be selectively articulated relative to each other while enclosing the portions within the hollow body; and
at least one electrically conductive pathway extending between the distal end of the hollow body and the proximal end of the hollow body, each of the at least one electrically conductive pathway having a distal end portion configured to electrically contact the surgical end effector when the surgical end effector is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and a proximal end portion configured to electrically contact the elongate shaft assembly.
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