A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Systems and methods for packaging food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Specifically, the described methods relate to systems and methods for packaging food products in a manner that increases the products' shelf life. Generally, the methods begin by providing a food product. In some cases, debris is removed from the food product. To kill bacteria and other microbes on the food product, the food product is optionally washed in ozonated water. To deactivate enzymes within the food product, the food product is heated, though not necessarily cooked or blanched. The food product is then typically sealed in a barrier package containing between about 1 percent and about 50 percent oxygen, by volume. In some cases, the sealed package is then heated to between about 165 and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit to kill microbes in the sealed package. Other implementations are also described.

Systems and methods for packaging food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Specifically, the described methods relate to systems and methods for packaging food products in a manner that increases the products' shelf life. Generally, the methods begin by providing a food product. In some cases, debris is removed from the food product. To kill bacteria and other microbes on the food product, the food product is optionally washed in ozonated water. To deactivate enzymes within the food product, the food product is heated, though not necessarily cooked or blanched. The food product is then typically sealed in a barrier package containing between about 1 percent and about 50 percent oxygen, by volume. In some cases, the sealed package is then heated to between about 165 and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit to kill microbes in the sealed package. Other implementations are also described.

A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

A packaged antimicrobial suture. The packaged antimicrobial suture includes an inner package having a source of antimicrobial agent, the source of antimicrobial agent comprising a plurality of patches, each patch having a pair of antimicrobial material reservoirs; at least one suture positioned within the inner package, the at least one suture comprising one or more surfaces; and an outer package having an inner surface, the outer package having the inner package positioned within; wherein the at least one suture, the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package are subjected to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the at least one suture and the inner package, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the at least one suture and the inner package. A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture having is also provided.

A packaged antimicrobial suture. The packaged antimicrobial suture includes an inner package having a source of antimicrobial agent, the source of antimicrobial agent comprising a plurality of patches, each patch having a pair of antimicrobial material reservoirs; at least one suture positioned within the inner package, the at least one suture comprising one or more surfaces; and an outer package having an inner surface, the outer package having the inner package positioned within; wherein the at least one suture, the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package are subjected to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the at least one suture and the inner package, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the at least one suture and the inner package. A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture having is also provided.

An isolator system for filling a container with a liquid, the isolator system comprises a filling module having a filling station for filling the container with the liquid, a stopper placing station for placing a stopper on the filled container, and a plurality of handling devices for handling the container within the filling module; a first transfer station for transferring the container to be filled into the filling module; a second transfer station for transferring the filled container out of the filling module; and a control device. The present application also discloses a transfer station for transferring a container and several methods.

An isolator system for filling a container with a liquid, the isolator system comprises a filling module having a filling station for filling the container with the liquid, a stopper placing station for placing a stopper on the filled container, and a plurality of handling devices for handling the container within the filling module; a first transfer station for transferring the container to be filled into the filling module; a second transfer station for transferring the filled container out of the filling module; and a control device. The present application also discloses a transfer station for transferring a container and several methods.