A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft includes a first sensor element. An end effector is coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a second sensor element. A handle is connected...http://www.google.com.au/patents/US20080167671?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20080167671 - Surgical instrument with elements to communicate between control unit and end effector
